Diet — Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science
A balanced diet, and the sources and importance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins C and D, calcium, iron, fibre and water.
Revision notes
1 short note, in the order of the specification. Each one in short:
A balanced diet contains all the nutrients the body needs, in the correct proportions, and gives the right amount of energy for the person. Carbohydrates and fats provide energy, proteins are needed for growth and repair, calcium makes bones and teeth, iron makes haemoglobin, and fibre provides bulk so the gut muscles can push food along.
Exam questions
4 exam-style questions (10 marks), each with its mark scheme.
Answer the questionsFlashcards
6 cards: flip them, mark what you knew, and practise the rest.
Practise the cardsMind map
The whole of human nutrition on one page, so you can see where this subtopic fits.
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Free PDFs to print or save.
Quick check questions
What is a balanced diet?
Show answer
A diet containing all the nutrients in the correct proportions, giving the right amount of energy for the person.
Which nutrient is needed for growth and repair?
Show answer
Protein.
Why does the body need iron?
Show answer
To make haemoglobin in red blood cells.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) specification · Updated October 2026