Essential Food and Nutrition Knowledge Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering basic nutrition definitions, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and related deficiency diseases/toxicities as presented in the lecture notes.

How is 'food' defined in the lecture notes?

Any edible parts of plants and animal tissues, which can be solid or liquid.

What is the definition of Food Science?

The discipline that applies engineering, biological, and physical sciences to study the nature of foods, the causes of deterioration, food processing, and the improvement of foods.

What is Nutrition?

The science that deals with how the body receives and uses various food components for growth and maintenance of health.

What is 'Nutrition Transition'?

A change resulting in increased consumption of unhealthy foods and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to higher rates of overweight, obesity, and NCDs.

What are the three main groups of macronutrients and their energy values in Calories (kcal) per gram?

Carbohydrate ($4\,kcal/g$), Protein ($4\,kcal/g$), and Fat ($9\,kcal/g$).

What process do plants use to create carbohydrates?

Photosynthesis, using sun, Carbon dioxide, Chlorophyll, and Water to create Glucose and Oxygen.

What are disaccharides?

Double sugars consisting of two sugar units, such as sucrose (table sugar).

What is the primary difference between soluble and insoluble dietary fibre?

Insoluble fibre (e.g., cellulose) prevents constipation and helps one feel full, while soluble fibre (e.g., oats) has the potential to lower blood cholesterol.

Why is a carbohydrate diet sometimes referred to as 'protein sparing'?

Because carbohydrates are the first point of call for energy, protecting muscles from being used as an energy source.

How many amino acids are there, and how many are classified as 'essential'?

There are $20$ different amino acids, and $9$ of them are essential.

What is the difference between complete and incomplete proteins?

Complete proteins (animal sources) contain ample essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins (plant sources) lack one or more essential amino acids.

Compare the appetite of a child with Kwashiorkor versus one with Marasmus.

A child with Kwashiorkor typically has a poor appetite, while a child with Marasmus has a good appetite.

What are triglycerides composed of?

One glycerol molecule and three fatty acids of differing lengths.

How are Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) characterized physically?

They contain the maximum amount of hydrogen atoms (single C-C bonds) and tend to be solid at room temperature.

What occurs during the process of hydrogenation?

Plant oils are changed into fats that resemble animal fat by adding hydrogen, resulting in trans fatty acids.

List the four fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

What are the major plant-based sources of pro-vitamin A in Ghana?

Dark green leafy vegetables, yellow-to-orange fruits/vegetables, palm fruit, and yellow corn.

What is Bitot's spot?

An initial sign of Vitamin A deficiency that appearing on the eye.

What are the major functions of Folic acid (B9)?

Protein production, formation of blood cells, and cell growth and division.

What are trace (micro) minerals?

Minerals required in very small amounts ($\mu g$ to $mg$), such as copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc.

What is the result of iodine deficiency in adults?

Goitre, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland to trap more iodine.

Differentiate between Haem and Non-haem iron sources.

Haem-iron is found in animal products (meat, fish, poultry) and is easily absorbed; Non-haem iron is found in plants (vegetables, grains) and is less easily absorbed.

Which dietary factors hinder or inhibit iron absorption?

Phytic acid (whole grains/legumes), Oxalic acid (leafy vegetables), Polyphenols (tea/coffee), and excess Calcium.

What is Koilonychia?

A sign of iron deficiency known as 'spoon nails,' characterized by a change in nail shape and texture.

What are the specific signs of zinc deficiency in boys?

Poorly developed genitalia, delayed puberty, and dwarfism.

Which protein transports copper to the liver and kidneys?

Ceruloplasmin.

Copper