Ch. 1 Introduction to Nutrition and Its Importance
Understanding Nutrition Basics
Importance of Nutrition
● Learning about foods and nutrition is crucial for understanding their
impact on health and well-being.
● Personal food choices are influenced by various factors.
● Lifestyle factors contribute to leading causes of death in the United States.
● Proper nutrition and exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like
heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
● Nutritional health plays a significant role in combating infectious diseases
like COVID-19.
Classes of Nutrients
● There are six classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins,
minerals, and water.
● Each class of nutrient serves a specific role in the body's functioning.
● Understanding the distinction between nutrients, essential nutrients,
nonnutrients, and phytochemicals is essential.
● Some nutrients can be produced by the body, reducing the absolute dietary
requirement.
● Vitamins are not a direct source of energy.
Impact of COVID-19 on Nutrition
● COVID-19 is a viral infection spread through respiratory droplets.
● Proper nutrition enhances immune responses to infectious agents like the
coronavirus.
● Malnourished individuals and those with pre-existing conditions are at
higher risk of severe illness.
● Healthy eating habits play a crucial role in overall health and disease
prevention.
● Nutritional health is intertwined with the management of infectious
diseases.
,Key Terms and Concepts
Fundamental Nutrition Terms
● Nutrition: The scientific study of nutrients and their utilization by the
body.
● Chemistry: Study of matter composition and characteristics.
● Cell: The basic functional unit of living organisms.
● Metabolism: All chemical processes within living cells.
Essential Nutrients and Functions
● Essential nutrients must be obtained from food to prevent deficiency
diseases.
● Signs of ill health indicate nutrient deficiencies.
● Adding the missing nutrient to the diet corrects abnormal physiological
changes.
● Scientists can explain the effects of nutrient deficiencies on health.
● Table 1.2 lists essential nutrients for humans.
Nonnutrients and Antioxidants
● Phytochemicals: Plant substances beneficial to health but not classified as
nutrients.
● Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage by external factors.
● Phytochemical classes include carotenoids, phenolics, and alkaloids.
● Antioxidants play a crucial role in cellular protection.
● Table 1.3 provides examples of phytochemicals and their sources.
Nutrient Functions and Dietary
Supplements
Major Nutrient Functions
Table 1.1
, Nutrient Function
Carbohydrates Energy source
Lipids Energy source, growth, regulation,
absorption
Proteins Structural components, cellular
development, immunity, energy
Vitamins Regulation, maintenance
Minerals Regulation, structural components,
maintenance
Water Fluid balance, temperature regulation,
chemical reactions
Dietary Supplements
● The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 classifies
nutrient supplements as foods.
● Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and
dietary substances.
● These supplements aim to enhance overall nutrient intake.
, ● Manufacturers are permitted to market supplements as food products.
● DSHEA regulates the classification and marketing of dietary supplements.
Americans' Eating Habits and Healthy
People 2030
Comparison of Diets: 1970 vs. Current
● Americans' diets have evolved from 1970 to 2017.
● Factors like food availability and lifestyle changes influence eating habits.
● Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Availability Data System.
● Shift towards more processed foods and convenience foods.
● Increased consumption of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Healthy People 2030 Goals
● Promote healthy living free of preventable diseases.
● Address health disparities and achieve health equity.
● Create environments conducive to overall well-being.
● Encourage healthy behaviors across all life stages.
● Collaborate across sectors to improve public health.
Main Nutrition-Related Goal
● Improve health through healthy eating and access to nutritious foods.
● Specific objectives listed in Healthy People 2030 to achieve this goal.
Factors Influencing Health
Lifestyle and Chronic Disease Risk Factors
● Lifestyle encompasses dietary practices and physical activity.
● Chronic disease risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, and
substance abuse.
● Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors also play a role.
Understanding Nutrition Basics
Importance of Nutrition
● Learning about foods and nutrition is crucial for understanding their
impact on health and well-being.
● Personal food choices are influenced by various factors.
● Lifestyle factors contribute to leading causes of death in the United States.
● Proper nutrition and exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like
heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
● Nutritional health plays a significant role in combating infectious diseases
like COVID-19.
Classes of Nutrients
● There are six classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins,
minerals, and water.
● Each class of nutrient serves a specific role in the body's functioning.
● Understanding the distinction between nutrients, essential nutrients,
nonnutrients, and phytochemicals is essential.
● Some nutrients can be produced by the body, reducing the absolute dietary
requirement.
● Vitamins are not a direct source of energy.
Impact of COVID-19 on Nutrition
● COVID-19 is a viral infection spread through respiratory droplets.
● Proper nutrition enhances immune responses to infectious agents like the
coronavirus.
● Malnourished individuals and those with pre-existing conditions are at
higher risk of severe illness.
● Healthy eating habits play a crucial role in overall health and disease
prevention.
● Nutritional health is intertwined with the management of infectious
diseases.
,Key Terms and Concepts
Fundamental Nutrition Terms
● Nutrition: The scientific study of nutrients and their utilization by the
body.
● Chemistry: Study of matter composition and characteristics.
● Cell: The basic functional unit of living organisms.
● Metabolism: All chemical processes within living cells.
Essential Nutrients and Functions
● Essential nutrients must be obtained from food to prevent deficiency
diseases.
● Signs of ill health indicate nutrient deficiencies.
● Adding the missing nutrient to the diet corrects abnormal physiological
changes.
● Scientists can explain the effects of nutrient deficiencies on health.
● Table 1.2 lists essential nutrients for humans.
Nonnutrients and Antioxidants
● Phytochemicals: Plant substances beneficial to health but not classified as
nutrients.
● Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage by external factors.
● Phytochemical classes include carotenoids, phenolics, and alkaloids.
● Antioxidants play a crucial role in cellular protection.
● Table 1.3 provides examples of phytochemicals and their sources.
Nutrient Functions and Dietary
Supplements
Major Nutrient Functions
Table 1.1
, Nutrient Function
Carbohydrates Energy source
Lipids Energy source, growth, regulation,
absorption
Proteins Structural components, cellular
development, immunity, energy
Vitamins Regulation, maintenance
Minerals Regulation, structural components,
maintenance
Water Fluid balance, temperature regulation,
chemical reactions
Dietary Supplements
● The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 classifies
nutrient supplements as foods.
● Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and
dietary substances.
● These supplements aim to enhance overall nutrient intake.
, ● Manufacturers are permitted to market supplements as food products.
● DSHEA regulates the classification and marketing of dietary supplements.
Americans' Eating Habits and Healthy
People 2030
Comparison of Diets: 1970 vs. Current
● Americans' diets have evolved from 1970 to 2017.
● Factors like food availability and lifestyle changes influence eating habits.
● Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Availability Data System.
● Shift towards more processed foods and convenience foods.
● Increased consumption of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Healthy People 2030 Goals
● Promote healthy living free of preventable diseases.
● Address health disparities and achieve health equity.
● Create environments conducive to overall well-being.
● Encourage healthy behaviors across all life stages.
● Collaborate across sectors to improve public health.
Main Nutrition-Related Goal
● Improve health through healthy eating and access to nutritious foods.
● Specific objectives listed in Healthy People 2030 to achieve this goal.
Factors Influencing Health
Lifestyle and Chronic Disease Risk Factors
● Lifestyle encompasses dietary practices and physical activity.
● Chronic disease risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, and
substance abuse.
● Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors also play a role.
