Nutrients – Functions and Food Sources
Identify one food source high in protein.
One food source high in protein is chicken breast. Protein is important for growth and repair of body tissues during youth.
Identify one short-term consequence of underconsumption of fibre.
One short-term consequence of underconsumption of fibre is constipation. This occurs because fibre helps food move through the digestive system efficiently.
Identify one Australian food selection model that promotes healthy eating.
One Australian food selection model that promotes healthy eating is the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Identify one reliable source of nutrition information.
- media
- medical practitioners
- dieticians and nutritionist
Identify one sociocultural factor that may influence food choices among youth.
One sociocultural factor that may influence food choices among youth is family.
Describe one function of calcium in maintaining health outcomes during youth.
One function of calcium is strengthening bones and teeth. This supports positive physical health and wellbeing during youth by helping the body build bone density and reducing the risk of weak or brittle bones later in life.
Explain the difference between the types of fibre
There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre allows more water to remain in the stools, making waste softer and easier to pass through the intestines. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to faeces, assisting in the removal of waste products.
Describe one purpose of the Health Star Rating system.
One purpose of the Health Star Rating system is to help consumers compare the nutritional value of packaged foods quickly and easily to support healthier food choices.
Explain why television, print media and the internet may be unreliable as a source of health information
Media sources such as TV, magazines, websites and apps can provide nutrition information, but it may be sensationalised, lack context or be influenced by advertising or paid promotions, so credibility should always be questioned
Describe how one sociocultural factor may promote healthy eating behaviours of youth
Family may promote healthy eating behaviours by encouraging balanced meals at home and modelling healthy food choices. This can positively influence young people’s eating habits and health outcomes.
Explain two functions of fibre and identify one food source high in fibre.
One function of fibre is supporting digestive health by helping food move through the digestive system and preventing constipation. Another function of fibre is helping individuals feel fuller for longer, which can support maintaining a healthy weight and reduce overeating. One food source high in fibre is wholegrain bread.
Explain how the underconsumption of calcium and vitamin D may negatively impact youth health outcomes (3 marks)
Underconsumption of calcium may weaken bones and teeth, reducing bone density during an important stage of growth and development. Vitamin D is needed to help the body absorb calcium effectively. If youth do not consume enough vitamin D, calcium absorption decreases, increasing the risk of poor bone health and conditions such as osteoporosis later in life. This negatively impacts physical health and wellbeing.
Explain one strength and one limitation of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating in promoting healthy eating among youth.
One strength of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating is that it provides clear visual recommendations about the five food groups and the proportions needed for a balanced diet, making it easy for youth to understand healthy eating habits.
One limitation is that it may not consider cultural food preferences, food affordability or individual dietary needs, which can make it difficult for some young people to follow.
Explain the difference between a dietician and nutritionist
A dietician is a qualified health professional who is accredited to provide medical nutrition therapy and dietary treatment for health conditions. A nutritionist provides advice about healthy eating and nutrition but may not have the same accredited qualifications or ability to treat medical conditions.
Describe how income can act as an enabler and a barrier to healthy eating among young people
Income can act as an enabler because higher income may increase access to fresh fruits, vegetables and nutritious foods. However, low income can act as a barrier because healthier foods are often more expensive, leading some young people to purchase cheaper processed or fast foods instead.
Explain how adequate water intake supports both physical and social health and wellbeing
Adequate water intake supports physical health and wellbeing by regulating body temperature, preventing dehydration and allowing the body to function effectively during physical activity and learning. It also supports social health and wellbeing because staying hydrated can improve concentration, mood and energy levels, allowing individuals to participate positively in conversations, group work and social activities with peers.
Describe a short term and long term consequence of overconsumption of sodium
One short-term consequence of overconsumption of sodium is dehydration due to fluid imbalance in the body. One long-term consequence is high blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke later in life.
Identify each section of the Australian guide to healthy eating with reference to two nutrients found in each food group
Outline the four strategies to evaluate the validity of online nutrition information
R — Read the URL. Non-commercial sites, such as those ending in .org, .edu and .gov, are generally reliable sources. Websites with a URL ending with .com may be commercial sites trying to sell a product, and therefore may not be a reliable source of information.
E — Examine the site’s contents. Look at the author, publisher and organisation. What are their credentials? Who funds the website or app? Check if the material is current.
A — Ask about the author’s name. Can you find the details of the author or publisher if you wish to contact them?
L — Look at the links. What type of pages are they linking to? Are these credible sources and do their web addresses end in .gov, .edu or .org?
Explain how family can act as a enabler for healthy eating behaviours for youth and impact mental health and wellbeing
Family can act as an enabler by providing healthy meals, encouraging regular eating patterns and educating young people about nutrition. This may improve physical health and wellbeing through better nutrient intake, while also supporting mental health and wellbeing by creating positive family relationships and reducing stress around food choices.
Sienna is a 16-year-old student who does not consume a balanced diet of the five food groups. She often feels tired during class and struggles to concentrate during exams.
Explain the function of two nutrients she may be deficient in and how this impacts youth health outcomes
One nutrient Sienna may be deficient in is iron. Iron helps transport oxygen around the body through red blood cells. A lack of iron can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration, which may explain why Sienna feels tired during class.
Another nutrient Sienna may be deficient in is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and provide fuel for the brain and muscles. Insufficient carbohydrate intake may reduce energy levels and make it difficult for Sienna to focus during exams.
Explain how overconsumption of fats can negatively impact youth health outcomes, referring to both a short term and long term concequence
Overconsumption of fats may have short-term consequences such as low energy levels or reduced physical performance due to poor dietary balance. In the long term, excessive intake of saturated and trans fats can increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. These conditions negatively impact physical health and wellbeing and may reduce quality of life.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Health Star Rating system in assisting young people to make informed food choices. In your response, refer to a protective and risk nutrient of the HSR system.
The Health Star Rating system is somewhat effective in assisting young people to make informed food choices because it provides a simple rating system that allows foods to be compared quickly. The system considers protective nutrients such as fibre, which can increase the star rating, and risk nutrients such as sodium or saturated fat, which can lower the rating. This can encourage youth to select healthier packaged foods. However, the system is voluntary, meaning not all products display the rating, which may limit its effectiveness.
A nutrition influencer on TikTok promotes a restrictive diet claiming it leads to “rapid detoxification” without citing scientific evidence.
Evaluate the validity of this source of nutrition information (4 marks)
This source has low validity because the influencer does not provide scientific evidence or references to support their claims. The information may be influenced by commercial interests, such as sponsorships or gaining followers. Additionally, the source may not be written by a qualified health professional such as a dietician. Using the R.E.A.L strategy, the information cannot be verified through reliable links or evidence-based research, reducing its credibility as a nutrition source.
Explain how cultural background can act as a barrier for youth health outcomes
Cultural background may act as a barrier to positive health outcomes if cultural beliefs, traditions or stigma discourage young people from seeking support for mental health concerns such as stress and anxiety. Language barriers or limited health literacy may also reduce understanding of nutrition information and health services. This may contribute to poorer mental health and wellbeing and increase morbidity rates due to reduced access to preventative care and support services.