HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE – D440 WGU | COMPLETE STUDY
GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026/2027
Nutrition - ANS ✔✔The intake of food, considered in relation to the body's dietary needs
Nutrition Science - ANS ✔✔The study of the effects of food components on the metabolism,
health, performance, and disease resistance of human beings and animals
Dietetics - ANS ✔✔The use of evidence-based practices in the area of food and nutrition to
improve and maintain good health
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) - ANS ✔✔Food and nutrition expert who has met specific
academic and training criteria to earn the nationally accredited RDN license
Health - ANS ✔✔A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity
Wellness - ANS ✔✔Full potential development for all people within their environments.
Balance between activities and goals (e.g., play and work)
Health Promotion - ANS ✔✔The process of enabling people to increase control over and
improve their health
Essential Nutrients - ANS ✔✔Nutrients that the body cannot synthesize on its own—or not in
an adequate amount—and must be provided by the diet. They are necessary for the body to
function properly.
What are the SIX Essential Nutrients? - ANS ✔✔1) Carbohydrates
,2) Protein
3) Fat
4) Vitamins
5) Minerals
6) Water
Nonessential Nutrients - ANS ✔✔Nutrients that are made naturally in the body. They can also
be absorbed through certain foods. Even though they are referred to as nonessential, they are
still important in maintaining health.
Name 2 examples of Nonessential Nutrients - ANS ✔✔1) Nonessential Amino Acids
2) Cholesterol
Energy-yielding Nutrients
aka: ?? - ANS ✔✔Nutrients that provide the body with energy that is measured in calories.
aka: Macronutrients; because they are required by the body in large quantities relative to
micronutrient requirements (e.g., vitamins and minerals).
Name 3 examples of Energy-yielding Nutrients - ANS ✔✔1) Carbohydrates 2) Fats
3) Proteins
Nutrient Density - ANS ✔✔Refers to how many nutrients are present in a food, given the
number of calories it contains. It is a simple way to connect nutrients with calories.
Name examples of Nutrient-rich (or nutrient-dense) foods - ANS ✔✔Vegetables, fruits, whole
grains, seafood, eggs, beans and peas, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy
products, and lean meats and poultry.
, Name examples of foods that are NOT nutrient dense
What are "empty calories"? - ANS ✔✔Cookies, soda, French fries, and processed meats. Some
of these foods may contain important nutrients, but the overall quantity of nutrients per calorie
is low.
Empty Calories are foods that provide calories but no nutrients (e.g soda)
Signs of good nutrition include:
(hint: there are 3 listed) - ANS ✔✔1) Smooth skin
2) Clear and bright eyes
3) Resistance to infection
Personal Wellness - ANS ✔✔A positive dynamic state that motivates a person to seek a higher
level of functioning, includes all aspects of a person's life.
Wellness is supported by balanced nutrition
Nutritional Status - ANS ✔✔Measures and describes how well nutrient needs are being met.
When nutritional needs are met, an individual is considered well-nourished and in a state of
optimal nutrition.
Nutritional Status is influenced by a variety of factors, including:
GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026/2027
Nutrition - ANS ✔✔The intake of food, considered in relation to the body's dietary needs
Nutrition Science - ANS ✔✔The study of the effects of food components on the metabolism,
health, performance, and disease resistance of human beings and animals
Dietetics - ANS ✔✔The use of evidence-based practices in the area of food and nutrition to
improve and maintain good health
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) - ANS ✔✔Food and nutrition expert who has met specific
academic and training criteria to earn the nationally accredited RDN license
Health - ANS ✔✔A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity
Wellness - ANS ✔✔Full potential development for all people within their environments.
Balance between activities and goals (e.g., play and work)
Health Promotion - ANS ✔✔The process of enabling people to increase control over and
improve their health
Essential Nutrients - ANS ✔✔Nutrients that the body cannot synthesize on its own—or not in
an adequate amount—and must be provided by the diet. They are necessary for the body to
function properly.
What are the SIX Essential Nutrients? - ANS ✔✔1) Carbohydrates
,2) Protein
3) Fat
4) Vitamins
5) Minerals
6) Water
Nonessential Nutrients - ANS ✔✔Nutrients that are made naturally in the body. They can also
be absorbed through certain foods. Even though they are referred to as nonessential, they are
still important in maintaining health.
Name 2 examples of Nonessential Nutrients - ANS ✔✔1) Nonessential Amino Acids
2) Cholesterol
Energy-yielding Nutrients
aka: ?? - ANS ✔✔Nutrients that provide the body with energy that is measured in calories.
aka: Macronutrients; because they are required by the body in large quantities relative to
micronutrient requirements (e.g., vitamins and minerals).
Name 3 examples of Energy-yielding Nutrients - ANS ✔✔1) Carbohydrates 2) Fats
3) Proteins
Nutrient Density - ANS ✔✔Refers to how many nutrients are present in a food, given the
number of calories it contains. It is a simple way to connect nutrients with calories.
Name examples of Nutrient-rich (or nutrient-dense) foods - ANS ✔✔Vegetables, fruits, whole
grains, seafood, eggs, beans and peas, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy
products, and lean meats and poultry.
, Name examples of foods that are NOT nutrient dense
What are "empty calories"? - ANS ✔✔Cookies, soda, French fries, and processed meats. Some
of these foods may contain important nutrients, but the overall quantity of nutrients per calorie
is low.
Empty Calories are foods that provide calories but no nutrients (e.g soda)
Signs of good nutrition include:
(hint: there are 3 listed) - ANS ✔✔1) Smooth skin
2) Clear and bright eyes
3) Resistance to infection
Personal Wellness - ANS ✔✔A positive dynamic state that motivates a person to seek a higher
level of functioning, includes all aspects of a person's life.
Wellness is supported by balanced nutrition
Nutritional Status - ANS ✔✔Measures and describes how well nutrient needs are being met.
When nutritional needs are met, an individual is considered well-nourished and in a state of
optimal nutrition.
Nutritional Status is influenced by a variety of factors, including:
