B Vitamins:
• B1 and B2
Elena
(Thiamin & Riboflavin)
• B3 and B5
Kelly
(Niacin & Pantothenic Acid)
• B6 and B7
Beth
(Pyridoxine & Biotin)
• B9 and B12
Margaret
(Folate & Cobalamin)
NUTR 150 , Sciara, SP’07
B Vitamins
• All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates
into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce
energy
• They are essential in the breakdown of fats and proteins.
• They play an important role in maintaining muscle tone
along the digestive tract and promoting the health of the
nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.
Assignment:
1. Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical composition)
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism (just how it fits into
the big picture, briefly)
3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come
from other sources (e.g., food)?
4. Food sources (if the vitamin or mineral cannot be synthesized
by the body)
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
7. Fun facts (optional)
Elena
B1 and B2 (Thiamin &
Riboflavin)
B1, Thiamin
1. Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical
composition)
I’ll start with B1 , Thiamin…
C12H17N4OS
+
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiamine
B1 Thiamin
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism
Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin involved in
these body functions:
• nervous system and muscle functioning
• flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and
muscle cells (through ion channels)
• multiple enzyme processes (via the coenzyme
thiamin pyrophosphate)
(cont.’d)
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1 , Thiamin
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism
(cont.’d)
• carbohydrate metabolism
• production of hydrochloric acid (which is
necessary for proper digestion)
Note: Because there is very little thiamin stored in
the body, depletion can occur as quickly as within
14 days.
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it
come from other sources (e.g., food)?
Humans are dependent on dietary intake to fulfill
their thiamin requirements…very limited thiamin
[is] stored in the body.
Note: Some antibiotics destroy gastrointestinal
flora (normal bacteria in the gut), which
manufactures some B vitamins…[but again] the
majority of thiamin is obtained through diet.
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
4. Food sources:
Dietary sources of thiamin
include…
• oats
• beef
• oranges
• Brewer’s yeast
• pork
• legumes (beans, lentils)
• rice
• milk
• seeds
• nuts
• wheat
• whole grain
cereals
• yeast
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
Population
RDA
For adult males 19 and older:
1.2 mg
For adult females 19 and older:
1.1 mg
For pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age:
1.4 mg
(cont.’d)
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
Population
(cont.’d)
RDA
For children 4-8 years old:
0.6 mg
For children 9-13 years old:
mg
1
For adolescent males 14-18:
1.2 mg
For adolescent females 14-18:
mg
1
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Severe chronic thiamin deficiency (beriberi) can
result in potentially serious complications involving
the nervous system/brain, muscles, heart, and
gastrointestinal system.
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Deficiency symptoms and side effects include
beriberi, anorexia and weight loss, apathy,
decreased short-term memory, confusion and
irritability, muscle weakness, and enlarged heart.
(Textbook)
B1, Thiamin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
The NLM & NIH provide a chart showing “uses [of
thiamin] based on scientific evidence” for various
conditions. They use the following grading scale:
A
B
C
D
F
Strong scientific evidence for this use
Good scientific evidence for this use
Unclear scientific evidence for this use
Fair scientific evidence against this use
Strong scientific evidence against this use
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Here are some of the conditions listed on their
chart—and their grade:
Metabolic disorders (subacute necrotizing
encephalopathy, maple syrup urine disease,
pyruvate carboxylase deficiency,
hyperalaninemia)
A
Thiamin deficiency (beriberi, Wernicke’s
encephalopathy, Korsakoff’s psychosis,
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)
A
Acute alcohol withdrawal
B
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Alzheimer’s disease
C
Cancer
C
Cataract prevention
C
Crohn’s disease
C
Heart failure
C
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1, Thiamin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (in
children)
C
Hip fractures
D
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B1,Thiamin
7. Fun facts
• Thiamin was one of the first organic compounds
to be recognized as a vitamin (It was isolated and
characterized in the 1920’s.)
• Other than “thiamin,” vitamin B1 is known by 20
other names!
National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html
B2, Riboflavin
1. Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical
composition)
Now I’ll move on to Vitamin B2 , Riboflavin…
C17H20N4O6
B2, Riboflavin
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism
Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin that
supports…
• energy metabolism (carbs & fats)
• biosynthesis of a number of compounds
through its coenzyme forms, flavin adenine
dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide
(FMN)
It is also required for activation and support of
activity of vitamin B6, folate, niacin, and
vitamin K.
Northwestern University
http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/nutrition/factsheets/vitamin-b2.html
B2, Riboflavin
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism
In essence…
It is necessary for normal cell function, growth,
and energy production.
And…according to our textbook, “supports normal
vision and skin health” (p.218).
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it
come from other sources (e.g., food)?
Small amounts of riboflavin are present in most
animal and plant tissues.
Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely
need riboflavin supplements.
Northwestern University
http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/nutrition/factsheets/vitamin-b2.html
B2, Riboflavin
4. Food sources:
According to Northwestern University, liver,
almonds, soy nuts, shellfish, milk and other dairy
products, and eggs.
The Mayo Clinic adds enriched cereals/grains,
meats, and green vegetables (such as esparagus
or broccoli) to the list.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
Northwestern University
http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/nutrition/factsheets/vitamin-b2.html
B2, Riboflavin
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
Population
RDA
• For female adults (older than 18)
1.1 mg
• For male adults (older than 18)
1.3 mg
• For adolescent females (14-18)
1.0 mg
• For adolescent males (14-18)
1.3 mg
• For pregnant women (any age)
1.4 mg
• For breastfeeding women (any age)
1.6 mg
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
Population
RDA
• For children (4-8)
0.6 mg
• For children ( 9-13)
0.9 mg
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Using the same grading scale as before, here are
some examples of conditions related to riboflavin
deficiency:
Neonatal jaundice
A
Riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis)
A
Anemia
C
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Anorexia / bulemia
C
Cataracts
C
Cognitive function
C
Depression
C
Malaria
C
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Esophageal cancer (prevention & treatment)
C
Migraine headache prevention
C
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Deficiency symptoms and side effects include
ariboflavinosis, sore throat, swelling of mouth and
throat, cheilosis (dry, cracked lips), angular
stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous
membranes of the mouth), glossitis (magenta
tongue), seborrheic dermatitis (inflammation of oil
glands in the skin), and anemia (lower than
normal amount of red blood cells).
Northwestern University adds photophobia and
burning, itching eyes to this list.
(Textbook)
B2, Riboflavin
7. Fun facts
• As with other B vitamins, riboflavin is lost by
milling of grains. To compensate for these losses,
white flour is enriched with this vitamin.
• Riboflavin is not part of the vitamin enrichment
mixture added to white rice because the addition
of this vitamin imparts a yellowish cast.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
B2, Riboflavin
7. Fun facts
• Riboflavin is often used as a tracer of medication
compliance in the treatment of patients with
alcoholic dependence, mental disorders, and
other conditions. Urinary riboflavin levels may be
measured in order to determine level of
compliance.
• Riboflavin is easily destroyed by exposure to
light (for example, [if it is] in milk stored in clear
glass bottles). It can also be destroyed in the
presence of alkali such as baking soda.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin
Kelly
B3 and B5 (Niacin & Pantothenic
Acid)
Niacin
•
Also called nicotinic
acid, niacinamide,
nicotinamide or
nicotinic acid and
referred to as
vitamin B 3
•
Made up of niacin
(nicotinic acid) and
its amide,
niacinamide
•
Can be
manufactured by the
body
Functions in Body
• Participates in more than 50 metabolic functions
• Plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful
chemicals
• Helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in
the adrenal glands and other parts of the body
• Is effective in improving circulation and lowering cholesterol by
preventing its buildup in the liver and arteries
• Derivatives such as NADH are required for cell respiration; the
release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins
• Proper circulation and healthy skin
• Functioning of the nervous system
• Normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids
• Aids in the production of hydrochloric acid, needed for proper
digestion
• The health of the myelin sheath (the protective covering of the
spinal nerves) which helps treat schizophrenia and other mental
illnesses and works as a memory-enhancer
• Aids in protecting the pancreas
Niacin Biosynthesis
• The liver can synthesize niacin from the essential amino
acid tryptophan
Tryptophan → Kynurenine → Niacin
• Can also be consumed through foods
Niacin in Foods
The best dietary sources of vitamin B3 are found in beets, brewer's yeast, beef
liver, beef kidney, pork, turkey, chicken, veal, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna,
sunflower seeds, and peanuts
• Animal products:
–
–
–
–
–
–
•
Fruits and Vegetables:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
liver, heart and kidney
chicken
beef
fish: tuna, salmon
milk
Eggs
leaf vegetables
broccoli
tomatoes
carrots
dates
sweet potatoes
asparagus
avocados
• Seeds:
– nuts
– whole grain products
– legumes
•
Fungi:
– mushrooms
– brewer's yeast
Recommended Daily
Requirements
• Niacin is available in
several different
supplement forms:
– Niacinamide
– Nicotinic acid
– Inositol hexaniacinate
• Daily requirements for
niacin may be higher for
those who have cancer,
those who are being
treated with isoniazid (for
tuberculosis), and people
with protein deficiencies
• Infants birth to 6 months: 2 mg
(adequate intake)
• Infants 7 months to 1 year: 4
mg (adequate intake)
• Children 1 to 3 years: 6 mg
• Children 4 to 8 years: 8 mg
• Children 9 to 13 years: 12 mg
• Males 14 to 18 years: 16 mg
• Females 14 to 18 years: 14
mg
• Males 19 years and older: 16
mg
• Females 19 years and older:
14 mg
• Pregnant females: 18 mg
• Breastfeeding females: 17 mg
Side Effects
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flushing of the skin along with a
strange itching sensation and a
reddening of the skin
Headache
Nausea
Hyperuricemia
Liver toxicity
Worsening of stomach ulcers
Altered blood sugar or insulin levels or
uric acid concentrations
Increased liver enzyme levels in the
blood
Skin yellowing (jaundice)
Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
Lactic acidosis, muscle cell damage
(myopathy) and increased blood levels
of creatine kinase (a marker of muscle
damage)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Abnormal heart rhythms and heart
palpitations
Blood clotting problems
Low white blood cell number
(leukopenia)
Tooth or gum pain
Dizziness
Breathing difficulty
Increased anxiety
Panic attacks
Decreased thyroid function
(hypothyroidism)
Temporary side effects of the eye
including macular swelling and
blurred vision as well as toxic
amblyopia ("lazy eye")
Liver failure
Low blood pressure
Stomach ulcers
Niacin Deficiencies/Diseases
Dietary deficiency of niacin tends
to only occur in areas of the world
where people eat corn as a staple
and don't use lime in fertilization.
Corn is the only grain that is low in
niacin. Lime releases tryptophan
which, again, can be converted to
niacin in the body
Pellagra
• The term pellagra is derived from the
Italian words pelle agra meaning rough
•
•
•
or smarting skin.
Severe deficiency of both niacin and
tryptophan
Most often seen in chronic alcoholism,
malnutrition and people with multiple
vitamin deficiencies
Characterized by cracked, scaly skin,
dementia, and diarrhea
Symptoms of deficiency:
• Generalized weakness or muscular
weakness
• Lack of appetite
• Skin infections
• Digestive problems
• Fatigue
• Canker sores
• Vomiting
• Depression
• Dementia
• Bright red rash resembling sunburn
• Irritation of the mouth
• Inflammation and ulceration of the
tongue
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Anemia
Niacin Prevention and
Treatment
Used for prevention or treatment of:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Diabetes
Osteoarthritis
Cataracts
Burns
High Cholesterol
Atherosclerosis
High cholesterol
Pellagra
Alzheimer's disease/ cognitive decline
A recent study found that the combination of niacin and a cholesterollowering drug called simvastatin (which belongs to a class known as HmG
CoA reductase inhibitors or statins) may dramatically slow the progression
of heart disease, reducing risk of heart attack, and even death.
An interesting area of research currently underway is the use of niacin skin
care products as anti-aging agents, for treatment of acne, and, possibly, for
prevention of skin cancer
Fun Facts about Niacin
• When the properties of niacin were
discovered, it was thought prudent to
choose a common name other than
nicotinic acid, for fear that it might be
confused with nicotine, leading to the
ideas that either smoking provided
vitamins or that wholesome food
contained a poison.
• The resulting name 'niacin' was
derived from nicotinic acid + vitamin.
Vitamin B3 is also referred to as
"vitamin PP", a name derived from
the obsolete term "pellagrapreventing factor."
Pantothenic acid
• Also called vitamin B5
• Its name is derived from the Greek
pantothen meaning "from everywhere" and
small quantities of pantothenic acid are
found in nearly every food
Function in Body
• Essential to all forms of life
• Critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats
• Needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA); this is a way to transport carbon
atoms within the cell. The transfer of carbon atoms by coenzyme A
is important in cellular respiration
• Secretion of hormones that assist
metabolism, help to fight allergies
and are beneficial in the maintenance
of healthy skin, muscles and nerves.
• Used in the creation of lipids,
neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin
• Some are of the opinion that pantothenic acid is also helpful to fight
wrinkles as well as graying of the hair
• Critical to the manufacture of red blood cells
• Important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract
• Helps the body to use other vitamins more effectively
Pantothenic Acid Biosynthesis
• Must be consumed through food!
• Gut bacteria in humans can generate
pantothenic acid, although we may or may
not be able to absorb it
Pantolithic Acid in Foods
• Small quantities of pantothenic
acid are found in most foods, with
high quantities found in whole
grain and eggs
• Can also be found in many dietary
supplements (as calcium-Dpantothenate), and some energy
drink companies are now adding
pantothenic acid to their
beverages
• A lot of vitamin B5 is lost in
processing; 35%-75%
Adequate Intake Levels
Does not appear to
be toxic in high
dosage
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Infants 0 to 6 months: 1.7 mg/day
Infants 7 to 12 months: 1.8 mg/day
Children 1 to 3 years: 2 mg/day
Children 4 to 8 years: 3 mg/day
Males 9 to 13 years: 4 mg/day
Males 14 to 18 years: 5 mg/day
Males 19 years and older: 5
mg/day
Females 9 to 13 years: 4 mg/day
Females 14 to 18 years: 5 mg/day
Females 19 years and older: 5
mg/day
Pregnant Females 14 to 50 years:
6 mg/day
Breastfeeding Females 14 to 50
years: 7 mg/day
Pantothenic Acid Deficiencies
• Pantothenic acid
deficiency is
exceptionally rare
– Victims of starvation
– Prisoners of war
• Most information
regarding the effects of
pantothenic acid
deficiency comes from
experimental research
in animals
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fatigue
Allergies
Nausea
Abdominal pain.
Adrenal insufficiency
Hepatic encephalopathy
Painful burning sensations of
the feet and hands
Headaches
Depression
Personality changes
Cardiac instability
Frequent infection
Pantothenic Acid Treatments
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hair care
Acne
Anti-inflammatory
Antiviral
Wound Healing
Burns
High Cholesterol
May have antioxidant and radioprotective
activities
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Fun Facts about Pantothenic Acid
It is sometimes referred to as the "antistress" vitamin because it is believed to
enhance the activity of the immune
system and improve the body's ability to
withstand stressful conditions
Beth
B6 and B7 (Pyridoxine & Biotin)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin Name and Chemical Composition
• Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine
• C8H11NO3
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
How it functions in the body
•
•
•
•
Assists in balance of sodium and potassium
Promotes red blood cell production
Increases the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin
Linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the
formation of homocysteine
• Essential for the nervous system
– Needed to synthesize neurotransmitters- serotonin & dopamine
• Helps balance hormonal changes in women
• Helps regulate blood glucose by converting stored
nutrients into glucose.
• Helps the immune system
– Promotes growth of WBCs and helps maintain lymphoid organs
that make them.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Can it be synthesized in the human body
or must it come from other sources? (e.g. food)
• Must come from dietary intake through
food or supplements
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Food Sources
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fortified cereals
Beans
Meat
Poultry
Fish
Avocado
Bananas
Nuts
Potato
Spinach
Nutritional yeast
Wheat germ
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Daily Requirement (RDA)
Ages 19-50
Ages 51+
Pregnancy
Lactation
Men
1.3mg
1.7mg
Women
1.3mg
1.5mg
1.9mg
2.0mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Deficiencies, Disease, Treatment
Deficiencies are rare but can occur in certain cases:
In individuals with very poor quality diets – elderly,
alcoholics
In cases where the individual is on certain
medications: oral contraceptives, theophylline
Symptoms: dermatitis, sore tongue, depression, confusion,
irritability, anxiety, insomnia, paresthesias, & myalgia.
Can lead to anemia and nerve damage.
Treatment: Vitamin B6 Supplements!
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Fun Facts!
• One study showed that B6 may increase dream
vividness or the ability to recall dreams.
• May alleviate some symptoms of an alcoholic
hangover.
• May decrease the risk of Parkinson’s Disease by 50%
• Being studied as treatment for PMS, carpal tunnel
syndrome, depression, migraines, heart disease, and
learning disabilities in children.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Name of vitamin and chemical composition
Vitamin B7, Biotin, Vitamin H
C10H16N2O3S
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
How it functions in the body








Used in cell growth
Production of fatty acids, and gluconeogenesis
Metabolism of leucine
Plays a role in the Krebs Cycle
Helps with the transfer of carbon dioxide
Helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level
Essential for red blood cell metabolism
Needed for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Can it be synthesized by the human body or
must it come from other sources (e.g., food)?
• Intestinal bacteria can synthesize small amounts
• The body recycles biotin from bodily waste
• Many foods contain adequate amounts as our daily requirement is
very low
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Food sources
Beans
Breads
Brewer’s yeast
Cauliflower
Chocolate
Liver
Legumes
Meat
Egg yolk
Soy
Bananas
Mushrooms
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Daily requirement (RDA)
300 mcg daily
(No upper limit restriction)
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Deficiencies, disease, treatment
 Deficiencies are rarely seen in healthy individuals
- Can occur in people with diabetes or hereditary disorders
 Long term use of antibiotics can decrease the biotin production in the
small intestine
 Certain medications can interfere with ability to absorb B7
 Excessive consumption of raw egg whites can also cause deficiency.
(Egg whites contain a protein, avidin that binds strongly to biotin)
Symptoms include: Dry scaly skin, tongue inflammation, fatigue, loss of
appetite, mental depression, high cholesterol, hair loss, brittle
fingernails, hypertension, and paresthesias.
Treatment: Biotin Supplements!
Deficiencies can be fatal without treatment
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Fun facts!
Some shampoos contain Biotin as a natural way to treat
hair loss – sadly, Biotin is not absorbed well through
the skin.
Biotin is used in the lab to study various processes
including DNA transcription and replication
Its used to tag or bond to molecules that can then be
extracted from a sample.
Margaret
B9 and B12 (Folate & Cobalamin)
B9 (Folate)
1. Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical composition)
• B9 is also known as folate, folacin,
or in its synthetic form, as folic acid.
• Derived from the Latin word folium,
“leaf.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Folic_acid_structure.svg
B9 (Folate)
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism
• Folate acts as a coenzyme in DNA synthesis and thus is essential
to the healthy division of cells.
• Folate aids in the metabolism of amino acids, and is vital to the
metabolism of homocysteine.
• Folate is especially needed during periods of rapid cell division,
particularly during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
• Folate is crucial for healthy neural development of infants during
the first weeks after conception (even before the mother knows she
is pregnant!)
B9 (Folate)
3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other
sources (e.g., food)?
Folate is not synthesized in the human body, and thus must be
consumed on a daily basis.
B9 (Folate)
4. Food sources (if the vitamin or mineral cannot be synthesized by the
body)
Food
Micrograms (µg)
per serving
Fortified Breakfast cereals
variable
Cowpeas (blackeyes), cooked, ½ cup
105
Spinach, cooked, ½ cup
Spinach, raw, 1 cup
100
60
Other legumes and green vegetables such as
asparagus, green peas, broccoli, romaine, and avocado
are good sources of folate as well.
B9 (Folate)
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
For men and women 19 years and older:
• 400 µg
For pregnant women:
• 600 µg
For lactating women:
• 500 µg
Toxicity can occur when consuming excessive amounts of folic
acid, but the most significant danger is that it can make it difficult
to detect B12 deficiency
B9 (Folate)
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
Symptoms of folate deficiency may include: diarrhea, loss of appetite, sore
tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, forgetfulness, and
behavioral disorders.
Most Americans do not consume adequate levels of folate, but those
particularly at risk for deficiency are pregnant and lactating women, alcohol
abusers, those on dialysis, with liver disease, malabsorption, and certain
anemias.
Pregnant women who have low folate levels in their blood are more likely to
give birth to babies with neural tube defects, have low birth weight babies
and to miscarry during the first months of pregnancy.
Prolonged deficiency of folic acid can lead to elevated levels of
homocysteine in the blood, which has been correlated with an elevated risk
for cardiovascular disease. Some evidence links low levels of folate with
depression.
B9 (Folate)
7. Fun facts (optional)
Folate is great!
It is so great that in 1998 the United States government
began to require food makers to fortify refined grain
products to make sure that all women of childbearing age
consume adequate amounts of folate. Since then, the rate
of neural tube defects in infants has dropped by 25%!
B12 (Cobalamin)
1. Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical composition)
• Vitamin B12, aka cobalamin, aka
cyanocobalamin, aka
C63H88CoN14O14P
• B12 is the most chemically complex of
all the vitamins.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:VitaminB12.png
B12 (Cobalamin)
2. How it functions in the body—metabolism
•Vitamin B12 is bound to protein in food
•Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from the proteins during
digestion.
•In the duodenum, B12 combines with intrinsic factor (IF), which is a protein
secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach.
•The B12-IF complex is absorbed in the ileum.
•B12 helps to maintain healthy nerve cells because it helps to maintain the
sheath that coats nerve fibers.
•B12, along with B6 and folate, is essential to break down homocysteine.
B12 (Cobalamin)
3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other
sources (e.g., food)?
• B12 cannot be synthesized by animals or
plants. Only bacteria and archaea possess the
enzymes required. This bacteria, however, can
be found in animals
B12 (Cobalamin)
4. Food sources (if the vitamin or mineral cannot be synthesized by the
body)
Food
Mollusks, clams, 3 ounces (cooked)
Fortified breakfast cereals
Micrograms (µg)
per serving
84.1
Variable
Salmon, 3 ounces (cooked)
4.9
Cheeseburger, double patty, 1 sandwich
1.9
Milk, 1 cup
0.9
Chicken breast, ½ breast
0.3
B12 (Cobalamin)
5. Daily requirement (RDA)
For men and women 19 years and older:
o2.4 µg
For pregnant women:
o2.6 µg
For lactating women:
o2.8 µg
Western diets typically supply 5 to 15 (µg/day). In addition, humans typically
maintain a large vitamin B12 reserve that may last anywhere from two to five
years.
B12 (Cobalamin)
6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment
• Strict vegetarians are at risk due to nutritional deficiency.
• People over 50 years of age, alcoholics, those with gastrointestinal
disorders, or those with pernicious anemia are at risk due to poor
absorption.
•Symptoms of B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness,
constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, confusion, soreness
in the mouth or tongue, and dementia.
•Neurological symptoms may include numbness and tingling in the
hands and feet.
• B12 deficiency can also be associated with elevated levels of
homocysteine
• B12 deficiency can be treated with deep subcutaneous injections.
Treatment can assuage physical symptoms, but neurological damage can
be permanent, and cognitive function may not return to normal.
B12 (Cobalamin)
7. Fun facts (optional)
• One form of B12 (hydroxycobalamin) can be used as a
treatment for cyanide poisoning.
• Hydroxycobalamin binds with the toxic cyanide ion, resulting
in a harmless B12 complex. It is then excreted in the urine.