Nutritional Requirements

• monosaccharides


  one sugar molecule
• disaccharides


  two sugar molecules
• polysaccharides

  two to ten sugar molecules
• oligosaccharides

  ten or more sugar molecules
• carbohydrates


  serves as the primary energy source in the cells of animals.

  animals cannot produce their own carbs
• cells use glucose as the primary carbohydrate that oxidized during respiration.
• cellulose


  is a carbohydrate found in plant-based diet of various animal
• termites and ruminants have protozoa and bacteria in their gut that can digest cellulose.
• proteins


  are essential biomolecules needed for tissue growth and repair.

  they are integral components of cytoplasm and membranes of cells an organelles.

  they are digested to provide essential amino acids.

  integral components of almost all of the enzymes in the body.
• Lipids


  are essential nutrients that make up most of the membranes of cells.

  essential in the synthesis of the myelin of nerve fibers.

  also important to the biosynthesis of various lipid-based hormones.

  being energy-storage molecules, they can release more energy when oxidized.
• Nucleic acid

  • they are digested into their constituent nucleotides for absorption by the body.
  • used to synthesize DNA, RNA, and ATP.
• minerals refer to important elements that animals need to obtain from their diet.
• important minerals include

  • phosphorus
  • sulfur
  • potassium
  • magnesium
  • zinc
• vitamins are trace organic compounds present in the diet of animals.

  can be water-soluble or fat-soluble
• vitamin a


  effective in the treatment of ye disorders and skin infections; needed for the growth of bones and tooth
• vitamin b6


  a crucial component of an enzyme; needed for red blood cell production; thus it relieves anemia
• vitamin b12


  crucial component of an enzyme for cellular reproduction; improves nerve function
• vitamin c


  crucial enzyme component for protein metabolism improves immunity; acts as an anti-oxidant.
• vitamin D


  aids in the absorption of calcium in the digestive tractt
• vitamin E


  with antioxidants functions
• vitamin K


  reduces menstrual pain and internal bleeding; blood clotting.
• minerals are inorganic substances that are essential to life