24. Metabolism and Nutrition

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

Your friend hears about the latest fad diet that consists entirely of fat. Predict the initial effects such a diet might have on your friend's concentration, memory, and other nervous system functions. Would you recommend this diet to anyone? Why or why not?

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.

A/an ________ is a nutrient that the body requires in large quantities, whereas a/an ________ is one that the body requires in much smaller quantities. A/an ________ is a nutrient that the body cannot produce and so must be supplied from the diet.

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

a. Fats

b. Proteins

c. Carbohydrates

d. All are equal in caloric value.

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

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.