Overview of the Science of Nutrition

Question 1

Nutrients:
Name and describe all 6, as discussed in class.

Answer 1

Substances obtained from food and used in the body to promote growth, maintenance, and repair

There are the nutrients most needed in the body*
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Water

Question 2

Which produce energy and which do not? If they do not produce energy, what do they do?

Answer 2

Produce Energy (Calories): Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats

Don’t Produce Energy (Calories): Vitamins and Minerals
- Since they don’t produce energy, they regulate the release of energy and other aspects of metabolism.

2 classes of vitamins:
- Water-soluble (B vitamins and C) = Live in water components go from point A to B easily. Gets eliminated easily.
- Fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) = Has a cell that stores vitamins A for a year.
Other vitamins are just stored in the fat cells.

Water- Where all body’s processes take place.

Question 3

What are essential nutrients?

Answer 3

Essential nutrients are nutrients that must be obtained from food/drinks because the body can’t make them itself. (40 nutrients are essential)

Question 4

Be able to calculate calories and % of calories from carbohydrates, fats, protein, and alcohol

Answer 4

Carbs= 4 calories/gram
Proteins= 4 calories/gram
Fat=9 calories/gram
Alcohol= 7 calories/gram* (not a nutrient)

Calculating calories:
25 g carbs x 4 calories = 100
40 g fat x 9 calories = 360
30 g protein x 4 calories = 120
Total= 580
Calculate % of energy intake coming from carbohydrates:
100/580= 0.172
0.172 x 100= 17%
% Calories from carbs = 17%

Calculate % of energy intake coming from fat:
360/580= 0.621
0.621 x 100= 16.2%
% Calories from fat= 16.2%

Calculate % of energy intake coming from protein:
120/580= 0.207
0.207 x 100= 20.7%
% Calories from Protein= 20.7%