Malnutrition
( Diet and coronary heart disease) OCR, June 1999

The table shows the energy values of dietary components.

nutrient energy /kJ g-1
carbohydrate 16
fat 37
protein 17

When UNIMIX is used for emergency feeding of children in a famine area, each child is given 350 grams per day. The table shows the components per 100 grams of dry UNIMIX.

components mass per 100 g UNIMIX
carbohydrate 62.50 g
fat 21.80 g
protein 6.82 g
phosphorus 113.10 mg
calcium 92.40 mg
potassium 145.80 mg
iron 3.08 mg
vitamins 4.00 mg
    Question:

  1. Using these two tables, calculate the energy content of the fat in a week's supply of UNIMIX Show your working.

    [2]
    Answer:

    19762 kJ (must show units);Correct working;


    Question:

  2. UNIMIX does not contain vitamin D. Suggest a reason for this.

    [1]
    Answer:

    Synthesised by exposure of skin to sunlight


  3. The fat in UNIMIX must contain certain specific polyunsaturated fatty acids.

      Question:

    1. What do you understand by the term polyunsaturated fatty acid?

      [1]
      Answer:

      One or more double bonds;


      Question:

    2. Why must UNIMIX contain certain specific polyunsaturated fatty acids?

      [1]
      Answer:

      Can't be synthesised in the body; (n/a "essential")


    Question:

  4. The protein in UNIMIX will prevent the development of oedema, the accumulation of body fluids in the tissues, which is a characteristic feature of children who are suffering from kwashiorkor. Explain why this is so.

    [3]
    Answer:

    UNIMIX supplies amino acids;Plasma Protein levels maintained / if converse, reduced;Fw of plasma maintained / if converse Fw rises;Water held in plasma by osmosis / if converse leaves-plasma or eq; (Any 3 × 1)


    Question:

  5. UNIMIX, if given as a regular supplement, will avoid protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), which may cause wasting or stunting. Explain the difference between wasting and stunting and the different reasons for their occurrence.

    [3]
    Answer:

    Wasting – body tissue utilised;Stunting – Reference to growth in fieight / bones stopping;Chronic in wasting, acute short-term in stunting (both);Age reference applied to one; (Any 3 × 1)


    6. Question:

    1. In developed countries, some rich diets can lead to excessive cholesterol levels in the blood. Explain why it is important to avoid such high levels of cholesterol.

      [2]
      Answer:

      Laid down on inner artery wall / narrows artery;Effect of atheroma qualified; (2 × 1)


      Question:

    2. Cholesterol has several important functions in the body. List three of these functions.

      [3]
      Answer:

      Component of cell membrane / myelin shealthComponent of Bile Salts / Bile only if qualified;Vitamin D precursor;Steroid hormone component / one example;Water-proofing skin cells;Fat carrier in lactealsReduced free radicals; (Any 3 × 1)


[Total : 16]