Nutritional Sciences 242
FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL HEALTH
Study Guide-Chapter 6: The Vitamins
1.
Briefly discuss how vitamins were first discovered. How has our understanding of vitamins
changed since then?
2.
How do water-soluble vitamins as a group differ from fat-soluble vitamins?
3.
Which vitamins are water-soluble and which ones are fat-soluble?
4.
What is the primary role of the water-soluble vitamins?
5.
For each of the vitamins (water soluble and fat soluble) identify the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
its major function (s)
name of its deficiency disease; if applicable
2-3 major food sources
toxicity risks if applicable
6.
Why is the DRI for niacin stated in NE?
7.
Which groups of people are at risk for each of the following vitamins: B12, vitamin C, folate, and
vitamin K?
8.
List particular groups of people that may need to take a multivitamin/mineral supplement.
9.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using vitamin-mineral supplements.
10.
Discuss cooking methods and storage procedures that minimize the loss of vitamins.
11.
Explain the difference between beta-carotene and performed vitamin A.
12.
Explain why people need not obtain all of their vitamin D from foods.
13.
Explain why women of childbearing age are advised to consume generous amounts of folate.
What is the recommended intake of folate for these women?
14.
Which vitamins may have a role in treating or preventing heart disease? Briefly explain how they
help?
15.
List the antioxidant nutrients; describe the benefits associated with the antioxidant nutrients;
describe strategies to ensure adequate intakes of these in your diet.
16.
What is a free radical? How are they formed in the body? What kind of damage do they cause?
17.
Define phytochemical; list three of the phytochemicals along with their associated health benefits.
18.
Define functional food and provide common examples of functional foods.
19.
What is driving the trend toward increased use of herbal products? List reasons why herbs are not
always safe; what guidelines should consumers follow for choosing and using herbal medicines?
20.
What general recommendations would you make to assure adequate intake of important vitamins?