BioConcepts - Nutrition

a type of neural tube birth defect characterized by absence of covering over and incomplete development of the brain associated with folic acid deficiency during the first third of pregnancy

loss of motor coordination

a neurologic illness characterized by dementia and ataxia caused by deficiency of vitamin B-1 (thiamin)

foods primarily made up of carbon atoms and water that are the principle source of dietary energy

starches that are water-soluble polysaccharides of glucose such as those in grains and potatoes

organic acids that erode dental enamel mixed with a slime on teeth and gums produced by bacteria that digest simple carbohydrates

carbohydrates made of two basic units such as sucrose and lactose

Nine of the twenty amino acids that are essential nutrients: lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, and histidine

two fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acid, that are essential nutrients

more than 40 different nutrients that are essential to maintaining good health but that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food or other external sources. The six categories of essential nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

vitamins A, D, E, and K

triglycerides

lipids composed of chains of 18-22 carbon atoms that may be saturated (completely bound with hydrogen atoms) or unsaturated (incompletely bound with hydrogen atoms)

polysaccharides that cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes and are therefore not available as an energy source

any nourishing substance eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, or to promote growth

a monosaccharide found in fruits and honey

a monosaccharide found in milk sugar

a monosaccharide found in fruits and honey

lipid substances with linked sugar groups that are key structural elements in cell membranes and precursors of other biologically active molecules important in cell signaling

cholesterol carried on high-density lipoproteins that can absorb excess cholesterol in the blood and return it to the liver for recycling. Sometimes called "good cholesterol".

a sulfur containing amino acid that, when present in elevated levels in blood has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and thrombosis even among individuals with normal cholesterol levels

a form of protein deficiency, most often seen in starving children, characterized by retarded growth and abdominal distention caused by liver enlargement

a disaccharide made from glucose and galactose; milk sugar

cholesterol carried on low-density lipoproteins that can penetrate arterial walls and, when oxidized, forms atherosclerotic plaque. Sometimes called "bad cholesterol".

biologic compounds that are soluble only in organic solvents

minerals required in amounts greater than 1-200 milligrams per day including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and sulfur

a severe form of both protein and energy deficiency often associated with body weight that is 60% less than normal

inorganic elements found in both living and non-living things. All minerals are essential nutrients

the basic structural units of carbohydrates consisting of a six-carbon ring with six oxygen and twelve hydrogen atoms attached such as glucose, fructose, and galactose

the study and science of the dietary requirements of living things for proper health and development

polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish and some vegetable sources that appear to decrease triglyceride levels and the rate of progression of atherosclerosis, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

a condition characterized by decreased mineral bone mass and weakened bones causing a tendency to develop fractures following relatively minor injury that is often, but not always, caused by calcium deficiency

a disease characterized by skin irritation, diarrhea, and permanent dementia caused by deficiency of niacin or nicotinic acid

a disease characterized by anemia and nerve damage caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency

lipid substances with linked phosphate groups that are key structural elements in cell membranes and precursors of other biologically active molecules important in cell signaling

carbohydrates made of long chains of monosaccharide units

polymers of amino acids that contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur

a disease of children characterized by malformed bones caused by vitamin D deficiency

the subjective sensation of fullness

a disease characterized by decreased wound healing and bleeding, especially of the mouth and gums, caused by vitamin C deficiency

mono- or disaccharides such as table sugar or candy that are not usually a component of the fibrous structure of foods and are readily digested. They rapidly reach the bloodstream as an available energy source

a type of neural tube birth defect characterized by absence of covering over and incomplete development of the spinal cord associated with folic acid deficiency during the first third of pregnancy

lipids that are composed of three six carbon rings and one five carbon ring fused together forming the basic structure for cholesterol, bile salts and many hormones such as cortisols, estrogens, androgens, and progesterones

a disaccharide made from glucose and fructose; table sugar

any of a group of antioxidant enzymes that consist of trace elements bound to protein that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals

blockage of blood flow in veins or arteries caused by blood clots

minerals required in daily quantities less than 20 milligrams per day including chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc

lipids composed of three fatty acids bound to glycerol, a three carbon polyalcohol

organic compounds essential for many metabolic functions. Most are essential nutrients and deficiencies may cause general and specific signs and symptoms of illness

B vitamins, folic acid, niacin, and vitamin C