Lecture Review: Intestinal Microbiota, Carbohydrates, and Lipids

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering microbiota, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Microbiota

The mix of different microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) in our gut.

Role of Intestinal Microbiota

Important for optimal gastrointestinal function, immune function, and overall health.

Unhealthy Microbiota

Implicated in autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

B Vitamins Produced by Gut Microbiota

Includes B1, B12, B9, and vitamin K.

Functions of Microbiota

Synthesis of vitamins, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); supports immune function; regulates metabolism.

Probiotics

Food products or supplements containing live beneficial gut bacteria.

Examples of Probiotics

Yogurt, homemade buttermilk, fermented vegetables, and kombucha.

Prebiotics

Food products or supplements that stimulate probiotic growth, passing undigested into the colon.

Examples of Prebiotics

Bananas, onions, artichokes, plantains, and garlic.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten.

Consequences of Celiac Disease

Can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, anemia, osteoporosis, and intestinal cancer.

Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Can be diagnosed by blood test or intestinal biopsy.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; occurs when acidic stomach contents leak back into the esophagus.

Causes of Heartburn

Low LES pressure, poor digestion, certain health conditions, and overeating.

Tips to Relieve Heartburn

Eat small meals, drink water with lemon, avoid trigger foods, and manage stress.

Peptic Ulcer

Open sores that develop in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

Chronic use of medications like aspirin and infections from Helicobacter pylori.

Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

Includes bland diet and antibiotic therapy for H. pylori infection.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Nutritional support provided directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal system.

Nutrient Absorption Process

Amino acids and sugars enter capillaries of hepatic portal circulation; non-water-soluble products of fat digestion are absorbed into the lymphatic system.

Functions of the Liver

Modulates blood glucose levels, metabolizes nutrients, and detoxifies substances.

Metabolic Pathways

Biochemical reactions categorized as catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (synthesis).

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; energy currency of the cell.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of two sugar units, e.g., maltose, lactose, sucrose.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars, e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made of many sugar units; e.g., starches and glycogen.

Fiber Types

Divided into soluble and insoluble fiber.

Lactose Intolerance

The inability to digest lactose due to low levels of lactase enzyme.

Beneficial Impact of Fiber

Promotes colonic health and prevents inflammation.

Glycemic Response

How quickly and high blood glucose rises after carbohydrate consumption.

Glycemic Index (GI)

Ranking of how a food affects blood glucose compared to a reference food.

Glycemic Load (GL)

Takes into account both the GI and the amount of carbohydrate in a typical serving.

Blood Glucose Regulation - Insulin

Insulin decreases blood glucose by facilitating its uptake into cells.

Blood Glucose Regulation - Glucagon

Stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose during fasting.

Cellular Respiration

Process of metabolizing glucose to form ATP, occurring in mitochondria.

Gluconeogenesis

Synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids.

Diabetes Mellitus

A disease characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Condition characterized by insulin resistance, primarily in older adults.

Diabetes Diagnosis

Based on fasting blood glucose levels; >125 mg/100 ml indicates diabetes.

Complications of Diabetes

Includes damage to heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Management of Diabetes

Involves diet, exercise, and medications.

Dental Caries (Cavities)

Caused by bacteria thriving on sugar in the mouth.

Lipids

Organic molecules that do not dissolve in water, providing energy and multiple functions.

Classification of Fats

Based on structure: saturated and unsaturated; further divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.

Hydrogenation

Process to solidify vegetable oils; can create harmful trans fats.

Cholesterol

A type of fat synthesized by the body, vital for cell membranes and hormone production.

Functions of Cholesterol

Synthesizes vitamins and steroid hormones; plays structural roles in cells.

Lipoproteins

Transport packages for lipids in the bloodstream, composed of proteins and fats.

Functions of Lipids

Include absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, structural support, and energy reserves.

Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet, e.g., omega-3 and omega-6.

Beta-Oxidation

The first step of fat metabolism, generating Acetyl-CoA for energy production.

Fat Storage

Excess energy is stored as triglycerides in adipose tissue.