Consequences of Malnutrition Flashcards
In which type of vitamin is overdose more likely: lipid-soluble, or water-soluble?
Lipid-soluble
Which type of vitamin needs to be replenished constantly: lipid-soluble, or water-soluble?
Water-soluble
Are vitamin and mineral deficiencies a big problem in Australia?
Low level problem but could be contributing to chronic disease
Why do vitamin and mineral deficiencies occur?
Modern Western diet can be poorly balanced/not variable enough
Individual diet may miss specific sources
Crops can lack nutrients because of availability in soil
Other disorders/lifestyles can interfere with absorption
In whom are vitamin and mineral deficiencies of concern?
Pregnant women
Young children
Elderly people
What does production of vitamin D need?
Exposure of skin to UV or dietary intake
In what foods is vitamin D found?
Fatty fish
Oysters
Eggs
Fortified margarine
Where does vitamin D act as a hormone?
Intestines
Kidneys
Bones
What are the roles of vitamin D?
Bone-making and maintenance by maintaining blood concentrations of Ca and P
- Enhances absorption from GIT
- Enhances re-absorption from kidneys
- Mobilises from bone into blood
How is vitamin D produced?
7-dehydrocholesterol > 2 steps in skin (using UV) > cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) > 1 step in liver/kidney > calcitriol
Is vitamin D3 active?
No
Is calcitriol active?
Yes
What happens in severe vitamin D deficiency in children?
Rickets
- Failure of normal calcification of bones
- Growth retardation
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Bent long bones of leg
Who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Dark skinned people living very north/south
Fair skinned people who avoid sun exposure
Night shift workers, office workers, taxi drivers
Older people - skin, liver, and kidneys lose capacity to activate vitamin D
Older/disabled people who’re housebound/in care
People covered for religious reasons
Wat happens in vitamin D deficiency in adults?
Loss of Ca from bones > fractures
What is the role of calcium in the bones?
99% of body’s Ca in bones and teeth
Essential component of bone structure for rigid frame
Ca bank for blood levels Ca
What is the role of calcium in the blood?
1% in blood and cells Part of many enzymes Mediates hormonal responses Essential for blood coagulation Used in muscle contraction Needed for neuromuscular function
Who are at risk of rising blood calcium?
Breastfeeding babies whose intake of milk high
How are falling blood calcium levels elevated?
- Parathyroid hormone stimulates activation of vitamin D
- Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone stimulate Ca reabsorption in kidneys
- Vitamin D enhances Ca absorption in intestines
- Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone stimulate osteoclasts > break down bone > release Ca into blood
What do blood levels of calcium indicate?
Nothing - they’re always stable
How do you measure levels of calcium in bone?
No measures
Can measure bone mass and density
What foods in Australia are fortified?
Thiamine in bread
Folate and iodine in flour
Breakfast cereals voluntarily commonly fortified
What proportion of Australian women over 19 don’t have an adequate intake of folate?
9%
Who are recommended to take extra folate?
All women of childbearing age