Nutrition and Diet Therapy Flashcards

Metabolic Rates and Energy

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Energy required to maintain vital functions at rest, including heart rate and body temperature.
• Resting Energy Expenditure (REE): Total energy needed by an individual at rest over a 24-hour period to sustain bodily functions.
• Kilocalories (kcal): The standard unit for measuring energy in food.

Nutrients and Their Characteristics

• Nutrients: Essential elements for normal body functions.
• Nutrient Density: Measure of nutrients in relation to calories provided.
• Essential Nutrients: Nutrients that must be consumed as the body cannot produce enough on its own.
• Six Essential Nutrients: Water, Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals.

Carbohydrates

• Preferred energy source for the body.
• Simple Carbohydrates: Include monosaccharides (e.g., glucose) and disaccharides (e.g., sucrose).
• Complex Carbohydrates: Composed of polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen).
• Nutritional Content: Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal/g, while fats provide 9 kcal/g.

Proteins

• Composed mainly of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
• Amino Acids: The simplest building blocks of proteins; essential amino acids must be obtained through diet.
• Types of Proteins:
  • Complete Proteins: Contain all essential amino acids (typically animal sources).
  • Simple Proteins: Consist of one amino acid type.

Fats and Lipids

• Types of Fatty Acids:
  • Saturated: Found in animal products; each carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
  • Unsaturated: Found in plant sources; equal number of hydrogen to carbon atoms.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as 'good' cholesterol.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Considered 'bad' cholesterol.

Water and Its Importance

• Water constitutes 60-70% of body weight; higher percentage in lean individuals, lower in older adults.
• Functions: Transports nutrients, assists metabolic reactions, regulates temperature, lubricates joints.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamins are categorized into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B, C).
• Major Minerals: Include sodium, chloride, potassium, and calcium.
• Calcium plays a vital role in bone health and is regulated by sodium.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Healthy BMI Range: 18.5 - 25.
• Overweight: BMI of 25 - 30.
• Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher; influenced by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and economic factors.

Dietary Guidelines

• “10 Tips to a Great Plate” promote balanced calorie intake and encourage consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting high-calorie and high-sugar foods.

Diet Therapy and Nutrition Support

• Types of Diet Therapies: Clear liquids, full liquids, pureed, mechanical soft, soft/low residue, high fiber, low sodium, low cholesterol, diabetic, regular diets.
• Parenteral Nutrition:
  • PPN (Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition): Short-term feeding with lower risk and cost.
  • TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition): Longer-term, central vein feeding requiring monitoring.

Digestive Health Concerns

• Diverticulosis: Condition characterized by abnormal pouches in the intestinal wall.
• Dumping Syndrome: Rapid gastric emptying leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Test your knowledge on essential concepts in Nutrition and Diet Therapy with these flashcards. Each card covers important terms and definitions vital for understanding energy requirements and metabolic rates. Perfect for students and professionals in the health and wellness fields.