Nutrients and their functions (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, water, fibre). Energy requirements. Balanced diet. Structure and function of the digestive system. Mechanical and chemical digestion. Absorption. Disorders related to diet (obesity, malnutrition, eating disorders — handled with care for EBSNA cohort per the Cornerstones / RSHE / PSHE Mapping).
Tested by
- Edexcel IGCSE Human Biology — 6. Nutrition and energy
- Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science — Biology (digestive system within Organisation)
- AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy — Biology (digestive system within Organisation)
Cornerstone link
The most directly statutory Cornerstone alignment in the science offer — see Nutrition and the RSHE Healthy Eating strand.
Care note
Nutrition content must be handled with care regarding body image and disordered eating, especially for SEND / trauma-affected learners. The 2026 RSHE guidance supports positive, non-stigmatising approaches. Practitioner training before delivering this content is required.