Nutritional intake support device

Abstract

A nutritional intake support device that is useful as a measure against lifestyle-related diseases is provided. [Solution] The nutrition intake support device 2 comprises a four-group score table medium 10 on which the four-group score table is displayed, and an intake calculation device 20 which calculates the intake amount and tolerable upper limit of each nutrient. The four-group score table medium 10 contains the four-group score table. The four-group score table displays a table in which predetermined ingredients are classified into four groups according to the four-group score method. The intake calculation device 20 comprises a memory control unit, an input / output control unit, a display control unit, an acceptable intake calculation unit, an additional ingredient extraction unit, an additional ingredient display unit, and an additional ingredient selection reception unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nutritional intake support device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is already a known health management system that registers menu information for breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. for each user and manages the calorie amount of food included in each meal menu as the amount of ingested nutrients. In this type of health management system, the amount of ingested nutrients is divided into multiple groups according to nutritional characteristics and totaled, and the total value for each group is visualized to show the user an index of nutritional balance.

[0003] A representative example of such an index is the "Four Group Score Method" developed by Japan Women's University of Nutrition. The "Four Group Score Method" divides foods into four groups based on their nutritional characteristics. Specifically, the first group is milk, dairy products, and eggs, the second group is seafood, meat, beans, and bean products, the third group is vegetables, potatoes, and fruits, and the fourth group is grains, fats and oils, and sugar. The "Four Group Score Method" uses pie chart illustrations to show how much of each group's food should be consumed, and how much has been consumed (see, for example, non-patent literature). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Recommendation for the Four-Group Score Method (Japan Women's University of Nutrition) https: / / www.eiyo.ac.jp / resources / yongun.pdf Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The human body needs oxygen to produce energy, but active oxygen is produced in the body as a by-product of producing this energy. This active oxygen injures and damages cells in the body, causing aging, cancer, wrinkles, age spots, diabetes, dyslipidemia, arteriosclerosis, and other lifestyle-related diseases. Although the aforementioned "four-group scoring method" classifies foods according to their nutritional characteristics, it is insufficient as a measure against lifestyle-related diseases induced by active oxygen.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a nutritional intake support device that is useful as a countermeasure against lifestyle-related diseases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The nutritional intake support device of the present invention comprises a four-group score table medium on which a four-group score table is displayed, an allowable intake calculation unit that calculates an allowable intake amount of a target nutrient for an ingredient selected based on the four-group score table, an additional ingredient extraction unit that extracts additional ingredients, and an additional ingredient display unit that displays the calculation result by the allowable intake calculation unit, wherein the target nutrients are the antioxidant vitamins, and the allowable intake amount of the target nutrient is obtained by subtracting the intake amount of the target nutrient contained in the ingredient and the additional ingredients from the tolerable upper amount of the target nutrient.

[0008] The antioxidant vitamins are preferably β-carotene and vitamin C. In addition, the additional food ingredient extraction unit preferably extracts the additional food ingredient such that the tolerable intake amount when the food ingredient and the additional food ingredient are ingested does not exceed the tolerable upper limit of the target nutrient.

[0009] When the additional ingredient extraction unit extracts the first candidate for the additional ingredient and the second candidate for the additional ingredient, it is preferable to extract the additional ingredient having the greater intake amount of the target nutrient from the first candidate or the second candidate for the additional ingredient.

[0010] The limiting nutrients include minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, and it is preferable that the additional ingredient extraction unit extracts the additional ingredients so that the limiting nutrients when the ingredients and the additional ingredients are ingested do not exceed the tolerable upper limit of the limiting nutrients.

[0011] It is preferable that the acceptable intake calculation unit calculates the acceptable intake amounts when the ingredients and the additional ingredients are ingested. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a nutritional intake support device that is useful as a countermeasure against lifestyle-related diseases can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a nutrition intake support device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an intake amount calculating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an intake amount calculating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an overview of a method of using the nutrition intake support device. [Diagram 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the citric acid cycle (Source: Tokyo Academy's Open Sesame Series, Complete Guide to Passing the National Dietitian Examination, Volume 1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the nutritional intake support device 2 includes a four-group score table medium 10 on which a four-group score table is displayed, and an intake calculation device 20 that calculates the intake amount and tolerable upper limit of each nutrient, etc.

[0015] A four-group score table is printed on the four-group score table medium 10. The four-group score table displays a table in which a given ingredient is classified into four groups according to the four-group score method.

[0016] The four-group scoring system divides foods into four groups based on their nutritional characteristics, and by eating a combination of these, nutritional balance can be achieved. The four-group scoring system classifies foods with similar nutrients into four groups, and is used to create well-balanced meal plans by combining foods from these four groups. The four food groups are the food groups that we need every day without deficiency (groups 1, 2, and 3), and the food group that we need to consume in appropriate amounts (group 4). Group 1 is milk and its products, and eggs; group 2 is soybean products, seafood, meat and its products; group 3 is vegetables, potatoes, and fruits; and group 4 is grains, sugar, and oils and fats.

[0017] Groups 1 to 3 are sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, etc. They are necessary for everyone, from children to the elderly, and should be consumed every day in the right amounts. The daily requirement is roughly the same regardless of gender, age, or physical build, except for children who are still growing. On the other hand, group 4 is a food group that provides energy for activity. The amount consumed should be adjusted depending on the amount of activity, age, gender, and physical build.

[0018] In this four-group scoring system, 80 kcal of energy is calculated as 1 point. For example, the standard for daily calorie intake is set at 1600 kcal (20 points), and increases / decreases are set according to gender, age, activity level, etc. By selecting food ingredients based on the four-group scoring table (1600 kcal), the required amount of all nutrients can be consumed.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the intake amount calculation device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a bus 29.

[0020] The control unit 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 21 is a computer that realizes various functions related to the nutrition intake support device 2 by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 can be specifically realized by the control unit 21, which is an example of hardware, and executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 21. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 21 is not limited to being single, and the control unit 21 may be implemented to have multiple control units 21 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0021] The storage unit 22 stores various information defined by the above description. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the nutrition intake support device 2 executed by the control unit 21, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the calculation of the program. The storage unit 22 stores various programs (for example, a nutrition intake support program) executed by the control unit 21, variables, etc.

[0022] The communication unit 23 is configured to be capable of transmitting various electrical signals to external components (such as a personal computer or a server) from the intake amount calculation device 20. The communication unit 23 is also configured to be capable of receiving various electrical signals from external components.

[0023] The input unit 24 has keys, buttons, a touch screen, a mouse, etc., and accepts input from the administrator. The input unit 24 may also have a microphone and accept voice input from the user.

[0024] The output unit 25 has a display, a speaker, and the like, and displays visual information generated in a manner that is visible to the user, such as screens, images, icons, text, and the like, on the display surface of the display, and outputs sounds including voice.

[0025] The bus 29 electrically connects each part of the intake amount calculation device 20 .

[0026] In the intake amount calculation device 20, when the basic OS and various programs stored in the memory unit 22 are executed by the control unit 21, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 21 includes a memory control unit 201, an input / output control unit 202, a display control unit 203, an acceptable intake amount calculation unit 204, an additional ingredient extraction unit 205, an additional ingredient display unit 206, and an additional ingredient selection reception unit 207.

[0027] The storage control unit 201 controls the storage unit 22 of the device itself, and writes and reads data to and from the storage unit 22. The input / output control unit 202 receives user operations via the input unit .

[0028] The display control unit 203 executes processing for displaying a system screen related to the nutrition intake support device 2. The display control unit 203 performs processing such as generating and transmitting an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file, and displays a web page showing the system screen on the output unit 25. The display control unit 203 may also perform processing such as generating and transmitting display data for an application for using the nutrition intake support device 2.

[0029] Here, a nutrient DB is constructed in the storage unit 22. In the nutrient DB, an identifier, a name of an ingredient, the content of each nutrient contained in a unit amount of the ingredient (e.g., per 100 g), and the intake energy (kcal) contained in a unit amount of the ingredient (e.g., per 100 g) are associated with each other.

[0030] The allowable intake calculation unit 204 calculates the intake and allowable intake of a nutrient when the specified amount of a food ingredient is ingested based on the name of the specified food ingredient and the intake amount of the food ingredient received by the input / output control unit 113. Here, the specified food ingredient is an ingredient selected under a specified condition, including an ingredient selected using the four-group score table and an additional ingredient added to the ingredient selected using the four-group score table. The allowable intake of a specified food ingredient is obtained by subtracting the intake amount of each nutrient contained in the food ingredient from the tolerable upper limit of the nutrient when the specified food ingredient is ingested. Specifically, the allowable intake calculation unit 204 reads the tolerable upper limit of the nutrient from the nutrient DB in the storage unit 22 for the selected food ingredient and the additional food ingredient, and calculates the allowable intake amount for each nutrient by subtracting the intake amount from the tolerable upper limit.

[0031] There are two types of nutrients: target nutrients and limiting nutrients.

[0032] The target nutrients are antioxidant vitamins with a low risk of overdose. The antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene and vitamin C. There is no tolerable upper limit for vitamin C, so the risk of overdose is low. Also, while there are concerns about overdose of vitamin A, beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, is converted to vitamin A in the body only in the amount required, so there is a low risk of overdose.

[0033] Restricted nutrients include minerals and fat-soluble vitamins. As with trace elements, the difference between the recommended amount and the tolerable upper limit is small, making it easy to fall into excess amounts of minerals. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and tend to remain in the body, making it easy to take in too much. As such, caution is required when using restricted nutrients, as there is a risk of overdosing.

[0034] Minerals play an important role, although there is a risk of overdosing on them. Minerals include copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iron, molybdenum, iodine, chromium, fluorine, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium are also components of the enzymes SOD (superoxide dismutase) and glutathione peroxidase. An individual explanation of minerals will be given later.

[0035] The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. The fat-soluble vitamins are explained individually below.

[0036] The tolerable upper limit is defined as the upper limit of habitual intake that is considered to have no risk of causing health problems, and it is believed that ingesting more than this level increases the risk of potential health problems caused by excessive intake. Theoretically, the "tolerable upper limit" exists between the maximum "habitual intake level at which health problems are known not to occur" (no observed adverse effect level: NOAEL) and the minimum "habitual intake level at which health problems are known to occur" (lowest observed adverse effect level: LOAEL).

[0037] Furthermore, the allowable intake calculation unit 204 calculates the intake amount and allowable intake amount of intake energy. The intake amount of intake energy is calculated by reading the intake energy per unit amount of the food ingredient from the nutrient DB in the storage unit 22, and calculating the intake amount of intake energy based on the intake amount of the food ingredient.

[0038] Furthermore, the allowable intake amount calculation unit 204 calculates the amount of intake energy based on the height and the calories (kcal) for each individual's life activity level received by the input / output control unit 113. Here, the amount of intake energy is calculated by the formula (1). Equation (1) Energy intake (kcal) = height 2 (m) × 22 × "Calories by activity level (kcal)" The calories (kcal) for each activity level are input by the user, taking into consideration his / her own activity level. The calories (kcal) for each activity level should be based on the following criteria: (I) "25-30 kcal" "Low level of daily activity (little movement)." (II) Less than "30-35 kcal" - "Moderate level of daily activity (desk work and housework)." (III) "Over 35 kcal" and "High level of daily activity (physical labor and exercise)."

[0039] Furthermore, when there are multiple selected food candidate ingredients, the allowable intake calculation section 204 may calculate the intake amount and allowable intake amount of each nutrient, as well as the intake amount and allowable intake amount of ingested energy, for each candidate.

[0040] When there is a margin in the intake allowance of the target nutrient, the additional ingredient extraction unit 205 reads from the nutrient DB in the storage unit 22 and extracts additional ingredients.

[0041] The added ingredient display unit 206 displays information about the added ingredients extracted by the added ingredient extraction unit 205. More specifically, the added ingredient display unit 206 displays the intake amount and allowable intake amount of each nutrient and the intake amount and allowable intake amount of energy for the selected ingredients and added ingredients.

[0042] When the additional ingredient extraction unit 205 extracts multiple additional ingredients, the additional ingredient selection receiving unit 207 receives input from the user regarding which additional ingredient they would like to select.

[0043] Next, a method of using the nutrition intake support device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] A method 100 of using the nutrition intake support device 2 includes a first ingredient selection step S1 of selecting ingredients based on a four-group score table, a first calculation step S2 of calculating an intake energy amount, a second calculation step S3 of calculating an allowable intake amount of a target nutrient, a third calculation step S4 of calculating an allowable intake amount of a limited nutrient, an ingredient addition determination step S5 of determining whether an ingredient is added, an added ingredient extraction step S6 of extracting added ingredients based on the allowable intake amounts, an added ingredient display step S7 of displaying the added ingredients, an added ingredient selection acceptance step S8 of accepting a selection of added ingredients from the user, a recalculation step S9 of calculating the allowable intake amounts of the target nutrients, limited nutrients, and for the ingredients and added ingredients selected in the first ingredient selection step S1, and a recalculation result display step S10 of displaying the calculation result of the recalculation step S9.

[0045] (First ingredient selection step S1) In the first ingredient selection step S1, the four group score table medium 10 is used to fill in the ingredients in the four group score table (1600 kcal), and then additional ingredients are selected. As a result, the total energy amount at the stage of the first ingredient selection step S1 is "1600 kcal + α (kcal)", that is, 1600 (kcal) or more. In the first ingredient selection step S1, the name of a specific ingredient selected based on the four group score table and the intake amount of the ingredient are input to the intake amount calculation device 20. Next, in the first ingredient selection step S1, the intake allowable amount calculation unit 204 calculates the "total energy amount (1600 kcal + α) of the four group score table" resulting from the intake of the ingredient based on the name of the ingredient received by the input / output control unit 113, the intake amount of the ingredient, and the intake calorie per unit of the ingredient obtained by referring to the nutrient DB.

[0046] (First calculation step S2) In the first calculation step S2, the user inputs the height and the calories (kcal) for each individual's life activity level. Next, in the first calculation step S2, the intake allowance calculation unit 204 calculates the intake energy amount based on the height and the calories (kcal) for each individual's life activity level received by the input / output control unit 113. Here, the total energy amount is calculated by the formula (1). Equation (1) Total energy intake (kcal) = height 2 (m) × 22 × "Calories by activity level (kcal)"

[0047] The "total energy amount (1600 kcal + α) of the four-group score table" obtained in the first food ingredient selection step S2 is made to approach the "total energy amount (kcal) of the individual calculated in the first calculation step S2." To this end, the amount of insufficient energy is calculated using the following formula. Deficient energy amount = Total energy amount - Total energy amount in the four-group score table (1600kcal + α) For each individual, additional ingredients are selected to make up for the calculated energy deficiency. In doing so, vegetables (120g or more of green and yellow vegetables containing β-carotene) and fruits (fruits rich in vitamin C) from the four-group score table are added, taking into consideration the target nutrients β-carotene and vitamin C, along with other ingredients. When ingredients are added in the first calculation step S2, the total amount of energy including the added ingredients is calculated.

[0048] (Second calculation step S3) In the second calculation step S3, the allowable intake of the target nutrient is calculated based on the name of the predetermined ingredient and the intake amount of the ingredient received in the first ingredient selection step S1 and the name of the additional ingredient and the intake amount of the ingredient received in the second calculation step S2. Specifically, the allowable intake calculation unit 204 calculates the intake of the target nutrient ingested from the ingredient selected based on the four-group score table, based on the "amount of the target nutrient contained in the ingredient per unit weight (or volume)" and the "intake amount of the ingredient". It is preferable that the intake calculation device 20 outputs the calculation result to the output unit 25.

[0049] (Third calculation step S4) In the third calculation step S4, the allowable intake of the limited nutrient is calculated based on the name of the predetermined ingredient and the intake amount of the ingredient received in the first ingredient selection step S1 and the name of the additional ingredient and the intake amount of the ingredient received in the second calculation step S2. Specifically, the allowable intake calculation unit 204 calculates the intake of the limited nutrient ingested from the ingredient selected based on the four-group score table, based on the "amount of the limited nutrient contained in the ingredient per unit weight (or volume)" and the "intake amount of the ingredient". It is preferable that the intake calculation device 20 outputs the calculation result to the output unit 25.

[0050] (Ingredient addition determination step S5) In the ingredient addition judgment step S5, it is determined whether there is a margin in the allowable intake amounts of the target nutrients and limited nutrients obtained in the first calculation step S2 to the third calculation step S4. If it is determined that the calculation results of each allowable intake amount in the first calculation step S2 and the second calculation step S3 have a large margin, the process proceeds to the added ingredient extraction step S6. On the other hand, if the calculation results of each allowable intake amount in the first calculation step S2 and the second calculation step S3 have a small value, the process proceeds to the recalculation result display step S10.

[0051] (Additional ingredient extraction step S6) In the additional ingredient extraction step S6, additional ingredients are extracted from the ingredients registered in the nutrient DB. The extraction condition is that the additional intake amounts of the target nutrients and limited nutrients of the additional ingredients are equal to or less than the allowable intake amounts. In the additional ingredient extraction step S6, multiple additional ingredients may be extracted from the ingredients registered in the nutrient DB, or multiple candidates for additional ingredients may be extracted.

[0052] (Additional ingredients display step S7) In added ingredient display step S7, the added ingredients extracted in added ingredient extraction step S6 are displayed. For example, if one added ingredient is extracted in added ingredient extraction step S6, that added ingredient is displayed. If multiple added ingredients are extracted in added ingredient extraction step S6, those multiple added ingredients are displayed. If multiple candidate added ingredients are extracted in added ingredient extraction step S6, those multiple candidate added ingredients may be displayed.

[0053] (Additional ingredient selection acceptance step S8) In the additional ingredient selection receiving step S8, when the multiple additional ingredients or their candidates are displayed, the selection of an additional ingredient from the user is received.

[0054] (Recalculation step S9) In the recalculation step S9, the allowable intake amounts of the target nutrients and limit nutrients are calculated for the ingredients selected in the first ingredient selection step S1 and the additional ingredients.

[0055] (Recalculation result display step S10) In the recalculation result display step S10, the calculation result in the recalculation step S9 is displayed.

[0056] In this way, the method 100 for using the nutrition intake support device 2 includes the first foodstuff selection step S1, so that the required amount of all nutrients can be taken. Each nutrient has its own unique role and also has a role of interacting with each other in the living body, so humans need to take in the required amount of all nutrients. For this reason, it is not desirable to be biased towards a specific nutrient. For example, the intermediate metabolic pathway of the "citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) which is a bioenergy reaction" shown in Figure 5 contains α-ketoglutaric acid, which is an amino acid synthesis raw material for the transamination reaction with vitamin B6 as a coenzyme. This means that the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) is not just a matter of bioenergy reactions, but is also related to transamination reactions, and all metabolisms are independent but are intertwined with each other. This is the reason for taking in the required amount of all nutrients.

[0057] Furthermore, the method 100 of using the nutrition intake support device 2 includes the step S5 of determining whether to add an ingredient and the step S6 of extracting an added ingredient, so that the added ingredients can be selected so that the target nutrients and the limited nutrients can be ingested without exceeding the tolerable upper limit. And, the step S1 of selecting the first ingredient is performed before the step S5 of determining whether to add an ingredient and the step S6 of extracting an added ingredient, so that the required amount of all nutrients is ingested and then a large amount of antioxidant vitamins, which are the target nutrients, can be ingested.

[0058] In addition, since the method 100 of using the nutrition intake support device 2 includes a recalculation step S9 and a recalculation result display step S10, it is possible to know in advance that the intake of the target nutrient is as high as possible within the range of the tolerable upper limit and the additional intake of the restricted nutrient is as low as possible by ingesting the additional ingredients. As a result, the method 100 of using the nutrition intake support device 2 allows a large intake of antioxidant vitamins while avoiding the adverse effects of excessive intake of the restricted nutrient.

[0059] In addition, with the common goal of improving diseases caused by active oxygen, it is desirable to take "the required amount + α" of "vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid," which are necessary for DNA synthesis, while being careful not to overdose. The reason is that it is to produce new oxidized cells and improve the endocrine metabolic environment. Tetrahydrofolic acid, glutamic acid, etc. are required for the synthesis of purine bases, which are the building blocks of nucleic acids, but folic acid needs to be converted to tetrahydrofolic acid, which requires vitamin B12. In other words, vitamin B12 and folic acid are required for DNA synthesis. For example, in the case of malignant tumors, in an environment oxidized by active oxygen, the "phosphorylation environment," which is the growth environment of the "intracellular signal" originating from the "G protein of the cell membrane," becomes disrupted, and "malignant tumors have the ability to grow," so it is important and meaningful to approach DNA synthesis, which is the production of new cells, and to adjust the endocrine metabolic environment after removing active oxygen with antioxidant vitamins.

[0060] Below, we will provide an individual explanation of minerals and vitamins.

[0061] Copper is a component of the enzyme SOD. It is also essential for iron metabolism during hematopoiesis (ceruloplasmin, a copper transport protein). It is also involved in bone strength and the maturation of white blood cells.

[0062] Excessive intake of zinc can cause copper malabsorption and copper deficiency. Zinc is also a component of RNA polymerase during transcription. Zinc is involved in protein synthesis and is an essential mineral for insulin synthesis.

[0063] Manganese does not cause excessive manganese intake in the normal diet, but workers who handle manganese can suffer from manganese poisoning. Manganese is involved in promoting bone formation.

[0064] Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase and is involved in insulin signaling.

[0065] Functional iron is responsible for transporting oxygen (hemoglobin, myoglobin), and heme iron (iron derived from hemoglobin and myoglobin) is better absorbed than non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is found in eggs, beans, and green and yellow vegetables, but the phytic acid in beans and the tannins and oxalic acid in tea inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is more easily absorbed when taken with vitamin C or animal protein.

[0066] Catalase contained in heme iron is involved in reactions that remove reactive oxygen species.

[0067] Iron is a component of cytochromes, which are also involved in ATP synthesis in the electron transport chain. Stored iron accounts for 30% of the total iron, and is transported to the bone marrow, spleen, and liver as ferritin. After 120 days of their lifespan, aged red blood cells are decomposed in the spleen, but the released iron is transported to the bone marrow and reused for hemoglobin synthesis when red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

[0068] Molybdenum is involved in uric acid synthesis. It is a component of the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Excessive intake of molybdenum inhibits copper absorption, causing copper deficiency.

[0069] Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones and is involved in energy metabolism. Most iodine is found in the thyroid gland. Excess iodine can lead to goiter and aggravation of hyperthyroidism. Goiter can occur in both deficiency and excess.

[0070] Chromium enhances insulin action and promotes cellular glucose absorption. It is involved in the metabolism of sugar, protein, and lipids. Chromium deficiency is impaired glucose tolerance.

[0071] Fluoride is found mostly in bones and teeth, and has the effect of stabilizing hydroxyapatite and promoting mineralization. It is involved in suppressing the activity of enzymes produced by bacteria, and prevents tooth decay.

[0072] Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia.

[0073] Calcium exists in bones and teeth as hydroxyapatite. Calcium absorption is promoted by active vitamin D. However, absorption is inhibited by phytic acid in beans, oxalic acid in vegetables, and excess phosphorus. A decrease in blood calcium levels promotes bone resorption. The secretion of PTH (parathyroid hormone) is increased, calcium is reabsorbed, and the production of active vitamin D is promoted, resulting in "bone resorption." When blood calcium levels "rise," the calcium in the blood is deposited in the bones. Calcitonin secretion is increased, and bone formation takes place. Calcium is also involved in the resorption of Ca + As a calcium ion, it is involved in muscle contraction.

[0074] Phosphorus is a component of phospholipids and nucleic acids, and is a component of ATP and creatinine phosphate. Phosphorus contributes to the formation of bones and teeth, and forms hydroxyapatite together with calcium.

[0075] Magnesium is involved in the activation of enzymes and the improvement of lipid metabolism. Magnesium also contributes to bone and tooth formation, muscle contraction, and nerve excitation, but excess magnesium can cause diarrhea.

[0076] Sodium regulates the osmotic pressure and pH of extracellular fluid, and absorbs glucose in the small intestine. Sodium deficiency is rare except in special cases such as sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Excessive sodium intake can cause high blood pressure.

[0077] Potassium is the most abundant element in cells, is involved in regulating osmotic pressure and pH (acid-base balance), and prevents high blood pressure.

[0078] Vitamin A is a component of the retinal and photoreceptor cells of the retina, and is involved in protein synthesis by acting on nuclear receptors and in the transcription of mRNA.

[0079] Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption and phosphate metabolism. When it becomes active vitamin D, it binds to nuclear receptors and promotes the expression of vitamin D-dependent mRNA. As a result, it promotes calcium and phosphate absorption.

[0080] Vitamin E consists of α-tocopherol and its homologues, with α-tocopherol accounting for the majority of vitamin E. Although α-tocopherol is highly susceptible to oxidation, it plays a role in preventing the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes.

[0081] Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme necessary for the synthesis of blood clotting factors such as prothrombin and proteins involved in bone formation.

[0082] The B vitamins are (B 1 ·B 2 · Panthenoic acid · Niacin) act as coenzymes. Vitamins other than those mentioned above have their own functions.

[0083] Vitamin B1 is a component of TDP thiamine diphosphate and is necessary for obtaining energy, and therefore is necessary for increasing carbohydrate intake and enhancing energy metabolism.

[0084] The process of converting pyruvate to acetyl COA proceeds as follows: (1) NADH is produced by dehydrogenation reaction. (2)B 1 TDP, which is a component of this enzyme, serves as a coenzyme for pyruvate dehydrogenase. (3) Panthenoic acid (B vitamins) is a component of coenzyme A and is involved in metabolism as a coenzyme. (4) Niacin (vitamin B) + It is involved as a coenzyme in oxidation-reduction reactions.

[0085] Citric Acid Cycle (Acetyl C O In the process from A to before the electron transport chain, the process proceeds as follows: (1) Dehydrogenation produces NADH (reduced coenzyme) and FADH 2 is generated. B 1 TDP, which is a component of TDP, acts as a coenzyme for α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. (2) Vitamin B 2 " FAD, a component of ATP, acts as a coenzyme in redox reactions. (3) "Niacin (B vitamins)" is NAD + It acts as a coenzyme in oxidation-reduction reactions.

[0086] As the amount of amino acid synthesis increases, so does the amount of vitamin B6 required. Since glutamic acid and aspartic acid are necessary for the synthesis of purine bases, B6 is indirectly required for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B6 contributes as a coenzyme in transamination reactions. The process of transamination reactions proceeds as follows: (1) The amino group is transferred to α-ketoglutaric acid, and the receptor that receives the amino group becomes glutamic acid. (2) Having lost the amino group, the receptor becomes α-keto acid. Amino acid + α-ketoglutaric acid → α-keto acid + glutamic acid (The above reaction is reversible.)

[0087] Vitamin B6 is necessary not only for amino acid synthesis, but also for energy reactions. In the bioenergy reaction "citric acid cycle (TCA cycle)," the presence of "α-ketoglutaric acid (which becomes glutamic acid) in the transamination reaction, and the presence of α-keto acid = oxaloacetic acid" means that metabolism is not only partially transamination, but that the two metabolisms are interrelated and interrelated.

[0088] Vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary for DNA synthesis. Tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) is necessary for the synthesis of purine bases, but B12 is required as a coenzyme when converting folic acid to tetrahydrofolic acid. Vitamin 12 becomes methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, and acts as a coenzyme for methionine synthase (= methyl group transfer reaction), nucleic acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. Vitamin 12 binds to intrinsic factor (= castle factor) secreted from the parietal cells of the stomach, is absorbed in the ileum, and is stored as adenosylcobalamin. In gastric resection, there is a possibility that the castle factor secreted from the parietal cells of the stomach will be insufficient, resulting in vitamin 12 deficiency. Vitamin 12 is not found in vegetables or fruits, so vegetarians are prone to vitamin 12 deficiency. It is known that symptoms of vitamin 12 deficiency include megaloblastic anemia (= pernicious anemia) and neuropathy. Megaloblastic anemia (= pernicious anemia) is caused by impaired DNA synthesis.

[0089] Folic acid acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis of nucleic acid bases and amino acid metabolism. Most of it exists as polyglutamic acid, which is digested to monoglutamic acid, absorbed from the small intestine, and released into the bloodstream, but must ultimately be converted to THF (tetrahydrofolic acid) to be retained in cells. A deficiency of folic acid, which requires vitamin B12 as a coenzyme for the reaction to convert it to THF (tetrahydrofolic acid), can cause megaloblastic anemia, a DNA synthesis disorder.

[0090] Biotin is required for fatty acid synthesis from acetyl-CoA.

[0091] Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is reduced by smoking, stress, and alcohol. "When you take vitamin C together with vitamin E, which is easily oxidized, you can prevent the oxidation (consumption) of vitamin E. Vitamin C is a material for collagen production and also plays a role in preventing bleeding. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the second calculation step S3 and the third calculation step S4 are performed in this order, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the third calculation step S4 may be performed before the second calculation step S3.

[0093] Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 2. Nutritional intake support device 10 Four-group point table medium 20 Intake calculation device 100 How to use S1 First ingredient selection step S2 First calculation step S3 Second calculation step S4 Third calculation step S5: Step to determine whether to add ingredients S6 Additional ingredient extraction step S7 Additional ingredients display step S8 Additional ingredient selection acceptance step S9 Recalculation step S10 Recalculation result display step

Claims

1. A four-group score table medium on which the four-group score table is displayed; an intake allowance calculation unit for calculating an intake allowance of a target nutrient for a food material selected based on the four-group score table; an additional ingredient extraction unit that extracts additional ingredients; an additional ingredient display unit that displays the calculation result by the acceptable intake amount calculation unit; The target nutrients are the antioxidant vitamins, The tolerable intake amount of the target nutrient is obtained by subtracting the intake amount of the target nutrient contained in the food material and the additional food material from the tolerable upper limit of the target nutrient. A nutritional intake support device characterized by the above.

2. 2. The nutritional intake assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the antioxidant vitamins are β-carotene and vitamin C.

3. The additional ingredient extraction unit is configured to extract the ingredient and the additional ingredient, 3. The nutrition intake support device according to claim 1, wherein the additional ingredients are extracted so that the tolerable upper limit of the target nutrient is not exceeded.

4. When the additional ingredient extraction unit extracts the first candidate for the additional ingredient and the second candidate for the additional ingredient, 4. The nutrition intake support device according to claim 3, wherein the additional ingredient having a larger intake amount of the target nutrient from the first candidate or the second candidate is extracted.

5. The nutrition intake support device according to claim 4, characterized in that the limiting nutrients include minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, and the additional ingredient extraction unit extracts the additional ingredients so that the limiting nutrients when the ingredients and the additional ingredients are ingested do not exceed their tolerable upper limit amounts.

6. 6. The nutrition intake support device according to claim 5, wherein the allowable intake calculation unit calculates the allowable intake when the ingredients and the additional ingredients are ingested.

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