Nutrition Flashcards
Name the six main types of nutrients?
- Water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins
Name the three monosaccharides (simple sugars) that are absorbed?
- Glucose, fructose, galactose
State the five types of lipids?
- Fatty acid
- Triglycerides
- Steroids
- Phospholipids
- Prostaglandins
Describe the function of fatty acid?
- Synthesis of triglycerides & phospholipids
- Catabolised to generate ATP
Describe the function of Triglycerides?
- Protection from injury, insulation from the cold and energy store
Describe the function of Phospholipids?
- Component of cell membrane and lipoproteins
Describe the function of Steroids?
- Minor component in cell membrane, precursor to bile salts, vitamin D & steroid hormones
Describe the function of Prostaglandins?
- Local hormones released from damaged cells that intensify the effects of histamine & induce pain
State the major source of energy for the body?
Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for cells and are used to produce ATP
Name the three different lipoproteins?
LDL, HDL, VLDL
What is the function of LDL?
Deposits the excess cholesterol in the artery wall where it forms into fatty plaque. This build up to block artery causes strokes and heart attacks
What is the function of HDL?
The major function is to remove excess cholesterol from the peripheral tissue. HDL transports cholesterol to the liver to be made into bile and excreted. It is a anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant molecule that powerfully protects from heart disease in several ways
What is the function of VLDL?
Delivers triglycerides to adipose tissue
Name the seven different types of proteins?
- Structural proteins
- Hormones
- Contractile
- Anti bodies
- Haemoglobin
- Enzymes
- Neurotransmitters
Give one function for structural proteins?
Provide strength (e.g collagen in bone; keratin in hair, skin and nails)