Define pica and describe the nutritional problems it might cause
Pica, the practice of eating nonnutritive substances such as clay, chalk, and laundry starch, is one of the most perplexing of all food habits practiced by African Americans, whites, and other ethnic groups. Studies have determined that pica is most often practiced by black women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and that rates are unchanged since the 1970s. In rural regions the substance ingested is usually clay. In urban areas, laundry starch is often the first choice, though instances of women who ate large amounts of milk of magnesia, coffee grounds, plaster, ice, and paraffin have also been reported.
Pica may result in anemia among pregnant women and newborns. Other possible problems include excessive weight gain (from laundry starch), aggravated hypertension (from the sodium in clay),
iron-deficiency anemia, and hyperkalemia. Furthermore, over-the-counter remedies for the gas and constipation that can accompany pica may be harmful during pregnancy.
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Which of the following is a feature of U.S. laws governing information on food labels?
a. The term "fresh" can be used only for raw and moderately processed food b. Nutrition labeling must appear on virtually all processed as well as fresh foods c. Restaurant foods must provide nutrient content information on the menu d. Nutrition labeling is not required on foods produced by small businesses or products produced and sold in the same establishment
Infant mortality is defined as the death of
A. a fetus before birth. B. newborns between birth and 28 days of age. C. infants between birth and 1 year of age. D. any child before age 3.
Answer the following questions true (T) or false (F)
1. Preformed niacin is found in meat, fish, poultry, enriched whole-grain breads and bread products, and fortified cereals. 2. Panthothenic acid, which is abundant in whole-grain cereals, nuts and legumes, milk, meat, and eggs, has no known toxicity symptoms, and deficiency symptoms are rare. 3. Biotin, found in peanuts, yeast, egg yolks, grains, fish, and liver, is referred to as the "beauty vitamin," because it helps maintain healthy hair and nails.
The ___ movements of the large intestine are slow compared to that of the small intestine.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).