This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Who may need a nutrient supplement and why? List examples of valid reasons for taking ... (Read 40 times)

dakota nelson

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 604
Who may need a nutrient supplement and why? List examples of valid reasons for taking supplements.

Question 2

An adult who eats an adequate, balanced diet is diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency. How might this deficiency have developed, and how will it likely be treated?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

heyhey123

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 353
Answer to Question 1

By far, most people can meet their nutrient needs from their diet alone. However, there are people who may need supplements. For them, nutrient supplements can prevent or reverse illnesses. People at risk of nutrient deficiencies who cannot meet their needs with diet alone should take a supplement. Some examples are:
 Women who are capable of becoming pregnant (supplemental or enrichment sources of folic acid are recommended to reduce risk of neural tube defects in infants).
 Pregnant or lactating women (they may need iron and folate).
 Newborns (they are routinely given a vitamin K dose).
 People who undergo weight-loss surgery (this creates nutrient malabsorption).
 Those who are lactose intolerant (they need calcium to forestall osteoporosis).
 Habitual dieters (they may eat insufficient food).
 Elderly people often benefit from some of the vitamins and minerals in a balanced supplement (they may choose poor diets, have trouble chewing, or absorb or metabolize nutrients less efficiently).
 People living with HIV or other wasting illnesses (they lose nutrients faster than foods can supply them).
 Those addicted to drugs or alcohol (they absorb fewer and excrete more nutrients; nutrients cannot undo damage from drugs or alcohol).
 Those recovering from surgery, burns, injury, or illness (they need extra nutrients to help regenerate tissues).
 Strict vegetarians (vegans may need vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and zinc).
 People taking medications that interfere with the body's use of nutrients.

Answer to Question 2

Vitamin B12 deficiency most often reflects poor absorption due to (1) too little stomach acid to liberate vitamin B12 from food or (2) a lack of intrinsic factor (IF), a compound made by the stomach and needed for B12 absorption. There are a few reasons for B12 deficiency that are not associated with inadequate dietary intake. With age, many people lose their ability to produce enough stomach acid and intrinsic factor to allow efficient absorption of vitamin B12 . Additionally, intestinal diseases, surgeries, or stomach infection with an ulcer-causing bacterium can also impair B12 absorption. Taking a common diabetes drug can also make vitamin B12 deficiency likely. In cases of B12 malabsorption, the vitamin must be supplied by injection or via nasal spray to bypass the defective absorptive system.




dakota nelson

  • Member
  • Posts: 604
Reply 2 on: Aug 20, 2018
Wow, this really help


nothere

  • Member
  • Posts: 324
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Gracias!

 

Did you know?

The toxic levels for lithium carbonate are close to the therapeutic levels. Signs of toxicity include fine hand tremor, polyuria, mild thirst, nausea, general discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, lack of coordination, ataxia, giddiness, tinnitus, and blurred vision.

Did you know?

In 1835 it was discovered that a disease of silkworms known as muscardine could be transferred from one silkworm to another, and was caused by a fungus.

Did you know?

Though methadone is often used to treat dependency on other opioids, the drug itself can be abused. Crushing or snorting methadone can achieve the opiate "rush" desired by addicts. Improper use such as these can lead to a dangerous dependency on methadone. This drug now accounts for nearly one-third of opioid-related deaths.

Did you know?

To prove that stomach ulcers were caused by bacteria and not by stress, a researcher consumed an entire laboratory beaker full of bacterial culture. After this, he did indeed develop stomach ulcers, and won the Nobel Prize for his discovery.

Did you know?

The term pharmacology is derived from the Greek words pharmakon("claim, medicine, poison, or remedy") and logos ("study").

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library