The Vocabulary of Toxicity and Deficiency of Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water, and excess intake is generally excreted. Fortification of foods in the United States has reduced the incidence of deficiencies for many of these vitamins, but inadequate intake is still possible. Toxicity is less likely since these vitamins are not stored in the body, but excessive intake can still cause undesirable symptoms in some cases.

Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right.

a. vitamin B6
b. vitamin B12
c. niacin
d. folate
e. thiamin
f. vitamin C
g. pantothenic acid

1. --------------------------: A deficiency of this vitamin causes beriberi, which is characterized by weakness, swelling, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
2. ------------------------------------ : A severe deficiency of this vitamin causes the disease pellagra.
3.------------------------------ : A deficiency of this vitamin is very rare, but those with inadequate intakes can experience numbness, muscle cramps, and difficulty walking.
4. ----------------------: A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to sore tongue, skin inflammation, depression, confusion, or anemia.
5. -------------------------------: Neural tube defects, like spina bifata, can occur if this nutrient is not consumed in adequate amounts during pregnancy.
6. ------------------- : Those who follow a vegan diet without supplementation are at increased risk of deficiency for this vitamin.
7. --------------------------- : Scurvy symptoms, caused by a deficiency of this nutrient, include rough skin rash and wounds that will not heal.