Nutrition
                     NUTRITION
INTRODUCTION
• Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationship 
between diet, health, and disease.
• nutrition also focuses on how people can use dietary choices to reduce the risk of disease, 
what happens if a person has too much or too little of a nutrient, and how allergies work.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
ROLE OF NUTRIENTS
• Nutrients provide nourishment, Proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and 
water are all nutrients. 
• If people do not have the right balance of nutrients in their diet, their risk of developing 
certain health conditions increases.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
CARBOHYDRATES
• Sugar, starch, and fiber are types of carbohydrates. Sugars are simple carbs. The body 
quickly breaks down and absorbs sugars and processed starch.
• Fiber is also a carbohydrate. The body breaks down some types of fiber and uses them for 
energy; others are metabolized by gut bacteria, while other types pass through the body.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
PROTEINS
• Proteins consist of amino acids, which are organic compounds that occur naturally. Some 
foods provide complete protein, which means they contain all the essential amino acids the 
body needs. Other foods contain various combinations of amino acids.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
FATS
• Fats are essential for:
– lubricating joints
– helping organs produce hormones
– enabling the body to absorb 
certain vitamins
– reducing inflammation
– preserving brain health
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
WATER
• Many people recommend consuming 2 liters, or 8 glasses, of water a day, but it can also 
come from dietary sources, such as fruit and vegetables. Adequate hydration will result in 
pale yellow urine.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
MICRONUTRIENTS
• Micronutrients are essential in small amounts. They include vitamins and minerals. 
Manufacturers sometimes add these to foods. Examples include fortified cereals and rice.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
MINERALS
• The body needs carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. It also needs dietary minerals, 
such as iron, potassium, and so on.
• In most cases, a varied and balanced diet will provide the minerals a person needs. If a 
deficiency occurs, a doctor may recommend supplements.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
POTASSIUM
• Potassium is an electrolyte. It enables the kidneys, the heart, the muscles, and the nerves to 
work properly. Too little can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney stones. Too 
much may be harmful to people with kidney disease.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
SODIUM
• Sodium is an electrolyte that helps:
– maintain nerve and muscle function
– regulate fluid levels in the body
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com