FND 430 Final Exam Study Guide Latest Update
What is the role of antioxidants? - ANSWER Antioxidants help neutralize harmful
molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules produced
during normal metabolic processes or introduced from external sources (pollution,
tobacco smoke).Excess of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular
damage.
Antioxidants counteract them by donating electrons, which stabilizes them.
Play roles in cellular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, immune support, chronic
disease prevention and skin health
What are sources of antioxidants? - ANSWER fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, certain
beverages.
common sources: berries, citrus fruits, vitamin C-rich foods (kiwi, guava, papaya, bell
pepper), vitamin e rich foods (almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil), dark leafy greens,
colorful vegetables, green tea, dark chocolate, red and purple grapes, legumes, herbs
and spices, omega-3 fatty acids
How do antioxidants protect against health conditions? - ANSWER - neutralize free
radicals by donating electrons
- reduce oxidative stress
- protect against chronic diseases: reduced risk for heart disease, certain cancers, and
neurodegenerative conditions
- anti-inflammatory effects
- support the immune system
- cardiovascular health
- maintaining skin health
Define Antioxidant - ANSWER substance that inhibits or counteracts the damaging
effects of oxidative stress on living organisms.
Define Xenobiotic - ANSWER substances that are foreign to an organism's normal
biochemistry and physiology. Can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin
contact. examples include drugs, environmental pollutants, industrial chemicals,
pesticides, and other synthetic substances.
Define GALT - ANSWER Gut-associated lymphoid tissue. component of the lymphatic
system and an essential part of the immune system located in the GI tract.
,- includes Peyer's patches in the small intestine, isolated lymphoid follicles, and other
lymphoid cells
Define Allostasis - ANSWER refers to the body's ability to achieve stability (homeostasis)
through physiological or behavioral changes in response to envs challenges or
stressors. Involves adaptive changes that allow the body to respond and adjust to
varying conditions.
How can inflammation be assessed? - ANSWER inflammation can be assessed using
c-reactive protein (CRP; increases during inflammation); erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(ESR, increased can be nonspecific indicator of inflammation); complete blood count
(CBC, elevated wbc); proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor
alpha)
What are some biomarkers of inflammation? - ANSWER Pro-inflam molecules:
adipokines, cytokines
Prolonged inflammation: antigens, genomics, body composition, energy dysregulation,
microbiome, hypercoagulation, infection, stress
What dietary factors contribute to an immune response in the GI tract? - ANSWER high
sugar and processed foods, high-fat diets, low fiber intake, food sensitivities and
allergies, excessive alcohol consumption, artificial additives and preservatives, lack of
antioxidant rich foods, inadequate hydration, excessive caffeine
What are nutritional considerations for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome? -
ANSWER diverse diet, fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, polyphenol-rich foods, healthy
fats, prebiotic foods, limit added sugars, protein diversity, moderate alcohol
consumption, good hydration, limited artificial additives, mindful eating
What is a flavonoid? - ANSWER class of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in
the plant kingdom. They are secondary metabolites found in fruits, vegetables, tea, red
wine and various plant-based foods. Known for antioxidant properties and contribute to
vibrant colors of many fruits and flowers.
What is a food source of flavonoids? - ANSWER citrus fruits, berries, apples, onions, tea,
dark chocolate, red wine, broccoli, kale, cherries
How do fatty acids contribute to inflammation? - ANSWER omega-3 fatty acids are
anti-inflammatory
omega-6 fatty acids has pro-inflammatory effects (precursors to pro-inflammatory
signaling molecules)
- arachidonic acid, is a precursor to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as
prostaglandins and leukotrienes
trans and saturated fats are pro-inflammatory
, Essential fatty acids can be converted to what? - ANSWER Omega 3 FA can be
converted to DHA, a very anti-inflammatory FA
What are anti-inflammatories found naturally in foods? - ANSWER anti-inflammatory food
sources:
vitamins & minerals
spices
flavonoids
herbs
low glycemic foods
quality of dietary fats
removing allergens
decrease processed foods
How might the GI tract contribute to risk of allergies? - ANSWER gut microbiota
composition: microbial diversity, early microbial exposure
gut barrier function: intestinal barrier
Immune system regulation: tolerance vs. sensitization
Why is the gut microbiome important? - ANSWER plays role in digestion and nutrient
absorption, immune system regulation, barriers against pathogens, synthesis of
bioactive compounds, metabolism and weight regulation, mood and brain function,
inflammatory response modulation, maturation of the immune system, protection
against autoimmunity
What are some dietary components that are thought to positively affect the gut
microbiome? - ANSWER fiber, probiotics, polyphenols, fermented foods, omega-3 fatty
acids, resistant starch, prebiotics, protein from plant sources, colorful vegetables,
herbs and spices
What is the relationship between the GI tract and the immune system? - ANSWER GI
track provides a physical barrier to prevent pathogens, toxins and harmful substances
from entering the bloodstream.
microbiota interaction - beneficial bacteria help maintain a balance between
pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses
immune cells in the gut - GALT - contains a sig portion of the body's immune cells
Immunoglobulin production - primary site of production of IgA
What is the role of antioxidants? - ANSWER Antioxidants help neutralize harmful
molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules produced
during normal metabolic processes or introduced from external sources (pollution,
tobacco smoke).Excess of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular
damage.
Antioxidants counteract them by donating electrons, which stabilizes them.
Play roles in cellular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, immune support, chronic
disease prevention and skin health
What are sources of antioxidants? - ANSWER fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, certain
beverages.
common sources: berries, citrus fruits, vitamin C-rich foods (kiwi, guava, papaya, bell
pepper), vitamin e rich foods (almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil), dark leafy greens,
colorful vegetables, green tea, dark chocolate, red and purple grapes, legumes, herbs
and spices, omega-3 fatty acids
How do antioxidants protect against health conditions? - ANSWER - neutralize free
radicals by donating electrons
- reduce oxidative stress
- protect against chronic diseases: reduced risk for heart disease, certain cancers, and
neurodegenerative conditions
- anti-inflammatory effects
- support the immune system
- cardiovascular health
- maintaining skin health
Define Antioxidant - ANSWER substance that inhibits or counteracts the damaging
effects of oxidative stress on living organisms.
Define Xenobiotic - ANSWER substances that are foreign to an organism's normal
biochemistry and physiology. Can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin
contact. examples include drugs, environmental pollutants, industrial chemicals,
pesticides, and other synthetic substances.
Define GALT - ANSWER Gut-associated lymphoid tissue. component of the lymphatic
system and an essential part of the immune system located in the GI tract.
,- includes Peyer's patches in the small intestine, isolated lymphoid follicles, and other
lymphoid cells
Define Allostasis - ANSWER refers to the body's ability to achieve stability (homeostasis)
through physiological or behavioral changes in response to envs challenges or
stressors. Involves adaptive changes that allow the body to respond and adjust to
varying conditions.
How can inflammation be assessed? - ANSWER inflammation can be assessed using
c-reactive protein (CRP; increases during inflammation); erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(ESR, increased can be nonspecific indicator of inflammation); complete blood count
(CBC, elevated wbc); proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor
alpha)
What are some biomarkers of inflammation? - ANSWER Pro-inflam molecules:
adipokines, cytokines
Prolonged inflammation: antigens, genomics, body composition, energy dysregulation,
microbiome, hypercoagulation, infection, stress
What dietary factors contribute to an immune response in the GI tract? - ANSWER high
sugar and processed foods, high-fat diets, low fiber intake, food sensitivities and
allergies, excessive alcohol consumption, artificial additives and preservatives, lack of
antioxidant rich foods, inadequate hydration, excessive caffeine
What are nutritional considerations for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome? -
ANSWER diverse diet, fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, polyphenol-rich foods, healthy
fats, prebiotic foods, limit added sugars, protein diversity, moderate alcohol
consumption, good hydration, limited artificial additives, mindful eating
What is a flavonoid? - ANSWER class of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in
the plant kingdom. They are secondary metabolites found in fruits, vegetables, tea, red
wine and various plant-based foods. Known for antioxidant properties and contribute to
vibrant colors of many fruits and flowers.
What is a food source of flavonoids? - ANSWER citrus fruits, berries, apples, onions, tea,
dark chocolate, red wine, broccoli, kale, cherries
How do fatty acids contribute to inflammation? - ANSWER omega-3 fatty acids are
anti-inflammatory
omega-6 fatty acids has pro-inflammatory effects (precursors to pro-inflammatory
signaling molecules)
- arachidonic acid, is a precursor to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as
prostaglandins and leukotrienes
trans and saturated fats are pro-inflammatory
, Essential fatty acids can be converted to what? - ANSWER Omega 3 FA can be
converted to DHA, a very anti-inflammatory FA
What are anti-inflammatories found naturally in foods? - ANSWER anti-inflammatory food
sources:
vitamins & minerals
spices
flavonoids
herbs
low glycemic foods
quality of dietary fats
removing allergens
decrease processed foods
How might the GI tract contribute to risk of allergies? - ANSWER gut microbiota
composition: microbial diversity, early microbial exposure
gut barrier function: intestinal barrier
Immune system regulation: tolerance vs. sensitization
Why is the gut microbiome important? - ANSWER plays role in digestion and nutrient
absorption, immune system regulation, barriers against pathogens, synthesis of
bioactive compounds, metabolism and weight regulation, mood and brain function,
inflammatory response modulation, maturation of the immune system, protection
against autoimmunity
What are some dietary components that are thought to positively affect the gut
microbiome? - ANSWER fiber, probiotics, polyphenols, fermented foods, omega-3 fatty
acids, resistant starch, prebiotics, protein from plant sources, colorful vegetables,
herbs and spices
What is the relationship between the GI tract and the immune system? - ANSWER GI
track provides a physical barrier to prevent pathogens, toxins and harmful substances
from entering the bloodstream.
microbiota interaction - beneficial bacteria help maintain a balance between
pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses
immune cells in the gut - GALT - contains a sig portion of the body's immune cells
Immunoglobulin production - primary site of production of IgA
