Nutrition

What is food contamination?

The presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in food that can cause illness.

What types of contaminants can be found in food?

Contaminants can be biological (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi), chemical (pesticides, cleaning supplies, heavy metals), or physical (glass, metal fragments, hair).

What is cross-contamination?

The transfer of harmful bacteria or other microorganisms from one food item, surface, or person to another.

What are some techniques to prevent cross-contamination?

1. Separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods. 2. Clean hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after handling raw foods. 3. Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods. 4. Store raw foods on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

What are the USDA criteria for certified organic food?

1. Land must have had no prohibited substances applied for three years. 2. Soil fertility managed through practices like crop rotations. 3. Prohibited methods include genetic engineering and ionizing radiation. 4. Products must contain at least 95% certified organic content.

What is the role of the FDA in food safety?

The FDA protects public health by ensuring the safety of the food supply, setting standards, monitoring labeling, conducting inspections, and responding to foodborne illness outbreaks.

What is the safest method for thawing frozen meat?

Thaw in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave immediately before cooking.

How long can yogurt be stored in the refrigerator?

Yogurt can generally be stored for 1 to 2 weeks after the sell-by date if unopened. Once opened, consume within 7 to 10 days.

What are the four basic steps of food safety?

1. Clean: Wash hands and surfaces. 2. Separate: Avoid cross-contamination. 3. Cook: Cook to the right temperature. 4. Chill: Refrigerate promptly.

What is potable water?

Water that is safe to drink, free from harmful contaminants, and meets federal and state drinking water quality standards.

What is mercury, and how does it enter the food supply?

Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that becomes methylmercury in aquatic environments, entering the food supply through bioaccumulation in fish.

What are the risks associated with mercury consumption?

Methylmercury is a neurotoxin that can cause neurological damage, particularly in developing fetuses and young children.

What are nitrates and how do they enter food supply?

Nitrates are nitrogen and oxygen compounds found in vegetables and used as food additives. They can enter food through fertilizer runoff and decaying organic matter.

What are the risks associated with nitrates?

They may form nitrosamines in the body, which are potential carcinogens, and high nitrate levels in water can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome).

What are the signs and symptoms of E. coli infection?

Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, mild fever, and possible complications like Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

What is gestational hypertension?

High blood pressure that develops in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks of gestation without excess protein in the urine.

What are the benefits of exercise during pregnancy?

Improving fitness, reducing risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, easing constipation, improving sleep, managing stress, and preparing for labor.

What is the impact of alcohol on a developing fetus?

Alcohol crosses the placenta and is toxic to the fetus, potentially leading to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). No alcohol consumption is considered safe during pregnancy.

What techniques can introduce young children to new foods?

Be patient; model behavior; maintain structured mealtimes; provide small portions; offer a variety of foods; involve them in preparation.

What characteristic indicates an infant's future health status?

Growth patterns such as weight, length, and head circumference percentiles over time.

What are the stages of human gestation?

1. Zygote/Preimplantation Stage (0-2 weeks). 2. Embryonic Stage (2-8 weeks). 3. Fetal Stage (8 weeks to term).

Why is a mother's nutrition before pregnancy important?

Adequate nutrient stores are necessary for supporting early fetal development, reducing risks of birth defects, and maintaining a healthy weight.

What nutrient is necessary for preventing neural tube defects?

Folate (or Folic Acid) is essential for preventing neural tube defects.

How can a pregnant woman relieve constipation?

By increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and engaging in regular physical activity.

What can relieve heartburn during pregnancy?

Eating small meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, waiting after meals before lying down, elevating the head during sleep.

Which year of life has the fastest nutritional need changes?

The first year of life (infancy) due to rapid growth and the introduction of solid foods.

What is the AAP's recommendation for screen time among children?

Avoid screen media for children under 18-24 months, limit non-educational screen time to 1 hour for ages 2-5, with parental co-viewing.

What are the dietary fat % recommendations for children 1-3 years?

30% to 40% of total energy intake.

What nutrients are often needed as supplements for children?

Vitamin D, Iron, Fluoride, and Vitamin B12 (for vegan or vegetarian diets).

What types of foods do children prefer?

Sweet and salty tastes, familiar and bland foods, smooth textures, and easily recognizable foods.

What characteristics are associated with children who skip breakfast?

Lower academic performance, poor nutrient intake, overweight, unhealthy behaviors, and higher levels of sadness.

What are the 'Big Nine' food allergens?

Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame.

What defines premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

A cluster of physical and emotional symptoms experienced before menstruation.

What is food intolerance?

Difficulty in digesting certain foods, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms, without an immune response.

What are the benefits of physical activity among older adults?

Reduced chronic disease risk, improved bone health, cognitive function, functional capacity, and reduced symptoms of depression.

What causes iron deficiency among older adults?

Chronic blood loss, reduced stomach acid, lower food intake, and certain medications.

What are recommended foods to protect older adults' eyes?

Foods rich in Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Omega-3 fatty acids, such as dark leafy vegetables, eggs, and oily fish.

What impact does loneliness have on health and nutrition?

Loneliness can lead to poor dietary intake, increased chronic disease risk, and compromised immune function.

What is sarcopenia?

A condition characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that occurs with aging.

Why are older adults at higher risk of dehydration?

Diminished thirst sensation with age, reduced total body water, decreased kidney function, and medication side effects.

What is food poverty?

The inability to afford a nutritionally adequate diet, affecting low-income households, unemployed individuals, the elderly, and children.

What are food pantries?

Non-profit organizations that provide groceries to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

What is the SNAP program?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides monthly benefits to low-income families to purchase food.

What is a food recovery program?

An effort to collect wholesome food that would otherwise be wasted and safely redistribute it to those experiencing food insecurity.