Clinical Nutrition & Assessment Flashcards

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the human body?

Answer: To provide energy

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, being readily converted into glucose for immediate use by cells. This energy powers all bodily functions, from brain activity to muscle contraction, making them essential for daily living.

Which of the following is a function of proteins in the body?

Answer: Supporting enzyme and hormone production

Proteins are crucial for synthesizing enzymes, which act as catalysts for nearly all biochemical reactions, and hormones, which regulate various bodily processes. They also play vital roles in structural support, transport, and immune defense.

What role do vitamins play in metabolism?

Answer: They help enzymes perform metabolic functions

Vitamins function as coenzymes or cofactors, which are essential for enzymes to catalyze metabolic reactions efficiently. They do not provide energy directly but are critical for processes like energy production, nutrient utilization, and cellular repair.

How do lipids contribute to metabolism?

Answer: They store energy, form cell membranes, and produce hormones

Lipids serve as a concentrated, long-term energy reserve for the body. They are also fundamental components of all cell membranes, providing structural integrity, and are precursors for the synthesis of vital hormones, including steroid hormones.

What is the role of water in metabolism?

Answer: It regulates body temperature and aids digestion

Water is indispensable for metabolism, acting as a solvent for nutrients and waste products, and participating in numerous biochemical reactions. It also plays a critical role in maintaining body temperature through sweating and is essential for the proper breakdown and absorption of food in the digestive system.

Which metabolic pathway produces ATP in cells?

Answer: Cellular respiration

Cellular respiration is the primary metabolic pathway where glucose and other organic molecules are broken down to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the main energy currency used by cells to power all their activities, from muscle contraction to active transport.

How does the body regulate blood sugar levels?

Answer: By secreting insulin and glucagon to regulate levels

The pancreas releases insulin when blood sugar is high, prompting cells to absorb glucose and the liver to store it as glycogen. Conversely, when blood sugar is low, the pancreas releases glucagon, signaling the liver to release stored glucose, thus maintaining a stable blood glucose balance.

What is the purpose of fiber in digestion?

Answer: To regulate digestion and prevent constipation

Fiber adds bulk to the diet, which helps to normalize bowel movements and prevent constipation by facilitating the smooth passage of waste through the digestive tract. It also contributes to satiety and can support a healthy gut microbiome.

Which macronutrient is the body's primary source of quick energy?

Answer: Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the most efficient and preferred source of immediate energy for the body. They are rapidly broken down into glucose, which is then utilized by cells to produce ATP, fueling daily activities and physical exertion.