Basic Nutrition: Protein, Water, and Minerals

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering basic nutrition topics including protein types, essential and nonessential amino acids, fluid balance, tissue water composition, and key mineral functions and imbalances.

Protein energy value

Provides approximately $4\,\text{kcal/g}$ of energy, though its primary functions are structural and regulatory.

Amino acid composition of proteins

Proteins are composed of approximately $100$ individual units built from $22$ identified amino acids.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body in adequate amounts and must be obtained from dietary sources.

Nonessential amino acids

Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body when appropriate precursors are available.

Complete protein

A high-quality protein containing all nine essential amino acids, found in meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, seafood, soy, and quinoa.

Incomplete protein

A protein that lacks one or more essential amino acids, common in nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, peas, and some grains.

Protein classification table

Summary table classifying complete proteins (containing all nine essential amino acids) and incomplete proteins (lacking one or more essential amino acids) alongside common sources.

Plant-based complete proteins

Plant-derived food sources that contain all nine essential amino acids, specifically soy and quinoa.

Vegetarian protein adequacy

Attaining all essential amino acids on a vegetarian diet by consuming a variety of plant proteins throughout the day.

Adult body water composition

Water accounts for approximately $60\%$ of total adult body weight.

Daily water loss

The body loses approximately $2.5\,\text{quarts}$ of water daily under normal physiological conditions.

Tissue water composition diagram

Bar chart displaying water percentages across body tissues: bone ($22\%$), kidney ($70\%$), muscles ($75\%$), heart ($79\%$), brain ($85\%$), and blood ($95\%$).

Bone water content

Tissue containing $22\%$ water composition, representing a relatively low proportion compared to other organs.

Kidney water content

Organ composed of $70\%$ water.

Muscles water content

Tissue composed of $75\%$ water.

Heart water content

Organ composed of $79\%$ water.

Brain water content

Organ composed of $85\%$ water.

Blood water content

Body fluid composed of $95\%$ water, representing the highest proportion among major tissues.

Dry mouth sign of dehydration

A clinical manifestation of inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss, often presenting alongside bad breath.

Dehydration warning signs

Clinical indicators including headache, lightheadedness, dry mouth, bad breath, constipation, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, and accelerated heartbeat.

Minerals

Inorganic nutrients essential for bone/teeth formation, muscle tone and contraction, nerve transmission, body process regulation, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid–base balance.

Electrolytes

Minerals present as salts, acids, or bases that regulate osmotic pressure, acid–base balance, nerve impulse transmission, muscle function, and cellular fluid distribution.

Electrolyte and fluid distribution diagram

Anatomical illustration highlighting major physiological sites of electrolyte and fluid function: nerve transmission, fluid osmolality, and muscle contraction.

Sodium functions

Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, acid–base balance, muscle irritability, cell membrane permeability, and nerve impulse transmission.

Sodium deficiency manifestations

Symptoms resulting from chronic diarrhea, excessive vomiting, or renal disorders, including nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and apathy.

Sodium excess

Dietary surplus commonly from fast and processed foods, which can cause hypertension and edema.

Potassium functions

Electrolyte that supports fluid and electrolyte balance, acid–base balance, nerve impulse transmission, metabolic reactions, and skeletal and cardiac muscle activity.

Potassium deficiency manifestations

Deficiency causing muscular weakness, paralysis, anorexia, and confusion, particularly when dehydration is co-present.

Potassium toxicity

Condition caused by excessive supplements, medications, or impaired renal accumulation, resulting in muscular weakness and vomiting.

Chloride functions

Contributes to fluid and electrolyte balance, acid–base balance, and the formation of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Chloride content in salt

Chloride constitutes approximately $60\%$ of dietary table salt.

Chloride deficiency manifestations

Secondary to chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or renal disorders; manifests as muscle cramps, anorexia, and apathy.

Magnesium functions

Supports bone formation, nerve transmission, smooth-muscle relaxation, protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and enzyme activity.

Magnesium deficiency manifestations

Causes weakness, confusion, growth failure in children, convulsions, hallucinations, or tetany.

Magnesium supplemental toxicity

Adverse effects from excessive supplementation or Epsom salts, leading to diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping.

Calcium functions

Supports bone and tooth formation and maintenance, blood clotting, nerve transmission, muscle contraction/relaxation, cell membrane permeability, and blood pressure regulation.

Calcium deficiency manifestations

Commonly deficient in adult diets; leads to impaired growth in children and osteoporosis in adults.

Calcium excess manifestations

Causes constipation, an increased risk of renal stone formation, and reduced absorption of iron and other minerals.

Phosphorus functions

Contributes to bone and teeth formation, acid–base balance, energy metabolism, cell membrane structure, and regulation of hormones and coenzymes.

Phosphorus-rich foods infographic

Infographic detailing dietary sources of phosphorus including tuna ($556\,\text{mg}/6\,\text{oz}$), tofu ($479\,\text{mg}/1\,\text{cup}$), chicken breast ($410\,\text{mg}/6\,\text{oz}$), and scallops ($362\,\text{mg}/3\,\text{oz}$).