This article explores fundamental human nutrition principles, differentiating between macro- and micronutrients, their functions, and their importance for health. It highlights the roles of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, and minerals in maintaining well-being, emphasizing the connection between nutrition and dietetics in healthcare and food industries.

Introduction to Nutrition

Nutrition and dietetics are interconnected fields that often overlap. Nutrition involves the scientific analysis of food components, their roles, and effects on human health, including possible negative impacts. In contrast, dietetics emphasizes assessing nutritional requirements for both healthy and ill individuals and recommending suitable dietary plans. Typically, nutritionists find roles within the food sector, whereas dietitians work mainly in clinical and healthcare environments.

All healthcare professionals are involved in dietary practices.

Nutrients are classified into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are needed in large amounts to supply energy, measured in kilocalories (kcal) or Joules, where 1 kcal equals 4.186 kJ.

Carbohydrates are the primary energy source among macronutrients. They provide 4 kcal per gram and include sugars such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Proteins, made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, are vital for tissue repair and growth. They also provide 4 kcal per gram. Proteins consist of amino acids, which can be simple units or complex chains.

Fats, or lipids, supply about 9 kcal per gram and are composed of triglycerides, formed by three fatty acids linked to glycerol. Fats can be simple or complex.

Dietary fiber, a carbohydrate component, isn’t digested but promotes digestive health by aiding food transit.

Water is essential for numerous bodily functions, such as acting as a solvent, temperature regulation, waste removal, and maintaining circulation.

Micronutrients include minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, and iodine, required in trace amounts. A balanced diet often supplies these minerals naturally.