{"id":6856,"date":"2025-09-08T12:15:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T10:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha1-deutschland.org\/?p=6856"},"modified":"2025-09-19T15:08:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T13:08:53","slug":"ernaehrung-notwendige-stoffe-und-deren-auswirkungen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha1-deutschland.org\/en\/ernaehrung-notwendige-stoffe-und-deren-auswirkungen","title":{"rendered":"Nutrition \u2026 essential substances and their effects"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Presentation by Ms. Hilal Ers\u00f6z, summarized by Sabine Habicht | As published in Alpha1 Journal 1\/2025<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Nutrition \u2013 a complex topic. This article focuses primarily on the various components that should be included in the daily diet to optimally nourish the body. A balanced diet, tailored to individual needs, is crucial for supporting individuals with a chronic condition like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency! Conversely, malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate the condition, weaken the immune system, and trigger acute exacerbations.<\/p>\n

Nutrients<\/span><\/h2>\n

Nutrients are essential substances that the body needs for cell growth, development, and also for providing energy.<\/p>\n

Nutrients are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients.<\/p>\n

Macronutrients:<\/strong> The three macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, and fats.<\/p>\n

protein<\/strong> It is required for cell and tissue building, as well as for repairs \u2013 e.g., in wound healing, etc. \u2013 for enzymes and hormones, in which protein acts as a catalyst, i.e., enabling or influencing chemical reactions in the body.<\/p>\n

Proteins are classified into essential and non-essential amino acids. Amino acids are organic molecules and thus essentially the building blocks of proteins. Essential means that our bodies need amino acids but cannot produce them themselves; therefore, we must obtain them through our diet.<\/p>\n

Protein is found primarily in meat, fish, eggs, but also in legumes, nuts and dairy products.<\/p>\n

carbohydrates<\/strong> Carbohydrates are a source of energy\u2014energy we need to live. They are divided into simple and complex forms, which differ in their chemical structure and how they are processed by the body. Simple carbohydrates, also called sugars, consist of short sugar chains and are digested quickly, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates, such as starch and fiber, have longer sugar chains and are digested more slowly, resulting in a more gradual release of energy. We commonly refer to simple carbohydrates as "bad" and complex carbohydrates as "good." Carbohydrates are found primarily in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, rice, and potatoes.<\/p>\n

Fat<\/strong> Fats are important for energy storage, organ protection, and cell growth. They are also essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). A distinction is made between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Fats are found in vegetable oils, as well as in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish.<\/p>\n

Micronutrients:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Micronutrients<\/strong> These are vital substances that the body needs in small amounts but cannot produce itself. They include vitamins and minerals (including trace elements and macroelements), as well as, depending on the definition, proteinogenic amino acids and essential omega fatty acids. Unlike macronutrients, they do not provide energy, but are essential for metabolic processes and strengthen the immune system.<\/p>\n

Vitamins<\/strong> They are important for metabolic processes, strengthen the immune system, and promote and protect cell growth. A deficiency should be avoided, especially with all of the following vitamins.<\/p>\n