The Basics of Nutrition Flashcards
Where is energy derived from in the diet?
Energy is derived from the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat (the most energy dense – limit), and protein.
How is energy balance achieved?
To achieve energy balance, energy expenditure has to equal energy intake.
What is the total energy intake?
Total energy intake is the sum of the energy content of all food and drink consumed during the day.
Energy expenditure is the sum of what?
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR); energy used by the body to maintain normal physiological functions.
- Physical activity.
- Dietary-induced thermogenesis.
How is energy in food measured?
Energy is measured in KJ or Kcal – when one discusses the energy content of food, the term calories actually refers to kilocalories.
What are macronutrients?
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are macronutrients.
What are micronutrients?
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients.
What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are long chain sugar polymers. In a basic sense, they are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Describe different sugar polymers.
Different sugar polymers include monosaccharides (the basic unit), disaccharides, and polysaccharides (cellulose, glycerol). Oligosaccharides are indigestible sugar polymers made up of 3-10 sugar groups.
What is the function of carbohydrates?
The function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body.
Give some sources of carbohydrates.
Sources of carbohydrates include: • All starchy foods. o Bread. o Rice. o Potatoes. o Pasta. o Cereals and cereal products. • Fruit and starchy vegetables. • Milk and milk products. • Sugar. • Preserves. • Confectionary.
What are proteins and what are their functions?
Proteins provide amino acids (the basic building blocks of endogenous proteins) that we can’t make ourselves. These are needed for growth, development, and repair of the body. They also provide energy.
Give some sources of proteins.
- Meat.
- Fish.
- Eggs.
- Dairy foods.
- Cereal products – bread.
- Soya products.
- Nuts and pulses.
What are fats and what are their functions?
Fats provide essential fatty acids (that we can’t make ourselves but need in small amounts) as well as energy. They also carry important fat-soluble vitamins and are important for their absorption.
WHat is the most energy dense food type?
Fats are the most energy dense food so their intake must be restricted to balance with energy expenditure.
Give some sources of fats.
- Fats and oils.
- Meat and meat products.
- Dairy foods.
- Oily fish.
- Nuts.
- Cakes.
- Biscuits.
- Pastry products.
- Crisps and other snacks.
- Chocolate.
Can water-soluble vitamins be stored in the body?
No.
How should water-soluble vitamins be taken?
They should be taken with water to aid absorption.
Give some water soluble vitamins.
- Vitamin B1.
- Vitamin B2.
- Vitamin B3.
- Vitamin B6.
- Vitamin B12.
- Folate.
- Vitamin C.
What is the purpose of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)?
This vitamin helps the body to release energy from carbohydrates. It is also involved in the nervous system and the heart.