A1 Nutrition

Question 0

Diet

Answer 0

total sum of all nutrients eaten

Question 1

nutrient

Answer 1

a chemical substance found in food that is used in the human body

Question 2

essential nutrients

Answer 2

cannot be synthesized by the body

1. fatty acids
2. minerals
3. vitamins
4. water
5. amino acids (BUT non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body from other nutrients)

Question 3

protein deficiency malnutrition

Answer 3

cause: inadequate supply of one or more ESSENTIAL amino acids
key factor in development of kwashiorkor
consequences:
- swelling of the abdomen caused by tissue fluid retention due to lack of plasma proteins in the blood (oedema)
- skin flaking
- hair lacking pigmentation
- children: retardation of physical and mental development

Question 4

phenylketonuria (PKU)

Answer 4

genetic disease
cause: deficiency / complete lack of the enzyme thyrosine hydroxylase because of mutation of a gene coding for this enzyme
thyrosine hydroxylase catalyses the reaction of synthesizing phenylalanine (an essential amino acid) into tyrosine (non-essential)
as it cannot be converted into tyrosine, phenylalanine is converted into PHENYLPYRUVIC ACID causing high levels of ketones in blood and urine

Question 5

consequences of phenylketonuria

Answer 5

retarded mental and physical development, skin rashes, egzema, etc.

Question 6

diagnosis and treatment of phenylketonuria

Answer 6

diagnosis: simple blood test for the levels of phenylalanine, soon after birth
treatment: early diagnosis + special diet (low in phenylalanine, should include fruits, grains, vegetables, and special milk) = prevent most harmful effects

Question 7

Fatty acids

Answer 7

all have a carb