A (RETINOL) D (CALCIFEROL) E (TOCOPHEROL) K (ani-hemorrhagic factor/ coagulation vitamin)

Precursor Carotenes (a,b,y, cryptoxanthine) Sterols Tocopherols (a,b,y,d) K1 (phylloquinone) H20 sol. – grrenplants
tocotrienols K2 (menaquinone) H20 sol. – prod. bacteria syn.
Potent Form B-carotene 25 OH – (5X) LIVER K3 (menadione) fat sol. – lacks long side chain of
1, 25 OH – (10X) KIDNEYS natural vitamin
Storage form In LIVER LIVER
Absorption Reqs: BILE and PANCREATIC juice Inefficient (20-30%) Reqs: BILE and PANCREATIC juice
Transportation via Chylomicrons as LIPOPROTEIN) via CHYLOMICRONS/LIPOPROTEIN
Metabolism Bound to RBP (target cells have RBP Reqs: UV light = cholecalciferol
surface receptors)
Excretion Not excreted
Stable in/@ High temp./ heat Heat and acids Resistant to heat
Unstable in/@ UV light Alkali, UV, O2
Rancid fats, Lead and iron
Dietary forms/ Retinyl Esters (animals) 7-DHC (animals)
Food sources B-carotene (plants) Ergosterol (plants)
Functions 1. RETINOIC ACID – growth and 1. Absorption of Ca2+ via CALBINDIN 1. ANTI-OXIDANT (PUFA and 1. COFACTOR
maintenance of “epith. tissues” (Ca2+ binding protein) in brush border Vit. A) - for “carboxylase” in LIVER (Glu  Gla)

2. 11-cis RETINOL – constituent of 2. Stimulate PHOSPHATE transport 2. FREE RADICAL 2. good CHELATOR of Ca2+ for blood coagulation
“rhodopsin”; mediator in visual process system SCAVENGER –protects cellular (factors 2, 7,9 and 10  more COO-)
membrane integrity
3. Bone Resorption

4. Renal reabsorption of Ca2+ and PO4-

Deficiencies RICKETS a. bowlegs/knock-knees Abnormal bleeding d/t irrational use of
b. pigeon breast ANTIBIOTICS
c. ‘rakitic roasary’ a. lipid malabsorption
b. destruction of intestinal flora
OSTEOMALACIA a. rheumatic pain
b. waddling gait HIGH RISK: new born and premature babies
c. tetany
- pronounced softening and
pliability of “pelvic bones”
Excess