AAFCS CFCS-HNFS cheat sheet

Atwater factors: carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, fat 9 kcal/g, alcohol 7 kcal/g; total energy = sum of grams × factor.

Fatty acid oxidation: beta-oxidation removes 2 carbons per cycle, yielding 1 FADH2, 1 NADH, and 1 acetyl-CoA; acetyl-CoA enters the TCA cycle.

Glycolysis nets 2 ATP and 2 NADH per glucose; complete aerobic oxidation yields roughly 30-32 ATP depending on shuttle efficiency.

Protein quality: PDCAAS and DIAAS score limiting amino acids; lysine is limiting in cereals, methionine in legumes.

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) require bile and micelle formation; water-soluble vitamins are absorbed into portal blood.

Iron: heme iron absorption is higher than non-heme; vitamin C enhances non-heme absorption, while phytates and tannins inhibit it.

Calcium homeostasis is regulated by parathyroid hormone (raises serum Ca), calcitonin (lowers serum Ca), and calcitriol (increases intestinal absorption).

Nitrogen balance = nitrogen intake minus nitrogen losses; positive in growth and pregnancy, negative in catabolic states.

Danger zone for bacterial growth is roughly 40-140°F (4-60°C); the 2-hour rule limits time in this range.

Water activity (aw) below 0.85 generally prevents bacterial growth; below 0.60 halts most microbial growth.

HACCP has seven principles; critical control points are steps where a hazard can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to acceptable levels.

Maillard browning occurs between reducing sugars and amino groups at high heat; caramelization involves sugars alone.

Blanching inactivates enzymes that cause off-flavors and color loss before freezing; it does not sterilize food.

Clostridium botulinum is anaerobic, spore-forming, and heat-resistant; low-acid canned foods require pressure canning to destroy spores.

Cross-contamination prevention relies on separate cutting surfaces, handwashing, and storage order (raw meat below ready-to-eat foods).

Emulsions are stabilized by emulsifiers; homogenization reduces fat droplet size and slows separation.

Infants: exclusive breastfeeding is recommended about the first 6 months; iron stores deplete around 4-6 months, so iron-rich foods are introduced then.

Growth charts: weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and BMI-for-age are plotted; crossing two major percentiles warrants evaluation.

Pregnancy: additional energy needs rise across trimesters (roughly +340 kcal/day in the second and +450 kcal/day in the third).

Folic acid supplementation before and early in pregnancy reduces neural tube defects.

Adolescence: peak bone mass accrual makes calcium and vitamin D intake critical; iron needs rise, especially for menstruating females.

Older adults: decreased gastric acid and intrinsic factor can reduce vitamin B12 absorption; vitamin D synthesis in skin declines.

Sarcopenia and reduced thirst sensation increase risk of dehydration and low protein intake in aging.

Toddler period: rapid growth slows, appetite varies; choking hazards and whole milk fat needs are key considerations.

Diabetes: carbohydrate consistency and monitoring of glycemic response; HbA1c reflects average glucose over roughly 2-3 months.

Hypertension: DASH pattern emphasizes potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber while limiting sodium; sodium reduction lowers blood pressure.

Chronic kidney disease: protein and phosphorus/potassium restriction depend on stage; dialysis increases protein needs.

Cardiovascular risk: replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat; soluble fiber (e.g., oats, legumes) lowers LDL cholesterol.

Celiac disease requires strict lifelong gluten avoidance; wheat, barley, and rye are the primary sources.

Food allergy vs. intolerance: allergy is immune-mediated (IgE or non-IgE); intolerance is non-immune (e.g., lactose).

Obesity management combines energy deficit, behavior change, and physical activity; sustained loss of 5-10% body weight improves metabolic markers.

Phenylketonuria requires a phenylalanine-restricted diet with tyrosine supplementation.

Food security has four pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability.

Food insecurity ranges from marginal to very low food security; USDA measures it via validated survey modules.

Sustainable diets balance nutrition, environmental impact, affordability, and cultural acceptability.

Food loss occurs before retail (production, storage, transport); food waste occurs at retail and consumer levels.

Life cycle assessment quantifies environmental impact across production, processing, distribution, and disposal.

Local and regional food systems can reduce transport distance but may not always reduce total emissions.

Climate change affects crop yields, nutrient content, and food safety risks.

Emergency food assistance (e.g., SNAP, WIC) addresses access; nutrition education addresses utilization.

Needs assessment identifies target population, resources, and gaps before program design.

Logic models link inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.

SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Formative evaluation assesses implementation; summative evaluation assesses outcomes and impact.

Social marketing applies commercial marketing principles to promote healthy behaviors.

Health belief model, transtheoretical model, and social cognitive theory guide behavior change interventions.

Coalitions and partnerships extend reach and sustainability of community programs.

Cultural tailoring improves acceptability and effectiveness of nutrition messages.

Scope of practice: dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy; nutritionists' scope varies by credential and jurisdiction.

Informed consent requires disclosure, comprehension, voluntariness, and capacity.

Confidentiality: protect client information; disclose only with consent or as legally required.

Conflict of interest: disclose financial or personal interests that could bias recommendations.

Evidence-based practice integrates best available evidence, professional expertise, and client values and preferences.

Health literacy: plain language, teach-back, and visual aids improve comprehension.

Cultural humility and client-centered counseling foster trust and adherence.

Documentation should be accurate, timely, objective, and compliant with privacy regulations.

Study designs: randomized controlled trials support causal inference; observational studies identify associations.

Bias types include selection, measurement, and confounding; randomization and adjustment reduce confounding.

Validity: internal validity concerns causal inference; external validity concerns generalizability.

Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns accuracy of measurement.

Statistical significance (p-value) differs from clinical significance (effect size and relevance).

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesize evidence; heterogeneity affects pooled estimates.

Dietary assessment methods: 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaire, food records, and biomarkers each have strengths and limitations.

Correlation does not imply causation; temporal sequence and biological plausibility strengthen causal claims.

Atwater factors: carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, fat 9 kcal/g, alcohol 7 kcal/g.

Beta-oxidation removes 2 carbons per cycle, producing FADH2, NADH, and acetyl-CoA.

Glycolysis nets 2 ATP and 2 NADH per glucose.

Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron.

Parathyroid hormone raises serum calcium; calcitonin lowers it.

Positive nitrogen balance occurs in growth and pregnancy.

Fat-soluble vitamins require bile and micelles for absorption.

PDCAAS and DIAAS assess protein quality based on limiting amino acids.

Danger zone for bacterial growth is roughly 40-140°F (4-60°C).

Water activity below 0.85 generally prevents bacterial growth.

HACCP has seven principles; CCPs control significant hazards.

Maillard browning involves reducing sugars and amino groups.

Blanching inactivates enzymes before freezing.

Clostridium botulinum spores require pressure canning in low-acid foods.

Store raw meat below ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Homogenization reduces fat droplet size and slows separation.

Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months; iron-rich foods introduced around 4-6 months.

Folic acid before and early in pregnancy reduces neural tube defects.

Pregnancy energy needs rise roughly +340 kcal/day (2nd trimester) and +450 kcal/day (3rd).

Adolescence is a critical period for peak bone mass accrual.

Older adults have reduced B12 absorption and skin vitamin D synthesis.

BMI-for-age and growth percentiles track child growth; crossing two major percentiles warrants evaluation.

Sarcopenia increases protein needs in aging.

Toddler appetite varies; choking hazards and fat needs are key considerations.

HbA1c reflects average glucose over roughly 2-3 months.

DASH pattern emphasizes potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.

Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol.

Celiac disease requires strict gluten avoidance (wheat, barley, rye).

Food allergy is immune-mediated; intolerance is non-immune.

5-10% weight loss improves metabolic markers.

PKU requires phenylalanine restriction with tyrosine supplementation.

CKD protein and mineral restrictions depend on stage and dialysis status.

Food security pillars: availability, access, utilization, stability.

Food loss occurs pre-retail; food waste occurs at retail and consumer levels.

Life cycle assessment quantifies environmental impact across the food chain.

USDA food security survey modules classify households by severity.

Sustainable diets balance nutrition, environment, affordability, and culture.

Climate change affects yields, nutrient content, and food safety.

SNAP and WIC address food access; education addresses utilization.

Local food systems may reduce transport but not always total emissions.

Needs assessment identifies gaps before program design.

Logic models link inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, impact.

SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.

Formative evaluation assesses implementation; summative assesses outcomes.

Social marketing applies commercial marketing to health behaviors.

Behavior change theories include health belief model, transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory.

Coalitions extend reach and sustainability.

Cultural tailoring improves acceptability and effectiveness.

Scope of practice varies by credential and jurisdiction.

Informed consent requires disclosure, comprehension, voluntariness, capacity.

Confidentiality: disclose only with consent or legal requirement.

Disclose conflicts of interest that could bias recommendations.

Evidence-based practice integrates evidence, expertise, and client values.

Teach-back and plain language improve health literacy.

Cultural humility fosters trust and adherence.

Documentation should be accurate, timely, objective, and privacy-compliant.

RCTs support causal inference; observational studies identify associations.

Randomization and adjustment reduce confounding.

Internal validity concerns causal inference; external validity concerns generalizability.

Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns accuracy.

Statistical significance differs from clinical significance.

Systematic reviews synthesize evidence; heterogeneity affects pooled estimates.

Dietary assessment methods each have strengths and limitations.

Correlation does not imply causation.

Atwater factors: carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, fat 9 kcal/g, alcohol 7 kcal/g.

Beta-oxidation removes 2 carbons per cycle, producing FADH2, NADH, and acetyl-CoA.

Glycolysis nets 2 ATP and 2 NADH per glucose.

Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron.

Parathyroid hormone raises serum calcium; calcitonin lowers it.

Positive nitrogen balance occurs in growth and pregnancy.

Fat-soluble vitamins require bile and micelles for absorption.

PDCAAS and DIAAS assess protein quality based on limiting amino acids.

Danger zone for bacterial growth is roughly 40-140°F (4-60°C).

Water activity below 0.85 generally prevents bacterial growth.

HACCP has seven principles; CCPs control significant hazards.

Maillard browning involves reducing sugars and amino groups.

Blanching inactivates enzymes before freezing.

Clostridium botulinum spores require pressure canning in low-acid foods.

Store raw meat below ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Homogenization reduces fat droplet size and slows separation.

Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months; iron-rich foods introduced around 4-6 months.

Folic acid before and early in pregnancy reduces neural tube defects.

Pregnancy energy needs rise roughly +340 kcal/day (2nd trimester) and +450 kcal/day (3rd).

Adolescence is a critical period for peak bone mass accrual.

Older adults have reduced B12 absorption and skin vitamin D synthesis.

BMI-for-age and growth percentiles track child growth; crossing two major percentiles warrants evaluation.

Sarcopenia increases protein needs in aging.

Toddler appetite varies; choking hazards and fat needs are key considerations.

HbA1c reflects average glucose over roughly 2-3 months.

DASH pattern emphasizes potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.

Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol.

Celiac disease requires strict gluten avoidance (wheat, barley, rye).

Food allergy is immune-mediated; intolerance is non-immune.

5-10% weight loss improves metabolic markers.

PKU requires phenylalanine restriction with tyrosine supplementation.

CKD protein and mineral restrictions depend on stage and dialysis status.

Food security pillars: availability, access, utilization, stability.

Food loss occurs pre-retail; food waste occurs at retail and consumer levels.

Life cycle assessment quantifies environmental impact across the food chain.

USDA food security survey modules classify households by severity.

Sustainable diets balance nutrition, environment, affordability, and culture.

Climate change affects yields, nutrient content, and food safety.

SNAP and WIC address food access; education addresses utilization.

Local food systems may reduce transport but not always total emissions.

Needs assessment identifies gaps before program design.

Logic models link inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, impact.

SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.

Formative evaluation assesses implementation; summative assesses outcomes.

Social marketing applies commercial marketing to health behaviors.

Behavior change theories include health belief model, transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory.

Coalitions extend reach and sustainability.

Cultural tailoring improves acceptability and effectiveness.

Scope of practice varies by credential and jurisdiction.

Informed consent requires disclosure, comprehension, voluntariness, capacity.

Confidentiality: disclose only with consent or legal requirement.

Disclose conflicts of interest that could bias recommendations.

Evidence-based practice integrates evidence, expertise, and client values.

Teach-back and plain language improve health literacy.

Cultural humility fosters trust and adherence.

Documentation should be accurate, timely, objective, and privacy-compliant.

RCTs support causal inference; observational studies identify associations.

Randomization and adjustment reduce confounding.

Internal validity concerns causal inference; external validity concerns generalizability.

Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns accuracy.

Statistical significance differs from clinical significance.

Systematic reviews synthesize evidence; heterogeneity affects pooled estimates.

Dietary assessment methods each have strengths and limitations.

Correlation does not imply causation.

Atwater factors: carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, fat 9 kcal/g, alcohol 7 kcal/g.

Beta-oxidation removes 2 carbons per cycle, producing FADH2, NADH, and acetyl-CoA.

Glycolysis nets 2 ATP and 2 NADH per glucose.

Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron.

Parathyroid hormone raises serum calcium; calcitonin lowers it.

Positive nitrogen balance occurs in growth and pregnancy.

Fat-soluble vitamins require bile and micelles for absorption.

PDCAAS and DIAAS assess protein quality based on limiting amino acids.

Danger zone for bacterial growth is roughly 40-140°F (4-60°C).

Water activity below 0.85 generally prevents bacterial growth.

HACCP has seven principles; CCPs control significant hazards.

Maillard browning involves reducing sugars and amino groups.

Blanching inactivates enzymes before freezing.

Clostridium botulinum spores require pressure canning in low-acid foods.

Store raw meat below ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Homogenization reduces fat droplet size and slows separation.

Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months; iron-rich foods introduced around 4-6 months.

Folic acid before and early in pregnancy reduces neural tube defects.

Pregnancy energy needs rise roughly +340 kcal/day (2nd trimester) and +450 kcal/day (3rd).

Adolescence is a critical period for peak bone mass accrual.

Older adults have reduced B12 absorption and skin vitamin D synthesis.

BMI-for-age and growth percentiles track child growth; crossing two major percentiles warrants evaluation.

Sarcopenia increases protein needs in aging.

Toddler appetite varies; choking hazards and fat needs are key considerations.

HbA1c reflects average glucose over roughly 2-3 months.

DASH pattern emphasizes potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.

Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol.

Celiac disease requires strict gluten avoidance (wheat, barley, rye).

Food allergy is immune-mediated; intolerance is non-immune.

5-10% weight loss improves metabolic markers.

PKU requires phenylalanine restriction with tyrosine supplementation.

CKD protein and mineral restrictions depend on stage and dialysis status.

Food security pillars: availability, access, utilization, stability.

Food loss occurs pre-retail; food waste occurs at retail and consumer levels.

Life cycle assessment quantifies environmental impact across the food chain.

USDA food security survey modules classify households by severity.

Sustainable diets balance nutrition, environment, affordability, and culture.

Climate change affects yields, nutrient content, and food safety.

SNAP and WIC address food access; education addresses utilization.

Local food systems may reduce transport but not always total emissions.

Needs assessment identifies gaps before program design.

Logic models link inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, impact.

SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.

Formative evaluation assesses implementation; summative assesses outcomes.

Social marketing applies commercial marketing to health behaviors.

Behavior change theories include health belief model, transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory.

Coalitions extend reach and sustainability.

Cultural tailoring improves acceptability and effectiveness.

Scope of practice varies by credential and jurisdiction.

Informed consent requires disclosure, comprehension, voluntariness, capacity.

Confidentiality: disclose only with consent or legal requirement.

Disclose conflicts of interest that could bias recommendations.

Evidence-based practice integrates evidence, expertise, and client values.

Teach-back and plain language improve health literacy.

Cultural humility fosters trust and adherence.

Documentation should be accurate, timely, objective, and privacy-compliant.

RCTs support causal inference; observational studies identify associations.

Randomization and adjustment reduce confounding.

Internal validity concerns causal inference; external validity concerns generalizability.

Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns accuracy.

Statistical significance differs from clinical significance.

Systematic reviews synthesize evidence; heterogeneity affects pooled estimates.

Dietary assessment methods each have strengths and limitations.

Correlation does not imply causation.

Atwater factors: carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, fat 9 kcal/g, alcohol 7 kcal/g.

Beta-oxidation removes 2 carbons per cycle, producing FADH2, NADH, and acetyl-CoA.

Glycolysis nets 2 ATP and 2 NADH per glucose.

Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron.

Parathyroid hormone raises serum calcium; calcitonin lowers it.

Positive nitrogen balance occurs in growth and pregnancy.

Fat-soluble vitamins require bile and micelles for absorption.

PDCAAS and DIAAS assess protein quality based on limiting amino acids.

Danger zone for bacterial growth is roughly 40-140°F (4-60°C).

Water activity below 0.85 generally prevents bacterial growth.

HACCP has seven principles; CCPs control significant hazards.

Maillard browning involves reducing sugars and amino groups.

Blanching inactivates enzymes before freezing.

Clostridium botulinum spores require pressure canning in low-acid foods.

Store raw meat below ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Homogenization reduces fat droplet size and slows separation.

Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months; iron-rich foods introduced around 4-6 months.

Folic acid before and early in pregnancy reduces neural tube defects.

Pregnancy energy needs rise roughly +340 kcal/day (2nd trimester) and +450 kcal/day (3rd).

Adolescence is a critical period for peak bone mass accrual.

Older adults have reduced B12 absorption and skin vitamin D synthesis.

BMI-for-age and growth percentiles track child growth; crossing two major percentiles warrants evaluation.

Sarcopenia increases protein needs in aging.

Toddler appetite varies; choking hazards and fat needs are key considerations.

HbA1c reflects average glucose over roughly 2-3 months.

DASH pattern emphasizes potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.

Soluble fiber lowers LDL cholesterol.

Celiac disease requires strict gluten avoidance (wheat, barley, rye).

Food allergy is immune-mediated; intolerance is non-immune.

5-10% weight loss improves metabolic markers.

PKU requires phenylalanine restriction with tyrosine supplementation.

CKD protein and mineral restrictions depend on stage and dialysis status.

Food security pillars: availability, access, utilization, stability.

Food loss occurs pre-retail; food waste occurs at retail and consumer levels.

Life cycle assessment quantifies environmental impact across the food chain.

USDA food security survey modules classify households by severity.

Sustainable diets balance nutrition, environment, affordability, and culture.

Climate change affects yields, nutrient content, and food safety.

SNAP and WIC address food access; education addresses utilization.

Local food systems may reduce transport but not always total emissions.

Needs assessment identifies gaps before program design.

Logic models link inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, impact.

SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.

Formative evaluation assesses implementation; summative assesses outcomes.

Social marketing applies commercial marketing to health behaviors.

Behavior change theories include health belief model, transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory.

Coalitions extend reach and sustainability.

Cultural tailoring improves acceptability and effectiveness.

Scope of practice varies by credential and jurisdiction.

Informed consent requires disclosure, comprehension, voluntariness, capacity.

Confidentiality: disclose only with consent or legal requirement.

Disclose conflicts of interest that could bias recommendations.

Evidence-based practice integrates evidence, expertise, and client values.

Teach-back and plain language improve health literacy.

Cultural humility fosters trust and adherence.

Documentation should be accurate, timely, objective, and privacy-compliant.

RCTs support causal inference; observational studies identify associations.

Randomization and adjustment reduce confounding.

Internal validity concerns causal inference; external validity concerns generalizability.

Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns accuracy.

Statistical significance differs from clinical significance.

Systematic reviews synthesize evidence; heterogeneity affects pooled estimates.

Dietary assessment methods each have strengths and limitations.

Correlation does not imply causation.