Vitamins and Minerals Part 1 - 3rd Grade

Vitamins and Minerals Part 1

• Topic: Vitamins and minerals, specifically focusing on Vitamin A and Vitamin D deficiencies.
• Grade Level: Third Grade
• Module: Nutrition, Water & Electrolytes Imbalance Module (NT)
• Speaker: Ola Hussein Jasim
• Date: 30-9-2024
• Learning Objectives:
  • Define hidden hunger.
  • Identify signs and symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency.
  • Outline methods for preventing and controlling Vitamin A deficiency.
  • Identify causes of Vitamin D deficiency.
  • Outline methods for preventing and controlling Vitamin D deficiency.

Hidden Hunger

• Definition: Hidden hunger describes vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Impacts on health may not be immediately obvious.
• Associated Conditions: Micronutrient malnutrition can lead to metabolic disorders, reduced immune, endocrine, and cognitive function, delayed or inadequate physical development, and possibly be an underlying cause of chronic diseases.
• WHO's Role: The term "hidden hunger" was coined by the WHO in 1986. It pertains to issues related to deficiencies in three essential micronutrients: iron, vitamin A, iodine, and vitamin D.

Vitamin A

• Forms: Vitamin A exists in two forms:

  • Retinoids (pre-formed): Found in animal products like eggs, fatty fish, dairy, and organ meats (e.g., liver). High retinol content is found in fish liver oil. These are readily absorbed by the body.
  • Carotenoids (pro-vitamin A): Found in plant-based foods like carrots, mangoes, apricots, and leafy greens. The body converts these into vitamin A, but the efficiency of absorption varies with the food source and the accompanying meal.

• Functions:

  • Essential for vision, particularly crucial for adapting to dark environments.
  • Maintains integrity and function of glandular and epithelial tissues (e.g., intestinal, respiratory, urinary tracts, skin, eyes).
  • Required for growth (skeletal) and reproduction.
  • Retinol and retinoic acid function like steroid hormones.
  • Supporting a proper immune system.
  • Carotenoids work as antioxidants and can potentially lower cancer risk.

• Deficiency (VAD):

  • Definition: WHO defines Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) as a tissue concentration of vitamin A that can lead to adverse health consequences, even when no clinical symptoms of xerophthalmia are apparent.
  • Epidemiology: VAD is a significant public health problem. Globally, approximately 250 million preschool children are vitamin A deficient. About 250,000-500,000 children lose their sight due to VAD annually, with half dying within 12 months.
  • Ocular Signs/Symptoms: Ocular symptoms (xerophthalmia) are common and lead to preventable blindness. These can include night blindness, conjunctival xerosis (dry conjunctiva), bitot spots (whitish/foamy spots on the conjunctiva), and corneal xerosis/keratomalacia (dry/softening of cornea).
  • Other Signs/Symptoms: Follicular hyperkeratosis, loss of appetite and weight loss, increased risk of anemia, and fatigue can also be associated with Vitamin A deficiency.

• Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs): Specific amounts vary based on the individual's age and gender and the nutritional status of the individual.

Vitamin D

• Forms: Vitamin D exists in two forms, primarily D2 and D3. The natural form in animals and humans is vitamin D3, produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight, which converts a precursor to a usable form. Vitamin D2 is a plant-based source, with lower efficiency.

• Sources:

  • Synthesis: Primarily from sunlight exposure (UVB radiation). There is minimal dietary sources of Vitamin D3. These include fatty fish, cod liver oil, and foods fortified with vitamin D (e.g., milk, cereals)

• Functions:

  • Supports bone health by enabling calcium absorption.
  • Promotes muscle health.
  • Impacts the immune system.
  • Aids cell growth.
  • Reduces inflammation, and supports cardiovascular health.

• Deficiency:

  • Risk Factors: Lack of sunlight exposure, air pollution, latitude (northern latitudes lack sufficient sunlight in winter), dark skin (melanin can block UV light), use of sunscreens, certain medical conditions, certain medications
  • Symptoms: In children, severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets (bowed bones, muscle weakness, bone pain, deformities), and in adults, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and increased risk of osteoporosis and osteomalacia may arise.

• Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs): The recommended daily amounts of Vitamin D vary with age group.

• Prevention and Control (Vitamins A and D):

  • Short-term: Large doses of vitamins administered in a national supplementation program.
  • Medium-term: Fortifying foods like butter and milk.
  • Long-term: Improving dietary habits to have a richer intake of vitamin A and D.
  • Infectious disease control: Prevention or early treatment of conditions that decrease vitamin absorption.

This quiz explores the essential vitamins and minerals, focusing on Vitamin A and D deficiencies specifically for third-grade students. Learn about hidden hunger, its health impacts, and the methods to prevent and control deficiencies. Test your knowledge on the signs, symptoms, and associated conditions of micronutrient malnutrition.