Chapter 1: Introduction

Question 1

Define an essential nutrient

Answer 1

Substances which are essential for health and the body cannot make sufficient quantities (if at all) to support health.

Question 2

Define a kilocalorie

Answer 2

The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. 1kcal = 1000 calories

Question 3

Define a double blind study

Answer 3

A study in which neither the researcher nor the subjects know which group is the experimental and which is the control

Question 4

Define a placebo

Answer 4

An inactive substance or preparation used as a control in an experiment or test to determine the effectiveness of a medicinal drug.

Question 5

What are the six classes of nutrients?

Answer 5

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, and Water.

Question 6

How many calories of energy per gram does Carbs, Lipids, and Proteins have?

Answer 6

Carbs: 4kcal energy/gram
Lipids: 9kcal energy/gram
Proteins: 4kcal energy/gram

Question 7

Name and describe the four main types of scientific studies.

Answer 7

Epidemiological studies: Compare disease rates among population groups, identify conditions related to disease, demonstrate correlations

Animal Studies: Useful for studying hypotheses that are unethical to test on humans

Cell Culture Studies: Facilitate the study of effects of nutrients on cells grown in laboratory. Studies effect of food components on gene expression

Human studies:
Case control: small scale epidemiological studies
Double blind studies: Compare experimental group to control group

Question 8

Describe the scientific method

Answer 8

Make observations and ask questions
Generate hypotheses
Conduct Experiments
Reject incorrect explanations and form model
Publication and peer review
Follow-up studies

Question 9

How to measure nutritional status of an individual

Answer 9

1) Medical History
2) Anthropometric Assessment
3) Biochemical Tests
4) Clinical Exam
5) Dietary Analysis
6) Environmental Assessment