Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues and internal organs. This complex condition causes widespread inflammation that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. SLE involves periods of active illness, known as flares, followed by periods of remission. Causes and…
An advance medical directive, also known as a living will, is a legal document that allows a competent individual to explicitly state their preferences for future medical care and life-sustaining interventions in the event they lose decision-making capacity due to terminal illness, severe trauma, or irreversible cognitive decline. Advance directives are initiated proactively by competent…
Advance directives are legally binding or non-binding instructions created by competent individuals regarding their future medical care should they lose the capacity to make healthcare decisions. The primary etiology or trigger for implementing an advance directive is the universal risk of sudden incapacitation, terminal illness, or neurodegenerative decline, such as advanced dementia or severe traumatic…
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is essential for the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Functions of Pantothenic Acid (B5): Food Sources: Deficiency Symptoms: (Rare but possible in cases of malnutrition) Toxicity & Supplementation: Since…
An antigen-antibody complex is formed when an antibody binds to an antigen. This complex plays a crucial role in the immune system by initiating immune responses. The binding of the antibody to the antigen helps to neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other immune cells. The antigen-antibody complex is also referred to as…
Vitamin P, also known as bioflavonoids or flavonoids, is a group of plant-derived compounds that are closely associated with the function of Vitamin C. Though not officially recognized as a vitamin, bioflavonoids are important for maintaining various bodily functions, especially in conjunction with Vitamin C. Functions of Bioflavonoids (Vitamin P): Sources of Bioflavonoids: Health Benefits:…
vitamin B3 Niacin, a water-soluble vitamin, which is a component of coenzymes that are important in body metabolism. Vitamin B3 is found primarily in liver and yeast, and it is easily destroyed by cooking. Deficiency of vitamin B3 causes inflammation of the skin, vagina, rectum, and mouth, as well as mental slowing. Also known as…
vitamin B5 Pantothenic acid, a water-soluble, B vitamin that is widely distributed in nature. Pantothenic acid is virtually ubiquitous. It is present in foods as diverse as poultry, soybeans, yogurt, and sweet potatoes. No naturally occurring disease due to a deficiency of vitamin B5 has been identified, due to the ease of obtaining this vitamin….
vitamin B6 Pyridoxine, a water-soluble vitamin, which is a cofactor for enzymes. Vitamin B6 is found primarily in liver and yeast, and it is easily destroyed by cooking. Deficiency of vitamin B6 leads to inflammation of the skin and mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and anemia. The daily adult requirement is 2 milligrams.
vitamin B12 Cobalamin, a water-soluble vitamin, which is an essential factor in nucleic acid synthesis. Vitamin B12 may affect vitamin C absorption. It is found primarily in liver and yeast, and it is easily destroyed by cooking. Deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to megaloblastic anemia, as can be seen in pernicious anemia. The daily adult…
vitamin C Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble vitamin that is important in the synthesis of collagen, the framework protein for tissues of the body. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes, and most vegetables. It may affect vitamin B12 absorption. Minor deficiency can cause gum bleeding, joint pain, nosebleeds, and easy bruising. Extreme…
vitamin D An oil-soluble steroid vitamin that promotes absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus and that is essential for tooth and bone growth. Under normal conditions of sunlight exposure, no dietary supplementation is necessary because sunlight promotes adequate vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Vitamin D is added to many common dairy products and…