Question

4. Kelly R. is a 38 year old African American executive. She tries to lead an active life and uses oral contraceptives. Kelly and her husband want to start a family. Kelly’s blood work reveals a low folate level, and low serum vitamin B-12. She usually skips lunch on a sandwich and coffee mid-afternoon. Kelly has no medical problems however she recently had extensive surgery on her ankle.

1.          What recommendations do you have for Kelly about folate?

2.          What recommendations do you have for Kelly regarding vitamin B-12?

3.          Using information from Figure 10-13 in your text, list one or two good sources from each of the food groups that Kelly could add to her diet?

4.          Should Kelly be using over-the-counter vitamin supplements after surgery? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. Vitamin B9 also known as folate or folic acid is one of the important nutrients required for a good fetal growth. Since they are planning for conception, some of the folate rich food which can be reccomended are :

Green leafy vegetables, lentils, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, fortified cereals, oranges, avocados etc.

400mcg folate is the daily reccomended dose in females.

2. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for healthy nervous system. This has a major role in preventing neurological and cognitive birth defects and hence is reccomended for consumption during pregnancy.

Some of the Vitamin B12 rich food are : fish, meat, egg, milk, dairy products etc.

Daily reccomended dosage for adult females are : 2.4mcg

4. Is vitamin supplements required after surgery?

Yes. It can be given as it prevents the chance of anemia, weakness, boosts immune system, strengthens the musculoskeletal nervous tissues etc.