Nutrition in Nursing

1. NutritioninNursing Steps to a healthier patient

2. Overview of Nutrients • Proteins (macronutrients)-required for proper growth & development; composed of amino acids. • Adult recommended daily allowance (RDA) -0.8 grams/kg/day, 10% total calories • Additional protein needed for infants, children, and pregnant or lactating women. • Insufficient amounts can lead to protein energy malnutrition- i.e. atrophy and wasting away of muscle & poor wound healing.

3. Overview of Nutrients • Carbohydrates-macronutrients: include starches, sugars (fructose, glucose, lactose, sucrose), and cellulose • 4 calories/gram; are key source of energy. • Found in fruits, vegtables, milk, and grains • Promotes normal metabolism, including fat metabolism • Spares protein • Insufficient amount results for protein and fat being used up.

4. Overview of Nutrients • Fats (macronutrients): Concentrated sources of energy, provides 9 calaries/gram • Needed for proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins • Stored in body to maintain body warmth and cushion or protect internal organs. • Sources include animal products-i.e., egg yolk, organ meat, butter, cheese, various oils. • The cholesterol content determine if the fat is- saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. • The more solid the fat the higher the saturated fat. • Leads to obesity, heart disease, and some cancers if taken in large amounts over a long period of time. • Insufficient intake can result in ↑ risk infection, skin lesions, amenorrhea, and cold sensitivity (no fat stores).

5. Overview of Nutrients • Minerals (micronutrients): Part of the bones, cells, and hormones. • Enhances cellular function • Widely abundant in foods. • Major minerals-calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphorus. • Trace elements-iron, iodine, copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, flouride, chromium, and molybdenum. • Mineral intake can also be supplemented-usually as a multivitamin.

6. Overview of Nutrients • Vitamins (micronutrients): classified as water soluble (B and C vitamins)-easily excreted from the body or fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E, K)-which can be stored and cause toxicity if taken to excess. • Used as catalysts of body functions, coenzymes in metabolic processed, for growth, collagen production, wound healing, hormone synthesis, and vision. • Can be obtained through diet alone or supplementation. • Depends on the supplement- for example: Folic acid-is found in orange juice, meat, leafy green vegtables-If there is a deficiency it can cause nutritional anemia or neural tube defects in unborn chidren.

8. The Food PyramidSteps to a healthier you GRAINS VEGETABLES FRUITS OILS MILK MEAT & BEANS

9. GrainsMake half of your grains whole • List a few examples of grains that are plentiful in your area. • Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them. • Together, research and discuss the health benefits of grains. • Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

10. VegetablesVary your veggies • List a few examples of vegetables that are plentiful in your area. • Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them. • Together, research and discuss the health benefits of vegetables. • Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

11. FruitsFocus on fruits • List a few examples of fruits that are plentiful in your area. • Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them. • Together, research and discuss the health benefits of fruits. • Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

12. OilsKnow your fats • List a few examples of oils and fats. • Discuss how much children should eat daily and what foods contain oils and fats. • Together, research and discuss the health benefits associated with the different kinds of oils and fats. • Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

13. MilkGet your calcium rich foods • List a few examples of milk products. • Discuss how much children should eat daily and when they might have them. • Together, research and discuss the health benefits of milk products. • Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

14. Meat and BeansGo lean on protein • List a few examples of meat and bean products that are plentiful in your area. • Discuss how much children should eat daily and when they might have them. • Together, research and discuss the health benefits of meat and beans. • Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

15. Discretionary CaloriesExtras for luxury foods • What are discretionary calories? • Discuss how many discretionary calories children should eat every day. • Solicit class feedback for examples of ways to use discretionary calories.

16. Physical ActivityStrive for 60 minutes or more per day • What is physical activity? • Discuss moderate vs. vigorous activity. • Solicit class feedback for examples of moderate and vigorous activities.

17. Eat Well and Stay Healthy! • Encourage children to use the MyPyramid Worksheet, for a week, and to eat their favorite foods in each group to meet their daily requirements. • Download the worksheet here: MyPyramid Worksheet. • Discuss their findings at the end of the week. • How might each child eat more healthfully?

18. Conclusion • Summarize the health benefits of each food group. • Encourage children to do research on any new finding about food and health. • Encourage children to continue keeping a food diary. • Encourage children to strive for 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. • Ask your school nurse or doctor to visit the class to share facts about food and health on an ongoing basis.