Introduction to Nutrition

Understanding Nutrition

Nutrition: Study of food, including how our body uses food for energy, and how it influences health.
Importance: Nutrition is linked to several leading causes of death, notably heart disease, which can be mitigated with a good diet.

Six Main Classes: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids (Fats), Vitamins, Minerals, Water.
Organic vs Inorganic:
- Organic: Contains carbon (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Vitamins).
- Inorganic: Does not contain carbon (Minerals, Water).
Macro vs Micronutrients:
- Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Water (needed in larger quantities).
- Micronutrients: Vitamins, Minerals (needed in smaller quantities).

Caloric Content:
- Carbohydrates: 4 calories/gram.
- Proteins: 4 calories/gram.
- Lipids (Fats): 9 calories/gram.
- Alcohol: 7 calories/gram (not a nutrient, classified as a toxin).

Factors influencing dietary choices include taste preference, tradition, social interactions, convenience, emotions, and values.
Taste Preferences: Can be genetic or influenced by early diet; taste buds can adapt over time to less salt or sugar.

Scientific Method: Used to conduct research that informs dietary recommendations.
Types of Studies:
- Experimental: Influences environment/subjects.
- Observational: Simply observes, no changes made (e.g., cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies).
Correlations: Can be positive or negative, indicating how two factors relate.

EAR: Estimated Average Requirements - meets needs of 50% of population.
RDA: Recommended Dietary Allowance - meets needs of nearly all (97-98%) of the population.
AI: Adequate Intake - used when RDA cannot be determined.
UL: Tolerable Upper Intake Level - maximum safe intake level.
EER: Estimated Energy Requirement - total calories needed per day.
AMDR: Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range - recommended calorie distribution (Carbs: 45-65%, Fat: 20-35%, Protein: 10-35%).

Malnutrition: Includes undernutrition and overnutrition.
Individual Assessment: Uses history, anthropometric data, physical exams, and lab tests.
Population Assessment: Conducted by associations like Healthy People, sets national health objectives.

Sources: Prefer government (.gov) and educational (.edu) websites.
Experts: Registered Dietitians are preferred over general doctors for nutrition advice.
Avoid: Misleading labels/claims on supplements, such as "natural" or pseudo-scientific jargon.

These notes capture the essential aspects of the lecture on nutrition, providing a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed.