Nutrition and Diet Therapy - Video Notes (Flashcards)

A set of 100 practice flashcards (Question and Answer style) covering nutrition, digestion, macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and related health concepts from the provided lecture notes.

What is nutrition?

The study of food and how the body uses it, including intake, digestion, absorption, metabolism, growth, renewal, and maintenance of body functions.

What are the three macronutrients?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

What is the body's main energy source?

Carbohydrates; the body first uses carbohydrates for energy, then fats if carbs are insufficient, and proteins only if both are lacking.

What is the recommended daily carbohydrate intake (RDA) for adults and children?

130 grams per day.

What are monosaccharides?

Fructose, glucose, and galactose.

What is fructose and where is it found?

The sweetest sugar found naturally in fruits and honey; also known as levulose.

What is glucose and why is it important?

Also called dextrose; the main energy source used by cells; found in fruits, vegetables, and honey.

What is galactose and where is it found?

Not usually free in nature; hydrolyzed from lactose; component of certain brain lipids called cerebrosides.

What is maltose and how is it produced?

Malt sugar derived from starch digestion with the enzyme diastase; often combined with dextrin in infant formula.

What is lactose and what dietary issue is it linked to?

Milk sugar; hydrolyzed to glucose and galactose; lactose intolerance can impair digestion.

What are polysaccharides and give two examples?

Long chains of sugars; not water-soluble; examples include starch (plant storage form) and glycogen (animal storage form).

What is starch and where is it stored?

The storage form of carbohydrate in plants, found in grains, seeds, tubers, roots, and unripe fruits.

What is glycogen and where is it stored?

Animal storage form of carbohydrate, stored mainly in the liver and muscles.

What is dietary fiber and what are its benefits?

Indigestible parts of plant foods that add bulk, aid bowel movements, and may reduce risk of diverticular disease and colon cancer; can lower blood cholesterol.

What is the role of carbohydrate as a nutrient?

Energy production, regulation of fat metabolism, brain energy (glucose), and as a source of dietary fiber.

What is PEM and what does it stand for?

Protein-Energy Malnutrition; malnutrition from inadequate protein or energy intake.

What are marasmus and kwashiorkor?

Marasmus: severe energy deficiency with emaciation; Kwashiorkor: protein deficiency with edema and liver fatty change.

How many kcals per gram do fats provide?

9 kcals per gram.

What are essential fatty acids (EFAs) and which are they?

Fats the body cannot synthesize; linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids; include omega-3 and omega-6 families.

What are triglycerides?

Simple lipids composed of three fatty acids attached to glycerol; most lipids in the body are triglycerides.

What are lipoproteins and why are they needed?

Lipid-protein carriers formed mainly in the liver; transport fats in the blood to body cells.

What is LDL and why is it called 'bad cholesterol'?

Low-density lipoprotein; carries cholesterol to cells; elevated levels are linked to atherosclerosis.

What is HDL and why is it called 'good cholesterol'?

High-density lipoprotein; carries cholesterol from cells to the liver for excretion; protective against heart disease.

What is the role of cholesterol in the body?

Sterol used to synthesize bile acids, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and vitamin D; produced endogenously and found in animal foods; keep intake under 300 mg/day.

What are trans fats and their health impact?

Trans fatty acids formed by hydrogenation; raise LDL, lower HDL, and increase cardiovascular risk.

What are omega-3 fatty acids and their benefits?

Long-chain polyunsaturated fats (EPA, DHA) that help lower triglycerides and may reduce heart disease risk by reducing platelet aggregation.

What are omega-6 fatty acids and their limitations?

Linoleic acid family; found in vegetable oils; can lower cholesterol but should be balanced in the diet and not exceed calorie targets.

What are chylomicrons?

Largest lipoproteins formed after a meal; carry 80-90% triglycerides; lipoprotein lipase metabolizes TG to fatty acids.

What are VLDL and LDL differences?

VLDL: liver-derived, high triglyceride content; as TG are released, becomes LDL, which carries cholesterol to cells.

What is HDL’s role in cholesterol metabolism?

Transports cholesterol from cells back to the liver for excretion; high HDL is protective against heart disease.

What is the function of bile in fat digestion?

Bile emulsifies fats to increase surface area for pancreatic lipase digestion.

What is the role of pancreatic lipase?

Enzyme that digests fats into fatty acids and glycerol for absorption.

What tissues use glucose as their sole energy source?

Brain and nerve tissues.

What is glycogen and its storage significance?

Animal storage form of carbohydrate; stored in liver and muscles for quick energy.

What is the difference between complete and incomplete proteins?

Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids (usually animal sources); incomplete proteins lack one or more essential amino acids (many plant proteins).

What is protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)?

Malnutrition due to insufficient protein and/or energy intake.

What is the daily protein requirement for adults based on body weight?

Weight in kg × 0.8 g protein per kg body weight per day.

What are essential amino acids and the PVT TIM HALL mnemonic?

Phenylalanine, Valine, Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Histidine, Arginine, Lysine, Leucine.

What happens when you consume excess protein?

Excess protein can be deaminated and carbon skeletons used for energy or fat synthesis.

What are fibrous proteins and give examples?

Insoluble proteins providing structural support: keratin, collagen, fibrin, myosin, elastin.

What are globular proteins and give examples?

Water-soluble proteins with metabolic roles: casein, albumin, globulin.

What is complete protein quality and which foods are typically complete?

Proteins containing all essential amino acids in adequate amounts; typically animal-derived foods like dairy and eggs.

What is the role of vitamins as coenzymes?

Most vitamins act as coenzymes or helpers in metabolic reactions.

What is Vitamin A (retinol) essential for besides vision?

Bone growth, immune function, and antioxidant protection; exists as retinol (active) and carotenoids (precursors).

What are provitamin A carotenoids and give examples?

Carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin; can be converted to vitamin A.

What is the Retinol Equivalents (RE) measurement?

1 ug retinol or 6 ug beta-carotene equals 1 RE.

What are vitamin A deficiency signs?

Night blindness, dry skin, infections, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia.

What is Vitamin D and its two forms?

Vitamin D exists as D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol); formed under UV light and acts as a pre-hormone.

What are Vitamin D’s main functions?

Promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption; supports bone mineralization and prevents tetany.

What is the primary natural source of Vitamin D?

Sunlight; also fortified dairy, fish, liver oils, egg yolk, and fortified margarine.

What is the Vitamin D AI for adults 51-70 and 70+?

5 mcg for 51-70; 10 mcg for the 50-70 range? (Note: The notes state 5 mcg AI for some ages and 15 mcg for 70+, as 1 quart milk = 10 mcg; the exact values in notes: 5 mcg AI for general, 10 mcg for 51-70, 15 mcg for 70+).

What is Vitamin E known for?

Antioxidant activity; protects cells, supports immune function; alpha-tocopherol is the most active form.

What are good Vitamin E sources?

Vegetable oils, wheat germ, nuts, green leafy vegetables.

What is Vitamin K’s primary role?

Essential for prothrombin formation and blood coagulation; aided by green leafy vegetables and synthesized by intestinal bacteria.

What is Vitamin K1 vs K2?

K1 (phylloquinone) from plants; K2 (menaquinone) produced by gut bacteria and found in animal tissue.

What is the risk of Vitamin K toxicity?

Hypervitaminosis K is rare but can cause issues; more commonly a deficiency leads to defective clotting.

What characterizes water-soluble vitamins?

Vitamins in the B complex and C; dissolve in water; not stored extensively and are sensitive to heat and air.

What is the main function of Thiamine (B1)?

Coenzyme in energy metabolism; essential for carbohydrate metabolism; supports nerve and muscle function.

What is Beriberi and its types?

Thiamine deficiency; dry beriberi (nervous system) and wet beriberi (cardiovascular edema).

What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Cerebral form of beriberi linked to chronic alcohol misuse; memory loss and severe confusion.

What is Riboflavin (B2) and its importance?

Coenzyme in energy metabolism; supports skin, mucous membranes, and healthy eyes; sensitive to light.

What are signs of riboflavin deficiency?

Ariboflavinosis, cheilosis (lip cracks), glossitis (tongue inflammation).

What is Niacin (B3) and its cellular role?

Coenzyme in energy metabolism essential for glycolysis and the TCA cycle; deficiency causes pellagra.

What is Pellagra's classic 3 D's?

Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Dementia.

What is Pantothenic acid (B5) function and deficiency status?

Essential for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism; part of coenzyme A; deficiencies are rare.

What is Biotin (B7) and its role?

Coenzyme in fatty acid and amino acid synthesis; produced by GI bacteria; AI about 30 mcg.

What is Folate (Folic acid) and its key role?

Needed for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and heme production; deficiency linked to neural tube defects; sources include fortified cereals and leafy greens.

What is Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and its absorption requirement?

Contains cobalt; requires intrinsic factor for absorption; deficiency can cause pernicious anemia and neurological issues.

What is Choline and its AI?

Essential nutrient involved in acetylcholine and lecithin synthesis; AI is 550 mg/day for men and 425 mg/day for women; UL 3500 mg/day.

What is Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and its key functions?

Antioxidant; collagen synthesis; iron absorption; prevents scurvy and supports immune function.

What foods are rich in Vitamin C?

Fruits and vegetables, especially citrus, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens.

What is iodine's role in the body?

Synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism.

What are common iodine sources?

Iodized salt, seafood, kelp, dairy products, and plants grown in iodine-rich soil.

What are iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs)?

Goiter, cretinism, impaired mental and physical development, especially in pregnancy and infancy.

What are the recommended iodine intake guidelines by age?

Infants 110-130 mcg/day; children 90-120 mcg/day; adults 150 mcg/day; pregnant 220 mcg/day; lactating 290 mcg/day.

What is iron’s two dietary forms and absorption tips?

Heme iron from animal foods is well absorbed; non-heme iron from plants; vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption.

What are good iron sources?

Meat, liver, fish, poultry, beans, fortified cereals, leafy greens.

What is the typical daily iron requirement for women and men?

Women about 18 mg/day; men about 8 mg/day.

What is zinc and its potential antiviral role?

Essential trace element important for vision and immune function; may help with rhinovirus and other viruses.

What are zinc deficiency symptoms?

Growth retardation, appetite loss, immune impairment, hair loss, skin and nail issues, impaired wound healing.

What is fluoride (fluorine) and its risk?

Essential trace element important for dental health; chronic excess causes fluorosis.

What is sodium’s role in the body?

Maintains fluid and acid-base balance; important for nerve and muscle function; extracellular predominantly.

What is potassium’s role in the body?

Major intracellular cation; maintains fluid balance; supports skeletal and cardiac muscle function; involved in metabolism.

What are magnesium’s functions?

Regulates biochemical reactions, energy production, nerve/muscle function; involved in calcium/potassium transport.

What are the major minerals list?

Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur.

What are trace minerals list?

Iron, iodine, fluoride, zinc, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, copper, selenium.

Where is calcium primarily stored in the body?

About 99% in bones and teeth; the remainder in soft tissues and fluids.

What are calcium’s key functions?

Bone/teeth formation with phosphorus; blood clotting; muscle contraction;血 circulatory support.

What are common calcium sources?

Dairy products, fortified bread, oily fish, leafy greens, nuts and seeds.

What happens with calcium deficiency or excess?

Deficiency linked to rickets and osteomalacia; excess can cause hypercalcemia.

What is phosphorus’s role?

Bone/teeth mineralization; component of cells; essential for muscle contraction.

What is hypercalcemia and its concern?

Elevated blood calcium; can indicate imbalance or disease; affects bones and organs.

What primarily causes goiter and cretinism?

Iodine deficiency leading to enlarged thyroid and developmental issues in fetus.

What is iron overload and its risks?

Excess iron can damage heart, liver, and other organs; risk higher with transfusions or certain conditions.

What is a key dietary tip to enhance iron absorption?

Include vitamin C-rich foods; cook in iron pots; include meat with meals.

What is iron-deficiency anemia symptoms?

Irritation of stomach lining, pallor, fatigue, weakness, poor growth in children.

What is goiter and what causes it?

Enlarged thyroid due to iodine deficiency or excess; iodine intake is key to prevention.

What is hypernatremia and hyponatremia?

Hypernatremia: high sodium with edema risk; hyponatremia: low sodium, dehydration risk.

What is the role of chloride in digestion?

Helps maintain acid-base balance and stomach acidity (HCl).

What is sulfur’s function in the body?

Maintains protein structure via disulfide bonds; activates enzymes; involved in detoxification.