Chapter 1: What Is Nutrition?

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on core concepts, nutrient categories, research methods, and credentials from Chapter 1 of Nutrition & You.

Nutrients

Chemical compounds in foods that provide fuel for energy, growth, and maintenance, and regulate body processes.

Kilocalorie

The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of $1\,\text{kilogram}$ of water $1^\circ\text{C}$.

Nutrition

The science that studies how nutrients and compounds in foods nourish you, help you function, and affect body functions and health.

Macronutrients

Energy-yielding nutrients needed in higher amounts, consisting of carbohydrates, lipids (fats), and proteins.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients needed in smaller amounts, comprising vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds that supply glucose as a major energy source and provide $4\,\text{kilocalories/gram}$.

Fats (Lipids)

Organic compounds that serve as a major fuel source, provide $9\,\text{kilocalories/gram}$, cushion organs, and insulate the body to maintain temperature.

Proteins

Organic compounds containing nitrogen that provide $4\,\text{kilocalories/gram}$ and are suited for the growth and maintenance of muscle, tissues, and organs, as well as making hormones, enzymes, and immune system components.

Vitamins

Organic compounds that usually must be obtained from food and assist enzymes in regulating body processes such as metabolism.

Minerals

Inorganic substances that play key roles in body processes and structures.

Phytochemicals

Nonnutritive compounds in plant foods that may play a role in fighting chronic diseases.

Fiber

The portion of plant foods that is not digested in the small intestine.

Healthy People 2030

A set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives for Americans to meet over the third decade of the twenty-first century.

Consensus

The opinion of a group of experts based on a collection of information.

Scientific Method

A process used by scientists to generate sound research findings, consisting of observing, formulating a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, and sharing findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

Hypothesis

An idea formulated based on observation that can be tested through experimentation.

Observational Research

A research approach that involves looking at factors in two or more groups of subjects to see if there is a relationship to certain health outcomes.

Epidemiological Research

A type of observational research that involves the study of populations of people.

Experimental Research

Research involving at least two groups of subjects: an experimental group that receives a specific treatment and a control group that receives a placebo.

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Experiment

The gold standard of experimental research where neither the scientists nor the subjects know which group is receiving the treatment or the placebo.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A health professional who has completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited U.S. institution, completed a supervised practice, and passed a national exam administered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

An integration of nutrition counseling and dietary changes based on an individual's medical history and current health needs to improve health.

Public Health Nutritionist

An individual who may have a degree in nutrition but is not an RDN due to not completing a supervised practice.

Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)

A dietitian nutritionist who has been licensed by state licensing agencies.