Summary
Vitamins and minerals are required for the body to function properly. Each day
we need to eat a balanced diet that supplies us with the sufficient amount of vita-
mins and minerals to remain healthy. Our diet should contain grains, vegetables,
fruits, milk, meat and beans. The portion of each varies depending on our age
and gender. The USDA Web site publishes the Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA) for daily dose requirement of each vitamin.
Vitamins are divided into two groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-
soluble vitamins can be stored in the body for up to two years. Water-soluble
vitamins are used immediately and then excreted from the body in urine.
As part of the nursing process, assess the patient for vitamin deficiencies and
determine what caused the deficiency. Some deficiencies are caused by changes
in the body that affect absorption of vitamins. Other deficiencies are due to a
poor or an unbalanced diet. After administering prescribed vitamin therapy, the
patient should be educated about the importance of eating well-balanced meals
and taking vitamin supplements if necessary.
Minerals are inorganic substances that the body uses for blood cells, tissues,
and to stimulate enzymes to cause a catabolic reaction in the body.
In the next chapter, we’ll examine the balancing act of fluids and electrolytes
and how they maintain equilibrium. We’ll also see how to use fluid and elec-
trolyte therapies to restore the equilibrium if they become imbalanced.Quiz
- Vitamins that are stored in the body are called
(a) water-soluble.
(b) fat-soluble.
(c) storage vitamins.
(d) none of the above. - What vitamin is converted into calcifediol in the liver?
(a) Vitamin A
(b) Vitamin E
(c) Vitamin D
(d) Vitamin C
(^154) CHAPTER 9 Vitamins and Minerals