Human Nutrition

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine. Managing the condition requires a strict diet low in protein to prevent the toxic buildup of this amino acid.

PKU is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine.

Anorexia nervosa involves severe caloric restriction. When the body exhausts fat stores, it begins to catabolize muscle tissue, including the heart muscle, which can lead to fatal cardiac complications.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency leads to rickets or osteomalacia, but it is not directly responsible for the breakdown of mucus membranes, which is typically associated with Vitamin A deficiency.

During prolonged starvation, the body enters a catabolic state to survive. It breaks down stored glycogen, then fat, and eventually structural body tissues like muscle to provide energy.

Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome. This includes hypertension (high blood pressure) and Type II diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance.

The hypothalamus is the region of the brain that acts as the control center for many homeostatic processes, including the regulation of hunger and satiety.

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy or nutrients. A healthy, balanced diet is the opposite of malnutrition.

Proteins are composed of amino acids. If essential amino acids are missing from the diet, the body cannot synthesize the specific proteins required for growth and repair.

Essential nutrients are defined as those that the body cannot synthesize on its own in sufficient quantities and must therefore be obtained through the diet.

Dietary minerals are inorganic elements (like calcium, phosphorus, and iron) needed by the body. Vitamin C is an organic compound, not a mineral.

Essential nutrients are substances that the body cannot synthesize at all, or cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts, making them mandatory components of a healthy diet.