Vitamins: Do we really
need to take them?
NATHANIEL CHANEY
HW499
PROF: MARYANNE OLEKSOWICZ
JUNE 30, 2013
What are they?
Vitamins
 According to Schlenker & Roth (2011), vitamins
are classified by the following 3 criteria:
1) must be an organic dietary substance that is not
energy producing
2) needed in very small quantities to perform a
particular metabolic function and prevent an
associated deficiency disease
3) the body cannot manufacture it, so it must be
supplied in food
Sources in the body
Sometimes occur naturally in the body
 Vitamin B

Whole grains, legumes, meats, bananas, potatoes
 Vitamin C

Citrus fruits and tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries
 Vitamin A

Liver, milk, cheese, butter, egg yolk, fish
 Vitamin D

Fortified dairy foods, soy milk, juices, cereals
 Vitamin E

Sunflower, safflower, and canola oil, peanut butter, nuts
 Vitamin K

Dark-green vegetables and liver
(Schlenker & Roth, 2011)
Basic principles of vitamins
 They are multifunctional
 One vitamin cannot substitute for another vitamin
 They work together to carry out body functions
 They function best when all are present in the
appropriate proportions
(SCHLENKER & ROTH, 2011)
Classification of vitamins
 Water-Soluble Vitamins




C and B-complex
More easily absorbed and transported
Cannot be stored
Vitamin C
• Works with enzymes to support tissue building/maintenance

B vitamins
• Coenzymes factors in cell metabolism
 Fat-Soluble Vitamins




A, D, E, and K
Associated with body lipids
Easily stored
Functions related to structural activities of proteins
(Schlenker & Roth, 2011).
Why some
Questions to
Take Vitamins ask before one
does take them
 Individuals may be
deficient in vitamins
 To supplement what
is not in food
 'What are you currently
eating?‘
 What is your lifestyle,
food preferences, state of
health, or if any allergies
are present?
 Should I take a
supplement anyway, just
in case?
(Nordqvist, 2013)
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Vitamins
 for certain health problems
 Overdose potential
 if you eat a vegetarian or
 can be harmful when
vegan diet
 if you are pregnant or
breastfeeding
consumed in high amounts,
for a long time, or in
combination with certain
other substances
 Need for growth, digestion,
and nerve function
(WebMD, 2013)
(WebMD, 2013)
How vitamins are regulated
 Regulated by FDA as "Dietary Supplements."
 Listed in the "dietary ingredient" category are
not only vitamins, but minerals, botanicals
products, amino acids, and substances such as
enzymes, microbial probiotics, and metabolites.
 Dietary supplements can also be extracts or
concentrates, and may be found in many forms
(WEBMD, 2013)
Risks of overdoing it
Fat-soluble Vitamins
 A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid): Nausea, vomiting,
headache, dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, birth defects, liver
problems, possible risk of osteoporosis. You may be at greater risk
of these effects if you drink high amounts of alcohol or you have
liver problems, high cholesterol levels or don't get enough protein.
 D (calciferol): Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation,
weakness, weight loss, confusion, heart rhythm problems, deposits
of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues. (WebMD, 2013)
Risks of overdoing it cont.
Water-soluble Vitamins
 B-3 (niacin): flushing, redness of the skin, upset stomach.
 B-6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine): Nerve damage to
the limbs, which may cause numbness, trouble walking, and pain.
 C (ascorbic acid): Upset stomach, kidney stones, increased iron
absorption.
 Folic Acid (folate): High levels may, especially in older adults, hide
signs of B-12 deficiency, a condition that can cause nerve damage.
(WebMD, 2013)
Summary
 Taking vitamins are important, but are not
for everyone.
 Ask yourself specific questions why or why
not to take them
 Consult with a health care professional
before using any dietary supplement
Any
Questions???
References
 Nordqvist, C. (2012, December 20). "Should I take vitamin and
mineral
supplements?." Medical News Today. Retrieved
from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/254299.php.
 Schlenker, E.D. & Roth, S. (2011). Williams’ essentials of
nutrition and diet
therapy. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
 WebMD. (2013). Fortify your knowledge about vitamins.
http://www.webmd.com/fda/fortify-your-
Retrieved from
knowledge-about-vitamins