29 - Nutrition & Disease Flashcards
1
Q
Essential nutrients that cannot be synthesised in the body
A
- Water
- Amino Acids
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium)
- Trace elements (iron, copper, zinc)
- Vitamins (fat and water soluble)
2
Q
Why is nutrition important
A
- Cardiovascular function
- Muscle strength
- Respiratory ventilation
- Protection from infection
- Wound healing
3
Q
What does understanding nutrition enable us to do
A
- Optimise nutrition status and immunity
- Prevent specific nutrient deficiencies
- Prevent loss of weight in chronic illnesses and elderly
- Maximise effectiveness of medical treatments
- Reduce inflammation
- Minimise health care costs
4
Q
Iodine
A
- Dietary trace mineral
- Required for synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) which regulate vital body functions
5
Q
Iodine deficiency
A
- Most common cause of preventable brain damage and intellectual disability
- Important in pregnancy for foetal development (short stature, bony deformity)
- Chronic deficiency –> goitre
6
Q
Two forms of vitamin D
A
- Ergocalciferol (vit D2) from plants and diet
- Cholecalciferol (vit D3) formed in skin by action of UV light
7
Q
Populations at risk of vitamin D deficiency
A
- Ethnic groups (dark skinned or veiled)
- Elderly
- disabled
- Obese
8
Q
Vitamin D
A
Important role in autocrine & paracrine function, and bone and muscle health
9
Q
Disease correlations with vitamin D deficiency
A
- Osteoporosis
- Rickets
- Osteomalacia
10
Q
Vitamin A
A
- Growth and development
- Maintenance of immune system
- Good vision
- Cod, carrots, breast milk
11
Q
Vitamin A deficiency
A
- Inadequate dietary intake exacerbated by high rates of infections causing diarrhoea
- Low plasma retinol concentration
- Causes premature death, Increased susceptibility to infection and blindness in children
12
Q
Folate
A
- Water-soluble B vitamin
- Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin used in fortification
13
Q
Folate deficiency
A
- Important in pregnancy as linked with neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida)
- Folic acid supplementation may enhance cell proliferation for neural closure
