Water, Electrolytes, Vitamins, and Food Safety: Human Nutrition Basics

What are the two elements that form water?

Hydrogen and oxygen.

What is the water percentage in human beings throughout the life cycle?

Varies, but typically around 60% in adults.

What constitutes water gain in the human body?

Ingestion of fluids and foods, and metabolic water from cellular respiration.

What constitutes water loss in the human body?

Urination, sweating, respiration, and feces.

Name foods that have a high percentage of water.

Fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges (80-99% water).

Name foods that have a low percentage of water.

Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits (0-9% water).

What mechanisms do humans use to cool off?

Sweating and increased blood flow to the skin.

What are electrolytes?

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are essential for various bodily functions.

What are the three major electrolytes?

Sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl).

Where is most sodium (Na) located in the body?

In the extracellular fluid.

Where is most potassium located in the body?

In the intracellular fluid.

How does sodium affect blood vessels?

It helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume.

What is blood pressure?

The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

What are normal values for blood pressure?

Typically around 120/80 mmHg.

What values indicate high blood pressure?

Generally, 130/80 mmHg or higher.

What are the major sources of sodium in the American diet?

Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks.

What are the main functions of chloride?

Maintaining fluid balance and forming stomach acid (HCl).

What is the form of chloride in the stomach?

Hydrochloric acid (HCl).

What are the major functions of potassium?

Regulating fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.

Name three foods that are major sources of potassium.

Bananas, oranges, and potatoes.

Which contains more potassium and less sodium: processed or unprocessed foods?

Unprocessed foods.

What are vitamins?

Organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.

How are water-soluble vitamins absorbed?

They are absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the intestine.

Name the B-vitamins.

Thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), folate, B6, B12, biotin, and pantothenic acid.

What disease is caused by a lack of thiamine (B1)?

Beriberi.

What is a major source of riboflavin (B2)?

Dairy products.

What does the deficiency of niacin cause?

Pellagra.

What are the 4Ds of pellagra?

Dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death.

What is the main function of B-12?

Red blood cell formation and neurological function.

What is the most important function of Vitamin D?

Regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

What is osteoporosis?

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.

What are the symptoms of toxicity of Vitamin D?

Nausea, vomiting, weakness, and kidney damage.

What are the common sources of contamination for food poisoning?

Improperly handled or cooked foods, contaminated water, and unwashed produce.

What are the symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus intoxication?

Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

What are aflatoxins?

Toxins produced by mold that can contaminate food and are highly carcinogenic.

What are the four major food agencies that protect the safety of food?

FDA, CDC, USDA, and EPA.