Nutrition 202 (Exam 3)

What is the general function of vitamins and minerals (as compared to macronutrients)?

Vitamins and Minerals largely help the body's processes and assist in providing energy. Macronutrients are the nutrients our body cannot make in sufficient amounts, so we mainly intake them through food.

fat soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, K. Long term energy storage in fat cells, can be toxic if kept in the body for too long.

Water soluble vitamins

B and C. Short term energy storage and are less toxic than fat soluble vitamins.

What are the functions of Vitamin A?

Retinol, Retinal, Bone growth, cell membrane stability, immune functions.

What are the differences between preformed vitamin A and provitamin A?

Performed vitamin A is ready to use, and is found in animal-based or fortified foods.

Provitamin A is converted to an active form as needed, as is found in plant-based foods.

Identify dietary sources preformed vitamin A

Fortified milk, cheese, cream, butter, eggs, liver

Identify dietary sources of provitamin A

Green leafy vegetables, Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.

Describe deficiency and toxicity symptoms associated with vitamin A.

Stored in the body for a long time because they are in the liver, symptoms can include: Liver damage and Birth defects.

What is the role of vitamin D in calcium metabolism?

It stimulates the cells of the small intestine to produce calbindin, stimulates kidneys to conserve calcium, stimulates calcium release from the bone to help maintain blood calcium levels.

What are potential reasons for increased vitamin D needs in older adults?

Not enough time outside to gain natural vitamin D from the sun, and a decreased ability to convert Vitamin D into its active form.

Identify dietary sources of vitamin D.

Cod liver oil, Sardines, salmon, shrimp, Liver

Identify non-dietary sources of vitamin D

milk or margarine, cereals, juices

What chronic condition(s) is/are associated with insufficient vitamin D levels?

Rickets - in younger people characterized by the softening and deformity of bone.

Osteomalacia - is mainly caused in adults, and is the softening of the bone caused by decalcification.

What population(s) is/are at risk of Vitamin D insufficiency?

90% of ethnic populations with dark skin, 75% of and Caucasian population within America.

What are the primary functions of Vitamin E?

Acts as an antioxidant, Enhances immune function and is required for nerve cell development.

What population is at greatest risk for Vitamin E deficiency?

Most likely to occur in: premature infants Insufficient stores, where Anemia is most prevalent.

What are the primary functions of vitamin K?

Blood clotting, where is activates proteins to make Fibrin, which forms the blood clots.

What population is at greatest risk for K deficiency

Newborns. Due to a relatively sterile GI tract at birth, with Breast milk being a poor source of vitamin K.

List the functions of vitamin C

It is an antioxidant, used for immune system health, alongside wound healing and the maintenance of blood vessel structure.

What condition is caused by Vitamin C deficiency?

Scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums, tooth loss and poor wound healing and caused by the improper formation of collagen.

What are 3 dietary sources of Vitamin C?

Orange juice, other fruits such as strawberries, sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts.

What are the primary deficiency conditions associated with thiamin(B1)?

It primarily occurs in malnourished individuals and alcoholics, who may have a condition called Beriberi. Where the heart becomes enlarged and fluid accumulates underneath the skin. Causing weakness and atrophy.

What are the primary deficiency conditions associated with niacin (B3)?

Pellagra, the four "D's" - Diarrhea, Dementia, Dermatitis and Death which occurs via an absolute lack of niacin.

What are the primary deficiency conditions associated with folate (B9)?

Macrocytic anemia, the inability to synthesize DNA during Folate deficiency. Or others through pregnancy such as Neural tube defects (Spina bifida, Anencephaly).

What are the primary deficiency conditions associated with vitamin B12?

Macrocytic anemia and if a lack of intrinsic factor - Pernicious anemia.

List the primary functions of vitamin B12 and folate

Vitamin B12 is essential in turning Folate into its active form, and are important for homocysteine metabolism. Folate is mainly used in Cell division during DNA replication, which can affect red blood cell synthesis.

Identify dietary sources of vitamin B12

(animal based products) milk, cheese, meat, poultry, seafood, ready-to-eat cereals, soy products, supplements.

Identify the dietary sources of folate

Orange juice, Green leafy vegetables, Legumes

Identify the dietary sources of folic acid

Supplements, Enriched grains

Identify the toxicity condition associated with niacin

The overconsumption of supplements or fortified foods - Niacin flush. A temporary condition seen by the redness of the face, arms and legs.

Describe the process of vitamin B12 absorption.

Firstly, B12 must be released from dietary protein before it can be absorbed, caused by Hydrochloric acid and Pepsin. Where the protein - Intrinsic Factor, prevents it from degrading until it is absorbed.

Identify individuals at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and describe why these individuals are at risk.

Aging individuals or individuals over 50 are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Due to a decrease in intrinsic factor and a decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion.

Describe the differences between macrominerals and microminerals.

Macrominerals are nutrients the body needs ample amounts of to gain energy.

Microminerals are nutrients the body produces in adequate amounts, and does not require consumption to maintain itself.

Describe the process of blood calcium regulation when blood calcium becomes low.

If blood calcium levels are low, the body releases a parathyroid hormone to increase calcium by releasing it from bones and adds more to the gut, alongside Vitamin D.

What are the functions of calcium in the body?

- Structural components of bones and teeth

- Regulates nerve transmission and muscle contraction

- Helps maintain a healthy blood pressure

- Helps maintain acid-base balance in the blood.

Identify at least 3 good dietary sources of calcium.

- Dairy

- Sardines

- Green Leafy vegetables.

List 3 modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis.

Sedentary lifestyle, Diet, Cigarette smoking

List 3 non-modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis.

Female gender, Older age (>50 yrs. of age), Small frame

What are the primary functions of magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur in the body?

Phosphorus - Is a main structural component in the body (DNA and RNA, bones and teeth)

Magnesium - Component of hydroxyapatite crystals in bone, regulates nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

Sulfur - Sulfur is also a key element in glutathione, a strong antioxidant.

Identify 3 dietary sources of magnesium.

Nuts, Whole Grains, Green Leafy Vegetables.

What minerals are involved with bone health?

Calcium, Vitamin D

What is the primary storage form of sulfur in the body?

In amino acids methionine and cysteine, Sulfur in cysteine can bond to another cysteine to form a bridge, or link.

Identify the role of iron in the body.

Assist in delivery of O2 to tissues and cells, iron found in the hemoglobin of red blood cells.

List the type of food sources (ie. animal or plant) that contain heme vs. non-heme iron.

Heme Iron - meats, fish, and poultry

Non-Heme Iron - Plan-based and enriched foods.

Describe absorption of iron in the body.

Iron absorption increases when body stores are low, with it starting duodenum to the jejunum, where it is transported into intestinal cells then released into the bloodstream.

What factors can increase and what factors decrease iron absorption?

What enhances it - Vitamin C, Presence of meat, poultry and fish in the diet. (MFP)

What decreases it - Tannins (coffee, tea) and Phytates (whole grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes)

What form of iron is most easily absorbed?

Heme iron is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron.

Identify individuals with increased iron requirements.

18 mg/day for women ages 19 to 50 yrs. Increased needs due to iron loss during menstruation

Identify the leading nutrient deficiency worldwide.

Iron. Not enough people get enough protein, causing a major iron deficiency in their body.

What are potential causes of anemia?

Inadequate iron intake, Inadequate iron absorption, Copper deficiency, Blood loss

List the blood tests used to screen for anemia. Which is the most sensitive to low iron stores?

Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Ferritin (the first to respond/ most sensitive to low iron blood stores), Transferrin saturation.

What is the condition associated with iron toxicity? What is the cause of this condition?

Hemochromatosis, which is caused by genetic disorders that body to absorb and take in excess amounts of iron, leading to iron toxicity.

What factor(s) hinder zinc absorption and what factor(s) enhance zinc absorption?

Phytates and fibers in whole grains inhibit absorption.

Animal-based proteins enhance absorption.

What are two symptoms of zinc toxicity and deficiency.

Signs of Zinc Deficiency: Dwarfism in young teens, particularly males, Poor wound healing.

Signs of Zinc Toxicity: Decrease HDL, Increase risk of infections.

Identify the primary function of copper in the body.

Frees Iron from storage for use and incorporation into hemoglobin and RBCs.

What other mineral may hinder copper absorption?

Excess zinc can interfere with copper absorption.

What is the primary role of iodine in the body?

It facilitates production of a hormone in thyroid gland, called thyroxine.

What may occur if an individual becomes iodine deficient?

Lack of iodine in diet results in thyroid gland cells enlarging in an attempt to absorb more iodine from blood.

List 2 common dietary sources of iodine.

Seafood, Iodized salt

What is the primary function of selenium in the human body?

It assists other antioxidant enzymes.

What is the primary function of fluoride in the body?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and helps keep your bones strong.

Can an individual consume too much fluoride? If so, what condition may develop?

Yes, an individual can consume too much fluoride. If too much fluoride is consumed over a large period, it can cause skeletal fluorosis, causing joint pain and weakness.

What population group may be recommended to take a chromium supplement?

Those with Type 2 Diabetes, as it can improve blood sugar control. However, there have been mixed results from studies.

Why might this population take supplemental chromium?

It will help them control their blood sugar, and allow for easier consumption of many other types of food.

List the two federal agencies involved in regulating supplements and supplement claims and labeling.

The FDA, and the FTC.

Identify populations in which dietary supplement use is most prevalent.

Women, Adults age 60 or older, Caucasians.

Describe steps involved in making an informed decision about taking dietary supplements.

Evaluate your diet, Check with your health care practitioner, Ask yourself, does it sound too good to be true?, Learn to recognize a fraudulent claim, and Be skeptical.