Effects of Nutrients in the Body, Research Paper Example

The following nutritional topics are important to understand, as science has shed light on the roles of these elements.  From vitamins and minerals to electrolyte balance and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the discussions that follow bring some analysis to these topics.  Here is more information on each of these separate nutritional issues.

Vitamins and Minerals with Bone Health

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in teeth and bone health.  Of course, calcium is a popular example, where over 99% of calcium is stored in these two general areas (Office of Dietary Supplements). Other vitamins and miners play a prominent role in bone health.

Phosphorus and magnesium follow calcium as the most abundant mineral in the human body. Mostly found in the bones, these two minerals are excellent examples of minerals that play a role in chemical reactions.  Magnesium is relied upon (including bone and mineral metabolism), as well as phosphorus, in chemical reactions (Stampfer).

Similarly following themes of bone health and chemical reactions, more examples are found in vitamins D and K.  Studies have demonstrated, for instance, the essential role that vitamin K (specifically K2) plays in bone health, where it functions well as a bone builder.  Kaneki found that K2 levels were twice as high in a study, when comparing a group of elderly individuals with and without fractures.  Other studies echo these general benefits, according to Stampfer, where the production of osteocalcin is noted, as it blocks substances that speed the breakdown of bone, and the role it plays in regulating calcium excretion.

While out of the realm of this quick overview, these types of productions and roles in the body come together. For instance, take the role of vitamin D, which is essential for the use and absorption of calcium in the body. Most notably in the roles of chemical reactions and pertaining to teeth and bone health, vitamins and minerals certainly come together.

Importance of Electrolyte Balance

The importance of electrolyte balance, or the homeostasis or osmoregulation thereof, is found across different types of organisms.  Certainly relevant to the human body, this balance is absolutely essential if it is to survive.  It affects major levels of the human body.

At the cellular level, the balance enables cells to perform their individual tasks. Nutrients such as oxygen and glucose need to be delivered, metabolic wastes need to be removed, and the maintenance of a physiochemical environment are all essential.  Dysfunction will occur if these needs are able to be met.

This is seen on larger levels as well.  Take any organ or body structure and you will see its integral role. Kidneys are needed to remove wastes, skin prevents the loss of bodily fluids, and other systems and organs play an important role – just as seen at a cellular level.

Without the electrolyte balance adverse reactions can occur.  Take hyperkalemia, for instance, which is found when the electrolyte potassium is elevated.  As normal levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L, this condition can occur if the basic needs of the body are not met.  A potentially fatal event, such as arrhythmia, can occur.  At the basic level, in this case, the electrolyte balance within the body’s cells would not be at homeostasis.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Risk

CVD, the most common cause of death in the United States, affects 58 million Americans, according to Tobin and Miller.  Also according to Tobin and Miller are the strong links between CVD and obesity and diabetes. Specifically the genes homocysteine, fibrinogen, apolipoprotein E, and apolipoprotein B constitute genes that increase the risk of heart disease.  Contiguous gene deletions or additions, as well as mitochondrial defects, have been linked to an increased genetic risk for CVD.

While high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood pressure count for biological factors for CVD, there are also nutritional factors that are involved.  Dietary fats and saturated fatty acids have been found to strongly influence the risk of developing CVD.  Reducing sodium and the presence of dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been determined to have a positive effect, in regards to the development of CVD.  Generally speaking, fruits, vegetables and nuts can have a positive effect, while alcohol and coffee have a negative effect, on the development of CVD.

Related to this topic is LDL, a certain type of cholesterol. A high amount can be related to CVD, as a high amount can lead to its deposition in the arteries that can restrict blood flow.  As a result, this can cause heart problems.  This is also known as atherosclerosis – if a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, stroke or heart attack can develop.  Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL, which can be a significant risk factor for premature development of fatty deposits in arteries.

Conclusion

The previous factors play marked roles in the body.  From one’s homeostasis, vitamins, and minerals, these are integral for the body to function correctly.  The body also must receive valuable nutrients in order to avoid possible risk for CVD.  High LDL levels can be a very direct risk, in addition to other noted factors.

Works Cited

Kaneki, M, et al. Serum concentration of vitamin K in elderly women with involutional osteoporosis.  Nippon Ronen Igakki Zasshi. 1995;32:195-200.

Office of Dietary Supplements.  Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet.  National Institutes of Health.  2011.  Web.  May 19, 2011.

Stampfer, Meir J., M.D.  Vitamins and Minerals: What you need to know. New York: Free Press, 2008.

Tobin, Brian W. and Gregory D. Miller.  The Journal of Nutrition.  2001:131,2:3335-3355.