Chapter 1 The Science and Scope of Nutrition. “You are what you eat.” Dutch children born during WWII ◦ If mother starved during beginning of pregnancy,

Chapter 1

The Science and Scope of Nutrition

“You are what you eat.”

Dutch children born during WWII◦If mother starved during beginning of pregnancy,

children were more likely to be obese◦If mother starved during end of pregnancy,

children were less likely to be obese

“You are what your mother eats.”

Nutrition is…Why we eatWhat we eatHow the foods we eat are

used in our bodiesHow the foods we eat effect

health and disease risk

What is a nutrient?A chemical substance that is essential for body

functions◦Some nutrients are produced by the body, but essential nutrients must be obtained from the diet

The amount and variety of nutrients in foods can either◦Promote health ◦Increase risk of disease

Introducing…The six classes of nutrients!CarbohydratesProteinsFatsVitaminsMineralsWater

Macronutrients

Micronutrients

Another important part of the diet…Phytochemicals (also called phytonutrients)

◦Chemicals found in plants that are beneficial for human health

◦Give plants key properties such as color, aroma, flavor

◦Thousands of different phytochemicals have been identified in foods

What is a calorie?A calorie is a measurement of energy

Energy is the capacity to do work

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats in food and beverages are broken down and used to create energy in the body….so carbs, proteins and fats contain calories

How many calories do nutrients contain?Carbohydrates: 4 calories per gram of food (4

kcal/g)

Protein: 4 calories per gram of food (4 kcal/g)

Fats: 9 calories per gram of food (9 kcal/g)

Water, vitamins & minerals: 0 calories

Is alcohol a nutrient?No! It is a toxin

Contains 7 calories per gram (7 kcal/g)

How do I know if I am getting enough of the nutrients?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNNpydU

fduoDietary Reference Intake: Set of nutrition guidelines from the Institute

of MedicineAmount of nutrients to intake to optimize

health◦Prevent deficiency diseases◦Prevent toxicity diseases◦Prevent chronic diseases

The DRIs, continued

RDA: Recommended Dietary Allowance

AI: Adequate Intake UL: Tolerable Upper Intake Level

Nutrient intake goals for vitamins and minerals

Nutrient intake goals for vitamins and minerals

Highest amount of a vitamin or mineral that can be consumed safely (without toxicity symptoms)

Nutrient recommendations vary by age and gender

Nutrient recommendations vary by age and gender

Nutrient limits vary by age and gender

The numeric value for this recommendation is well-researched

The numeric value for this recommendation is not well-researched

The numeric value for this recommendation is well-researched

Dietary Goal: Achieve 100% RDA Dietary Goal: Achieve 100% AI Dietary Goal: DO NOT EXCEED the UL

Exceeding 100% of the RDA does not make you healthier and may make you less healthy

Exceeding 100% of the AI does not make you healthier

Exceeding the UL could cause toxicity symptoms and, if untreated, may lead to death

Tips to remember RDA: research is “Rock Solid”

Tips to remember AI: research is evolving and could change

Indiana Jones Pool fail Upper Limits!

Dietary Reference Intakes, continued…Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range

(AMDR)Healthy range of intakes for carbohydrates,

protein and fat◦Carbohydrates – 45-65% of total calories◦Protein – 10-35% of total calories◦Fat – 20-35% of total calories

MalnutritionA state of inadequate or unbalanced nutrition

◦Undernutrition

◦Overnutrition

Both undernutrition and overnutrition may lead to chronic disease

The Scientific MethodYAY!!!

Research TerminologyScientific MethodObservationHypothesisExperimentResearch results or

outcomesPeer-Reviewed PublicationScientific TheoryRandomized Controlled

Trial

Experimental / treatment group

Control groupPlacebo Placebo effectEpidemiologic StudyCause-and-effect

relationshipCorrelational evidenceExperimental model

system