Macronutrient Intake - Research Paper Example

Nutritional Assessment Macronutrient Intake Based on the tree daily reports on average nutrient intake, it is apparent that the patient consumes in excess of daily requirement of all the three macronutrients. On the first day, the patient consumed approximately 56g of protein, which represents averagely 20% of daily calories required. The patient consumes approximately 166g of carbohydrates, representing an averagely 52% of the total calories required. Lastly, the subject recorded an average fat intake of 11.5g. Fat intake for the first day supplied 41% of total calories required while the succeeding two days contributed to approximately 24% of all calorie requirements. Types of fats consumed included saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In addition, the patient supplemented daily fat requirement with linoleic acid, cholesterol and Omega 3 fats. Based on the daily nutrient reports, it is apparent that the patient’s daily intake of proteins and carbohydrates surpassed predetermined targets. The patient took 67g and 47g of protein on the first and third day respectively. In this case, daily protein intake exceeded target quantity, which lies at 46g. With respect to carbohydrates, the nutritional assessment project set a daily target of 130g, representing approximately 45-65% of total calories. Records indicate that the patient consumed carbohydrates in excess of daily requirements, thus supplementing daily calorie intake with an average of 52% starch. Despite the patient maintaining protein and carbohydrate intake within the target limits, fat intake for the assessment period indicates a slight imbalance in the different types of fats. Targeted intake of alpha linoleic acid is 1.1g per day. However, the patient consumed only 0.1g of the same linoleic acid on the first day. Therefore, fat intake for that day falls under the clinically required levels. From a theoretical perspective, each of the three macronutrients plays a significant role in providing energy requirements of the body. Clinically, imbalanced intake macronutrient components results in disturbed body functions (Janos and Berdanier 45). Consuming excess amount of protein and carbohydrates makes patients overweight and obese. On the other hand, limited consumption of nutrients like fat leads to deficiency disorders. Micronutrient Intake With respect to micronutrients, the patient consumed limited or deficient quantities of calcium, potassium and iron. On the first day, she consumed 220mg of calcium, which was 780mg less than the recommended 1000mg per day. Potassium also emerged as a deficient nutrient with the patient consuming only 1321mg out of the targeted 4700mg. In addition, the patient consumed only 8mg of iron despite the targeted mass of 18mg. With respect to excess consumption of minerals, the patient’s copper intake during the first day was 986ug, which was 86ug in excess of the targeted 900ug. However, Shireen’s copper intake during the second day was 533ug out of the required 900ug. Another excess consumption involves selenium where 105ug out of the recommended 55ug was consumed. Based on the patient’s health and family history record, it is evident that deficiency in certain nutrients like calcium and potassium may not prevent any adverse effects. The patient cites as not having any relative with cancer or cardiovascular complications. However, health history shows that the patient was prescribed with calcium lactate drugs as a means of boosting her calcium intake. In this case, any imbalance caused by low deficient calcium intake in the diet will be mitigated by the calcium lactate drugs. Despite no severe impact on the low consumption of calcium and potassium, the patient will experience problems related to iron deficiency. Clinically, iron deficiency leads to worm infections, impaired physical activity and high tendency of contacting malaria (Janos and Berdanier 37). With respect to cooper, imbalance of this nutrient pre-disposes individuals below 30 years of age to poor cognitive development. Apart from the four metallic nutrients, Shireen also portrays deficient intake of vitamin A. Imbalance or deficiency of this micronutrient may lead to impaired immune functions. Energy Expenditure With respect to the patient’s health history, Shireen once entered into a weight loss program. This means that her goal remains weight maintenance or even loss. Targeted calorie intake featured in the nutrients’ report stands at 1800 calories. However, the patient consumes fewer calories than those required. On the third day, total calorie intake was 936 Calories, 864 less than the target 1800 Calories. With respect to daily aerobic activity, the patient burns approximately 467 calories a day. This means that the patient burns enough calories to prevent weight gain, thus keeping calorie intake within normal limits. Based on this trend, she will continually achieve her weight loss objectives. Health History Analysis Based on the questionnaire, anthropometric elements of height, weight and waist circumference describes about the patient’s physical dimensions. As a 24 year old female, waist circumference of 38 is compatible with her current weight of 165 pounds. With respect to her level of physical activity, the patient engages in 1-hour weight lifting and workouts. Intensity of these workouts and weight lifting exercises are described as hard. In this context, her current level of physical activity remains moderate. In terms of medical aspects, the patient has limited chances of developing cardiovascular complications. This is based on that fact that no blood relative is associated with high blood pressure and other heart diseases. Apart from cardiovascular issues, responses from the questionnaire also indicate that the patient’s blood relatives have not been associated with cases of cancer and osteoporosis. In this regard, the anthropometric measurements fall within normal parameters. This means the patient in subject has high chances of achieving her health and nutritional objectives. Assessment of Findings At this juncture, we will relate the patient’s nutrients report with her health and family history. Health history questionnaire shows that the patient engages in moderate level of physical activity. In addition, the questionnaire provides insightful information relating to the subject’s physical dimensions in terms of current body weight. With respect to energy expenditure report, Aerobics burns approximately 467 calories out of the 1324 calories consumed daily. Gym sessions, especially weight lifting exercises also burns substantial amount of calories. Based on this level of physical activity and average calorie intake, the patient will maintain or slightly reduce her body weight. One recommendation on physical fitness relates to imbalance in calorie intake. Low calorie consumption as witnessed during the third may compromise on the body’s energy requirements (Steiner 21). Therefore, the patient should keep her calorie consumption close to the targeted value of 1800. In terms of medical history, the patient has limited chances of developing any cardiovascular complications as a result of excess or deficient consumption of micronutrients. The patient’s sodium intake level is within normal limits. This means that she faces limited danger of experiencing heart complications usually caused by excess sodium in the body. However, the patient may face medical complications resulting from deficiency in calcium, potassium, iron and vitamin A. In this case, it is recommendable to look for other sources of these nutrients in order to supplement daily requirement levels. High level of calcium and potassium can be sourced from dairy products like cheese and milk (Steiner 28). In addition, fish and poultry products are excellent sources of iron. Finally, fresh vegetables like kales and broccoli are good sources of Vitamin A. Works Cited Janos, Zempleni and Berdanier, Carolyn. Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, micronutrients and metabolism. New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2009. Print. Steiner, Rudolf. Nutrition: Food, health and Physical Development. Harrisburgh: Rudolf Steiner Press, 2008. Print. Read More