Vitamins come in water soluble and fat-soluble forms. The fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Many diseases have associated deficiencies. Some of the Digestive Diseases have deficiencies as described below. This is not a complete list of Digestive Diseases with vitamin deficiencies. A list of Vitamins and some of their function follows.
Inflammatory bowel disease:
Vitamin deficiencies, which occur in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, include:
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Vitamin A deficiency. |
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25 hydroxyvitamin D. (Identified in a 79 % of patients with Crohn's disease). |
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Folate deficiency. |
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B12 deficiency. |
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Vitamin C deficiency. |
Chronic Liver Disease:
Patients with chronic liver disease also had a high incidence of vitamin malnutrition. Patients with end-stage liver disease, chronic hepatitis, PBC, PSC and acute hepatitis have been shown to have vitamin deficiencies.
Chronic liver disease is commonly associated with osteopenia. This condition needs to be evaluated by a special test called a bone densitometry test. It can be ordered through your physician's office. Osteopenia is commonly associated with Vitamin D deficiency.
Alcoholic liver disease is commonly associated with thiamin deficiency. This deficiency can result in abnormal sensation in the hands and feet.
Specific vitamins
Vitamin C: Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is involved with collagen and multiple cellular functions as well as wound healing and maintenance of normal immune function. At the present time, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 45 mg per day. Deficiency of vitamin C results in abnormal skin findings (dermatitis) and hemorrhages (petechiae). Advanced vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.
Folic acid: Folic acid is an essential cofactor in multiple metabolic pathways. Particularly, amino acid conversion and DNA synthesis rely on folic acid for normal production. The current RDA allowances are 400 micrograms per day. The deficiency of folic acid results in anemia. This is characterized by large red blood cells that are called megaloblastic. This combination is called megaloblastic anemia. Your physician can easily passed for a folic acid deficiency with a simple blood test.
Niacin: Niacin is another essential cofactor in multiple metabolic pathways. It is used in conversion of cellular energy products (NAD and NADP). The recommended daily allowance is 12 to 20 mg per day. Deficiency induces a condition called pellagra.
Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 is more commonly called Thiamine. Is also an essential cofactor in multiple metabolic cellular pathways. Normal nerve transmission requires adequate amounts of Vitamin B1. The recommended daily allowance is 1.0 to 1.5 mg per day. As vitamin B1 deficiency occurs abnormal peripheral sensation (peripheral neuropathy), abnormal cardiac function (abnormal conduction patterns) and a condition called beriberi ensue.
Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 is better known as riboflavin. It provides assistance in multiple cellular functions. The recommended daily allowance is 1.1 to 1.8 mg per day. Deficiency of this vitamin results in a scan condition called seborrheic dermatitis. In addition stomatitis, abnormalities of the angles of the mouth, and a shiny, (glossitis) occur.
Vitamin B6: vitamin B-6 is also called pyroxidine. It is an essential cofactor for amino acid synthesis as well as neurologic function. The recommended daily allowance is 1.6 to 2.0 mg per day. The deficiency causes changes almost identical to riboflavin deficiency.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is better known as cyanocobalamin. It is used in DNA synthesis. The recommended daily allowance is 3 micrograms per day. The deficiency causes a condition called pernicious anemia. An intramuscular injection can treat and prevent deficiencies.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is involved in vision as well as cellular integrity. Recommended daily allowance is between 4 and 5000 IU. If a deficiency Vitamin A occurs night blindness results.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for normal calcium metabolism. It is an essential comment component for adequate bone mineralization. The normal recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 400 IU. A deficiency of these vitamin results in rickets, low calcium, and a condition called osteomalacia.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an important antioxidant. Its normal recommended daily allowance is 12 to 15 IU per day. Deficiency of Vitamin D results in breakup of red blood cells, a condition called hemolysis, as well as numbness and tingling of the hands and feet (neuropathy).
Pantothenic Acid: This is an essential cofactor in multiple metabolic pathways. Pantothenic acid is used for normal metabolism of glucose and facts. Fatty acid synthesis depends upon adequate amounts of pantothenic acid. Its normal recommended daily allowances 5 to 10 mg per day. Nausea and vomiting occur when deficiencies are present. Muscle cramps, fatigue, headache and a sensation of burning feet may also occur.
Biotin: Biotin is an essential cofactor for multiple cellular pathways. It is important in amino acid function as well as fatty acid metabolism. The normal recommended daily allowance is 150-300 micrograms per day. Biotin deficiencies result in abnormal electrocardiograms (EKG), skin changes as well as tongue changes.
Other Nutition Pages:
- Clear Liquid Diet |
Full Liquid Diet |
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet |
High Fiber Diet |
Low Copper Diet |
Vitamins |
Kidney Stone Diet
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