Unit 19 Nutritional Health

Over-nutrition A condition that results from eating too much, or eating too many of the wrong types of food, or taking too many vitamins or other dietary supplements. Deficiency The absence of a particular nutrient in the body, due to a lack in the diet or conditions that prevent nutrients being absorbed from the diet. 00:03 01:29 Antioxidant Substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage, such as cancer. Antioxidants are found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables and include beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins A, C and E. Basal metabolism The energy necessary to maintain vital body functions, such as respiration and circulation, while fasting and at total rest. Free sugars Sugars added to foods, including in baking, as opposed to naturally occurring sugars, such as lactose in milk and fructose in fruit. Polysaccharides Three or more monosaccharides combined together to form complex carbohydrates. Monosaccharide The simplest form of carbohydrate, it is the building block for more complex carbohydrates. Rickets Condition in which children's bones are soft and deformed. Tends to affect the leg bones, which bear most of the child's body weight, but can also affect the spine. There is a risk of bone fractures, and children with rickets are more prone to tooth decay. Osteomalacia Or soft bones, is Vitamin D deficiency in adults. It causes bone pain, muscle weakness an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis A condition, typically as a result of hormonal changes or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D, in which there is loss of bone tissue, weakening the bones and making them fragile, and more likely to break. Megaloblastic anaemia Type of anaemia characterised by red blood cells that are larger than normal. There are also fewer red blood cells, so body tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen. Neural tube defects Abnormalities of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that can happen in the first month of pregnancy. The commonest is spina bifida, where the spinal column does not close properly. 00:02 01:29 Upgrade to remove ads Only $35.99/year Scurvy A rare condition caused by lack of vitamin C, which affects the body'd ability to form collagen. Symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, pain in the limbs, swollen and bleeding gums, delayed wound healing and bruising easily. Hydrocephalus A condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull, which can cause brain damage without treatment. Treatment is by insertion of a shunt in early infancy, to drain the excess fluid into another part of the body, usually the abdominal cavity. Vegetarian A diet that does not include meat, poultry or fish, but does include eggs and dairy products. Vegan A diet that excludes all meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy produces. Angina Chest pain caused by inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle when it is under stress, usually relieved by rest or taking tablets to dilate the arteries. Heart attack Chest pain, similar to angina but usually more severe, caused by blockage of the artery supplying oxygen to the heart muscle. This pain is not relieved by rest or angina tablets, and is a medical emergency. Remission A period of time when a disease is inactive, but is not considered cured. Food intolerance Symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating and wind, caused by eating specific foods. It is not the same as an allergic reaction and is not usually life threatening. Epipen A device delivering a rapid injection of adrenaline to quickly control symptoms of anaphylactic shock, which in severe cases cause the throat and tongue to swell, blocking the airway.