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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended daily intake of ascorbic acid for pregnant women?
Which of the following symptoms may be experienced by some individuals taking large amounts of ascorbic acid?
For which condition might individuals need to monitor their intake of ascorbic acid based on a physician's advice?
Ascorbic acid can induce the formation of which harmful agents in the laboratory?
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In which groups is the recommendation for ascorbic acid intake increased to 100 mg?
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Which vegetable is part of the recommended sources of ascorbic acid?
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What condition is primarily represented by elevated blood glucose levels?
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When is hypoglycemia considered significant?
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What is the primary risk associated with iron supplements in children?
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What is the normal range for blood potassium levels in mEq/L?
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What is a major sign of lactase deficiency?
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Which bacteria are commonly found in fermented dairy products and assist with digestion?
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What happens to lactase production as a person ages?
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How can lactose intolerance be diagnosed?
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What is the definition of functional foods according to the Institute of Medicine?
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What can occur from an extreme increase or decrease of potassium levels in the body?
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Which of the following dietary items should those with lactase deficiency avoid?
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What is glucosamine commonly marketed as?
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Why is glucose considered essential for cells?
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What misconception surrounds glucosamine as a treatment for arthritis?
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Which statement about gluten is accurate?
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What does glucosamine derive from?
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What is a key factor for cells to utilize glucose effectively?
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Before making drastic dietary changes, what should individuals do?
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What is the primary treatment for celiac disease?
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Which type of cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with celiac disease?
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How often is cholesterol testing recommended after the age of 20?
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What role does cholesterol play in the body?
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What is a common characteristic of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol?
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What are the two forms of chondroitin sulfate?
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What is the most accurate test for diagnosing celiac disease?
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What condition can occur due to a deficiency of Vitamin A?
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Which Vitamin is known to prevent beriberi when present in sufficient amounts?
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What is the primary deficiency issue associated with Vitamin C?
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Which Vitamin is an important factor in nucleic acid synthesis?
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Which food sources are rich in beta carotene?
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Excessive intake of which substance can lead to carotenemia?
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What condition can result from a Vitamin D deficiency?
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Which vitamin is essential for the synthesis of collagen?
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Study Notes
Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid
- It’s important for collagen synthesis
- Collagen is the framework protein for tissues of the body
- Deficiency can lead to scurvy
- Symptoms of scurvy include fragile capillaries, poor wound healing, and bone deformity in children
- Recommended daily intake for adults is 60 milligrams
- Recommended daily intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 75-90 milligrams
- Smokers should consume 100 milligrams daily
- Infants from birth to 1 year need 30 to 35 milligrams
- Babies from 1 to 3 years old need 40 milligrams
- Children 4 to 10 need 45 milligrams
- Diabetics, elderly persons, and patients suffering from stress or allergies may need up to 200 milligrams, as determined by their physician
- Large doses of ascorbic acid can cause diarrhea, nausea, skin irritation, burning upon urination, and copper depletion
- There is evidence that large doses of ascorbic acid contribute to the development of kidney stones
- Patients with iron overload or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should monitor their intake of ascorbic acid according to their physician's instructions
- In the laboratory, vitamin C can induce the formation of genotoxins
- Genotoxins can potentially contribute to the development of cancer
- Ascorbic acid can cause adverse reactions when taken with some drugs
Vitamin D
- It’s a steroid vitamin
- It promotes absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus
- Sunlight promotes adequate vitamin D synthesis in the skin
- Deficiency can lead to osteomalacia in adults and bone deformity (rickets) in children
Vitamin E
- Deficiency can lead to anemia
Vitamin A
- Also known as retinol
- Carotene compounds are responsible for light sensation in the retina of the eye
- Deficiency leads to night blindness
Beta Carotene
- It’s an antioxidant
- Protects cells against oxidation damage that can lead to cancer
- Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A as needed
- Food sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, other leafy green vegetables, cantaloupes, and apricots
- Excessive intake can temporarily yellow the skin, a condition called carotenemia, commonly seen in infants fed largely mashed carrots
Vitamin B1
- Also known as thiamine
- Acts as a coenzyme in body metabolism
- Deficiency leads to beriberi
- Beriberi is a disease of the heart and nervous system
Vitamin B2
- Also known as riboflavin
- Essential for coenzyme reactions
- Deficiency causes inflammation of the lining of the mouth and skin
Vitamin B3
- Also known as niacin
- It’s an essential part of coenzymes of body metabolism
- Deficiency causes inflammation of the skin, vagina, rectum, and mouth as well as mental slowing
Vitamin B6
- Also known as pyridoxine
- It’s a cofactor for enzymes
- Deficiency leads to inflammation of the skin and mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and anemia
Folate
- Also known as folic acid
- Important factor in nucleic acid synthesis
- Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia
Vitamin B12
- An essential factor in nucleic acid synthesis
- Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia, which can be seen in pernicious anemia
Cholesterol
- The most common type of steroid in the body
- Essential for the formation of bile acids, vitamin D, progesterone, estrogens, androgens, mineralocorticoid hormones, and glucocorticoid hormones
- Also necessary for the normal permeability and function of cell membranes
- Cholesterol is carried in the bloodstream as lipoproteins
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol because elevated LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery (heart) disease
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol because high HDL levels are associated with less coronary disease
- After the age of 20, cholesterol testing is recommended every 5 years
- A diet high in saturated fats tends to increase blood cholesterol levels while diets high in unsaturated fats tend to lower blood cholesterol levels
- Most cholesterol is made in the liver and other tissues
- The treatment of elevated cholesterol involves diet, weight loss, regular exercise, and sometimes medication
Glucosamine
- A molecule derived from the sugar glucose
- A component of structures including the blood group substances and cartilage
- Often marketed as a “cure” for arthritis, for which there is no evidence
- Hailed as a remedy for the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms
- Preliminary European studies suggest it may improve symptoms in selected patients with osteoarthritis, but definitive long-term proof is lacking
- Not evaluated for other forms of arthritis
- Marketed as a "cartilage rebuilder" but there is no evidence that glucosamine alone, or in combination with chondroitin, is of any value in rebuilding cartilage
Glucose
- The sugar that is the chief source of energy
- Considered a simple sugar
- Found in the blood, it is the main sugar that the body manufactures
- The body makes glucose from protein, fat, and carbohydrates, but mainly from carbohydrates
- Serves as the major source of energy for living cells
- Carried to each cell through the bloodstream
- Glucose is also known as dextrose
Chondroitin Sulfate
- A glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage, bone, blood vessels, and connective tissues
- There are two forms: chondroitin sulfate A and chondroitin sulfate C
- One or both types accumulate abnormally in several of the mucopolysaccharidosis disorders
- Not all items advertised as “super” foods or healing foods have been proven to promote health and some may be contraindicated for people with certain health conditions
- Always consult with a physician or professional nutritionist before making drastic changes to your diet
Functional Foods
– These are “foods that encompass potentially healthful products including any modified food or ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains.”
- They can include foods like cereals, breads, and beverages which are fortified with vitamins, herbs, or neutraceuticals
Gluten
- A protein found in wheat or related grains
- Can be found in soups, salad dressings, processed foods, and natural flavorings
Iron Poisoning
- Iron supplements meant for adults are a major cause of poisoning in children
- Keep iron supplements safely away from children
Potassium
- The symbol for potassium, the major positive ion (cation) found inside of cells
- The chemical notation for potassium is K+
- Essential for normal cell function
- An abnormal increase (hyperkalemia) or decrease (hypokalemia) can profoundly affect the nervous system and heart, and when extreme, can be fatal
- The normal blood potassium level is 3.5-5.0 milliequivalents/liter (mEq/L), or in international units, 3.5-5.0 millimoles/liter (mmol/L)
Lactase
- The enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose
Lactase Deficiency
- The lack of lactase in the small intestine
- Lactase is needed to digest lactose, a component of milk and most other dairy products
- Lactose is sometimes also used as an ingredient in other foods, so those with a lactase deficiency should check labels carefully
- Most people are born with the ability to make adequate amounts of lactase, but lactase production normally decreases with age
- There are significant differences relative to lactase production among ethnic groups
- Inadequate lactase production can cause difficulty digesting lactose-containing products, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and gas
- Diagnosis can be made by a trial of a lactose-free diet or by special testing
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Bacteria found in milk and fermented milk products, particularly yogurt with "live cultures" of L.acidophilus
- Assists with the digestive process within the intestinal tract
- Can be decimated by the use of antibiotics
- Many health professionals urge people to use probiotics to counter this unfortunate side effect of antibiotic use
Lactose Intolerance
- The inability to digest lactose
- Lactose is a sugar component of milk and most other dairy products
- Lactose intolerance is based on the lack of an enzyme in the small intestine called lactase
- Essential to digest lactose
Blood Sugar, High
- Refers to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia)
- Hyperglycemia can be found in several conditions
- It leads to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term “sweet urine”
- Diabetes mellitus means “sweet urine”
Blood Sugar, Low
- Refers to low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia)
- Only significant when it is associated with symptoms
- Causes include drugs, liver disease, surgical absence of the stomach, pre-diabetes, and rare tumors that release excess insulin
Breastfeeding
- Refers to feeding a child human breast milk
Carbohydrate Loading
- May be beneficial for athletes engaged in endurance sports that require 90 minutes or more of non-stop effort
Celiac Disease
- A disorder resulting from an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and related grains
- It causes impaired absorption and digestion of nutrients through the small intestine
- Symptoms include frequent diarrhea and weight loss
- Dermatitis herpetiformis can be associated with celiac disease
- The most accurate test for celiac disease is a biopsy of the involved small bowel
- Treatment is to avoid gluten in the diet
- Medications are used for refractory (stubborn) celiac disease
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