Create Protocols To Manage Nutritional Deficiencies

Create Protocols To Manage Nutritional Deficienciesthis Assignment Nee

Create protocols to manage nutritional deficiencies this assignment needs to be at least 2 pages in length (around 500 words), written in APA format, and must include at least two references. Describe the general characteristics of vitamins. Indicate population groups for whom vitamin-mineral supplements may be necessary. Explain the role of minerals in regulating body processes. Discuss factors that affect the absorption of minerals. Describe the clinical effects of a deficiency or excess of each mineral. Instructions: Imagine that you are a WIC (Women’s, Infant & Children) nutritionist working at the local county health department. A female in her mid-twenties was referred to you because she not only qualified for the WIC program due to her previous pregnancy (her child is now 16 months old and is formula/bottle fed), but also because she is planning to become pregnant in a few months. Her name is Jane, and she was referred to you because her previous OB/GYN annual exam and blood test results revealed that she is severely anemic. What protocol would you design to help Jane manage her nutritional deficiency? What other foods and/or vitamin/mineral supplements would you recommend to Jane? Why?

Paper For Above instruction

Managing nutritional deficiencies, particularly in women planning pregnancy, requires a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses both dietary intake and supplementation. As a WIC nutritionist, I would develop a tailored protocol for Jane that emphasizes correcting her iron deficiency anemia while ensuring she receives adequate nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

Firstly, understanding the characteristics of essential vitamins and minerals is fundamental. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for vital metabolic processes. They are classified into water-soluble (such as B-complex and C vitamins) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) groups. Minerals are inorganic elements crucial for physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. For women like Jane, key minerals include iron, folate, calcium, and zinc.

In Jane's case, the severe anemia indicates a significant deficiency of iron. Iron's primary role is in hemoglobin formation, essential for oxygen transport. A deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and compromised immune function, while excess iron may lead to toxicity with symptoms like gastrointestinal upset or organ damage if unmanaged. Besides iron, folate is vital for DNA synthesis and fetal development; inadequate folate intake can lead to neural tube defects in pregnancy.

Addressing mineral absorption is also essential. Several factors affect mineral bioavailability, including dietary components and health conditions. For instance, phytates and polyphenols in certain grains and tea can inhibit mineral absorption, whereas vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption. Conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders or medication use can impair nutrient uptake, warranting adjustments in diet or supplements.

In designing Jane's protocol, I would recommend iron-rich foods such as lean red meats, poultry, fish, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. To maximize absorption, consuming vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and tomatoes alongside iron sources is beneficial. Considering her anemia, I would also recommend ferrous sulfate supplements, as prescribed by her healthcare provider, to rapidly replenish iron stores.

Furthermore, given her planning for pregnancy, folic acid supplementation is crucial. A daily supplement of 400-600 micrograms of folic acid can significantly reduce neural tube defect risks. Calcium intake should be maintained through dairy products or fortified plant-based alternatives to support fetal skeletal development. Zinc, which contributes to immune function and cell growth, can be increased through nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Vitamin D, necessary for calcium absorption, should be monitored and supplemented if deficiency is confirmed.

In addition to dietary modifications, I would advise regular follow-up blood tests to monitor her hemoglobin and ferritin levels, adjusting supplementation accordingly. Education on balanced diet choices and the importance of consistent supplement intake would be vital components of her management plan. For women like Jane, targeted nutritional intervention not only corrects deficiencies but also prepares her for a healthy future pregnancy.

References

• Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. (2001). Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academies Press.
• Lönnerdal, B. (2010). Nutritional roles of zinc and regulation of zinc homeostasis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(1), 146S-148S.
• World Health Organization. (2012). Guideline: Daily Iron Supplementation in Pregnant Women. WHO.
• Leung, A. M., & Robbins, S. (2019). Nutritional considerations for women planning pregnancy. Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 31(2), 117-122.
• Hempe, J. M., et al. (2013). Factors affecting iron absorption and bioavailability. Nutrition Reviews, 71(4), 197-209.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Iron deficiency anemia.
• Olsen, S. F., et al. (2018). Maternal nutrition and pregnancy outcomes. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72, 887–893.
• Sharma, S., et al. (2019). Effect of dietary patterns and supplementation on iron status in women. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 28(2), 246-254.
• Anthony, M. S., et al. (2016). Nutritional management of anemia in pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127(4), 737-744.
• Houghton, L. A., et al. (2017). Influence of dietary factors on mineral absorption. Nutrition Reviews, 75(8), 597-610.