Nutrition Therapy and Pharmacology

A set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to nutrition therapy and pharmacology, targeting drug mechanisms and nutrient-drug interactions.

Pharmacology

The study of drugs, their properties, and their effects.

Pharmacotherapy

The use of drugs for the treatment of disease and health maintenance.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Drug–Nutrient Interactions

Interactions that occur when drugs affect nutrient ingestion, absorption, metabolism, or excretion.

Biotransformation

The metabolic process by which drugs are transformed into active or inactive metabolites.

Chelation

The binding of a nutrient or food component with a drug, making the drug unabsorbable.

Polypharmacy

The concurrent use of multiple medications, increasing the risk of drug–nutrient interactions.

Inducer

A substance that stimulates the synthesis of an enzyme, potentially decreasing drug effect.

Inhibitor

A substance that competes for a receptor site, potentially increasing drug effect.

Nutritional assessment

An evaluation process that focuses on factors affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion.

Routes of administration

Various methods for delivering drugs, including oral, sublingual, parenteral, and topical.

Nutrition therapy role in Pharmacotherapy

Nutrition therapy is vital for maximizing drug effectiveness and minimizing side effects.

Factors affecting drug absorption

Solubility, ionization, excipients, pH, and surface area.

Older adults and pharmacotherapy

Older adults are at higher risk for drug–nutrient interactions due to polypharmacy and physiological changes.

Excretion of drugs

Drugs are primarily removed from the body through urine or bile.

Nutrition therapy interventions

Modifications in diet or medication to reduce risks associated with drug–nutrient interactions.

What are common mechanisms for drug action?

Common mechanisms for drug action include:

1. Receptor binding - Drugs bind to specific receptors in the body to initiate or inhibit biological processes.
2. Enzyme inhibition - Drugs can inhibit enzyme activity, blocking biochemical reactions that contribute to disease.
3. Transporter modulation - Drugs can affect the transport of ions or molecules across cell membranes, altering cellular function.
4. Alteration of gene expression - Some drugs influence gene expression, leading to changes in protein production and cellular behavior.
5. Cell signaling pathways - Drugs can activate or block specific signaling pathways, affecting cellular responses.

How do drugs affect nutrient ingestion?

Drugs can alter the appetite or taste perception, either increasing or decreasing nutrient ingestion. For example, certain medications may cause nausea or changes in taste that discourage eating.

What is the impact of drugs on nutrient absorption?

Some drugs can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract by altering gut motility, affecting intestinal permeability, or binding to nutrients and preventing their absorption.

How do drugs influence nutrient metabolism?

Drugs can affect the metabolism of nutrients by influencing enzymatic activity. For example, some medications may enhance or inhibit the enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, or proteins.

What role do drugs play in nutrient excretion?

Certain drugs can influence the excretion of nutrients by altering renal function, affecting how nutrients are filtered, reabsorbed, or secreted in the kidneys.

What factors should be assessed regarding medication effects on nutrition?

Practitioners should evaluate:

1. Medical history - Review past medical conditions and treatments that may affect nutrient needs.
2. Current medications - Analyze all medications, including over-the-counter, for interactions with nutrients.
3. Dietary habits - Assess patients' dietary intake, preferences, and restrictions to identify deficiencies or imbalances.
4. Nutritional status - Perform anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests to evaluate the patient's nutritional health.
5. Gastrointestinal function - Examine any issues like motility disorders that could impact nutrient absorption.
6. Psychosocial factors - Consider psychological or social factors that may affect eating behaviors and nutrition.
7. Lab results - Evaluate laboratory findings that provide insights into nutrient levels and metabolic function.

Why is nutrition assessment important in evaluating patients at risk for drug-nutrient interactions?

Nutrition assessment helps identify patients who may be at risk for drug-nutrient interactions by evaluating dietary intake, nutritional status, and any underlying conditions that could affect nutrient absorption, metabolism, and excretion.

What specific indicators should practitioners look for in a nutrition assessment?

Practitioners should look for indicators such as:

1. Weight changes - Significant weight loss or gain can signal nutritional deficiencies.
2. Laboratory values - Abnormal nutrient levels in blood tests may indicate interactions with medications.
3. Dietary recall - Understanding recent food intake provides insight into potential nutrient deficiencies.
4. Symptoms - Signs such as nausea, fatigue, or changes in appetite may suggest drug-nutrient interactions.

How can drug-nutrient interactions impact patient health?

Drug-nutrient interactions can lead to reduced efficacy of medications, increased risk of adverse effects, altered nutrient status, and can complicate the management of chronic diseases.

What role does patient education play in preventing drug-nutrient interactions?

Patient education is crucial for raising awareness about potential drug-nutrient interactions, guiding appropriate dietary choices, and ensuring adherence to both medications and nutrition recommendations.