Nutrition Fundamentals & Metabolism Study Guide

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the fundamentals of nutrition, energy balance, digestive anatomy, and metabolic systems as presented in the lecture notes.

Nutrition

An interdisciplinary science involving historical advancements, research methodologies, and the study of nutrient interactions.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required by the body in large amounts that provide energy; examples include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required by the body in smaller quantities, such as vitamins and minerals, which are essential for physiological function.

Water

An essential nutrient required for hydration; it is considered essential despite being calorie-free.

$$\text{\% Daily Value}$$

Information found on a food label used to interpret how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

MyPlate

A visual representation used to illustrate dietary balance and appropriate dietary patterns.

DASH

A dietary pattern specifically associated with blood pressure management.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The energy expenditure required for the body's basic, life-sustaining physiological functions.

Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)

The energy the body uses for the digestion and metabolic processing of food.

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)

The energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise.

Total Daily Energy Expenditure

The total amount of energy used by the body, comprised of BMR, TEF, NEAT, and physical activity.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical movement and breakdown of food into smaller pieces throughout the digestive anatomy.

Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food into its chemical components using enzymes and digestive secretions.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in the body, such as the breakdown of food during digestion.

Bile

A digestive secretion produced by organs to aid in the digestion and absorption process.

Small Intestine

The primary location in the digestive system where most nutrient absorption occurs.

Large Intestine

The organ primarily responsible for water absorption and forming waste in the digestive tract.

Gut-brain axis

The complex communication system and signaling pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

ATP

Known as the "energy currency," it is the molecule used by cells to store and transfer energy.

Anabolism

Metabolic processes that involve building larger, complex molecules from smaller units.

Catabolism

Metabolic processes that involve breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to release energy.

Phosphagen system

The energy system used by the body to fuel short, high-intensity bursts of activity.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of specific metabolic risk factors that increase the likelihood of chronic health outcomes.