Question:
Sue W. is a 43-year-old British woman who recently moved to the United States. She smokes a half pack of cigarettes a day. She is 64 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds, and has a family history of heart disease. Her diet is high in protein, mostly from beef and chicken. She dislikes most vegetables except corn and potatoes. She eats fruit only occasionally and often skips breakfast. After taking a nutrition class at a local community college, Sue is concerned that her diet may be deficient in folate and vitamin C. When she looks at the Nutrition Facts for some foods in her pantry, this is what she finds:
Instant Breakfast Essentials? powder, 1 packet: 50% vitamin C, 25% folate
Ovaltine? drink mix, 2 T: 10% vitamin C, 0% folate
Raisin Bran? cereal, 1 cup: 0% vitamin C, 25% folate
Toasted oats cereal, 1 cup: 10% vitamin C, 50% folate
a. Sue learned in class that 400 micrograms provides 100% of the Daily Value for folate. Calculate the amount of folate in each of the above foods.
b. Sue also learned that 60 milligrams provides 100% of the Daily Value for vitamin C. Show how she can calculate the amount of vitamin C in each of these foods.
c. Based on her current diet, which food group is most likely the primary source of folate in Sue's diet? What explains the high amount of folate in these foods?
d. Considering her current diet and lifestyle habits, why might Sue need extra vitamin C in her diet?
e. Even if she were to achieve 100% of the Daily Value for vitamin C from the fortified foods in her pantry, what are some reasons that Sue should still consider increasing her intake of fresh fruits and vegetables?
f. Based on her family history, why is it important for Sue to get an adequate amount of folate in her daily diet?