Nutrient Composition and Metabolism

Jun 30, 2024

Nutrient Composition and Metabolism

Body Composition

  • Water: 64%
  • Protein: 16%
    • Includes muscles, sodium-potassium pumps, hemoglobin, enzymes
  • Fat: 16%
  • Minerals: 4%
    • Calcium, phosphorus, iron
  • Carbohydrates: 1%
    • Consumed or stored as glycogen

Metabolism Overview

  • Continuous process of acquiring, extracting, and discarding substances
  • Constant reconstruction and loss of body materials
  • Lifelong synthesis of 225-450 kg of protein
  • Nutrients from food necessary for this process
  • Energy from food required for all bodily activities
  • Two main types of metabolic reactions:
    • Catabolism: Breaks down molecules, releases energy
    • Anabolism: Constructs molecules, consumes energy

Metabolism Details

  • Metabolism: All biochemical reactions in the body
  • Reconciles conflicting processes of catabolism and anabolism
  • Anabolism builds polymers from monomers
  • Catabolism breaks down polymers for energy release

Nutrient Categories

  1. Water: Most vital nutrient
  2. Vitamins: Essential for nutrient utilization
  • Examples: Vitamin C (iron absorption), Vitamin K (blood clotting), B vitamins (ATP production)
  1. Minerals: Various bodily functions
  • Examples: Calcium (bones), Iron (hemoglobin), Potassium/Sodium (pH balance)
  1. Carbohydrates: Primary energy source for cells
  • Glucose: Main fuel for ATP
  • Storage: As glycogen or converted to fats
  • Crucial for neurons and red blood cells
  1. Lipids (Fats): Energy storage, insulation, vitamin storage
  • Important lipids: Cholesterol, phospholipids for cell membranes
  • Sources: Animal fats, plant fats (fruits, nuts, seeds)
  • Essential fatty acids: Omega-6, Omega-3
  1. Proteins: Structural, enzymatic functions
  • Composition: 20 amino acids
  • Sources: Meats, dairy, legumes, nuts, cereals
  • Importance of DNA in protein synthesis
  • Essential amino acids: Must be obtained from diet

Metabolic Summary

  • Anabolic reactions build structures and require energy
  • Catabolic reactions break down structures and release energy
  • Together, they constitute metabolism - a constant process of rebuilding and loss

Credits

  • Crash Course Team: Writers, editors, directors, sound designers, and graphics teams