Unit 6 seminar NS 220

1. Unit 6 seminar NS 220 Module 6: Minerals, Water, & Body Processes

2. Overview • Water • Minerals • Calcium • Iron • FDA Monitoring • Safety • Discussion

3. Water • Water: makes up 50-75% of body weight • Muscle has more water than fat • Can only live a few days w/o water • Functions: • Fluid Balance • Body Temperature Regulation • Removes Waste Products

4. Minerals • Macrominerals: require >100 mg/day • Microminerals: “trace elements”; require <100 mg/day • Trace minerals are more toxic (iron, copper) • Supplements (not food) biggest threat to toxicity • >100% DV pose risk • Doses should not exceed Upper Limit • Deficiencies most common in U.S.: calcium & iron

5. Calcium • Functions: • Bone & tooth formation • Aids in blood clotting • Aids in muscle contraction (twitching if low ca) • Aids in nerve transmission (nerve fxn fails if low ca) • Maintenance of heartbeat • Excess protein may increase calcium excretion

6. Calcium Needs • %DV= 1000 mg/day • Adequate Intake= 1000-1200 mg/day for adults • Adequate Intake= 1300 mg/day for adolescents (9-18 yrs. old) • U.L.= 2500 milligrams/day • Increases risk of kidney stones

7. Osteoporosis • Decreased bone density • “A pediatric disease w/ geriatric consequences” • Peak bone mass complete at ~ 20 y.o. • Small increases 20-30 y.o.; loss begins ~30 y.o. • Women experience increased bone loss after menopause (age ~50-70) then levels off • Affected by gender, race, familial pattern, other genetic factors • Slender, inactive women who smoke are most at risk (Caucasian & Asians highest risk)

8. Iron (Fe) • Functions as part of hemoglobin in RBC’s • Transports oxygen and carbon dioxide • High turnover, high demand for iron • Risk of deficiency: • Women of childbearing age- menstruation • Young children • Pregnancy • Acute or chronic blood loss • Inadequate protein intake

9. Iron-Deficiency Anemia • Most common form of anemia • Iron supplements may be needed (by MD only) • Body cannot eliminate excess iron- can be toxic • Heme vs. Non-Heme iron • Food Sources: organ meats, beef, pork, chicken, fish, turkey, prunes/dried fruit, whole grains, beans, molasses, spinach • Vitamin C enhances iron absorption

10. Prescription Drugs • Drug companies must test products in lab and on animals and humans. • Series of tests on humans to determine safety for disease treatment. • Scientific reviewers from FDA analyze the data and proposed labeling. • If health benefit outweighs it’s risks then medication is approved.

11. Differences: Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements Prescription Drugs • Manufacturer does not need FDA approval before marketing. • FDA does not approve vitamins, minerals, & supplements for safety before reaching consumers. • Prescription drugs must be proven safe and effective for their intended use before marketing. • Extensive research and studies.

12. Discussion: What do you think of the FDA’s approval process of vitamins & minerals compared to prescription drugs?

13. FDA Monitoring • Post-marketing responsibilities: • Monitoring safety (voluntary dietary supplement adverse event reporting) • Product information such as labeling, claims, package inserts, and accompanying literature. • FDA has the responsibility for showing that a dietary supplement is "unsafe," before it can take action to restrict the product's use or removal.

14. Are Vitamins, Minerals, & Dietary Supplements Safe? • Many safe and consumed daily without adverse effects; some beneficial for health conditions. • Reasons for recalls include: • Microbiological, pesticide, & heavy metal contamination • Absence of dietary ingredient claimed to be in product • Presence of more or less than the amt of dietary ingredient claimed on the label • Recall of Balanced Health Products, Inc. Starcaps dietary supplement capsules (11/26/08).

15. Discussion: Should safety guidelines for dietary supplements be more strict? Why? Should dietary supplements be regulated by the FDA just as prescription drugs are regulated? Why? Concerns?