Option D1 Human Nutrition Flashcards
Nutrient
a chemical substance found in foods that is used by the human body
Types of nutrients
- Carbohydrates (technically not essential)
- Protein
- Fat
- Vitamin
- Mineral
- Water
Malnutrition
is a health condition caused by a deficiency, imbalance or excess of nutrients in the diet
Equation for calculating energy content in foods
Energy (joules) = Mass of water (g) × 4.2 (J/gºC) × Temperature increase (ºC)
Comparison of carbohydrate/proteins/fats
Proteins – 1,720 kJ per 100 grams
Carbohydrates – 1,760 kJ per 100 grams
Fats – 4,000 kJ per 100 grams
PKU - Phenylketonuria
It is a genetic condition that results in the impaired metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine
Consequences of untreated PKU
can lead to brain damage and mental retardation, as well as other serious medical problems
PKU is treated by…
enforcing a strict diet that restricts the intake of phenylalanine to prevent its build up within the body, such as medical formula that has precise quantities of essential amino acids
LDL vs HDL
Low density lipoproteins carry cholesterol from the liver to the body
High density lipoproteins carry excess cholesterol back to the liver for disposal
High cholesterol levels…
lead to hardening and narrowing of arteries
high levels of LDL form deposits in the walls of arteries
accumulation of fat within arterial walls develop plaques which restrict blood flow
as arteries become blocked, chances of coronary heart disease occurring
Fat soluble vitamins
can be stored within the body and liver
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Water soluble vitamins
need to be constantly restored as they are lost through urine
Role of vitamin K
assists in blood clotting
Role of vitamin C and E
prevents cellular damage
Role of vitamin D
regulates mineral metabolism
