Answer to Question #158024 in Cell Biology for Erfun

Question

List four vitamins and four minerals with their i) major functions, ii) sources and, iii) signs of deficiency.

Answer 1

VITAMINS

1.Vitamin K

Major Functions: Needed for proper blood clotting

Sources: Leafy green vegetables such as kale, collard greens. Also produced by bacteria in intestinal tract

Deficiency signs: Excessive bleeding from wounds, Easy bruishing, Blood in urine

2.Vitamin E

Major Functions: Antioxidant; protects cell walls

Sources: Polyunsaturated plant oils (soybean, corn); leafy green vegetables; wheat germ; whole-grain products; liver; egg yolks; nuts and seeds

Deficiency signs: Loss of feelings in arms and legs, loss of boy movement control, muscle weakness and vision difficulties.

3.Vitamin D

Major Functions: Needed for proper absorption of calcium stored in bones

Sources: Sources include Egg yolks, liver, fatty fish, fortified milk, fortified margarine. Also when exposed to sunlight, the skin can make vitamin D

Deficiency signs: Fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, depression.

4.Vitamin A

Major Functions: Required for vision, healthy skin and mucous membranes, bone and tooth growth, immune system health

Sources: Vitamin A from animal sources (retinol): e.g fortified milk. From plant sources: Leafy, dark green vegetables

Deficiency signs: Inflamed skin, night blindness, infertility, delayed growth and respiratory infection

MINERALS

1.Sodium

Major functions: Required for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

Sources: Commonly from table salt, soy sauce; large amounts in processed foods; small amounts in milk, breads, vegetables, and unprocessed meats.

Deficiency signs: nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, seizurea and sometimes muscles weakness, spasms or cramps and coma.

2.Chlorides

Major functions: Required for proper fluid balance, stomach acid

Sources: Mainly from table salt, soy sauce; large amounts in processed foods; small amounts in milk, meats, breads, and vegetables

Deficiency signs: fluid loss, dehydration, weakness, difficulty breathing and vomiting or diarrhea.

3.Calcium

Major Functions: Cruial for healthy bones and teeth; helps muscles relax and contract; important in nerve functioning, blood clotting, blood pressure regulation, immune system health.

Sources: Milk and milk products; canned fish with bones (salmon); fortified tofu and fortified soy beverage; greens (broccoli); legumes.

Deficiency signs: Fatuque, Osteoporosis, dental problems

4.Phosphorus

Major Functions: Crucial for healthy bones and teeth; found in every cell; part of the system that maintains acid-base balance.

Sources: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, processed foods.

Deficiency signs: loss of appetite, anxiety, bone pain, fragile bones, stiff joints, fatigue, weakness and decreased grwoth in children, including poor bone and tooth development.