The _________ blank of a food describes the extent to which the body is able to absorb the nutrients from the food and use them. Multiple Choice: - bioavailability - digestibility - homeostasis - essentiality
Answer (1)
The correct option for the blank in the sentence is bioavailability . The sentence should read: 'The bioavailability of a food describes the extent to which the body is able to absorb the nutrients from the food and use them.'
What is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to the fraction of an ingested nutrient or compound that reaches the systemic circulation and is available for the body to use or store. It's an important concept in nutrition and pharmacology because it influences how much of the nutrient or drug is absorbed and utilized by the body.
Factors Affecting Bioavailability:
Food Matrix: The composition of the food can impact nutrient absorption. For example, the presence of certain fats can increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Cooking and Preparation: Cooking methods can alter bioavailability. For example, cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant.
Nutrient Interactions: Some nutrients compete for absorption. For instance, calcium can inhibit the absorption of iron if consumed together.
Individual Differences: Factors like age, health status, genetic makeup, and the presence of certain diseases can affect bioavailability.
Chemical Form: The specific chemical form of a nutrient can alter its bioavailability. For example, heme iron (from animal products) is generally more bioavailable than non-heme iron (from plant sources).
Understanding bioavailability is crucial in nutrition planning to ensure individuals receive the adequate and effective amount of nutrients needed for optimal health.
