Introduction to Nutrition 2

Question 1

What are minerals?

Answer 1

Inorganic elements which have a physiological function

Question 2

What are the different amounts in which minerals are required?

Answer 2

1. trace elements - micrograms
2. iron and magnesium - mg
3. calcium and sodium - g

Question 3

What are the 7 key minerals?

Answer 3

1. iron
2. zinc
3. calcium
4. magnesium
5. iodine
6. fluoride
7. phosphate

Question 4

What are the essential trace elements?

Answer 4

1. cobalt
2. copper
3. chromium
4. manganese
5. selenium

Question 5

Why are sodium and potassium of vital importance to the body?

Answer 5

They are the major electrolytes within cells (K+) and in extracellular fluid (Na+)

Question 6

What is the recommended daily sodium intake?

What is the estimated actual sodium intake?

Answer 6

recommended - less than 6g daily

actual - 8.3 g for men and 6.4 g for women

Question 7

What are the major sources of dietary sodium?

Answer 7

processed foods such as bread, cereals, processed meat and ready meals

Question 8

What is the risk of a high sodium intake?

Answer 8

It contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease

Question 9

What are the 3 main reasons why nutrient deficiencies arise?

Answer 9

1. inadequate intake
2. inadequate absorption
3. excess loss/increased requirements

Question 10

What factors usually cause an inadequate intake, leading to a nutritional deficiency?

Answer 10

1. availability of food
   e. g. poverty, disability affect this
2. food choices which are made
   e. g. cost, convenience, limited range due to allergies/intolerances/veganism
3. problems with eating
   e. g. eating disorders, sore mouth, dysphagia

Question 11

what is the main reason for inadequate absorption, leading to a nutritional deficiency?

Answer 11

Problems with fat absorption which affects fat-soluble vitamins

e.g. cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease

Question 12

What other disease can lead to inadequate absorption of an important B vitamin?

Answer 12

Pernicious anaemia affects B12 absorption

This is an autoimmune disease

Question 13

What diseases may lead to iron-deficiency anaemia as a result of increased loss?

Answer 13

Persistent blood loss leads to iron deficiency anaemia

e.g. gastric ulceration, colon cancer, excessive menstrual loss

Question 14

How do iron requirements vary in older women and men?

Answer 14

Pre-menopausal women require 60% more iron than men of the same age

This is due to the amount of blood lost through menstruation

Question 15

Why should more tests be carried out after an initial diagnosis of anaemia?

Answer 15

The diagnosis of anaemia often leads to the diagnosis of an underlying medical condition that may cause internal bleeding

Question 16

What is meant by malnutrition?

Answer 16

An inadequate or excess intake of protein, energy and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)

Question 17

What will an excess intake lead to?

Answer 17

Overweight and obesity

Question 18

What is meant by stunting?

Answer 18

When an individual never reaches their full height due to malnutrition during growth

Question 19

Globally what deficiencies are the most important?

Answer 19

iron, vitamin A, iodine and zinc deficiencies

Question 20

What happens to 500,000 children yearly as a result of a vitamin A deficiency?

Answer 20

They become blind

Half of these will die within a year of losing their sight

Question 21

At any given time, how many people in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition?

Answer 21

more than 3 million

93% of cases are living in the community, 5% in care homes and 2% in hospitals

Question 22

How many people in the UK over 65 are malnourished?

Answer 22

1 in 10 people aged over 65 and living in the community are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished

Question 23

How is vitamin D formed?

Answer 23

vitamin D is formed in the skin in the presence of UV light

Question 24

What happens in osteomalacia?

Answer 24

The long bones soften, leading to bowing of the long bones

Question 25

What other conditions may a Vitamin D deficiency lead to an increased weakness of?

Answer 25

1. autoimmune diseases such as MS and type 1 diabetes
2. breast, colon, ovarian, rectal and prostate cancers
3. muscle weakness and falls in adults over 50

Question 26

What factors cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 26

It may be due to dietary reasons or malabsorption

Question 27

What conditions are common in the elderly and affect vitamin B12 absorption?

Answer 27

1. prolonged treatment with acid-blocking drugs

2. autoimmune pernicious anaemia

Question 28

Which group of people tend to have dietary deficiencies of vitamin B12?

Answer 28

Vegans who do not use B12 supplements or fortified foods

Question 29

What are the common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 29

numbness and tingling of the toes and fingertips

Question 30

What happens if a vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated?

Answer 30

More serious symptoms arise

These include limb weakness, poor coordination, altered gait, incontinence and eventual death

Question 31

Why is folic acid vital?

When is a deficiency likely to arise?

Answer 31

It is vital for DNA synthesis

The requirement for folic acid increases in pregnancy

Question 32

What measures are successful in decreasing the incidence of neural tube defects?

Answer 32

1. taking folate supplements

2. some countries include folate in their flour

Question 33

When are females advised to take folate supplements?

what is the problem with this?

Answer 33

Females who become pregnant or are in their first three months of pregnancy

Only 55% of pregnancies are planned, so a lot of women will not present to the GP immediately as they think they are pregnant

This means they do not gain access to supplements

Question 34

What are the current nutritional guidelines about what a healthy diet contains?

Answer 34

1. starchy foods such as rice, bread, pasta, potatoes should be 40% of energy intake

wholegrain options should be chosen when possible

2. at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables daily
3. moderate amounts of protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and nuts
4. moderate amounts of milk and dairy, ideally reduced fat versions
5. less saturated fat (11%), salt (<6g) and sugar (<10%)

Question 35

what is suggested for pregnant women according to the nutritional guidelines?

Answer 35

Women trying for a baby and pregnant women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily until the 12th week of pregnancy

Question 36

what supplements are suggested for children under 5, according to nutritional guidelines?

Answer 36

supplements containing vitamins A, D and C

Question 37

Who is advised to take vitamin D supplements, according to the nutritional guidelines?

Answer 37

all individuals >4 years, including pregnant and breastfeeding women

they are advised to take 10 micrograms/day vitamin D