In adulthood, excessive or inadequate intake of certain nutrients can pose health risks. Discuss these risk nutrients and their dietary effects resulting from high or low intakes.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The risk nutrients include:1. Fiber: A high fiber diet is linked with lower body weight and less weight gain over time. Higher intake of fermentable fiber promotes the development of a beneficial mix of microbiota in the gut, which stimulates the immune system that is formed in the lining of the gut. In addition, fiber is associated with beneficial impacts on obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease.2. Calcium and Vitamin D: Low vitamin D intake is associated with decreased calcium bioavailability. In women, low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D leads to the loss of calcium from bones, which in turn leads to osteopenia—and progression to osteoporosis.3. Vitamin A and Vitamin E: They are fat-soluble vitamins with strong antioxidant functions and are involved in the functioning of the immune system. Vitamin A is essential in maintaining the integrity of the skin and mucosal cells, which function as a mechanical barrier and defend the body against infection. It also plays a central role in the development and differentiation of white blood cells that defend the body against pathogens. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and is involved in the maintenance and repair of cellular membranes.4. Choline: The deficiency of choline causes fatty liver and muscle deterioration.5. Potassium and Sodium: They have opposing effects on blood vessels. High potassium increases vasodilation and lowers blood pressure, while high sodium decreases vasodilation and raises blood pressure6. Magnesium: Subclinical deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation, which contributes to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer.7. Iron: Low intake of iron leads to depletion of iron stores, reduced synthesis of hemoglobin, and iron-deficiency anemia with decreased oxygen transport to tissues. It is also associated with lower work performance, athletic and cognitive performance, and reduced reproductive and immune function.