Nutrition Lecture Notes/Outline:
Nutrition is vital for life and health; poor nutrition can seriously decrease one's level of wellness, which
makes
... [Show More] it a vital component of nursing
Principles of Nutrition:
Nutrition- study of how food nourishes the body; it encompasses the study of nutrients and how they
are handled by the body as well as the impact of human behavior and environment on the process of
nourishment
Nutrients- specific biochemical substances used by the body for growth, development, activity,
reproduction, lactation, health maintenance, and recovery from illness or injury
Most nutrients work better together than they do alone; also, nutrient needs change throughout the
life cycle in response to changes in body size, activity, growth, development, and state of health
Some nutrients are considered essential because either they are not synthesized in the body or are
made in insufficient amounts; must be provided in the diet or through supplements
o Essential nutrients that supply energy and build tissue (Carbohydrates, fats, protein) are
referred to as macronutrients
o Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)- required in much smaller amounts to regulate and
control body processes
Nonessential nutrients do not have to be suppled through dietary sources because they either are not
required for body functioning or are synthesized in the body in adequate amounts; some nutrients can
be converted to others in the body
Of the 6 classes of nutrients, 3 supply energy (carbohydrates, protein, lipids (fats)) and 3 are needed
to regulate body processes (vitamins, minerals, water)
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Energy Balance:
Body needs energy to function; energy is derived or obtained from foods consumed; energy in the diet
is measured in form of kilocalories, calories, or cal; only carbohydrates, protein, and fat provide
energy; vitamins and minerals needed for metabolism of energy, do not provide calories
Total energy intake for a meal, a day, or longer, can be calculated by using food composition tables
Energy in the body is used to carry on any kind of activity, whether voluntary or involuntary; person's
total daily energy expenditure is the sum of all the calories used to perform physical activity, maintain
basal metabolism, and digest, absorb, and metabolize food
If a person's daily energy intake is equal to total daily energy expenditure, the person's weight will
remain stable; however, if the energy intake is less than the energy expended, the person's weight will
decrease; if energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, weight will increase [Show Less]