Question

1. what is the biggest function of vitamin e? how is vitamin e used in pet food by the manufacturer other than to supplement the diet?
2. what increases the vitamin e requirements? what decreases the vitamin e requirements?
3. what is the main function of vitamin k? how is vitamin k produced in the body? how is vitamin k excreted from the body?
4. what are 3 causes of vitamin k deficiency?
5. name the vitamins that fall under the umbrella of vitamin b complex? name 1 function for each vitamin.
6. what is the most common way for water soluble vitamins to be lost in commercial pet food?
7. how are water soluble vitamins excreted from the body?
8. what glycoprotein is found in raw egg whites and binds to biotin?
9. define antioxidant.

Explanation:

These questions cover vitamin functions, requirements, deficiencies, and related concepts in nutrition.

Answer:

1. Biggest function of Vitamin E: Antioxidant (protects cells from oxidative damage); Use in pet food: Preservative to prevent fat oxidation.
2. Increases Vitamin E requirements: High polyunsaturated fat intake, certain diseases (e.g., liver disease); Decreases: Not typically reduced, but adequate intake of other antioxidants may lower need.
3. Main function of Vitamin K: Blood clotting (aids in synthesis of clotting factors); Production in body: By gut bacteria; Excretion: Mostly in bile/feces.
4. 3 causes of Vitamin K deficiency: Poor dietary intake, gut bacterial imbalance (e.g., after antibiotics), malabsorption disorders.
5. Vitamin B complex vitamins and functions: Thiamin (energy metabolism), Riboflavin (energy production), Niacin (DNA repair/energy), Pantothenic acid (hormone synthesis), Pyridoxine (neurotransmitter production), Biotin (fat metabolism), Folate (cell division), Cobalamin (nerve function).
6. Most common loss of water-soluble vitamins in pet food: Processing (e.g., cooking, extrusion) or storage (moisture/heat).
7. Excretion of water-soluble vitamins: Primarily through urine.
8. Glycoprotein in raw egg whites binding biotin: Avidin.
9. Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, protecting cells from free radical damage.