Nutrition Flashcards
Vitamin A Function
Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Night blindness, increased susceptibility to infections, and skin issues.
Vitamin D Function
Crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and increased risk of fractures.
Vitamin C Function
Important for collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection, and immune function.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Function
Energy Metabolism
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency
Leads to beriberi: Loss of appetite, weakness, pain in the limbs, shortness of breath and swollen feet or legs.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Function
Energy production and DNA repair
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Deficiency
Causes pellagra. Symptoms include dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea. This is because niacin deficiency is most noticeable in body parts with high rates of cell turnover, such as your skin or gastrointestinal tract. Dermatitis related to pellagra usually causes a rash on the face, lips, feet, or hands.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Function
Red blood cell formation and neurological function
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency
Results in megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues. Megalobastic anemia is a form of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells and a decrease in the number of those cells.
Iron Function
Essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
Iron Deficiency
Anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Iodine Function
Crucial for thyroid hormone production.
Iodine Deficiency
Goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental delays in children.
Calcium Function
Vital for bone health and muscle function.
Calcium Deficiency
Osteoporosis, muscle spasms, and increased fracture risk.
Zinc Function
Important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
Zinc Deficiency
Growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function.
Amino Acid Function
Essential for protein synthesis, enzyme function, and neurotransmitter production.
Amino Acid Deficiency
Muscular atrophy, weakened immune response, and cognitive issues.
Digestive Acids and Enzymes Function
Essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Digestive Acids and Enzymes Deficiency
Poor digestion, malabsorption, and malnutrition.
Fibre Function
Important for digestive health and regular bowel movements.
Fibre Deficiency
Constipation, hemorrhoids, and increased risk of colon cancer.
Iron Deficiency Pathophysiology
Reduced hemoglobin synthesis due to insufficient iron.
Iron Deficiency Clinical Presentation
Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath.
Iron Deficiency Management
Iron supplements, dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods.
Vitamin D Deficiency Pathophysiology
Impaired calcium absorption due to lack of vitamin D.
Vitamin D Deficiency Clinical Presentation
Bone pain, muscle weakness, increased risk of fractures.
Vitamin D Deficiency Management
Vitamin D supplements, increased sunlight exposure, dietary sources like fortified foods.
Iodine Deficiency Pathophysiology
Impaired thyroid hormone production due to lack of iodine.
Iodine Deficiency Clinical Presentation
: Goiter, developmental delays in children.
Iodine Deficiency Management
Iodine supplements, iodized salt.
Calcium Deficiency Pathophysiology
Impaired bone mineralization due to insufficient calcium.
Calcium Deficiency Clinical Presentation
Osteoporosis, fractures.
Calcium Deficiency
Management
Calcium supplements, dietary sources like dairy products, leafy greens.
Dietary sources of Iron
Red meat, beans, fortified cereals.
Dietary sources of Iodine
Iodized salt, seafood.
Dietary sources of Calcium
Dairy products, leafy green vegetables.
Dietary Sources of FIbre
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
Role of diet and dietary supplements in management of diabetes
Focus on low glycemic index foods, balanced meals with controlled carbohydrate intake.
Role of diet and dietary supplements in management of heart disease
Diets low in saturated fats and high in omega-3 fatty acids from fish.
Role of diet and dietary supplements in management of obesity
High-calorie, low-nutrient diets contribute to weight gain. Emphasis on balanced, nutrient-rich foods for weight management.
Dietary changes for weight management
Balanced Diet:
Emphasis on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Reducing intake of processed foods and sugars.
Lifestyle changes for weight management
Regular physical activity, mindful eating, and behavioral changes to support long-term weight management.
Mediterranean Diet
Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil.
Moderate intake of fish and poultry, low intake of red meat and sweets.
Benefits: Reduces risk of heart disease, improves metabolic health, and may reduce the risk of depression.
DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Low in salt, red meat, and added sugars.
Benefits: Effective for lowering blood pressure, improves heart health.
Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet
Focuses on reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fats.
Benefits: May improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss.
Flexitarian Diet
Emphasizes plant-based foods while allowing moderate amounts of meat and animal products.
Benefits: Supports a balanced intake of nutrients and is easier to maintain long-term.
Meal Replacement Shakes
Used for weight management, particularly in cases of obesity.
Examples: Optifast and OptiSlim.
Benefits: Can lead to rapid weight loss, but requires lifestyle and behavioral changes to maintain weight loss.
Potential Risks of Dietary Supplements
Overuse of supplements can lead to toxicity (e.g., hypervitaminosis).
Interaction with medications, such as blood thinners and certain herbal supplements.
Guidelines for Dietary Supplements
Use supplements as directed by healthcare providers.
Focus on obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet whenever possible.
