Folate supplementation can disguise an underlying B12 deficiency, and B12 deficiency is linked to a number of health issues including depression, dementia, and anemia. However, folate and B12 are both B-complex vitamins and are metabolized similarly. Both are stored in the liver and both are essential components in homocysteine metabolism, which in turn reduces risk for cardiovascular disease ("Folate fortification may mask B12 deficiency"). Both folate and B12 deficiencies can cause similar problems like anemia but B12 takes longer to break down in the liver and B12 deficiencies take longer than folate deficiencies to manifest as health problems. Therefore, care must be taken to supplement with B12 as well as folate if a deficiency is suspected.
4.Based on understanding of proteins, why does insulin need to be injected rather than ingested?
Insulin is a hormone and a protein that regulates glucose metabolism in the blood. Individuals who do not manufacture insulin in their bodies naturally need insulin supplements to control levels of blood sugar but if ingested into the stomach insulin would not permeate the body's muscle and fat cells, which are most responsible for regulating glucose levels. As a protein, insulin must be absorbed directly through cellular membranes. If ingested, insulin disolves in the stomach faster than it can be absorbed into cell membranes.
5. Discuss 3 B. vitamin deficiencies which may affect individuals in North America. Be sure...
Furthermore, processed foods, foods containing excess amounts of sugar, and intake of pharmaceutical products all contribute to the depletion of B-complex vitamins. Finally, over-nutrition and the American diet do not necessarily mean that B. vitamin deficiencies are uncommon. The American diet is loaded with saturated fat and sugar but is not necessarily high in nutient value. Whole grains and green vegetables contain large amounts of B-complex vitamins and those foods are absent from most Americans' diets.
6. What is the main difference in how short chain and medium chain fatty acids are absorbed in our body compared to long chain fatty acids? Be clear and detailed. (Hint: lymph and liver should be mentioned in your answer)
Short and medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed directly into the liver via the portal vein. Long-chain fatty acids are absorbed first through the lymph system via the subclavian vein.
References
Folate fortification may mask B12 deficiency." Retrieved June 17, 2008 at http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=25457-folate-fortification-may
