Nutrition Chapter 1: What is Nutrition?

Water is an essential nutrient. True or False?

True Although water is often overlooked as an essential nutrient, it shouldn't be.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. True or False?

True Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. The good news is that your diet can play an important role in preventing it.

More than 50 percent of Americans regularly spend money on daily supplements. True or False?

True Shocked? Americans spend an enormous amount of money shopping for supplements.

The energy in food is commonly measured in calories. True or False?

True The energy in foods is measured in calories.

Megan picks up a sandwich at the campus food truck after class every afternoon before dashing off to her part-time job. Which of the following most likely influences Megan's food choices in this situation? her ethnic background her busy schedule her emotions her limited budget

her busy schedule While ethnic background, emotions, and costs all can influence food choices, in Megan's case her very busy schedule influences her food choices for a quick dinner.

A _______ is an idea generated by scientists based on their observations.

hypothesis

hypothesis

idea based on observation

A ________ is a research journal in which fellow scientists (peers) review studies to assess if they are accurate and sound before they are published.

peer-reviewed journal

Ian is writing a research paper about the effect of caffeine on blood pressure. Where is the best place for him to look for reliable resources?

peer-reviewed journal articles The best place to look for reliable resources for a research paper about the role of caffeine on blood pressure is in peer-reviewed journal articles. A peer-reviewed journal is a research journal in which fellow scientists (peers) review studies to assess if they are accurate and sound before they are published. Articles published in a peer-reviewed journal have been thoroughly reviewed by experts in that area of research. Headlines in newspapers, lead articles on websites, articles in popular magazines, and the sound bites on television often report the results of a single, recent research study. While the media publicizes results from studies deemed newsworthy, in reality, it takes many, many affirming research studies before a consensus is reached about nutrition advice. If the research presented in books in the library hasn't been previously published in a peer-reviewed journal, there is no way of knowing if the study was conducted in an appropriate manner and whether the findings are accurate.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the saying "you are what you eat?"

"You are a combination of what you don't eat, do eat, and what you eat too much of"

Which of the following people would NOT be qualified to give sound nutritional advice based on science and professional training?

A nutritionist

Which of the following are overarching goals for Healthy People 2020?

- attaining high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death - achieving health equity, eliminating disparities, and improving the health of all groups - creating social and physical environments that promote good health for all All options are correct. Healthy People 2020 is a set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives for Americans to meet during the second decade of the new millennium. The overarching goals for Healthy People 2020 include (1) Attaining high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death; (2) achieving health equity, eliminating disparities, and improving the health of all groups; and (3) creating social and physical environments that promote good health for all. Another overarching goal of the plan is to promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across every stage of life. There are more than 35 topic areas in Healthy People 2020, ranging from ensuring that Americans have adequate access to health services to making improvements in their diets and physical activity. Objectives are developed within each topic area. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a nationwide health improvement program since 1979. Healthy People 2020 is the latest edition of this program and sets health goals for the current decade.

Which of the following factors can influence an individual's food choices?

- ethnic background - schedule - habits and emotions All options are correct. People's food choices are influenced by their ethnic background, their schedule, and their habits and emotions. People make numerous decisions every day about what to eat, and they make these decisions for reasons of which they may not even be aware. The foods individuals choose to put on their plate is often influenced by their culture. A culture's cuisine is greatly influenced by the environment. This includes not only the climate and soil conditions but also the native plants and animals, as well as the distance people live from rivers, lakes, or the sea. People tend to consume foods that are accessible, and many people often have little experience eating foods that are scarce. Due to global food distribution networks, this is less of an issue today for most Americans than in the past. However, it still rings true for some food items. For those with adequate food budgets, time is often at a premium. Because of this, the types of foods that many people choose have changed. Research shows that Americans, especially working women with families, want to spend less than 15 minutes preparing a meal. Consequently, supermarkets have changed the types of foods they sell, as well as how the food is presented. Convenience also influences food choices. People are more likely to choose foods that are easily accessible. Their daily routine and habits can dictate not only what they eat but also when they eat. Emotions also influence people's food choices. For many, food is used as an emotional crutch during times of stress, sadness, or joy. Food is often part of how people express their emotions.

In general, the U.S. diet is:

- too low in dietary fiber - too high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat - too low in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables All options are correct. In general, the U.S. diet is too low in dietary fiber; too high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat; and too low in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Americans eat too much added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat, too little fiber, and not enough of some vitamins and minerals. Americans' low fiber intake is partly due to inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables and overconsumption of refined rather than whole grains. Americans consume about 25 teaspoons of sugars daily. This is largely due to an affinity for soft drinks and other sugary beverages, as well as sweets and treats. Most Americans' fat intake is at the higher end of the recommended range, at about 34 percent. Americans eat too much saturated fat, and many exceed the recommended sodium intake.

A well-balanced diet contains:

- vitamins and minerals - macronutrients - phytochemicals and fiber All options are correct. A well-balanced diet contains macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), vitamins and minerals (micronutrients), and other important compounds, including phytochemicals and fiber. The body needs the six essential nutrients in order to function properly. Carbohydrates, fats (lipids), and proteins are called macronutrients because the body requires more of them than it does other nutrients. Vitamins and minerals, though equally important to good health, are considered micronutrients because they are needed in lesser amounts. The body requires the final nutrient, water, in copious amounts daily in order to remain hydrated. A well-balanced diet composed of a variety of foods can provide all of these important nutrients. A well-balanced diet will also provide other dietary compounds, such as phytochemicals and fiber, that have been shown to help fight many diseases. Phytochemicals are nonnutritive compounds in plant foods that may play a role in fighting chronic diseases. Fiber is the portion of plant foods that isn't completely digested in the stomach and small intestine. Some foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, that are high in fiber are also rich in phytonutrients. Diets rich in these plant-based foods fight many diseases.

organic

1) Being free of chemical based pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, irradiation, and bio-engineering. A USDA accredited certifying inspector must certify organic foods. 2) containing carbon

Please calculate the total number of calories found in a snack with the following composition: 36 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat.

263 calories

Which of the following individuals would be the best to approach for nutritional counseling? A health food store employee Your personal trainer at the gym A licensed dietitian nutritionist Your roommate, who runs for the campus track team

A licensed dietitian nutritionist Unless the salesperson, personal trainer, and your roommate are all licensed dietitian nutritionists, they are not qualified to provide nutrition counseling.

How many kilocalories are provided by 10 grams of carbohydrate?

40 kilocalories Ten grams of carbohydrate provide 40 kilocalories. To calculate the total kilocalories in an amount of a macronutrient, multiply the total grams of the energy-yielding nutrient by the number of kilocalories per gram of that nutrient. Carbohydrates and protein provide 4 kilocalories per gram, and fats provide 9 calories per gram. Therefore, the equation to find the total calories in 10 grams of carbohydrates is: 10 grams carbohydrates × 4 calories = 40 calories.

How many kilocalories are in a meal that contains 100 grams of carbohydrate, 20 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat?

570 kilocalories There are 570 kilocalories in a meal that contains 100 grams of carbohydrate, 20 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat. The number of kilocalories in this meal can be determined based on (1) the amount (weight in grams) of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the meal and (2) the number of kilocalories per gram of that nutrient. Carbohydrates and protein provide 4 kilocalories per gram, and fats provide 9 kilocalories per gram. To find out the total kilocalories provided by each macronutrient, multiply the total grams of the each nutrient by the number of kilocalories per gram of that nutrient: 100 grams carbohydrates × 4 kilocalories = 400 kilocalories; 20 grams protein × 4 kilocalories = 80 kilocalories; 10 grams fat × 9 kilocalories = 90 kilocalories. Next, add the amount of kilocalories of each macronutrient portion of the meal to calculate the total kilocalories in the meal: 400 kilocalories of carbohydrates + 80 kilocalories of protein + 90 kilocalories of fat = 570 kilocalories.

An estimated _______ percent of American adults are overweight or obese.

65 An estimated 65 percent of American adults are overweight or obese. Overweight is defined as carrying extra weight in relation to the body's height. It is clinically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9. Obesity is defined as carrying an excessive amount of body fat above the level of being overweight. It is clinically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The prevalence of both overweight and obesity has become epidemic in the United States. As people take in more calories than they burn, usually due to more-sedentary lifestyles, they create a recipe for poor health. Over 65 percent of American adults are overweight, and, of those, approximately 35 percent are considered obese. Although the latest statistics indicate that the epidemic of obesity may be slowing, the rate is still too high, and reducing it is a top health care priority. Unfortunately, the rate of excessive weight gain is increasing for younger Americans. Currently, 15 percent of children ages 2 to 19 are overweight, and 17 percent are considered obese. Along with the weight gain have come higher rates of type 2 diabetes, particularly among children, and increased rates of heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Over ____________ percent of American adults are overweight.

70 Unfortunately, over 70 percent of American adults are overweight.

A cookie with 13 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein contains

92 calories

nutritionist

A generic term with no recognized legal or professional meaning. Some people may call themselves nutritionists without having any credible training in nutrition.

registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)

A health professional who has completed at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition from an accredited university or college in the United States, completed a supervised practice, and passed an exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Human Genome Project

A project sponsored by the United States government to determine the complete set and sequencing of DNA in human cells and identify all human genes.

lab experiment

A scientific experiment conducted in a laboratory. Some laboratory experiments involve animals.

Healthy People 2020

A set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives for Americans to meet during the second decade of the twenty-first century.

placebo

A sugar pill that has no impact on the individual's health when ingested.

licensed dietitian nutritionist

An individual who has met specified educational and experience criteria deemed necessary by a state licensing board to be considered an expert in the field of nutrition.

Why is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study so widely used in scientific experiments?

Because both the participants and the scientists are not biased

There is a paradox to a family that is food insecure and whose members are overweight. Why is this so?

Being overweight can be due to the consumption of poor quality foods that are high in fat and sugars

The energy in foods is measured in carbohydrates. True or False?

False Carbohydrates are a source of energy in your foods. The energy in your foods is measured in units called calories (more specifically, kilocalories).

kilocalories

Carbohydrates, fats, protein: provide energy in the form of kilocalories Kilocalories = calories

obesity

Carrying an excessive amount of body fat above the level of being overweight. Clinically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

overweight

Carrying extra weight on your body in relation to your height. Clinically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9

How do we define phytochemicals?

Compounds that have been shown to help fight diseases

The number of Americans who are obese is the same today as it was 10 years ago. True or False?

False Currently, obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States, and it isn't just affecting adults.

Everyone needs to take vitamin and mineral supplements to be healthy. True or False?

False Many people can meet their vitamin and mineral needs with a well-balanced diet. Those who can't should take a supplement in addition to eating a healthy diet.

Habit is the number-one determinant of what you eat. True or False?

False There are many outside factors that stimulate and motivate you to eat, but taste, not habits, is the most important consideration.

Vitamins provide you with energy. True or False?

False Vitamins do not provide calories and therefore don't provide energy in the diet.

Taking a vitamin supplement ensures that your diet is healthy. True or False?

False A supplement can augment a healthy diet, but it can't replace it.

Meats, poultry, and fish are good sources of fiber. True or False?

False Although lean meats, poultry, and fish are excellent sources of protein, they don't contain fiber.

You can get sound nutrition advice from anyone who calls him- or herself a nutritionist. True or False?

False Anyone can call himself or herself a nutritionist.

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Genetic material within cells that directs the synthesis of proteins in the body.

________ is an example of an experiment to test whether a vitamin A or D deficiency possibly caused rickets.

Feeding rats with rickets cod-liver oil that contains no vitamin A

Which is the correct sequence of steps when using the scientific method?

Formulate a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, revise or formulate a new hypothesis

Which of these nutrition-related diseases is the leading cause of death in the United States?

Heart disease Heart disease is a nutrition-related disease that is the leading cause of death in the United States. Good nutrition plays a role in reducing the risk of four of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.

phytochemicals

Nonnutritive compounds in plant foods that may play a role in fighting chronic diseases.

inorganic

Not containing carbon. Inorganic compounds include minerals, water, and salt.

Which of the following has the greatest impact on food choice?

Taste

Which of the following is the most credible person to turn to for accurate nutrition?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) For accurate nutrition advice, turn to a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). An RDN is a health professional who has completed at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition from an accredited university or college in the United States; completed a supervised practice; and passed an exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. RDNs have an understanding of medical nutrition therapy, which is an integration of nutrition counseling and dietary changes based on an individual's medical history and current health needs to improve that person's health. RDNs work with their patients to make dietary changes that can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity. RDNs must participate in continuing professional education in order to remain current in the fast-changing world of nutrition, medicine, and health and maintain their registration. An RN is a health professional who has graduated from a state-approved nursing program, has passed a national exam, and is licensed by a state to care for patients. A certified nutritionist is not the same as an RDN. Nutritionist is a generic term with no recognized legal or professional meaning. Some people may call themselves nutritionists without having any credible training in nutrition. Many medical doctors (MDs) refer their patients to RDNs for nutrition advice and guidance based on their diagnoses.

observational research

Research that involves looking at factors in two or more groups of subjects to see if there is a relationship to certain outcomes.

epidemiological research

Research that looks at populations of people; it is often observational.

enzymes

Substances that speed up chemical reactions in your body

control group

The group given a placebo

medical nutrition therapy

The integration of nutrition counseling and dietary changes based on an individual's medical and health needs to treat a patient's medical condition.

metabolism

The numerous reactions that occur within the cell. The calories in food are converted to energy in the cells of the body.

fiber

The portion of plant foods that isn't digested in the small intestine - Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are rich sources

_______ is a stepwise process used by scientists to generate sound research findings.

The scientific method

Which of the following nutrients help enzymes function in the body?

Vitamins and minerals Vitamins and minerals are the nutrients that help enzymes (substances that speed up reactions in the body) function in the body. People need vitamins and minerals to sustain numerous chemical reactions in their body. For example, many of the B vitamins function as coenzymes in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Many minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, work with protein-containing hormones and enzymes to maintain and strengthen teeth and bones. The fate of carbohydrates, protein, and fats in the body is very much dependent upon daily consumption of enough vitamins and minerals. The main function of carbohydrates is to supply the simple sugar, called glucose, that cells use as the major energy source to fuel the body.

double-blind, placebo-controlled study

When the scientists and subjects in a research experiment can't distinguish between the treatments given to the subjects and don't know which group of subjects received which treatment.

nutritional genomics

a field of study that researches the relationship between nutrition and genomics (the study of genes and gene expression)

Which of the following individuals would be the most credible source of information for diet assessment and healthy weight loss?

a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) would be the most credible source of information for diet assessment and counseling for healthy weight loss. An RDN is a health professional who has completed at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition from an accredited university or college in the United States, completed a supervised practice, and passed an exam administered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. RDNs have an understanding of medical nutrition therapy, which is an integration of nutrition counseling and dietary changes based on an individual's medical history and current health needs to improve that person's health. RDNs work with their patients to make dietary changes that can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity. RDNs must participate in continuing professional education in order to remain current in the fast-changing world of nutrition, medicine, and health and maintain their registration. Nutritional advice should come from credible sources. Unless the local health food store employee, the family member, or the member of the track team is a licensed dietitian, they are not qualified to provide nutrition counseling. Although some of these people may be credible, many are not, and thus are less likely to provide valid information that's based on solid scientific evidence.

What is meant by the term scientific method?

a stepwise process used by scientists to generate sound research findings The scientific method is a stepwise process used by scientists to generate sound research findings. In the first step of the scientific method, scientists observe something in the natural world and ask questions. In the second step of the scientific method, scientists come up with an idea (or hypothesis) based on their observations. To confirm this hypothesis, scientists proceed to the next step in the scientific method, which is to conduct an experiment. The next step in the scientific method involves sharing these findings with the scientific community. As more and more studies are done that confirm these findings, a theory is developed. Once a theory has been developed and supported by subsequent experiments, a consensus is reached in the scientific community. A consensus is the opinion of a group of experts based on a collection of information. The entire process can take years to complete. Calculating the number of calories in a food is a known problem that can be easily solved using nutrient data and arithmetic. The calculation does not involve generating a hypothesis, testing, or doing additional studies to prove a theory.

public health nutritionist

an individual who may have an undergraduate degree in nutrition but isn't an RDN

The first step in the scientific method is to ________.

ask a question

The majority of an individual's daily kilocalories should come from __________.

carbohydrates The majority of an individual's daily kilocalories should come from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply the simple sugar, called glucose, that cells use as the major energy source to fuel the body. Fats contain kilocalories and are another fuel source for the body, but they shouldn't be the main source of energy in a person's diet. Minerals and vitamins do not provide kilocalories. Water does not provide energy or kilocalories.

The majority of your daily calories should come from

carbohydrates The majority of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Vitamins and minerals don't provide calories. Fats do contain calories, but they shouldn't be the main source of energy in your diet.

nutrients

chemical compounds in foods to provide fuel for energy, growth, and maintenance, and to regulate body processes

After a hypothesis is formulated, scientists then ________.

conduct an experiment

A ________ is drawn when multiple researchers come to the same conclusion for the hypothesis.

consensus

The research design in which neither the scientists nor the subjects can distinguish between the experimental group and the control group is called:

double-blind, placebo controlled The research design in which neither the scientists nor the subjects can distinguish between the experimental group and the control group is called double-blind, placebo controlled. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study is considered the gold standard of research because all of the factors that might influence the study results are kept the same for each group of subjects, and neither the subjects nor the researchers are biased as they don't know which group has received which treatment. Peer-reviewed research involves fellow scientists (peers) reviewing studies to assess if they are accurate and sound before they are published. Epidemiological research is a type of research that looks at populations of people; it is often observational. Placebo research involves giving a placebo, or "sugar pill," that has no impact on the individual's health when ingested.

macro-nutrients

energy-yielding nutrients needed in higher amounts - Carbohydrates, lipids (fats), and proteins

The energy-yielding macronutrient that provides the most kilocalories per gram is:

fat The energy-yielding macronutrient that provides the most kilocalories per gram is fat. The macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats (lipids), and proteins—are the energy-providing nutrients because they contain calories. Fats provide 9 kilocalories per gram. Carbohydrates and protein provide 4 kilocalories per gram. Alcohol is not an essential nutrient; even though it provides energy in the form of kilocalories, the body does not need it to function.

Which of the following is NOT an overarching goal of Healthy People 2020?

increase the use of sustainable resources to reduce global warming Increasing the use of sustainable resources to reduce global warming is NOT an overarching goal of Healthy People 2020. Healthy People 2020 is a set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives for Americans to meet during the second decade of the new millennium. The U.S. surgeon general has issued these nationwide health improvement objectives since 1979. Healthy People 2020 focuses on several overarching goals: Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death. Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups. Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all. Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across every stage of life.

Which of the following nutrients provide energy?

macronutrients Macronutrients provide energy. Carbohydrates, fats (lipids), and proteins are called macronutrients because the body requires more of them than it does other nutrients in order to maintain good health. Carbohydrates, fats (lipids), and proteins provide energy in the form of calories. Energy is created when the body breaks down these macronutrients and "burns" them to fuel activities and metabolism. Carbohydrates supply the simple sugar, called glucose, that cells use as their major energy source. Fats are another major fuel source. Proteins can be used as energy, but they are better used to build and maintain tissues, muscles, and organs. Vitamins and minerals are equally as important to good health, but they are considered micronutrients because they are required in smaller quantities. Even though vitamins and minerals do not provide calories, they are needed to metabolize the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and to sustain numerous chemical reactions in the body. Although water does not provide energy or calories, it is vital to many key body functions, and staying hydrated is therefore an important part of staying healthy.

What is the first step in the scientific method?

make observations and ask questions The first step in the scientific method is to make observations and ask questions. The scientific method is a stepwise process used by scientists to generate sound research findings. After observing something in the natural world and asking questions, scientists then come up with an idea (or hypothesis) based on their observations. The next step involves conducting an experiment to test their hypothesis and to see if their idea is correct. There are many adjustments made along the way before a scientist has gained enough information to support his or her hypothesis. The next step in the scientific method involves sharing these findings with the scientific community. As more and more studies are done that confirm these findings, a theory is developed. Once a theory has been developed and supported by subsequent experiments, a consensus is reached in the scientific community. A consensus is the opinion of a group of experts based on a collection of information. The entire process can take years to complete.

The first step in the scientific method is to

make observations and ask questions The scientific method begins with scientists observing and asking questions. They then form a hypothesis and test it using an experiment. After many experiments confirm their hypothesis, a theory will be developed.

All of the following are energy-yielding macronutrients EXCEPT:

minerals Minerals are not macronutrients; that is, they do not provide energy in the form of calories. A macronutrient is a type of nutrient that contains calories that provide energy. Carbohydrates, fats (lipids), and proteins are macronutrients. They are called this because the body requires more of them than it does other nutrients. Minerals, though equally important as macronutrients to good health, are considered micronutrients because they are required in smaller amounts. Minerals do not provide calories, but the body needs them in order to convert the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to energy and to sustain numerous chemical reactions.

micro-nutrients

needed in smaller amounts - Vitamins and minerals

Determining the types of fats people should consume to lower their risk of heart disease based on their genetic makeup is an example of what field of study?

nutritional genomics Determining the types of fats people should consume to lower their risk of heart disease based on their genetic makeup is an example of nutritional genomics. Genomics is the study of genes, their functions in the body, and how the environment may influence gene expression. Nutritional genomics is concerned with how the specific components in foods interact on a cellular level with the expression of a person's genes. Certain dietary components can alter gene expression and elicit very different responses from one person to another. Most chronic diseases stem from the interplay between genetic makeup, environment, and diet. As more becomes known about the application of nutritional genomics, people will have more control over how their diet affects their long-term health. Epidemiological research is research that looks at populations of people. Observational research is research that involves looking at factors in two or more groups of subjects to see if there is a relationship to certain outcomes. The Human Genome Project is the complete sequencing of DNA.

scientific method

process used by scientists to generate sound research findings

experimental research

research involving at least two groups of subjects

peer-reviewed journal

research publication for scientists

When a hypothesis is not supported, scientists ________.

revise or formulate a new hypothesis

Nutrients are divided into _____ classes.

six Nutrients are divided into six classes: carbohydrates, fats (lipids), proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrients work together to provide energy, growth, and maintenance, and to regulate numerous body processes. Three of the six classes of nutrients—carbohydrates, fats (part of the larger class of lipids), and protein—provide energy in the form of kilocalories. Vitamins, minerals, and water help regulate many body processes, including metabolism. In fact, water is found in all foods and beverages and is so vital to life that people can't live without it for more than a few days.

experimental group

the group given a specific treatment

consensus

the opinion of group of experts based on collection of information

gene expression

the processing of genetic information to create a specific protein

nutrition

the science that studies how nutrients and compounds in foods nourish and affect body functions and health

Nutrition is

the scientific study of how compounds in foods affect body functions. Nutrition is about how nutrients affect your body and health. The study of genes is genetics. Physiology is the study of how the body functions. The study of hormones is endocrinology.

What is the definition of nutrition?

the scientific study of how the nutrients and compounds in the foods people eat nourish and affect their body functions and health Nutrition is the scientific study of how the nutrients and compounds in the foods people eat nourish and affect their body functions and health. Nutrition plays an invaluable role in health. As with any science, nutrition is not stagnant. Researchers will continue to make exciting discoveries about the roles that diet and foods play in keeping people healthy. The study of genes is known as genetics. The study of how the body functions is known as physiology. The study of hormones and how they function in the body is known as endocrinology.

All of the following are ways in which proteins are used in the body, EXCEPT:

to help cushion organs and act as insulation under the skin to help regulate body temperature Proteins are not used to help cushion organs and act as insulation under the skin to help regulate body temperature. Fats help cushion the body's organs to prevent damage and act as insulation under the skin to help regulate body temperature. Proteins can be used as energy, but they are better used to build and maintain tissues, muscles, and organs. People also need protein to make most enzymes and some hormones, to help transport other nutrients, and for a healthy immune system. A healthy diet should provide adequate amounts of carbohydrates and fats for energy, and enough protein to maintain and repair the body.

Which nutrients may help enzymes function in your body?

vitamins Vitamins can aid enzymes in your body. Carbohydrates, fat, and protein need enzymes to be properly metabolized.

Which of the following must be considered when assessing whether or not the nutrition and health information on a website is accurate and current?

who wrote it, when it was written, and when it was last updated To assess whether or not the nutrition and health information on a website is accurate and current, it's important to know who wrote it, when it was written, and when it was last updated. The National Institutes of Health has developed 10 questions to consider when viewing a nutrition- or health-related website, including (1) Who runs and pays for the site?; (2) What is the source of information?; and (3) How current is the information? Is the author a qualified nutrition expert, or did she or he interview qualified individuals? If the author obtained information from another source, was that source cited? Credible websites are willing to show their credentials. Finding out who's paying for a particular site will also reveal something about the reliability of its content. Websites sponsored by the government (with URLs ending in .gov) or an academic institution (.edu) are more reliable than many commercial websites (.com or .net). Some commercial websites, such as WebMD, carry articles that may be reliable if they are written by credible health professionals, but other websites may be promoting information to suit a company's own purposes. The website content may be biased based on the funding source. Once a website is on the Internet, it will stay there until someone removes it. Consequently, the information it contains may not be the most up to date. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the website has been published or updated within the year.