Ricketts is a condition that affects bone development, usually reported in children, bringing about bone deformities. Lack of Vitamin D, phosphorus or calcium are the most common causes of this condition. Symptoms can include; skeletal pain, skeletal deformities such as “bowed legs” or curvature of the spine. There is also a high chance of bone fracturing. Vitamin D is the most common cause and is essential for the absorption of calcium in the gut. The main source of Vitamin D comes from natural sunlight where the sun’s ultraviolet light allows the body’s skin cells convert vitamin D into its active form (Committee, Greer, & Gartner, 2003). It can also be consumed by various foods such as eggs and oily fish.
Proteins are required for structural …show more content…
The body needs these minerals for chemical and electrical processes; they support and function in cells, help produce hormones, build/repair bones, to name a few. There are two main types of minerals; macronutrients and trace minerals. The macronutrient sodium which is required for fluid balance, allowing the cells to be in their optimum environment, facilitates nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Trace minerals are minerals your body does not need as much of, however are just as essential. The trace mineral iodine functions in the body for the production of thyroid hormones (Taylor, Green, & Stout, 1997).
Like minerals, vitamins are required in small amounts and are needed by the body less often compared to carbohydrates. Vitamins have many different biochemical functions within the body. Vitamins come in two forms; fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are found in fatty foods and animal products. They can be stored if not needed by the liver and adipose tissue. An example of this is vitamin A which supports your vision, immune system and bone growth.
Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be eaten more often. These vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that helps produce and maintain connective tissues like collagen and is used as an antioxidant (Mason, Losos, Singer, Raven, & Johnson,
Proteins are required for structural …show more content…
The body needs these minerals for chemical and electrical processes; they support and function in cells, help produce hormones, build/repair bones, to name a few. There are two main types of minerals; macronutrients and trace minerals. The macronutrient sodium which is required for fluid balance, allowing the cells to be in their optimum environment, facilitates nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Trace minerals are minerals your body does not need as much of, however are just as essential. The trace mineral iodine functions in the body for the production of thyroid hormones (Taylor, Green, & Stout, 1997).
Like minerals, vitamins are required in small amounts and are needed by the body less often compared to carbohydrates. Vitamins have many different biochemical functions within the body. Vitamins come in two forms; fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are found in fatty foods and animal products. They can be stored if not needed by the liver and adipose tissue. An example of this is vitamin A which supports your vision, immune system and bone growth.
Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be eaten more often. These vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that helps produce and maintain connective tissues like collagen and is used as an antioxidant (Mason, Losos, Singer, Raven, & Johnson,