Food and Nutrition Topic
Vitamins
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- Vitamins are needed in small amounts to help the body stay healthy
- Know common vitamin functions and food sources
- Lack of a vitamin can cause deficiency problems
Section 1Small but important
Vitamins do not mainly give energy, but the body needs them to work properly. They help with vision, skin, healing, bones, blood, and protection from illness. In plain words, small amount does not mean small importance.
Section 2Vitamin A and C
Vitamin A helps vision, skin, and growth. Sources include carrots, pumpkin, liver, eggs, and dark green vegetables. Vitamin C helps healing and healthy gums; sources include oranges, guava, ackee, June plum, and tomatoes.
Section 3Vitamin D and B group
Vitamin D helps the body use calcium for strong bones and teeth. Sources include sunlight, oily fish, egg yolk, and fortified foods. B vitamins help the body release energy from food and support nerves; sources include whole grains, peas, beans, meat, and milk.
Section 4Deficiency
A deficiency happens when the body does not get enough of a nutrient. Watch out: deficiency signs do not always appear immediately. Poor diet over time is the danger.
Examples
A student has bleeding gums and slow wound healing. Which vitamin may be lacking?
Vitamin C may be lacking because it helps healthy gums and wound healing.
A meal includes callaloo, pumpkin, and a glass of fresh guava juice. Which vitamins are likely present?
Callaloo and pumpkin can supply vitamin A. Guava juice supplies vitamin C, which supports healing and gum health.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.