Nutrient Deficiency Notes

Nutrient Deficiency

Four classes of essential nutrients 1. Amino acids 2. Fatty acids 3. Vitamins 4. Minerals (Obtained by ingesting and digesting them) Provide continuous energy for ATP production: cellular respiration and storage Used to build complex molecules for: 1. Growth 2. Maintenance 3. Reproduciton

Amino Acids and Protein Deficiency 20 amino acids are used to make proteins Synthesize about ½ using organic N Essential are the remaining Average adult human: 8 Human infants: 9 “Complete” foods: all essential amino acids, e.g. meat, eggs, cheese “Incomplete” foods: some but not all, e.g. plants Protein Deficiency Not all essential amino acids obtained Often in children, especially those who are underfed Symptoms include but are not limited to: Fullness, moon-shaped face Brittle and pluckable hair or fine and silky hair Decreased pigmentation (hair) Hyperpigmentation Delayed wound healing Muscle weakness and wasting Can have lasting risks such as fatigue, arthritis, arrhythmia, or death

Fatty Acids Used to synthesize phospholipids We synthesize most, but not all: Linoleic acid and linolenic acid Needs easily furnished Found in seeds, grains, and vegetables Deficiencies extremely rare Lack of linolenic acid in very low-fat diets Can lead to coronary heart disease

Vitamins and Vitamin Deficiencies Vitamins: organic molecules w/ diverse functions; required in small amounts (0.01-100 mg/day) 13 essential vitamins for humans Water-soluble: can pass through body; overdoses are rare; (e.g. B-complex, Vit C) Fat-soluble: can be stored in body; overdoses can occur; (e.g. Vits A, K, D) Deficiencies can vary greatly (see Fig. 41.1) Vitamin A Deficiency 1-2 million children/yr affected Occurs in populations with simple rice diets Symptoms include: Night blindness Dry skin, dry hair, and broken fingernails Decreased resistance to infections Can result in blindness and death *Fun fact* Golden rice was created to synthesize beta-carotene (Vit A)

Vit B9 (Folic Acid) Deficiency 1970s: women w/o Vit B9 had babies w/ neural tube defects FDA now required addition of folic acid to enriched grain products Symptoms include but are not limited to: Weight loss Anemia Bone fractures Mood disorders

Minerals and Mineral Deficiency Inorganic nutrients required in small amounts Purposes range from nerve/muscle function to cellular respiration Requirements vary from mineral to mineral and from species to species\ Ingesting large amounts of some can be toxic E.g. Too much NaCl (Sodium Chloride) leads to high blood pressure Calcium Deficiency Ca necessary for bone and teeth health Can result in stunted growth, bone thinning/weakening, and osteoporosis

Veganism Elimination of all animal products (meat) and byproducts (dairy, eggs) from diet Diet lacks/may be deficient of: “Complete” proteins with all essential amino acids Solution: Consuming a combination of plants that satisfies all amino acid needs (I.e. Corn and beans) Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Sulfur Solution: Daily multivitamins and an abundance of dark-colored vegetables, legumes, and whole grains