Nutrient Classification

Generally Nutrients are grouped into :

Macronutrients are those, which the body requires in large amounts e.g. proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water. These requirements are measured in grams. Micronutrients are those which the body requires in small amounts. These requirements are measured in milligrams. (1/1000gm) and micrograms (1/10,00,000 gms ) e.g. vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Functional Classification of Nutrients

Energy yielding foods: Foods rich in Carbohydrates and fats which are cereals, sugar, and roots.

Body building foods: Foods rich in protein such as meat, liver, fish, milk and pulses.

Protective foods:  These are foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. They are fruits, green leafy vegetables, liver, eggs, milk and fish.

FACTORS AFFECTING NUTRITION

• Age

• Lifestyle

• Ethnicity, Culture, and Religious Practices

• Other Factors

Food preferences, Gender, Peer pressures, Stress, depression, and alcohol abuse, Medications, GI disorders