Therapeutic Use of Nutrients for a Range of Conditions - Case Study Example

Name : xxxxxxxxxxx Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : The therapeutic use of nutrients for a range of conditions Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx @ 2011 The therapeutic use of nutrients for a range of conditions Iron supplement during pregnancy Nutrients requirements rise during pregnancy for the support of both fetal development and maternal health. An expectant woman requires approximately double amount of iron compared to a woman who is not expectant since there is an increase in blood volume during pregnancy, raised requirements of the fetus as well as blood loss that take place during delivery. Therefore, iron supplement during pregnancy is advisable. The main aim of taking oral iron supplements is to supply adequate iron to re-establish normal storage levels of iron in addition to replenishing hemoglobin deficits (Yehuda 2009). Mechanism of action Iron is a crucial constituent in the physiological hemoglobin formation, sufficient quantities of which are essential for efficient erythropoiesis as well as the resultant ability of the blood to transport oxygen. An equivalent function is provided by iron during the production of myoglobin. Iron serves as a cofactor of numerous essential enzymes, as well as cytochromes that are used in transporting electron. Iron is essential in metabolizing catecholamine in addition to the appropriate functioning of neutrophils. Absorption of iron is essential for the metabolism of catecholamine as well as the proper functioning of neutrophils. The iron absorption is increased when iron stores are diminished or the production of red blood cells is increased (Yehuda 2009). Therapeutic dosage range Age Females (mg/day) Pregnancy (mg/day) 14 to 18 years 45 45 19 + years 45 45 Contraindications and cautions Therapeutic iron supplement intake can result into gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and even abdominal distress. Beginning with half the recommended dose and gradually raising to the full has been seen to assist in minimizing the side effects. Again, taking the iron supplement in separated doses together with food also can be helpful in reducing the symptoms. Nevertheless, iron supplement from enteric coated might have lesser side effects, but it is not effectively absorbed and therefore not usually recommendable (Yehuda 2009). However, one should be careful to avoid iron overload. Iron overload is a condition whereby surplus iron is found within the blood as well as stored within organs like liver and heart. Iron overload is linked to numerous diseases, such as hemochromatosis. People with hemochromatosis absorb very efficiently, which can lead to accumulation of surplus iron and may result into organ damage like liver cirrhosis as well as heart failure. Iron supplementation can speed up the effects of hemochromatosis. Pregnant women with blood disorders that necessitate frequent blood transfusions are also at risk of iron overload and hence are normally advised to avoid iron supplements (Yehuda 2009). Reduced Glutathione Sublingual Complex, 50 mg, 100 Tablets in poor liver function Glutathione is a super antioxidant which plays a key role in protecting body cells. It is also very crucial to liver function since it is has a role in the processing as well as excreting toxins. As a result, glutathione is important in the liver detoxification process and hence its supplements are so much helpful in the poor liver function. It is also important in protecting the liver from oxidative damage that takes place when the liver detoxifies the body. Low levels of glutathione lead to poor liver function and as a result its supplementation is necessary (Shojaoddiny 2007). Mechanism of action The product has GSH which is a major component of the detoxifying process of the liver. Molybdenum which is a trace element responsible for the activation of enzymes such as aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase provided the required nutritional support for people who are chemically sensitive. On the other hand, coenzymated vitamin B-2 is the precursor for FAD, which is a coenzyme responsible for recycling used GSH. The sublingual form is then absorbed into the blood stream, through the blood vessels under the tongue and inside the cheeks, enabling a fast entrance into the system (Shojaoddiny 2007). Therapeutic dosage range The recommended oral intake is 3 grams of glutathione daily. Contraindications There have been no reported medical side effects in medical journals with supplementation of glutathione pills. However, surplus glutamate at synapses which can be released in disease conditions like brain injury can hinder the absorption of cysteine, which is an essential glutathione building block. Devoid of protection from oxidative injury resulting from glutathione, cells can be destroyed or killed (Shojaoddiny 2007). Pantothenic acid/ Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) supplement in poor energy production Mechanism of action Pantothenic acid makes the chief molecule, Co-Enzyme A (CoA) which as a result produces Acetyl CoA, the beginning point of production of energy within a cell. Once the amount of CoA decreases, an individual has difficulties in meeting up energy requirements. Acetyl-L-Carnitine also improves the production of energy. For a cell to be able to use energy, it is supposed to combine oxygen and calories within mitochondria. In the mitochondria, oxygen utilization is governed by the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. ALC encourages normal function of enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, therefore assisting in supporting the appropriate usage of oxygen when the energy is being produced. The failure to use oxygen appropriately to make energy will promote the cells to make lactic acid, leading in muscle fatigue as well as muscle aches. Therefore, ALC assist in facilitating entrance of fat into the cells to be burnt for fuel, a procedure referred to as beta oxidation. Consequently, Pantothenic acid and ALC have a synergistic relationship where Pantothenic acid assists in getting the mitochondria going and ALC assists keep them going (Head 2006). Pantothenic acid assists in the production of an enzyme known as acetyl coenzyme A, which is fundamental during the production of energy. Still, the procedure of changing fats into energy needs Pantothenic acid. Since pantothenic acid supports serotonin and acetylcholine production, it is important in treating adrenal stress. ALC aids in increasing the natural production of both serotonin and dopamine, essential neurotransmitters for healthy functioning of the body muscles. An essential nutrient necessary for nerve transmission is known as myo-inositol. ALC supplementation promotes normal levels of myo-inositol inside nerves, therefore aiding in normal nerve transmission (Head 2006). Therapeutic dosage range Pantothenic acid is taken in quantities ranging from 25 to 50 mg every day. For Acetyl-L-Carnitine, it is recommended to take 300 mg daily. Nevertheless, during severe stress, it is recommendable to take up to 100 mg daily. It is advisable to take the supplement with meals (Head 2006). Contraindications/cautions Even if this supplement is very safe, prolonged usage of large quantities, over 2 to 3 grams can lead into diarrhea. However, there is no known toxicity of this supplement. Coenzyme B-vitamins during adrenal stress Mechanism of action Vitamin B complexes are rapidly used in the body when someone is under more adrenal stress. Super co-enzyme B complex is an ideal supplement of naturally improving energy production as well as stress tolerance. It supports a positive mood (Audera 2006). Adrenal stress means an increased requirement for energy. Vitamin B complexes are fundamental organic substances necessary as cofactors for energy production. Super Coenzyme B-Complex has vitamin B complexes in highly absorbable forms. Generally, it contains coenzyme folic acid as well as coenzyme B12, alongside serine and trimethylglycine. This is a synergistic combination of nutrients which helps in clearing homocysteine as well as promoting the synthesis of SAMe which is a vital nutrient for brain (Audera 2006). Vitamin B complex assists someone in combating adrenal stress on the front end as well as the back end. The front end stress demands means having the energy to deal with, adapt in addition to maintaining a positive mental attitude. On the other hand, back end means the vitamin B complex has the necessary requirements to help in clearing the wear and tear that results from common stress. And consequently this is what needs the appropriate homocysteine clearance (Audera 2006). Homocysteine occurs when the essential amino acid methionine is metabolized. Homocysteine is either recycled to methionine to be utilized again. This necessitates coenzyme B12 methylcobalamin, coenzyme folic acid calcium folinate, and trimethylglycine. On the other hand, it can be sent on a degradation pathway. This necessitates coenzyme B6 pyridoxal 5' phosphate along with serine. Consequently, the incapacity to appropriately clear homocysteine results into free radical distress and this adds wear and tear within the circulatory system as well as nervous system. Increased levels of homocysteine as a result interferes with the usual functioning of neurotransmitter and this leads to poor mood, fatigue in addition to the wear and tear feeling of adrenal stress. Vitamin B complex assists in decreasing the adrenal stresses by availing coenzyme B12 –methylcobalamin (Audera 2006). Therapeutic dosage range A person is supposed to take one to two capsules, up to 3 times daily. The dosage range for pregnant women is 2.6 µg per day and 2.8 µg during lactation periods. Contraindications/caution The Vitamin B complex should be avoided by individuals who are sensitive to cobalamin, cobalt or any other product ingredients. Its toxicity level is extremely low and taking it in high doses has not indicated to be harmful. Nevertheless, peripheral vascular thrombosis has been associated with usage of vitamin B complex. Treatment using vitamin B complex has a likelihood of unmasking polycythemia vera, which is typified by a rise in blood volume as well as the number of red blood cells (Audera 2006). Ascorbic Acid supplement in skin conditions Mechanism of action Basically, ascorbic acid is an antioxidant and hence it fights the effects of free radicals, toxins from the environment that can wear down and harm the skin. It removes the irritations as well as the inflammations resulting from the skin conditions and allows for regeneration of healthier skin. Generally, there is a connection between the skin condition and appearance of the skin and the condition of the body internally. The ascorbic supplements hence do not treat the physical skin conditions but also repairs the internal deficiencies. As the ascorbic acid repairs the collagen of the skin alongside with improving the skin’s physical appearance, the immune system is boosted, developing an enhanced balance between external and internal well being (Head 2006). Therapeutic dosage range Birth - 6 months: 40 mg Infants 6 - 12 months: 50 mg Children 1 - 3 years: 15 mg Children 4 - 8 years: 25 mg Children 9 - 13 years: 45 mg Adolescent girls 14 - 18 years: 65 mg Adolescent boys 14 - 18 years: 75 mg Adult Men over 18 years: 90 mg Women over 18 years: 75 mg Breastfeeding women: 120 mg (Daniel 2008). Contraindications/caution Ascorbic acid supplement is safe but some individuals may experience heartburn, headache, nausea and vomiting. The probability of getting the side effects is direct proportional to the amount of ascorbic acid taken. Doses greater than 2000 mg daily may not be safe and can lead to high level of side effects, for instance, kidney stones and also rigorous diarrhea. In individuals who have a history of kidney stones, doses higher than 1000 mg daily highly increases the risk of kidney stone recurring. Ascorbic acid supplement is safe for the expectant and breast feeding mothers when taken within the recommended quantity of 120 mg daily (Keligman 2007). Taking a lot of ascorbic acid supplement can result into problems for the newborn baby. Ascorbic acid supplements have a diuretic effect, and hence a person is supposed to take a lot of fluids when taking them. Furthermore, ascorbic acid increases the quantity of absorbed iron from food and hence individuals with hemochromatosis are not supposed to take ascorbic acid supplements. Smokers as well as individuals using nicotine patches might require more ascorbic acid since nicotine lowers the effectiveness of ascorbic acid within the body. Finally, individuals having kidney complications are supposed to consult their doctor before taking ascorbic acid supplements (Daniel 2008). Bibliography Audera C., 2006, Mega-dose of Coenzyme B-vitamins during adrenal stress: A randomized controlled trial. Med J Aust, Vol, 175(7):359-362. Daniel T., 2008, Vitamin C in the prevention of skin conditions. Ann Pharacother, Vol, 34(10):1193-1197. Head KA., 2006, Natural therapies for energy disorders, part two. Altern Med Rev. 6(2):141-66. Keligman, M., 2007, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th ed, Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. Shojaoddiny, J., 2007, Reduced Glutathione Sublingual Complex in poor liver function, Indian J Med Res, Vol, 126(5):471-4. Webb, G., 2006, Dietary supplements and functional foods, Wiley-Blackwell, London. Yehuda, S., 2009, Iron Deficiency and Overload: From Basic Biology to Clinical Medicine Nutrition and Health, Springer, New York. Read More