SIX ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS QUESTIONS
Use the information from notes and the textbook (p. 192-209) to assist with answering the
questions on the six essential nutrients.
1. Put a check mark next to the best answer.
The body needs nutrients to:
_____a. regulate bodily functions
_____b. promote growth
_____c. repair body tissue
_____d. obtain energy
_____e. all of the above
2. Select the three classes of nutrients that supply your body with energy.
_____ carbohydrates
_____ minerals
_____ proteins
_____ water
_____ fats
_____ vitamins
3. Put a check mark next to the correct answer.
The chemical process by which the body breaks down food to release energy is called:
_____a. nutrients
_____b. metabolism
_____c. nutrition
_____d. calories
4. Complete the information about carbohydrates. Use the words given.
sugars
rice
candy
starches
nuts
complex
CARBOHYDRATES can be:
 simple or _____________
 Simple Carbohydrates
o Also known as ___________
o Found in fruits and ____________
 Complex Carbohydrates
o Include _____________ and fiber
 Starches are found in potatoes and __________
 Fiber is found in whole-grain breads and ___________
5. What percentage of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates?
_____a. 25 to 35 percent
_____b. 65 to 80 percent
_____c. 45 to 65 percent
6. Is it saturated fat or unsaturated fat? Fill in the blank with the correct form of fat.
____________ Usually liquid at room temperature
____________ Usually solid at room temperature
____________ Found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds
____________ Found in animal fats
____________ Can lead to heart disease
____________ Can fight heart disease
7. Why does the body need some cholesterol?
_____a. to make cell membranes and nerve tissue
_____b. to build up emergency reserves of fat
8. Why can too much cholesterol in the diet be harmful?
_____a. Too much cholesterol can damage the liver.
_____b. Too much cholesterol can lead to blockages in blood vessels.
9. Which of the following statements is true of trans fats?
_____a. Trans fats have many of the negative health effects of saturated fats.
_____b. Trans fats have few of the negative health effects of saturated fats.
10. If someone is a vegetarian, they choose not to eat meat. List two foods that a vegetarian
may eat in order to get protein in their diet.
1.
2.
11. Identify which vitamins are fat-soluble and which are water-soluble.
a. vitamins A, D, E, and K ________________________________
b. vitamins C and the B vitamins ______________________________
12. Complete the sentence below:
Vitamin and mineral supplements are not usually necessary if _____________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
13. Use the phrases to fill in the blank spaces for the different minerals.
baked potatoes, bananas
maintaining heart function and water balance
red meats, dried fruits
table salt, processed foods
formation of bones and teeth
Calcium
 Main functions: ___________________________________
 Good sources: milk, broccoli, tofu
Potassium
 Main functions: maintaining water balance
 Good sources: ____________________________________
Iron
 Main functions: part of red blood cells; building muscle mass
 Good sources: ____________________________________
Sodium
 Main functions: ___________________________________
 Good sources: ____________________________________
14. About what percent of your body weight is made up of water?
15. Why might someone become dehydrated? (List two)
1.
2.
16. At what point in exercise would it be beneficial to consume a sports drink?