Nutrient Help Sheet

Name of Nutrient
Carbohydrate
Sources of nutrient
Rice, Wheat, Cereals, Potatoes, Pasta

Function in the body. Carbohydrates are a source of chemical energy, required for respiration.
Some forms of carbohydrates are absorbed quickly and give a quick short
burst of energy. Whilst other provide a longer lasting effect, such as
starch. These are called slow release carbohydrates. As excess of
carbohydrates can be stored as glycogen, or as fats, in the body.

Name of Nutrient
Fats
Sources of nutrient
Saturated fats- Meat, eggs, milk, cheese
Unsaturated fats- Sunflower seeds, Peanuts
Function in the body. Fats are an equally important part of the human diet. They are essentially
energy stores because they are insoluble in water. The also prove an
insulation in the body. More importantly, they form a vital part of the
cell; the cell membrane. The body can store large quantities of fats which
can then lead to obesity.

Name of Nutrient
Proteins
Sources of nutrient
Meat, Fish, Eggs, Beans,

Function in the body. Proteins are broken down in the body to form amino acids-
these are the main building blocks for making the majority of
things inside the body. Enzymes, hemoglobin, parts of the cell
are all formed from DNA

Name of Nutrient
Dietary Fibre
Sources of nutrient Food sources containing cellulose, cereal, bread,
vegetables,

Function in the body. Dietary fibre consists of indigestible food, usually cellulose which comes
from the cell wall of plant cells. Fibre is required in the diet as it helps to
push food through the digestive system. A shortage may cause
constipation(the inability to poo properly).
Name of Nutrient
Minerals- Iron
Sources of nutrient
Red meats, Liver, Spinach,

Function in the body. Iron is need to produce a molecule called hemoglobin, which is found in
red blood cells. A shortage causes weakness as oxygen needed for
respiration cannot be transported efficiently.

Name of Nutrient
Minerals- Calcium
Sources of nutrient
Milk, Cheese, Fish

Function in the body. A calcium shortage causes rickets, the same deficiency disease as
vitamin D. Sufferers usually have weak bones and teeth, poor clotting of
the blood and uncontrollable muscle contractions spasms.

Name of Nutrient
Vitamin C (Abscorbic acid)
Sources of nutrient
Cheeries, Citrus fruits, Limes, Oranges, Lemons,

Function in the body. Deficiency in nutrient causes a disease called scurvy. Bleeding of the
gums, tooth loss, and on rare occasionas death.

Name of Nutrient
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Sources of nutrient
Liver, Milk, Eggs, Fish Liver Oil.

Function in the body. Deficiency in nutrient causes a disease called Rickets. Vitamin D is
required for the absorption of calcium, an important component of your
bones. A lack of vitamin D means calcium cannot be absorbed and your
bones become weak and bend.