Nutrition Basics: An Active Approach

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nutrition, metabolism, and blood function, essential for understanding human health.

plasma

The liquid part of blood, mostly water, that maintains fluid balance and regulates blood pH and body temperature.

red blood cells

Cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body; the most numerous cells in blood.

plasma

The liquid part of blood, mostly water, that maintains fluid balance and regulates blood pH and body temperature.

red blood cells

Cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body; the most numerous cells in blood.

white blood cells

Cells of the immune system that protect the body from foreign invaders.

platelets

Fragments of cells that help plug up wounds when stimulated by injury.

biomarker

A measurable molecule or trait connected with a specific disease or health condition.

hemoglobin

The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells.

glycolysis

A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy.

catabolism

Metabolic processes that involve the breakdown of molecules.

anabolism

Metabolic processes that involve the building of bigger molecules.

energy metabolism

Metabolic pathways that release or store energy.

gluconeogenesis

The process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrates, primarily in the liver.

lipogenesis

The anabolic pathway where triglycerides are formed from fatty acids.

thiamine

Vitamin B1, which acts as a coenzyme for glucose metabolism and synthesis of RNA, DNA, and ATP.

beriberi

A disease caused by thiamine deficiency.

riboflavin

Vitamin B2, essential for the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain.

ariboflavinosis

A deficiency in riboflavin characterized by dry skin and mouth inflammation.

niacin

Vitamin B3, a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

pellagra

Niacin deficiency characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.

pantothenic acid

Vitamin B5, required for synthesizing coenzyme A.

pyridoxine

Vitamin B6, which acts as a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.

biotin

Vitamin B7, involved in energy metabolism and the synthesis of glucose.

folate

Vitamin B9, necessary for amino acid synthesis and DNA production.

macrocytic anemia

A form of anemia characterized by larger and fewer red blood cells than normal.

cobalamin

Vitamin B12, necessary for fat and protein catabolism as well as DNA synthesis.

iron deficiency anemia

A condition that develops from insufficient iron levels in the body, resulting in fewer red blood cells.

magnesium

A cofactor involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions, including ATP synthesis.

zinc

A mineral that plays a role in RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis.

iodine

A mineral essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone.

selenium

A cofactor of enzymes that activate thyroid hormones.

chromium

A mineral that enhances the action of insulin.

bioavailability

The degree to which a nutrient is absorbed and utilized by the body.

electrolytes

Ions in the blood that help maintain fluid balance and other physiological functions.

macro minerals

Minerals required in larger amounts, such as calcium and magnesium.

trace minerals

Minerals required in smaller amounts, such as iron and zinc.

hemoglobin content

The amount of hemoglobin in blood, indicative of oxygen-carrying capacity.

thrombocytes

Another name for platelets, involved in blood clotting.

wernicke-korsakoff syndrome

A brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, affecting mental status.

energy transfer

The process of transferring energy within metabolic pathways.

nutrient absorption

The process by which nutrients are taken up from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

nutritional deficiency

A condition that occurs when the body does not get enough of the essential nutrients.

malnutrition

A condition resulting from an imbalance in nutrient intake.

spina bifida

A birth defect caused by the failure of the spine to close properly.

coenzyme A

A coenzyme essential for synthesizing fatty acids and cholesterol.

ATP synthesis

The creation of adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

insulin

A hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

enzymatic pathway

A sequence of enzymatic reactions that lead to the transformation of a substrate into a final product.