CHAPTER 5 NUTRIENTS

Nutrients are defined as they are the chemical compounds present in food which when
consumed gets digested absorbed and utilized to give us energy and fulfil all the body
functions.
They are classified into 2 groups:
▪ Macro nutrients:
❖ CHO
❖ Proteins
❖ Fats and oils
 Micro nutrients:
❖ Vitamins
❖ Minerals

1) Carbohydrates:
Made up of carbon hydrogen and oxygen ( C6H12O6)
Synthesised by photosynthesis process.
 Sources of carbohydrates:
❖ All the cereals and millets: wheat, jowar , bajara, barlay, rice, ragi, rawa, rice flakes,
puffed rice, bread, vermicelli, pasta, noodles etc
❖ All the pulses and legumes: all dals, dry peas, chole, rajmah, soyabean etc
❖ All the fruits and vegetables: all fruits, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, gourd
vegetables
❖ Sugar, Jaggery , Honey

 Functions of CHO:
1) Primary source of energy: Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy. The form
of glucose which is supplied to the body to provide energy is a carbohydrate. 1 gm of
CHO gives 4 kcal. Once we consume the food, it gets converted in glucose and supplies
energy , if glucose stores are over in the body, body jumps to the reserve source of
energy i.e. glycogen which is stored in liver and muscles; and this glycogen also a type
of carbohydrates.
2) Role in GI tract: fibres which are the type of carbohydrates responsible for cleansing
the digestive system. They are responsible for removing wastes out of the body, by
carrying through intestine to the kidney. So it helps in preventing constipation.
3) Role in CNS: CNS is comprised of Brain and spinal cord. For brain to function well,
requires enough amount of glucose. If glucose is not there brain will not be able to
function well.
4) Protein sparing action: when CHO and fat stores are over , body takes energy by
converting proteins into glucose; utilising proteins for energy is the last option for the
body. So if proteins need to be stored , we need to have enough amount of CHO. So in
turn CHO are responsible for sparing proteins from getting converted to glucose.
5) Helps in fat metabolism: CHO helps in digestion, absorption and utilization of fats.
 Deficiency: Results in Malnutrition: PEM: Protein Energy Malnutrition. Name of the
disorder is MARASMUS.
❖ Symptoms: fatigue loss of weight, weakness, low haemoglobin levels, dehydration,
stomach shrinkage, dry skin, brittle hair

2) Proteins:

Made up of amino acids: 22 amino acids: building blocks of proteins

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen

 Sources:
❖ All the pulses and legumes
❖ Milk and milk products
❖ Eggs, fish meat poultry
❖ Nuts and oilseeds
❖ All the cereals and millets

▪ Functions:

1. Tertiary source of energy: when CHO and fat stores are over, body relies on Proteins
for the source of energy. 1 gm of Proteins provides 4 kcal.
2. Growth and development: Proteins are mainly required for growth and development
of an individual.
3. Carries out biochemical reactions: Protein is an integral part of many components in
the body; like: Enzymes which carries out all the biochemical reactions in the body are
made up of proteins. Blood contains Haemoglobin is made up of protein. Hormones
which plays an important role in the body are made up of proteins. Tissue are also made
up of proteins.
4. Muscle building: they also help in muscle building which can give us good strength.

▪ Deficiency:
▪ Excess: excess of protein intake can result in proteinuria and kidney related problems.

3) Fats and oils ( Lipids):

Lipids are made up of fatty acids and glycerol
 Sources:
❖ Nuts and oilseeds
❖ All types of oils, fats
❖ All animal products: eggs, meat, fish , poultry
❖ Milk and dairy products.

 Functions:
1) Secondary source of energy: when Cho stores are over from the body, body relies on
fats. It utilizes fats and convert them into glucose. 1 gm of fat provides 9 kcal.
2) Insulating and protecting organs: it helps in maintaining the temperature of the body.
And also protects organs from any accidents or external injuries by creating a fat layer
around them.
3) Lubricating agents for joints: Fats and oils helps in easy movement of joints; hence
acts as a lubricating agents.
4) Helps in absorption of vitamin A,D, E , K: Since vitamin A,D,E,K are fat soluble
vitamins, so gets digested , absorbed only in presence of fats; fats becomes necessary
for them.

 Deficiency: Deficiency of fats can result in deficiency of fat soluble vitamins

 Excess of lipids in the body:

❖ High cholesterol levels
❖ Hyperlipidemia
❖ Obesity related diseases: High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke