Nutritional Biochemistry
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Amino Acids #
The building blocks of proteins, there are 20 standard amino acids, including nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through the diet.
Essential Amino Acids #
The nine amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through the diet, they include Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.
Non #
essential Amino Acids: The amino acids that the body can synthesize, they include Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, and Tyrosine.
Carbohydrates #
A class of organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are the body's primary source of energy. They are classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
Monosaccharides #
Simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose, that cannot be broken down into smaller sugars.
Disaccharides #
Double sugars, such as sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar), that are formed by the combination of two monosaccharides.
Polysaccharides #
Complex carbohydrates, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose, that are formed by the combination of many monosaccharides.
Dietary Fiber #
The indigestible portion of plant foods, including cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, gums, and lignin, that promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Soluble Fiber #
The type of fiber that dissolves in water, forms a gel-like substance, and slows down digestion, it includes pectin, gums, and mucilages.
Insoluble Fiber #
The type of fiber that does not dissolve in water, promotes healthy bowel movements, and includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
Fatty Acids #
The building blocks of fats, there are three types of fatty acids: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.
Saturated Fatty Acids #
Fatty acids that are solid at room temperature, found in animal products and some plant oils, and can raise cholesterol levels.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids #
Fatty acids that are liquid at room temperature, found in plant oils, and can lower cholesterol levels.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids #
Fatty acids that are liquid at room temperature, found in plant oils, and can lower cholesterol levels, they include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Lipids #
A class of organic compounds that include fats, oils, waxes, and steroids, and are the body's main source of energy storage.
Macronutrients #
The three main classes of nutrients that provide energy and are needed in large amounts, they include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Micronutrients #
The vitamins and minerals that are needed in small amounts, but are essential for various bodily functions.
Nutritional Biochemistry #
The study of the chemical processes and interactions that occur in living organisms, with a focus on how nutrients are metabolized, stored, and utilized for energy and growth.
Biochemical Reactions #
The chemical reactions that occur in living organisms, including metabolic reactions, enzyme-catalyzed reactions, and signaling pathways.
Metabolic Pathways #
The series of biochemical reactions that occur in living organisms, including anabolic and catabolic pathways.
Enzymes #
Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions and speed up the rate of reactions in living organisms.
Coenzymes #
Small organic molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions.
Nutrients #
The substances in food that are necessary for growth, repair, and maintenance of the body, they include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Macronutrients #
The nutrients that are needed in large amounts, they include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Micronutrients #
The nutrients that are needed in small amounts, but are essential for various bodily functions, they include vitamins and minerals.
Phytochemicals #
The compounds found in plant foods that have beneficial effects on health, but are not considered essential nutrients.
Proteins #
A class of organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, and are necessary for growth, repair, and maintenance of the body.
Amino Acids #
The building blocks of proteins, there are 20 standard amino acids, including nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through the diet.
Complete Proteins #
Proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids, found in animal products and some plant sources.
Incomplete Proteins #
Proteins that do not contain all nine essential amino acids, found in plant sources.
Vitamins #
Organic compounds that are essential for various bodily functions, but are needed in small amounts.
Fat #
Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins that are stored in the body, include Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Water #
Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins that are not stored in the body and must be obtained through the diet, include Vitamin C and the B-vitamins.
Water #
A colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid that is essential for life and makes up about 60% of the human body.
Electrolytes #
The ions found in water that are necessary for various bodily functions, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
Dehydration #
The condition that occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to a decrease in blood volume and an increase in concentration of electrolytes.
Overhydration #
The condition that occurs when the body takes in more water than it can handle, leading to a decrease in sodium levels, also known as hyponatremia.
It is important to note that while this glossary provides a comprehensive overvi… #
There may be additional terms and concepts that are relevant to specific contexts or applications. Additionally, these definitions are intended to be clear and concise, but may not capture all the nuances of each term. It is recommended that learners supplement this glossary with additional resources and consult primary literature for a more in-depth understanding of these concepts.
In summary, this glossary serves as a valuable resource for learners in the Glob… #
Familiarity with these terms will enable learners to better understand the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, how nutrients are metabolized and utilized, and the practical applications and challenges of Nutritional Biochemistry.