Nutrition, Dietetics and Meal Planning
Domain 5: Nutrition, Dietetics and Meal Planning
This domain tests nutrients, energy calculation, balanced diets, therapeutic modifications and food safety. Expect questions on deficiency diseases and diet advice for diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy and recovery.
Core rules
- Energy: carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, fat 9 kcal/g.
- A balanced diet supplies energy, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water; include cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, milk and limited oil.
- Diabetes: regular complex carbohydrates, high fibre, low refined sugar; hypertension: less than 5 g salt per day; anaemia: iron-rich foods with vitamin C.
- Iodine deficiency causes goitre; iron deficiency causes anaemia; vitamin A deficiency affects vision.
- Therapeutic diets change consistency, energy, protein, salt, potassium or fibre; they do not remove all favourite foods.
- Food safety: clean hands and surfaces, separate raw and cooked food, cook thoroughly, keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
Worked example
A meal has 60 g carbohydrate, 20 g protein and 15 g fat. Energy = (60×4)+(20×4)+(15×9)=240+80+135=455 kcal. Reasoning: multiply each macronutrient by its energy factor, then add. This is a quick check, not a full dietary assessment.
Traps
Adding ghee or sugar to a diabetic diet; giving very high protein in kidney disease; overcooking vegetables; assuming natural means safe in pregnancy.