Questions and Answers
What are nutrients?
Most nutrients also meet the definition of _________________________, meaning that our body cannot make the nutrient in adequate amounts so we must get it from food.
essential nutrients
What are non-essential nutrients?
All nutrients, essential or non-essential, are necessary (essential) for our health.
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A person's _______________ is simply all of the genes that make up that individual.
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A recent term that describes the study of the interaction between genetic susceptibility and a specific lifestyle factor (diet) is _________________________________.
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What are phytochemicals?
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What is the definition of inorganic?
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Any nutrient containing carbon-hydrogen bonds is considered ___________________.
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_______________________ is measured in kilocalories.
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What are the three kcalories (energy) containing nutrients?
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Why is the fat in food so 'fattening'?
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What is a macronutrient?
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How can you calculate the energy content of foods?
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What is a micronutrient?
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What is nutrient density?
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What is an observational study?
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What are intervention studies?
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What is the difference between observational studies and intervention studies?
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What are the three important dietary principles?
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What does kcalories (or Calories) measure?
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What is chronic disease?
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What is energy density?
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What is malnutrition?
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What is a hypothesis?
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Study Notes
Nutrients and Nutrition Basics
- Nutrients are substances in food essential for health maintenance and body function.
- Essential nutrients cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts and must be obtained through diet.
- Non-essential nutrients are those the body can produce on its own.
Genetic and Nutritional Interactions
- The genome encompasses all genes of an individual.
- Nutrigenomics studies how gene expression is influenced by dietary components, impacting chronic disease risk.
Types of Nutrients
- Phytochemicals are compounds in plants that can have beneficial or harmful effects.
- Inorganic compounds are non-carbon-based entities vital for health and growth.
- Organic nutrients contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Energy and Macronutrients
- Energy is quantified in kilocalories.
- Macronutrients that provide energy include carbohydrates, triglycerides (fats), and proteins.
- Fat is energy-dense, containing a high number of calories per gram.
Caloric Calculation
- Energy content of food can be calculated by summing the caloric contributions from each macronutrient:
- 9 kcal per gram of fat
- 4 kcal per gram of carbohydrates and protein.
Micronutrients and Density
- Micronutrients are required by the body in smaller amounts.
- Nutrient density measures the amount of a nutrient relative to its calorie content, indicating food's nutritional value.
Research Methodologies
- Observational studies gather data without intervention, focusing on correlations through surveys and medical reviews.
- Intervention studies involve manipulating variables to observe effects, often conducted as randomized clinical trials.
- Observational studies can show relationships; intervention studies can establish direct impacts.
Dietary Principles
- Balance allows for nutrient flexibility; indulgence in one meal can be offset by moderation in another.
- Variety ensures a wide range of nutrients and reduces harmful exposure.
- Moderation encourages sensible consumption without excess.
Additional Key Terms
- kcalories (Calories) measure energy in food.
- Chronic disease refers to long-lasting health conditions.
- Energy density indicates the number of calories in a given weight of food.
- Malnutrition denotes conditions of either over-nutrition or under-nutrition.
- A hypothesis is a testable prediction formulated for studies.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of nutrients, including essential and non-essential types, and their role in health. This quiz also delves into how genetic factors influence nutrition and chronic disease through nutrigenomics. Test your knowledge on macronutrients and their energy contributions.