Title: The Micro-nutrients: Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements
Course: DES 2710 General and Oral Nutrition > Section: Module Eight

Introduction

In this module we will discuss the micro nutrients which include Vitamins and Minerals.  Vitamins and Minerals are called micro nutrients because they are needed in only small amounts by the body but are essential nutrients because of their role in metabolic function. Excesses of certain vitamins and minerals can cause toxic reactions while signs of deficiencies are often first seen in the oral cavity.  Knowing that they are essential nutrients dietary intake is important.  Is it possible to get all of the recommended amounts of these vitamins and minerals in the food that we eat?  What vitamins and minerals require supplementation to receive the recommended amounts?  Our conversation of supplements segues into a conversation of herbal supplements and their role in overall health.  Of greater concern to us as dental professionals are the herbal supplements that our patients may be taking either in combination with or in place of prescribed medications.  Consider the differences between vitamins and minerals and their role in the body’s metabolic functions as you work through this module.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- List the water soluble and fat soluble vitamins and their functions
- List the characteristics of water soluble and fat soluble vitamins
- List the macro minerals and micro minerals and state their functions
- Explain the absorption and metabolism of the macro and micro-minerals
- State the Recommended Dietary Allowance and Upper Tolerable Levels for the micro nutrients
- List and discuss the oral and systemic implications of deficiencies and excesses in the micro nutrients
- Understand and use the key terms related to the chapter.

Readings

Readings include the chapters from the book and articles assigned by instructor

Please copy the URL and paste in a browser if the links do not open.

Chapter 7 - 11 in textbook

Vitamin D Supplementation

http://dermatology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2010/604/2

About Herbs, Botanicals and other Products

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/about-herbs-botanicals-other-products

Assignments

- Complete Readings
- Post and reply to Discussion 7
- Post Individual Project #2: Vitamin and Mineral Table
- Complete Quiz 6