nutrition Flashcards
nutrient
any substance that when ingested, supports life
number of nutrient categories
6
macronutrients
proteins
fats
carbs
micronutrients
vitamins
minerals
water
which nutrient is most important
water
functions of water in the body
- delivers other nutrients
- temp regulation
- organs shape and structure
functions of protein in the body
- functions as enzymes, hormones, and transporters
how is the biological value of protein measured
Proportion utilized for growth and maintenance of normal body systems
What affects the amount of protein needed in a commercial pet diet?
the greater the protein quality, the less is needed
functions of fats in the body
- provide and store energy
- make up cell membranes
- act as signaling agents and hormones
why are essential fatty acids so important
must be obtained from a diet (can’t produce them ourselves)
what do carbs provide for other nutrients
energy and building blocks
What happens to excess glucose in the body?
Stored as glycogen, which can convert to fat for long-term storage
common plant sources used to supply fiber in the diet
corn
wheat
rice
barley
oats
potatoes
functions of vitamins
- used in metabolic processes
- prevent deficiency syndromes
Vitamins come from what sources?
Found in animal and plant tissues, but some can be synthesized
two classifications of vitamins
fat-soluble and water-soluble
two classifications of minerals
macrominerals and microminerals
term “ash” refers to
the inorganic material that is left over after food has been heated to high temperatures and has undergone combustion
Antioxidants
substances that delay or prevent oxidation [breakdown] of other compounds or structures such as cell membranes
Carotenoids
found in colorful vegetables and act both as provitamins [partially converted to vitamin A in the body] and as antioxidants
Choline
compound that acts like a B vitamin but usually is synthesized in the liver rather than being required in the diet
L-carnitine
vitamin-like compound that can be found in animal tissue (meat) and is synthesized in the body (It is sometimes added to pet food for effects on health)
What is a kilocalorie and how is it measured?
The usual measure; what we mean when we talk about “calories” 1 kcal = 1000 calories
Kilojoule
Energy needed to move a 1 kilogram weight 1 meter by 1 newton (a measure of work instead of heat)
Gross energy
Potential energy of a food or diet
Digestible energy
GE minus fecal energy
Metabolizable energy
DE minus energy lost in urine and body gases
Net energy
ME minus energy used for digestion
Atwater factors
Estimate of energy content used by commercial pet food products
Energy density
Kcal per unit of food ingredient or pet food
Energy expenditure
Energy being used or burned
RER
Energy for normal animal at rest (resting energy requirements)
MER
Maintenance energy requirement
differences between Essential, nonessential and conditionally essential Amino Acids
- Essential (indispensable); cannot be synthesized
- Nonessential (dispensable); formed in the body
- Conditionally essential-Required in diet in certain diseases or life stages
three methods of measurement for dietary percentages of protein
a. As fed-direclty from container
b. Dry matter-minus water/moisture
c. Metabolizable (ME) basis=protein, fat, and carbohydrate measures only
T/F Animal based proteins are less digestible than plant based
false
Where are medium chain triglycerides found?
mothers milk, coconut oil
Which triglyceride is the most common?
Long-chain: linoleic, alpha linoleic and arachidonic