Nutrition Basics and Interactions

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Questions and Answers

What are nutrients?

Only macronutrients

Synthetic compounds

Only vitamins and minerals

Substances found in foods that are required for maintenance of health and proper body function (correct)

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?

Nutrients obtained solely from food

Nutrients not necessary for health

Nutrients our bodies can make (correct)

Only found in animal products

All nutrients, essential or non-essential, are necessary (essential) for our health.

False Signup and view all the answers

A person's _______________ is simply all of the genes that make up that individual.

genome Signup and view all the answers

A recent term that describes the study of the interaction between genetic susceptibility and a specific lifestyle factor (diet) is _________________________________.

nutrigenomics Signup and view all the answers

What are phytochemicals?

Helpful and harmful compounds found in plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of inorganic?

Any compound or element that is not carbon-based, but is otherwise necessary to maintain health and optimum growth. Signup and view all the answers

Any nutrient containing carbon-hydrogen bonds is considered ___________________.

organic Signup and view all the answers

_______________________ is measured in kilocalories.

Energy Signup and view all the answers

What are the three kcalories (energy) containing nutrients?

Carbohydrates, triglycerides (fats), and proteins Signup and view all the answers

Why is the fat in food so 'fattening'?

Because it contains a lot of energy per gram amount. Signup and view all the answers

What is a macronutrient?

Nutrients required by the body in larger amounts Signup and view all the answers

How can you calculate the energy content of foods?

Step 1: Calculate the kcalories from each macronutrient. Step 2: Add up the kcalories coming from each macronutrient to get the total. Signup and view all the answers

What is a micronutrient?

Nutrients required by the body in small amounts Signup and view all the answers

What is nutrient density?

Refers to the density of a given nutrient per kcalorie. Signup and view all the answers

What is an observational study?

A study where we do not intervene but gather information through observation. Signup and view all the answers

What are intervention studies?

Studies where some or all subjects are given a variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between observational studies and intervention studies?

Observational studies can show relationships, while intervention studies prove direct impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three important dietary principles?

Balance, Variety, and Moderation Signup and view all the answers

What does kcalories (or Calories) measure?

The energy in foods Signup and view all the answers

What is chronic disease?

A long-term health condition Signup and view all the answers

What is energy density?

The amount of energy in a given weight or volume of food. Signup and view all the answers

What is malnutrition?

A state of over nutrition or under nutrition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A prediction that is measurable and specific. Signup and view all the answers

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.