Nutrients

• • Nutrients = Chemical substances in foods that provide energy; contribute to structure; regulation of biological processes; required for body growth, maintenance, reproduction
  • Food = Mixture of chemicals; Nutrients = Essential chemicals in food
• i) Macronutrients (Organic): Water, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins

  ii) Micronutrients (Inorganic): Vitamins, Minerals

  • Energy yielding nutrients: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins
• Carbohydrate and Immunity

  • Low CHO diet = Low energy production = Low immune functions
  • High CHO diet = Excess calories = Obesity + Dental caries
• Protein and Immunity

  • Proteins: Essential for antibody synthesis, normal growth, metabolism of immune cells
  • Protein deficient = Malnutrition = Low immune functions