Chapter Outline for Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies 11e

Chapter 7 – The Vitamins

I. Definition and Classification of Vitamins A. The concept of vitamin precursors B. Two classes of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble II. The Fat-Soluble Vitamins A. Vitamin A 1. A jack of all trades 2. Regulation of gene expression 3. Eyesight 4. Skin and body linings 5. Immunity 6. Growth 7. Vitamin A deficiency around the world 8. Vitamin A toxicity 9. Vitamin A recommendations 10. Food sources of vitamin A 11. Beta-carotene and carotenoids 12. Does eating carrots really promote good vision? 13. Carotenoids and diseases B. Vitamin D 1. Roles of vitamin D 2. Too little vitamin D—a danger to bones 3. Too much vitamin D—a danger to soft tissues 4. How can people make a vitamin from sunlight? 5. Intake recommendations and food sources C. Vitamin E 1. The extraordinary bodyguard 2. Vitamin E deficiency 3. Chronic diseases and vitamin E intakes 4. Toxicity of vitamin E 5. Vitamin E requirements 6. Food sources of vitamin E D. Vitamin K 1. Roles of vitamin K 2. Sources of vitamin K 3. Vitamin K toxicity III. The Water-Soluble Vitamins A. Vitamin C 1. The work of vitamin C 2. Deficiency symptoms 3. Is too much vitamin C hazardous to health? 4. Vitamin C and the common cold 5. The need for vitamin C 6. Food sources of vitamin C B. The B vitamins in unison 1. B vitamin roles in metabolism 2. B vitamin deficiencies C. The B vitamins as individuals 1. Thiamin a. Thiamin deficiency b. Food sources and recommended intakes 2. Riboflavin 3. Niacin a. Niacin sources b. Niacin as a drug 4. Folate a. Folate deficiency b. Folate and birth defects c. Folate toxicity d. Sources of folate and recommendations

5. Vitamin B12

6. Vitamin B6 7. Are B vitamins related to heart disease? 8. Biotin and pantothenic acid D. Non-B vitamins IV. Choosing Foods Rich in Vitamins V. Vitamin Supplements: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks? A. Arguments in favor of taking supplements 1. People with deficiencies 2. People with increased nutrient needs 3. People with low nutrient status 4. People coping with physical stress B. Arguments against taking supplements 1. Toxicity 2. Life-threatening misinformation 3. Unknown needs 4. False sense of security 5. Absorption and metabolism of nutrients C. Can supplements prevent heart disease or cancer? 1. Marginal deficiencies, oxidative stress, and chronic diseases 2. Progression of research 3. Vitamin E supplements and heart disease: unconvincing evidence 4. The story of beta-carotene D. Supplements must be safe, or the government would not allow their sale, right? E. What are the risks of taking nutrient supplements? F. Selection of a multinutrient supplement 1. Choosing a type 2. Choosing doses G. Conclusion