Nutritional Principles in Nursing Exam 1
- What is digestion?
The movement of food through the digestive tract. - Describe the muscular components of digestion
Mouth–mastication
Esophagus–Upper and Lower Esophageal sphincter
Stomach–kneading and churning
Small intestines–peristalsis - What are the end products of digestion?
Carbohydrates
Glucose, fructose, and galactose (monosaccharides)
Fat
Fatty acids, monoglycerides, diglycerides, and glycerol
Protein
Amino acids, dipeptides - What are the chemical components of mouth digestion?
Salivary Amylase
Saliva
Mucus - Small intestines role in nutrient absorption
Absorbs most of the nutrients - Large intestines role in nutrient absorption
Primary task is Absorption of water (5-8 Liters per day)
Mineral Absorption
Sodium and other electrolytes
Vitamin Absorption
Vitamin K and Biotin
Waste Elimination - Lactose Intolerance
Inability to digest lactose – varies by individual
Stems from deficiency of the enzyme lactase
Not the same as milk allergy - Prebiotics
Undigested carbohydrates that pass into the colon and ferment - Function of Prebiotics
To stimulate the growth and activity of healthy bacteria
Increased immune function
Mineral absorption
Relieves constipation
Colon Cancer – may help destroy cancer cells and toxic enzymes