Energy Balance

Question 1

Define a Joule.

Answer 1

Energy used to move 1kg through 1m by 1N of force

Question 2

Define a calorie.

Answer 2

The energy released when 1g of pure benzoic acid is fully combusted (kcal)

Question 3

How do you convert 1kcal to joules?

Answer 3

1kcal= 4J

Question 4

What is the difference between enteral and parenteral nutrition/feeding?

Answer 4

. Enteral means using GI tract e.g. eating normally or feeding tube (think ‘ENTER-al the GI tract’)
. Parenteral means delivering nutrition intravenously (think oh no a needle I need PARENT-eral supervision)

Question 5

What is diet-induced thermogenesis?

Answer 5

Increase in metabolic rate after a meal, makes you feel warmer

Question 6

Give the different routes of energy expenditure.

Answer 6

. Basal/resting metabolic rate (60-70% of total energy expenditure)
. Physical activity (25-30%)
. Diet-induced thermogenesis (10%)

Question 7

What processes are involved in basal metabolic rate?

Answer 7

. Heart and respiratory functions (10%)
. Protein turnover (25%)
. Fat and carb turnover
. Maintenance of ion gradients

Question 8

Name some illnesses/injuries that have a significant thermic effect on the body.

Answer 8

Third degree burns (biggest effect), severe infection multiple fractures, post-operation, partial starvation

Question 9

What is EAR?

Answer 9

Estimated average requirement i.e. if everyone has the same and half under-nourished, half over-nourished

Question 10

What is RNI?

Answer 10

Reference nutrient intake (meets or exceeds the needs of 97.5% of a group)

Question 11

What is PAL? What does a high PAL mean?

Answer 11

Physical Activity Level (ratio of total energy expenditure to resting metabolic rate), higher PAL= more active/energy expenditure

Question 12

What is the recommended dietary composition for carbohydrates, fat, and protein?

Answer 12

50% carbohydrates, 35% fats, 15-20% protein