"It is health that is the real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." – Mahatma Gandhi
While the elements of gold and silver are highly prized for their monetary value, there are certain other elements, known as essential elements, that are vital to the survival of living organisms. Humans must obtain all these elements through diet or respiration in order to survive and thrive. The 25 essential elements are as follows: boron, carbon, calcium, chlorine, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, hydrogen, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, tin, vanadium, and zinc.
The purpose of this project is to explore these building blocks of life and how they fit into nutrition.
Select an element from the list above and submit it to your instructor for approval. Once approved, research information regarding nutritional sources and the required daily amount for a specific population (e.g., child, youth/adolescent, adult, senior). Using Microsoft Word, create an educational pamphlet/brochure intended for a parent or caregiver on the chosen essential element and its role in nutrition. You may use a free template provided by "Microsoft Brochure Templates," located in the topic Resources, or design one from scratch. Care and consideration should be taken for the professional presentation of the content, including the visual appeal and aesthetic quality.
Sample Answer
Selected Essential Element: Iron (Fe)
Target Population: Children (Ages 4–8)
Research Information for the Educational Pamphlet
1. The Role of Iron in the Body (The "Why")
Iron is an essential mineral vital for growth and development. Its primary roles include:
Oxygen Transport: Iron is a central component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that picks up oxygen in the lungs and carries it throughout the body to muscles and organs. It is also part of myoglobin in muscle cells, which stores oxygen for muscle use.
Energy Production: Iron is necessary for many enzymes involved in energy metabolism.
Immune Function: It helps support a healthy immune system.
Tip for Caregivers: To maximize absorption of non-heme iron, serve it with foods rich in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), such as orange juice, bell peppers, tomatoes, or strawberries.
4. Deficiency and Toxicity (The "Too Little" and "Too Much")
Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
Cause: Not enough iron in the diet, or poor absorption. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in children globally.
Symptoms in Children: Fatigue, pale skin, weakness, irritability, poor appetite, and frequent infections. Severe deficiency can lead to irreversible problems with cognitive development and behavior.
Iron Toxicity (Hemochromatosis)
Cause: Usually due to consuming too many iron supplements. It is rare to get too much iron from food alone.
Danger: Acute iron poisoning in children is a medical emergency. Chronic excess iron can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas.