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Assignment Human Nutrition
Assignment Human Nutrition
Assignment Human Nutrition
Submitted To:
Srijana Bhurtel
IAAS, Lamjung Campus
Submitted By:
Bharat Khadka
Roll No: 21
8th semester
IAAS, Lamjung Campus
CLASSIFICATION, FUNCTIONS, REQUIREMENTS, DEFICIENCY, SYMPTOMS,
AND FOOD SOURCES OF:
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic constituents of plants. They serve as the major
source of chemical energy for living organisms (e.g. sugars and starch) and important
constituents of supporting tissues (e.g. cellulose).
Carbohydrates are usually defined as polyhydroxy aldehydes and ketones or substances that
hydrolyze to yield polyhydroxy aldehydes and ketones. Simple carbohydrates are known as
sugars or saccharides (Latin Saccharum, sugar) and the ending of the names of most sugars is -
ose. For instance: glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, etc.
Functions:
Carbohydrates serve as energy source animal body.
Carbohydrate oxidation provides energy.
They are part of the structural framework of DNA and RNA molecules.
They supply carbon atoms for the synthesis of other biochemical substances (proteins,
lipids, and nucleic acids).
Carbohydrate storage, in the form of glycogen, provides a short-term energy reserve.
They trigger hunger and fullness and help in the digestion process.
Sparing the use of proteins for energy.
Breakdown of fatty acids and preventing ketosis.
Classification:
Carbohydrates are usually divided into two major groups according to their chemical structure;
sugar and non-sugar.
Sugars are divided into two major groups:
A. Monosaccharides:
It is the simplest form of sugar that cannot be hydrolyzed into the smaller unit under mild
conditions. They are subdivided depending on the number of carbon atoms present in the
molecules. For instance: Triose (C3H6O3), Tetrose (C4H8O4), Pentoses (C5H10O5);
(Arabinose, Xylose, Ribose), and Hexoses (C 6H12O6); (Glucose, Fructose, Mannose,
Galactose).
B. Oligosaccharides:
The most frequently occurring CHO produces two molecules of simple sugars after
hydrolysis. Monosaccharides and oligosaccharides are crystalline compounds that are
readily soluble in water and usually have a sweet taste.
For example; Sucrose, Lactose, Maltose, Cellobiose, Raffinose, Stachyose, and
Trehalose.
Non-sugars are tasteless, insoluble, amorphous compounds with a high molecule weight. They
are divided into two subgroups.
A. Homopolysaccharides:
They provide only one type of monosaccharide on hydrolysis. For example, Starch,
Glycogens, Dextrin, Cellulose, Fructosans, Pectin, and Chitin.
B. Heteropolysaccharides:
They are mixed polysaccharides that yield mixtures of monosaccharides and derived
products. For instance, Hemicellulose, Gums, Mucilage, Agar, Heparin, etc.
Requirements:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) jointly
recommend that national dietary guidelines set a goal of 45-65% or 55-75% of total energy from
carbohydrates to meet daily energy needs, but only 10% directly from sugars (their term for
simple carbohydrates). The optimal levels of carbohydrates in the diet, considering the
physiological needs for proteins and fats are given in the table.
Age group The optimal level of carbohydrate calories as a
percent of total calories
Adults 50-70
Pregnant and 40-50
lactating women
Infants (1-12 months) 40-50
Preschool (1-5 years) 40-60
Older children and 50-70
adolescents
Deficiency Symptoms:
Exhaustion, fatigue, and irritability
Headache and Nausea
Muscle aches and cramps
Smelly breath i.e. bad breath
Lack of concentration and mental sharpness
Dehydration
Altered bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Sodium, vitamin, and mineral deficiency
Increased lipid levels in the blood.
Hypoglycemia i.e. glucose level in the blood drops below normal value causes a feeling
of dizziness, lethargy, confusion, and triggers hunger.
Sources of Carbohydrates:
Proteins:
Proteins are complex nitrogenous organic chemical compounds specially made up of carbon,
hydrogen, and nitrogen. The molecules which yield amino acids upon hydrolysis are called
proteins. They are natural polymers of amino acids. They are the basis for the major structural
components of animal and human tissue. They act as biological catalysts (Enzymes), form
structural parts of organisms, participate in different cell reactions, act as molecules of immunity,
and provide fuel.
Functions:
Protein is vital in the maintenance of body tissue, including development and repair.
It is the major source of energy.
Protein is involved in creating some hormones, helps control body functions that involve
the interaction of several organs, and helps regulate cell growth.
It produces enzymes that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the body.
Proteins are called antibodies to help rid the body of foreign proteins and help prevent
infections, illnesses, and diseases.
Proteins transport small molecules through the organism. Hemoglobin is the protein that
transports oxygen to the cells and it is called a transport protein.
Proteins make up a large protein of muscle fiber and help in the movement of various
parts of our bodies.
Classification:
Based on the structure of protein:
1. Simple Protein:
Protein on hydrolysis gives only amino acid or their derivatives some are soluble in
distilled water like albumin, insulin, globulin, protamines, histones, etc. whereas some
are insoluble in distilled water are hemoglobin, prolamins, gluten, etc.
2. Conjugated Protein:
They are combinations of protein with a non-protein part called a prosthetic group. E.g.
hemoglobin, chromoprotein, lipoprotein, nucleoprotein, glycoprotein, phosphoprotein,
and metalloprotein.
3. Derived Protein:
Protein that is produced by the degradation of naturally occurring protein by the action of
heat, enzyme, or chemical agents is called derived protein. E.g. proteases, peptides, and
peptones.
Based on function in the body:
1. Structural Protein: collagen, connective tissue
2. Contractile Protein: myosin, actin
3. Catalytic Protein: enzymes
4. Transport Protein: hemoglobin, myoglobin, albumin, transferrin
5. Regulatory Protein or hormones: insulin
6. Protective Protein: immunoglobin, clotting factors
Based on Shape:
1. Globular Proteins:
They are spherical or oval in shape. They are easily soluble, e.g. albumins, globulins, and
protamines.
2. Fibrous Proteins:
The molecules are elongated or needle-shaped. Their solubility is minimum. They resist
digestion. Collagen, elastin, and keratins are examples.
Requirements:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that adults consume 50 grams (g) of
protein a day, as part of a 2,000-calorie diet. A person’s daily value may be higher or lower
depending on their calorie intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 provide the
following recommended daily amounts (RDA) for protein by sex and age group:
Age Protein RDA
Children aged 1-3 13 g
Children aged 4-8 19 g
Children aged 9-13 34 g
Female teens aged 14-18 46 g
Male teen aged 14-18 52 g
Female adult aged 19+ 46 g
Male adult aged 19+ 56 g
Protein Deficiency:
The deficiency of protein can lead to malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor and marasmus, which
can be life-threatening.
Symptoms:
weak muscle tone
edema or swelling due to fluid retention
thin, brittle hair
skin lesions
in adults, a loss of muscle mass
in children, growth deficits
hormone imbalances
Water:
Water is one of the most vital of all nutrients. Water is an inorganic liquid chemical that is
colorless, odorless, and tasteless that makes up most of the Earth’s hydrosphere and the fluids in
the body of all living beings. Water is an extremely important component for the existence of life
as it is vital for all biological processes. It occupies 71% of the total land on the Earth and about
70% of the total body weight of humans.
Functions:
Water is a vital body fluid that is essential for regulating the processes like digestion,
transport of nutrients, and excretion.
Water regulates the body temperature through the process of sweating and evaporation.
Water is the medium for all metabolic reactions in the body as all metabolic reactions in
the body take place in the solution phase.
Water dissolves ionic and polar organic compounds and allows the transportation of the
products of digestion to the place of requirement in the body.
Water helps in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body.
Water helps in the maintenance of the plant structures by providing the appropriate
pressure to the plant tissues.
Requirements:
For men, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends a total of 13 cups (about 3 liters) of fluid
each day. For women, they suggest 9 cups (a little over 2 liters) of fluid each day. Pregnant
women should drink about 10 cups of water daily. Those who breastfeed need about 12 cups.
Deficiency of Water:
When the body doesn't have enough water, dehydration results. Dehydration can be brought on
by vomiting, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, burns, kidney failure, and the use of diuretics. As
dehydration develops, people experience increased thirst and may also sweat less and produce
less urine. Very dehydrated people may experience confusion or lightheadedness.
Symptoms:
The first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine
production.
Dizziness and headaches
Dry mouth and foul breath
Sudden cravings for food
Constipation and other digestive problems
involuntary muscle contractions, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated,
dehydration-induced seizures can lead to death.
Hypovolemic shock: Sweating, weakness, pale skin, decreased urine production, clammy
skin, and agitation are symptoms of this potentially fatal condition.
Sources of Water:
Drinking water
Water content in food such as cucumbers (95% water), carrots, zucchini, spinach, celery,
cauliflower, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, yogurt, and grapefruit.
Metabolic water: water produced in the body after oxidation of different nutrients.
Glucose produces 0.6 gm per gm, Starch produces 0.56 gm per gm, and Protein produces
0.42 gm per gm.
Fat (Lipids):
The group of chemical substances that are fatty acids or their derivatives that are soluble in
organic solvents like benzene, ether, and chloroform but insoluble in water are called lipids.
Numerous organic oils, waxes, and steroids are among them. Lipids act as electron carriers in an
enzymatic reaction as a component of the biological membranes and are stored as a source of
energy.
Function:
Protecting nerve cells
Helping the body absorb certain fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
Helping produce hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol
Supporting cells and aiding in essential functions
Classification:
1. Simple lipid:
These are the neutral fat and waxes. Neutral fats and compounds of fatty acids and
glycerol in the ratio of the three fatty acids to each glycerol base. Waxes are compounds
of fatty acids with straight-chain alcohol.
Fats: Esters of fatty acids with glycerol. Oils are fats in the liquid state.
Waxes: Esters of fatty acids with higher molecular weight monohydroxy alcohols. E.g.
bee waxes, sperm oil wool fat, etc.
2. Compound lipid:
The lipid which contains more than one molecule of lipid and is combined with glycerol
and other substances is called compound lipid (fatty acid + Glycerol + other).
Phospholipid: Fatty acid + glycerol + phosphorus. These are present in all living cells
and essential for the permeability, transport, and metabolism of fat and blood
coagulation. E.g. phosphoglyceride, lecithin, cephalin, Plasmogin.
Glycolipid: Two alcohol of glycerol esterified with fatty acids and sugar residue.
3. Derived lipid:
These substances are derived by hydrolysis from the compound and simple lipids. These
fatty acids include carotenoids, steroids, terpenes, cholesterol, etc.
Non-saponifiable lipids:
A non-saponifiable lipid cannot be disintegrated into smaller molecules through hydrolysis. Non-
saponifiable lipids include cholesterol, prostaglandins, etc.
Saponifiable Lipids:
A saponifiable lipid comprises one or more ester groups, enabling it to undergo hydrolysis in the
presence of a base, acid, or enzymes, including waxes, triglycerides, sphingolipids, and
phospholipids.
Fatty acids are carboxylic acids (or organic acids), usually with long aliphatic tails (long chains),
either unsaturated or saturated. Fatty acids are of the following types:
Deficiency of lipids:
Dry rashes, hair loss, a weaker immune system, and issues related to vitamin deficiencies.
Sources of lipids:
fatty cuts of meat.
full-fat milk, cheese, butter, cream.
most commercially baked products (such as biscuits and pastries)
most deep-fried fast foods.
coconut and palm oil.
Vitamins:
Vitamins are organic substances required by animals in very small amounts for regulating
various body processes for normal growth, production, and reproduction.
Classification of Vitamins:
Fat-soluble vitamins:
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. These are stored in adipose tissues and hence are
called fat-soluble vitamins.
Water soluble vitamins:
Water-soluble vitamins, such as those in the B group and vitamin C, cannot be kept in our
bodies because they flow through the urine. Our bodies need to receive these vitamins
through a regular diet.
Minerals:
Minerals are solid substances that are present in nature and can be made of one element or more
elements combined (chemical compounds) which is required by our body to function normally.
The important group of simple inorganic nutrients essential for the growth and upkeep of the
body.
Classification:
Minerals are generally classified into two categories.
Based on the requirement of the body:
1. Macroelements (≥100mg): The minerals which are required in relatively large amounts
and most cases, they are used in the synthesis of structural tissues. Their concentration is
expressed in terms of percentages. The important major elements are Calcium,
Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine, and Sulphur
2. Microelements (<100 mg): These required in trace amounts usually function as
activators or as a part of the enzyme system. The important trace elements are iron,
copper, iodine, cobalt, zinc, manganese, fluorine, selenium, molybdenum, chromium,
nickel, silicon, tin, and vanadium.
The following are some of the common minerals in food and their function, deficiency
symptoms, food sources, and their requirements.