Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts

Carbohydrates nutrition

   ›      ›   Carbohydrates in human nutrition.

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are integral part of human nutrition. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for most of the biological functions.
Advertisements
Carbohydrates are compounds organized as ring structures and are always composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are known as organic compounds, because they are made up of a chain of carbon atoms. Other organic compounds include lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. One gram of carbohydrate (starch or sugars) provides 3.75kcal (16kJ) energy.

Type of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, also known as saccharides, are classified into four chemical groups. They are monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. The monosaccharides and disaccharides, having lower molecular weight, are generally known as sugars. The oligosaccharides and polysaccharides are complex carbohydrate molecules with greater molecular weight.
Popular topics:

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are the basic units of carbohydrates and they include, glucose, fructose and galactose. These carbohydrate forms are directly absorbed by the intestines. The glucose form is used for energy production for biological activities in the human body. Monosaccharides are present in several fruits and vegetables.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are formed by a condensation reaction of two monosaccharides. Common examples of these carbohydrates are sucrose, lactose and maltose. They are broken down by digestive enzymes into glucose for absorption in the intestine. These carbohydrates are water soluble and are naturally found in fruits, sugarcane and beet.

Oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides are formed by a chain of three to nine monosaccharide units. Oligosaccharides in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides are found in several fruits and vegetables. They consist of short chains of fructose molecules. Galacto-oligosaccharides are a type of oligosaccharides present in several natural diets. They are considered as dietary fibers. They are prebiotics and are non-digestible. These carbohydrates are helpful in stimulating the activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon and provide bulkage for stimulating peristalsis.

Polysaccharides (Complex Carbohydrates)

Polysaccharides have, from linear to highly branched structure and are composed of long chains (more than ten) of monosaccharide units. Some of the examples are starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin. In human nutrition, starch is broken down to monosaccharide units by the intestinal amylases enzymes. Glycogen forms an energy reserve and is primarily made by the liver and the muscles.

Cellulose is the most abundant carbohydrate in nature and is of no direct nutritional value to humans as we lack enzymes to digest it. Chitin and pectins are the other natural polysaccharides, being indigestible, have no direct value in human nutrition. However the colon bacteria can digest a part of these carbohydrates and an energy value of 2kcal/g (8.4kJ) may be contributed by these dietary polysaccharides.

Dietary fibers in nutrition

All the carbohydrates in the diet that are not directly digestible by humans are grouped under dietary fibers. However gut bacteria may digest and convert part of it to absorbable forms. Soluble fibers are soluble in water. Some of the dietary fibers are arabinoxylans, cellulose, inulin, lignin, waxes, chitins, pectins, beta-glucans and oligosaccharides. These carbohydrates function as prebiotics and also provide bulkage for stimulating peristalsis. They are particularly helpful in lowering the glycemic index of the ingested food. Dietary fibers slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines.

Carbohydrate nutritional status

Excess of carbohydrates in food can lead to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Balancing the need of energy source as well as the risk of heart disease and obesity certain nutritional recommendations were made. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation, carbohydrates should account for 45 to 65 percent of an individual's daily calorie consumption. It means, if an individual get 2,000 calories a day, between 900 and 1,300 calories (approximately 225-325 grams) should be from carbohydrate sources. The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans also recommends consuming 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories.

Persistent carbohydrate deprivation in diet will lead to depletion of the blood glucose, as well as the stored glycogen in body. The next step by the body is to utilize fats and amino acids for energy production. However this route of energy production results in acidosis, ketosis and loss of cellular proteins. Those trying weight loss without doctor/dietician guidance usually end up upsetting their metabolic balance. Such rapid weight losses are unlikely to be maintained for long span of time. Carbohydrate cravings may takeover and the individual may end up gaining weight.

Healthy carbohydrates

Most of the food we consume has carbohydrates. Sugars are broken down faster and the released glucose is absorbed into the blood leading to increase in blood glucose. Recurrent sudden spikes in the rise of blood glucose can lead to several health problems including diabetes. The rapidity and magnitude of carbohydrate's effect on the increase in blood glucose levels is the glycemic index of the food. Apart from that, excess glucose in nutrition is stored as glycogen to certain extent and further excesses get converted into fats. Hence, the carbohydrate in our nutrition should not be in excesses and also should not be in easily absorbable sugar forms.

Diet containing greater amounts of polysaccharides and dietary fibers is considered healthier than the diet having greater amounts of sugars. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and dairy products are good sources of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers. Though some of these carbohydrates may also have sugars, the presence of dietary fibers lowers their glycemic index as their absorption is prolonged.
Advertisements
Related topics in nutrition, deficiency & diseases:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
References:
1. Mozaffarian D, Hao T, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Hu FB. Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. N Engl J Med. 2011;364:2392-404.
2.Sacks FM, Bray GA, Carey VJ, et al. Comparison of weight-loss diets with different compositions of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:859–73.
3.Eric C Westman, Richard D Feinman, John C Mavropoulos, Mary C Vernon, Jeff S Volek, James A Wortman, William S Yancy, Stephen D Phinney. Low-carbohydrate nutrition and metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr August 2007 vol. 86 no. 2 276-284.
Interesting topics in nutrition, deficiency & diseases:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Current topic in nutrition, deficiency & diseases: Carbohydrates nutrition.
by No comments:
Labels: ,

Calcium overview - Calcium nutrition

Apr 2014   › › › Calcium in human nutrition
Calcium nutrition
Calcium, a highly essential mineral, is required in human nutrition for several critical biochemical processes.
Advertisements
Calcium brings about several metabolic functions like intracellular signaling, hormonal secretion, enzyme secretion, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Skeletal system and teeth account for 99% of the calcium present in the body. Rest of the mineral is dispersed among soft tissues and blood serum. Dairy products are the best dietary sources of the mineral.

For the smooth functioning of the bone remodeling process, adequate dietary nutrition of the mineral is necessary. Postmenopausal women, due to decrease in estrogen production and intestinal absorption of the mineral, suffer loss of bone mass and develop osteoporosis. The presence of oxalic acid and phytic acid in the diet reduces the bioavailability of calcium present in the diet. Too much calcium supplementation can cause hypercalcemia, kidney stones and renal failure.

Adequate calcium intake is vital for bone and dental health. Many of the biological processes require adequate calcium in the system for their efficient function.
  • Adequate dietary calcium nutrition is required for optimising bone mass, bone mineral accretion and bone homeostasis.
  • The growth, mineralisation and maintenance of the mineral composition of teeth depend on the mineral status.
  • Intracellular calcium is vital for triggering cellular events like intracellular signals, vesicular secretion, cell aggregation, cell transformation and cell division.
  • Several extracellular digestive enzymes require the intervention of the mineral for optimum activity.
  • The presence of adequate calcium in nutrition brings about the skeletal, heart and smooth muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release.
  • Adequate intake of the mineral lowers the high blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension.

    • Plasma ionic calcium is tightly regulated between 1.1 and 1.3 mmol/L irrespective of its nutrition and the bones function as storage buffers. If the concentrations decrease considerably, tetany may occur. If the levels increase considerably, hypercalcemia, kidney stones and kidney failure may occur. Parathyroid hormone, either directly, indirectly or along with calcitonin and calcitriol, controls the homeostasis of calcium in the kidneys, bone and gastrointestinal tract.

  • .
  • .
    • In an healthy individual only about 20% to 30% of the dietary calcium is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract; the rest being excreted in faeces. During growing phase, pregnancy and lactation the percentage of absorption may increase marginally. Further the form of the mineral salt, its solubility, relative presence of minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium in the diet, age of the individual and vitamin D status of the individual promotes or inhibits the absorption. The presence of oxalate in the diet reduces the nutritional bioavailability of the mineral.

    The richest food sources of the mineral are milk and dairy products with the exception of butter. Broccoli, cabbage, beans and kale are good plant sources. Fortified cereals and soy products also contain fairly good amounts of the mineral. Eggs, fish and animal products also have calcium. Canned small fish becomes a very good source if eaten with bones. The drinking water may also contain useful levels of dissolved salts of the mineral, especially if it is hard water.

    The basic cause of the deficiency is the inadequacy of the mineral in the nutrition. Certain disorders, physiological conditions and hormonal imbalances can also cause the deficiency of the mineral. The insufficiency of vitamin D and lack of exposure to sunlight can also cause insufficient absorption from the intestinal tract. Persons with lactose intolerance cannot take milk and may develop the deficiency. Short term deficiency may not have any apparent symptoms. Calcium deficiency can cause loss of bone mass, osteoporosis or hypocalcemia.

    The supplementation of the mineral below the tolerable upper intake levels is normally tolerated and rarely has any side effects. In some individuals, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, belching and constipation may be noticed. Individuals with decreased renal function may develop hypercalcemia, renal stones, metastatic calcification and related symptoms. Supplements of the mineral are known to react/interfere with absorption of certain dietary minerals, certain types of medicines and antibiotics.

    • The condition of overdose may occur in case of too much intake of the mineral in the form of supplements, antacids, intravenous administrations and fortified food. In normal conditions there is limited and controlled absorption of the mineral from the intestines. Intake of excess of vitamin D can also cause excessive absorption of the mineral from the gastrointestinal tract.

    Accidental or intentional ingestion of the mineral exceeding the upper tolerance levels of 2,500 milligrams can result in hypercalcemia with symptoms like nausea, constipation, arrhythmia, confusion, polyuria, kidney stones and kidney failure. Taking high doses of alkaline supplement of the mineral or taking absorbable alkali along with calcium supplement can lead to milk-alkali syndrome with symptoms of hypercalcemia, alkalosis and renal failure.
    Advertisements

    Related topics in nutrition, deficiency
    and diseases:
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Interesting topics in nutrition, deficiency
    and diseases:
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .

    References:
    Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.
    http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

    Current topic on nutrition deficiency diseases: Calcium nutrition.
    by No comments:
    Labels: ,

    Magnesium overview - Magnesium nutrition

    Apr 2014   › › › Magnesium in human nutrition
    Magnesium nutrition
    Magnesium is an important mineral in human diet with multiple health benefits.
    Advertisements
    Magnesium is key factor in regulating several biochemical reactions in the human body. About 25 grams of magnesium is present in an adult. More than half of the mineral is present in bones and the rest in soft tissues. Hardly 1% of this total mineral is present in blood serum and is tightly regulated between 0.75 and 0.95 millimoles/L.

    Sufficient magnesium in nutrition is necessary for many biological processes including protein synthesis, musculoskeletal functions, neuropsychological processes, bone homeostasis, cardiovascular functions and enzymatic reactions.
    is regulated by the kidney and excess mineral is excreted into urine. Urinary excretion of the mineral is reduced when the serum status of the mineral is low.

  • Studies have shown that this mineral is required for maintaining normal blood pressure and for controlling hypertension.
  • The risk of atherosclerosis and sudden cardiac death are low with higher serum levels of the mineral.
  • The risk of ischemic heart disease is significantly lowered with higher dietary intake.
  • A significantly lower risk of diabetes is associated with diet high in the mineral.
  • The deficiency of the mineral is a risk factor for developing osteoporosis.
  • Magnesium along with calcium might increase bone density.
  • Magnesium is involved in bone homeostasis.
  • Low levels of the mineral are associated with migraine headaches.

    • Magnesium supplements are available as oxide, citrate, aspartate, lactate and chloride of the mineral. Side effects of supplements when taken within the upper limit are rare. High doses of zinc/calcium can interfere with the absorption and utilization of the mineral. Supplements of this mineral may decrease/suppress the absorption/utilization of certain medications and antibiotics.

    • Overdose of this mineral is unlikely to occur from dietary sources. There is the possibility of exceeding daily requirements when supplements are ingested. As many laxatives contain the mineral in high concentrations, their frequent use may lead to overdose. Many brands of antacids contain magnesium as one of the ingredients. Excessive ingestion of these antacids can lead to overdose of the mineral and hypermagnesemia.

    ?

    In a normal adult the serum levels of the mineral range between 1.7-2.3 mg/dL. When the levels go beyond 2.5 mg/dL in the serum, it considered to be hypermagnesemia. Severe hypermagnesemia can cause cardiac arrest.

    Chlorophyll is a green compound formed by the ring of chlorin pigment with magnesium ion in the center.
    • Chlorophyll is found in abundance in leaves and green stems of plants. Hence green leafy vegetables, especially spinach, Swiss chard, and beet greens are very rich food sources of magnesium.

    Whole grains are also good food sources. The bran part of the grain has high nutrition value and health benefits. Removing the germ and bran from grains by polishing, decreases their health benefits. Cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds and several beans varieties are rich in this mineral.

    The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies considers an intake of 30 mg for infants below six months and 75 mg for 7-12 months as adequate.
    • The FNB recommendation for boys and girls is 80 mg for 1-3 years, 130 mg for 4-8 years and 240 mg for 9-13 years of age. The FNB recommends 400-420 mg for males between 14-50+ years of age and 310-360 mg for females between 14-50+ years of age. The 'daily value' developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is 400 mg for adults as well as children aged four year and above.

    Magnesium deficiency symptoms and diseases

    The deficiency of magnesium in the diet is very much prevalent in U.S. Elderly people and adolescent girls are highly susceptible to deficiency. If special care is not taken to fulfil the mineral need, they may end up with hypomagnesemia and debilitating symptoms.

    In a normal adult the serum levels of the mineral range between 1.7-2.3 mg/dL. The serum level decreasing below 1.7 mg/dL is considered as hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia may result from inadequate intake of magnesium, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption and use of diuretics. Hypomagnesemia symptoms include weakness, cramps, arrhythmia, irritability, tremors, confusion, restlessness, depression, fits and high blood pressure.

    Advertisements

    Related topics in nutrition, deficiency
    and diseases:
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Interesting topics in nutrition, deficiency
    and diseases:
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .

    References:
    Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.
    http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnecium-HealthProfessional/

    Current topic on nutritional deficiency diseases: Magnesium nutrition.
    by No comments:
    Labels: ,

    Nutritional deficiency diseases

    Jan 2014  › Nutritional deficiency diseases
    Nutritional deficiency diseases occur mainly due chronic dearth of essential nutrients in required quantities in the food. In some cases, though the availability exists, the body is unable to digest, absorb or utilize food.
    Advertisements
    Nutritional deficiency diseases have become a universal problem. The Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS) was established by WHO "to strengthen surveillance of micronutrient deficiencies at the global level." One of the objective of VMNIS is to "Track progress towards the goal of eliminating major vitamin and mineral deficiencies." These nutritional diseases can be classified as carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin or mineral deficiency diseases which are briefly discussed here.

    Vitamin A:
    The nutritional deficiency of vitamin A causes diseases like night blindness, growth impairment, immune impairment, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, hyperkeratosis, acne, dry hair and blindness. it is common in underdeveloped countries affecting one third of the children under the age of five around the world.

    Thiamine:
    Beriberi is caused by dearth of thiamine (vit-B1). involves nervous system. Thiamine is found in the bran of rice. In populations, where the staple food is polished rice, as in South Asia, this nutritional disease was prevalent. Beriberi is rare in developed nations and in regions where the food habits include other cereals.

    Riboflavin:
    Riboflavin (vit-B2) nutritional deficiency is medically known as ariboflavinosis. The symptoms include photophobia, bloodshot eyes, angular cheilitis, angular stomatitis, inflammation of the lining of mouth and tongue, mouth ulcers, iron-deficiency anemia, scrotal dermatitis and dry and scaling skin. It is mostly caused by inadequacy in food, impaired liver function and alcoholism.

    Niacin:
    is caused by the chronic nutritional deficiency of niacin (Vit-B3) in the food. Maize (corn) is a very poor source of niacin and in populations which mainly subsist on maize this disease is very common. Pellagra is common in Africa, Indonesia, North Korea, and China.

    Pantothenic acid:
    Pantothenic acid (Vit-B5) is found in most of the foods and pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare. Nutritional sources include animal products like fish and meat, rice and wheat bran, vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and avocados and yeast. Pantothenic acid deficiency causes impaired energy production and neurological symptoms like numbness, paresthesia, and muscle cramps.

    Pyridoxine:
    Pyridoxine (Vit-B6) nutritional deficiency is a rare disease affecting children. Its symptoms include seizures, depression, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, cheilitis, impaired wound healing, conjunctivitis, loss of appetite and sideroblastic anemia. It is caused by paucity of pyridoxine in the food and use of tuberculostatic medication.

    Biotin:
    Deficiency of biotin (Vit-B7) is rare as its daily requirement is very low. Intestinal bacteria synthesize smaller amounts and we also get it from various food sources. Biotin deficiency occurs when raw egg white is consumed over long periods. The protein avidin present in raw egg white binds to biotin and makes it unavailable to the body. Erythematous periorofacial macular rashes (red, patchy rashes near the mouth) and dermatitis are caused when biotin is not available for the body. If not treated, biotin deficiency may become fatal.

    Folic acid:
    Birth defects and neural tube defects in fetus occur when the mother suffers deficiency of folic acid (vit-B9).

    Cobalamins:
    Megaloblastic anemia, an anemia with larger-than-normal red blood cells, is caused when there is nutritional dearth of cobalamins (vit-B12) (and/or folic acid) in the food.

    Vitamin C (ascorbic acid):
    Ascorbic acid deficiency causes or subclinical scurvy. The symptoms of scurvy include malaise, lethargy, shortness of breath, bone pain, myalgias, gum bleeding, loosening of teeth, jaundice, edema, oliguria, neuropathy, suppurating wounds and mental disability.

    Vitamin D:
    Rickets () in children and cause weak, malformed brittle bones. Its deficiency in the food and non exposure to sun brings on rickets or osteomalacia.

    Vitamin E:
    Its deficiency is very rare and usually nutritional inadequacy may never occur. However in persons with impaired absorption of fats and persons suffering from abetalipoproteinemia (genetic disease) vitamin E absorption is impaired. Such persons may suffer from neuromuscular problems such as dysarthria, proprioception spinocerebellar ataxia, absence of deep tendon reflexes, and loss of vibratory sensation. They may also have symptoms of anemia, retinopathy, male infertility and impairment of the immune response.

    Vitamin K:
    Its nutritional deficiency is very rare as it is present in both plant and animal sources of food. Further it is synthesized by the intestinal bacteria. The nutritional deficiency may arise in infants and elderly with poor intestinal flora, persons under prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotics and persons suffering from intestinal malabsorption. They may have diseases like ecchymosis, petechiae, hematomas and massive uncontrolled bleeding at the sites of injury or surgery.

    Nutrition deficiency diseases
    Dowager's hump - osteoporosis
    Calcium:
    Calcium deficiency leads to weakening and stoppage calcium replacement in the bones and results in osteoporosis.

    Chromium:
    Chromium is available in many food sources and its nutritional deficiency normally does not occur. However, in patients on long-term total parenteral nutrition, chromium deficiency occurs. In such situations impaired glucose tolerance and/or peripheral neuropathy may be caused.

    Copper:
    Copper deficiency is very rare as body's copper requirement is very low. Copper deficiency diseases occurs when in case prolonged excess consumption of zinc. in gastrointestinal surgery which requires removal of part of gastrointestinal canal, malabsorption of copper may occur. Nutritional non-availability of copper can cause hematological manifestations like myelodysplasia, anemia, leukopenia and neutropenia. Neurological manifestations include ataxia, spasticity, and peripheral neuropathy.

    Fluoride:
    Nutritional deficiency of fluoride results in dental caries and osteoporosis. This happens when the food is very poor in fluoride.

    Iodine:
    Hypothyroidism, goiter (thyroid enlargement) and cretinism diseases occurs when a decrease in thyroid hormone production is caused by poor nutritional intake of iodine.

    Iron:
    Iron deficiency anemia, which is due to deficiency of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, is characterized by severe fatigue and breathlessness. Hemoglobin is a protein containing iron.

    Magnesium:
    Magnesium is required for bone formation and its can affect calcium absorption and utilization for bone building. The nutritional deficiency of magnesium alone or in combination with that of calcium can lead to osteoporosis.

    Manganese:
    Manganese deficiency is very rare as the requirement is very small. However it can cause skeletal deformation, bone demineralization and malformation. Relatively higher intake of minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium may impact the manganese absorption. Nutritional sources of manganese include leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains.

    Potassium:
    Hypokalemia is the result of nutritional potassium deficiency disease. It affects the electrolyte balance in the body impairing the neuromuscular functions. Potassium deficiency symptoms include abnormal heart rhythm, fatigue, lethargy, sleepiness, muscle weakness, muscles spasm, hypokalemic nephropathy and renal failure. The causes being food poor in potassium, excessive sweating, vomiting, use of medical diuretics or diarrhea.

    Selenium:
    is one of the causes of Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease. Its symptoms include atrophy, extreme fatigue, mental slow down, myocardial necrosis, goiter, degeneration and necrosis of cartilage. Nutritional shortfall may occur in cases of total dependency on food grown on selenium poor soils. It may occur in persons undergoing total parenteral nutrition or gastrointestinal bypass surgery and also in very elderly people with poor intestinal absorption.

    Sodium:
    Sodium depletion causes hyponatremia. Congestive heart failure, liver failure, renal failure, or pneumonia are manifestations of hyponatremia. Normally nutritional hyponatremia is rare. Loss of body fluids retention of body fluids can upset the sodium balance in the body plasma.

    Zinc:
    Zinc is vital for body functions and many enzymatic reactions are brought about by this trace mineral. causes hypozincemia. Anorexia, cognitive and motor function impairment, diarrhea, low testosterone in men, Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, psychological disorders, low birth weight and dysmenorrhea are some of the effects of hypozincemia.

    Essential fatty acids:
    Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) are the two essential fatty acids required in human nutrition. Essential fatty acid deficiency results in diseases like dermatitis, diarrhea, depression, liver degeneration, osteoporosis and suicidal tendencies.

    Low intake of carbohydrates causes the fat reserves in the body to be used for energy production. Severe dearth of carbohydrates in the food causes the protein also to be used for energy production. Nutritional deficiency of carbohydrates in the food causes reduced stamina, loss of sodium in the body, muscle cramps, excessive appetite, constipation, poor brain functioning, sleeplessness, irritability, general weakness, loss of muscle mass and ketosis.

    Protein nutritional deficiency arises due low intake of proteins. Proteins are made up of amino acids. Many of the amino acids are synthesized by the human body. Nine essential amino acids are not synthesized by the body and they have to be sourced through food. Protein deficiency can cause depression, anxiety, mental retardation, trouble falling asleep, fatty liver, lethargy, apathy, diarrhea, weakness, skin rashes, flaky skin, growth retardation, weight loss, edema of the belly and legs and kwashiorkor.

    Protein and protein-energy deficiency diseases are Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.

    Kwashiorkor: In Kwashiorkor lack of protein in food is predominant, though calorie intake is sufficient. It is characterized by edema, distended abdomen, liver enlargement, ulcerating dermatoses, pedal edema, thinning hair, irritability and anorexia.

    Marasmus: Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition disorder wherein there is severe nutritional deficiency of both energy and protein. Its symptoms include drastic loss of adipose tissue, fretfulness, dry skin, loose skin folds, infections, loss of fluids and circulation disorders.
    Advertisement
    Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:OsteoCutout.png
    Author: James Heilman, MD (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jmh649)
    License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)
     Current topic:
    Nutritional deficiency diseases
    by No comments:
    Labels: , ,

    Category: Selenium

    What is selenium?

    It is an element with atomic mass 78.96 and its atomic number is 34. It is related to tellurium and sulphur and its chemical symbol is Se. This mineral is found in soil and rocks in many allotropic forms and rarely occurs in nature in its elemental state.

    Learn more

    Selenium nutrition

    It helps in the neutralization of free radicals created in oxidative reactions in the course of energy production in biological processes. This trace mineral enhances the immunological process protecting us from diseases. It is an important factor in the production of enzymes.

    Learn more

    Selenium health benefits

    Numerous health benefits are being found and attributed to Se, an essential trace mineral, including protection from cardiovascular diseases, protection from cancers (especially prostate cancer), enhancement of immunity, slowing down of progress of HIV/AIDS ...

    Learn more

    Rich natural selenium food sources

    Throughout the world, most of the rich sources of Se are of plant origin. Animals raised on natural plants and fodder containing high levels of selenium also yield meat and dairy products containing high levels of this trace mineral.

    Learn more

    Highly bioavailable selenium in Brazil nuts

    Brazil nuts tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is a native of South America found in the rainforests of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Guiana, Peru and Venezuela. One ounce of these fruits are found to contain as much as 550 mcg of Se which is ten times the U.S.Recommended Dietary Allowances (US RDA).

    Learn more

    Organic selenium absorption and metabolism

    Its natural form shows higher degree of absorption and metabolism than the inorganic form. It is the integral part of the selenoprotein and antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and is vital for reducing the destruction of cells in free radical peroxidative reactions.

    Learn more

    Selenium enriched yeast

    Selenium yeast is the enriched organic form mostly containing selenomethionine. Attempts were made to enrich Se in yeast by fermenting a cane molasses medium with higher levels of inorganic salts of this trace mineral.

    Learn more

    Causes and symptoms of selenium deficiency

    The availability of this mineral in nutrition depends upon its presence in the soil. Plants take it up from soil and animals feeding on the plants get their requirements fulfilled. However soils in different regions of the world have different amount of its presence with many regions having adequate or higher concentrations.

    Learn more

    Selenium excess overdose and side effects

    Exceeding the upper tolerable levels of selenium is fraught with many side effects. When blood levels of this essential trace mineral exceed 100 μg (mcg or micrograms) per one deciliter (dL) of blood, selenosis, an excess condition with many side effects is caused.

    Learn more

    Selenium dietary supplements

    People living in selenium deficient soils and sourcing locally grown food become chronically deficient and develop the deficiency diseases. In such specific conditions (found in China and Russia) they require to take the essential trace mineral in sufficient level to remain healthy.

    Learn more

    Selenium sulfide shampoo and lotion

    Selenium sulfide is the commercial name for Selenium disulfide, an inorganic compound with antibiotic, fungicidal and anti infective properties, widely used in topical preparations for treating fungal infection like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor.

    Learn more

    Inorganic selenium compounds - sodium selenite and selenate

    Its inorganic salts like sodium selenite and selenate are used as dietary supplements in animal feeds as well as human nutrient supplement formulations. As an chemical it has many industrial uses and in glass industry it is used to manufacture colorless glass.

    Learn more

    Selenium amino acid - Selenomethionine

    Selenomethionine is a naturally occurring amino acid containing the essential trace mineral. Selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium, with IUPAC name (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry nomenclature) 2-amino-4-methylselanyl-butanoic acid.

    Learn more

    Selenium liquids and drops

    This trace mineral is very important for the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes containing selenoproteins. For the proper function of thyroid hormones as well as many organs like heart, prostate glands and thyroid glands this mineral is required in trace quantities.

    Learn more

    Selenium for treatment of Keshan disease

    Initially there may be symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever and body pains. The initial symptoms include heart inflammation, Arrhythmia, Cardiac insufficiency and enlargement accompanied by loss of heart muscle tissues. Advanced stage is characterized by pulmonary edema and heart failure.

    Learn more

    Selenium and heart diseases

    The antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E reduce the free radicals and protect the tissues from their damage. Well documented evidence is available on the preventive effects of vitamin E and vitamin C on the cardiac problems. In the case of selenium conflicting results have been obtained towards its use for prevention of cardiac problems.

    Learn more

    Selenium for HIV and AIDS

    In the treatment of AIDS the focus is now shifting towards nutrient supplements like Se in addition to antiretroviral therapy so as to improve the quality of life of the affected. It is found that dietary supplement with this mineral can reduce the viral load and help in boosting immune system.

    Learn more

    Antioxidant functions of selenium

    Selenium as such is not an antioxidant. It has the vital role in catalyzing the reduction activity as an enzyme. The cellular and subcellular membrane integrity depends totally on glutathione peroxidases. Further the protective catalyst function of glutathione peroxidase itself depends on the presence of this mineral.

    Learn more

    Selenium and thyroid hormone

    The proper utilization of hormones, thyroxine (T4 or C15H11I4NO4) and triiodothyronine (T3 or C15H12I3NO4) and the conversion of T4 to active T3 is mediated and influenced by the quantities of selenium available in the body.

    Learn more

    Selenium for prostrate cancer prevention

    It is believed that one of the main reason for the occurrence of malignancy, especially of prostate glands, is the damage of the genetic components of the cells by free radicals. Se containing enzymes (selenoproteins) have been found to catalyze many antioxidant activities.

    Learn more

    SELECT cancer trial

    SELECT trial was also to assess the impact of vitamin E and Se on colon and lung cancers as well as to collect the details of total incidences and survival rate.The objective of the trial was to determine whether either or both could prevent tumor of prostate gland and other diseases with no toxicity in healthy men.

    Learn more

    by No comments:
    Labels: ,

    Zinc deficiency -Signs and symptoms


    The symptoms of zinc deficiency vary widely among individuals. Zinc insufficiency manifest with multifarious indications based on the level of shortfall, food habits, gender of the patient, age group, general health status and presence of other diseases.
    Insufficiency of zinc progressively affects all the organ systems.
    Growth retardation and weight loss
    If the insufficiency is during pregnancy, the newborn shows  birth defects and low birth weight. There is retarded physical and mental growth in affected children. Stunted growth, bowed limbs, dwarfism, scoliosis, pectus excavatum and poor reproductive growth are observed in children.
    Impairment of cognitive and motor function
    In adults, cognitive impairment, memory impairment, attention deficits, sleep problems and generalized disorganization of behavior are observed. In children learning of motor skills and memory functions are affected.
    Decreased appetite
    Anorexia or decreased appetite is among the initial indication of insufficiency. As anorexia and decreased food intake are causes of deficiency, a vicious cycle gets created.
    Decreased sense of taste and smell
    Zinc is necessary for the growth, development and function of taste and smell sensors and receptors.
    The impairment of smell and taste senses is found to reverse with supplementation.

    Diarrhea
    Frequent diarrhea and stomach infections are symptoms of zinc deficit.
    In the third world, zinc and ORS are of top priority in child patients suffering diarrhea, as invariably they show deficit of this trace mineral.

    Degenerative diseases
    Rapid progress in age related macular degeneration (AMD) and age-related eye disease (ARED) and loss of visual acuity are encountered.
    Night blindness, myopia and photophobia may be due to zinc deficit.

    Impaired reproductive system
    Zinc insufficiency symptoms in women include defective, late and retarded growth of primary and secondary reproductive developments. Smaller breasts, narrow hips, disturbance of menstrual periods, fertility problems, pre-eclampsia in pregnancy and pre-menstrual syndrome are some of the effects.
    Zinc deficiency indications in men include hypogonadism, defects in testes, defective primary and secondary reproductive development, fertility problems, loss of libido, impotence and aspermia.

    Depression in immune functions
    Production of antibodies declines and there is impaired function of T-lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages. There is marked increase in infections especially of the respiratory system.
    Frequent attacks of flue and cold are observed. There is increased susceptibility to infections like pneumonia and there is increased allergic sensitivity.

    Skin ailments
    Frequent incidences of skin ulcers, acne, dermatitis, dry skin rash, psoriasis and eczema are symptoms of zinc deficiency.
    Wounds get easily infected and take longer time to heal.
    White spots and transverse lines on nails are zinc deficiency symptoms. Hangnails, inflammation of nail cuticles, nail infections, brittle nails, thin nails and poor nail growth are also observed. Hair loss (Alopecia) and dandruff are found to resolve with supplementation.

    Enlargement of the prostate gland
    Prostate gland has high concentration of zinc and benign enlargement of prostate gland and the resultant increased frequency of urination or inability to urinate are telltale warnings of shortage of the mineral.

    Auto-immune diseases
    The presence of auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis may be indications for underlying persistent shortage.

    Psychological disorders
    Psychological disorders and emotional disturbances like frequent mood changes, depression, sudden fright, low self-esteem, eating disorders, schizophrenia and emotional instability are some symptoms encountered in individuals with deficit in intake of this trace mineral.
    It is easy to treat this deficit with supplements and when treated early, it is possible to resolve all zinc deficit symptoms.

    Current topic : Symptoms of zinc deficiency
    Leukonychia - White spots on nails are zinc deficit indications

    Alopecia (hair loss) - symptoms of zinc deficiency

    hangnails - zinc deficiency symptoms

    image credit: RickP
    by No comments:
    Labels: , , , , ,

    Nutrition for premature babies health

    Premature babies require special nutrition and health care, as they are born with physical handicaps due to incomplete development and complicating medical and health conditions.
    However, the advances made in health care and nutrition of premature babies have greatly reduced their mortality rate and increased the survival rate of smaller babies.

    The handicaps of premature babies

    Babies born before 37 weeks in womb or those whose birth weight is less than 2500 grams are termed premature. Babies born before 34 weeks have trouble coordinating suckling, swallowing and breathing reflexes. In premature and low birth weight (LBW) babies, their metabolic and gastrointestinal immaturity jeopardize achieving proper growth. The handicaps affecting nutrition and health of these babies include general weakness, lack of sucking and swallowing reflexes, poor digestion and absorption, greater nutrition requirements (which are deficient in mother's milk), compromised immune function and lack of coughing reflex.

    Health and nutrition requirements of premature babies

    These babies have greater health risks and require to be kept in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In NICU warmth and humidity are controlled to protect from environmental vagaries, to reduce energy expenditure, to maintain body temperature and to avoid body fluid loss. Constantly their nutrition and fluid status is monitored and regulated by parenteral and tube feeding till their bodies are mature enough for breast-feeding. In babies needing respiratory ventilation, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is resorted to.
    After required weight gain and growth, individualized feeding plan is given to be followed up at home.

    Nutrition for premature babies

    The intrauterine growth of fetus is the fastest in third trimester of pregnancy. Hence these babies, to catch up with growth, have greater requirements of nutrients when compared to full-term babies.
    Considering the danger of regurgitation and inhaling fluids, nutrition as enteral feeding may have to be delayed or deferred for sometime.
    These babies have poor digestion and absorption and moreover their antenatal storage is also poor.
    Enteral nutrition is normally initiated by 48 hours after birth, feeding 1 ml/hr or less of mother's milk or formula feed by tube feeding. Enteral nutrition at this low rate enhances the development of the gastrointestinal tract.
    The increment of the quantity of enteral feeding has to assessed considering various factors like lung development, cough reflex and weight stabilization and gain during TPN.
    The feeds should be given slowly and in small quantities to reduce distension of stomach and also protect from developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious inflammatory bowel disease of babies.
    When the babies have developed coordination between sucking, swallowing, coughing and breathing reflexes, to improve their health oral feeding can be started.
    The milk produced by the mothers of the premature babies is frozen at -200C and stored till the need arises.
    Though mother's milk is the best nutrition for the health of normal full term babies, milk of mothers of premature babies is found to be inadequate and require fortification with commercial fortifiers.
    Even the milk from full-term mother also shows insufficiency for these special needs.
    Infant formula is modeled after the mature breast milk; it is found to be unsuitable for the special  needs of the premature babies as it shows insufficiency in proteins, calcium and other minerals.
    If the mother's milk is inadequate or cannot be used for specific reasons, special formula feeds made for premature babies are to be used.
    Considering their special nutrition requirements minimum and maximum of components are arrived at.

    Energy requirement for health

    It is estimated that energy intakes in the range of 110 - 135 kcl/kg/day will be needed for the health of these babies.
    Hence it is recommended that feed giving energy intake of 120 kcl/kg/day may be fed. Further it is recommended that the minimum and maximum energy density may be 67 kcl/100 ml and 94 kcl/100 ml.

    Proteins for health and nutrition

    The recommended minimum concentration of protein in the feed formulation is 2.5 g/100 kcl and the maximum allowable concentration of protein in infant formula is 3.6 g/100 kcl.
    To arrive at the required proportions of amino acids, the amino acid concentrations of cord blood, plasma amino acid levels of rapidly growing premature babies and plasma levels of breast-fed normal babies were taken into consideration.
    There is higher rate of protein turnover in premature babies when compared to neonates of normal health.
    Babies fed above the higher limit of protein concentration do not show corresponding gains and actually show lower IQ. In instances of still higher concentrations mortality has occurred.

    Carbohydrates for babies health

    The minimum requirement of carbohydrate content in nutrition for health of premature babies is 9.6 g/100 kcl and the maximum requirement is 12.5 g/100 kcl.
    The lactose component of the carbohydrate must be at least 40% to keep good health.

    Fats for premature babies health

    The requirement of fats in nutrition for premature babies is limited to optimal fatty acid composition necessary for function of growing tissues. Further there are essential fatty acids which human body cannot synthesize.
    For good health, the minimum recommended fat nutrition in feed is 4.4 g/ 100 kcl and the maximum is 5.7 g/100 kcl.
    Among the essential fatty acids the requirement of all-cis Linoleic Acid is 8% of the total fatty acids and the maximum content should not exceed 25% of total fatty acids.
    For good health of tissues, α-Linolenic acid is required at a minimum of 1.75% and a maximum of 4% of the total fatty acids.
    Cholesterol and trans-fatty acids should not be added in the feed formulations of premature babies, as they can affect their nutrition status.

    Minerals for health

    There are special mineral requirements for the premature babies for their well being  and nutrition and these mineral components and their ratios are given below.
    Calcium: More than 99% of calcium present in the body is bound to bone. The minimum Calcium required in nutrition of these babies is 123 g/ 100kcl and the maximum is 185 mg/100 kcl. The recommended minimum calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1.7:1 and the maximum is 2:1.
    Phosphorus: The recommended minimum phosphorus in nutrition for the health of premature babies is 82 mg/ 100kcl and the maximum allowable is 109 mg/100 kcl.
    MineralsMinimumMaximum
    Sodium39 mg/ 100 kcl63 mg/100 kcl
    Potassium60 mg/100 kcl160 mg/100 kcl
    Chloride60 mg/100 kcl160 mg/100 kcl
    Iron1.7 mg/100 kcl3 mg/100 kcl
    Zinc1.1 mg/100 kcl1.5 mg/100 kcl
    Copper100 µg/100 kcal250 µg/100 kcal
    Magnesium6.8 mg/100 kcal17 mg/100 kcal
    Selenium1.8 µg/100 kcal5.0 µg/100 kcal
    Iodine6 µg/100 kcal35 µg/100 kcal
    Manganese6.3 µg/ 100 kcal25 µg/ 100 kcal

    Vitamin Requirements for health and nutrition of premature babies

    VitaminsMinimumMaximum
    vitamin A204 µg RE (700 IU)/100 kcal380 µg RE (1254 IU)/100 kcal
    vitamin D75 IU/100 kcal270 IU/100 kcl
    vitamin E2 mg α-TE/100 kcal8 mg α-TE/100 kcal
    vitamin K4 µg/100 kcal25 µg/100 kcal
    vitamin C8.3 mg/100 kcal37 mg/100 kcal
    Folic acid30 µg/100 kcal45 µg/100 kcal
    vitamin B630 µg/100 kcal250 µg/100 kcal
    Riboflavin80 µg/100 kcal620 µg/100 kcal
    • Mother's milk is the best and preferred nutrition for normal babies.
    • Fortified milk of mother is the best in cases of premature birth.
    • Normal milk formula is insufficient in nutrition for these premature babies.
    • In case of non-availability (or inability as the case of HIV mother) of mother's milk, feed with special feed formulations catering to the needs of premature babies are required.

    Related topics:
    Nutrition for health.
    Zinc health benefits.
    Current topic: Premature babies - nutrition and health.
    premature neonate in a incubator
    Image credit: kqedquest

    by 1 comment:
    Labels: , , ,

    Zinc in nutrition - Zinc health benefits

    Zinc is an essential micronutrient with extraordinary requirements in human nutrition with many health benefits.

    Zinc nutrition and health benefits

    Zinc metalloenzymes are an important and predominant group of cellular and intracellular enzyme systems.
    This trace mineral is an essential component is gene transcription process with many uses in regulation of cellular growth, gene expression and cellular differentiation.
    The metabolism of fatty acids, sugars and amino acids requires enzymes dependant on this micronutrient.
    Many studies have revealed that its adequate nutrition is an important factor in growth promotion (both mental and physical) in young children and teenagers.
    Its contributes to many body functions like tissue growth, maintenance and healing, cognitive function, function of senses, immune system function, function of glands and hormones production,especially hormones connected with reproductive system.
    Hence its nutrition supplements have become very potent therapeutic tools for containing, managing and treating a number of diseases and health conditions.

    Zinc health benefits in boosting immunity

    This micronutrient is necessary for the function of thymus gland and is a component of thymic hormone.
    T-lymphocytes (T cells)  undergo maturation and different T-cells are designated for different antigen protein with the help of thymic hormones.
    T-cells attacking body's own proteins are eliminated by thymus.
    It extends benefits in the proper functional performance of neutrophils and macrophages.
    Being an astringent and antiviral agent, it extends health benefits in control of cold symptoms in the form of lozenges.
    Substantial reduction in incidence and prevalence of pneumonia and malaria was observed in studies conducted in developing nations with its supplementation in nutrition.

    Zinc health benefits in healing of wounds

    Serum zinc is found to get diverted to injured and healing tissue.
    It stimulates the activities like tissue debris removal, new cell growth and connective tissue formation.
    In topical applications, its astringent and biostatic properties are useful in control and healing of minor skin ailments.
    Zinc is important for memory and cognition improvement
    It is found that adequate zinc nutrition improves brain development, especially in young children.
    In adults and children neuropsychological performance improves with supplementation with this trace mineral.

    Zinc nutrition in diarrhea control

    In acute and chronic diarrhea, the addition of zinc in the conventional oral rehydration solution (ORS) has been found to reduce the severity of illness.
    In diarrhea, loss of this micronutrient in the intestinal fluids contributes to its deficiency.
    Further in this illness the requirement of zinc is increased due responses for boosting immune and tissue repair functions.
    Supplements of this trace mineral in this state applies brakes to this vicious cycle of diarrhea.

    Zinc health benefits on senses

    It is required for inducing appetite as it is involved in the activities of taste buds and their development and growth.
    The senses of vision, taste and smell are dependent on its adequate serum levels in the body.
    It is found in many research studies that most of the people suffering anorexia or Bulimia nervosa were deficient in this trace mineral.

    Zinc health benefits in testosterone production in men

    Adequate zinc serum levels are necessary for inducing pituitary glands to release luteinizing hormone, which stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone.
    This micronutrient, being a natural aromatase enzyme inhibitor, inhibits the production of aromatase. Aromatase is responsible for conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
    The higher amount of estrogen in men can lead to heart ailments, obesity and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men).
    Another dangerous aspect of increased levels of estrogen in men is in getting predisposed to prostate gland enlargement and cancer.

    Zinc health benefits in athletic performance

    In athletes there is increased dietary demand of this micronutrient due to sweat loss.
    Adequate zinc in nutrition is necessary for endurance athletes to maintain health and to ward off anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, decrease in endurance and loss of bone tissue and calcium nutrition.
    Zinc nutrition and health benefits (current topic)


    by No comments:
    Labels: , , ,
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)