24. Metabolism and Nutrition

Which of the following yields the greatest caloric value per gram?

a. Fats

b. Proteins

c. Carbohydrates

d. All are equal in caloric value.

Gregor, a large, beefy man, came home from the doctor's office and complained to his wife that his blood tests 'were bad.' He told her that the doctor said he would have to give up some of his steaks and butter. He went on to mourn the fact that he would have to start eating more cottage cheese and olive oil instead. What kind of problem was revealed by his 'bad' blood tests? What do you think of his choice of food substitutes and why? What would you suggest?

While attempting to sail solo from Los Angeles to Tahiti, Seth encountered a storm that marooned him on an uninhabited island. He was able, using his ingenuity and a pocket knife, to obtain plenty of fish to eat, and roots were plentiful. However, the island was barren of fruits and soon his gums began to bleed and he started to develop several infections. Analyze his problem.

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

b. High-density lipoproteins deliver cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues.

Certain diet plans claim that a person may eat all the protein he or she wants, as protein is not stored by the body. Is this claim completely accurate? Explain.

Which of the following statements is false?

a. Fiber is a polysaccharide that is completely or partially indigestible by the human body.

b. A complete protein contains all the essential amino acids.

c. Saturated fats contain hydrogen atoms arranged on opposite sides of the carbon-carbon double bond.

d. Linoleic and linolenic acid are essential fatty acids.

Amino acids are essential (and important) to the body for all the following except:

a. Production of some hormones

b. Production of antibodies

c. Formation of most structural materials

d. As a source of quick energy

List some factors that influence plasma cholesterol levels. Also list the sources and fates of cholesterol in the body.

How do fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins differ? Which vitamins are fat-soluble?