Topic 1 Module: Nutrition and research principles; Nutrient Reference values Flashcards
Week 1 (18 cards)
What are the main types of study designs in nutrition research?
Observational studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional) and experimental studies (randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental).
What is the hierarchy of evidence from highest to lowest?
- Systematic reviews & meta-analyses
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
- Cohort studies
- Case-control studies
- Cross-sectional studies
- Case reports/series
- Expert opinion
What distinguishes an Randomised Control Trial (RCT) from observational studies?
RCTs
- random assignment to intervention/control groups, (minimises bias)
- researchers have more control
Observational studies
- no intervention
- researchers have less control
What is a cohort study?
- observational study
- participants are followed over time to assess associations between exposures and outcomes.
- longitudinal study (follows participants for a period of time, often years)
What is a case-control study?
- retrospective
- observational study
- compares individuals with a condition (cases) to those without (controls) to identify risk factors.
What does NRV stand for?
Nutrient Reference Values.
What are the main types of NRVs?
EAR Estimated average requirement
RDI Recommended Daily Intake
AI Adequate Intake
UL Upper Level Intake
AMDR Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range
SDT Suggested Dietary Target
What is the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)?
The nutrient intake level estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a specific group.
What is the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI)?
The intake level sufficient for nearly all (97–98%) healthy individuals in a life stage/gender group.
What is Adequate Intake (AI)?
Used when RDI can’t be determined;based on observed/estimated nutrient intake of healthy people.
What is the Upper Level of Intake (UL)?
The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects.
What is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)?
Range of intake for each macronutrient (% of energy) associated with reduced chronic disease risk while meeting nutrient needs.
What are the AMDR values for adults in Australia/NZ?
Carbohydrates: 45–65%
Protein: 15–25%
Fat: 20–35%
of total energy.
What is the Suggested Dietary Target (SDT)?
Daily average intake of certain nutrients that may help prevent chronic disease.
What are the Atwater factors for macronutrients?
Carbs: 17 kJ/g (4 kcal/g), Protein: 17 kJ/g (4 kcal/g), Fat: 37 kJ/g (9 kcal/g), Alcohol: 29 kJ/g (7 kcal/g).
How to calculate total energy for a meal with 30g carbs, 20g protein, 10g fat?
(30×17) + (20×17) + (10×37) = 1220 kJ
Why are Atwater factors important in nutrition?
They help estimate energy intake from food for dietary planning and assessment.
How do Atwater factors differ from bomb calorimetry values?
Atwater factors account for digestibility and biological availability, unlike gross energy values from bomb calorimetry.
