Vitamins & Minerals
VITAMINS & MINERALS
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Introduction
· Vitamins and minerals
are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts for various
physiological functions, including growth, development, and maintenance of
health.
· They play crucial
roles in numerous biochemical processes, including metabolism, immunity, and
tissue repair.
· Because the body
cannot synthesize most vitamins and minerals, they must be obtained from the
diet or supplements.
Definition
Vitamins are organic
compounds that are necessary in small quantities for normal body function and
growth. They are classified based on their solubility:
·
Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, K
·
Water-soluble vitamins: B-complex (B1, B2,
B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) and Vitamin C
Minerals are inorganic
elements that the body needs to function properly. They are divided into two
categories:
·
Macrominerals: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium,
Sulfur, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium
·
Trace minerals: Iron, Manganese, Copper, Iodine, Zinc,
Fluoride, Selenium
Classification
Vitamins
·
Fat-Soluble
o
Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune
function, and skin health. Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and liver.
o
Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and
bone health. Found in sunlight, fortified milk, and fatty fish.
o
Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant. Found in
nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
o
Vitamin K: Crucial for blood clotting. Found in
green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
·
Water-Soluble
o
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Supports energy
metabolism. Found in whole grains, pork, and legumes.
o
Vitamin C: Important for the synthesis of
collagen and acts as an antioxidant. Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and
bell peppers.
Minerals
·
Macrominerals
o
Calcium: Essential for bone health. Found in
dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
o
Magnesium: Involved in over 300 biochemical
reactions in the body. Found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
·
Trace Minerals
o
Iron: Necessary for oxygen transport in the
blood. Found in red meat, beans, and fortified cereals.
o
Zinc: Important for immune function and
wound healing. Found in meat, shellfish, and legumes.
Pharmacokinetics
·
Absorption: Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed
along with dietary fats in the small intestine, whereas water-soluble vitamins
are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Minerals are absorbed in the small
intestine, with varying efficiencies depending on the mineral and the body's
needs.
·
Distribution: After absorption, vitamins and
minerals are distributed to various tissues where they are utilized for
different metabolic processes. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body fat and
the liver, while water-soluble vitamins are usually not stored and are excreted
in the urine.
·
Metabolism: Vitamins generally undergo minimal
metabolism, while some minerals may be converted into different forms within
the body.
·
Excretion: Water-soluble vitamins are typically
excreted via the urine when in excess, whereas fat-soluble vitamins are stored
in the body, potentially leading to toxicity if consumed in large amounts.
Excess minerals are excreted through urine, feces, and sweat.
Mechanism of Action
·
Vitamins: Act as coenzymes in metabolism (e.g.,
B vitamins in energy production), antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C and E), and
regulators of gene expression (e.g., Vitamin A).
·
Minerals: Serve as cofactors in enzymatic
reactions (e.g., Zinc in DNA synthesis), structural components (e.g., Calcium
in bones), and regulators of osmotic balance (e.g., Sodium and Potassium).
Uses
·
Preventing and treating deficiencies: Such as Vitamin D
for rickets, Iron for anemia.
·
Supporting overall health: Multivitamins may be
used to supplement dietary intake, especially in people with restricted diets.
·
Therapeutic uses: High-dose Vitamin C for boosting
immunity, Magnesium for muscle cramps.
Adverse Effects
·
Fat-soluble vitamins: Hypervitaminosis A
(liver damage), Hypervitaminosis D (hypercalcemia).
·
Water-soluble vitamins: Usually excreted,
but high doses of Vitamin B6 can cause neuropathy.
·
Minerals: Excess Iron can cause organ damage,
excessive Calcium can lead to kidney stones.
Contraindications
·
Vitamins: High doses of Vitamin A are
contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of teratogenic effects.
·
Minerals: Calcium supplements may be
contraindicated in patients with a history of kidney stones.
Role of the Nurse
1.
Assessment: Evaluate the patient's nutritional
status, dietary intake, and potential deficiencies. Monitor for signs of
toxicity or deficiency.
2.
Education: Instruct patients on the importance of
a balanced diet, the appropriate use of supplements, and potential side effects
of excessive supplementation.
3.
Administration: Ensure correct dosage and timing of
supplements, particularly when administering fat-soluble vitamins or minerals
that may interact with other medications.
4.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood levels of
specific vitamins and minerals, especially in patients at risk for deficiencies
or toxicities.
5.
Documentation: Keep accurate records of
supplementation, patient responses, and any adverse effects or
contraindications.
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