Principles of nutrition
Key terms 2

IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA - lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells

KWASHIORKOR - a form of malnutrition linked to protein deficiency

LOW BIOLOGICAL VALUE (LBV) - protein foods lacking in one or more of the essential amino acids

MACRONUTRIENTS - a class of chemical compounds which humans consume in the largest quantities

MONOSACCHARIDE - a simple carbohydrate (mono means one; saccharide means sugar)

METABOLISM - all the chemical processes in the body, especially those that cause food to be used for energy and growth

MICRONUTRIENTS - required in small quantities to facilitate a range of physiological functions

MEGALOBLASTIC ANAEMIA - a type of anaemia caused by a lack of vitamin B9 (folate)

MYCOPROTEIN - a food made from the fungi family which contains all the essential amino acids needed by the body. Suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians

NON-HAEM IRON - from vegetable sources

NON-MILK EXTRINSIC SUGARS (NMES) - added sugar from non-milk sources

NON STARCH POLYSACCHARIDE - another term for insoluble fibre

NUTRIENT - a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life

OBESITY - when a person is carrying around so much extra weight that it is dangerous to their health

NUTRITIONAL VALUE - the nutrients in foods and how they impact on the body

OMEGA 3 - fatty acids that are important for a healthy heart

OSTEOMALACIA - softening of the bones in adults, results in bone pain and muscle weakness

OSTEOPOROSIS - a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile

OXIDATION - exposure to the oxygen in the air

PEAK BONE MASS - refers to the largest amount of bone tissue that a person has at any point in life. Most people reach their peak bone mass by the age of 30

PELLAGRA - a deficiency disease due to a lack of vitamin B3 (niacin) in the diet. Causes skin, nerve and mental health problems plus diarrhoea. Often occurs where maize is a staple food.

PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA - a type of anaemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

PHOTOSYNTHESIS - the process used by a plant to obtain energy from sunlight. Starch is produced during photosynthesis.

POLYSACCHARIDE - a complex carbohydrate (poly means many)

RICKETS - a disease caused by lack of calcium and vitamin D. The bones become soft and weak, leading to bone deformities

SATURATED FATS - come mostly from animal sources and can be for our health

SCURVY - a disease due to lack of vitamin C, causes swollen gums and bleeding can be fatal if left untreated.

SHELF LIFE - how long a food is fit to consume