Explore BND 3104: Nutrition & Dietetics for Year 5 ENT. Discover key dietary strategies for ear, nose, and throat health. Learn more!
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: ESSAY QUESTIONS 7a. Examine five principles of diet planning (10 Marks) Answer: 1. Adequacy : An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and all essential nutrients in amounts necessary to prevent deficiencies and maintain health. This is achieved by consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups. An adequate diet meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or Adequate Intakes (AIs) for all nutrients. 2. Balance : A balanced diet supplies appropriate amounts of nutrients from each food group in the correct proportions. Balance is achieved by consuming foods from all food groups (grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy) without overemphasizing one group at the expense of others. This ensures that no single nutrient is consumed in excess while others are lacking. 3. Calorie Control : This principle ensures that energy intake matches energy expenditure to maintain a healthy body weight. Calorie intake should be appropriate for age, sex, body size, and physical activity level. Consuming more calories than needed leads to weight gain, while consuming too few results in weight loss and potential nutrient deficiencies. 4. Moderation : Moderation involves avoiding excessive consumption of any food or nutrient, particularly those that may be harmful in large amounts. This principle is especially important for foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, sodium, and alcohol. It also applies to supplements of vitamins and minerals to prevent toxicity. 5. Nutrient Density : This principle emphasizes choosing foods that provide substantial amounts of nutrients relative to their calorie content. Nutrient-dense foods deliver maximum nutrition with minimal calories. For example, choosing fresh fruit over sugary soda, or choosing whole grains over refined grains provides more nutrients per calorie consumed. --- 7b. Explain the ABCD of Nutrition assessment (10 Marks) Answer: The ABCD approach is a comprehensive method for assessing nutritional status: A - Anthropometric Measurements This involves measuring physical dimensions and body composition: Weight : Measured using bathroom scales or specialized scales; indicates overall nutritional status. Height/Length : Measured using a stadiometer (adults/children who can stand) or infantometer (infants); used to calculate growth and BMI. Head Circumference : Measured in infants to assess brain development, taken from the supraorbital ridge to the occipital bone. Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) : Measured using specialized tape with color indicators (red: severely malnourished, yellow: moderately malnourished, green: normal); used for children and pregnant women. Waist-Hip Ratio : Indicates body fat distribution and risk of chronic diseases. BMI (Body Mass Index) : Calculated as weight(kg)/height(m)² to classify nutritional status. B - Biochemical Tests This involves laboratory analysis of body fluids and tissues: Blood Tests : Measure levels of nutrients (vitamins, minerals), metabolites (gluco