Abstract The paper shows that consumers today are faced with a myriad of information concerning the safety and viability of vitaminsupplements. One day the experts say one thing and the next day there are new studies by other experts. This all creates quite a dilemma for those who are trying to do the best for their bodies. The paper argues, however, that through the years there has been a steady stream of overwhelming evidence proving that vitaminsupplements are helpful and beneficial for physical health, and moreover, may affect behavior. The paper uses information from various studies to prove that taking vitamins is extremely beneficial to ones health and wellbeing.
From the Paper "For years researchers have studied the benefits of vitamin E on the skin, hair, heart, and over-all health. Now researchers have proven that vitamin E supplements could save millions of health care dollars each year. A study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" showed significant savings from various supplements, especially vitamin E. In a "double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 2,002 patients"vitamin E reduced non-fatal heart attack risk by 77 percent? (Natural 1998). Researchers found a savings of $578 per patient in patients taking vitamin E supplements compared to those who took placebos. The savings were based on a reduction in hospital admissions for nonfatal heart attacks."
Abstract This paper presents a brief overview of the benefits of dietary supplementation, with a specific focus on calciumsupplements. The writer takes a positive view of supplements, provided the supplementation takes into consideration the individual's biology and lifestyle needs. The author also recommends that the supplements are dispensed with clear labeling and in conjunction with a health professional.
From the Paper "Perhaps one of the reasons there is such confusion about the issue of supplementation is the broad, sweeping claims made by popular manufactures of supplements, which promise generic cure-alls rather than sound advice. Not every woman may need iron supplements, if she eats fortified grain cereals and eats red meat. The personal and inexact science of creating an ideal diet, tailored to the individual, must be communicated on supplement labels by law. The current nutritional labels that give guidelines for generic 2,000-calorie diets for daily requirements, regardless of age, background, lifestyle, and quite often gender, are often misleading."
Examines the need for dieticians to be concerned not only with what and how well people eat, but to clear up the confusion about "taking" vitamins either to replace foods or as supplements.
Abstract This paper explains that one of the most important roles of a dietician today is to provide insight and proper guidance for taking, or not taking vitaminsupplements. The paper then looks at the history of the so-called "vitamin revolution" and all of the advertisements and news generated by the media about the necessity of proper vitamin intake and then examines whether all of this media output is just hype on the part of the vitamin industry and certain health professionals. For the purposes of evaluating the reasons for all of this focus on vitamin intake, the paper concentrates on three vitaminsupplements: Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
From the Paper "More than ever dieticians have to be concerned not only with what and how well people eat, but they have to attempt to clear up the confusion about "taking" vitamins either to replace foods, or as supplements. Perhaps there is no more important aspect of providing proper nutrition for the public in the coming years than being able to provide insight and proper guidance for taking, or NOT taking vitamin supplements. "The first line of attack for many problems is already diet-centered...Despite all the breakthroughs in nutritional research, deciding what and how to eat can still be enormously confusing.""
Abstract Osteoporosis has been estimated to afflict from five to twenty million people in the United States alone. It is the principal cause of skeletal fractures in the elderly. The paper shows that while consuming enough calcium is important, bone health is more than just a matter of getting enough calcium in your diet. The paper examines what medical science knows about calcium and bone, and what it does not know about the disease, and overall bone health. The paper addresses five areas: calcium and bone, calcium nutrition, illnesses caused by insufficient calcium, suggested calcium intakes and, lastly, osteoporosis and calcium.
From the Paper "Osteoporosis is a silent disease and there might not be symptoms until a bone breaks and the condition is recognized after the incident on x-rays. The first sign may be hip or low back pain, or painful swelling of a wrist after a fall. Persons who fall into the risk factor groups should do all they can to avoid these symptoms by eating well and exercising. It is best to prevent the disease by building sturdy bones in childhood, but there are other steps you can take. Your peak bone mass is reached during your twenties and thirties so get regular weight bearing exercise, such as walking. In addition, get plenty of calcium in your diet and if need be use supplements. The average American diet contains about five hundred milligrams a day, but one thousand milligrams a day is recommended and needed. Do not smoke, and drink alcohol only in moderation. If you are at risk of developing osteoporosis and are nearing menopause, talk with your doctor about estrogen or other hormone replacement therapies."
Abstract This paper examines how calcium is a crucial component of the function of the nervous, cardiac and musculoskeletal system and how there are often stresses on the calcium levels in the plasma as various systems require more calcium than normal. It focuses on the regulation of the total body calcium levels, the mechanisms and levels of complexity involved as well as touching on some of the clinical conditions that arise when this system does not function effectively.
From the Paper "The importance of the PTH secretion is evident in deficient systems. In hypoparathyroidism, not enough PTH is present to respond adequately to the fall in Ca. This tends to cause hypocalcaemic problems, including tetany. This is also true for pseudohypoparathyroidism, where there is a defect bin the PTH receptors, preventing the PTH from having an effect. There are also problems associated with excess PTH causing hypercalcaemia. These conditions include hyperparathyroidism arising from tumours that secrete excess PTH. These patients not only have hypercalcaemia, but often have osteoporosis, urinary stones and sluggish CNS."
Abstract This paper examines a study that describes the risks and the benefits of dietary supplements. By way of the problem statement, the research questions, and the hypotheses, the research examines not only the risks and benefits of vitamins, but also the gender differences as well that are seen when it comes to who takes dietary supplements and who does not. The paper includes an extensive review of the literature.
Abstract
Chapter 1
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Hypotheses
Importance of the Study
Chapter 2
Review of the Literature
Chapter 3
Theoretical Framework
Chapter 4
Methodology
Sampling
Research Method
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Works Cited
From the Paper "The risk of having any kind of adverse event, particularly one that is considered to be serious, as the result of taking a dietary supplement at the proper dosage is very low. As can be seen later within this paper, there are very few adverse events reported each year. However, that does not mean that all dietary supplements are completely safe for everyone to take and that there is no chance that an otherwise healthy person will have an adverse reaction to a supplement that was taken at the proper dosage. The problem, therefore, becomes to determine whether dietary supplements have more benefits than risks overall and should therefore be recommended for the general population."
Tags: dietary, supplements, vitamins, prevention, women's, health
Abstract This study aims to identify the specific constituents of the vitamin B complexes in general and then goes on to describe how deficiencies of these vitamins adversely affect human health. The paper discusses which aspects of the population are at higher risk of vitamin B deficiencies and what can be done to remedy the problem. The paper specifically talks about the relationship between mental health issues and vitamin B deficiencies.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Conclusion
From the Paper "Given the above, it is clear that people can experience essential nutrient deficiencies even when they are consuming the recommended daily allowances. While it remains vitally important to prevent such vitamin deficiency syndromes, there is a paucity of scientific evidence that additional intake levels that exceed the recommendations set out in Table 3 above of protein or micronutrients in supplement form is able to enhance athletic performance, notwithstanding the claims of manufacturers to the contrary (Chee et al., 2001). These authors caution that these supplements can actually interfere with the metabolism of the vitamin B complexes, thereby making matters worse instead of better. "In fact, isolated amino acid supplements may impair the uptake and utilization of other essential amino acids from diet, and vitamins and minerals (particularly fat soluble vitamins) may be toxic in high doses. The most common deficiency states in elderly persons related to exercise and functional capacity are energy, protein, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D" (Chee et al., 2001, p. 194)."
Abstract This paper explains the importance of calcium in a child's diet and takes a look at the calcium intake and needs of children and adolescents. The paper summarizes a study on fracture rates vs. milk consumption, on adolescent bone mineral density and on calcium in vegan diets and then looks at dietary factors which affect calcium intake, absorption and calcium loss.
From the Paper "Calcium intake in children may be insufficient for their needs, as their bones are growing and a study by Goulding et al showed that children who avoided drinking cow's milk for prolonged periods and did not consume calcium-rich food substitutes had low bone mineral densities. Low bone density combined with a high body weight increases the risk of bone fractures during growth when children are more prone to such fractures. Optimal bone growth cannot take place without sufficient calcium intake and in the Western countries dairy products are..."
Tags:calcium, bone mineral density, osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteogenesis
Abstract This paper describes the need and benefits of calcium in our lives and discusses the detrimental or negative effects of overusing calcium resources.
From the Paper "It is obvious, the impact that calcium compounds have on our world today. It goes without saying that our lives would be very different without them. They are an essential mineral to maintain health, and an important component of many things that we need to make our lives better.
However, all of this convenience is not without cost."
Abstract This paper examines various dietary supplements and the trend in using them focusing on the case of Mark McGuire, the baseball player.
From the Paper "The most famous of the non-herbal supplement is the widely used and marketed, creatine. Creatine is naturally occurring amino acid produced by the kidneys and liver that is stored in the muscle cells as creatine phosphate, and the process of creatine delays fatigue and supplies quick energy for short durations. The liver produces about two grams of creatine in a day and creatine is transported through the blood stream to muscles. The Kidneys remove excess levels of creatine, which makes those athletes who already have a high muscle creatine content at no advantage by taking more creatine (Mayo 4)."
An analysis of the method and procedure for participation in a study on the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on female, high school cross country runners.
Abstract This paper presents a nursing research study on the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on female, high school cross country runners. The paper begins with a scientific rationale for the study regarding the risk of stress fractures in runners. It then goes on to describe the method and procedure for the study, as well as the benefits and risks associated with participation in the study.
Table of Contents:
Overview of Study Scientific Rationale and Purpose
Who Is Eligible To Be In The Study; What Type Of Patients Will Be Involved?
Where And When The Study Will Be Conducted And The Length Of Commitment
What Tests Or Procedures Will The Study Involve? Do They Have Risks? Will They Cause Pain Or Discomfort (Physical Or Mental)?
Anticipated Benefits And Risks Of Taking Part In The Study
Who Will Have Access To The Study Information, And What Is The Plan For Protecting The Information?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
From the Paper "Stress fractures are small cracks in the shaft of a bone caused by overuse or excessive physical stress. "About sixty-nine percent of stress fractures occur in runners," the rest in recent military recruits ("Stress Fractures," 2006, Mass General Hospital for Children). 21 per cent of female recruits are reported to suffer from this form of injury. ("Calcium, vitamin D may reduce stress fracture risk," 2007, NutraIngredients). "Predisposing factors include running after a period of inactivity, change in the running surface, poor training and inadequate shoes," as well as weakened bones because of inadequate diet or poor bone density ("Stress Fractures," 2006, Mass General Hospital for Children). Frequent dieters may also be at higher risk for stress fractures caused by osteoporosis, regardless of their weight, as the body compensates for the decreased caloric intake by reducing its bone-building functions (DeNoon, 2006)."
Abstract This paper discusses how research has shown that there is a direct correlation between bone condition in an individual's juvenile and mature years and subsequent susceptibility to osteoporosis-related fractures. In particular, the paper looks at how the interventions that are being investigated to reduce osteoporosis-related health risks and to improve general bone health is diet and supplements of vitamin D and calcium.
Outline:
Health, Vitamin D and Calcium Interventions
Conclusion
From the Paper "The focus on osteoporosis prevention in turn has improved market performance of foods. Klotter (2005) points out that among all nutrients, calcium is among the most advocated by retails products. These include not only dairy-related products but vegetables, fruits and exercise activities as well. Whereas there has been some counter-marketing against dairy products because of their fat content and fears of contamination from diseases in the 1990's, they have gained better regard in consideration of their value in preventing osteoporosis (Heaney et al, 2000). The opinion is one that Klotter (2005) also recognizes in the course of her study of the impact of initiatives against osteoporosis in health as well as industrial markets today."
Abstract The goal of this study is to refine our current understanding of how nutritional supplements can effect wound healing, in general, and pressure ulcers, in particular. This research paper will explore the healing rates of pressure ulcers in patients who have been given multivitamin supplements alone, multivitamin supplements with Arginine, or supplements of 500 mg Vitamin C BID and 50 mg zinc. This paper hypothesizes that healing rates of Stage II and III pressure ulcers are similar in patients receiving multivitamin supplements alone or patients receiving 500 mg Vitamin C BID and 50 mg zinc and improved in patients receiving arginine supplements.
Contents
Background
Pressure Ulcers and Wound Healing
Vitamin C
Zinc
Multivitamins
Arginine
Summary
From the Paper "Pressure ulcers are a common problem among patients in acute and long-term care facilities. Pressure ulcers can vary significantly in severity and condition. According to Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guidelines, stage II pressure ulcers consist of "Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis, dermis or both (e.g., abrasion, blister, or shallow crater)" (Folkedahl, Frantz & Goode). Stage III pressure ulcers consist of wounds that involve skin loss of full thickness that may extend to underlying fascia, but not through the fascia. Clinically, a stage III pressure ulcer presents as a deep crater that may or may not undermine adjacent tissue (Folkedahl, Frantz & Goode)."
Abstract This paper discusses how vitamins and supplements are a part of many individual's daily lives. In particular, it looks at how many people hop on the health bandwagon, purchasing vitamins they see in advertisements, which claim to improve wellness and how the overall ignorance towards supplements, and the lack of consumer's research puts them at risk. It examines how there are multiple combinations of vitamins that are detrimental to the body as well as certain synthetic supplements and how manufacturers are not making any effort to slow this ignorant vitamin feeding frenzy either.
From the Paper "The problem is not just the consumer's lack of research and information. The pharmaceutical companies are to blame as well. Vitamins, unlike drugs, are loosely regulated. The FDA just recently started regulating vitamins as foods, which is not strict at all compared to drug regulations (Marketplace). Also, vitamins are marketed as miracle supplements, making outrageous, unsupported claims, such as, "doctor-recommended," which do not actually withhold meaning, but appeal to the uneducated consumer (Jacobson 1). As far as nutritional value, these pills are not even absorbed or used by the body like food is. Also, the ingestion of certain vitamins together, can interfere with each other's absorption, which is actually unhealthy. Not to mention, the fact that many vitamins are fat soluble, meaning the fatty tissue accumulates over time, causing poisonous reactions within the liver, and resulting in serious medical consequences (Anderson). "
Abstract The paper describes Alzheimer's disease and the function of vitamins E and C as antioxidants. The paper reveals that clinical studies on the effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on cognitive decline give inconclusive and contradictory results. The paper therefore concludes that primary care practitioners should be cautious in recommending supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C to patients with Alzheimer's. The paper suggests instead that patients should be encouraged to shift to a healthy, natural diet of fruit and vegetables.
Outline:
Objective
Alzheimer's Disease
Antioxidants
Review of Literature
Applications in Nursing
From the Paper "Mental capabilities gradually decline with increasing age. However, there are certain cases where the decline proceeds very rapidly. This abnormally rapid decline is not part of aging and gives rise to a group of disorders are called dementia. A severe form of dementia characterized by a gradual destruction of certain parts of the brain resulting in a progressively rapid decline in brain functions is the Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's affects certain parts of the brain that is involved in carrying out daily activities. In the process, a person with Alzheimer's loses a large part of his or her memory as well as the ability to reason, make judgments, learn, and communicate."
