BND 3104 Nutrition and Dietetics — Questions OmpathStudy

Bnd 3104 Nutrition And Dietetics Exam Questions and Answers --- SECTION A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 1. Differentiate between essential and non-essential amino acids (4 Marks) Answer: Essential Amino Acids are amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own or produces in insufficient amounts. Therefore, they must be obtained through diet . Examples include: Leucine Isoleucine Valine Lysine Non-Essential Amino Acids are amino acids that the body can synthesize in sufficient amounts, meaning they do not necessarily need to be supplied by the diet. Examples include: Alanine Glutamine Glycine Tyrosine --- 2. Explain the importance of dietary fiber (5 Marks) Answer: Dietary fiber is crucial for maintaining optimal health for several reasons: Digestive Health : Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation by adding bulk to stool and facilitating its passage through the digestive tract. Weight Management : High-fiber foods increase satiety and help control appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake and better weight management. Blood Sugar Control : Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, helping to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular Health : Fiber, particularly soluble fiber , helps lower blood cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol particles and removing them from the body, reducing the risk of heart disease. Colon Health : Fiber promotes healthy gut bacteria and may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. --- 3. Differentiate between major minerals and trace minerals (6 Marks) Answer: Major Minerals (also called macrominerals ): Required by the body in amounts greater than 100 mg per day . Present in the body in larger quantities (more than 5 grams). Examples include: Calcium , Phosphorus , Magnesium , Sodium , Potassium , Chloride , and Sulfur . Functions: Building bones and teeth, maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Trace Minerals (also called microminerals ): Required by the body in amounts less than 100 mg per day . Present in the body in very small quantities (less than 5 grams). Examples include: Iron , Zinc , Iodine , Selenium , Copper , Manganese , Fluoride , and Chromium . Functions: Enzyme activation, hormone production, immune function, and antioxidant activities. --- 4. Suggest five benefits of breastfeeding to infants (5 Marks) Answer: Optimal Nutrition : Breast milk provides the perfect balance of nutrients specifically designed for infant growth and development, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in ideal proportions. Immune Protection : Breast milk contains antibodies , white blood cells, and antimicrobial factors that protect infants from infections, including respiratory infections, ear infections, and diarrheal diseases. Digestive Health : Breast milk is easily digestible and promotes the development of healthy gut bacteria , reducing the risk of gastrointestinal problems like colic and constipation. Cognitive Development : Breastfeeding has been associated with improved cognitive development and higher IQ scores due to the presence of essential fatty acids like DHA . Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases : Breastfed infants have lower rates of obesity , type 1 and 2 diabetes, asthma, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) . --- 5. Distinguish between soluble and insoluble fiber with examples of sources (5 Marks) Answer: Soluble Fiber: Dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. Helps lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels . Slows digestion and promotes satiety. Sources: Oats , barley , beans , lentils , apples , citrus fruits , carrots , psyllium . Insoluble Fiber: Does not dissolve in water . Adds bulk to stool and helps food pass through the digestive system. Prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. Sources: Whole wheat products , wheat bran , brown rice , vegetables ( cauliflower , green beans ), nuts , seeds , potato skins . --- 6. Explain the limitations of early introduction of complementary feeds to infants (5 Marks) Answer: Immature Digestive System : Infants under 6 months have an immature digestive system that cannot properly digest complex foods, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort , diarrhea, or malabsorption. Increased Risk of Infections : Early introduction of complementary foods may expose infants to contaminated food and water, increasing the risk of infections and diarrheal diseases. Nutritional Displacement : Complementary foods may replace breast milk, which is nutritionally superior, leading to inadequate nutrient intake and potential malnutrition. Allergic Reactions : Early introduction increases the risk of developing food allergies , particularly to common allergens like eggs, peanuts, and wheat. Choking Hazard : Infants may not have developed adequate oral motor skills for chewing and swallowing solid foods, increasing the risk of choking . --- SECTION B: ES