Nutrition and

Dietetics
Role of nutrients in nutrition
Introduction to Nutrients

Nutrients are essential substances obtained

from food that support growth,
development, and overall health. They
include carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber. Each
nutrient has specific roles in providing
energy, maintaining tissues, supporting
bodily functions, and promoting well-being.
Macronutrients
- Macronutrients are the three main components of our diet.

- Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy and found in grains, fruits, and vegetables.

- Proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues and can be obtained from
meat, fish, beans, and dairy products.

- Fats provide concentrated energy, aid in vitamin absorption, and are found in oils, nuts, and
avocados.

- Macronutrients play key roles in metabolism, hormone production, and immune function.

- A balanced intake of macronutrients is crucial for overall health.

Micronutrients
- Micronutrients are essential nutrients required in smaller quantities for optimal health.

- They include vitamins and minerals.

- Vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins support energy production,
immune function, and enzyme/hormone functioning.

- Minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc are important for bone health, oxygen transport, and
cellular function.

- Micronutrients are obtained from a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
nuts, and seeds.

- Adequate intake of micronutrients is crucial for overall well-being and disease prevention.
Role of nutrients

- Nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

- Macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, provide energy and support
growth and tissue repair.

- Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are crucial for various bodily processes and
immune function.

- Nutrients contribute to maintaining healthy bones, muscles, organs, and a balanced

immune system.

- A well-rounded diet with a variety of nutrients is important for optimal health.

Nitrogen Balance

- Nitrogen balance refers to the equilibrium between nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion in
the body.

- Nitrogen is obtained primarily from dietary protein sources.

- Positive nitrogen balance occurs when nitrogen intake exceeds excretion, typically during
growth, recovery, or pregnancy.

- Negative nitrogen balance happens when nitrogen excretion exceeds intake, indicating
inadequate protein intake or increased protein loss.

- Maintaining a positive nitrogen balance is important for supporting overall health and
meeting the body's protein requirements.
Nutritional Qualities of Protein
- The nutritional quality of protein depends on its amino acid composition and
digestibility.

- High-quality or complete proteins contain all essential amino acids in the right
proportions.

- Animal-based proteins such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products are considered
high-quality proteins.

- Plant-based proteins like legumes, grains, and nuts can be good sources of protein
but may lack certain essential amino acids.

- Combining different plant-based protein sources can help achieve a complete amino
acid profile.

- Adequate protein intake from high-quality sources is important for growth, tissue
repair, immune function, hormone production, and overall health.
Assessment of Protein Quality
- Protein quality assessment involves evaluating the nutritional value and digestibility of proteins.

- Methods such as PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score), DIAAS (Digestible
Indispensable Amino Acid Score), and BV (Biological Value) are used to assess protein quality.

- PDCAAS and DIAAS measure essential amino acid content and digestibility.

- DIAAS is considered more accurate for certain proteins.

- BV measures the proportion of absorbed protein retained in the body.

- Higher protein quality is indicated by the presence of all essential amino acids in sufficient amounts and
high digestibility.

- Animal-based proteins generally have higher protein quality scores compared to most plant-based
proteins.
Mutual Supplementation of Proteins

- Mutual supplementation of proteins combines different plant-based protein sources.

- It is also known as protein complementation.

- The goal is to create a complete amino acid profile.

- Individual plant proteins may be deficient in certain essential amino acids.

- Combining complementary protein sources compensates for amino acid deficiencies.

- Legumes and grains are commonly combined to achieve mutual supplementation.

- This dietary strategy enhances protein quality and ensures a more balanced amino acid intake.

- Mutual supplementation is commonly practiced in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Vitamins

- Vitamins are essential organic compounds needed in small amounts for proper body function.

- There are two main types: fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-complex, C).

- Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fat tissues and require dietary fat for absorption.

- Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and need regular replenishment.

- Each vitamin has specific functions and plays roles in metabolism, growth, and overall health.

- Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to various health problems.

- Obtaining a balanced intake of vitamins through a diverse diet is crucial for optimal health.
Minerals
- Minerals are essential inorganic substances needed in small amounts for bodily functions.

- There are two types: macrominerals (required in larger amounts) and trace minerals (needed in smaller
quantities).

- Macrominerals include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chloride.

- Trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, and others.

- Minerals play vital roles in bone health, nerve function, muscle contraction, fluid balance, and enzyme
activity.

- Deficiencies or imbalances in minerals can lead to health issues.

- A diverse and balanced diet with mineral-rich foods is important for meeting the body's mineral
requirements and supporting overall health.
Recommended Daily Allowance
- Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is the average daily intake of essential nutrients.

- RDAs are established by scientific organizations and government agencies.

- RDAs consider factors such as age, sex, and specific life stages.

- They serve as guidelines for nutrient intake to maintain optimal health and prevent deficiencies.

- RDAs vary for different nutrients and are provided in specific units (e.g., milligrams, micrograms).

- Individual nutrient requirements may vary based on factors like health conditions and activity level.

- Consultation with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians can help determine personalized
nutrient recommendations.
Energy Requirements

- Energy requirements refer to the amount of energy needed to maintain body functions and support daily activities.

- It is measured in calories or kilojoules.

- Factors influencing energy requirements include age, sex, weight, height, physical activity level, and metabolic rate.

- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) represents energy expenditure at rest.

- Physical activity level (PAL) accounts for energy expended during activities.

- Additional energy may be required for growth, pregnancy, and lactation.

- Estimating energy requirements helps maintain a healthy body weight and meet individual energy needs.

- Personalized energy requirement assessments should consider individual factors and involve consultation with healthcare
professionals or registered dietitians.
Factors Affecting Energy Expenditure

The energy expended by an individual

depends on four main factors:
• The basal metabolic rate (BMR)
• The thermogenic effect of food
• Physical activity
• Environmental temperature
Basal Metabolic Rate

- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy expended by the body at rest.

- It represents the energy required for essential bodily functions.

- BMR is influenced by factors such as age, sex, body composition, and genetics.

- BMR is typically expressed in calories per day.

- Knowing one's BMR can help estimate daily calorie needs for weight management.

- Individual BMR can vary, highlighting the importance of considering individual factors.

- Estimating BMR can assist in designing personalized nutrition plans.

The Thermogenic Effect

- The thermogenic effect is the increase in energy expenditure after consuming food.

- It represents the energy required for digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients.

- The thermogenic effect varies based on the composition of the meal.

- Protein has a higher thermogenic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats.

- Incorporating foods with a higher thermogenic effect can potentially aid in weight management.

- The thermogenic effect contributes to the total energy expenditure of the body.
Physical Activity

- Physical activity increases energy expenditure.

- Engaging in exercise and physical activities leads to higher calorie burning.

- The intensity, duration, and type of activity determine the magnitude of energy expenditure.

- Regular physical activity, combined with a balanced diet, supports healthy body weight
management.

- Physical activity contributes to energy balance and overall health and fitness goals.
Environmental Temperature

- Environmental temperature can impact energy expenditure.

- In cold temperatures, the body expends more energy to maintain core temperature.

- Mechanisms like shivering and increased thermogenesis contribute to higher energy expenditure in the cold.

- In hot temperatures, the body expends energy to dissipate heat through sweating.

- Factors such as individual differences, clothing, and activity level can influence the impact of temperature on
energy expenditure.

- The body's response to temperature can lead to variations in energy expenditure.

Balanced Diet

- A balanced diet provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

- It includes a variety of foods from different food groups.

- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are important components.

- Adequate servings from each food group are necessary for a balanced diet.

- It should provide a mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients.

- Limiting the intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium is crucial.

- A balanced diet supports optimal nutrition, helps maintain a healthy body weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

- It promotes overall health, well-being, and proper organ function.

Nutritional Disorders

When balanced diet is not consumed by a person for a sufficient

length of time, it leads to nutritional deficiencies or disorders.

This nutritional status is called malnutrition.

The most common nutritional disorders are:

• Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

• Obesity
1) Protein Energy Malnutrition

The PEM is caused by protein and energy deficiency.

The PEM can be classified as:

• Marasmus or Non-edematous PEM
• Kwashiorkor or Edematous PEM
i) Marasmus
- Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition.

- It results from inadequate intake of calories, protein, and other nutrients.

- It commonly affects young children in impoverished areas or areas with severe food shortages.

- Marasmus leads to significant weight loss, muscle wasting, stunted growth, and weakened immunity.

- Children with marasmus appear emaciated and lack subcutaneous fat.

- Symptoms include lethargy, poor cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to infections.

- Immediate medical intervention is required to provide adequate nutrition and address underlying causes.

- Treatment aims to prevent long-term complications and mortality associated with marasmus.
ii) Kwashiorkor
- Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition.

- It results from insufficient protein intake despite adequate calorie consumption.

- It often affects young children in areas with limited food resources and poor dietary diversity.

- Symptoms include edema (swelling), muscle wasting, skin lesions, hair changes, and a distended abdomen.

- Kwashiorkor can lead to stunted growth, delayed development, and weakened immune function.

- Immediate medical intervention is necessary to provide proper nutrition, including adequate protein.

- Treatment aims to reverse nutritional deficiencies, restore health, and prevent long-term complications.

- Addressing underlying causes and promoting a balanced diet is essential in managing kwashiorkor.
2) Obesity
- Obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat.

- Causes of obesity include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

- Poor diet, sedentary behavior, and genetic predisposition contribute to obesity.

- Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders.

- Mental health and quality of life can be impacted by obesity.

- Prevention and management involve adopting a healthy and balanced diet.

- Regular physical activity and behavior modifications are important for managing obesity.

- Medical interventions may be necessary in some cases.

- Addressing obesity requires multidisciplinary approaches.