Option D.1 Human Nutrition Flashcards
What are nutrients?
chemical substances found in food that are used in our body. some essential, some non essential
When are nutrients essential?
Essential nutrients are sources that are the only possible source of nutrient. they cannot be synthesized by the body
What are examples of essential nutrients?
amino acids, some unsaturated fatty acids, some minerals, calcium, vitamins and water
Are minerals and ions needced in large or small quantities & why?
Small quantities because chemical structure is different.
Vitamins are organic compounds
Minerals derive from inorganic
Why are carbohydrates not part of the essential nutrient list?
Although they are important, there are no specifc carbohydrates that are essential
What are non-essential nutrients?
nutrients that can be used for the same purpose or because they can be made in the body from another nutrients
What are examples of non essential nutrients?
Carbohydrates (eg. glucose, starch, lipids)
Does an ‘essential nutrient’ refer to all substances the body needs?
no, only neccessary sustances that the body cannot synthesize by itself
Are dietry minerals essential?
yes. cannot be made by body but only smal quantity.
What are some major functions of minerals?
- compose structure (eg. teeth, bones)
- use in control of composition of body fluids
- minor constituents of specific enzymes or components
How many amino acids are essential in human (cannot be synthesized)
9
What is an example of a conditionally essential nutrient. Explain.
In adults vitamin K is produced by metabolism of symbiotic bacteria in intestine.
infants do not have these bactera at birth. Given as supplementary injection
When does protein deficiency malnutrition occur?
shortage of one or more essential amino acids in the diet. body cannot make enough of the proteins that are needed
What does the lack of essential amino acids affect?
Production of proteins
Why may essential amino acids be lacking in an individual?
overall insufficient protein in diet/ imbalance in types of protein
What is a common condition associated with protein deficiency?
swelling in abdomen
- lack of protein prevents blood plasma protein being produced
- blood plasma helps with reabsorption of tissue fluid into blood capillaries
- without blood plasma, edma (swelling) caused
In what amounts are vitamins and minerals needed?
tiny amounts, but are essential because most cannot be synthesized in the body
What tends to occur in diets without enough vitamins?
deficiency diseases
Do vitamins belong to a single group of chemical compounds?
No are complexed and categorized into Vitamin A, vitamin B etc.
Which vitamins are essential, water soluble or fat soluble?
water soluble need to be consumed, and excess is lost to urine
fat soluble vitamin can be stored in body
Difference between vitamins and minerals
Vitamins
- made in plants
- compounds
- organic e.g. Vitamin C
Minerals
- substances derived from rocks or found dissolved in water
- elements in ionic form e.g. phosphate
- inorganic e.g. iron, calcium
Give an example of a fat soluble vitamins
A (retinol)
- source: fish liver oils, animal liver
- function: required for normal immune system function and production of rhodopsin
E (tocopherol)
- Source: plant oils
- function: antidioxide
What are the fat soluble vitamins?
A, D, E, K
Give an example of a water soluble vitamin
B9 folic acid
- source: liver, white fish
- function: enzymes in DNA replication
C (ascorbic acid)
- source: potatoes, green vegetables, fruits
- function: antidioxidant, coenzyme in protein metabolism,
What are water soluble vitamins?
B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12
Why does the body need vitamin C?
- helps protect body from infection and is important in keeping bones, teeth and gums healthy for synthesis of the protein collagen
- shortage of vitamin causes deficiency disease called scurvey
