Explain why malnutrition is prominent in the patient with alcoholism or alcoholic hepatitis
Alcohol often replaces food in the diet. Though it is possible to meet maintenance energy needs from the energy in the alcohol consumed, malnourishment results because of an inadequate intake of nutrients; though high in calories, alcohol contains no protein, vitamins, or minerals. Alcohol is also preferentially metabolized over whatever nutrients are obtained through food. Alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach, pancreas, and intestine, interfering with the normal processes of digestion and absorption and resulting in secondary malnutrition. The subsequent decrease in pancreatic enzyme secretion, intestinal transporters, and micelle formation results in altered absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, thiamin, and folic acid. The metabolism of alcohol increases the need for certain nutrients, particularly the B vitamins and magnesium. Alcohol causes increased urinary excretion of folate and pyridoxine (B6), as well as increased retinoid metabolism.
You might also like to view...
Researchers at a major American university plan a 10-year study involving 25,000 adults who will follow their usual lifestyles while they participate in the study. One of the main goals of this particular scientific investigation is to determine lifestyle factors that contribute to stomach cancer. Which of the following activities is likely to be a component of their research efforts?
A. Posting significant findings at the main researcher's Internet website B. Establishing a place for the subjects to live for the duration of the study C. Contacting the local news station to report their findings D. Submitting an article describing the results of the study to a peer-reviewed journal
The leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States today are chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Which of the following statements about older adults and nutrition is true?
a. Older adults spend more money per person on foods to eat at home than any other age group. b. Chronic disabilities among older adults have increased dramatically in recent years. c. Older adults are generally dependent and have mental challenges. d. Men living alone are most likely to be poorly nourished.
Bone strength in later life depends on:
a. the increased calcium absorption in the elderly b. the increased production of estrogen after menopause. c. reducing physical activity to protect bones. d. the formation of dense bones during youth. e. smoking and alcohol consumption.