Module 7 Flashcards
Define RDA, EAR, AI, UL
RDA: recommended daily dietary allowance to meet the need of 98% of healthy individuals
EAR: estimated average requirement to meet 50% of the population’s needs
AI: Adequate intake (used when there is no RDA)
UL: tolerable upper intake level unlikely to cause harm to most individuals

What is the role of vitamins and minerals
They play a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including metabolism, immune function, bone health, fluid balance, and energy production. Without adequate intake the body cannot maintain optimal health
What vitamins and minerals facilitate energy production?
- B-vitamins convert macros into energy
- magnesium is involved in ATP production
What vitamins and minerals support muscle contraction and relaxation?
- calcium, magnesium and potassium
What vitamins and minerals are involved in building structures like bone cartilage and muscle?
- vitamin C and collagen
- Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium
What vitamins are minerals protect cells from damage?
- vitamin C acts as an antioxidant
- zinc protects against oxidative stress
What vitamins and minerals are involved in red blood cell function
- folate (b vitamin) [production of red blood cells]
- Iron [ red blood cell function]
What vitamins and minerals are involved in immune support?
- vitamin C and D
- zinc, iron and selenium [production of immune cells]
What vitamins and minerals are important for skin health?
- vitamin A, C, E [protects against oxidative damage]
- zinc [supports skin cell division and repair]
What vitamins and minerals are important for gene expression and DNA synthesis?
- folate and B12 [essential for DNA synthesis]
- Zinc [DNA synthesis]
What can nutrient deficiency come from?
- restrictive or repetitive eating
- vegetarian or vegan‘s
- Low quality food
- Pregnancy
- Irritable bowel disease and gastrointestinal surgery or removal
What symptoms show signs of deficiency or toxicity?
- fatigue or weakness
- frequent Illness or infections
- Hair loss or skin changes
- digestive issues or cognitive changes
What tools can be used to complete a clinical picture?
- blood or urine analysis - Provides direct nutrition levels
- epidemiological data - Identifies populations at risk through surveys (NHANES, CCHS)
- dietary tools - Food diaries, 24 hour recall, FFQ. Only issue is that it relies on honest input
- Nutrigenomics - emerging resource (MTHFR mutations)
Give a summary of vitamin A
Vitamin a is a fat soluble antioxidant that limits damage done by free radicals and is important for vision, teeth, bones and skin
What is vitamin A’s bio chemical status marker?
Vitamin A’s chemical status marker is plasma retinol. It is reflective of vitamin a status only when liver stores are severely depleted or when in excess
What are the types of vitamin a
- Preformed vitamin a [retinol]
- Retinol is the active form of vitamin A that the body can use directly for functions like vision, and function, and cell growth. It is found in animal-based foods.
- Provitamin A [carotenoids]
- there are two types of carotenoids, beta-carotene is the most abundant and primary precursor to vitamin A. Alpha-carotene and lutein are less efficient.
- found in colourful fruits and veggies
- there are two types of carotenoids, beta-carotene is the most abundant and primary precursor to vitamin A. Alpha-carotene and lutein are less efficient.
What is the RDA for each vitamin?
Calcium
- RDA = 1000mg
Vitamin A
- Men RDA = 900mcg
- Women RDA = 700mcg
Vitamin B12
- RDA = 2.5 mcg
Vitamin C
- Men RDA = 90mg
- Women RDA = 75mg
- UL = 2000mg
Why is vitamin C intake at really high doses counterintuitive?
Because bioavailability decreases at higher doses above 500 mg. The body absorbs 70 to 90% of vitamin C from food sources so it’s best to meet needs through food.
What kind of people might need higher vitamin C RDA
- smokers - require 35mg more due to oxidative stress.
- Pregnant/lactating women - need 85mg and 120mg. Bioavailability decreases at higher doses above 500mg.
What foods are high in vitamin A
Liver, fish, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin seeds
What are the symptoms of deficiency and toxicity in vitamin A
Deficiency
- Xeropthalmia or dry eyes, Increased infection risk, poor night vision, stunted growth and development
Toxicity
- Preformed vitamin a is stored in the body and it’s toxic when consumed in large doses. It can lead to dry skin, crocs at the corner of the mouth, gingivitis, muscle and joint pain, depression, and fatigue
- does not occur with food sources but does with vitamin A supplementation