Food Flashcards
What are macronutrients?
Nutrients needed in large amounts that provide energy needed for growth, maintenance, and activity
Includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol.
What are micronutrients?
Nutrients needed in very small amounts that support metabolism but do not directly supply energy
Includes vitamins, trace minerals, and phytochemicals.
What are proteins composed of?
Amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body
Essential for making proteins in the body.
What holds amino acids together to form proteins?
Peptide bonds
The order in which they link is specific to the protein.
How many types of amino acids are there?
Approximately 20
They are the building blocks of the body.
What are the components of an amino acid?
Carbon, Hydrogen, Amino Group, Acid group, Side group/chain
Different side chains make different amino acids.
What dictates whether an amino acid is polar or non-polar?
The structure of the side chain
Non-polar amino acids are hydrophobic; polar amino acids are hydrophilic.
What is the classification of amino acids based on dietary needs?
Essential, non-essential, and conditionally essential
Essential amino acids are also known as indispensable.
Fill in the blank: Essential amino acids are also known as _______.
indispensable
What is the definition of essential amino acids?
Amino acids that must be obtained through diet because the body cannot synthesize them
Essential for various bodily functions.
What is the process of protein synthesis?
The formation of proteins from amino acids through peptide bonds
Involves transcription and translation processes.
What are the types of proteins?
Structural proteins, enzymes, transport proteins, antibodies, and hormones
Each type serves a different function in the body.
What are lipids?
A group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents
Includes fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.
What are the functions of fats?
Energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs
Fats also play a role in hormone production and nutrient absorption.
What are the two main types of fatty acids?
Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are liquid.
What are vitamins?
Essential nutrients that cannot be synthesized in the body and are essential for optimal health.
Vitamins have a variety of functions in the body.
What are the two main groups of vitamins?
Water soluble and fat soluble.
Water soluble vitamins include B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, and C. Fat soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.
What are the roles of Vitamin A?
- Vision
- Gene expression
- Tissue differentiation
Vitamin A is necessary for low light and color vision, regulating protein production, and helping cells become specific types.
What are the two types of Vitamin A?
- Preformed vitamin A
- Carotenoids
Carotenoids need to be converted to the active form in the body.
What are the sources of preformed vitamin A?
- Retinol
- Retinaldehyde
- Retinoic acid
- Animal products, particularly liver
Preformed vitamin A is directly usable by the body.
What are the sources of pro-vitamin A carotenoids?
- α Carotene
- β Carotene
- γ Carotene
- Cryptoxanthin
- Green, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables, liver, milk products
Carotenoids need conversion to active vitamin A.
How is Vitamin A absorbed and stored?
Absorbed from the small intestine dissolved in lipids and stored as retinol esters primarily in the liver.
Some vitamin A may also be stored in adipose tissue.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity?
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Hepatology
- Hyperlipidemia
- Joint pain
- Thickening of bones
- Excessive sweating
- Scaling and chapping of skin
Toxicity is rare and usually results from prolonged high intake.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency?
- Night blindness
- Xerophthalmia
- Keratinization of skin
Xerophthalmia can lead to irreversible eye damage and blindness.
What is Vitamin D classified as?
Not really a vitamin since the body can synthesize some, but dietary intake is still necessary.
Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and metabolism.
What are the sources of Vitamin D?
- Sunlight
- Supplements
- Fortified foods
- Fish
- Meat
Vitamin D3 is produced from sunlight, while D2 comes from supplements.
What is the role of Vitamin D in the body?
- Calcium homeostasis/metabolism
- Gene expression
- Cell proliferation
It helps in absorbing calcium and maintaining bone health.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in children?
- Rickets
Rickets results in undermineralized bones and deformities like bow legs and knock knees.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in adults?
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia results in demineralized bones that are brittle and weak.
What are the two main types of Vitamin E?
- Tocopherols
- Tocotrienols
Tocopherols are the most abundant in diet, with alpha being the most potent.
What is the primary function of Vitamin E?
Acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant in cell membranes.
Vitamin E protects lipids from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species.
What are the sources of Vitamin E?
- Vegetable oils
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Leafy green vegetables
- Oily fish
These foods are rich in Vitamin E.
What can cause Vitamin E deficiency?
Severe fat malabsorption, such as in cystic fibrosis or liver disease.
Deficiency symptoms in humans are not well-documented.
What are the three types of Vitamin K?
- Phylloquinone
- Menaquinone
- Menadione
Phylloquinone is the main dietary source, while menaquinone is produced by gut bacteria.
What is the primary function of Vitamin K?
Blood clotting.
Vitamin K is essential for several enzymes involved in the blood clotting cycle.
What is a common consequence of Vitamin K deficiency?
Haemorrhaging.
Newborns are given Vitamin K at birth due to low reserves.
