Sources of Nutrition (Nutrition Ch 1) Flashcards
Carbohydrates
- organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO)
- main function: provide energy for the body
- ave. min. amount to fuel the brain = 130 g/day
- median intake for men = 200-330 g/day
- median intake for women = 180-230 g/day
- acceptable macronutrient distribution range for carbs is 45-65% of calories
- provide energy for cellular work and help regulate protein and fat metabolism
- essential for normal cardiac and CNS functioning
- provide 4 cal/g of energy
3 types of carbohydrates
- classified according to # of saccharide units making up their structure
1) monosaccharides: simple carbs (glucose, fructose)
2) disaccharides: simple carbs (sucrose, lactose)
3) polysaccharides: complex carbs (starch, fiber, glycogen)
Complex carbohydrates
-as they are ingested and broken down, they are easily absorbed in the intestine and bloodstream where they are stored in the liver and muscles for energy needs.
Glycogen
- the stored carbohydrate energy source found in the liver and muscles.
- vital source of backup energy
Fiber
- categorized as carbohydrate, but does not yield energy for the body
- it is the substance in plant foods that is indigestible (pectin, gum, cellulose, and mucilage)
- important for proper bowel elimination–adds bulk to feces and stimulates peristalsis to ease elimination
Monosaccharides
- glucose (corn syrup)
- fructose (fruits)
- galactose (milk sugar broken down)
*basic energy for cells
Disaccharides
- sucrose (table sugar, molasses)
- lactose (milk sugar)
- maltose (sweeteners)
*energy, aids calcium and phosphorus absorption (lactose)
Polysaccharides
- starches (grains, legumes, root vegetables)
- fiber (indigestible plant parts)
*energy storage (starches), digestive aid (fiber)
Proteins
- provided by plant and animal sources
- formed by linking amino acids in various combinations for specific use by the body
- many metabolic functions: tissue-building and maintenance, balance of nitrogen and water, backup energy, support of metabolic processes [nitrogen balance, transportation of nutrients, other vital substances], support of immune system
- provide 4 cal/g of energy
3 types of proteins
1) complete: generally obtained from animal sources, contain all 9 essential amino acids
2) incomplete: generally from plants (grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables, fruits), DO NOT contain all the essential amino acids
3) complementary: those food sources, when eaten together, provide all essential amino acids
3 main factors influence the body’s requirements for protein:
1) tissue growth needs
2) quality of the dietary protein
3) added needs due to illness
Recommended dietary requirement of protein for adults
-10% of intake, or 46 g/day for women and 56 g/day for men
Lipids (sources)
- dark meat
- poultry skin
- dairy foods
- added oils (margarine, butter, shortening, oils, lard)
Fat
- essential nutrient for the body
- serves as concentrated form of energy for body (2nd to carbs)
- supplies important tissue needs (hormone production, structural material for cell walls, protective padding for vital organs, insulation to maintain body temp, covering for nerve fibers, aids in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- no more than 20-35% of total calories should come from fat (10% or less from saturated fat sources)
- *exception = children < 2 yrs, need higher amount of fat to develop brain tissue
- **provide 9 cal/g of energy
Categories of fat
1) triglycerides
2) phospholipids
3) sterols
4) saturated fats
5) unsaturated fats
6) polyunsaturated fats
7) essential fatty acids
Triglycerides
- primary form of fat in food
- combine with glycerol to supply energy to the body
- allow fat-soluble vitamin transport
- form adipose tissue that protects the body
Phospholipids
- derived from triglycerides
- important to cell membrane structure
Sterols (cholesterol)
- necessary for cell membrane stability and production of certain hormones and bile salts for digestion
- if consumed in excess, it can build up in tissues and cause congestion, increasing risk of CV disease
Saturated fats
-animal origin
Unsaturated fats
- usually from plant sources
- help reduce health risks (except coconut and palm oil)
Essential fatty acids
- made from broken down fats
- must be supplied by the diet
- omega-3 and omega-6
- used to support blood clotting, blood pressure, inflammatory responses, and many other metabolic processes