Clinical Nutrition Flashcards
What are six basic classes of nutrients in a balanced diet?
Protein Fat Carbohydrates Minerals Vitamins Water
Describe vitamins and their importance.
Organic compounds A, D, E, K + B and C Energy metabolism Biochemical reactions Deficiency syndromes
What are the macrominerals?
Calcium Phosphorous Magnesium Sodium Potassium Chloride Sulphur
What are the microminerals?
Iron Copper Zinc Manganese Iodine Selenium
Describe protein.
Composed of chains of amino acids - all animals needs all 23 amino acids
Many can be synthesised within the body
Others are termed ‘essential’ amino acids
Cats are obligate carnivores - Taurine required in diet
What is the function of protein?
Regulation of metabolism
Cells and muscle fibre structure
Tissue growth and repair
Energy source
What can occur if protein is in excess in the diet?
Liver/kidney problems
Care in ageing animals
Increase for young
What can occur from a protein deficiency?
Poor growth, muscle and weight loss Dull hair Reduced immunity Oedema (hypoalbuminaemia) Death
What is the function of fat in the diet?
Provide energy Aid absorption of fat-soluble vitamins Enhance palatability Source of essential fatty acids - linoleic/linolenic/arachidonic acids DHA - neural development
What can occur from inadequate fat intake?
Energy deficiency
Essential fatty acids deficiency - impaired reproduction/wound healing, dry coat, flaky skin, eczema
What are the 3 main groups of carbohydrate?
Monosaccharides - glucose/fructose
Disaccharides - maltose/lactose/sucrose
Polysaccharides - starch/glycogen/fibre (complex carbs)
What is the function of carbohydrates?
Energy - may be converted to fat
Metabolic requirement for glucose (precursors - amino acids/glycerol)
Enzymes required for disaccharides (lactase, sucrase)
Describe dietary fibre.
Indigestible polysaccharides (cellulose/lignin/pectin) Mainly constitute of plant cell walls Relatively indigestible in the intestines of dogs/cats
What is the function of dietary fibre?
Add bulk to the faeces
Prevent constipation and diarrhoea
Role in correction of obesity
Role in regulating blood glucose levels in diabetics
What are the possible consequences of obesity?
Hepatic lipidosis Joint disease Diabetes mellitus Skin disease Cardiorespiratory disease Surgical implications Feline Lower Urinary Tract disease (FLUTD) - males
How can we implement weight loss and what is a safe amount of loss?
Safe weight loss = 1-2% per week Diet changes Exercise plan Behavioural changes Calculate maintenance energy requirement (MER) based on ideal weight, not current weight
What are the benefits of obesity diets?
Nutritionally balanced - correct levels of vitamins/minerals
High protein - preserves lean body mass, reduced net energy, satiety, palatability
Joint health - helps maintain, reduces the need to supplement (glucosamine/chondroitin)
Why might L-carnitine be supplemented in obesity diets?
Non-essential amino acid
Helps encourage use of fat for energy and reduce fat storage
Helps reduce the risk of hepatic lipidosis in cats
What does a GI diet contain?
Highly digestible proteins and starch Prebiotics (MOS / FOS) Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EPA / DHA) Fibre - psyllium High/low fat