Food Nutrition Assignment: Task 2 - Nursing Module, Semester 1

This assignment delves into the fundamentals of food nutrition, addressing key concepts and their implications for health. It begins by defining essential terms such as electrolytes, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteopenia. The assignment then explores the influence of major minerals on blood pressure and details the diverse functions of calcium beyond bone health. It examines factors that either hinder or enhance mineral absorption, and discusses the use of iodized salt, summarizing takeaways from an article on iodine. Finally, it provides a balanced analysis of the pros and cons associated with fluoridated water in community water supplies, providing a comprehensive overview of crucial aspects of nutrition and its impact on overall well-being.

Food Nutrition
Nursing
4/12/20
Running Head: TASK 0

TASK 1
Contents
Definition...................................................................................................................................2
Question 1..................................................................................................................................2
Question 2..................................................................................................................................2
Question 3..................................................................................................................................2
Question 4..................................................................................................................................2
Question 5..................................................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................4

TASK 2
Definition
Electrolytes are the substances that can conduct electricity when they are dissociated
or disintegrated into ions by the process of electrolysis when submerged into solution
(Reinagel, 2013).
Osteoporosis is the condition in which the bones become fragile and weak due to the
wearing out of bone tissues and slow replacement by the new tissues (National Osteoporesis
Foundation, 2015).
Osteomalacia is a disease caused when there occurs impairment in the metabolism
and absorption of phosphate and calcium by the bones that result in softening of bones
making it fragile and easily breakable (Versus Arthritis, 2018).
Osteopenia is a condition in which the mineral and protein content of the bone
decreases making it weak but less likely to break easily. It is an early indicator of
osteoporosis (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018).
Question 1
Minerals and elements such as Na, K, Ca and Mg have an important role in
maintaining the normal blood pressure and also in controlling the resistance in the arteries
which carry blood in the body (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).
Question 2
Calcium plays an important and primary role in maintaining the bones. However,
there are several other crucial roles that Calcium plays in the body such as in aminating the
blood pressure by relaxing and contracting the blood vessels when required. It helps in
normal secretion and release of hormones in the bloodstream. Moreover, it helps in the
activation of the oocyte, contraction of the muscles, clotting of blood in injury, transmission
of nerve impulses and maintaining and balancing heartbeat and body fluids (Piste, 2012).
Question 3
Phytates, Oxalates, and Tannins are the core elements that inhibit the absorption.
Caffeine and alcohol have been studied to be the supportive elements that hinder the effective
absorption of minerals in our diet. Hence, consuming them in the diet is not recommended
(Connie M. Weaver, 2010). Whereas the consumption of iron and vitamin C rich foods with
the diet and meals helps in enhancing the absorption of minerals such as iron (Greger, 2012).

TASK 3
Question 4
Yes, we do use iodized salt because it regulates the thyroid hormones namely thyroxin
and triiodothyronine. These hormones aid in regulating the metabolism of the body such as
effective enzyme action and synthesis of protein. Moreover, they also help in the growth and
development of the nervous and skeletal system. Takeaways: -
i) Excess intake of iodine can cause hyperthyroidism which is usually consumed to
compensate for the deficiency of iodine in the body.
ii) Consumption of sea salt is beneficial as it contains a high level of minerals like Ca,
Mg, K & Fe.
iii) Cruciferous vegetables hinder the uptake of iodine in the thyroid and result in a
continued deficiency of iodine in the body (Wright, 2018).
Question 5
The pros of fluoride water from the public supply have been studied at it was reported
that it reduced the cases of tooth decay in children by 25 percent and maintain the dental care
in the population. The cons include issues such as kidney stones, discoloration of teeth and
weakness in bones (Auon & Darwiche, 2018).

TASK 4
References
Auon, A., & Darwiche, F. (2018). The Fluoride Debate: The Pros and Cons of Fluoridation.
Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 171-180.
Connie M. Weaver, E. M. (2010). Nutritional Basis of Skeletal Growth. Science Direct.
Greger, M. (2012, 11 1). How to Enhance Mineral Absorption. Retrieved from
NutritionFacts.org: https://nutritionfacts.org/2012/11/01/how-to-enhance-mineral-
absorption/
Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, 08 20). Osteopenia: When you have weak bones, but not
osteoporosis. Retrieved from Harvard Health Publishing:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/osteopenia-when-you-have-weak-
bones-but-not-osteoporosis
Harvard Health Publishing. (2019, 05 03). Key minerals to help control blood pressure.
Retrieved from Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-
health/key-minerals-to-help-control-blood-pressure
National Osteoporesis Foundation. (2015, 12). What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It?
Retrieved from National Osteoporesis Foundation: https://www.nof.org/patients/what-
is-osteoporosis/
Piste, P. (2012, 1). Calcium and its Role in Human Body. Retrieved from Research gate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274708965_Calcium_and_its_Role_in_Hu
man_Body
Reinagel, M. (2013, 09 04). What Are Electrolytes? Retrieved from Scietific American:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-are-electrolytes/
Versus Arthritis. (2018). What is osteomalacia? Retrieved from Versus Arthritis:
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteomalacia/
Wright, K. (2018). Iodine. Today's Dietitian, 20(12), 24. Retrieved from
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1218p24.shtml