Introduction to Nutrition 2 Flashcards
What are minerals?
Inorganic elements which have a physiological function
What are the different amounts in which minerals are required?
- trace elements - micrograms
- iron and magnesium - mg
- calcium and sodium - g
What are the 7 key minerals?
- iron
- zinc
- calcium
- magnesium
- iodine
- fluoride
- phosphate
What are the essential trace elements?
- cobalt
- copper
- chromium
- manganese
- selenium
Why are sodium and potassium of vital importance to the body?
They are the major electrolytes within cells (K+) and in extracellular fluid (Na+)
What is the recommended daily sodium intake?
What is the estimated actual sodium intake?
recommended - less than 6g daily
actual - 8.3 g for men and 6.4 g for women
What are the major sources of dietary sodium?
processed foods such as bread, cereals, processed meat and ready meals
What is the risk of a high sodium intake?
It contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease
What are the 3 main reasons why nutrient deficiencies arise?
- inadequate intake
- inadequate absorption
- excess loss/increased requirements
What factors usually cause an inadequate intake, leading to a nutritional deficiency?
- availability of food
e. g. poverty, disability affect this - food choices which are made
e. g. cost, convenience, limited range due to allergies/intolerances/veganism - problems with eating
e. g. eating disorders, sore mouth, dysphagia
what is the main reason for inadequate absorption, leading to a nutritional deficiency?
Problems with fat absorption which affects fat-soluble vitamins
e.g. cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease
What other disease can lead to inadequate absorption of an important B vitamin?
Pernicious anaemia affects B12 absorption
This is an autoimmune disease
What diseases may lead to iron-deficiency anaemia as a result of increased loss?
Persistent blood loss leads to iron deficiency anaemia
e.g. gastric ulceration, colon cancer, excessive menstrual loss
How do iron requirements vary in older women and men?
Pre-menopausal women require 60% more iron than men of the same age
This is due to the amount of blood lost through menstruation
Why should more tests be carried out after an initial diagnosis of anaemia?
The diagnosis of anaemia often leads to the diagnosis of an underlying medical condition that may cause internal bleeding
What is meant by malnutrition?
An inadequate or excess intake of protein, energy and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)
What will an excess intake lead to?
Overweight and obesity
What is meant by stunting?
When an individual never reaches their full height due to malnutrition during growth
Globally what deficiencies are the most important?
iron, vitamin A, iodine and zinc deficiencies
What happens to 500,000 children yearly as a result of a vitamin A deficiency?
They become blind
Half of these will die within a year of losing their sight
At any given time, how many people in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition?
more than 3 million
93% of cases are living in the community, 5% in care homes and 2% in hospitals
How many people in the UK over 65 are malnourished?
1 in 10 people aged over 65 and living in the community are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished
How is vitamin D formed?
vitamin D is formed in the skin in the presence of UV light
What happens in osteomalacia?
The long bones soften, leading to bowing of the long bones
What other conditions may a Vitamin D deficiency lead to an increased weakness of?
- autoimmune diseases such as MS and type 1 diabetes
- breast, colon, ovarian, rectal and prostate cancers
- muscle weakness and falls in adults over 50
What factors cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency?
It may be due to dietary reasons or malabsorption
What conditions are common in the elderly and affect vitamin B12 absorption?
- prolonged treatment with acid-blocking drugs
2. autoimmune pernicious anaemia
Which group of people tend to have dietary deficiencies of vitamin B12?
Vegans who do not use B12 supplements or fortified foods
What are the common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
numbness and tingling of the toes and fingertips
What happens if a vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated?
More serious symptoms arise
These include limb weakness, poor coordination, altered gait, incontinence and eventual death
Why is folic acid vital?
When is a deficiency likely to arise?
It is vital for DNA synthesis
The requirement for folic acid increases in pregnancy
What measures are successful in decreasing the incidence of neural tube defects?
- taking folate supplements
2. some countries include folate in their flour
When are females advised to take folate supplements?
what is the problem with this?
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
What are the current nutritional guidelines about what a healthy diet contains?
- starchy foods such as rice, bread, pasta, potatoes should be 40% of energy intake
wholegrain options should be chosen when possible
- at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables daily
- moderate amounts of protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and nuts
- moderate amounts of milk and dairy, ideally reduced fat versions
- less saturated fat (11%), salt (<6g) and sugar (<10%)
what is suggested for pregnant women according to the nutritional guidelines?
Women trying for a baby and pregnant women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily until the 12th week of pregnancy
what supplements are suggested for children under 5, according to nutritional guidelines?
supplements containing vitamins A, D and C
Who is advised to take vitamin D supplements, according to the nutritional guidelines?
all individuals >4 years, including pregnant and breastfeeding women
they are advised to take 10 micrograms/day vitamin D
