Human Nutrition Part 1

Diet and Deficiencies

The necessary food groups for a balanced diet are:

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and water

Carbohydrates

Sources of energy

Protein

Growth and repair

Lipid

Insulation and energy storage

Dietary fibre

Provides bulk for the intestine to push food through it.

Vitamins

Needed in small quantities to maintain health

Minerals

eeded in small quantitties to maintain health

Water

Needed for chemical reactions to take place in cells

Vitamin C

Forms an essential part of collagen protein, which makes up skin, hair, gums and bones.

Vitamin D

Helps the body to absorb calcium and required for stronger bones and teeth.

Calcium

Needed for strong teeth and bones.

Iron

Needed to make haemoglobin.

What are the 4 factors that affect dietary needs.

Age, activity levels, pregnancy and breast feeding

Why does age affect dietary needs.

Young people require more energy as they approach adulthood for growth. Children also need a higher proportion of protein in their diet than adults. Energy needs decrease for adults as they age.

Why do activity levels affect dietary needs.

The more active, the more energy is needed for movement, as muscles contract more and respirate faster.

Why does pregnancy affect dietary needs.

During pregnancy, energy requirements increase as energy is required for the growth of the fetus, as well as the extra energy needed to carry the baby around.

Why does breast feeding affect dietary needs.

Energy requirements increase, and extra calcium is still needed to make high-quality breast milk.

What is scurvy

Scurvy is the name for a severe vitamin C deficiency, caused by lack of vitamin C in the diet for over 3 months.

What are the symptoms of scurvy

Anemia, exhaustion, spontaneous bleeding, pain in the limbs, swelling, gum ulcerations, and tooth loss.

What is rickets

A condition in children characterised by poor bone development, caused by a severe lack of vitamin D.

What are the symptoms of rickets

Bone pain, lack of bone growth, and weak bones.