Key Terms

infoNote

Food is any solid or liquid that provides the body with nutrients. Nutrition is the study of food, its nutrients, and how the body uses them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): "Good nutrition—an adequate, well-balanced diet combined with regular physical activity—is a cornerstone of good health."

Key Terms for Studying Nutrition

Nutrients:

Chemical substances in food that allow the body to function properly when digested.

Elemental Composition:

Describes the elements that make up a nutrient.
Example: Protein consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N).

Classification:

Grouping similar nutrients together.
Example: Proteins are classified as high biological value proteins or low biological value proteins.

Source:

Refers to foods or substances that provide nutrients.
Example: Milk is a source of calcium, and sunlight is a source of vitamin D.

Reference Intake (RI):

The average daily intake of a nutrient required to meet the needs of most people.
Example: Teenage girls have an RI of 15 mg of iron per day.

Functions:

The jobs nutrients perform in the body.
Example: Carbohydrates provide heat and energy.

Deficiency Diseases:

Diseases that occur when the body lacks a specific nutrient over time.
Example: Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C.

500K+ Students Use These Powerful Tools to Master Key Terms For their Junior Cycle Exams.

Enhance your understanding with flashcards, quizzes, and exams—designed to help you grasp key concepts, reinforce learning, and master any topic with confidence!

30 flashcards

Flashcards on Key Terms

Revise key concepts with interactive flashcards.

Try Home Economics Flashcards

3 quizzes

Quizzes on Key Terms

Test your knowledge with fun and engaging quizzes.

Try Home Economics Quizzes

7 questions

Exam questions on Key Terms

Boost your confidence with real exam questions.

Try Home Economics Questions