Download Core Option D Human Physiology Essential idea: A balanced diet is

Core
Option D Human Physiology
Essential idea: A balanced diet is essential to human health.
D.1 Human nutrition
Nature of science: Falsification of theories with one theory being superseded by another—scurvy was thought to be specific to humans, because attempts
to induce the symptoms in laboratory rats and mice were entirely unsuccessful. (1.9)
Understandings:
International-mindedness:
• Essential nutrients cannot be synthesized by the body, therefore they have to be
The Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System
included in the diet.
(VMNIS), formerly known as the Micronutrient Deficiency
• Dietary minerals are essential chemical elements.
Information System (MDIS), was established in 1991
• Vitamins are chemically diverse carbon compounds that cannot be synthesized by the
following a request by the World Health Assembly to
body.
strengthen surveillance of micronutrient deficiencies at the
• Some fatty acids and some amino acids are essential.
global level.
• Lack of essential amino acids affects the production of proteins.
• Malnutrition may be caused by a deficiency, imbalance or excess of nutrients in the diet. Theory of knowledge:
• Appetite is controlled by a centre in the hypothalamus.
There are positive effects of exposure to sun such as the
• Overweight individuals are more likely to suffer hypertension and type II diabetes.
production of Vitamin D as well as health risks associated
• Starvation can lead to breakdown of body tissue.
with exposure to UV rays. How can conflicting knowledge
Applications and skills:
claims be balanced?
• Application: Production of ascorbic acid by some mammals, but not others that need a
Utilization:
dietary supply.
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
• Application: Cause and treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU).
Biology
. Application: Lack of Vitamin D or calcium can affect bone mineralization and cause
Topic 6.1 Digestion and absorption
rickets or osteomalacia.
Geography
• Application: Breakdown of heart muscle due to anorexia.
Part 2F The geography of food and health Chemistry
• Application: Cholesterol in blood as an indicator of the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Skill: Determination of the energy content of food by combustion.
Topic B5 Vitamins
• Skill: Use of databases of nutritional content of foods and software to calculate intakes
of essential nutrients from a daily diet.