Vitamins, Herbs, and Nutritional

Supplements Lecture
Hannah W. Clark

Purdue University Global

HW499 Bachelor's Capstone in Health and Wellness

Professor Tywanna Purkett

28 February 2023
Proper Nutrition for Multicultural and Diverse
Populations
 Proper nutrition is critical for keeping good health and avoiding chronic
diseases.

 A well-balanced diet should contain macronutrients, micronutrients,

and a wide range of nutrient-dense foods from all food categories.

 DRI tables and MyPlate are valuable resources for developing and
keeping a healthy diet.
 When creating dietary plans for people from various backgrounds, it is
critical to consider societal and dietary preferences.

 Health professionals can assist people in improving the quality of their

diets by offering education and resources on healthy eating habits.

 Nutritional supplements can be helpful for some people, but their

quality and safety must be considered.
 Macronutrients and Their Importance
 Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and should account
for 45-65% of total daily calorie intake.

 Proteins are required for muscle development and repair, and the
suggested daily intake for adults is approximately 0.8 grams per
kilogram of body weight.

 Fats serve an important role in energy storage and insulation and should
account for 20-35% of total daily calorie intake.
 Carbohydrates are classified as simple or complex, and their impacts on
blood sugar levels vary.

 Proteins can be found in both animal and plant-based sources, and it is

critical to eat a variety of protein sources for optimal health.

 Fats can be found in both animal and plant-based sources, and it's
essential to choose healthy fat sources like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.

 Individuals can collaborate with health professionals to determine the

proper macronutrient intake based on their individual needs.
 Micronutrients and Their Importance
 Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals, which are essential for maintaining
optimal health

 Vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs in small amounts to function
properly, and they can be found in a variety of foods

 Minerals are inorganic compounds that the body needs in small amounts, and they
are essential for various bodily functions

 Some vitamins, such as vitamin D, can be obtained from sunlight exposure, while
others, such as vitamin C, must be obtained from dietary sources

 Some minerals, such as calcium and iron, are needed in larger amounts than others,
such as zinc and copper

 Health professionals can work with individuals to determine their micronutrient needs
based on their age, sex, and health status
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 DRI Tables and Their Importance
 DRI tables are used to determine the recommended intake of various nutrients based on
age, sex, and other factors

 DRI tables include recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), adequate intake (AI), and
tolerable upper intake level (UL)

 RDAs are the average daily nutrient intake levels that are sufficient to meet the nutrient
needs of most healthy individuals

 AIs are recommended intake levels for nutrients where there is not enough scientific
evidence to establish an RDA

 ULs are the highest levels of daily nutrient intake that are unlikely to cause adverse
health effects in almost all individuals

 Health professionals can use DRI tables to develop dietary plans for individuals that meet
their specific nutrient needs

 DRI tables can also be used to identify nutrient deficiencies and excesses in individuals
MyPlate and Its Importance
 MyPlate is a visual representation of the USDA's dietary
guidelines.
 It divides the plate into four sections: fruits, vegetables, grains,
and protein, with a side of dairy or dairy alternative
 It is a helpful tool for individuals to understand what a balanced
meal should look like
 The recommended daily servings for each food group vary based
on age, sex, and physical activity level

 Health professionals can use MyPlate to educate individuals on

healthy eating habits and encourage them to choose a variety of
nutrient-dense foods from all food groups

 MyPlate also emphasizes the importance of portion control and

moderation

 MyPlate is a useful tool for individuals from diverse backgrounds,

as it is simple and easy to understand
 Diet Quality and Glycemic Status
 Diet quality applies to an individual's diet's overall nutritional value.

 The capacity of the body to regulate blood sugar levels is referred to as glycemic status.

 Yin et al. (2022) discovered that people with diagnosed or undiagnosed elevated glycemic
status had poorer diet quality scores than people with normal glycemic status.

 The research also discovered that people with elevated glycemic status consumed more
carbohydrates and added sugars, while consuming less fiber and protein.

 The research emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition in the prevention and
management of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

 This knowledge can be used by health professionals to educate people with elevated
glycemic status on healthy eating habits and the significance of consuming a balanced
diet.
 Cultural and Dietary Preferences
 Cultural and dietary preferences can influence an individual's food choices and eating
habits
 Health professionals should consider these preferences when developing dietary plans for
individuals from diverse backgrounds

 Some individuals may have dietary restrictions due to religious or cultural beliefs, such
as kosher or halal diets
 Other individuals may have preferences for certain foods or cooking methods based on
their cultural background

 It's important to work with individuals to find healthy and culturally appropriate
alternatives to foods they may not be able to consume

 Health professionals can also use this information to develop culturally sensitive
nutrition education materials and resources

 Addressing cultural and dietary preferences can help individuals adhere to a healthy diet
and improve their overall health
 Nutritional Supplements
 Can be beneficial for some individuals who have difficulty meeting their nutrient needs through food
alone

 However, it's important to consider the quality and safety of nutritional supplements before
recommending them to individuals

 They are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs, and some supplements may
contain harmful substances or interact with medications

 Health professionals should work with individuals to determine whether nutritional supplements are
necessary and help them choose safe and effective products

 Some populations may have a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies and may benefit from nutritional
supplements, such as pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions

 Nutritional supplements should not replace a balanced diet and should be used in conjunction with
healthy eating habits

 It's important to consider cultural and dietary preferences when recommending nutritional supplements
to individuals from diverse
Tips for Incorporating More Nutrient-Dense Foods into
Your Diet
 Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals and snacks

 Choose whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread,
over refined grains

 Incorporate healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, into your
diet

 Choose lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and legumes

 Limit processed and high-fat foods, such as chips, cookies, and fried foods

 Try new foods and flavors to keep your meals interesting and exciting
 Plan and prepare meals in advance to help ensure that you're getting the
nutrients you need.
 Conclusion
 Maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases requires proper nutrition.

 Macronutrients, micronutrients, and nutrient-dense foods from all food groups should be part of a
healthy diet.

 DRI tables and MyPlate help create and sustain a healthy diet.

 When creating dietary plans for diverse populations, health workers should consider cultural and dietary
preferences.

 Nutritional supplements can help some people, but it's essential to consider their quality and safety and
use them with healthy eating habits.

 Health professionals help people create healthy eating habits and learn about nutrition.

 Health professionals can improve their clients' and communities' health by considering varied clients'
needs and preferences.

 Encourage people to make educated nutrition and lifestyle choices to take charge of their health.
 References
1.Yin, J., Huang, Y., Liu, G., Wang, L., Shan, Z., & Liu, L. (2022). Trends in dietary macronutrient
composition and diet quality among US adults with diagnosed and undiagnosed elevated glycemic
status: a serial cross-sectional study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(6), 1602-1611
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac061 .
2.National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary
Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Vitamins. Retrieved March 05, 2023, from
https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx
3.United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). MyPlate. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from
https://www.myplate.gov/