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1.1: The Basics of Nutrition

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    1063
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    Nutrition can be defined as the science of the action of food, beverages, and their components in biological systems. A nutrient is a compound that provides a needed function in the body. Nutrients can be further classified based on the amount needed in the body.

    • Macronutrients: nutrients needed in larger amounts
    • Micronutrients: nutrients needed in smaller amounts (but still important)

    The following table lists the different macronutrients and micronutrients.

    Table 1.11 Macronutrients and Micronutrients
    Macronutrients Micronutrients
    Carbohydrates Vitamins
    Proteins Minerals
    Lipids
    Water

    Carbohydrates

    The name carbohydrate means "hydrated carbon", or carbon with water. Thus, it isn't a surprise that carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Sucrose (table sugar) is an example of a commonly consumed carbohydrate. Some dietary examples of carbohydrates are whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, rice, sugary snacks/drinks, and pasta.

    Figure 1.11.png

    Figure 1.11 Pancakes, a food source of carbohydrates

    Proteins

    Proteins are also made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but they also contain nitrogen. Several dietary sources of proteins include nuts, beans/legumes, skim milk, egg whites, and meat.

    Figure 1.12.png

    Figure 1.12 Eggs, a food source of protein and lipids

    Lipids

    Lipids consist of fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols (i.e. cholesterol). Lipids are also composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Some dietary sources of lipids include oils, butter, and egg yolks.

    Figure 1.13.png

    Figure 1.13 Butter, a food source of lipids

    Water

    Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) and is the only macronutrient that doesn't provide energy.

    Vitamins

    Compounds that are essential for normal physiologic processes in the body.

    Minerals

    Elements (think periodic table) that are essential for normal physiological processes in the body.

    Contributors and Attributions


    This page titled 1.1: The Basics of Nutrition is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Brian Lindshield via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.

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