Which of the following nutrient is also called 'body-building food'?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

Proteins are called 'body-building' foods because their primary function is to build, maintain, and repair body tissues.
They are composed of amino acids, which are the essential building blocks for muscles, organs, and cells.
Protein is critical during periods of growth, such as childhood and pregnancy, and for healing after injury or surgery.
Functions include synthesis of antibodies, plasma proteins, hemoglobin, enzymes, and hormones.

Option A: Vitamins are micronutrients classified as 'protective foods'. Their main role is to facilitate metabolic processes and support the immune system, not to build body mass.
Option C: Carbohydrates and fats are classified as 'energy-giving foods'. They are the body's primary source of fuel for physical activity and metabolic functions.
Option D: Minerals are micronutrients classified as 'protective and regulatory foods'. They are crucial for functions like building bones (calcium) and carrying oxygen (iron), but they are not the primary 'body-building' nutrient for soft tissues.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Nutrients by Function as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in assessing a patient's nutritional status and providing dietary education. Understanding the function of each nutrient is fundamental.
A high-protein diet is crucial for patients recovering from surgery, burns, or severe infections to promote tissue repair and wound healing.
In conditions like chronic kidney disease, protein intake may need to be carefully restricted or modified, highlighting the importance of a nurse's knowledge in this area.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'body-building food'.
Recall the three main functional classifications of food: body-building, energy-giving, and protective.
Analyze each option and categorize it based on its primary function.
Option A (Vitamin) is protective. Option C (Carbohydrate and fat) is energy-giving. Option D (Mineral) is protective/regulatory.
Option B (Protein) is known for its role in building and repairing tissues. Therefore, it fits the description 'body-building food'.
Select the option that directly matches the 'body-building' classification.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 144-146

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 238-240

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 184-186

Practise the full UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.