Micronutrients In Health And Disease: Vitamins ✓ Solved

Micronutrients In Health And Diseasemicronutrients Are Vitamins And Mi

Your team of scientific experts has been asked to determine what updates should be made to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Once your team has compiled all of the necessary information and appropriate data, a memo must be generated to present this information to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. You are assigned to one of the following scientific groups based on your last name: Last Name Begins With Micronutrient A - G Vitamin D; H - M Calcium; N - S Potassium; T - Z Iron.

As a group, you will begin by gathering background information on your respective nutrient. This must include:

• Identification of the nutrient and type (e.g., vitamin, mineral)
• Explanation of the functions of the nutrient in the human body
• Role of the nutrient in promoting health and preventing disease
• Food sources providing high amounts of the nutrient in the U.S. diet
• Average intake of the nutrient in the U.S.
• Recommended intake for a 30-year-old male and a 30-year-old female

This information should be researched and documented in the group discussion board by Saturday of Unit 6 at 11:59 pm EST.

Individually, each group member will create a memo of at least 500 words addressing:

• Differences between the recommended intake and the average U.S. intake
• Key recommendations to increase or decrease intake, as appropriate, to promote health and prevent disease based on the group’s research.
• Supporting this with at least two academic sources formatted in APA.

The memo should include the nutrient research information and be organized logically. It must be at least 500 words, free of grammar and spelling errors, and formatted in Times New Roman (or similar), 10-12 pt. font. Contributions to group discussion, respectful interactions, and participation will be part of the assessment.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are essential nutrients required in small amounts for maintaining optimal health and preventing various diseases. These nutrients perform vital functions within the human body, acting as coenzymes, antioxidants, and structural components. Accurate intake levels are crucial, as both deficiencies and excesses can lead to adverse health outcomes. This paper presents a comprehensive review of vitamin D, a vital micronutrient, highlighting its roles, food sources, intake levels in the United States, and recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), culminating in key recommendations to bridge the gap between current intake and optimal health.

Identification and Functions of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin classified as a secosteroid hormone precursor. It exists primarily in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). The primary function of vitamin D is to facilitate calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestines, essential for maintaining healthy bone mineralization. It also plays roles in immune modulation, cell differentiation, and inflammation reduction, contributing to overall health (Holick, 2007).

Role in Health and Disease Prevention

Vitamin D's role extends to preventing rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both resulting from calcium deficiency. Emerging evidence indicates that adequate vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory infections (Martínez et al., 2020). Deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to infections and chronic illnesses, emphasizing its importance in public health strategies.

Food Sources of Vitamin D in the U.S. Diet

Natural food sources rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, fortified dairy products, fortified cereals, and egg yolks. Milk and plant-based milk alternatives are commonly fortified, providing a significant source of vitamin D in the American diet. The limited natural sources highlight the importance of fortification and supplementation, especially in regions with limited sun exposure (Hughes et al., 2017).

Average Intake and Recommendations in the U.S.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average vitamin D intake among U.S. adults is approximately 200-300 IU per day, which is below the recommended levels. The RDA for a 30-year-old male and female is 600 IU (15 mcg) per day. However, observational studies suggest many Americans do not meet these recommendations, leading to widespread insufficiency (Holick, 2017).

Key Recommendations to Enhance Vitamin D Status

To address the discrepancy, public health strategies should focus on increasing awareness of vitamin D-rich foods and safe sun exposure practices. Besides dietary improvements, considering supplementation for at-risk populations, such as those with limited sun exposure, dark skin pigmentation, or certain medical conditions, is essential. Healthcare providers should routinely monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and recommend personalized supplementation when necessary (Kennel et al., 2011). Policies promoting food fortification and consumer education can further help bridge the intake gap and support bone health and immune function across the U.S. population.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is a critical micronutrient with substantial implications for bone health and immune function. Despite its importance, many Americans fail to meet the recommended intake levels. Addressing this deficiency requires a multifaceted approach involving dietary strategies, responsible sun exposure, supplementation, and public health initiatives. Enhancing vitamin D status in the population will contribute to improved health outcomes and reduced disease burden.

References

• Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281.
• Martínez, M. E., et al. (2020). Vitamin D and immune health: Past, present, and future. Nutrients, 12(4), 1228.
• Hughes, D. A., et al. (2017). Dietary sources and bioavailability of vitamin D in U.S. populations. Journal of Nutrition, 147(6), 1024-1034.
• Holick, M. F. (2017). The vitamin D deficiency pandemic: Approaches for clinical management. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders, 18(2), 153-165.
• Kennel, K. A., et al. (2011). Vitamin D deficiency in adults: Impacts on bone health and immune function. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(6), 1706-1714.