This document discusses several important biological molecules and nutrients. It explains that carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are macronutrients that provide energy, aid growth and repair of tissues. Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 calories per gram while fats provide 9 calories per gram. Vitamins C and D, calcium, water, fiber and iron are also discussed as essential nutrients, along with their functions and deficiency symptoms.

1. BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES
Nutrients-
Organic substances and mineral ions containing raw
materials or energy for growth and repairing tissues.
 CARBOHYDRATES
Elements; Carbon,
Hydrogen, Oxygen
Importance; Carbohydrates are one of the main types of
nutrients. They are the most important source of energy
for your body. Your digestive system changes
carbohydrates into glucose .Your body uses this sugar
for energy for your cells, tissues and organs.
Release of energy; 4 calories/ 16.7 Joules per gram
 PROTEINS
Elements; Carbon, Hydrogen,
Oxygen, Nitrogen, sulphur
Importance; They do most of the work in cells and are
required for the structure, function, and regulation of
the body's tissues and organs. Proteins are made up of
thousands of smaller units called amino acids in long
chains.

2. Release of energy; 4 calories/ 16.7 Joules per gram
 FATS
Elements; Carbon,
Hydrogen, Oxygen
Importance; Fats are
essential to your diet.
Without them, your body would not function properly.
Fats provide your body with energy to carry out daily
activities. They also serve as carriers to the fat-soluble
vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats prevent loss of heat. Fats
help lower your blood cholesterol.
Release of energy; 9 calories/ 35.6 Joules per gram
 VITAMIN C
Importance; You need vitamin C for
the growth and repair of tissues in
all parts of your body. It an
important to make skin, cartilage,
tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It is needed for
healing wounds, and for repairing and maintaining
bones and teeth.
Deficiency; causes scurvy (bleeding and poor healing of
gums, joint muscle pains).

3.  VITAMIN D
Importance; Vitamin D is most
vital for facilitating normal
immune system function.
Getting a sufficient amount of
the vitamin is important for normal growth and
development of bones and teeth, as well as improved
resistance against certain diseases.
Deficiency; causes rickets, a disease in which the bone
tissue doesn't properly mineralize, leading to soft bones
and skeletal deformities.
 Calcium
Importance; Your body uses 99
percent of its calcium to keep
your bones and teeth strong,
thereby supporting skeletal
structure and function. It also
plays key roles in cell signalling, blood clotting, muscle
contraction and nerve function.
Deficiency; Long-term calcium deficiency can increase
your risk for developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a

4. disease that causes your bones to become brittle due to
bone loss.
 WATER
Importance; There is no more
important nutrient for our bodies
than water. Water lubricates our
joints, keeping them from getting
stiff. Water regulates our body
temperature is through sweat.
Deficiency; Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the
body. Vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive sweating. People
feel thirsty, sweat less and excrete less urine.
 Fibre
Importance; It can help
prevent heart disease,
diabetes, weight gain and
some cancers, and can also
improve digestive health
{also prevents
constipation}.

5.  IRON
Importance; Iron is
an important
component of
haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin
represents about
two-thirds of the
body's iron.
Deficiency; lack of iron causes anaemia (less
haemoglobin and fewer red blood cells).