Nutrition - Energy and Nutrients Quiz

Nutrition - Energy and Nutrients

• Body needs energy for metabolic reactions; this is achieved through nutrients, like all living things.
• Nutrients are categorized into five main groups: protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals.
• Macronutrients are needed in large amounts, like protein, fat, carbohydrate, and some minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium).
• Micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts, like vitamins, essential fatty acids, and trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, chromium, and cobalt). Water is also vital.
• Dietary Fibre (non-starch polysaccharide) is not strictly a nutrient but still important.

Dietary Reference Values (DRVs)

• The UK Department of Health provides charts for energy and nutrient requirements.
• These charts summarize dietary reference values (DRVs).
• Averages are used, not specific targets for individuals.
• Needs vary with age and life stage (e.g., a 5-year-old boy versus a pregnant woman).
• People with illnesses, malnutrition, or specific medical conditions might have individual needs; Average figures may not fit well for these people

Protein

• Proteins are crucial as building blocks and for growth materials.
• Cells are constantly replaced and repaired in the body, with new cells being added as the body grows.
• Protein are a major component of protoplasm, the substance within each cell.
• Proteins have many functions; some are involved in structural support, muscle movement, or disease resistance.
• Protein is crucial in cell composition.
• Different proteins have various roles in cells dependent upon their type and location.

Test your knowledge about the essential nutrients our body requires for energy and metabolic reactions. This quiz covers macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary reference values. Understand the significance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in our diet.