Question

A. After studying nutrition science, you should be knowledgeable about nutrition guidelines and how nutrition can affect health. Please demonstrate what you have learned by explaining the following:

• Using terms and concepts that you have learned in this course, examine 8 aspects of your own diet, and explain any changes you may or may not make. For full credit, support each of your 8 choices with facts from the readings. (For example, currently, I rarely eat any nuts. So, I will start eating one ounce of nuts a day because it will improve my cholesterol level, which will reduce my risk for heart disease. Note: you may not use this example.) [32 points]

B. Explain how nutrients affect disease prevention and management. Make your answer specific with examples. Link the nutrient or nutrients you discuss to a condition. (For example, vitamin C deficiency is linked to scurvy. Note: you may not use this example). For full credit, you must provide at least three examples of how nutrient levels can be related to disease prevention and management. [18 points]

Answer 1

Question: Explain how nutrients affect disease prevention and management. Make your answer specific with examples. Link the nutrient or nutrients you discuss to a condition. For full credit, you must provide at least three examples of how nutrient levels can be related to disease prevention and management.

Solution: Nutrients are the chemical compounds in foods essential for maintaining good health, thus, providing with energy for repair and growth. The six major nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.

The different types of Vitamins are vitamin B, C, A, D, E and K.

The different nutrient levels related to disease prevention and management are:

1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for good vision and it helps in the prevention of Night blindness. For healthy skin, mucous membranes, reproduction, bone and teeth growth as well as the immune system, Vitamin A is a must requisite.

2. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Vitamin B1 is a part of an enzyme required for energy metabolism and is extremely important for nervous system function. It helps in the prevention of Beri Beri

3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant and is also needed for protein metabolism. It helps in the prevention of Scurvy. It helps in iron absorption and aids in maintaining a healthy immune system.

4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is needed for proper absorption of calcium and for healthy bone growth and maintenance. It helps in the prevention of Rickets and Osteomalacia.

5. Vitamin E: It is an antioxidant and helps in the protection of cell membranes. The deficiency of vitamin E leads to red blood cell breakage and nerve damage.  

6. Vitamin K: It helps in the clotting of blood and maintains healthy bones. The deficiency of Vitamin K causes Hemorrhage.

7. Iodine: Iodine is found in thyroid hormone which regulates growth, development and metabolism. The deficiency of iodine causes Goitre.

8. Iron: Iron is a part of haemoglobin which is found in red blood cells. It helps in carrying oxygen in the body and is needed for energy metabolism. The deficiency of iron causes Anaemia.
10. Chloride: It is needed for the proper balance of fluid and acids in the body.

9. Calcium: It is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Also, it helps in the contraction and relaxation of muscles. It helps in nerve functioning, blood clotting, regulates blood pressure and maintains healthy immune system.

11. Magnesium: It is found in bones and is needed for making proteins in the body. It helps in the contraction of muscles, nerve transmission and maintains healthy immune system.

12. Phosphorous: It found in every cell and helps in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Moreover, it helps in maintaining the acid-base balance.

13. Potassium: Sodium is needed for maintaining proper fluid balance, transmission in the nervous system and muscle contraction.

14. Sodium: Sodium is needed for maintaining proper fluid balance, transmission in the nervous system and muscle contraction.

15. Sulphur: It is found in protein molecules.

16. Chromium: Chromium works in close coordination with insulin and helps in the regulation of blood sugar or glucose values.

17. Fluoride: It helps in the formation of bones and teeth and helps in the prevention of tooth decay.

18. Zinc: Zinc is a part of the enzyme and is needed for making protein as well as genetic material. It has a function in taste perception, healing of wounds, normal foetal development, production of healthy sperms, normal growth and sexual maturation.