1
What nutrient is known as the body's primary source of energy?
Carbohydrates
Where does most absorption of nutrients occur?
Small intestine
What is the function of fibre?
Adds bulk to food and helps prevent constipation.
What nutrient is necessary for the body's growth and repair of tissues, and is found in foods like meat, eggs, and beans?
Protein
Which vitamin prevents scurvy?
Vitamin C
What is the role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?
Kills bacteria and provides optimum pH for pepsin.
Define peristalsis.
Waves of muscle contraction that move food along the gut.
Why do athletes require a diet high in carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates provide quick-release energy needed for activity.
What role does saliva play in the digestive process?
It breaks down carbohydrates.
What Mineral is crucial for the formation of red blood cells and is abundant in foods like spinach and red meat
Iron
Explain the importance of iron in the human diet.
Needed to make haemoglobin; deficiency leads to anaemia.
Compare the roles of amylase and protease.
Amylase breaks starch → maltose; protease breaks protein → amino acids.
Describe the functions of bile!
It is alkaline to neutralize the hydrochloric acid comes from the stomach.
It breaks down large drop of fat into smaller ones, called emulsification.
Explain why villi increase the efficiency of absorption in the small intestine.
Large surface area, thin walls, rich blood supply.
Name 4 systems involved in nutrition.
Digestive system
Circulatory system
Respiratory system
Excretion system
Explain how the pancreas contributes to digestion of all three main food groups.
Releases amylase (carbohydrates), lipase (fats), proteases like trypsin (proteins).
Describe physical digestion.
Breakdown of food into smaller pieces without chemical change to the food molecules.
Describe chemical digestion.
The breakdown of large, insoluble molecules into small, soluble molecules; chemical digestion involves enzyme.
Which organ produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels?
Pancreas
Why is water important in digestion?
Helps dissolve nutrients, aids chemical reactions, and prevents dehydration.
Discuss how an unbalanced diet can lead to both undernutrition and overnutrition.
Lack of nutrients leads to stunted growth; excess nutrients cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease.
Describe what would happen if bile production stopped.
Fat digestion becomes inefficient; lipase cannot act effectively; fats appear in faeces; poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
What is the function of Vitamin K in the body, and in which foods can it be found?
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are good sources
Evaluate how the digestive system and circulatory system work together in nutrient absorption.
Digested nutrients absorbed into bloodstream → transported to cells for respiration and growth.
Explain the consequences of a lack of dietary protein in children
Swelling of abdomen, poor growth, thin limbs, hair changes due to protein deficiency.