HOME ASSIGNMENT 1
NAME OF FACILITOR: - Dr. Riddhi
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): -
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential
for various bodily functions. Unlike most animals, humans cannot synthesize
it and must obtain it through diet.
Functions of Vitamin C:
✅ Antioxidant – Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.
✅ Collagen synthesis – Vital for healthy skin, blood vessels, tendons,
ligaments, and bones.
✅ Iron absorption – Enhances absorption of non-heme (plant-based) iron.
✅ Immune support – Boosts immune defense by supporting various cellular
functions.
✅ Wound healing – Supports tissue repair and healing processes.
✅ Neurotransmitter synthesis – Involved in production of norepinephrine
and other brain chemicals.
Sources of Vitamin C:
Fruits: Oranges, guavas, kiwi, strawberries, lemons, amla (Indian
gooseberry)
Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, kale, tomatoes
Daily Requirements:
Adults (Male): ~90 mg/day
Adults (Female): ~75 mg/day
Deficiency – Scurvy
Symptoms: Fatigue, gum bleeding, poor wound healing, joint pain, anemia,
skin spots
Seen in: Malnourished individuals, alcoholics, elderly, people with restrictive
diets
Excess Intake (Toxicity):
Rare due to water solubility, but very high doses (>2000 mg/day) may cause:
Nausea, diarrhea
Kidney stones (especially in people with kidney issues)
Special Notes:
Not part of the Vitamin B complex because it differs in function and chemical
structure.
Heat and light destroy vitamin C, so raw fruits/vegetables are best.
HOME ASSIGNMENT 2
NAME OF FACILITOR: - Dr. Parin
Here’s a concise yet complete overview of Iron:
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral required for numerous physiological functions,
most importantly the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Functions of Iron:
🔴 Hemoglobin – Carries oxygen in red blood cells
🧠 Myoglobin – Stores oxygen in muscles
⚙️ Enzymes – Part of enzymes involved in energy production and DNA
synthesis
🛡️ Immunity – Supports immune system function
🧠 Cognitive performance – Crucial for brain development and mental
performance
Types of Dietary Iron:
Heme iron – Found in animal sources (e.g., meat, liver, fish); easily absorbed
Non-heme iron – Found in plant sources (e.g., spinach, lentils, beans); less
efficiently absorbed
Absorption Enhancers & Inhibitors:
✅ Enhancers:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – Converts iron into a more absorbable form
Animal protein – Helps in heme iron absorption
❌ Inhibitors:
Phytates (in cereals, legumes)
Calcium (milk, supplements)
Polyphenols (tea, coffee)
Daily Requirements (RDA):
Adult men: 8 mg/day
Women : 18 mg/day
Pregnant women: 27 mg/day
Deficiency – Iron Deficiency Anemia:
Symptoms:
Fatigue, pale skin, weakness
Shortness of breath, dizziness
Cold hands/feet, brittle nails
Causes:
Poor diet, blood loss (e.g., menstruation, ulcers), absorption issues
Excess Iron (Iron Overload):
From excess supplements or hereditary hemochromatosis
Can cause:
Liver damage, joint pain
Diabetes, heart disease
Children are at higher risk of toxicity from overdose
HOME ASSIGNMENT 3
NAME OF FACILITOR: - Dr. Nandita
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) –
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B-complex vitamin (B9) that is
water-soluble and essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood
cell formation.
Functions of Folic Acid / Folate:
🧠 DNA & RNA synthesis – Crucial for cell growth and repair
🧠 Red blood cell formation – Prevents megaloblastic anemia
👶 Fetal development – Prevents neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) in
early pregnancy
🧠 Brain health – Supports neurotransmitter function and mental clarity
⚙️ Amino acid metabolism – Works with B12 in converting homocysteine
to methionine
Daily Requirements (RDA):
Adults: 400 mcg/day
Pregnancy: 600 mcg/day
Breastfeeding: 500 mcg/day
Natural Sources of Folate (Vitamin B9):
Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, mustard greens
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans
Fruits: Oranges, bananas, avocados
Others: Eggs, fortified cereals, liver
Deficiency of Folic Acid:
Causes:
Poor diet
Alcoholism
Malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease)
Certain medications (e.g., methotrexate, phenytoin)
Symptoms:
Fatigue, weakness
Irritability, shortness of breath
Pale skin
Megaloblastic anemia (large, immature red blood cells)
In pregnancy: ↑ Risk of neural tube defects (NTDs)
Folic Acid Supplementation:
Recommended before and during pregnancy (start at least 1 month prior to
conception)
Common dose: 400–600 mcg/day
Used in combination with Vitamin B12 for treating anemia
HOME ASSIGNMENT 4
NAME OF FACILITOR: - Dr. Dhruvin
🧠 Calcium –
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, essential for bone
health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. About 99%
is stored in bones and teeth.
Functions of Calcium:
🧠 Bone and teeth formation – Major structural component
💓 Muscle contraction – Including heart muscle
🧠 Nerve impulse transmission
🧠 Blood clotting – Activates clotting factors
🧠 Enzyme and hormone function
Dietary Sources of Calcium:
🥛 Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt
🐟 Fish with bones: Sardines, salmon
🧠 Leafy greens: Kale, bok choy (note: spinach is high in oxalates, lowers
absorption)
🌰 Nuts/seeds: Almonds, sesame
🍊 Fortified foods: Orange juice, cereals, plant milks (soy, almond)
Calcium Absorption:
✅ Enhanced by:
Vitamin D
Acidic environment (stomach acid)
❌ Inhibited by:
Phytates (in grains, legumes)
Oxalates (in spinach, rhubarb)
Excess sodium, caffeine, or iron supplements
Deficiency of Calcium (Hypocalcemia):
Causes:
Poor intake, Vitamin D deficiency
Malabsorption (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s)
Postmenopausal women (estrogen drop)
Symptoms:
Muscle cramps, spasms (tetany)
Numbness/tingling (paresthesia)
Weak bones → Osteopenia, Osteoporosis
Delayed growth in children
Calcium Excess (Hypercalcemia):
Usually due to over-supplementation or hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms:
Kidney stones
Constipation
Confusion, fatigue
Abnormal heart rhythm
Types of Supplements:
Calcium carbonate – Requires food for absorption
Calcium citrate – Better absorbed, even without food
HOME ASSIGNMENT 5
NAME OF FACILITOR: - Dr. Riddhi
Vitamin B12 –
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble B vitamin essential
for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Unlike most
other vitamins, B12 contains cobalt, hence the name cobalamin.2. Functions
of Vitamin B12:
🧠 Maintains nerve cells and forms the myelin sheath
🧠 Helps in red blood cell production – Prevents megaloblastic anemia
🧠 DNA synthesis – Works with folate (vitamin B9)
⚙️ Amino acid metabolism – Converts homocysteine to methionine
🧠 Energy production – Helps convert food into usable energy
Daily Requirements (RDA):
Adults: 2.4 mcg/day
Pregnant women: 2.6 mcg/day
Breastfeeding women: 2.8 mcg/day
Sources of Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is found only in animal-based foods, unless fortified.
🧠 Meat: Liver, beef, chicken
🐟 Fish: Salmon, tuna, sardines
🥚 Eggs and dairy: Milk, yogurt, cheese
🧠 Fortified foods: Breakfast cereals, plant-based milk (e.g., soy, almond)
💊 Supplements: B12 tablets or injections (for deficiency or vegan diets)
Absorption Process:
Requires stomach acid and a protein called intrinsic factor (IF) produced by
stomach lining
Absorbed in the terminal ileum of the small intestine
Problems with IF or stomach surgery (e.g., gastrectomy) can cause deficiency
Deficiency – Causes & Symptoms:
Causes:
Vegan or vegetarian diet (no animal products)
Pernicious anemia (autoimmune destruction of IF)
Gastric surgery (e.g., bariatric surgery)
Elderly – Decreased stomach acid
Malabsorption disorders – Crohn’s, celiac
Symptoms:
Fatigue, weakness
Numbness/tingling in hands and feet (neuropathy)
Memory loss, confusion
Glossitis (inflamed tongue)
Megaloblastic anemia
Gait disturbance or balance problems
Treatment of Deficiency:
Oral supplements (cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin)
Intramuscular B12 injections – For severe or malabsorption-related cases
Dietary adjustment – Include more B12-rich foods or fortified options
Special Notes:
Works closely with folic acid (B9) – Both needed for red blood cells
Long-term deficiency can lead to irreversible nerve damage
B12 is not toxic even in high doses