Fat-Soluble Vitamins (Deficiencies)

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  • Created by: MeganM24
  • Created on: 22-11-24 09:40

Retinol / Beta-Carotene

  • Reduces the rate of growth in children.
  • Due to lack of rhodopsin produced it may result in night blindness. This can be reversed by increasing intakes.
  • Affects the health of the skin and resistance to infection is lowered due to the poor condition of the respiratory tract.
  • When deficiency is severe, the tear glands may become blocked and the eye will become very dry. This is known as xerophthalmia.
  • Severe and prolonged deficiency can result in ulceration of the cornea causing blindness.

Risk factors for deficiency:

  • Vegan/ very low fat diets
  • Fat malabsorbtion e.g. cystic fibrosis.
  • Cereal grains as there staple food.
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Cholecalciferol / Ergocalciferol

  • Children may develop rickets. 
  • Bones fail to absorb Calcium and soften. The long bones bend under the weight of the body.
  • Adults may develop osteomalacia. The bones become soft, weak and painful.
  • Increased risk of osteoporosis in elderly/housebound.
  • Muscle weakness and Growth failure.
  • Possible tetany.

Risk factors for deficiency:

  • Inadequate dietary intake.
  • Limited sun exposure/excessive use of suncream.
  • Strict vegan diet.
  • Babies
  • City dwellers
  • Elderly
  • Darker-skinned people
  • The Asian population
  • Poor Absorbtion
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Tocopherol

  • Deficiency is rare.
  • The amount of Tocopherol required is related to the amount of PUFA consumed.
  • Symptoms include oedema and neurological symptoms.
  • Risk of some cancers and CHD may be increased.
  • Early studies showed evidence of infertility in rats.

Risk Factors for deficiency:

  • Premature babies fed on formula with inadequate Tocopherol levels.
  • Those who have a disorder of fat absorbtion or fat transport.
  • Those on a low fat diet.
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Phylloquinone

  • A deficiency is rare.
  • Babies with a deficinecy are at risk of excessive, spontaneous bleeding, known as Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)
  • In adults, a deficinecy will result in an increased tendency to bleed.

Risk Factors for Deficiency:

  • Babies, especially if they are premature.
  • Those with ppor absorbtion of fat due to liver or pancreatic disease or coeliac disease.
  • Chronic user of laxatives and a poor intake, such as those with anorexia.
  • Long term users of antibiotics.
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