Essential Vitamins: Functions, Sources, and Deficiencies
Vitamin D (Calciferol): D2-D6, derived from ergosterol and cholesterol via UV catalysis. Found in shells and leaves. Regulates calcium, preventing rickets and osteomalacia. Excess can cause digestive disorders and visceral calcification.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Found in green vegetables, seeds, oils, and eggs. Important for fertility. Deficiency leads to infertility, paralysis, and muscular dystrophy. Excess can be toxic.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone): K1-K4, found in green vegetables and fish. K3 produced
Read MoreNutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation: Key Factors
Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation
Background
- Women’s nutrient needs increase during pregnancy (in the second and particularly the third trimester) and lactation.
- Pregnant women require more protein, iron, iodine, vitamin A, folate, and other nutrients.
- Deficiencies of certain nutrients are associated with maternal complications and death, fetal and newborn death, birth defects, and decreased physical and mental potential of the child.
- Lactation places high demands on maternal stores of energy,
Understanding Energy Balance and Its Impact on Weight
Energy Balance
Energy balance: E = E consumed – E expended
This equation states that body weight is kept constant when caloric intake (potential chemical energy of food eaten daily) equals energy expenditure (energy expended during the course of the day).
Types of Energy Balance
- Energy Balance: Occurs when the approximate calories consumed equal the calories expended during the course of the day, thus maintaining a stable weight.
- Positive Energy Balance: In this case, you eat more calories than are
Understanding Eating Disorders and Dietary Choices
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by engaging in binge eating at least twice a week, followed by purging, for three consecutive months. Individuals with bulimia nervosa often have an unreasonable concern with their body image and weight. They experience a loss of control during eating (bingeing) and engage in countervailing measures such as vomiting or excessive exercise. Purging behaviors may also include the use of laxatives or other medications.
Bulimia and Anorexia Recommendations
Assign
Read MoreLipid and Nitrogen Metabolism: Pathways and Regulation
Saponifiable and Unsaponifiable Lipids
Saponifiable lipids are hydrolyzed under basic conditions and include:
- Fatty acids
- Acylglycerols
- Phosphoglycerides
- Sphingolipids
- Waxes
Unsaponifiable lipids do not contain fatty acids in their structure. These include:
- Terpenes
- Steroids
- Eicosanoids
Complex and Simple Lipids
Complex lipids are hydrolyzed into various components, such as:
- Acylglycerides
- Phosphoglycerides
- Sphingolipids
- Waxes
Simple lipids consist of one structural unit:
- Fatty acids
- Terpenoids
- Eicosanoids
- Steroids
Lipoprotein
Read MoreNutrient Analysis, Obesity, and Health Risks
Nutrient Analysis
Protein Analysis
Proteins are usually assessed for nitrogen content using the Kjeldahl method. This is a universally accepted method, but a source of inaccuracy. The N protein is not exclusively determined, there is no difference between proteins of different biological quality or bioavailability, and specific coefficients are known only for some foods.
Fiber Analysis
Classification by solubility:
- Insoluble: Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin
- Soluble: Pectins, hemicellulose, gums, mucilages
Analytical
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