Nutrition Assessments Nutrition Science Standards 18, 19, 20

What is a Nutrition Assessment Used for? Used to point out signs of malnutrition- condition caused by excess or deficient food energy or nutrient intake or by imbalance of nutrients. May experience skin rashes, depression, hair loss, bleeding gums, muscle spasms, night blindness, and other symptoms. Through these assessments some symptoms that could resemble other diseases can be detected and treated through better nutrition practices.

Nutrition Assessment for Individuals Historical Information Anthropometric Measurements Physical Examination Laboratory Tests Collection of information is gathered in each of the above to create a whole picture of the person’s health.

Historical Information Health Status- These health history reflects a person’s medical record and may reveal a disease that interferes with the person’s ability to eat or the body’s use of nutrients. Family history of major disease is helpful in creating a picture of health Socioeconomic status- shows ability or inability to buy adequate food and prepare them. Marital Status, ethnicity, and Education level also influence food choices. Drug usage- prescribed and over-the counter may highlight possible interactions that lead to nutrient deficiencies Diet- examines food intake, beverages, and supplements will shoe surpluses or deficiencies.

Diet History Collect data about the foods a person eats May be a 24-Hour, 3 Day, or 7-Day record The day’s must be fairly typical of the person’s diet and accurately record portions Amounts are entered in to a computer or calculated manually Comparison of calculated nutrients and DRI

Your Turn Record ALL the food and drinks that you consume over the next 24 hours as well as if it was with a group, or if anything influenced your choice at the time (work, in a hurry, with friends, etc.) The next class meeting a partner will analyze your food record, ask some questions about influences, and compare your choices to recommendations.

Anthropometrics Measurement of physical characteristics of the body, such as height and weight. Compares a person’s measurements with standards specific for gender and age ore with previous measurements. Measurements reveal patterns and indicate trends in a person’s overall nutrition status Measurements out of line reveal problems such s growth failure in children, nutrient excesses or deficiencies

Physical Examinations Looking for clues to poor nutrition status Visual inspection of eyes, hair, skin, nails, posture, tongue, and fingernails can provide clues Requires skill because many physical signs and symptoms reflect more than one deficiency Not the only assessment techniques used to diagnosis a patient

Lab Tests Detect a developing deficiency, imbalance, or toxicity by taking a sample of blood or urine These are analyzed and then compared with the normal values for a similar population Most useful in uncovering early signs of malnutrition before symptoms appear.

For more details Refer to Appendix E of the textbook for more detail on each of the 4 types of assessments Assignment: Continue on with the tasks listed that will cover chapter of the textbook. Focus on 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.5 List and Describe the 10 influences on food choices- (1.1) Complete the Try it on page 10 of the text. Name the 6 Nutrients and identify which are organic and which are inorganic (1.2) Create a healthy breakfast choice that you would eat and calculate the energy in the meal. Use the Internet for assistance(1.2) Draw a visual that defines the 4 categories of the DRI and explains the purpose of each(1.4) Complete the Nutrition Portfolio