1. Definition of:
Nutrition
Nutrients
Malnutrition
2. What are the Nutrients that supply energy?
3. What are the Nutrients that regulate body processes?
4. What are the water soluble vitamins?
5. What are the fat soluble vitamins?
6. Where are most vitamins absorbed?
7. What is the body system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients?
8. What are the molecules that are the building blocks of proteins?
9. What are the calories which contain little to no nutritive value; often come from solid fats or added sugars?
10. What are the two types of protein calorie malnutrition?
1. Definitions
- Nutrition: The process by which living organisms obtain and utilize food substances to support life, growth, maintenance, and reproduction.
- Nutrients: Chemical compounds in food that are essential for the body’s growth, maintenance, and functioning. They are classified into macronutrients and micronutrients.
- Malnutrition: A condition resulting from an imbalanced diet, either due to excessive intake (overnutrition) or insufficient intake of nutrients (undernutrition), leading to various health issues.
2. Nutrients That Supply Energy
- Carbohydrates: The primary source of energy for the body.
- Fats: Concentrated energy sources that provide more than twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates and proteins.
- Proteins: While primarily used for building and repairing tissues, proteins can also supply energy when carbohydrates and fats are inadequate.
3. Nutrients That Regulate Body Processes
- Vitamins: Organic compounds that assist in various biochemical functions (e.g., vitamin A for vision, vitamin D for calcium regulation).
- Minerals: Inorganic elements essential for numerous body functions (e.g., calcium for bone health, iron for oxygen transport).
- Water: Vital for maintaining hydration, temperature regulation, and facilitating biochemical reactions.
4. Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- B vitamins:
- B1 (thiamine)
- B2 (riboflavin)
- B3 (niacin)
- B5 (pantothenic acid)
- B6 (pyridoxine)
- B7 (biotin)
- B9 (folate)
- B12 (cobalamin)
5. Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
6. Where Most Vitamins Are Absorbed
Most vitamins are primarily absorbed in the small intestine, with the duodenum being the first segment where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs.
7. Body System That Breaks Down Food and Absorbs Nutrients
The gastrointestinal (GI) system, or digestive system, is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
8. Molecules That Are the Building Blocks of Proteins
- Amino acids: There are 20 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins.
9. Calories with Little to No Nutritive Value
- Empty calories: These are calories derived from foods and drinks that provide energy but little to no essential nutrients, often found in solid fats and added sugars.
10. Two Types of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition
- Kwashiorkor: A form of malnutrition characterized by inadequate protein intake despite an adequate caloric intake, often leading to swelling (edema), skin changes, and liver enlargement.
- Marasmus: A severe form of malnutrition resulting from a significant deficiency in caloric and protein intake, leading to extreme weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakness.