The Role of Nutrients

Benefits of Good Nutrition

1. Growth, Development, and Function

2. Fitness
3. Job Performance
4. Appearance
5. Less Risk of Illness
6. Long-term Health
 Malnutrition
 Malnutrition = Poor nutrition over a prolonged
period

What is a Calorie (kilocalorie)?

 It is the amount of energy needed to raise the
temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1° Celsius
 It is how we measure the amount of energy we
put into our body.
 Six types of Essential
Nutrients
1. Carbohydrates - Body’s main source
of energy. Examples: Grains,
potatoes, & vegetables.
2. Fats - Concentrated source of energy
Examples: Butter, dressings, baked
goods.
3. Protein – Helps build, repair and
maintain body tissue. Examples:
Poultry, eggs, milk, and beef.
4. Vitamins – Chemicals that help
regulate many vital body processes
and aid other nutrients. Examples:
Vitamins C, D & E
5. Minerals – Non-living substances that
help the body work and can become
part of body tissue. Examples:
Calcium & Potassium
6. Water – Essential to life.
 Nutrient Deficiency – Nutrient shortage
produces many possible symptoms
depending on the nutrient.
 Carbohydrates

Complex Simple
Carbohydrates Carbohydrates

Starches Dietary Fiber Refine Sugar Natural Sugars

These are sugars Fruit – Fructose
Ex. Potatoes and Ex. Fruits and
extracted from plants ex. Grains – Maltose
Grains Vegetables (SKIN)_ Honey & molasses Dairy - Lactose

Insoluble Fiber Soluble Fiber

Will not dissolve
Dissolve in water
In water
 Protein

Complete Protein Incomplete Protein

Supplies all 9 of the Essential Lacking one or more Essential
Amino Acids Amino Acids
Ex. Meat, eggs, & dairy All food from plant sources
 Role of Nutrients

1. Dietary Fiber – a mixture of plant materials

that is not broken down in the digestive
system.
2. DRI’s – (Dietary Reference Intakes)
Standards used for assessing nutrients needs
among people of different age and gender
groups.
3. RDA’s – (Recommended Dietary Allowances)
The amounts of a nutrient needed by 98% of
the people in a given area and gender group.
4. AI’s - (Adequate Intakes) Used when a lack
of RDA cannot be established.
 Can malnutrition exist where food is
abundant?
 YES
 Why? – Due to poor diet or a medical
condition
 What four factors determine the number of
calories your body needs?
1. Activity level
2. Age
3. Weight
4. Gender