Topic 2
There are two categories of vitamins that are mentioned in Nutrition for Health and Healthcare:
water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K and
they are absorbed by fat, while the B vitamins and vitamin C are the water-soluble vitamins
(DeBruyne & Pinna, 2002, pp. 209, 222). The difference between the two is key, since it affects
if and how the vitamins are stored in the body, whether getting too much or too little of them
might be harmful, and dietary implications.
One of the fat-soluble vitamins your body requires to keep healthy is vitamin D. It is essential for
preserving the balance of calcium in your blood and bones as well as for the formation and
upkeep of bones. Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption and metabolism,
which helps in the growth of teeth and bone.
A lack of vitamin D in your body is referred to as vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency
can result in osteomalacia (soft bones) and osteoporosis (reduced bone density) in adults and
rickets in children. According to (DeBruyne & Pinna, 2002), “vitamin D insufficiency is
remarkably common, affecting 18 percent of the population” (p.204).
Vitamin D overconsumption is possible if you take too much in supplement form. Vitamin D
toxicity causes increased blood calcium levels. Calcium stones may occur in the kidneys and
bone discomfort may result from vitamin D toxicity. Vitamin D poisoning can very rarely result
from an excessive intake of vitamin D from your diet alone. Most frequently, consuming
excessive amounts of vitamin D supplements can result in vitamin D toxicity. The DRI
committee has set a UL for vitamin D at 50 micrograms per day (2000 IU on supplement labels)
(DeBruyne & Pinna, 2002, p. 206). Good food sources of vitamin D include fortified dairy
products such as milk, eggs, and cereals.
Lastly, vitamin D is made in the skin when it's exposed to sunlight however, “prolonged sun
exposure to sunlight has other undesirable consequences such as premature wrinkling of the skin
and skin cancers” (DeBruyne & Pinna, 2002, p. 206). Using sunscreen frequently, avoiding
tanning beds, limiting exposure to the sun, especially during peak sun hours, and wearing
protective clothing are all preventative measures for skin cancer.
A water-soluble vitamin is vitamin C. It is necessary for healthy development and growth. The
body uses vitamin C, sometimes referred to as ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant to protect cells as
well as for the development and maintenance of human tissues.
In severe vitamin C deficiency, the gums can become swollen, bleed, and eventually teeth can
become loose in the jawbone and fall out. Secondary infections are possible. For instance,
wounds heal slowly, hemorrhages can occur, anemia, and in severe cases death. “The vitamin
RDA is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. (DeBruyne & Pinna, 2002, p. 220)
Overconsumption of vitamin C can result in diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and other
digestive disturbances.
Good food sources for vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli,
strawberries, and sweet and green peppers.
According to Nutrition for Health and Healthcare, vitamin C deficiency can lead to a disease
known as scurvy. “It takes only 10 or so milligrams of vitamin C a day to prevent scurvy”
(DeBruyne & Pinna, 2002, p. 219) therefore, it is imperative to include fresh fruits and
vegetables in every meal. Once diagnosed, treatment for scurvy is crucial to preventing future
issues. Increasing vitamin C consumption can aid in treating scurvy and possibly reverse the
condition.
References
DeBruyne, L., & Pinna, K. (2002). Nutrition for Health and Health Care (8th ed.). Cengage.