Learning Objectives (Chapter 6-10) Flashcards
Describe the synthesis and structure of protein (Chapter 6)
- Synthesis:
- Proteins are made in cells during protein synthesis, which involves two steps:
- Transcription
- Translation
- Proteins are made in cells during protein synthesis, which involves two steps:
- Structure:
- Proteins are made of chains of amino acids, folded into specific shapes. They have four levels of structure:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Quaternary
- Proteins are made of chains of amino acids, folded into specific shapes. They have four levels of structure:
Describe the process of protein digestion/absorption (Chapter 6)
- Digestion:
- Begins in the stomach, where enzymes like pepsin break down proteins into smaller chains.
- Continues in the small intestine with enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin.
- Absorption:
- Amino acids are absorbed in the small intestine into the bloodstream and transported to cells.
Discuss the functions of protein in the body (Chapter 6)
- Building blocks: For muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones.
- Repair and growth: Heals tissues and supports growth.
- Transport: Moves substances (e.g., hemoglobin transports oxygen).
- Immunity: Produces antibodies.
- Energy: Used for energy if needed (though not primary).
Discuss protein utilization and how to prevent protein wasting (Chapter 6)
- Utilization:
- Amino acids are used for building, repairing, or as energy.
- Prevent Protein Wasting:
- Ensure enough calories from carbs and fats to spare protein
- Consume all essential amino acids
Identify the dietary recommendation for protein (Chapter 6)
RDA:
- Adults: 0.8 g/kg body weight per day.
- Higher needs for athletes, pregnant/lactating women, and older adults.
Identify food sources of protein and the protein quality factors (Chapter 6)
- Food Sources:
- Complete proteins: Animal products (meat, dairy, eggs).
- Incomplete proteins: Plant-based foods (beans, grains).
- Protein Quality: Measured by:
- Amino acid composition.
- Digestibility.
Discuss the strategy of mutual supplementation (Chapter 6)
Combine incomplete proteins (e.g., rice + beans) to get all essential amino acids in a plant-based diet.
Discuss nitrogen balance and identify populations at each stage of balance (Chapter 6)
- Positive Balance: Growth, pregnancy, recovery.
- Negative Balance: Illness, injury, malnutrition.
- Equilibrium: Healthy adults.
Identify the characteristics of the two forms of protein energy malnutrition (Chapter 6)
- Kwashiorkor: Severe protein deficiency; causes swelling (edema), fatty liver.
- Marasmus: Severe calorie and protein deficiency; causes wasting and emaciation.
Discuss the consequences of excess protein intake (Chapter 6)
- Short-term:
- Dehydration, strain on kidneys.
- Long-term:
- Increased risk of heart disease, kidney damage, calcium loss.
Describe health benefits of a vegetarian diet and an omnivorous diet (Chapter 6)
- Vegetarian Diet:
- Lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity.
- Omnivorous Diet:
- Easy access to complete proteins and diverse nutrients.
Discuss nutrients of concern with poorly planned vegetarian and omnivorous diets (Chapter 6)
- Vegetarian:
- Risk of deficiency in B12, iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids.
- Omnivorous:
- Risk of excessive saturated fats and cholesterol, lower fiber intake
Describe the characteristics of the two classes of vitamins (Chapter 7)
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins:
- Includes A, D, E, K.
- Stored in liver and fat tissue, so excess can build up and cause toxicity.
- Absorbed with dietary fat.
- Needed in smaller, less frequent doses.
- Water-Soluble Vitamins:
- Includes B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid) and Vitamin C.
- Not stored in the body; excess is excreted in urine.
- Needed in regular, small doses.
Discuss the main functions, food sources, and deficiency and toxicity symptoms for each vitamin (Vitamin A - Chapter 7)
- Function:
- Vision, skin health, immune function.
- Sources:
- Carrots, sweet potatoes, liver.
- Deficiency:
- Night blindness.
- Toxicity:
- Liver damage, birth defects.
Discuss the main functions, food sources, and deficiency and toxicity symptoms for each vitamin (Vitamin D - Chapter 7)
- Function:
- Bone health, calcium absorption.
- Sources:
- Sunlight, fish, fortified milk.
- Deficiency:
- Rickets, osteoporosis.
- Toxicity:
- Kidney damage, calcium deposits.
Discuss the main functions, food sources, and deficiency and toxicity symptoms for each vitamin (Vitamin E - Chapter 7)
- Function:
- Antioxidant, protects cells.
- Sources:
- Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils.
- Deficiency:
- Nerve damage (rare).
- Toxicity:
- Blood thinning.
Discuss the main functions, food sources, and deficiency and toxicity symptoms for each vitamin (Vitamin K - Chapter 7)
- Function:
- Blood clotting, bone health.
- Sources:
- Leafy greens, broccoli.
- Deficiency:
- Excessive bleeding.
- Toxicity:
- Rare, but can affect blood clotting.
Discuss the main functions, food sources, and deficiency and toxicity symptoms for each vitamin (Vitamin C - Chapter 7)
- Function:
- Immune support, collagen formation.
- Sources:
- Citrus fruits, bell peppers.
- Deficiency:
- Scurvy (bleeding gums, poor wound healing).
- Toxicity:
- Diarrhea, stomach upset.
Discuss the main functions, food sources, and deficiency and toxicity symptoms for each vitamin (Vitamin B (B12, Folate) - Chapter 7)
- Function:
- Energy metabolism, red blood cell production.
- Sources:
- Meat, eggs, fortified cereals (B12); leafy greens, legumes (folate).
- Deficiency:
- Anemia, nerve issues (B12); birth defects (folate).
- Toxicity:
- Rare for most B vitamins.
Discuss valid reasons for taking a vitamin supplement (Chapter 7)
- Deficiency:
- If diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency (e.g., Vitamin D in winter).
- Life stages:
- Pregnancy (e.g., folic acid), aging (e.g., B12).
- Medical conditions:
- Certain diseases or surgeries affecting absorption.
- Dietary restrictions:
- Vegans may need B12 supplements.
Discuss the regulatory process for vitamin supplements in Canada (Chapter 7)
- Regulated under the Natural Health Products (NHP) Regulations by Health Canada.
- Supplements must:
- Be approved for safety and effectiveness.
- Have a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label.
Follow strict manufacturing standards.
Discuss invalid reasons for taking supplements (Chapter 7)
- Believing they can replace a healthy diet.
- Taking them for quick energy (vitamins do not provide calories).
- Assuming “more is better” (can lead to toxicity).
- Using supplements without medical advice to “cure” non-nutritional conditions.
Describe the functions of water in the body (Chapter 8)
- Transport:
- Carries nutrients and waste products.
- Temperature regulation:
- Maintains body temperature through sweating.
- Lubrication:
- Cushions joints and organs, keeps tissues moist.
- Chemical reactions:
- Participates in metabolism.
Describe the process of water balance (Chapter 8)
- Intake:
- Drinking fluids, eating foods, metabolic reactions.
- Loss:
- Through urine, sweat, breath, and feces.
- Controlled by the hypothalamus (thirst) and hormones like ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and aldosterone.
identify the DRI recommendations for fluid intake (Chapter 8)
- Men:
- ~3.7 liters/day.
- Women:
- ~2.7 liters/day.
- Includes fluids from all beverages and foods.