Function : synthesis of A.

A, purines,
pyrimidines, 1-Carbon transfer.

Folic acid Deficiency: megablastic anemia. Causes :

increased demand (during pregnancy &
lactation), poor absorption in small intestines,
consuming drugs that inhibit “dihydrofolate
re-educates” such as methotrixate.

Function : maturation of RBCs, DNA

metabolism

B12 (cobalamin) Deficiency: pernicious anemia. Resulting from

inability to absorb the vitamin. Causes :
autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal
cells. Treatment : higher dose of B12, IM
injection of cyanocobalamin.

Function : protect against free radicals,

enhances immunity
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Deficiency: “Scurvy” : Symptoms : sore &
spongy gums, loose teeth, fragile B.V, swollen
joints, decreased hydroxylation of collagen >
defective C.T

Function : release energy from carbs

B1 (thiamine) Deficiency: Beri-Beri : increased rice in diet.

Deficiency: Wernick-Korsakoff : associated
Signs : tachycardia, vomiting, convolusions, if Treated with B1 supplement NOTE: even
with chronic alcoholism. Signs : apathy, loss
not treated death. Symptoms in adult : dry neurologic consequences can be treated
of memory, ataxia, motion of eyeballs (
skin, irritability, disordered thinking, using the supplement.
nystagmus)
progressive paralysis.

Function : turn food into energy

B3 (Niacin) NIacin used to treat “hyperlipidemia” : too

Deficiency: pellagra, involves : skin, GIT, CNS. many lipids, cholesterol, fatty acids. Niacin
Signs : 3Ds, dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia. decreases triacylglycerols synthesis in liver
thus decreasing LDL and increasing HDL

Deficiency: symptoms : dermatitis, chelosis,

glossitis.
B2 (Riboflavin)
Function : H atom transfer

Function : vision (retinal), growth and

reproduction (retinoids).

Vitamin A Deficiency: signs : night blindness, visual

threshold increased, leads to xeropthalmia (
dryness of conjunctiva & cornea). If not
treated : corneal ulceration

Vitamins
Function : regulates Ca+ & phosphorus levels
in blood.

Rickets : de-mineralization of bone,

increased collagen but decreased
mineralization resulting in soft bones.

Vitamin D Osteomalacia : de-mineralization of pre-

existing bones leading to fracture.

Renal osteodystrophy : renal failure results in

decreased ability to absorb the active form
Deficiency: Rickets (in children), osteomalcia ( of vitamin D. Treatment : supplementation
in adults). with calcitriol. (Should be accompanied by
phosphate reduction therapy to prevent
hyperphosphatemia).

Hypoparathyrodism : lack of parathyroid

hormone causes hypocalcemia &
hyperphosphatemia. Treated with calcitriol &
calcium supplement.

Function : blood clotting

Vitamin K
Deficiency : unusual becuz adequate amounts
are provided by bacteria in guts.

Function : antioxidant

Vitamin E (least toxic) Deficiency : restricted to pre-mature infants,

when in adults : decreased lipid transport/
absorption. Signs : sensitivity of RBCs to
peroxide & appearance of abnormal cellular
membranes

Deficiency: can be induced by a drug used to

treat tuberculosis (isonicotinic acid hydrazide)
B6 (pyridoxine)
Toxicity : only water-soluble vitamin with
significant toxicity

Function : Co-enzyme in carboxylation

reactions

Biotin Deficiency : doesn’t occur naturally becuz it’s

widely distributed in foods & supplied by
intestinal bacteria. However, It may be caused
when introducing raw egg whites to the diet
because raw eggs have “avidin” that bind to
biotin and prevent its absorption.

Pantothenic acid Function : transfer of acyl groups