Question

Discuss the micronutrient requirements for infants, children, and older adults. What health disparities will occur if there is an excess or deficiency in micronutrients for each age group? Use evidence from one scholarly source other than your textbook or ATI book to support your answer. Use APA Style to cite your source. (PLEASE MAKE SURE IT IS TYPED!)

Answer 1

Micronutrients are essential compounds that are required in smaller amounts for carrying out regular body functions such as growth, development, production of hormones and improving the immune system. They include Vitamins and minerals which are fat and water soluble. Here is a table depicting the dietary requirement of micronutrients for different age groups.

Nutrient	Age Group
	Infant	Children	Older Adults
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)	0.5 mg	0.9mg	1.1–1.2 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)	0.6 mg	0.9mg	1.1–1.3 mg
Vitamin B3 (niacin)	8 mg	12 mg	14–16 mg
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)	3 mg	4 mg	5 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	0.4 mg	1 mg	1.3 mg
Vitamin B7 (biotin)	50 mcg	20 mcg	30 mcg
Vitamin B9 (folate)	100 mcg	300 mcg	400 mg
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)	2 mcg	1.8 mcg	2.4 mcg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	35mg	45 mg/	75–90 mg
Vitamin A	1500IU	600mcg	700–900 mcg
Vitamin D	400 IU	600 IU	600–800 IU
Vitamin E	5 IU	11 mg	15 mg
Vitamin K	2.5mcg	60 mcg	90–120 mcg
Calcium	600mg	1300 mg	2,000–2,500 mg
Phosphorus	500 mg	1250 mg	700 mg
Magnesium	70 mg	240 mg	310–420 mg
Sodium	Not established	1200 mg	2,300 mg
Potassium	700 mg	2300 mg	4,700 mg
Iron	15 mg	8mg	8–18 mg
Manganese	0.6 mg	1.6 mg	1.8–2.3 mg
Copper	0.6 mg	700 mcg	900 mcg
Zinc	5 mg	8 mg	8–11 mg
Iodine	45 mcg	120 mcg	150 mcg
Fluoride	Not established	2 mg	3–4 mg
Selenium	20 mcg	40 mcg	55 mcg

Helath disparities

Anything in excess or deficient causes improper functioning of the body.

Micronutrient overnutrition is a rare case. It is seen mostly with a few nutrients like Iron, Calcium, Folic Acid and vitamin D. This usually happens when we take mega doses of supplements.

The overnutrition can cause acute poisoning and can be chronic at times.

Micronutrient deficiency is mainly due to poor diet and lifestyle habits. The common deficiencies in all age groups inclue:

• Vitamin D deficiency : Can cause osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia.
• Vitamin A : Can cause night blindness.
• Vitamin B12 : Can cause anemia.
• Iron : Can cause iron deficiency anemia, low birth weight, impaired cognitive function.
• Calcium. Can cause osteoporosis
• Iodine : Can cause hypothyroidism, goitre.
• Vitamin C: Can cause Scurvy.
• Vitamin K: Can cause bleeding.

The nutritional deficiency can be taken care by proper diet and supplements.