What deficiency symptoms you would look for and describe for each of your two selected nutrients?
What assessment methods would you recommend be used to assess the potential deficiencies for each micronutrient?
What recommendations would you make to address and/or prevent these problems?
a. For a 35-year-old female on the ketogenic diet, potential deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D are common due to reduced intake of dairy and limited sun exposure.
b. Calcium deficiency symptoms may include muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, and weak or brittle nails.
c. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms may include fatigue, bone pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, and mood changes.
d. Assessment methods for potential calcium and vitamin D deficiencies may include blood tests to measure serum levels of calcium and vitamin D, as well as bone density scans to assess bone health.
a. Recommendations to address and prevent calcium deficiency may include increasing intake of low-carb sources of calcium such as leafy green vegetables, almonds, and canned fish with bones, as well as considering calcium supplements if necessary.
b. Recommendations to address and prevent vitamin D deficiency may include incorporating vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods into the diet, as well as spending time outdoors to promote natural sunlight exposure. If necessary, vitamin D supplements may also be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.