Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Hannah Smith KNH 413 April 8, 2012 Medical Nutrition Therapy Nutrient: Selenium What is the nutrient? The nutrient is selenium. It is necessary for vital immune system function. It works in conjunction with vitamin E, C, and B3 as an antioxidant to prevent free radical damage in the body (http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/10-foods-rich-in-selenium.html). What is the RDA/DRI for the nutrient? The RDA for selenium is: Children (under 3): 20 mcg Children (48): 30 mcg Children (9-13): 40 mcg Adolescents (14-18): 55 mcg Adults 19 and older: 55 mcg Pregnant women: 60 mcg Lactating women: 70 mcg Reference: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/10-foods-rich-in-selenium.html The DRI for selenium is: 1 - 3 years: 17 μg/d 4 - 8 years: μg/d 9 - 13 years (male and female): 35 μg/d 14 - >70 years (male and female): 45 μg/d Pregnant women: 49 μg/d Lactating women: 59 μg/d Reference: http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Nutrition/DRIs/5_Sum mary%20Table%20Tables%201-4.pdf How is the nutrient metabolized? Selenium is mainly absorbed through various sites throughout the duodenum. Many forms of this element are well absorbed. The usual forms absorbed are part of amino acids within proteins. The exact mechanisms of selenium transport are unclear and very debatable in the science and nutrition worlds. It is hypothesized that selenium enters red blood cells through diffusion and carried throughout the body. Within the blood, free selenium binds to lipoproteins. The selenium that is absorbed becomes a part of transport and storage proteins. The heart, kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, and muscle store high amounts of selenium. The balance of selenium in the body is mainly regulated through excretion. If too much selenium is consumed then it is excreted by the lungs, causing a garlic smell or odor (http://www.exrx.net/Nutrition/Antioxidants/Selenium.html#anchor3688468). What are food sources of the nutrient? Food sources of the nutrients include: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, fish (especially tuna, halibut, sardines, flounder, salmon), shellfish (especially oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops), meat (especially beef, liver, lamb, pork), poultry (especially chicken and turkey), eggs, mushrooms (especially button, crimini, shiitake), grains (especially wheat germ, barley, brown rice, oats), and onions. Reference: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/10-foods-rich-in-selenium.html What disease states alter the nutrients metabolism? Some diseases associated with low levels of selenium include: HIV and Crohn’s disease (http://www.healthtestingcenters.com/selenium.aspx). What are the tests or procedures to assess the nutrient level in the body? One test done to assess selenium levels is the selenium deficiency test. People with nutritional absorption disorders are usually required to undergo a variety of nutritional deficiency tests, including one for selenium. These tests are typically done by doing a simple blood test and blood analysis to determine the levels of each nutrient, in the blood (http://www.testcountry.org/selenium-deficiency-test.htm). What is the drug –nutrient interactions? The absorption of selenium is enhanced using vitamin A, C, E, and reduced glutathione. On the other hand, the absorption of selenium is reduced by heavy metals, like mercury (http://www.exrx.net/Nutrition/Antioxidants/Selenium.html#anchor3688468). Some drugs that lower selenium levels in the body include: Cisplatin, clozapine, corticosteroids, valproic acid. When taken with Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Heparin, and Aspirin, selenium may increase risk of bleeding. Selenium seems to make the sedative effects of Butabarbital, Mephabarbital, Phenobarbital, and Secobarbital last longer (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/selenium-000325.htm). How is the nutrient measured? Selenium is measured in micrograms based on the Selenium RDA, DRI, and Upper Tolerable Limits recommendations (http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Nutrition/DRIs/5_Su mmary%20Table%20Tables%201-4.pdf). What is the Upper Tolerable Limits? The upper tolerable limits of selenium are: 0-6 months: 45 mcg/day 7-12 months: 60 mcg/day 1-3 years: 90 mcg/day 4-8 years: 150 mcg/day 9-13 years: 280 mcg/day 14-18 years: 400 mcg/day 19 + years: 400 mcg/day Reference: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/selenium-HealthProfessional/ What are the physical signs of deficiency? Deficiency of selenium is rare and usually only occurs in areas where soil concentration of selenium is low. The physical signs of deficiency include: Autoimmune problems (psoriasis or thyroid disease) Stomach, throat, prostate cancers Some mood disorders Reference: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/10-foods-rich-in-selenium.html Can make body susceptible to other illnesses Reference: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/selenium-HealthProfessional/ What are physical signs of toxicity? The physical signs of selenium toxicity include: Hair loss White spots on fingernails Fatigue, dizziness Nausea Reference: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/10-foods-rich-in-selenium.html