Question

Review Digestive System and the Choose My Plate website ( https://www.choosemyplate.gov/MyPlate ). 

Then investigate one of the conditions caused by a nutrient deficiency listed below. To complete this assignment prepare a document that includes the following (1) a explanation of essential nutrients, include an example-6 pts., (2) a comparison of vitamins and minerals including an example of each- 6 pts. and (3) a description of the selected condition including the deficient nutrient and the symptoms associated with the condition-  

Scurvy

Rickets

Goiter

Answer 1

1)

There are six common nutrient groups in the foods consumed by us daily. They are water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The nutrients serve as basic foundation for the principles of food and nutrition.

Water is obtained as component of food and beverages. Several foods contain more water content than the nutrient content. The foods like fruits, vegetables, milk and meat contain above 75% of water.

Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibers that constitute mono, oligo and polysaccharides. The plant foods are the primary sources of the carbohydrates. Milk and meat (muscle) are the animal sources containing the carbohydrates. Grains like rice, wheat, corn and maize; legumes like beans, peas and lentils; fruits and vegetable like carrots, potatoes and beets are the good source of sugars and complex carbohydrates.

Fats and oils belong to lipids and provide more energy. The foods from animal sources and dairy products are rich in fats. Plant food like nuts, seeds, avocado, olives and coconuts also contain fats. Meat and dairy products, coconuts are saturated fats. The monounsaturated fatty acids contain a single double bond. Foods like avocado, peanuts and olive oil are the examples. Polyunsaturated fats have two or more double bonds. The vegetable oils and fish are the sources of the polyunsaturated fats. The fats provide energy of 9 kilo calories per gram.

Proteins are the prime important nutrients necessary for the body. The protein is known as complete protein when it supports both the growth and maintenance. An incomplete protein supports the maintenance but not the growth. The animal foods and the dairy products are the sources of the complete protein and the plant proteins are incomplete proteins except the soya beans and grains. The proteins offer 4 k cal of energy per gram.

Vitamins are the organic molecules with the unique chemical composition. They have a specific role in the nutrition and metabolism. Deficiency of vitamins leads to metabolic disorders. They do not provide any calories.

Mineral are the inorganic molecules that have a specific role in the diet and carry out specific function in the metabolism. The mineral deficiency may cause some metabolic disorders. The deficient minerals in the diet can be replaced with the enriched and fortified foods. The minerals offer no calories.

2)

Vitamins are categorized into 2 groups - fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K. Water soluble vitamins include B- complex (B₁,B₂, B₆, B₉ B₁₂ ) and Vitamin C. Vitamins are organic molecules. Some of them act as coenzymes in metabolic reactions, therefore, their deficiency may cause metabolic disorders. For example, deficeincy of vitamin A causes Xerophthalmia. Vitamin D deficiency results in Rickets; Vitamin C deficiency causes Scurvy and Vitamin K deficiency results in inability of blood clotting.

Minerals are inorganic molecules. They act as cofactors of several enzymes and also important in composition of macromolecuels. For example, iron is key component of hemoglobin. Deficiency iron may result in anemia or inability of hemoglobin to transport oxygen to cells and tissues. Calcium is key component of bones and calcium deficiency may result in soft bones that may brittle or break easily.

3)

Vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium through dietary sources. Deficiency of vitamin D results in poor calcium absorption and poor composition of extracellular matrix of bone. This may result in a condition called Rickets. Without proper extracellular matrix composition, the bones are not strong enough to bear the weight of the body. The bones become soft and porous and break easily. The symptoms of rickets include soft bones, bone pain, costochondral swelling, slow physical growth, bowed legs, knock knees and widening wrists.