**9. Zinc**

Zinc deficiency has been associated with the presence of psoriatic plaque (Smith et al., 2009). However, there is little evidence on the benefits of oral supplementation as of yet (Burrows et al., 1994). Moreover, there are no recommendations regarding the amount or chemical form that offers the best beneficial effects.

Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy in Psoriasis 363

techniques such as indirect calorimetry or through mathematical formulas such as the Harris-Benedict equation (Table 2) (Frankenfield et al., 1998). For greater compliance to treatment and patient follow up, the participation of a nutritionist is needed to individualize the treatment, considering all socioeconomic and cultural aspects. Farías et al (2011) suggests the recommendations of the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart

**Nutrient Recommendation intake** Reducing calories Approximately 500 to 1,000 kilocalories / day Total fat < 30% of total calories Saturated fat 8 a 10% of total calories Monounsaturated fat ≤15% of total calories Polyunsaturated fat ≤10% of total calories Total cholesterol <300 mg / day

Proteins Approximately 15% of total calories Carbohydrates At least 55% of total calories

Calcium 1.000 to 1.500 mg/Day Fiber 20 a 30 g/Day

Balance calorie intake and physical activity to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. Consume a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods Consume fish, especially oily fish, at least twice a week. Limit your intake of saturated fat to \_7% of energy, *trans* fat to \_1% of energy, and cholesterol to \_300 mg per day by -Choosing lean meats and vegetable alternatives; — Selecting fat-free (skim), 1%-fat, and low-fat dairy products; and — Minimizing intake of partially hydrogenated fats. Minimize your intake of beverages and foods with added sugars. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. When you eat food that is prepared outside of the home, follow the AHA Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations.

Table 2. Basal metabolic rate according to the Harris Benedict formula.

Table 3. Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction (American Heart Association Commitee Nutrition, (AHA) 2006).

Sodium 100 mmol / day (approximately 2.4 g of sodium)

**Women** BMR = 655 + (4.35 x weight in pounds ) +

**Men** 66 + (6.23 x weight in pounds) +

(4.7 x height in inches) - (4.7 x age in years)

(12.7 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)

Association (Table 3 e Table 4).

Table 1. Diet Step 1 (Obesity Society, 2000).
