HOSA NUTRITION: VITAMINS EXAM
GUIDE QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
ANSWERS
Three functions of vitamins - Answer-1. Metabolism: coenzymes form enzymes which
catalyze metabolic reactions, are derived from vitamins
2. Tissue structure and protection: some vitamins are involved in tissue or bone building
3. Prevention of deficiency disease
Antioxidant - Answer-Molecule that prevents oxidation of cellular structure by free
radicals
Collagen - Answer-Protein that adds tensile strength to body structures
How are fat-soluble vitamins absorbed? - Answer-1. Intestinal cells absorb them with
dietary fat as micelle, incorporate all fat-soluble nutrients into chylomicrons which enter
circulation
2. Absorption enhanced by fat
3. Can be stored for longer period of time in adipose tissue, and thus accumulation +
excess intake = toxicity
How are water-soluble vitamins absorbed? - Answer-1. Vitamins move directly into
portal blood circulation, no need for carrier proteins
2. Not usually stored, requires greater intake
Forms of vitamin A - Answer-1. Retinol, retinal, retinoic acid
2. Provitamin A (carotene)
Functions of vitamin A [4] - Answer-1. Vision cycle: adaptation to light and dark
2. Tissue group, especially skin and mucous membranes
3. Reproduction
4. Immune function
Recommended intake of vitamin A for adults - Answer-Men: 900mcg/day
Women: 600mcg/day
Deficiency of vitamin A symptoms [4] - Answer-1. Night blindness
2. Xerosis, xerophthalmia
3. Susceptibility to epithelial infection, dry skin
4. Impaired immunity, growth, and reproduction
Xerosis - Answer-Dry skin
, Xerophthalmia - Answer-Dry eyes
Tolerable UL of vitamin A - Answer-3000 mcg/day
Symptoms of toxicity of vitamin A [5] - Answer-1. Hair loss
2. Irritated skin
3. Bone pain
4. Liver damage
5. Birth defects
Forms of vitamin D - Answer-Cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol
Functions of vitamin D [3] - Answer-1. Absorption of calcium and phosphorus
2. Calcification of bones and teeth
3. Growth
Recommended intake of vitamin D - Answer-Between 1-70: 600 IU/day
70+: 800 IU/day
Symptoms of deficiency of vitamin D [2] - Answer-1. Rickets and growth retardation in
children
2. Osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults
UL of vitamin D - Answer-1000 - 4000 IU/day
Symptoms of toxicity of vitamin D [3] - Answer-1. Calcification of soft tissue
2. Kidney damage
3. Growth retardation
Sources of retinol - Answer-Animal foods
1. Liver
2. Egg yolk
3. Cream, butter, fortified margarine, fortified milk
Sources of provitamin A - Answer-Plant foods
1. Dark green and deep orange vegetables
2. Ex. spinach, collard greens, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots
Sources of vitamin D - Answer-1. Synthesis in skin with exposure to UV light (sun)
2. Fortified milk, fish oils
Forms of vitamin E - Answer-Alpha-tocopherol
Function of vitamin E - Answer-Antioxidant
Recommended intake of vitamin E - Answer-15 mg/day for adults
GUIDE QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
ANSWERS
Three functions of vitamins - Answer-1. Metabolism: coenzymes form enzymes which
catalyze metabolic reactions, are derived from vitamins
2. Tissue structure and protection: some vitamins are involved in tissue or bone building
3. Prevention of deficiency disease
Antioxidant - Answer-Molecule that prevents oxidation of cellular structure by free
radicals
Collagen - Answer-Protein that adds tensile strength to body structures
How are fat-soluble vitamins absorbed? - Answer-1. Intestinal cells absorb them with
dietary fat as micelle, incorporate all fat-soluble nutrients into chylomicrons which enter
circulation
2. Absorption enhanced by fat
3. Can be stored for longer period of time in adipose tissue, and thus accumulation +
excess intake = toxicity
How are water-soluble vitamins absorbed? - Answer-1. Vitamins move directly into
portal blood circulation, no need for carrier proteins
2. Not usually stored, requires greater intake
Forms of vitamin A - Answer-1. Retinol, retinal, retinoic acid
2. Provitamin A (carotene)
Functions of vitamin A [4] - Answer-1. Vision cycle: adaptation to light and dark
2. Tissue group, especially skin and mucous membranes
3. Reproduction
4. Immune function
Recommended intake of vitamin A for adults - Answer-Men: 900mcg/day
Women: 600mcg/day
Deficiency of vitamin A symptoms [4] - Answer-1. Night blindness
2. Xerosis, xerophthalmia
3. Susceptibility to epithelial infection, dry skin
4. Impaired immunity, growth, and reproduction
Xerosis - Answer-Dry skin
, Xerophthalmia - Answer-Dry eyes
Tolerable UL of vitamin A - Answer-3000 mcg/day
Symptoms of toxicity of vitamin A [5] - Answer-1. Hair loss
2. Irritated skin
3. Bone pain
4. Liver damage
5. Birth defects
Forms of vitamin D - Answer-Cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol
Functions of vitamin D [3] - Answer-1. Absorption of calcium and phosphorus
2. Calcification of bones and teeth
3. Growth
Recommended intake of vitamin D - Answer-Between 1-70: 600 IU/day
70+: 800 IU/day
Symptoms of deficiency of vitamin D [2] - Answer-1. Rickets and growth retardation in
children
2. Osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults
UL of vitamin D - Answer-1000 - 4000 IU/day
Symptoms of toxicity of vitamin D [3] - Answer-1. Calcification of soft tissue
2. Kidney damage
3. Growth retardation
Sources of retinol - Answer-Animal foods
1. Liver
2. Egg yolk
3. Cream, butter, fortified margarine, fortified milk
Sources of provitamin A - Answer-Plant foods
1. Dark green and deep orange vegetables
2. Ex. spinach, collard greens, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots
Sources of vitamin D - Answer-1. Synthesis in skin with exposure to UV light (sun)
2. Fortified milk, fish oils
Forms of vitamin E - Answer-Alpha-tocopherol
Function of vitamin E - Answer-Antioxidant
Recommended intake of vitamin E - Answer-15 mg/day for adults
