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INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE
SOALTEEMODE, KATHMANDU
Lesson Plan
on
“Vitamins”
Topic : vitamins
Duration : 60 minutes
No. of students : 40
General Objectives:
At the end of the session, all BSC Nursing 1st year student will be able to explain about vitamin
A and D.
S. Specific objectives Content Time Teaching Teaching Evaluation
N learning learning
method media
Greeting
Revision of previous
class
objectives
Topic Introduction
Pre test
5 min Brainstorm PPT
ing
At the end of this
session BSC nursing 1st
year students will be
able to
Summarization 5 Discussion
minutes
Deficiencies of Vitamin A
I.Respiratory Tract
Vitamin A deficiency also affects the mucus membrane of the nasal passage, it dries up and its cilia
are lost. Normally, cilia present in the nasal passage create barrier for the entry of infection, but in
this condition this is lost. Similarly, other parts of the respiratory tract, such as throat, trachea and
bronchi become rough and dry.
The salivary glands dry up, the mouth becomes dry and cracked due to which the individual is
more susceptible to infections caused by organisms. The gastrointestinal tract becomes thick and
dry which causes diminished secretory ability of mucous membranes with the result the tissues are
discarded and cause flat membranes with few villi. Failure of mucous secretion in the mouth may
lead to loss of appetite. This will hinder normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. These
degenerative changes lead to vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.
III. Skin
Vitamin A deficiency produces changes in the skin texture. The skin becomes dry (xeroderma) and
scaly. The hair follicles are plugged with keratin which develops small, hard, pigmented lumps
follicle which looks like "goose flesh' or "toad skin."
Treatment of vitamin A deficiency:
Prolonged diarrhoea : One dose upon 100,000 IU One dose upon 2,00,000 IU
for 14 days or more diagnosis of diagnosis of
prolonged prolonged
diarrhoea case diarrhoea case
Timing Dosage
General Management
➢ Dietary modifications: Including foods rich in vitamin A in the diet is crucial. These include
liver, fish, dairy products, eggs, orange-colored fruits and vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes,
mangoes), leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), and fortified cereals.
➢ Vitamin A supplements: In severe cases of deficiency, vitamin A supplements may be
prescribed. These supplements are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, or
liquid drops. They should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
➢ Food fortification: Fortifying staple foods with vitamin A is a public health strategy used in
many countries to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency. Commonly fortified foods include
cooking oil, sugar, and flour.
Prevention
Breast milk is a natural source of vitamin A, and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months
of a child's life provides essential nutrients, including vitamin A. Encouraging and supporting
breastfeeding helps prevent vitamin A deficiency in infants.
➢ Food fortification
Fortifying staple foods with vitamin A is an effective public health strategy. Many countries fortify
cooking oil, sugar, and flour with vitamin A to ensure a wider population has access to this essential
nutrient. Supporting and advocating for food fortification programs can play a significant role in
preventing deficiencies.
In some areas with a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, vitamin A supplementation programs
are implemented. These programs target vulnerable populations such as young children and
pregnant women, providing them with high-dose vitamin A supplements periodically. These
interventions have been successful in reducing the incidence of deficiency-related health issues.
Educating individuals and communities about the importance of a balanced diet, including vitamin
A-rich foods, can raise awareness and promote healthier dietary practices. Nutrition education can
be delivered through schools, healthcare facilities, community programs, and media campaigns.
Consuming a well-rounded diet that includes foods rich in vitamin A is the first line of defense
against deficiency. Encourage the consumption of vitamin A-rich foods such as liver, fish, dairy
products, eggs, orange-colored fruits and vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes), and leafy
green vegetables (spinach, kale). Including a variety of these foods in daily meals helps ensure an
adequate intake of vitamin A.
Certain health conditions, such as malabsorption disorders or liver diseases, can interfere with the
absorption and utilization of vitamin A. Proper diagnosis and management of these underlying
conditions are necessary to prevent vitamin A deficiency.
➢ Prevention of infection
Vitamin D
Introduction
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several important functions within
the body. It is also known as calciferol. It is primarily known for its role in maintaining strong
bones and teeth by facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. However, it also
contributes to other aspects of health, including immune function, muscle function, and cell
growth.
Functions of Vitamin D
◼ Calcium absorption
One of the main roles of vitamin D is to facilitate the absorption of calcium from the intestines. It
helps maintain adequate levels of calcium in the blood, which is essential for the development and
maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient vitamin D, calcium absorption is
impaired, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of conditions like rickets in children
and osteoporosis in adults.
◼ Bone health
Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium and other minerals to promote proper bone
mineralization and growth. It helps regulate the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the bones,
ensuring they remain strong and healthy. Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for maintaining
bone density and reducing the risk of fractures and bone-related disorders.
◼ Muscle function
Vitamin D is involved in maintaining optimal muscle function. It plays a role in muscle contraction
and strength. Inadequate vitamin D levels can lead to muscle weakness, muscle pain, and an
increased risk of falls and fractures, particularly in older adults.
Vitamin D plays a role in modulating the immune system. It helps regulate the immune response
and has been associated with a reduced risk of certain autoimmune diseases and infections. It is
believed that vitamin D helps regulate the expression of genes involved in immune function.
◼ Cell growth and regulation
Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It plays a role in
controlling the growth and development of various cells, including those involved in the immune
system, skin, and other organs.
◼ Anti-inflammatory effects
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help modulate the inflammatory response
in the body. It can help reduce inflammation associated with various conditions, such as
autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders.
Summarization
Home Assignment
Sharma,P. (2019). Food and Nutrition (2nd ed.). New plaza, putalisadak. Samikshya Books center,
Page No: 81 - 86