[Pa25] Notes on nutrition

[Ward, Ian]

Hi again,

Last message, I promise. So, I now realize that I should not give non-specific instructions to a bunch of overachievers! 😊 Here is what you need to know about the causes of deficiency of B vitamins:

Major causes of B-vitamin deficiency:

  *   Lack of sufficient intake (diet, especially unbalanced vegetarian diet)
  *   Excessive alcohol consumption
  *   Medications that suppress stomach acid
  *   Poor gut absorption (more common in the elderly)
  *   Bariatric surgery
  *   Anemia

Best, Ian

Ian Ward, DHSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor
Campbell University Physician Assistant Program
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1090, Buies Creek, NC 27506
Physical Address: 4150 U.S. 421 S., Lillington, NC 27546
Office Phone: 910-814-5532
Email: iward at campbell.edu<mailto:iward at campbell.edu>


From: Ward, Ian
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 9:57 AM
To: pa25 at list.campbell.edu
Cc: Ward, Ian <iward at campbell.edu>
Subject: RE: Notes on nutrition

Hi everyone,

I have had a few questions about reduced levels of sodium (Na) and potassium (K). There are many diseases that cause either, as you will learn throughout the year. For now, know the following major causes:

Hypokalemia (low potassium)

  *   Decreased potassium intake (diet)
  *   Gastrointestinal losses (vomiting, diarrhea, laxative abuse)
  *   Diuretic medications
  *   Increased loss through heavy sweating
  *   Low magnesium levels

Hyponatremia (low Na)

  *   Decreased sodium intake (diet)
  *   Diuretic medications
  *   Kidney disease
  *   Increased loss through heavy sweating

Best of luck for tomorrow. Do your best and remember that is all that you can do.

Best, Ian

Ian Ward, DHSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor
Campbell University Physician Assistant Program
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1090, Buies Creek, NC 27506
Physical Address: 4150 U.S. 421 S., Lillington, NC 27546
Office Phone: 910-814-5532
Email: iward at campbell.edu<mailto:iward at campbell.edu>


From: Ward, Ian
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2023 3:06 PM
To: pa25 at list.campbell.edu<mailto:pa25 at list.campbell.edu>; Ward, Ian <iward at campbell.edu<mailto:iward at campbell.edu>>
Subject: Notes on nutrition

Here are a few nutrition-related facts and notes, which are not emphasized in the OnlineMedEd module. They might be helpful things to learn for next week! 😉


  *   Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Being overweight or obese is the biggest risk factor for metabolic syndrome. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when at least 3 of the following occur: (a) abdominal obesity, (b) triglycerides > 150 mg/dl, (c) HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dl for men or < 50 mg/dl for women, (d) blood pressure > 130/85, and (e) fasting blood glucose > 110 mg/dl.
  *   Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is diagnosed when BMI < 18.5, the patient restricts energy intake relative to requirements, although underweight the patient has a fear of gaining weight, and the patient has a disturbance in the way they perceive their own body.
  *   Height/weight/BMI and physical activity screening should be a part of every family med visit.
  *   Know the main causes of lack of each of the B vitamins.
  *   Know the main causes for low levels of K and Na.


Best, Ian

Ian Ward, DHSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor
Campbell University Physician Assistant Program
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1090, Buies Creek, NC 27506
Physical Address: 4150 U.S. 421 S., Lillington, NC 27546
Office Phone: 910-814-5532
Email: iward at campbell.edu<mailto:iward at campbell.edu>


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