Nutrition and Electrolytes

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Study Notes

Nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions and are divided into multiple categories, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Proteins: Composed of amino acids, vital for building and repairing body tissues, forming antibodies, and supplying energy (4 calories per gram). Found in animal and plant sources like meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
Fats: Play a crucial role in hormone production and carry fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Sources include oils, butter, and certain nuts.
Carbohydrates: Main source of energy for the body, available in forms of sugars, starches, and fibers. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are key sources.

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate from plant foods that isn't digested fully in the body.
Two classifications:
- Soluble fiber: Dissolves in water, forms a gel-like substance, and is beneficial for heart health and digestion.
- Insoluble fiber: Does not dissolve in water, aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.

Essential amino acids: Cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet (9 total).
Nonessential amino acids: Can be produced by the body from essential amino acids or through normal metabolism (11 total).

Vitamins play various roles in cellular functions and metabolism and are classified into:
- Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, K.
- Water-soluble vitamins: Includes B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folate) and Vitamin C.
Key minerals include Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc, each important for different physiological functions like nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and immune response.

Insufficient protein intake can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, poor growth, and immune deficiencies.
A lack of dietary fiber can result in digestive issues.

Focus on a balanced diet containing adequate macro and micronutrients to support overall health and prevent deficiencies.

Nutrients are categorized into major groups: macro (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micro (vitamins, minerals).
Electrolytes include sodium, chloride, and potassium, critical for maintaining fluid balance.
Vitamins are classified into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B vitamins, C).

Composed of amino acids, which are essential for body functions and tissue repair.
There are 20 amino acids divided into essential and nonessential categories:
- Essential amino acids must be obtained from diet.
- Nonessential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.
Protein supplies energy at 4 calories per gram and supports immune function through antibody formation.

A type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that is not digestible in the small intestine, classified as soluble or insoluble:
- Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in water and provides calories.
- Insoluble fiber remains intact in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting regularity.
Dietary fiber offers health benefits, including improved digestive health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Vitamins play diverse roles in metabolism, immune function, and energy production.
Minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc are vital for various bodily functions including bone health and oxygen transport.

Rich sources include animal protein (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and plant protein (legumes, whole grains).
Deficiency symptoms can manifest as fatigue, poor growth, and edema.