consumer

consumer

A generic term for a patient and potential patient, carer, organisation representing consumers’ interests, or member of the public, who is the target of health promotion programmes, and any group asking for research because they believe they have been exposed to potentially harmful circumstances, products or services.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

consumer

any organism which consumes other organisms to gain food resources. Macro consumers (phagotrophs) are chiefly animals which ingest other organisms or particulate organic matter (detritus). Microconsumers are chiefly bacteria and fungi which break down dead organic material, absorb some of the decomposition products, and release inorganic nutrients (which are then re-available to the PRODUCERS) and organic materials which may provide energy sources to other organisms. See TROPHIC LEVEL.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

Patient discussion about consumer

Q. Which food should be consumed and which should be avoided. Found some months before that my mother has very painful gout. Which food should be consumed and which should be avoided and why?

A. Changing the nutrition profile will be of help and a good medical treatment for gout is also available. High protein food should be avoided. But lamb, pork, bacon, chicken, all fish, peas, beans and lentils can be taken in small amount, as protein is an important requirement for nutritional fulfillment, its intake should be in very small amounts. Alcohol should be reduced greatly, especially wine and beer. A good fluid intake of plain water is advised. Foods that aggravate shall be avoided.

Q. If an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe? Hi! While reading through the medical journal, I came to know that if an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe?

A. Approximately 30%–50% of alcoholics have low zinc status because ethanol consumption decreases intestinal absorption of zinc and increases urinary zinc -

excretion-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16099027?dopt=Abstract

zinc is a necessary mineral you need for the immune system, brain function and other systems of the body.

Q. If an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe? Hi! While reading through the medical journal, I came to know that if an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe?

A. I am glad that you are regularly updating the medical journals. Consumption of zinc is a safe and effective means of affording protection from alcohol induced tissue injury. Zinc deficiency is an underlying feature of alcohol abuse.

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