Chapter

Front 1

Bioavailability

Back 1

the extent to which the body can absorb and use a nutrient

Front 2

Provitamin/vitamin precursor

Back 2

a compound that can be converted into the active form of a vitamin in the body

Front 3

Coenzymes

Back 3

organic non-protein substances that bind to enzymes to promote their activity

Front 4

Antioxidant

Back 4

a substance that is able to neutralize reactive oxygen molecules and thereby prevent cell damage

Front 5

free radicals

Back 5

one type of highly reactive atom or molecule that causes oxidative damage

Front 6

Beriberi

Back 6

A thiamin deficiency disease that causes weakness nerve degeneration, and, in some cases, heart damage

Front 7

Neurotransmitter

Back 7

a chemical substance produced by a nerve cell that can stimulate or inhibit another cell

Front 8

Pellagra

Back 8

a disease resulting from niacin deficiency, which causes dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and, if not treated, death

Front 9

Neural tube defects

Back 9

abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord that result from errors that occur during prenatal development

Front 10

folic acid

Back 10

an easily absorbed form of the vitamin folate that is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods

Front 11

Macrocytic anemia/Megaloblastic anemia

Back 11

a reduction in the blood's capacity to carry oxygen that is characterized by abnormally large immature and mature red blood cells

Front 12

Pernicious anemia

Back 12

a macrocytic anemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency that occurs when dietary vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed due to a lack of intrinsic factor

Front 13

Intrinsic factor

Back 13

a protein produced in the stomach that is needed for the absorption of adequate amounts of vitamin B12

Front 14

Atrophic gastritis

Back 14

an inflammation of the stomach lining that results in reduced secretion of stomach acid, microbial over-growth, and, in severe cases, a reduction in the production of intrinsic power

Front 15

Scurvy

Back 15

a vitamin C deficiency disease characterized by bleeding gums, tooth loss, joint pain, bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes, and fatigue

Front 16

Retinoids

Back 16

the chemical forms of preformed vitamin A: retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid

Front 17

Carotenoids

Back 17

natural pigments synthesized by plants and many microorganisms. They give yellow and red-orange fruits and vegetables their colour

Front 18

Gene expression

Back 18

the events of protein synthesis in which the information coded in a gene is used to synthesize a protein

Front 19

Xerophthalmia

Back 19

a spectrum of eye conditions resulting from vitamin A deficiency that may lead to blindness

Front 20

Hypercarotenemia

Back 20

a condition caused by the accumulation of carotenoids in the adipose tissue, causing the skin to appear yellow-orange

Front 21

Rickets

Back 21

a vitamin D deficiency disease in children, characterized by poor bone development resulting from inadequate calcium absorption

Front 22

Osteomalacia

Back 22

a vitamin D deficiency disease in adults, characterized by loss of minerals from bone, bone pain, muscle aches, and an increase in bone fractures