Science Medicine Nutrition
WGU C458 Health, Fitness and Wellness
WGU C458 Health, Fitness, and
Wellness Study Questions and
answers 2025
Nutrition provides the body with the nutrients it needs to perform its daily tasks
implies that the individual is not getting enough nutrients. This can occur even if the
Undernutrition
person is consuming more than enough calories
Malnutrition an imbalance of proper nutrients
literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer: A person with this is hungry,
but denies the hunger because of an irrational fear of becoming fat. Self-starvation,
Anorexia nervosa food preoccupation and rituals, compulsive exercising, and often an absence of
menstrual cycles in women.
Untreated, can be fatal.
characterized by recurring periods of binge eating, during which large amounts of
Bulimia food are consumed in a short period of time followed by purging (through self-
induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics) or periods of fasting
episodes of binge eating characterized by eating rapidly, eating large amounts of
Binge eating disorder (BED)
food even when not feeling hungry, and feeling guilty or depressed after overeating.
15 to 20 percent above normal weight. Poor dietary patterns; include increased
intake of sugars in sweetened soft drinks, foods, and meals of high energy, low
Obesity
nutrient density, and large portion sizes. At risk for serious health problems such as
type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
inorganic material. Form body parts (teeth and bones), maintain acid-base neutrality,
Minerals
regulate nerve impulses, osmotic pressure, and electrolyte balance
, needed by the body:
• calcium—milk, cheese, sardines, salmon, green vegetables
• phosphorus—milk, cheese, lean meat
• potassium—oranges, bananas, dried fruits
Major minerals
• sulfur—eggs, poultry, fish
• sodium—table salt, beef, eggs, cheese
• chloride—table salt, meat
• magnesium—green vegetables, whole grains
required in lesser amounts, and include iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, copper,
Trace minerals
iodine, fluorine, chromium, molybdenum, and manganese
HDL cholesterol (high density lipoproteins) protect the body against heart disease. Often called "good" cholesterol.
most cholesterol in the blood is of this type. Often referred to as the bad
LDL cholesterol (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol. high levels in the blood increases the risk of fatty deposits forming in the
arteries, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack
large molecules of fat and protein in the bloodstream; how cholesterol is
Lipoproteins
transported
slow the aging process. Reduce cellular damage by binding with free radicals
Antioxidants
produced during oxidation reactions
the energy-yielding reactions in which either an oxygen atom adds an electron to or
a hydrogen atom removes an electron from a substrate (a group of atoms or
Oxidation reactions molecule)—the net result is a substrate that has had a partial or complete loss of a
negatively charge particle, an electron. Two partially charged atoms or groups of
atoms, one positively charged and the other negatively charged, now exist
any atom or group of atoms that has an unpaired electron. Because electrons
typically function in pairs, these are very prone to binding to other substrates in an
Free radical (Oxidant)
effort to regain this paired status. When this happens in the human body, there is
potential for a great deal of damage.
produce 4 calories of energy per gram. Found in foods as monosaccharides,
Carbohydrates disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Sources include fruits, vegetables, pasta, and
rice which consist of simple sugars and starches
produce 4 calories of energy per gram. Sources include meats and milk. Composed
of 8 essential(provided by the diet) and 12 nonessential(synthesized by the body)
amino acids. Perform many functions including building cells and tissues, forming
Protein blood and enzymes, and fighting infection.
means primary, and no organism can live, and almost no biological process can take
place, without it
produce 9 calories of energy per gram. Organic compounds that do not readily
Lipids dissolve in water; based on their solubility, they are classified into triglycerides (more
commonly known as fats), phospholipids, and sterols
Incomplete protein proteins that are lacking one or more of the essential amino acids
Glycogen the polysaccharide form in which glucose is stored in the liver
Glucose simple sugar. The only source of energy that brain cells use to function
Solid at room temperature. Group of chemical compounds that contain fatty acids,
often in very long strands. Most concentrated source of energy in the diet. Provides
Triglycerides (Fats) much of the stored energy of the body. Insulate body organs against changes in
environmental temperature. Protect the organs and underlying tissues by acting as a
shock absorber.
, essential component of body structure. Second only to oxygen in importance to
body functioning. Acts as a solvent for minerals and other physiologically important
Water compounds. In the body, it transports nutrients to and waste products from the cells
and helps regulate body temperature. Comes from fluids and solids in the diet and
also is produced by the metabolic processing of energy nutrients within the tissues
Oils liquid at room temperature.
organic compounds required by every part of the body to maintain health and
prevent disease. Classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Do not become
part of the body. Only small amounts are needed, but must be provided by the diet
Vitamins because the body is not able to synthesize them in the required quantities for proper
nourishment and body function. Foster growth, promote the ability to produce
healthy offspring, maintain health, aid in the normal function of the digestive tract
and appetite, and help maintain immune system functions.
found in the fatty parts of food and body tissues. Stored in the body until needed, so
Fat-soluble vitamins it is not necessary to consume them every day. Transported by lipids through the
body; A, D, E, and K
important in promoting growth and health of body tissues as well as enhancing the
function of the immune system. Enhances vision by helping the retina function
Vitamin A properly, permitting us to distinguish between light and shade and to see various
colors distinctly. A form of this is used by dermatologists to treat acne and other skin
disorders. Overdoses may result in yellowish, dry, scaly skin and dry, irritated eyes
essential for calcium absorption and thus is needed to prevent and cure
Vitamin D
rickets(deficiency disease in which bones fail to harden)
an activator in certain enzyme reactions, and it protects vitamins A and C from being
Vitamin E
used up too quickly
essential for the synthesis of prothrombin, a substance needed for normal blood
Vitamin K
coagulation.
associated with the watery parts of food and body tissues. Not stored by the body.
Water-soluble vitamins Excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine and, therefore, should be provided
in the diet on a regular basis. Includes the B vitamins and vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
essential to daily human nutrition. Known as the B-complex group, they help body
systems combat stress and maintain energy reserves. The B-complex group consists
B vitamins
of vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6
(pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), folic acid, and biotin.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) necessary for carbohydrate metabolism. Aids in the release of energy from food
helps body cells use oxygen, promotes tissue repair, and helps the nervous system
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
function properly
essential to growth; without it, thiamin and riboflavin could not function properly in
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
the body
necessary for healthy teeth and gums and helps maintain normal body cholesterol.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Further, it aids in the production of antibodies
works in conjunction with folic acid and iron to build normal blood cells and prevent
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
pernicious anemia
aids in the proper growth and reproduction of blood cells and contributes to healthy
Folic acid
skin. Also helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy
necessary for the proper use of fats, carbohydrates, and protein and helps produce
Biotin
antibodies
WGU C458 Health, Fitness and Wellness
WGU C458 Health, Fitness, and
Wellness Study Questions and
answers 2025
Nutrition provides the body with the nutrients it needs to perform its daily tasks
implies that the individual is not getting enough nutrients. This can occur even if the
Undernutrition
person is consuming more than enough calories
Malnutrition an imbalance of proper nutrients
literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer: A person with this is hungry,
but denies the hunger because of an irrational fear of becoming fat. Self-starvation,
Anorexia nervosa food preoccupation and rituals, compulsive exercising, and often an absence of
menstrual cycles in women.
Untreated, can be fatal.
characterized by recurring periods of binge eating, during which large amounts of
Bulimia food are consumed in a short period of time followed by purging (through self-
induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics) or periods of fasting
episodes of binge eating characterized by eating rapidly, eating large amounts of
Binge eating disorder (BED)
food even when not feeling hungry, and feeling guilty or depressed after overeating.
15 to 20 percent above normal weight. Poor dietary patterns; include increased
intake of sugars in sweetened soft drinks, foods, and meals of high energy, low
Obesity
nutrient density, and large portion sizes. At risk for serious health problems such as
type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
inorganic material. Form body parts (teeth and bones), maintain acid-base neutrality,
Minerals
regulate nerve impulses, osmotic pressure, and electrolyte balance
, needed by the body:
• calcium—milk, cheese, sardines, salmon, green vegetables
• phosphorus—milk, cheese, lean meat
• potassium—oranges, bananas, dried fruits
Major minerals
• sulfur—eggs, poultry, fish
• sodium—table salt, beef, eggs, cheese
• chloride—table salt, meat
• magnesium—green vegetables, whole grains
required in lesser amounts, and include iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, copper,
Trace minerals
iodine, fluorine, chromium, molybdenum, and manganese
HDL cholesterol (high density lipoproteins) protect the body against heart disease. Often called "good" cholesterol.
most cholesterol in the blood is of this type. Often referred to as the bad
LDL cholesterol (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol. high levels in the blood increases the risk of fatty deposits forming in the
arteries, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack
large molecules of fat and protein in the bloodstream; how cholesterol is
Lipoproteins
transported
slow the aging process. Reduce cellular damage by binding with free radicals
Antioxidants
produced during oxidation reactions
the energy-yielding reactions in which either an oxygen atom adds an electron to or
a hydrogen atom removes an electron from a substrate (a group of atoms or
Oxidation reactions molecule)—the net result is a substrate that has had a partial or complete loss of a
negatively charge particle, an electron. Two partially charged atoms or groups of
atoms, one positively charged and the other negatively charged, now exist
any atom or group of atoms that has an unpaired electron. Because electrons
typically function in pairs, these are very prone to binding to other substrates in an
Free radical (Oxidant)
effort to regain this paired status. When this happens in the human body, there is
potential for a great deal of damage.
produce 4 calories of energy per gram. Found in foods as monosaccharides,
Carbohydrates disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Sources include fruits, vegetables, pasta, and
rice which consist of simple sugars and starches
produce 4 calories of energy per gram. Sources include meats and milk. Composed
of 8 essential(provided by the diet) and 12 nonessential(synthesized by the body)
amino acids. Perform many functions including building cells and tissues, forming
Protein blood and enzymes, and fighting infection.
means primary, and no organism can live, and almost no biological process can take
place, without it
produce 9 calories of energy per gram. Organic compounds that do not readily
Lipids dissolve in water; based on their solubility, they are classified into triglycerides (more
commonly known as fats), phospholipids, and sterols
Incomplete protein proteins that are lacking one or more of the essential amino acids
Glycogen the polysaccharide form in which glucose is stored in the liver
Glucose simple sugar. The only source of energy that brain cells use to function
Solid at room temperature. Group of chemical compounds that contain fatty acids,
often in very long strands. Most concentrated source of energy in the diet. Provides
Triglycerides (Fats) much of the stored energy of the body. Insulate body organs against changes in
environmental temperature. Protect the organs and underlying tissues by acting as a
shock absorber.
, essential component of body structure. Second only to oxygen in importance to
body functioning. Acts as a solvent for minerals and other physiologically important
Water compounds. In the body, it transports nutrients to and waste products from the cells
and helps regulate body temperature. Comes from fluids and solids in the diet and
also is produced by the metabolic processing of energy nutrients within the tissues
Oils liquid at room temperature.
organic compounds required by every part of the body to maintain health and
prevent disease. Classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Do not become
part of the body. Only small amounts are needed, but must be provided by the diet
Vitamins because the body is not able to synthesize them in the required quantities for proper
nourishment and body function. Foster growth, promote the ability to produce
healthy offspring, maintain health, aid in the normal function of the digestive tract
and appetite, and help maintain immune system functions.
found in the fatty parts of food and body tissues. Stored in the body until needed, so
Fat-soluble vitamins it is not necessary to consume them every day. Transported by lipids through the
body; A, D, E, and K
important in promoting growth and health of body tissues as well as enhancing the
function of the immune system. Enhances vision by helping the retina function
Vitamin A properly, permitting us to distinguish between light and shade and to see various
colors distinctly. A form of this is used by dermatologists to treat acne and other skin
disorders. Overdoses may result in yellowish, dry, scaly skin and dry, irritated eyes
essential for calcium absorption and thus is needed to prevent and cure
Vitamin D
rickets(deficiency disease in which bones fail to harden)
an activator in certain enzyme reactions, and it protects vitamins A and C from being
Vitamin E
used up too quickly
essential for the synthesis of prothrombin, a substance needed for normal blood
Vitamin K
coagulation.
associated with the watery parts of food and body tissues. Not stored by the body.
Water-soluble vitamins Excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine and, therefore, should be provided
in the diet on a regular basis. Includes the B vitamins and vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
essential to daily human nutrition. Known as the B-complex group, they help body
systems combat stress and maintain energy reserves. The B-complex group consists
B vitamins
of vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6
(pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), folic acid, and biotin.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) necessary for carbohydrate metabolism. Aids in the release of energy from food
helps body cells use oxygen, promotes tissue repair, and helps the nervous system
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
function properly
essential to growth; without it, thiamin and riboflavin could not function properly in
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
the body
necessary for healthy teeth and gums and helps maintain normal body cholesterol.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Further, it aids in the production of antibodies
works in conjunction with folic acid and iron to build normal blood cells and prevent
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
pernicious anemia
aids in the proper growth and reproduction of blood cells and contributes to healthy
Folic acid
skin. Also helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy
necessary for the proper use of fats, carbohydrates, and protein and helps produce
Biotin
antibodies
