exam2 nutrition & diet therapy

What is energy defined as in the context of human nutrition?

The capacity to do work.

What are the two classifications of energy?

Potential energy and kinetic energy.

How is energy measured in the context of food?

In kilocalories (kcal), commonly referred to as a Calorie.

What is the potential energy of food calculated with?

Using a bomb calorimeter.

What is the energy yield of carbohydrates and proteins per gram?

4 kcal/gram.

What is the energy yield of triglycerides per gram?

9 kcal/gram.

What is ATP and its role in cellular metabolism?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency used by cells to drive chemical reactions.

What are catabolism and anabolism?

Catabolism includes all metabolic processes involved in breaking down molecules, while anabolism involves building larger molecules.

What is glycolysis?

The first step of glucose breakdown which yields two ATP and two pyruvate molecules.

What is gluconeogenesis?

The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, generally amino acids.

What is the relationship between energy balance and body weight?

Energy balance is maintained when energy intake equals energy expenditure.

What is the role of BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)?

The amount of energy required to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.

What is lipogenesis?

The process of creating lipids (fats) from excess glucose.

What factors can contribute to the development of obesity?

Genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

What is the significance of BMI (Body Mass Index) in assessing health risk?

BMI is used to categorize weight status and assess the risk of chronic diseases associated with overweight and obesity.

What are the health consequences of being overweight or obese?

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

What is recommended for successful weight management?

A combination of dietary modifications and increased physical activity.

What is the effect of age on caloric needs?

Caloric needs generally decrease with age due to declines in basal metabolic rate.

What is the main control a person has over total energy expenditure?

To increase physical activity.

What is adaptive thermogenesis?

Adjustments the body makes in response to environmental changes, such as cold.

What is the purpose of bariatric surgery?

To aid in weight loss for individuals with clinically severe obesity.

What are the functions of protein in the body?

Proteins serve as structural materials, enzymes, hormones, transport proteins, and regulators of fluid balance, acid-base balance, and immunity, as well as providing energy and aiding in wound healing.

What distinguishes essential amino acids from nonessential amino acids?

Essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet, whereas nonessential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.

What is denaturation in relation to proteins?

Denaturation refers to the physical changes in a protein's structure when exposed to abnormal conditions, leading to loss of function.

What is protein turnover?

Protein turnover is the continuous process of breaking down proteins and synthesizing new ones within the body.

What are the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for protein for adults?

The RDA for protein for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

What health consequences arise from protein deficiency?

Health consequences of protein deficiency include malnutrition syndromes such as Kwashiorkor and Marasmus, characterized by symptoms like edema, growth retardation, and severe weight loss.

How does the body utilize amino acids for energy?

Amino acids can be catabolized to produce energy when carbohydrate and fat intake are insufficient, but excessive use can compromise protein synthesis.

What factors influence protein's nutritional quality?

The nutritional quality of protein is influenced by its amino acid composition, digestibility, and how well it is absorbed by the body.

What is the significance of the PDCAAS?

The PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) is a measure of protein quality that considers both the amino acid profile of a food and how well it is digested.

What dietary considerations should vegetarians and vegans keep in mind for protein intake?

Vegetarians and vegans need to be mindful of acquiring all essential amino acids from high-quality plant sources, as some essential amino acids may be deficient in plant proteins.

What are carbohydrates and their primary function in the body?

Carbohydrates are macronutrients that provide energy to all cells.

What is the process by which plants synthesize carbohydrates?

Plants synthesize carbohydrates as glucose from carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis.

Define glycemic index.

Glycemic Index (GI) is a numeric value that compares the glycemic responses of various foods to a reference food.

What are the two main types of carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.

What are monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are simple sugars that consist of single units and can be classified as hexoses or pentoses.

Provide examples of three monosaccharides.

Glucose, galactose, and fructose.

What are disaccharides and give three examples.

Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides linked together; examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

What is the primary storage form of glucose in animals?

Glycogen.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to adequately digest lactose due to insufficient levels of the enzyme lactase.

What is the role of insulin in glucose regulation?

Insulin helps lower blood glucose levels by allowing cells to take in glucose for energy.

How is alcohol metabolized in the liver?

Most alcohol is processed by alcohol dehydrogenase, converting it into acetaldehyde and then into acetate.

What are the common sources of alcohol?

Beer, wine, and distilled spirits (like whiskey, vodka, rum).

What are the effects of binge drinking?

Binge drinking can cause a rapid rise in blood alcohol concentration, impairing judgment and coordination.

What is the recommended alcohol intake for men and women?

No more than 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men.

What are health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption?

Moderate alcohol intake can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What is the possible consequence of excessive alcohol consumption?

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

What is the glycemic response?

The glycemic response is the effect of carbohydrate-containing food on blood-glucose levels.

What are the three main types of lipids and their percentages in dietary lipids?

Triglycerides (95%), Phospholipids (2%), Sterols (3%)

What is the structure of triglycerides?

Triglycerides are composed of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acids.

What differentiates saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.

What is the primary function of phospholipids in the body?

They form cell membranes and allow for the transport of substances through membranes.

What are essential fatty acids and why are they important?

Essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3) must be consumed through diet as the body cannot synthesize them.

What health issues are associated with high levels of trans fats?

Increased risk of coronary heart disease and negative impact on blood cholesterol levels.

What are the dietary recommendations for saturated and trans fats?

Less than 10% of daily calories from saturated fats and less than 1% from trans fats.

How do lipoproteins differ in function?

Chylomicrons transport dietary triglycerides, VLDLs transport triglycerides from the liver, LDLs are considered “bad cholesterol” while HDLs are “good cholesterol” that transport cholesterol to the liver.

What role do omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play in health?

They are precursors to eicosanoids, which control important body functions and influence inflammation and blood pressure.

What are some food sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Omega-3: fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts; Omega-6: vegetable oils, nuts, meat.

What are some lifestyle recommendations to decrease cardiovascular disease risk?

Limit saturated and trans fats, increase physical activity, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.