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Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis; University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Background Informati on
Nutrients play an important role in the lives of all
living organisms. Nutrients that we obtain from food
provide our bodies with the means and materials to
grow, stay healthy, and give us energy to think, learn,
and play. In order to maintain healthy bodies, it is
important to understand the roles diff erent nutrients
play in our bodies and what foods can provide them.
Th ere are six classes of nutrients: carbohydrates,
protein, fat, water, minerals and vitamins. Th ese six
types of nutrients serve diff erent functions in our
bodies. Th e main function of carbohydrates is to
provide our bodies with energy. Carbohydrates are
classifi ed into two categories: simple and complex.
Simple carbohydrates are found in foods like fruit,
milk, and vegetables. Th ese carbohydrates provide
energy slightly faster than complex carbohydrates.
Complex carbohydrates are present in foods like
starchy vegetables, beans, and whole wheat products.
Fiber, which is found in foods like fruit, vegetables,
and beans, is a special type of carbohydrate that is
not typically digested in humans, but is important for
our digestive system to function properly. Proteins,
which are found in beans and meat products, provide
our bodies with another source of energy, help build
and repair our muscles, and are important parts of
cell structure and function. Fats from foods like
avocados, nuts and meat products are stored in the
body and also provide a source of energy. Fats are
also an important part of the structure of cells in our
bodies. Th ere are two types of fats. Oils are fats that
are liquid at room temperature and there are solid
fats that are solid at room temperature. Wate r is a
nutrient that helps transport materials through our
body and helps regulate body temperature. Minerals,
like calcium and iron, are important for growth,
development and maintenance of the tissues and cells
in our bodies. Vitamins, like vitamin A and vitamin
C, are important for growth, development and
maintenance of the tissues and cells in our bodies.
Some of the nutrients are considered essential.
Th is means that our bodies can’t make enough of
it (or can’t make it at all), so we must obtain them
from food. Regardless of the specialized functions
of nutrients, all are needed in certain amounts for
maintaining health.
Concepts and Vocabulary
• B-vitamins: a group of many vitamins that help
break down fat, protein and carbohydrates for
energy. Th ey are also important for the growth,
maintenance and repair of the cells in our bodies.
• Calcium: a mineral that helps us build strong
bones and teeth.
• Carbohydrates: a nutrient that provides the fi rst
source of energy that our bodies use; they provide
energy to the body when needed immediately.
• Energy: something needed to fuel all processes in
the body, from regulating our body temperature
to being physically active.
• Essential nutrients: nutrients that our bodies
cannot make enough of, or do not make it at all
and so we must obtain them from food.
• Fat: a nutrient is used as a source of energy; it
is also important for protecting the cells in our
bodies.
• Fiber: a nutrient that helps our digestive system
to function properly.
• Iron: a mineral that is an important part of the
blood because it carries oxygen to all of the
tissues.
• Minerals: elements that are needed for growth,
development and maintenance of the body’s
tissues, like iron and calcium.
• Nutrients: substances our bodies need to grow
and stay healthy.
• Oils: fats that are liquid at room temperature.
