Vitamins – Chemical Names, Classifications, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms, and Food Sources Food and Nutrition SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8
Lesson Plan: Vitamins – Chemical Names, Classifications, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms, and Food Sources
Subject: Food and Nutrition
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 14–16 years
Topic: Vitamins
Sub-topic: Chemical Names, Classifications, Functions, Deficiency Symptoms/Diseases, and Food Sources
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the chemical names of essential vitamins.
- Classify vitamins into different categories.
- Describe the functions of each vitamin in the body.
- Recognize symptoms and diseases related to vitamin deficiencies.
- List food sources rich in each type of vitamin.
Keywords
- Vitamins
- Fat-soluble
- Water-soluble
- Deficiency
- Symptoms
- Antioxidants
- Nutrient
- Dietary sources
Set Induction
The teacher will start the lesson by asking students to share what they know about vitamins and to name some foods they believe are rich in vitamins. This activity engages students and introduces the topic.
Entry Behavior
Students have learned about macronutrients like carbohydrates and proteins, so they have some knowledge of the importance of nutrients for body health.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Chart showing various vitamins, their food sources, and deficiency symptoms
- Whiteboard and markers
- Flashcards with different vitamins and their functions
Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students are aware of the importance of a balanced diet, so this lesson will help them understand how specific vitamins contribute to health and prevent deficiencies.
Embedded Core Skills
- Analytical skills (understanding different vitamins and their roles)
- Communication skills (explaining vitamin functions)
- Critical thinking (identifying symptoms of deficiencies and relating them to vitamin intake)
Learning Materials
- Vitamin charts showing types, food sources, and deficiency symptoms
- Flashcards for vitamins and their functions
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Food and Nutrition textbooks for secondary schools
Instructional Materials
- Vitamin food charts
- Flashcards for classification of vitamins (fat-soluble and water-soluble)
- Visual aids of foods rich in vitamins
Content
- Chemical Names of Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Retinol
- Vitamin B1: Thiamine
- Vitamin B2: Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3: Niacin
- Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine
- Vitamin B9: Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12: Cobalamin
- Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid
- Vitamin D: Calciferol
- Vitamin E: Tocopherol
- Vitamin K: Phylloquinone
- Classification of Vitamins:
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: These are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver. Examples include Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Water-Soluble Vitamins: These are not stored in the body and need to be consumed regularly. Examples include Vitamins B and C.
- Functions of Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Vitamin B Complex (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12): Important for energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin C: Helps in wound healing, boosts immune function, and acts as an antioxidant.
- Vitamin D: Supports bone health by aiding calcium absorption.
- Vitamin E: Protects cells from damage and supports skin health.
- Vitamin K: Necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
- Deficiency Symptoms/Diseases:
- Vitamin A Deficiency: Night blindness, dry skin, increased infection risk.
- Vitamin B1 Deficiency: Beriberi (affects heart and nervous system).
- Vitamin B2 Deficiency: Cracked lips, sore throat, and skin disorders.
- Vitamin B3 Deficiency: Pellagra (causes diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia).
- Vitamin C Deficiency: Scurvy (causes bleeding gums and joint pain).
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults.
- Vitamin E Deficiency: Muscle weakness, vision problems.
- Vitamin K Deficiency: Excessive bleeding due to poor blood clotting.
- Food Sources of Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potatoes, liver, leafy greens.
- Vitamin B Complex: Whole grains, eggs, meat, dairy, leafy greens.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers.
- Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure, fortified milk, fish oils.
- Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils.
- Vitamin K: Leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts.
Evaluation Questions
- Vitamin A is also known as _______.
a) Thiamine
b) Retinol
c) Ascorbic acid
d) Niacin - Vitamin C is found in _______.
a) Citrus fruits
b) Meat
c) Dairy
d) Rice - _______ helps in blood clotting.
a) Vitamin D
b) Vitamin A
c) Vitamin K
d) Vitamin E - Which vitamin is known as Thiamine?
a) Vitamin B1
b) Vitamin B12
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin A - Lack of Vitamin D can cause _______ in children.
a) Beriberi
b) Scurvy
c) Rickets
d) Pellagra - The chemical name of Vitamin C is _______.
a) Tocopherol
b) Riboflavin
c) Ascorbic acid
d) Niacin - A deficiency in _______ causes night blindness.
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin B
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin K - Vitamins that dissolve in water are known as _______ vitamins.
a) Fat-soluble
b) Water-soluble
c) Essential
d) Non-essential - Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of _______.
a) Vitamin B
b) Vitamin A
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin D - Which vitamin helps protect cells from damage?
a) Vitamin D
b) Vitamin E
c) Vitamin K
d) Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of _______.
a) Bone
b) Red blood cells
c) Skin
d) Muscles - Which vitamin is obtained through sunlight exposure?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin D
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin K - The main food source of Vitamin A is _______.
a) Leafy greens
b) Meat
c) Carrots
d) Rice - Pellagra results from a deficiency of _______.
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin B3
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin C - Vitamin K is important for _______.
a) Vision
b) Blood clotting
c) Skin health
d) Immune system
Class Activity Discussion
- What is the chemical name for Vitamin C?
Ascorbic Acid - Which vitamins are fat-soluble?
Vitamins A, D, E, and K - What are the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency?
Night blindness and dry skin - Which foods are rich in Vitamin B Complex?
Whole grains, eggs, meat, and dairy - What disease is caused by a lack of Vitamin D?
Rickets in children - Why is Vitamin C important?
It boosts immunity, helps wound healing, and acts as an antioxidant. - Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
Vitamin K - How do you get Vitamin D naturally?
From sunlight exposure and fortified foods - What does Vitamin E do for the body?
Protects cells from damage - What foods are good sources of Vitamin A?
Carrots, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes - What is Vitamin B3’s chemical name?
Niacin - What is the main function of Vitamin B12?
Formation of red blood cells - What causes scurvy?
Deficiency of Vitamin C - Which vitamin is known to support vision?
Vitamin A - What is the function of Vitamin K in the body?
It helps in blood clotting.
Teacher’s Activities
- Present and explain the chemical names, classifications, and functions of vitamins.
- Use food charts to illustrate sources of various vitamins.
- Discuss deficiency symptoms and encourage questions.
- Lead class activity on identifying vitamin-rich foods.
Learners’ Activities
- Engage in discussions and take notes.
- Answer questions about vitamins and deficiency symptoms.
- Participate in the fill-in-the-blank exercise.
Evaluation Questions (10 Questions)
- What is the chemical name for Vitamin A?
- Which vitamin is important for blood clotting?
- List two foods rich in Vitamin C.
- Name one water-soluble vitamin.
- What deficiency disease is associated with Vitamin C?
- How is Vitamin D naturally obtained?
- Which vitamin deficiency causes night blindness?
- What is the function of Vitamin E?
- Name a food source of Vitamin B12.
- Which vitamin is essential for bone health?
Conclusion
The teacher will summarize the lesson by emphasizing the importance of vitamins and their impact on overall health, encouraging students to eat a balanced diet that includes various vitamin sources.