Chap 4 Antinutrients

Question 1

What are the clinical implications of lectins on human health?

Answer 1

Alter gut function and cause inflammation

Question 2

What are the clinical implications of oxalates on human health?

Answer 2

inhibit calcium absorption and increase calcium kidney stone
formation

Question 3

What are the clinical implications of phytate on human health?

Answer 3

Inhibit absorption of iron, zinc and calcium

Question 4

What are the clinical implications of goitrogens on human health?

Answer 4

Inhibit iodine uptake and cause hypothyroidism or goiter

Question 5

What are the clinical implications of tannins on human health?

Answer 5

inhibit iron absorption and has negatively impact iron stores

Question 6

List TWO (2) methods to reduce the lectins in food

Answer 6

Soaking, boiling, germination, fermentation

Question 7

List TWO (2) methods to reduce the Oxalates in food

Answer 7

Soaking, boiling, steaming

Question 8

List TWO (2) methods to reduce the phytate food

Answer 8

Soaking, boiling, germination, fermentation

Question 9

List TWO (2) methods to reduce the tannins in food

Answer 9

Cooking, peeling skins of fruits and nuts

Question 10

List TWO (2) methods to reduce goitrogens in food

Answer 10

Steaming, boiling

Question 11

Explain the benefits of germination or sprouting methods in disablingtheantinutrients

Answer 11

Germination or sprouting increases the availability of nutrients in seeds,grains and legumes.
 Germination is one of the most effective processes for the reduction of
antinutrient in plant foods.
 During sprouting, changes take place within the seeds that lead to the
degradation of antinutrients.
 Germination reduce phytate in various types of legumes and grains.

Question 12

(a) Explain how antinutrients affect vegetarian diet?

Answer 12

-Vegetarians may be at higher risk of negative effects from antinutrients
because their diet relies heavily on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and
legumes. (2 marks)
- Iron stores and blood zinc levels in vegetarians who eat diets high in
plant foods may be below those of non-vegetarians. (1 mark)

Question 13

(b) List THREE (3) steps that vegetarians can take to counteract antinutrients in their diet?

Answer 13

• Pair high iron and zinc foods with foods high in vitamin C.
• Soak legumes before cooking.
• Purchase dairy products that are fortified with calcium.

Question 14

What are the recommendations on antinutrients for individuals at high risk for
diseases related to mineral deficiencies?

Answer 14

-They should monitor food choices for possible antinutrients such as
phytates and tannins.
- Alter the timing of eating foods with antinutrients.
- Drink tea between meals instead of with a meal to reduce the chances of
iron being poorly absorbed
- Take a calcium supplement a few hours after eating a high-fiber wheat bran
cereal that contains phytates.

Question 15

List a source for each antinutrient

Answer 15

lecitins - legumes, nuts, seeds
oxalate -spinach, swiss chart, sweet potatoes
phytate - legumes, nuts, seeds
goitrogen - kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts
tannins - tea, apple, grapes, nuts

Question 16

discuss how fermentation reduces antinutrients in food

Answer 16

-Fermentation often decreases the number of antinutrients including phytate and lectins.
-Fermentation also reduces tannin levels and helps increase iron absorption.
-Germination followed by fermentation also showed good results for reducing the level of antinutrients in foods.

Question 17

how does soaking remove antinutrients?

Answer 17

Soaking is the easiest physical processes to remove soluble antinutritional factors
Since many antinutrients are water soluble, the can be easily removed with soaking.

Question 18

How does milling remove antinutrients and what is the disadvantage of this method?

Answer 18

-The milling technique removes antinutrients (e.g. phytic acid, lectins, tannins), which are present in the bran of grains
-This technique has a main disadvantage that it also removes important minerals