Fat-soluble vitamins - A,D,E,K

• vitamin A 


  sources: Retinal - dairy foods, egg yolk and liver

  Beta Carotene - carrots, oranges and butternut squash
• Vitamin A - chemical name:

  -retinal and beta carotene
• Vitamin A - function (anti oxidant)

  -retinol is converted in body into retinal and is needed for the retina part of the eye.

  -Retinal joins with a protein opsin and is converted to rhodopsin which enables you to see in dim light.

  -retinoic acid can be converted into retinoic acid which is important for epithelial cells that line the cavities and surface of blood vessels.

  -Helps fight infection as aids immune system and keeps mucous membrane healthy throughout body.
• Vitamin A deficiency:


  -could lead to night blindness

  -keratinised, dry skin

  -poor growth and rickets in children
• Vitamin A excess:


  -poisonous if too much is taken especially when taking supplements.

  Also in unborn babies
• Vitamin E chemical name:

  tocopherol
• Vitamin E - function

  -prevents free radicals which is an oxidised substance that can lead to damage of body cells and stop them working.

  -It works well with vitamin C as they are antioxidants.
• Vitamin E - sources:

  soya, corn oil, olive oil and whole wheat.
• Vitamin E - deficiency and excess

  -is rare
• Vitamin K - chemical name

  -Phylloquinone
• Vitamin K - function

  -helps blood clot after injury, prevents blood loss,

  -in the intestine bacteria can convert phylloquinone to menaquinone.
• Vitamin K - deficiency

  is rare but may happen in children
• Vitamin K - sources

  green leafy veg, liver, cheese and green tea
• Vitamin C - chemical name

  Ascorbic acid
• Vitamin C - sources

  citrus fruits, blackcurrants, Brussel sprouts and potatoes
• Vitamin C - function

  -help mineral iron be absorbed into the ilium

  -maintaining connective tissue

  -is an antioxidant
• Vitamin C - deficiency

  -slow wound healing

  -malabsorption of iron

  -develop scurvy
• Vitamin B1 - chemical name

  Thiamine