Nutritional Requirements and Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on energy aspects of diet, BMR, SDA, general nutritional requirements, protein-energy malnutrition, obesity, and specific nutritional deficiencies.

Caloric Value

The amount of heat energy obtained by burning $1.0\,g$ of foodstuff, measured in biological systems in kilocalories (C).

Total Daily Caloric Requirement

The sum of the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), the Specific Dynamic Action (SDA) of food, and physical activity.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The rate of energy production required to maintain vital involuntary functions (respiration, circulation, muscle tone) when a subject is at complete physical and mental rest, in a post-absorptive state ($12$ to $18$ hours after a meal), and in a comfortable environment.

Benedict-Roth Spirometer

An instrument used to clinically estimate BMR by measuring oxygen consumption over a specific period.

Specific Dynamic Action (SDA)

The extra heat production over the basal level that occurs during the metabolism of food, also referred to as the calorigenic action of food.

Protein-Sparing Action

The metabolic effect where carbohydrates supply energy so that proteins are not diverted and utilized for fuel.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)

Lipids such as linoleic acid that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be provided through the diet.

Dietary Fibres

Indigestible plant components (such as cellulose) that function to increase intestinal motility and help lower cholesterol.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

A group of nutritional disorders caused by insufficient intake of calories and/or proteins, occurring primarily in children.

Marasmus

A form of PEM caused by a general deficiency of both calories and proteins, characterized by extreme emaciation, growth retardation, and a "hungry" appearance.

Kwashiorkor

A form of PEM caused by a diet specifically low in protein despite adequate calorie intake, characterized by oedema (a "blown up" look), skin changes, stunted growth, and a reversed A:G ratio in serum proteins.

Obesity

A state where stored body fat is excessive, typically defined as being $20\%$ above ideal body weight or having a BMI $>29.9\,kg/m^2$.

Hyperplastic Obesity

A pathological form of obesity characterized by an increased number of fat cells.

Hypertrophic Obesity

A pathological form of obesity characterized by an increased size of fat cells.

Microcytic Hypochromic Anaemia

A type of anaemia caused specifically by iron deficiency.

Lathyrism

A crippling paralysis of the lower limbs caused by ingesting specific toxins.