5) Nutrition

Question 1

What is a critical analysis?

Answer 1

An evaluation of whether the methods and data presented in a research study support the study conclusions.

Question 2

What is the classification of most of the research in the nutritional field?

Answer 2

Associative

Question 3

Where does associative evidence come from?

Answer 3

Observational/epidemiological studies:

• cohort studies (study one group of individuals over a long period)
• case-control studies
• cross-sectional studies

Question 4

What is the relationship between association and causation?

Answer 4

Our minds are programmed to see associations and patterns, then infer causations. Some of these interpretations are incorrect- alternative variables are the causative factor of an event.

Question 5

What is a huge limitation of associative evidence?

Answer 5

Confounding
Confounders are variables (known or unknown) that falsely appear to be the cause of the outcome instead of the true cause.

Question 6

What is an example of research used to establish causality?

Answer 6

Intervention trial
In which the participants receive an intervention. Subjects are randomly allocated to intervention group/control group (randomised control trial)
Ideally both the scientists and the participants should be blinded to the intervention (if appropriate)

Question 7

What are the problems with conducting intervention trials in relation to food?

Answer 7

• challenging to organise and arrange double blind trials with food
• unethical to remove a nutrient or food from an individual’s diet
• food itself is very complex (therefore unsure of the exact compound has causative effects-unless measure one vitamins/mineral)

Question 8

What are some systems/conditions affected by nutrient diet and weight?

Answer 8

Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Obesity
Diabetes
Cognitive decline 
Mental health
Musculoskeletal health 
Exercise performance

Question 9

Outline a specific example of food involvement in health

Answer 9

Type 2 diabetes mellitus
In which beta cells of the pancreas cannot secrete enough insulin due to an insulin resistance. There is an association between obesity and T2DM.

Question 10

What do the guidelines recommend?

Answer 10

• whole not processed foods (ie apple instead of apple oat bar)
• fresh
• predominantly plant based (reduce consumption of red meat especially)
• varied (should contain a lot of colour)
• well prepared (method- grilling is healthier than frying)
• not calorie dense, rather NUTRIENT dense

Question 11

Which visual guide can be used to educate food choices and meal plans?

Answer 11

Eatwell guide

• 1/3 diet should be fruit and vegetables with at least 5 portions each day
• 1/3 diet should be carbohydrates (especially whole meal and high fibre versions)
• ~12% calories should come from fish, pulses, white meats
• ~5-10% from dairy products (calcium rich)
• oils and spreads should be minimised (high calorie content) and choose unsaturated versions
• enjoy crisps/chocolate/cake as a treat (not often)
• drink 6-8 cups of water a day

Question 12

What size of portion of meat should be eaten? What does this equate to?

Answer 12

~70 grams per portion

Equates to the size of a playing card