南京大学-杨荣武生物化学-英文版-第二篇-VitaminI.pptVIP

Vitamins Coenzymes Vitamins Vita : life Amine : containing N (1st vitamins contained nitrogen) Vitamins are organic, essential nutrients req’d in minute amounts to perform specific functions that promote growth, reproduction, or the maintenance of health life How vitamins differ from the energy-yielding nutrients Structure Vitamins are individual units, not long chains Function Do not yield energy but assist in releasing energy from CHO, fats and proteins Food content Small amts needed daily (micrograms and milligrams) Vitamin Precursors Compounds that can be converted into active vitamins Also known as provitamins Must measure both active vitamin as well as provitamin when assessing intake Other Characteristics Organic Nature Can be destroyed so food needs to be handled with care to avoid loss in storage or cooking Solubility Hydrophilic: water soluble B vitamins and vitamin C Hydrophobic: fat soluble Vitamins A,D,E and K Water and Fat-Soluble Vitamins Water-Soluble Absorbed directly into blood Transported freely Circulate in body fluids Kidneys remove excess Unlikely to reach toxic levels Frequent, small doses req’d (1-3 days) Fat - Soluble Absorbed into lymph, then into blood Many need protein carriers for transport Stored in cells with fat Not easily excreted Reachs toxic levels when consumed in excess Periodic doses req’d The Water-Soluble Vitamins B-Vitamins Vitamin C The B- Vitamins B-Vitamins : used As coenzymes req’d to release energy from CHO, fat, and protein For other specific functions in protein metabolism and cell division Thiamin (Vitamin B1) Part of the coenzyme TPP (thiamin pyrophosphate) Promotes conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA by removing one carbon Similar reaction in TCA cycle Key role in membranes of nerve cells Thiamin Deficiency Deficiency seen in those generally malnourished and in alcoholics Beriberi - characterized by: loss of sensation in hands and feet muscular weakness advancing paralysis abnormal heart action Food