Nutrition- Vitamins and Minerals

Question 1

list and describe the 6 major classes of nutrients

Answer 1

1. carbohydrates: sugars, starches, fibers (grams per day)
2. proteins: amino acids
3. fats: fatty acids (grams per day)
4. vitamins: water soluble, fat soluble, and vitamin-like compound (micrograms to milligrams per day)
5. minerals: macro (grams per day) and micro-minerals (milligrams per day)
6. water: kilograms to liters per day

Question 2

define vitamins

Answer 2

organic molecules needed in small quantities

Question 3

list 9 water-soluble vitamins

Answer 3

1. thiamin (B1)
2. riboflavin (B2)
3. niacin (B3)
4. pantothenic acid (B5)
5. pyroxidine (B6)
6. biotin (B7)
7. folic acid (B9)
8. cobalamin (B12)
9. vitamin C: dogs and cats synthesize this in their liver as long as diet is adequate

Question 4

what are the 4 fat-soluble vitamins and what does fat-soluble mean?

Answer 4

A D E K; need fat in diet to be absorbed

Question 5

describe choline

Answer 5

a vitamin-like compound that dogs and cats synthesize in their liver but is needed in large quantities so is often supplemented in the diet

Question 6

describe minerals

Answer 6

inorganic elements needed in small quantities

Question 7

list 5 macro-minerals

Answer 7

1. calcium
2. phosphorus
3. magnesium
4. sulfur
5. electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride

Question 8

list 9 micro-minerals

Answer 8

1. manganese
2. zinc
3. iron
4. copper
5. selenium
6. iodine
7. cobalt
8. molybdenum
9. chromium

Question 9

what does complete and balanced mean?

Answer 9

complete means the product contains all the nutrients required for the lifestage the product is intended for

balanced means all nutrients are present in the correct ratios for the lifestage the product is intended for

Question 10

what is the most important part of a feed label?

Answer 10

the nutritional adequacy statement; is the key to matching a pet’s nutritional needs with a product

Question 11

what are the metabolic and physiologic functions of calcium (4)

Answer 11

1. blood clotting
2. muscle function
3. nerve transmission
4. membrane permeability

Question 12

what are the structural functions of phosphorus? (3)

Answer 12

1. energy metabolism (ATP)
2. genetic material (DNA and RNA)
3. cell membrane phospholipids

Question 13

where is 99% of calcium and 80% of phosphorus found?

Answer 13

in bones and teeth as hydroxyapatite

Question 14

what can excessive calcium consumption during growth result in?

Answer 14

poor growth and angular limb deformities

Question 15

what can a calcium:phosphorus ratio imbalance result in? when does this commonly happen?

Answer 15

nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; secondary to nutritional imbalances, leading to thin and translucent bones; often seen in all meat diets that are high in phosphorous and low in calcium