Nutrition

Introduction

Nutritional assessment may be performed via biochemical, dietary intake, anthropometric and clinical methods (Lee et al 2003). Urine analysis is a form of biochemical assessment that may be used to measure certain nutrients.

Minerals make vital contributions toward promoting growth and maintaining health within the body (Lutz et al 1997). They are essential for good health and provide support in the regulation of bodily functions. Mineral intake can be difficult to monitor in general, urine mineral analysis however provides an effective method for evaluation of certain nutrient intakes such as Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and protein.

Sodium(Na)

Sodium is an element that the body needs to function properly; the body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and also helps for the functioning of the nerves and muscles. Sodium and can be find in most foods such as salt, drinking water, milk, beets ect... the amount of sodium varies depending on the source. There are other type of sodium that can be added to food such as soy cause, onion salt, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce ect... which has sodium added as monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, sodium saccharin, baking soda, and sodium benzoate. Food such as bacon, sausage, ham and canned soup ect... are food that has added sodium.

Recommendation:

    • Healthy adults are 2300 mg per day but adults with high blood pressure shouldn’t consume more than 1500 mg per day.

Potassium(K)

Potassium is an electrolyte to the body; it’s a mineral that helps with electrical and cellular body function. Potassium is very important for the body and has different roles in the metabolism and also helps with proper functions of organs, all cells and tissues. Potassium helps with things such as: regulation of acid-base balance, protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrates metabolism, building of muscle and for normal body growth, and is essential for the electrical function of the heart....