Exam #1: Nutritional Supplements Flashcards
What is the definition of a nutritional supplement?
- Something need to complete a whole
- Make up for deficiency
What are the four categories of supplements?
- Vitamin
- Amino acid
- Mineral
- Herb or botanical
Are supplements regulated?
NO
*****No evidence/ efficacy required, no evidence of safety required, no label claim, no mechanism for rapid FDA intervention.
What things do you need to check in regards to supplements?
1) USP
2) Artificial colors
3) Allergy causing ingredients and fillers
4) Form
Why do doctors recommend supplements?
- Inflammation
- Oxidative stress
- Loss of organ reserve
- Hypomethylation
- Dysglycemia
- Meds that interfere with nutrient absorption
What vitamin do PPIs inhibit the absorption of?
B12
Should multivitamins be prescribed?
No
How many pills need to be taken to actually get the intended effect of a multi-vitamin?
8 pills
What are the major sources of K+?
Potatoes
Bananas
Oranges
Why do we need to increase K+ intake?
- Decrease the Na+:K+ ratio
- Compensate for a high Na+ diet
What is a major consequence of a low K+ diet?
HTN
What are the symptoms of mg deficiency?
Constipation Restless leg syndrome Muscle cramps HTN Headaches Insomnia
What form of Mg++ is the best supplement? Why?
Magnesium Acid Complexes (citrate and malitate) b/c best absorption
What form of Mg supplement is most commonly sold?
Magnesium oxide
*****Note that less than 10% is absorbed, but it is most commonly sold
What is the relationship between Mg++ and Ca++?
Mg++ deficiency allows too much Ca++ into cells, NOT bones
*****Want 1:1 ratio or 2:1 ratio of Ca++ to Mg++
What patients should you consider Selenium supplementation in?
- Microcytic anemia
- Iron deficiency
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypothyroid
- East of Mississippi w/out seafood
- Raw food/ vegan diet
What is a good way to supplement Se?
Brazil nuts
What are the important functions of zinc?
1) Immunity
2) SOD
3) Testosterone and estrogen production
4) Ca++ absorption
What can chromium supplementation be useful for?
Improving blood sugar in DM patients
What form or iron is best absorbed from iron supplements?
Ferrous iron
In hypothyroid, what is a good source of iodine?
Iodized salt
What is a major function of molybdenum?
Sulfur breakdown for those with Sulfur Metabolism Impairment
What are the major symptoms of Sulfur Metabolism Impairment?
Fatigue
“Brain fog”
What is the purpose of micellization?
Making the nutrient water soluble to increase absorption
What is the purpose of liposomalization?
Allows nutrients pass through the digestive system undiminished
What is the difference between Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2?
K1= blood clotting
K2= gut health
Aside from PPI use, what is another major source of B12 deficiency?
Anesthesia, especially in the elderly; causes confusion
What is the relationship between probiotics and abx resistance?
Abx and probiotic use (4 hours apart) reduces antibiotic resistance
What is the function of CoQ10?
Provides cells with ATP - can be heart healthy
What can berberine be useful for?
Stabilization of blood sugar
What supplement can be helpful for sleep?
Melatonin
