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