Daily Health Care

Archive for the ‘Vitamin and Minerals’ Category

Surprisingly, however, were more likely than children who did not need much to consume these supplements, for example, white children from families with higher incomes, more food security, better nutrition and more levels of activity. The 47 percent of those children (who were also less likely to be obese) were taking vitamins, compared with 28 percent of those in disadvantaged situations.

The team found that the cost seems to be the biggest obstacle for lower income households to add supplements to the diet of their children. “One thing we thought was responsible for this was the possibility that parental income and education could overcome other factors,” said Shaikh.

Furthermore, in fact, the data showed that 22 percent of children living in homes located under the federal poverty level, using vitamins, compared with 43 percent of households living above the line.

The 38 percent of children living in households not using food stamps used vitamins, compared with 18 percent of the youngsters from households where there were no more government aid.

Vitamin B1 – Also known as Thiamine.

1. Functions of vitamin B1
- Allows the use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins for energy production.
- Beneficial effect on the nervous system.

2. Where to find it?
They are rich in vitamin B1 fresh soybeans, wheat germ, whole grains, legumes, lean meats and peanuts.

3. Nutritional Needs
Recommended daily intakes are 1.2 mg / day.

4. What if needed?
His severe deficiency can cause beriberi, characterized by neurological and cardiac disorders.

1. What is calcium?
It is the most abundant mineral element in the human body, located at 99% in bone and teeth.

2. Functions of Calcium
- It is the bones and teeth, along with phosphorus and vitamin D.
- Involved in muscle contraction.
- It is necessary for nerve impulse transmission.
- Spoke in blood clotting.
- Maintains the permeability of cell membranes.
- Enables certain enzyme systems.
- It helps communication mechanisms inside the cell.

3. Where to find it?
Milk. Undoubtedly the milk is the main source of calcium. They are rich in calcium, fish, milk and milk products, almond milk, nuts, vegetables, seafood and vegetables (chard, cardoon, spinach).

They are also an excellent source of calcium fortified foods, especially those that already contain as fortified milk or calcium-fortified yogurt. The lactose present in milk helps assimilate it better.

4. Dietary recommendations
It should ingest adequate amounts of calcium so as to cover the daily requirement of calcium. We recommend a contribution of about 1000 mg / day for an adult male.

These needs are different depending on the age of the person. For example, are higher for adolescents growing in postmenopausal women (at increased risk of bone loss) and in older people where the ability to use the calcium in the diet decreases.

In the attached graphics can be seen daily calcium recommendations of the Hispanic Foundation for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases (FHOEMO).

5. What is missing?
The lack of calcium, associated in most cases with a deficiency in vitamin D leads to osteomalacia and osteoporosis. It can also be an increased risk of fractures, muscle weakness and convulsions.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for healthy skin and mucous membranes and acts the role of vision.

1. Functions
- Allows for night vision.
- Maintains in good skin and mucous membranes.
- Spoke on the development of bones and teeth.
- Turn up your immune system, prevent infections, especially respiratory.
- It is necessary for the proper development of the nervous system.
- Participates in the synthesis of sex hormones.
- One form, beta-carotene is an antioxidant useful in preventing certain diseases like cancer.

In the case of baby:
- The need for proper brain development.
- It contributes to the nerve tissue and bone mass.
- Participate in the growth and evolution of cells and immune function.
- Its deficit may cause birth defects and increased infant mortality.

2. Where to find it?
Peaches. They contain a high content of vitamin A.
Is found as retinol in foods of animal origin and form of beta carotene in foods of plant origin. Foods that contain it are oily fish, liver, egg yolk, butter, cheese, whole milk or rich, apricot, cantaloupe, carrot, mango, peach, spinach, Brussels sprouts or tomatoes and other foods.

3. Nutritional Needs
The recommended intake per day should be 1 mg / day.

4. What if needed?
Deficiency causes night blindness, dry, flaky skin, dry mucous membranes and dryness of the cornea (xerophthalmia).