Nutrition across the lifespan Flashcards
Role of Iron
Iron is essential for the manufacture of red blood cells via haemoglobin that carry oxygen around the body.
What is the importance of Iron during the prenatal stage of the lifespan
During pregnancy iron is needed in larger amounts because the mothers blood volume increases and the babies blood is also developing
Impact of low iron
Anaemia can be a result of low iron levels in the body. This leads to reduced oxygen flow to the bodys organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, skin pallor, shortness of breath
Food Sources of Iron
Red meat, fish, chicken, legumes and green leafy veg eg broccoli
What is the role of folate in the prenatal stage of the lifespan
Folate helps protect against neural tube defects in the developing foetus
What is a neural tube defect
The neural tube is a casing that encloses the brain and spinal cord during the embryonic stage of development. Neural tube defects are a group of conditions that occur when the neural tube does not fuse completely
Folate food sources
asparagus, bran flakes, broccoli, brussel sprouts
What is the importance of iodine during the prenatal stage of the lifespan
Iodine is involved in the production of thyroid hormones, these hormones are vital to ensure normal development of the brain and nervous system before birth.
Iodine food sources
Bread made with iodised salt, dairy products and seafood
What is the role of carbohydrates during infancy,childhood and adolesence stage of the lifespan
Major source of energy for the body, for daily brain function, proper muscle, nerve and tissue development.
Carbohydrate food sources
Whoewheat bread, rice, cereal
What is cholesterol
It is fat like substance produced naturally by th ebody and is absorbed from animal fats
What is the role of cholesterol in the body
Creation of certain hormones and vitamin D production
How is cholesterol transported by the body
Lipoproteins
What is the role of high density lipoproteins
Transport cholesterol from bloodstream to the liver where it is disposed of. This is beneficial to health and effectiveness is increased by exercise.
What is the role of low density lipoproteins
Transport cholesterol from the liver to the cells, depositing excess amounts on the artery walls. Not beneficial to health as this forms plaque which is a pre cursor to a condition known as atherosclerosis.
List the three types of fat
Saturated, unsaturated and trans
Role of Fat
Secondary source of energy, temperature control, protection of organs, storgae of fat soluble vitamins
What is the role of unsaturated fat
Help lower LDL therefore decreasing cholesterol and therefore decreasing risk of atherosclerosis
Role of unsaturated fat
Help lower LDL therefore decreasing cholesterol and the risk of atheroslerosis
Role of saturated fat
Raises the level of LDL contributing to increased risk of atherosclerosis
Role of Trans Fat
Raise the level of LDL and lower levels of HDL. Can also contribute to impaired glucose regulation
Food sources of unsaturated fat
Fish, plant based oils, nuts and seeds
Food sources of saturated fat
Animal fats such as butter, cheese and meat
Food Sources of Trans Fat
Supermarket cakes and pies
Role of protein
Build, maintain and repair body cells
Why is protein important during adolesence
To meet the needs of growth in height and weight throughout puberty
Protein Food Sources
Lean meat, poultry, fish and seafood
Role of calcium
Strengthening bones and teeth, regulate muscle and heart functioning
Why is calcium important during adolesence, infancy and childhood
Skeletal tissue is constantly growing, so young children have high calcium requirements, particularly through growth spurts
Calcium food sources
Milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, soy and tofu
Why is iron important for adolescent females
During adolesence, females start to menstruate, and this leads to a loss of iron. It is important to replace this loss of iron
What is Basal Metabolic Rate
The amount of energy required to sustain basic functioning of the human body
What happens to basal metabolic rate as we age
As age increases our basal metabolic rate decreases
What should happen to CHO intake as age increases
It should decrease due to the decrease in BMR
Role of Insoluble Fibre
Helps to soften the contents of the bowels making them pass through the bowel easier. Decreasing the risk of constipation.
Food Sources of Insoluble Fibre
Skins of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains
Role of Soluble Fibre
Lowers blood cholesterol and makes you feel fuller for longer
Food Sources of Soluble Fibre
Fruits vegetables, oats, legumes and barley
Two important roles of fibre
lower blood cholesterol, helps us to feel fuller for longer, decreased risk of bowel cancer, feel fuller for longer, decreases risk of constipation
Function of water
Helps blood flow easily, regulates blood temperature, aids digestion
What is dehydration
Occurs when the water content of the body is too low
