Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. The human body obtains vitamin D from fortified foods such as milk or synthesizes it when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin A (A) is important in forming and maintaining healthy skin, teeth, and mucous membranes; it is also important for eye health and is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina for the eye. Vitamin B12 (B) is essential for brain and nervous system functioning. A person who is deficient in vitamin B12 is subject to pernicious anemia and needs a monthly injection of the vitamin. Vitamin C (C), also known as ascorbic acid, is important for wound healing and for normal growth and development. Common sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables. Since it is water soluble, vitamin C requires constant replacement in the body. Vitamin K (E) is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the body that is important for normal blood clotting. Leafy green vegetables are a good source of vitamin K.
Patients with congestive heart failure (C) may need liquids restricted due to the fluid buildup in the
system.
Vitamin B2 (B) aids in vision but is water soluble. Vitamin A (A) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in dairy products, orange fruits, and vegetables such as yams and carrots; it is beneficial for eyesight.
Any condition that is not
managed can lead to electrolyte imbalances, but a cancer patient (E) is the
most likely of the patients listed to develop an imbalance. All the other patients’ diets are monitored or
controlled.
Carbohydrates (A) constitute 45–65 percent of the average daily intake of calories. Fats and proteins follow next in the
macronutrient category.
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body and therefore should be taken in smaller quantities to avoid hypervitaminosis or toxicity (B).
A BRAT diet (C) consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and tea. These items are very mild on the gut and easy to digest. They contain nutrients and assist in hydration until the diarrhea is resolved.
Potassium (A) is important for
muscle contraction. Abnormally low
levels of potassium can lead to poor cardiac muscular contraction.
Protein and vitamin C (D) are both important in cellular regeneration and tissue health, aiding in wound healing.
After the bread and cereal group, for which 6–11 servings per day are recommended, vegetables (D) are
the category that has the next highest number of recommended servings per day, with
3–5.