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

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Nutrition 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,
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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
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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

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Lipid 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

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Nutrient 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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