In: Anatomy and Physiology
Mrs. Thomson is a 78 year-old woman whose doctor recently recommended that she have a DXA
scan in order to determine her bone mineral density. The scan results indicate low bone mineral
density. Mrs. Thompson refuses to take pills or supplements and is, therefore, referred to a
dietitian for nutritional counseling.
a.
With Mrs. Thompson’s diagnosis of osteopenia, intake of which micronutrients will be most
critical components in her nutrition plan?
b.
What physiological role do these micronutrients play that makes them so important for her
nutrition plan?
c.
What foods will be included in her diet plan as good sources of these micronutrients?
d.
What other lifestyle changes can Mrs. Thompson make to try to slow the advancement of
her osteopenia?
a. Micronutrient which is of greatest importance in a condition like osteopenia are calcium and vitamin D. The other micronutrient needed for bone optimizing can be met by healthy diets that is rich in fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C and other potential nutrients.
b. Micronutrients include vitamin and minerals. Micronutrients like Vitamin D helps in initiating protein synthesis in muscle fibers, which are responsible for muscle strength, this increase in muscle fibers can hold the bones together and prevent fractures. Vitamin D also helps in maintaining adequate level of calcium in body which is very important for bone strength. Vitamin K is known to activate a protein that binds calcium into the structure of bone, so by taking vitamin K supplement it can increase bone mineral density. Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 are needed to make collagen which is an essential part of organic material that holds bone together. Combination Vitamins like B6, B12 and folic acid can help decrease the risk of osteopenia by reducing the concentration of a substance known as homocysteine in blood, which is associated with poor bone health.
c.) Milk, yogurt, spinach are good source of calcium, fishes like tuna, mackerel, tuna are also good source of calcium
Beef, fish, and eggs are good source of Vitamin B12.
Banana and potato are good source of potassium
Tomato and citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C.
Adequate exposure to sunlight is a good source of Vitamin D.
Nuts, beans, diary products are rich source of phosporus.
d) Lifestyle changes that can slow down the advancement of osteopenia include, maintaing a healthy diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D and calcium, regular tests should be done. Older people should get adequate sun exposure. Weight bearing and resistance exercise like, walking, running, tennis are all good for bones.