Nutrition Flashcards
What is nutrition?
The science of food and how the body works
What are essential nutrients?
substances the body must get from food because it cannot manufacture them at all or fast enough to meet its needs; include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water
What is the main function of proteins and what is its calorie density? What are some major sources of proteins? How many essential proteins are there ?
-4 calories/gram
form important parts of muscles, bone, blood, enzymes, some hormones & cell membranes
repair tissue
regulate water and acid-base balance
help in growth
supply energy
9 essential
-examples: meat, fish, eggs, milk products, legumes and nuts
What is the main function of carbohydrates and what is its calorie density? What are some major sources?
-4 calories/gram
supply energy to cells in brain, nervous system, and blood
supply energy to muscles during exercise
Can be placed into two groups; simple and complex.
- grains (breads, and cereals), fruits, vegetables, milk.
What is the main function of fats and what is its calorie density? What are some major sources?
-9 calories/gram
supply energy
insulate, support & cushion organs
provide medium for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
-animal foods/fish, grains, meat, dairy products..
What is the main function of vitamins and what is its calorie density? What are some major sources?
-no calorie density
promote (initiate or speed up) specific chemical reactions within cells
-fruits & vegetables, grains, meat, dairy products
What is the main function of minerals and what is its calorie density? What are some major sources?
no calorie density
help regulate body functions
aid in the growth and maintenance of body tissues
act as catalysts for release of energy
-found in most food groups
What is the main function of water? What are some major sources?
makes up about 60% of body weight
provides medium for chemical reactions
transports chemicals
regulates temperature
removes waste products
-found in fruits, vegetables and liquids
What is the calorie density of alcohol?
7 calories per gram
How many essential nutrients do we have?
50
What is the different between macronutrients and micronutrients?
macronutrients – an essential nutrient required by the body in relatively large amounts
carbohydrates, fats and proteins
micronutrients – an essential nutrient required by the body in minute amounts
vitamins and minerals
What is digestion?
the process of breaking down foods in the gastrointestinal tract into compounds the body can absorb
What is a kilocalorie? How much is one kilocalorie?
- a measure of energy content in food; one kilocalorie represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one litre of water by one degree Celsius; commonly referred to as calorie
- 1 kilocalorie = 1000 calories
calories consumed in excess of energy needs are converted to fat and stored in the body
How many calories does the average person need a day?
2000
What are proteins made of?
a compound made of amino acids that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
What are amino acids? How many essential amino acids do we have?
amino acid – the building blocks of proteins
20 amino acids (9 essential, 11 non-essential)
What are the essential amino acids, are they produced by the body?
9 essential = methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, tryptophan & valine
not produced by the body
What is the difference between a complete protein and an incomplete protein? Provide an example.
complete protein = supplies all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts
i.e. meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, soy products
incomplete protein = do not supply all the essential amino acids
i.e. legumes, vegetables, nuts
True or false, legumes are high in fibre and are also an important source of protein.
True
What happens to excess protein consumed? What are consequences of excess proteins?
It is synthesized into fat for energy storage or burned for energy requirements
Excess protein strains the kidneys
What is the recommended protein intake? How much of total calories should be protein?
0.8/kg of body weight
DRI: 10-35% of total calories should be protein.
True of false, proteins consumed throughout the day can complement one another and form a pool of amino acids the body can draw from to produce the necessary proteins.
True
What is the best definition for fats?
Most concentrated source of energy, common form is a triglyceride, can be saturated, mono-saturated or polyunsaturated.
What are the two types of essential fats in the diet? What are their roles?
linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are essentiel fats in the diet and are polyunsaturated.
Key regulators of many body functions, such as maintenance of blood pressure and healthy pregnancy
What is a triglyceride composed of?
glycerol and 3 fatty acid chains
True of false, foods containing saturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature.
False, solid at room temperature. Ie. red meats, homogenized milk, cheese, lunchmeats…
True or false foods containing high amounts of monounsaturated fats come from plant sources and are liquid at room temperature.
True, some examples are olive, canola, sunflower or peanut oils as well as soybean, corn, cottonseed oils (polyunsaturated).
What is hydrogenation?
a process by which hydrogens are added to unsaturated fats, increasing the degree of saturation and turning liquid oils into solid fats. Hydrogenation produces a mixture of saturated fatty acids and standard and trans forms of unsaturated fatty acids
increases the stability of an oil so it can be reused for deep frying, to improve the texture of certain foods and to extend the shelf life of foods made with oil
transforms a liquid oil into margarine or vegetable shortening
What are trans fatty acids?
A type of unsaturated fatty acid produced during the process of hydrogenation; trans fats have an atypical shape that affects their chemical activity.
True or false the more solid a hydrogenated oil is, the less saturated and trans fats it contains.
False, it would contain more saturated and trans fats.
What are some sources of trans fatty acids?
crackers, cookies, doughnuts, cakes…
True or false trans fatty acids raise LDL, lower HDL and cause inflammation leading to risks of heart disease.
True
What is cholesterol?
Waxy substance found in the blood and cells needed for synthesis of cell membranes, vitamin D and hormones.
What is low-density lipoprotein (LDL)?
blood fat that transports cholesterol to organs and tissues; excess amounts result in the accumulation of deposits on artery walls.
What is high-density lipoprotein (HDL)?
blood fat that helps transport cholesterol out of the arteries, thereby protecting against heart disease
True or false, saturated fats impair HDL ability to prevent inflammation of the blood vessels are their ability to react to stress.
True
What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids? What is a type of omega-3 fatty acid?
polyunsaturated fatty acids commonly found in fish oils that are beneficial to cardiovascular health.
alpha-linoleic acid
True or false, in large amounts, trans fatty acids may lower HDL.
True
True or false, saturated fats have been found to impair the ability of HDLs to prevent inflammation of the blood vessels, one of the key factors in vascular disease; they have also been found to reduce the ability of the blood vessels to react normally.
True
What is the best way to reduce saturated fat in your diet?
reduce meat and full-fat dairy products.
Adult men need how many grams of linoleic acid a day?
17
Adult women need how many grams of linoleic acid a day?
1.1
How many ml of unsaturated fat per day is needed to supply
30-45ml
What does ADMR mean?
acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges. Based on ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients while also reducing the risk of chronic disease (cancer, hear disease).
What is the percentage of total calories as a part of total fat intake for ADMR?
20-35% of total calories
What is the AMDR as part of total fat intake for omega-6 and omega-3?
5-10%
0.6-1.2%
What percentage of total daily calories is protein, total fat and carbs?
Protein: 10-35% of total daily calories
Total fat: 20-35% of total daily calories
Carbs: 45-60% of total daily calories
What are the possible health effects of saturated fats? What kinds of foods are they found in?
Raises total cholesterol and LDLcholesterol levels
increases risk of heart disease
may increase risk of colon and prostate cancers
Found in animal fats, butter/cheese and palm/coconut oils
What are the possible health effects of trans fats? What kinds of foods are they found in?
raises total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels
lowers HDL cholesterol levels
may increase risk of heart disease and breast cancer
deep fried fast foods, stick margarine and shortening, packaged and processed sweets
What are the possible health effects of monounsaturated fats? What kinds of foods are they found in?
lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels
may reduce blood pressure and lower triglyceride levels (a risk for CVD)
may reduce risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers
olive, canola and safflower oils, avocado and olives, peanut butter and nuts
What are the two groups of polyunsaturated fats?
Omega-3- fatty acids and Omega-6- fatty acids
What are the possible health effects of omega-3- fatty acids? What kinds of foods are they found in?
reduces blood clotting and inflammation and inhibits abnormal heart rhythms
lowers triglyceride levels
may lower blood pressure in some people
may reduce risk of fatal heart attack, stroke and some cancers
fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
lesser amounts in walnuts, flaxseed, soybean oils, dark green leafy vegetables, tofu
What are the possible health effects of omega-6- fatty acids? What kinds of foods are they found in?
lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels
may lower HDL cholesterol levels
may reduce risk of heart disease
may slightly increase risk of cancer if omega-6 intake is high and omega-3 intake is low
corn, soybean, and cottonseed oils (margarine, mayonnaise, and salad dressing)
What are carbohydrates?
an essential nutrient; sugars, starches, and dietary fibre are all carbohydrates
Which nutrient is primarily needed to supply energy for body cells and during high intensity exercise?
carbohydrates
If the body is lacking carbohydrates, which nutrient does it turn into? If this nutrient is also low how does the body react?
if the body is lacking carbohydrates, it turns to proteins, and if that is low as well, it begins breaking down vital organs for carbohydrates and proteins
What are the two classifications of carbohydrates?
Simple
sucrose, fructose, lactose, maltose
provide sweetness in foods
neither is more nutritious than the other
Complex
starches and most types of dietary fibre (i.e. grains, fruits & vegetables)
Sucrose, fructose, lactose and maltose are examples of which type of carbohydrate simple or complex?
Simple
During digestion complex carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars such as _____ and is stored as ______
glucose which is stored as glycogen
What is glucose’s primary role?
a simple sugar that is the body’s basic fuel
once in the bloodstream, pancreas releases insulin, signalling the cells to take up glucose
What are whole grains?
the entire edible portion of a grain, such as wheat, rice, or oats, consisting of the germ, endosperm, and bran. During milling or processing, parts of the grain are removed, often leaving just the endosperm.
Describe the parts of a whole grain. (3 parts)
germ
provides nourishment for the seed
contains antioxidants, vitamin E and B vitamins
endosperm
starchy middle portion
provides energy
contains carbohydrates and proteins
bran
outer shell protects the seed
contains fibre, B vitamins and trace minerals
What are the three groups complex carbohydrates?
refined/ processed
unrefined
whole grains
What happens to the endosperm of refined/processed carbohydrates?
only endosperm remains
becomes white flour, rice, etc
lower in fibre vitamins, minerals, etc, than unrefined counterpart
What happens to the endosperm of unrefined carbohydrates?
tend to take longer to digest
enters the bloodstream more slowly
High in fibre
reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and cancers
True or false, the bran provides energy, contains carbohydrates and protein.
False, the bran is the outer shell that protects seed contains fibre, B vitamins and trace minerals, The endosperm provides energy, contains carbohydrates and protein.
True or false we need to eat carbohydrates to satisfy the needs of the brain and red blood cells, our bodies synthesize carbohydrates from proteins.
True
True or false, before they are processed, all grains are whole grains.
True
True or false, after processing, the germ and bran are often removed, leaving just the starchy endosperm. The refinement of whole grains transforms whole wheat flour, brown rice to white rice, and so on.
False, happens during processing.
True or false, refined carbohydrates usually retain all the calories of their unrefined counterparts, but they tend to be much lower in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.
True
True or false, unrefined carbohydrates make you only feel full for a short period of time.
False, makes you feel full sooner and longer. (tends to take longer to chew and digest and enters the bloodstream more slowly).
What is a glycemic index?
measure of how the ingestion of a particular food affects blood glucose levels
Do High fibre foods tend to have a low or high glycemic index?
low
What is the recommended carbohydrate intake compared to total calories?
45-65% of total calories
225-325g/2000 cal diet
What is the AMDR for added sugar compared to calories?
AMDR for added sugar is 25% or less of total calories
What is the recommended percentage of total calories for sugar according to WHO?
<10% of total calories for sugar
What percentage of carbohydrates are athletes recommended to have compared to total calories to increase carb storage in their muscles?
60-70% of total calories from carbs
What is fibre?
fibre is non-digestible and passes through the intestine, providing the bulk for feces
What breaks down some fibre into gases in the large intestine?
bacteria
What are the types of fibre?
dietary fibre, functional fibre, total fibre, soluble (viscous) fibre and insoluble fibre
What is dietary fibre?
non-digestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intact in plants
present naturally in plants
What is functional fibre?
non-digestible carbohydrates either isolated from natural sources or synthesized; may be added to foods and dietary supplements
What is total fibre?
the total amount of dietary fibre and functional fibre in the diet
What is soluble (viscous) fibre?
fibre that dissolves in water or is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine
True or false, soluble (viscous) fibre delays stomach emptying, reduce absorption of cholesterol and slows the movement of glucose into the bloodstream.
True
What is insoluble fibre?
fibre that does not dissolve in water and is not broken down by bacteria in the large intestine
True or false, insoluble fibre decrease fecal bulk and prevents constipation, hemorrhoids and other digestive disorders.
False, INCREASES fecal bulk
What are the benefits of a high fibre diet?
said to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, improve GI health and reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer
Give examples of sources of viscous, insoluble and dietary fibre.
viscous = fruits, legumes, oats and barley
insoluble = wheat, grains, cereals, vegetables
dietary = plants
What is the recommended fibre intake for adult men and women?
38g/day for adult men
25g/day for adult women
True or false, foods that are rich in carbohydrates have a high glycemic index.
True
True or false, lower glycemic index indicates a healthier food choice.
False, ice cream has a much lower glycemic index than brown rice or carrots but that doesn’t make it a healthier choice overall.
Fruits, legumes, oats and barley contain which type of fibre?
Viscous type of fibre
What are vitamins?
carbon-containing substances needed in small amounts to help promote and regulate chemical reactions and processes in the body
What are the four fat-soluble vitamins? How are they carried and stored?
4 fat soluble: A, D, E, K
carried in the bloodstream by special proteins
stored in the liver and fat tissues
What are the nine water-soluble vitamins? How are they carried and stored?
9 water soluble: 8 B-complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid), C
readily absorbed into the bloodstream
excess are detected by kidneys and excreted through urine
True or false, vitamins provide energy.
False
True or false, vitamins help release carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
True
Vitamins are critical in the production of _____ and maintenance of ____ ____ and _____ systems
critical in the production of red blood cells, and maintenance of nervous, skeletal and immune systems
What is an antioxidant?
a substance that can lessen the breakdown of food or body constituents by free radicals; actions include binding oxygen, donating electrons to free radicals and repairing damage to molecules
How are antioxidants obtained?
skin makes vitamin D upon sun exposure
intestinal bacteria makes vitamin K
most are obtained from foods (fruits, veggies, grains, flower, cereal)
What are the major functions of vitamin A?
Maintenence of vision, skin, linings of the nose, mouth, digestive and urinary tracts, immune function
What are the important dietary sources of Vitamin A?
Liver, milk, butter, cheese, fortified margarine, carrots, spinach, and other orange and deep-green vegetables and fruits.
What are the signs of prolonged Vitamin A deficiency?
Night blindness, dry, scaling skin, increased susceptibility to infection, loss of appetite, anemia, and kidney stones.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Vitamin A?
Liver damage, miscarriage and birth defects, headache, vomiting, joint pain, bone abnormalities.
What are the important dietary sources of Vitamin D?
Fortified milk and margarine, fish oils, butter, egg yolks, sunlight on skin.
What are the major functions of Vitamin D?
Development and maintenance of bones and teeth, promotion of calcium absorption.
What are the signs of prolonged Vitamin D deficiency?
Rickets (bone deformities) in children, bone softening in adults, spontaneous fractures.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Vitamin D?
Kidney damage, calcium deposits in soft tissues, depression, and death.
What are the important dietary sources of Vitamin E?
Vegetable oils, whole grains, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.
What are the major functions of Vitamin E?
Protection and maintenance of cellular membranes.
What are the signs of prolonged Vitamin E deficiency?
Red blood cell breakage and anemia, weakness, neurological problems, muscle cramps.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Vitamin E?
Relatively nontoxic, but may cause excess bleeding in formation of blood clots.
What are the important dietary sources of Vitamin K?
Green leafy vegetables; smaller amounts widespread in other foods.
What are the major functions of Vitamin K?
Production of factors essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
What are the signs of prolonged Vitamin K deficiency?
Hemorrhaging.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Vitamin K?
None reported.
What are the important dietary sources of Biotin?
Synthesis of fat, glycogen, and amino acids.
What are the signs of prolonged Biotin deficiency?
Rash, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, depression, fatigue, hair loss.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Biotin?
None reported.
What are the important dietary sources of Folate?
Green leafy vegetables, yeast, oranges, whole grains, legumes, liver.
What are the major functions of Folate?
Amino acid metabolism, synthesis of RNA and DNA, new cell synthesis.
What are the signs of prolonged Folate deficiency?
Anemia, weakness, fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, swollen tongue.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Folate?
Masking of vitamin B12 deficiency.
What are the important dietary sources of Niacin?
Eggs, poultry, fish, milk, whole grains, nuts, enriched breads and cereals, meats, legumes.
What are the major functions of Niacin?
Conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and protein into usable forms of energy
What are the signs of prolonged Niacin deficiency?
Pellagra symptoms: diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Niacin?
Flushing of the skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver dysfunction, glucose intolerance.
What are the important dietary sources of Pantothenic Acid?
Animal foods, whole grains, broccoli, potatoes, widespread in foods.
What are the major functions of Pantothenic Acid?
Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
What are the signs of prolonged Pantothenic Acid deficiency?
Fatigue, numbness and tingling of hands and feet.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Pantothenic Acid?
None
What are the important dietary sources of Riboflavin?
Dairy products, enriched breads and cereals, lean meats, poultry, fish, green vegetables.
What are the major functions of Riboflavin?
Energy metabolism, maintenance of skin, mucous membranes, and nervous system structures.
What are the signs of prolonged Riboflavin deficiency?
Cracks at corners of mouth, sore throat, skin rash, hypersensitivity to light, purple tongue.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Riboflavin?
None
What are the important dietary sources of Thiamine?
Whole grains and enriched breads and cereals, organ meats, lean pork, nuts.
What are the major functions of Thiamine?
Conversion of carbohydrates into energy; nerve function and maintenance of appetite and nervous system.
What are the signs of prolonged Thiamine deficiency?
Beriberi (symptoms include muscle wasting, confusion, anorexia, enlarged heart, nerve changes).
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Thiamine?
None
What are the important dietary sources of Vitamin B6?
Eggs, poultry, fish, whole grains, nuts, soybeans, kidney, liver, pork.
What are the major functions of Vitamin B6?
Metabolism of amino acids and glycogen.
What are the signs of prolonged Vitamin B6 deficiency?
Anemia, convulsions, cracks at corners of mouth, dermatitis, nausea, confusion.
What are the toxic effects of megadoses of Vitamin B6?
Neurological abnormalities and nerve damage.
What are the important dietary sources of Vitamin B12?
Meat, fish, poultry, fortified cereals, cheese, eggs, milk.
What are the major functions of Vitamin B12?
Synthesis of new cells, nervous system function.
What are the signs of prolonged Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Anemia, fatigue, nervous system damage, sore tongue
What are rickets?
children who do not get enough vitamin D
What is the term that characterizes a lack of vitamin C?
scurvy
What are side effects of vitamin deficiencies?
could lead to bone deformations
increased risk for heart disease
raised possibility of breast cancer in some women
True or false, vitamin A deficiency could lead to blindness.
True
True or false, high B2 and B12 can lead to increased risk of heart disease
false, LOW B2 and B12
True or false high levels of vitamin D are known to cause kidney and tissue damage.
True
True or false, fresh vegetables are higher in nutrients than frozen and canned goods.
Frozen and canned vegetables are usually high in nutrients as fresh vegetables because they are locked in when produce is frozen or canned
What are key vitamin antioxidants?
Vitamin E, C and A
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Calcium?
Found in milk and milk products, tofu, fortified orange juice and bread, green leafy vegetables, bones in fish. Functions include formation of bones and teeth, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Calcium?
Deficiency leads to stunted growth in children, bone mineral loss in adults, and increased risk of kidney stones. Toxic effects include kidney stones, calcium deposits in soft tissues, inhibition of mineral absorption.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Fluoride?
Found in fluoridated water, tea, and marine fish. Functions in maintenance of tooth and bone structure.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Fluoride?
Deficiency results in a higher frequency of tooth decay. Toxic effects include increased bone density, mottling of teeth, and impaired kidney function.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Iodine?
Found in seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt. Functions include hormone production and regulation of body metabolism.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Iodine?
Deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism in children. Toxic effects include thyroid dysfunction and hyperthyroidism in susceptible people.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Iron?
Found in meat and poultry, fortified grain products, dark-green vegetables. It’s a component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Iron?
Deficiency causes iron-deficiency anemia, weakness, impaired immune function, and gastrointestinal distress. Toxic effects include nausea, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, joint pain, and skin disturbances.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Magnesium?
Found in a variety of foods, especially green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It aids in nerve transmission, energy transfer, and activation of many enzymes.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Magnesium?
Deficiency can lead to neurological disturbances, cardiovascular problems, kidney disorders, nausea, growth failure in children. Toxic effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system depression.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Phosphorus?
Found in nearly all foods, especially meat, cereal, peas, and eggs. Functions in bone growth and maintenance, energy transfer in cells.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Phosphorus?
Deficiency can cause impaired growth, weakness, kidney disorders, and calcium loss from bones. Toxic effects include a drop in blood calcium levels, calcium deposits in soft tissues, and bone loss.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Potassium?
Found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products. Functions in maintaining fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Potassium?
Found in meats, milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes. Essential for nerve function and body water balance.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Potassium?
Deficiency signs include muscle weakness, nausea, drowsiness, and paralysis. Toxic effects can result in cardiac arrest.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Selenium?
Found in seafood, meat, and whole grains. Provides defense against oxidative stress, regulation of thyroid hormone function.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Selenium?
Deficiency can lead to muscle pain and weakness, heart disorders. Toxicity may result in hair and nail loss, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and irritability.
What are the important dietary sources and major functions of Sodium?
Found in salt, soy sauce, salted foods, and foods naturally high in sodium. Necessary for body water balance, acid-base balance, and nerve function.
What are the signs of prolonged deficiency and toxic effects of megadoses for Sodium?
Deficiency leads to muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. Deficiency is rare. Toxic effects include edema, hypertension in sensitive people.