human nutrition D1 Flashcards
(38 cards)
what is scurvy?
disease caused by lack of vit C, characterized by weakness, anemia, gum disease and hemorrhages.
treatment of scurvy
taking vit C supplements, patients improve in 24hrs.
what is another word for vitamin C ?
Ascorbic acid
what is vit C needed for? State 4 reasons.
synthesis of collagen fibers / synthesis of lipoprotein / involved in immune system / antioxidant properties.
human body doesn’t produce vit C anymore, why ?
Due to changes in GLO gene that made important enzymes unable to produce.
definition of essential nutrients? give examples of EN
cannot be replaced or synthesized by the body. Must come from diet.
ex: water, minerals, some vitamins…
definition of non-essential nutrients?
give examples of NEN
can be replaced or synthesized by the body.
ex: saturated fatty acids, sugars, some vitamins
definition of nutrient
chemical substance found in food that is used by the body
state 2 functions of dietary fiber.
adds bulk to food which activates receptors in the stomach and give the sensation of fullness.
Fiber clears trapped materials and dead cells from the digestive track, reducing chances of cancers and blockage.
What does high-fiber diet prevent?
constipation and weight control
definition of dietary minerals
essential chemical elements.
definition of vitamin
organic compound in food needed in small amounts for growth and health.
definition of minerals.
elements present in food required by our body to function/develop properly.
what is calcium?
essential mineral, major electrolyte mineral (ex:cheese, milk…)
what is chloride?
essential mineral/ electrolyte that regulates fluids (Ex: salt, seaweed…)
what is iodine deficiency?
inability to produce thyroxin and consequent metabolic disturbing. Serious during pregnancy. IDD also leads to groitre.
what is goitre?
deficiency in iodine causing abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland.
another name for vit D?
calciferol
function of vit D
required for absorption of calcium in the gut
deficiency of vit D results in…
state 2 things
- rickets, bone softness, seen in children
- osteomalacia, bone thinning, seen in adults
sources of vit D
skin/diet/supplements
functions of fatty acids in human physiology?
state 4
- building blocks: cell membrane components (phospholipids…)
- targeting molecules: by attaching to proteins
- fuel: energy stored as triglycerides
- messenger molecules: used to produce hormones
what is omega 6?
essential fatty acids.
increase immune response, inflamation, blood pressure (alpha-linoleic acid)
what is omega 3?
essential fatty acids.
promotes heart health (walnuts, chia seeds…) linoleic acid.