Nutrition Genomics, Dietary Choices, and Nutrient Guidelines

Nutrition studies

Nutrients in food

Nutrients in the body

Human behaviour in relation to food

What is nutrition genomics?

A new area of study that combines nutrition, genomic science, and molecular science.

What does nutrition genomics study?

It studies DNA (genome) and enzymes in your body and how they affect nutrients.

What does Nutrition geometrics study and describe?

Nutrition genomics describes the interaction between nutrients and genes.

What can perform tests related to nutrition genomics?

RDAs can perform tests to figure this out.

What can nutrition genomics help discover?

It can help discover conditions and provide information about metabolism.

Diet

food and beverages a person consumes

(We will never refer to diet as a weight loss thing)

What is food?

An edible substance with physical and chemical properties.

What defines an acceptable food substance?

It is based on preference.

What does food provide to the body?

Energy and nutrients to allow the body to live.

What are nutrients?

Components of food needed for body function

What are the functions of nutrients?

Provide energy, building material, maintain and repair body, support growth and development

What are the main types of nutrients?

Water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals

What are personal influences on dietary choices?

Preference, habit, emotion, body image, knowledge

What micro-level factors influence dietary choices?

Age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status

What are social influences on dietary choices?

Cultural, tradition, social, parental influence, social rewards

What settings can influence dietary choices?

School, availability, retail, social setting (e.g., popcorn at movies, drink at bar)

What environmental and policy factors influence dietary choices?

Food availability, ads, labelling

Macronutrients

carbs, fats, proteins

Micronutrients

vitamins, minerals, water

Essential nutrients

- From food only

- Body can't make them

- Amino acids, vitamins, minerals

Dietary supplements

Purified nutrients: pills, powders, liquids, etc

What are nutraceuticals?

Food products in pill form with medical effects.

Give an example of a functional food.

Tomatoes, which have lots of antioxidants.

Can nutraceuticals be existing foods?

Yes, they can be simply existing foods with additional properties.

What are processed foods that have been enriched called?

Nutraceuticals.

Non nutritional components

- Antioxidants (health benefits but no nutrients)

- Fibre

Malnutrition

inadequate food intake, deficiencies, excess or imbalances in personas intake of energy and nutrients

What is undernutrition?

A condition resulting from insufficient energy intake.

What is wasting in the context of undernutrition?

Low weight for height.

What is stunting in the context of undernutrition?

Low height for age.

What does underweight mean in the context of undernutrition?

Low weight for age.

Overnutrition

excessive energy: obesity, health conditions

What do we measure energy intake in?

Calories

What is a calorie defined as?

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a liter of water by 1 degree Celsius.

What unit is commonly used on food labels to indicate energy?

Kilocalories

What do the abbreviations Cal and kcal represent?

Both mean the same thing: calories.

How many kcal are in 1 gram of carbohydrates?

4 kcal

How many kcal are in 1 gram of fats?

9 kcal

How many kcal are in 1 gram of protein?

4 kcal

How many kcal are in 1 gram of alcohol?

7 kcal

What is the effect of alcohol on body tissues?

It interferes with growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues.

What are Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)?

Nutrition guidelines

What do DRIs base their recommendations on?

Scientific evidence of how the human body responds to certain levels of nutrients (micro and macro)

Are DRIs applicable to all individuals?

No, they are meant for the general population of healthy people, considering differences in body structure and activity level.

What do DRI values refer to?

General nutrient adequacy, not prevention or resolution of deficiency.

Do DRI values vary?

Yes, they vary by sex and age.

What does EAR stand for in nutrition?

Estimated Average Requirements

What is the purpose of Estimated Average Requirements (EAR)?

To determine the amount of nutrient needed by 50% of the population to meet their requirements.

How is EAR used in nutrition research and policy making?

It serves as a population-wide average for assessing nutrient needs.

What percentage of healthy individuals are expected to meet their nutrient needs if they follow the EAR?

50%

What does RDA stand for?

Recommended Dietary Allowance

What is the purpose of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)?

Intake goals for individuals

What percentage of healthy people does the RDA accommodate for?

97-98%

What is the RDA derived from?

Estimated Average Requirements (EARs)

What does AI stand for in nutrition?

Adequate Intake

What is the purpose of Adequate Intake (AI)?

To set nutrient intake goals for individuals when data is insufficient to determine RDA.

What is expected from Adequate Intake (AI)?

AI is expected to meet or exceed the needs of most individuals.

Why is Adequate Intake (AI) used instead of RDA?

Because there is not enough evidence to determine the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

How is Adequate Intake (AI) determined?

By looking at average intake in the population and asking people about their consumption.

What does AI provide an idea of?

It provides a guideline that is basically good enough for nutrient intake.

What is the tolerable upper intake level (UL)?

The highest daily level of nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects in almost all people.

Does a tolerable upper intake level (UL) exist for all nutrients?

No, it doesn't exist for all nutrients.

What is required to determine a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for a nutrient?

Evidence of what too much will lead to toxicity or another health problem.

What does ND stand for in the context of tolerable upper intake levels?

Not determined, meaning we don't know the UL.

What does CDRR stand for?

Chronic Disease Risk Reduction intakes

What is the purpose of CDRR?

To determine intake levels that may reduce chronic disease

Which nutrient was first incorporated into CDRR?

Sodium (Na)

What condition is associated with higher intakes of sodium?

Life-threatening conditions

What does EER stand for?

Estimated Energy Requirement

What factors are considered in the calculation of EER?

Sex, age, weight, height, and activity level

What does EER determine?

One's daily calorie needs

What does AMDR stand for?

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range

Acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR)

Protein 10-35%

Fat 20-35%

Carbs 45-65%

Nutrition assessment

Trained people and dietitians go through series of assessments to establish nutritional status

What are the components of anthropometric assessment?

Height/weight, body fat %, head circumference, BMI, waist circumference, growth charts, and trends.

What types of samples are used in biochemical assessments?

Blood or urine samples.

What can biochemical markers indicate?

Nutrient or enzyme levels, DNA characteristics, and food consumption tracking.

What is the difference between primary and secondary deficiencies?

Primary deficiencies are due to inadequate intake, while secondary deficiencies occur due to other factors affecting nutrient absorption.

What are covert and overt signs in biochemical assessments?

Covert signs are chemical (not visible), while overt signs are physical (visible).

What does clinical assessment include?

Dietary history, family history, symptoms, social factors, and virtual assessments.

What are some indicators of clinical nutritional assessment?

Excess body hair, hair loss, brittle hair, or nails.

What methods are used for dietary assessment?

Food records, diet recall, or food frequency questionnaires.

How can dietary intake be quantified?

Using tools like ESHA food processor, diet analysis, or MyFitnessPal.

What is the difference between sufficient and adequate dietary intake?

Sufficient does not always equal adequate; adequacy considers nutritional needs.

What is the focus of a community-level nutrition assessment?

Looking at community health

What type of indicators are used in community-level nutrition assessments?

Broad nutrition and health status indicators

What household factor is considered in community-level nutrition assessments?

Household income

What types of government assistance are considered in community-level nutrition assessments?

Food bank, mela programs, unemployment assistance, etc.

What demographic factor is considered in community-level nutrition assessments?

Age distribution of population

What health statistic is considered in community-level nutrition assessments?

Infant mortality rate

What type of surveys provide data for community-level nutrition assessments?

National nutrition surveys

What is the purpose of the data collected in community-level nutrition assessments?

Program development and policy

Chronic Disease

characterized by a slow progression and long duration

Examples: cancer, Diabetes, Heart diseases

Risk factors include

Genetics

Environment

Lifestyle factor

Elevated BP, glucose, blood cholesterol

Persistent over time, clustering and public health

Overall (diets)

Diets a lifestyle factor that can greatly impact ones likelihood of chronic disease

Overall diet high in fruits and veg, rich in plant based protein, balanced in macros, low in sat fat, can decrease risk

What is the first basic principle of planning a healthy diet?

Adequacy

What does adequacy in a diet refer to?

Providing sufficient nutrients to meet the needs of generally healthy people.

What is the second basic principle of planning a healthy diet?

Balance

What does balance in a diet involve?

Consuming enough across food groups.