Nutrition 1020

• • Some vitamins are essential.
• • Without an intake of, nutritional deficiencies occur.
• • Vitamins are organic compounds.
• • They contain the element carbon.
• • All vitamins are noncaloric.
• • All vitamins are needed in tiny amounts for cell metabolism
• • microgram (μg, mcg, ug) or
• • milligram (mg) amounts

As compared to gram amounts for carbohydrates, proteins and fats

• In cell chemistry or metabolism.

• Enzymes are protein based molecules that catalyze chemical reactions (drive metabolism).

• Vitamins & minerals can function as specific cofactors for specific enzymes.

• Many enzymes require a partner called a cofactor or coenzyme to function.

• Examples:
• The vitamin folate is a cofactor for the enzyme homocysteine transmethylase.

The mineral selenium is a cofactor for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

A, D, E, K

• Thiamin
• B6
• B12
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Folate
• Pantothenic Acid
• Biotin
• Vitamin C
• Choline

• Other compounds have vitamin activity in animals, but deficiencies have not been shown in humans.

• The aforementioned vitamins are essential in human nutrition.

• • Some minerals are essential.
• • Without an intake of, nutritional deficiencies occur.
• • All minerals are elements.
• • All minerals are inorganic substances.
• » this is because minerals are unique elements and are not compounds containing carbon.
• • All minerals are non-caloric
• • All minerals are needed in tiny amounts for cellular metabolism and structure
• – Microgram (μg)
• – Milligram (mg) amounts

Major Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na),Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), Sulfur (S)

Trace Minerals: Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Iodine (I), Selenium (Se), Chromium (Cr),Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Fluoride (F), Cobalt (Co).

• The majority of minerals in the human body play a structural role.

• Also as cofactors of enzymes in metabolism.

• Structural such as calcium in bone structure and as integral components of proteins such as iron & hemoglobin or iodine & thyroxin.

Water & Body fluid regulation by the electrolytes:

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride

Some minerals help maintain acid-base balance

The bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffer system starts with sodium bicarbonate dissociated in water,

When acid such as hydrochloric acid is added,

The sodium & chloride electrically balance each other,

The bicarbonate combines with the hydrogen to yield carbonic acid,

Being unstable, carbonic acid releases carbon dioxide,which is expelled in the breath. Water remains.

• There are 17 minerals essential for proper growth & function of the human body.

• Minerals are categorized as Major & Trace.

• The category is based on the amount of mineral present in the human body.

• Found in the adult reference male body in quantities greater than 5 grams.

• Bone: Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P),Magnesium (Mg)

• Water: Sodium (Na), Chloride (Cl),Potassium (K)

• Lean Body Mass (LBM): Sulfur (S)

• Found in the adult reference male body in quantities less than or equal to 5 grams

• Include: Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Iodine (I),Selenium (Se), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum(Mo), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn),Fluoride (F), and Cobalt (Co)

• • Other minerals are found in the human body but are not recognized as essential. For example:
• » Nickel is a structural requirement for some metalloenzymes.

» Boron has recently been shown to function in calcium metabolism.

» Silicon, tin, vanadium and cadmium are found in the human body but no metabolicrole has been identified.

• • Non-Energy Yield: Water provides 0 Calories/gram. !
• • Functions: Water is the medium for metabolism & nutrient transport.
• • It is the fluid of life.
• • Without water intake, dysfunction to death will occur faster than the limitation of any other of the essential nutrients in human nutrition.

• • There is no “one-size-fits-all”water intake recommend.
• – Needs vary depending on activity & environmental conditions.
• • For water balance:
• – Consume 1 ml water/Calorie expended.
• – This is not an optimal level of water intake.
• • DRI for water for those >19 years:
• – Men: 3.7 L/day (approx. 15 cups)
• – Women: 2.7 L/day (approx. 11 cups)

• • Most body waste is excreted in the urine.
• • Kidneys excrete more efficiently into dilute urine.
• • Drinking fluid promotes the excretion of toxic metabolic waste products.
• • Strive to consume enough fluids to produce clear urine every few hours.

• Thirst mechanisms do not provide motivation to drink until an individual is 2% dehydrated.

• At this point, the function of the cardiovascular system is decreased.

• Thus, individuals need to learn to drink when they are not thirsty.