The Meaning of Human Nutrition

The Meaning of Human Nutrition presents information basic to human nutrition. An effort is made to relate food and human nutrition to the history of man's struggle for survival and to efforts to control the environment to his advantage. Several lists of events are included to relate these efforts chronologically in history to show how great discoveries or ideas have evolved gradually. This book has 10 chapters; the first of which provides an overview of the study of human nutrition. Basic concepts about human nutrition are then introduced, including the early man's concepts about food and survival on earth as well as the relationship between man's dietary problems and technological changes. The role of government in a democratic society to sponsor education and well-being of all citizens is also considered. The chapters that follow focus on growth and development as indicators of nutritional status, food guides to nutrition, nutrient content of food, and recommended dietary allowances. The book discusses as well the body's need for nutrients and its use of energy, protein as a source of amino acids, and the importance of vitamins and minerals in human nutrition. The final chapter analyzes consumer concerns about food and nutrition. This monograph is designed as a textbook to help students develop deeper knowledge and understanding of human nutrition.

PrefaceSection 1 The Study of Nutrition Overview of the Study of Human Nutrition Technics to Establish Validity of InformationSection 2 Basic Concepts about Human Nutrition Early Concepts about Food and Survival Current Basic Concepts of Nutrition Governmental and Educational Influences on Nutrition Inventory of KnowledgeSection 3 Growth and Development as Indicators of Nutritional Status Developmental Progress of Man Assessment of Body Size Inventory of KnowledgeSection 4 Dietary Specifications to Meet Nutritional Needs Everyday Food Guides to Nutrition Recommended Dietary Allowances Nutrient Content of Food Dietary Analysis as a Tool in Education and Research Inventory of KnowledgeSection 5 The Body's Need for Nutrients: Dietary Supply Food as a Source of Energy Digestibility of Foods Potential Energy Value of Diets Inventory of KnowledgeSection 6 The Body's Use of Energy Metabolism of Energy in Man Facets of Energy Expenditure Energy Balance and Weight Control Application of Skill in Nutrition EducationSection 7 Protein as a Source of Amino Acids The Role of Protein in Life Dietary Need for Amino Acids (Protein) Proteins in Foods Inventory of KnowledgeSection 8 Mineral Elements in Human Nutrition Inorganic Nutrients in the Human Body Dietary Mineral Supply and the Developmental Stage of the Individual Inventory of KnowledgeSection 9 Vitamins in Human Nutrition Concept of Micronutrients Characteristics of Vitamins Sources of Vitamins Inventory of KnowledgeSection 10 The Concern of the Consumer for Food and Nutrition Problems Facing the Consumer of Food Governmental Protection of the Food Consumer Nongovernmental and Private Services for the Consumer Responsibility of the Food Consumer Inventory of KnowledgeFinishAppendixes A Common Symbols for Use in Nutrition EducationAppendixes B Answers to Inventory of KnowledgeAppendixes C Symbols for Some Chemical Elements Used in NutritionIndex