Nutrition Disc ***ZEEK the GEEK ONLY***

ROBERT:

What are the characteristics of someone having you as an abundance or deficiency? Deficiency: -Goiter- Those who lack adequate levels of me, causes the thyroid to progressively grown larger as it tries to keep up with the demand for the thyroid hormone production. The goiter is large and can often interfere with breathing and eating and lead to choking. I do not cause this problem in the United States but I am a major reason that goiters are present Worldwide. - Hypothyroidism- As my levels drop another possible disorder is hypothyroidism which is the lack or low levels of the TH in the body. It is not common for lack of me to be the cause of hypothyroidism in the United States but it is more common worldwide.  - In Pregnancy- When my levels are low in infants and pregnant women mean that I can cause miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm labor, and congenital abnormalities in the babies.  Abundance: Taking too much of me can also cause problems. This is especially true in individuals that already have thyroid problems, such as nodules, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. Administration of large amounts of me through medications, radiology procedures and dietary excess can cause or worsen hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

In addition, individuals who move from a deficient region (for example, parts of Europe) to a region with adequate intake (for example, the United States) may also develop thyroid problems since their thyroids have become very good at taking up and using small amounts.

How would your recommended daily allowance affect special populations (pregnant women, children, men, women, etc.)? Men: 150 μg per day Women: 150 μg per day Birth to 6 months: 110 μg 7 months to 12 months: 130 μg 1- 8 years: 90 μg 9-13 years: 120 μg Teens: 150 μg Pregnant Women: 220 μg Breastfeeding Women: 290 μg These levels are specific for the United States.

What are some of the ways you might adjust the amount of this mineral/water in a person's diet? The easiest way is table salt and making sure that I am included in the salt you chose. You can find me in some multivitamins but not often in the United States. What are some of the more serious long term and detrimental effects (deficiency disorders, etc.) that might affect the body? Goiters and Hypothyroidism are the most serious disorders that can happen with long term low levels.  What other prevention, treatment, and safety measures might be beneficial to your patient?

There are no tests to confirm if you have enough of me in your body. When deficiency is seen in an entire population, it is best managed by ensuring that common foods that people eat contain sufficient levels of me. Since even mild deficiency during pregnancy can have effects on delivery and the developing baby, all pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a multivitamin containing at least 150 μg per day.

PAT:

I am an essential part of an electrolyte, but for some reason the electrolyte drink Gatorade doesn’t think I am important and only puts 37mg in an 8oz bottle.

Sodium is my co-worker and we keep each other out of trouble, but I am the most positively charged ion and together we help to attract some glucose into our work building called the “cell”.

Have you ever had a cramp?  Well sometime it is caused by my co-worker sodium overloading in cells.  No worries, eat a banana because I know how to regulate sodium and will help to alleviate that cramp.

Don’t you dare neglect me but don’t over indulge either.  Without me you may have may be a weakling, have trouble breathing or moving stool.  But a lack of me can cause abnormal heart contractions too.  Conversely, if there is too much of this good thing I can cause the heart to stop.

You are not going to find me in garbage food, so enough with the Micky-dees and Dairy queen.  Hook yourself up with fruits and veggies, whole grains and high quality meats.

Once you have made your initial post, the second portion of this weekly discussion requires that you respond to three different classmates.

AERICK:

I am a mineral that is very important for the human body. I have many effects on your body both in the event of a deficiency as well as having too much of me. I also mix well with many other elements such as chloride to help clear ice from your driveway during winter. Too much of me may cause kidney stones and cause interference in the way your heart and brain work. However, too little of me can result in serious health issues such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. I can weaken the most essential parts of your body and Vitamin D helps me.

I am important for pregnant women and they should consume at least 1,000mg a day of me. For infants I should exist up to 700mg a day which amounts should increase to over 1000mg per day as they grow older. Adults should regularly be taking it at least 1000mg of me a day.

You can find me regularly in foods, however if you are lacking you can also find me in supplements but I can also exist in medications such as anti-acids.

Symptoms of disorders as a result of abusing me may end up causing confusion and memory loss as well as muscle spasms, numbness and tingling of the hands feet and face.