Human Nutrition

Front 1

Nutrition

Back 1

The science of foods and the nutrients and other components therein, their action and interaction with each other. Also the ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, utilization, excretion and storage of nutrients. Nutrition sometimes includes production and preparation of food.

Front 2

Metabolism

Back 2

The sum of all the physical and chemical changes that take place within an organism. All the energy and material transformations that occur within a cell.

Front 3

Energy

Back 3

The capacity of a system to do work. Energy may be motion, position, light, heat, ionizing radiation, or sound. Changes in energy may be chemical, physical or both.

Front 4

Calorie

Back 4

The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one liter of water one degree Celsius.

Front 5

Fortification

Back 5

Addition of nutrients to a food.

Front 6

Supplement

Back 6

Any product intended for ingestion as a supplement to the diet, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals and other plant-derived substances; amino acids and concentrates, metabolites, constituents and extracts of these substances.

Front 7

Organic

Back 7

A substance that contains the element carbon. Four of the 6 classes of nutrients contain carbon. These substances are almost always derived from living things. Now organic foods are regulated and organic actually means grown or raised under specific conditions, learn more in module 2 under labeling.

Front 8

Inorganic

Back 8

A substance that does not contain the element carbon. Water and minerals are examples of inorganic nutrients.

Front 9

Malnutrition

Back 9

Deficiencies, excesses, imbalances or failure to absorb nutrients. It can bring on disease or a disorder.

Front 10

Obesity

Back 10

Over-fatness causing adverse health effects.

Front 11

Gram

Back 11

A unit of weight. The weight of a cubic centimeter or milliliter of water under defined conditions of temperature and pressure. 28.35 grams equals one ounce. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat are measured in grams.

Front 12

Milligram

Back 12

A unit of weight. 1000 milligrams (mg) equals one gram. Some vitamins and minerals are measured in mg. For example: vitamin C and calcium are measured in milligrams.

Front 13

Microgram

Back 13

A unit of weight. 1000 micrograms (ug) equals one milligram. Some vitamins and minerals are measured in ug. Vitamin B12 and selenium are measured in micrograms.

Front 14

Kilogram

Back 14

A unit of weight. One kilogram is equal to a 1000 grams. 1 kg is equal to 2.2 pounds

Front 15

Health Canada

Back 15

Canadian agency along with Canadian scientists involved in developing a series of reference values for intakes of nutrients by Americans and Canadians.

Front 16

Ingredients

Back 16

Ingredients in a food listed in descending order by weight. Required on almost all food labels.

Front 17

Malnutrition

Back 17

Failing health that results from long-standing dietary practices that do not coincide with nutritional needs.

Front 18

Nutrient Claims

Back 18

Structure/function claims do not have to have FDA approval. On the label there is likely to be a disclaimer that states: "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ay disease." You are likely to find this disclaimer on a dietary supplement.

Front 19

Nutrient Density

Back 19

The ratio formed by dividing a food's contribution to the needs for a nutrient by its contribution to energy needs. When the contribution to nutrient needs exceeds that to energy needs, the food is considered to have a favorable nutrient density for that nutrient.

Front 20

Nutrition facts

Back 20

title of food label

Front 21

Organic Food

Back 21

Generally refers to foods produced without pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, or biotechnology, irradiation, or sewer sludge.

Front 22

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)

Back 22

Recommended intakes of nutrients that meets the needs of almost all healthy people of similar age and gender. These are established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences.

Front 23

ATP

Back 23

The main high energy currency in the cell. The energy in ATP is used for biological work.

Front 24

Amino Acids

Back 24

The building blocks for protein. Made from carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.

Front 25

Anaerobic

Back 25

A biochemical pathway that does not require oxygen.

Front 26

Antibodies

Back 26

Proteins made by B cells that are induced by specific antigens. Part of the immune system that prevent and control infections.

Front 27

antigen

Back 27

A molecule or substance that can induce the production of antibodies: a substance that stimulates a specific aspect of immunity

Front 28

arteries

Back 28

Blood vessels that carries blood away from the heart.

Front 29

B-cells

Back 29

A type of white blood cell that can be transformed by antigens to secrete antibodies.

Front 30

bile

Back 30

A liver secretion that is stored in the gallbladder and is released into the small intestine to aid fat absorption by suspending fat into tiny droplets within a watery fluid.

Front 31

bile duct

Back 31

Tube that delivers bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine.

Front 32

blood flow

Back 32

Blood travels from the left side of the heart by way of arteries through capillaries to veins back to the right side of the heart. From there it travels to the lungs and back to the left side of the heart.

Front 33

bolus

Back 33

a moist mass of food that is swallowed

Front 34

capillaries

Back 34

A microscopic blood vessel that connects an artery with a vein. The functional unit of the circulatory system.

Front 35

carbohydrates

Back 35

A component of food containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; also known as sugars starches and dietary fibers.

Front 36

carbon dioxide (CO2)

Back 36

Waste gas produced by the oxidation of energy nutrients carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Front 37

cholesterol

Back 37

A lipid made of carbon rings (steroid structure) found in all animal cell membranes.

Front 38

chromosomes

Back 38

Structures in the nucleus of the cell that contain the genes for genetic expression.

Front 39

colon or large intestine

Back 39

Organ of gastrointestinal tract connecting small intestine with rectum. Absorbs almost all the water that has been secreted into the tract, along with a few mineral and acids. Resident bacteria digests some food material and produces two vitamins.

Front 40

creatinine

Back 40

(phosphate) A phosphate containing molecule in muscle cells that serves as a source of energy to make ATP.

Front 41

cytoplasm

Back 41

The substance between the nucleus and membrane of the cell that holds the components of the cell.

Front 42

DNA

Back 42

Deoxyribonucleic acid Hereditary information carried in the nucleus of the cell. Directs protein synthesis and cell division.

Front 43

emulsification

Back 43

The process of producing small fat drops and suspending them in water.

Front 44

endocrine gland

Back 44

A gland that produces hormones, but does not have a duct

Front 45

endoplasmic reticulum

Back 45

An organelle composed of a network of canals that run through the cytoplasm.

Front 46

enzymes

Back 46

A protein catalyst that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction. It is not altered by the reaction

Front 47

epliglottis

Back 47

A flap-like structure on top of the larynx. During swallowing it covers the entrance to the windpipe.

Front 48

epinephrine

Back 48

A hormone released by the adrenal glands that modulates the stress response. Also called adrenaline.

Front 49

epithelial

Back 49

One of four basic tissue types; type of tissue that covers all body surfaces including all internal body passages.

Front 50

esophagus

Back 50

A tubular portion of the gastrointestinal tract that connects the mouth (actually the pharynx) to the stomach.

Front 51

estrogens

Back 51

Any of the several female sex hormones secreted by the ovary.

Front 52

facilitated absorption

Back 52

Carrier-mediated transport through cell membrane in direction of concentration gradient. Does not require energy expenditure.

Front 53

fatty acid

Back 53

Lipid component with a chain of carbons and flanked by an acid group (COOH) at one end and a methyl group (CH3) group at the other

Front 54

feces

Back 54

Material discharged from the gastrointestinal tract during defecation, composed of undigested food residue, bacteria, dead cells and mucus. Also called the stool.

Front 55

fructose

Back 55

A 6-carbon monosaccharide in the form of a ring structure. Sweetest natural sugar.

Front 56

galactose

Back 56

A 6-carbon monosaccharide in the form of a ring structure. Never found free in nature.

Front 57

gallbladder

Back 57

A sac-like structure attached to the underside of the liver in which bile is stored and secreted.

Front 58

glucose

Back 58

A 6-carbon monosaccharide in the form of a ring structure. Found in food, and is the principal energy molecule in the blood.

Front 59

glycogen

Back 59

A carbohydrate (starch) made of multiple glucose units. It is the storage form of glucose and is synthesized and stored in liver and muscles.

Front 60

growth hormone

Back 60

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (in the brain). Stimulates growth of skeleton and soft tissues and influences metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat throughout life.

Front 61

hemoglobin

Back 61

Iron-containing protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to cells and carbon dioxide from cells. Red pigment material in red cells.

Front 62

homeostasis

Back 62

Constancy of internal environment; the maintenance by the principal physiological regulatory mechanisms in the body.

Front 63

hydrophilic

Back 63

A substance that readily absorbs water, "water loving

Front 64

hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Back 64

An acid composed of hydrogen and chloride. The acid produced by glands in the stomach.

Front 65

hydrophobic

Back 65

A substance that repels water or is repelled by water, "water hating".

Front 66

insulin

Back 66

A hormone produced by the pancreas. It promotes glycogen, fatty acid, and protein synthesis. It also aids in removing excess glucose from the blood by allowing it to enter liver, muscle and fat cells.

Front 67

interstitial fluid

Back 67

Fluid that exists between cells and capillaries.

Front 68

liver

Back 68

a large organ that detoxifies blood, and controls blood concentration of glucose, lipids, ketone bodies, amino acids, and protein.

Front 69

lipid

Back 69

a substance containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements. Lipids dissolve in organic solvents (ether or benzene). includes triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol. commonly known as fats and oils

Front 70

lumen

Back 70

the space within a tubular structure through which substances pass

Front 71

lymph

Back 71

a clear plasma-like fluid that flows through lymph vessels

Front 72

lymph glands

Back 72

glands that filter lymph fluid for bacteria and other pathogens

Front 73

memory cells

Back 73

specialized white blood cells that are produced as the result of an infection. remain in body forever so that any future attacks by agent will generate an immediate immune response.

Front 74

metabolic rate

Back 74

the rate that the body transforms fuel into energy for various body functions

Front 75

microvilli

Back 75

microscopic hair-like projections of cell membranes on certain epithelial cells

Front 76

mitochondria

Back 76

organelle in cytoplasm that is the site for most of the production of ATP (energy) in the cell; "power house" of the cell

Front 77

monoglyceride

Back 77

glycerol with one fatty acid attached to the central carbon

Front 78

mouth

Back 78

where food is chewed and mixed with saliva and digestion of starch begins

Front 79

mucus

Back 79

thick fluid secreted by glands throughout the body. it has a dual function protecting underlying cells and acting as a lubricant

Front 80

non-specific immunity

Back 80

immunity with which we are born

Front 81

organ

Back 81

a group of tissues designed to perform a specific function

Front 82

organelles

Back 82

a living structure of a cell designed to perform a specific function

Front 83

osteoporosis

Back 83

loss of bone seen commonly in postmenopausal women. accompanies by pain, loss of stature, deformities and fractures.

Front 84

pancreas

Back 84

an organ in the abdominal cavity that produces both hormones and digestive enzymes

Front 85

pancreatic duct

Back 85

a drainage tube that carries pancreatic juice from the pancreas to the small intestine

Front 86

passive absorption

Back 86

movement of fluid through cell membrane from area of high concentration to area of low concentration. no carrier or energy required.

Front 87

pathogen

Back 87

any disease-producing microorganism or substance

Front 88

peristalsis

Back 88

coordinated muscular contractions that are used to propel food the the gastrointestinal tract

Front 89

phagocytosis

Back 89

"cellular eating"; the ability of some cells to engulf large particles and digest them

Front 90

pinocytosis

Back 90

"cell drinking"; allows cells to take in fluid from outside the cell, along with dissolved particles.

Front 91

pharynx

Back 91

an organ common to the digestive system and the respiratory system. it is located at the back of the mouth and nasal cavity that extend to the larynx and esophagus. commonly called the throat.

Front 92

plasma

Back 92

the fluid part of blood

Front 93

platelets

Back 93

small fragments from bone marrow cells that function in blood clotting

Front 94

portal vein

Back 94

a large vein that collects blood from the intestine and delivers it to the liver

Front 95

pulmonary circuit

Back 95

system of blood vessels that carries deoxygenated (low content of oxygen) blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart

Front 96

protein

Back 96

component of food and body synthesized amino acids. contains carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and several other chemical elements.

Front 97

rectum

Back 97

terminal portion of gastrointestinal tract

Front 98

ribosome

Back 98

an organelle in the the cytoplasm where protein synthesis occurs.

Front 99

RNA

Back 99

ribonucleic acid; comes in 3 types (messenger, transfer, and ribosomal). Functions in the assembly of protein

Front 100

saliva

Back 100

secretion of the salivary glands. principle enzyme begins carbohydrate digestion.

Front 101

salivary gland

Back 101

a digestive gland in the mouth that secretes saliva

Front 102

small intestine

Back 102

portion of the gastrointestinal tract between stomach and large intestine (colon). function is to digest food and absorb nutrients.

Front 103

sodium bicarbonate

Back 103

an alkaline substance secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine. commonly known as baking soda

Front 104

specific or adaptive immunity

Back 104

immunity acquired after exposure to a specific pathogen

Front 105

stomach

Back 105

a large pouch-like organ in the digestive tract located between the esophagus and the small intestine.

Front 106

system

Back 106

a group of organs that function together

Front 107

systemic circuit

Back 107

the portion of the circulatory system with blood flow from the left side of the heart to the entire body and back to the right side of the heart (does not include blood flow to and from the lungs)

Front 108

T-cells

Back 108

a type of white blood cell that provides acquired or specific immunity

Front 109

urea

Back 109

main nitrogenous waste produce of protein breakdown. formed in liver from amino acids

Front 110

urethra

Back 110

tube that transports urine from bladder to outside of body

Front 111

acid-base balance

Back 111

maintaining the normal pH of the blood by the lungs and kidneys. lungs control carbon dioxide concentration and kidneys regulate bicarbonate concentration.

Front 112

amylopectin

Back 112

a branched-chain type of starch composed of glucose units

Front 113

amylose

Back 113

a straight-chain type of starch composed of glucose units

Front 114

carbohydrate

Back 114

a component of food containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; also known as sugars, starches, and dietary fibers.

Front 115

chlorophyll

Back 115

green pigment in plants, which absorbs light energy and transfers the energy to other molecules as part of the process of photosynthesis

Front 116

cellulose

Back 116

structural part of plants. an insoluble fibre that cannot be fermented by intestinal bacteria.

Front 117

diverticula

Back 117

pouches that protrude through the wall of the large intestine to the outside of the intestine

Front 118

diverticulitis

Back 118

an inflammation of the diverticula caused by acids produced by bacterial metabolism inside the diverticula

Front 119

epinephrine

Back 119

a hormone released by the adrenal glands that modulates the stress response. also called adrenaline.

Front 120

fermented (fermentation)

Back 120

the conversion, without the use of oxygen, of carbohydrates to alcohols, acids, and CO2

Front 121

fibre

Back 121

the non-starch polysaccharides that are indigestible by human enzymes. some fibres are water-soluble, some insoluble

Front 122

glucagon

Back 122

a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to a low concentration of blood glucose. promotes release of glucose from the liver to raise blood glucose concentrations. it also promotes the release of free fatty acids (fuel) into the blood

Front 123

glucose

Back 123

a 6-carbon monosaccharide in the form of a ring structure. found in food, and is the principal energy molecule in the blood.

Front 124

gum

Back 124

a water-soluble fibre contained in and around plant cells

Front 125

heart disease

Back 125

a disease usually caused by the deposition of fatty materials in blood vessel walls in the heart; reducing blood flow, decreased heart function, and ultimately death.

Front 126

hemicelluloses

Back 126

dietary fibres containing the sugars xylose, galactose, glucose, and other monosaccharides. can be either water-soluble or water-insoluble.

Front 127

hyperglycemia

Back 127

high blood glucose levels exceeding 125 mg/deciliter (dl) of blood

Front 128

insulin

Back 128

a hormone produced by the pancreas. it promotes glycogen, fatty acid, and protein synthesis. it aids in the removal of excess glucose from the blood by allowing it to enter muscle and fat cells and inhibits production of glucose by the liver. therefore, the insulin-sensitive tissues are muscle, liver, and fat.

Front 129

ketosis

ke·tone
an organic compound containing a carbonyl group =C=O bonded to two hydrocarbon groups, made by oxidizing secondary alcohols. The simplest such compound is acetone.

Back 129

a high concentration of ketones in the blood.

Front 130

lactase

Back 130

an enzyme found in the intestinal wall that is able to digest (split) lactose into glucose and galactose.

Front 131

lactose

Back 131

a disaccharide containing glucose and galactose. the sugar found in milk.

Front 132

lactose intolerance

Back 132

inability to produce sufficient lactase. can be hereditary, or in response to some specific disease condition in the small intestine. individual with lactose intolerance is unable to digest milk sugar, lactose.

Front 133

lignin

Back 133

water-insoluble fiber made from multi-ringed alcohol component. not a carbohydrate structure.

Front 134

maltose

Back 134

disaccharide made from two glucose units. sugar produced in sprouting grain.

Front 135

mucilage

Back 135

soluble fiber consisting of galactose, mannose, and other monosaccharides. contained in and around plant cell walls.

Front 136

pectin

Back 136

water-soluble fiber. contained in and around plant cells.

Front 137

photosynthesis

Back 137

process by which plants use solar energy to produce energy-yielding carbohydrates such as glucose

Front 138

polysaccharides

Back 138

carbohydrate containing multiple glucose units. also known as complex carbohydrate

Front 139

soluble fibers

Back 139

fibers that either dissolve in water, or swell when put in water. they are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine. they include pectins, gums, mucilages, and some hemicelluloses.

Front 140

starch

Back 140

a digestible carb made of multiple glucose units. the form in which plants store energy. also known as complex carb.

Front 141

sugar

Back 141

a simple carb with a chemical composition of CH2O. Most sugars form ring structures when in solution.

Front 142

tapioca

Back 142

Pure starch from the cassava plant. used as thickening agent.

Front 143

atherosclerosis

Back 143

a build-up of lipid material (plaque) in the inner walls of arteries, including those surrounding the heart.

Front 144

adrenal gland

Back 144

glands located on top of each kidney. they secrete steroid hormones and other hormones like epinephrine and some norepinephrine.

Front 145

alpha-linolenic acid

Back 145

a dietary essential fatty acid with 18 carbons and 3 carbon-to-carbon double bonds. an omega-3 fatty acid.

Front 146

bile

Back 146

a liver secretion that is stores in the gallbladder and is released into the small intestine to aid fat absorption by suspending fat into tiny droplets with a watery fluid

Front 147

bile acids

Back 147

bile acids are components of bile. they are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol.

Front 148

butter

Back 148

a spread made from cows milk. high in saturated fat.

Front 149

chain length

Back 149

short: 2-6 carbons long
medium: 6-12 carbons long
long and very long: 12 or more carbons long

Front 150

cholesterol

Back 150

a lipid made of carbon rings (steroid structure) found in all animal cell membranes

Front 151

chylomicrons

Back 151

lipoprotein made of triglycerides and cholesterol surround by a shell of phospholipids and proteins. they are made in the intestinal wall from absorbed dietary lipids, and travel through the lymphatic system to the blood by way of the right side of the heart. (transports lipids from the intestinal cells to the body)

Front 152

corticosteroids

Back 152

steroid hormones from the adrenal glands consisting of hormones that regulate blood sugar and minerals

Front 153

emulsifiers

Back 153

a compound that can suspend fat in water by isolating individual fat droplets using a shell of water molecules or other substances to prevent the fat from coalescing. (has both water-soluble and fat-soluble properties. allows the mixing of fats and oils in a water solution)

Front 154

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Back 154

an omega-3 fatty acid with 20 carbons and 5 double carbon-to-carbon bonds. is present in fish oils and made in the body from alpha-linolenic acid as well.

Front 155

fatty acid(s)

Back 155

an organic compound composed of a carbon chain with hydrogen attached. has an acid end (COOH) and a methyl end (CH3)

Front 156

glycerol

Back 156

a 3-carbon alcohol, the backbone of triglycerides

Front 157

HDL (high density lipoprotein)

Back 157

lipoprotein synthesized in the liver and intestine that picks up cholesterol from dying cells and other sources and transfers it to other lipoproteins, or directly to the liver for disposal. Offers protection from atherosclerosis by removing extra cholesterol from the blood.

Front 158

homocysteine

Back 158

an amino acid that is not incorporated into protein. high concentrations in blood are associated with formation of cholesterol plaques in artery walls. promotes atherosclerosis.

Front 159

linoleic acid

Back 159

a dietary essential fatty acid, 18 carbons long and two double carbon-to-carbon bonds. an omega-6 fatty acid

Front 160

lipoproteins

Back 160

clusters of lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids) with protein that serve as lipid transport vehicles in both lymph and bloo.

Front 161

LDL (low density lipoprotein)

Back 161

the primary lipoprotein carrier of cholesterol in the blood.

Front 162

lymph

Back 162

a fluid that transports lipids and fat-soluble vitamins to the blood by way of lymphatic vessels

Front 163

micelles

Back 163

particles formed by the aggregation of fatty acids and monoglycerides during fat digestions. they carry fat into the intestinal walls.

Front 164

monoglycerides

Back 164

glycerol with one fatty acid attached at the middle carbon. formed during the digestion of triglycerides. special types of monoglycerides are frequently used in food processing. check out food labels of cake mixes and other bakery products.

Front 165

monounsaturated

Back 165

a fatty acid with one carbon-to-carbon double bond

Front 166

olive oil

Back 166

oil pressed from olives. very high in monounsaturated fatty acids

Front 167

omega carbon

Back 167

methyl (CH3) or terminal carbon on a fatty acid chain

Front 168

omega-3 fatty acids

Back 168

unsaturated fatty acid with its first double bond at the third carbon from the methyl end.

Front 169

omega-6 fatty acids

Back 169

unsaturated fatty acid with its first double bond at the sixth carbon from the methyl end.

Front 170

Dr. Dean Ornish, M.D.

Back 170

doctor who has successfully treated heart disease with a combination of exercise, a very low fat diet, and stress management.

Front 171

ovaries

Back 171

female sex organs that produce eggs and sex hormones

Front 172

phospholipids

Back 172

a class of lipids that has a glycerol backbone with two attached fatty acids and a nitrogen-phosphorous-containing group on the third carbon. component of every cell membrane.

Front 173

plaque

Back 173

a cholesterol-rich substance deposited in artery walls. it contains blood cells, muscle cells, and calcium. sometimes called atherosclerotic plaque. the other plaque is deposited on teeth by bacterial action.

Front 174

polyunsaturated

Back 174

a fatty acid containing two or more carbon-to-carbone double bonds.

Front 175

prostaglandins

Back 175

any of a number of fatty acids that have numerous regulatory functions in the body. sometimes referred to as local hormones

Front 176

safflower oil

Back 176

oil derived from safflower seeds. very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Front 177

saturated fats

Back 177

fats that have a high proportion of saturated fatty acids

Front 178

saturation

Back 178

no carbon-to-carbon double bonds.

Front 179

sterols

Back 179

a class of lipids characterized by a four-ring core structure

Front 180

trans fat (trans fatty acid)

Back 180

an unnatural form of unsaturated fatty acid found in hydrogenated vegetable oils. highly atherogenic.

Front 181

triglycerides

Back 181

the major form of lipids in food and in the body. composed of 3 fatty acids linked to the three carbons of glycerol (an alcohol)

Front 182

unsaturated fat

Back 182

fats with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids

Front 183

VLDL (very low density lipoprotein)

Back 183

lipoprotein made in the liver to carry newly synthesized triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood

Front 184

vitamin D

Back 184

fat-soluble vitamin obtained from food or made in the skin from cholesterol

Front 185

water-soluble fatty acids

Back 185

short- and medium-chain fatty acids that dissolve in water. they are transported to the liver from the gastrointestinal tract by the portal vein.