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Glossary
A
- Acetylcholine
A chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica
An inherited zinc deficiency disorder in infants.
- Adrenal glands
A pair of glands positioned above the kidneys, which are responsible for production of stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisone.
- Adrenaline
A stress hormone which aids in the release of stored sugar in the liver, increased muscle contraction and increased blood supply to the muscles. Also known as epinephrine.
- Aerobic exercise
Exercise that requires additional effort by the heart and lungs to meet the increased demand by the skeletal muscle for oxygen.
- Aldosterone
An adrenal hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium.
- Allergen
A substance that provokes an allergic response.
- Alzheimer’s disease
A form of dementia. Symptoms include memory loss, disorientation and speech disturbances.
- Amenorrhea
Cessation of menstruation.
- Amino acid
A nitrogen containing organic acid that is used as a building block for protein.
- Anaerobic exercise
High intensity exercise performed without a sufficient oxygen supply to the tissues.
- Analgesic
A substance that relieves pain.
- Anencephaly
A birth defect in which the brain and spinal cord fail to develop.
- Anesthetic
A substance that causes loss of sensation.
- Angina
Angina pectoris. Chest pain brought on by exertion, caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart.
- Anion
A negatively charged ion.
- Anorexia
Lack or loss of appetite resulting in the inability to eat. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder characterized by a prolonged refusal to eat.
- Antacid
A substance that neutralizes stomach acid.
- Antibiotic
A substance that inhibits or destroys susceptible microorganisms, particularly bacteria.
- Antibody
A blood protein produced by the immune system in response to a foreign organism or substance.
- Anticonvulsant
A substance that prevents or relieves convulsions.
- Antigen
A foreign substance that causes the body to produce antibodies.
- Antihistamine
A substance that counteracts the effects of histamine.
- Antioxidant
A substance that protects other compounds from damaging oxidation reactions caused by free radicals.
- Arginine
An amino acid.
- Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia. Abnormal heartbeat.
- Arteriosclerosis
Thickening and stiffening of artery walls.
- Artery
A blood vessel that supplies blood, oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
- Ascorbic acid:
Vitamin C.
- Atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis caused by the accumulation of fat in the inner linings of the arteries.
- Atopic dermatitis
Eczema.
- ATP
Adenosine triphosphate. An energy storage molecule.
- Autoimmune disease
A disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
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B
- Bell’s palsy
A paralysis of the facial nerve. The person may not be able to close an eye or control salivation on the affected side.
- Benign
Harmless. Usually used to refer to cells growing in inappropriate locations but which are not cancerous.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Enlargement of the prostate gland.
- Beriberi
Thiamin deficiency disease.
- Bile
A substance secreted by the liver for the digestion of fats
- Bioavailability
The amount of a substance such as a vitamin or mineral that is available to a target tissue after administration
- Biofeedback
A technique in which a person becomes aware of usually unconscious processes and can affect these processes
- Bioflavanoid
A biologically active plant compound thought to enhance the activity of vitamin C and exert antioxidant effects
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
A term used to define nutritional satus. It is derived form the formula: weight(kg)/height(m)². the acceptable range is 20-25. obesity is taken to start at a BMI of 30 and gross obesity at 40. a BMI of 18-20 is defined as mild starvation.
- Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder characterised by excessive food intake followed by vomiting, fasting, or laxative use.
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C
- Calcitonin
A hormone that reduces the release of calcium from bone thus lowering blood calcium concentration
- Calorie
A mesurement of the energy of food. Used interchangably with kilocalorie
- Candida albicans
A fungus that can cause an infection know as yeast infection or "thrush"
- Capillaries
Tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins that allow the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood and the tissues.
- Carbohydrates
An energy-producing organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
- Carcinogen
A substance that causes cancer.
- Cardiac
Relating to the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy
Damage to the heart.
- Carotene
A plant pigment that is converted to vitamin A in the body and which also has antioxidant properties.
- Cation
An positively charged ion.
- Celiac disease
A metabolic disease that is characterised by sensitivity to wheat, protein and gluten.
- Cell
A very small organic unit that is composed of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a cell membrane.
- Cellulose
An indigestible carbohydrate found in plant cell walls.
- Cerebral
Relating to the brain.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
The fluid that flows through and protects the brain and spinal cranal.
- Cerebrovascular
Relating to the blood vessels in the brain.
- Ceruloplasmin
A copper-containing enzyme
- Cervix
The neck of the uterus.
- Chelation
A combiation of a mineral with a larger molecule.
- Chemotherapy
The treatment of disease with chemical substances. Usually used to refer to cancer therapy.
- Chlorophyll
A green pigment found in plant tissues.
- Cholesterol
A type of fat found in animal foods and produced by the liver.
- Clinical trial
A study in which human subjects receive treatment.
- Coenzyme
A molecule that works with an enzyme to enable it to fulfil its function in the body.
- Cold pressed
A term used to describe a process of extracting oils from food without using heat.
- Collagen
A connective tissue protein.
- Comlete protein
A source of protein that supplies all eight essential amino acids.
- Complex carbohydrate
Carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose that contain more than ten linked glucose units.
- Congenital
Present from birth.
- Congestive heart failure
A condition in which the heart fails to pump properly.
- Connective tissue
A tissue that supports and binds other body tissues and parts.
- Contraceptive
A substance, method or device that prevents conception.
- Cornea
The curved, exposed, transparent part of the eyeball.
- Coronary artery
An artery that supplies blood to the heart.
- Crohn's disease
An inflamatory disease of the bowel.
- Cruciferous
Crossed-shaped. Used to refer to a group of vegetables that include broccili, cabbage and cauliflower.
- Cutaneous
Relating to the skin.
- Cystic fibrosis
A genetic disorder characterised by exocrine and endocrine dysfunction which results in abnormally thick mucus secretions, increased electrolyte concentrations and overactivity of parts of the nervous system.
- Cytochromes
Protenis involed in the transport of electrons and associated with energy production.
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D
- Dehydration
Excessive loss of water from the body.
- Dermis
The layer of skin below the epidermis.
- Diastolic blood pressure
The minimum level of blood pressure measured between heart contractions.
- Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)
A new set of dietary guidelines that provide sets of measures for each nutrient, including Adequate Intake (AI), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR), Torerable Upper Intake Level (UL) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDI).
- Diuretic
A substance that increases the formation and excretion of urine.
- DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. Substance in the nucleus of a cell that carries genetic information.
- Docosahexaenoic acid
An omega-3 fatty acid.
- Dopamine
A chemical involed in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Down syndrome
A genetic disorder characterised by vary degrees of delayed physical and mental development.
- Drusen
White deposits that develop beneath the retina of the eye.
- Dysplasia
Abnormal tissue or organ development.
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E
- ECG
Electrocardiogram. A record of the electrical activity associated with the heart.
- Eclampsia
Pregnancy induced high blood pressure.
- Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid
An omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils.
- Elastin
A protein found in elastic tissue fibers.
- Electrolyte
An element or compound that, when dissolved in water, dissociates into positive and negative ions and can conduct and electrical current.
- Emulsification
The dispersal of one liquid into another liquid.
- Enamel
The hard outer layer of the teeth.
- Endocrine system
The network of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- Endorphin
A neurotransmitter-like substance that reduces pain.
- Enteric coated
A coating added to some vitamins and drugs which stops them from being broken down by stomach juices. This enables the substance to be absorbed in the intestine.
- Enzyme
A protein produced by living organisms that catalyzes chemical reactions.
- Epidemiology
The study of distribution, occurrence and cause of disease in humans. An epidemiological study is an analysis of large populations that look at patterns of disease and the factors that influence.
- Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin.
- Epithelium
The cells that cover the internal and external surfaces of the body.
- Erythropoietic protoporphophyria
A disorder in which large quantities of compounds known as porphyrins are produced in the blood producing bone marrow. Symptoms include photosensitivity, abdominal pain and nerve damage.
- Esophagus
The tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
- Essential nutrients
Nutrients which must be supplied in the diet as they cannot be made in the body in the quantities required for normal health.
- Estimated Average Requirements (EAR)
The nutrient intake value that is estimated to reach the requirements in 50 per cent of people in a specific group, usually defined by age and sex.
- Estrogen
A family of female sex hormones.
- Extracellular
Outside the cell.
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F
- Fatty acid
A fat-soluble organic acid.
- Ferritin
An iron compound formed in the intestine and stored in the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
- Ferrous
A form of iron.
- Fiber
The indigestible residue found mainly in fruits, vegetables and cereals.
- Food intolerance
The inability to absorb or metabolise a particular nutrient or drug.
- Free radicals
Atoms or groups of atoms that are chemically reactive because of an impaired electron proton. They attack cells and damage tissues contributing to heart disease, cancer, cataracts, arthritis and premature aging.
- Fructose
A simple carbohydrate sometimes known as fruit sugar.
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G
- Gastrointestinal tract
The digestive tract, a tube extending from the mouth to the anus.
- Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums.
- Glaucoma
An abnormal condition of increased pressure within the eye.
- Glucose
A simple sugar which is a major source of energy in the human body.
- Glucose tolerance factor
A compound containing chromium that helps in blood sugar regulation.
- Glutathione peroxidase
An antioxidant enzyme.
- Gluten
An insoluble protein found in wheat.
- Glycogen
A carbohydrate formed from glucose and the main form of stored energy in animal cells.
- Glycoprotein
A compound containing a protein and a carbohydrate.
- Goiter
Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Goitrogen
A substance that causes goiter.
- Gram (g)
A unit of weight measurement. 100 g is equal to 3.53 ounces. One ounce is equal to 28.35 g.
- Granulocyte
A type of white blood cell.
- Graves disease
A disorder characterised by an overactive thyroid gland.
- GTF
See glucose tolerance factor.
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H
- HDL
High density lipoprotein. A protein made in the liver which is responsible for transporting cholesterol and other lipids from the body.
- Hematocrit
A measure of the red blood cell volume expressed as a percentage of the total blood volume.
- Heme
The non-protein part of hemoglobin molecule that contains iron.
- Hemochromatosis
A disease of iron metabolism in which iron accumulates in the body.
- Hemodialysis
A procedure in which impurities are removed from the blood.
- Hemoglobin
An iron-containing protein that carries oxygen in the blood.
- Hemolytic anemia
Anemia in which the red blood cells are destroyed prematurely.
- Hemorrhage
The loss of a large amount of blood in a short period of time.
- Hepatitis
An inflammatory disease of the liver.
- Hesperidin
A bioflavonoid.
- Histamine
A compound found in all cells and released in allergic and inflammatory reactions.
- HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus. The virus associated with aids.
- Homocysteine
A product of protein breakdown that is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Hormone
A substance produced in one part of the body that initiates or regulates the activity of an organ or group of cells in another part.
- HRT
Hormone replacement therapy. The administration of estrogen to postmenopausal women.
- Huntington's chorea
A rare hereditary condition characterised by mental deterioration that ends in dementia.
- Hydrochloric acid
Stomach acid.
- Hydrogenation
The addition of hydrogen to a substance. A process used to turn liquid oils into more solid form.
- Hyperglycemia
Abnormally high blood sugar levels.
- Hyperkalemia
Abnormally high potassium levels.
- Hyperplasia
An increase in the number of cells in a body part.
- Hyperreactivity
An exaggerated response to stimuli.
- Hypertension
Persistent abnormally high blood pressure.
- Hypoglycemia
Abnormally low blood sugar levels.
- Hypoparathyroidism
Diminished parathyroid function.
- Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure.
- Hypothalamus
A portion of the brain that regulates several hormone functions and other functions including body temperature, sleep and appetite.
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I
- Idiopathic
Without a known cause.
- Immune system
The tissues, substances and organs that protect the body against disease and infection.
- Immunotherapy
Treatment of allergy by giving increasingly large doses of the allergen to gradually develop immunity.
- In vitro
A process occurring in laboratory apparatus.
- In vivo
A reaction occurring in a living organism.
- Insulin
A hormone that is released by the pancreas that regulates the metabolism of glucose.
- Interferon
A protein produced when cells are exposed to a virus or other foreign genetic material which protects uninfected cells from infection.
- Intermittent claudication
Intermittent cramp-like pains in the calves caused by poor circulation of blood to the leg muscles.
- International unit (IU)
A measure I vitamin potency based on an internationally accepted system of units.
- Intracellular
Inside the cell.
- Intramuscular injection
An injection into the muscle.
- Intravenous
Relating to the inside of a vein.
- Intrinsic factor
A substance secreted by the gastrointestinal tract that is necessary for that absorption of vitamin B12.
- Ischemia
A decreased supply of oxygenated blood to a body organ or part.
- IU
See international unit.
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J
- Jaundice
A yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of the bile pigment bilirubin in the blood.
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K
- Kaposi's sarcoma
A type of cancer commonly seen in aids patients.
- Keratin
A fibrous protein that is the primary component of the skin, hair and nails.
- Keratinisation
A process in which epithelial cells are replaced by horny tissue.
- Keratinocytes
A skin cell that synthesis the protein keratin.
- kg
See kilogram.
- Kilogram
Unit of measurement of mass. 1 kilogram is equivalent to 2.2 pounds.
- Kilojoule
A measurement of the energy in food. 1 calorie is equal to 4.2 kilojoules.
- kJ
See kilojoule.
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L
- Lactation
Breast-feeding.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet
A diet that omits meat, chicken and fish, but includes dairy products and eggs.
- LDL
Low density lipoprotein. A blood protein that delivers fats to body tissue.
- Lecithin
Any of a group of phospholipids found in plants and animals which are essential for fat metabolism.
- Legumes
Dried beans and peas.
- Leukemia
A cancer of the blood forming tissue.
- Leukocyte
Or leucocyte. A type of white blood cell.
- Leukotrienes
Compounds produced by leucocytes that produce allergic and inflammatory reactions.
- Linoleic acid
An essential fatty acid.
- Linolenic acid
An essential fatty acid.
- Lipid
Any of the free fatty acid fractions found in the blood.
- Lipoprotein
A type of protein molecule that contains a lipid.
- Lipoprotein (a)
A lipoprotein considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Liter
A unit of measurement of liquid.
- Luteal phase
The phase of the menstrual cycle after the release of an egg from the follicle.
- Lycopene
A carotenoid pigment.
- Lymph
A fluid produced in organs and tissues that circulates through the lymphatic vessels and eventually joins blood circulation.
- Lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell.
- Lysine
An amino acid.
- Lysosomes
A cell particle that contains digestive enzymes.
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M
- Macrocytic anemia
A blood disorder where the cells are larger than normal.
- Macronutrients
A nutrient required in large quantities for normal body function.
- Macrophage
A white blood cell.
- Macula
Macula lutea. A spot at the center of the retina where vision is clearest.
- Malabsorption
Impaired absorption of nutrients from the intestines.
- Malignant
"Evil". Used to refer to cells that are cancerous and are likely to spread.
- mcg
See microgram.
- Megadose
A dose much greater than the amount usually taken.
- Megaloblastic anemia
Anemia characterised by large, irregularly shaped red blood cells.
- Menkes syndrome
A genetic disorder characterised by defects in copper absorption.
- Menopause
Cessation of menstruation that occurs with a decrease in female sex hormone production.
- Metabolism
The chemical processes that takes place in living organisms.
- Metastasis
The spreading of disease from one site to another in the body.
- Methionine
An amino acid.
- Microgram (msg or mg)
One millionth of a gram.
- Micronutrient
Tn organic compounded needed in very small quantities for normal body functions.
- Microvascular
The part of the circulation that is composed of the capillary network.
- Milligram
One thousandth of a gram.
- Milliliter
One thousandth of a liter.
- Mineral
An inorganic substance occurring naturally in the earth's crust which has a characteristic chemical composition. Many minerals are essential nutrients.
- Mineralization
The addition of any mineral to the body.
- Mitochondria
A part of a cell involved in cell metabolism, respiration and energy production.
- ml
See milliliter.
- Monocyte
A type of white blood cell.
- Monounsaturated fat
A type of fat that has one site for the addition of a hydrogen atom.
- Mucous membranes
Thin sheets of tissue that cover cavities and canals of the body that are open to the air.
- Multiple sclerosis
A progressive disease characterised by a loss of myelin from nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include abnormal sensations, muscle weakness and visual disturbances.
- Myelin
A fatty sheath surrounding the nerve cells.
- Myocardial infarction
Damage or death to a part of the heart resulting from reduced blood supply.
- Myoglobin
An iron containing molecule that stores oxygen in the tissues.
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N
- Natural killer cell
A type of white blood cell.
- Nephropathy
Any disorder of the kidney.
- Neural tube defects
birth defects involving malformations in the skull and spinal column.
- Neuron
A nerve cell.
- Neuropathy
Inflammation or degeneration of the peripheral nerves.
- Neurotransmitter
A chemical that modifies of results in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Neutrophill
A type of white blood cell.
- Nitrosamine
Potentially carcinogenic compounds formed by the reactions of nitrites with amines or amides normally present in the body.
- Noradrenaline
Also known as norepinephrine. A chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Nucleic acids
Chemical compounds found in plant and animal cells which are involved in the transmission of genetic characteristics.
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O
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty acids which may have health benefits including protection against heart disease, asthma, cancer, arthritis and other disorders.
- Organic
Any chemical compound containing carbon.
- Osteoarthritis
A form of arthritis where the joints undergo degenerative changes.
- Osteomalacia
A disorder in which the bones become soft resulting in fracture and pain.
- Osteosclerosis
An abnormal increase in the density of bone tissue.
- Otosclerosis
deafness due to abnormal bone formation of the ear.
- Ovary
The female sex organ that produces eggs and hormones.
- Ovulation
Expulsion of an egg from the ovary.
- Oxalate
A compound found in plants that binds to minerals such as calcium and reduces their absorption.
- Oxidation
A chemical reaction that increases the oxygen content of a compound or in which there is a loss of electrons.
- Oxidative damage
Free radical damage to tissues.
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P
- Paget's disease
A disorder characterised by excessive bone destruction and unorganised bone repair.
- Pancreas
An organ responsible for the production of digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
- Pancreatitis
An inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
- Pap test or Pap smear
Papanicolaou test. A test used to detect cancers of the cervix.
- Papillomavirus
The virus that causes warts in humans.
- Parathyroid gland
A gland that secretes hormones that regulate blood calcium levels.
- Parenteral
Not in or through the digestive system. Parenteral nutrition refers to the administration of nutrients through a route other than gastrointestinal tract, for example intravenously.
- Parkinson's disease
A progressive, degenerative neurological disorder. Symptoms include tremors, shuffling gait, muscle rigidity and weakness.
- Pellagra
Niacin deficiency disease.
- Pernicious anemia
Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Peroxide
A free radical.
- Phospholipids
Compounds that contains phosphoric acid, fatty acids and a nitrogenous base.
- Phytate
A compound found in plant fibers that binds to minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc and prevents their absorption.
- Phytochemical
A plant compound that has health-promoting properties.
- Phytoestrogen
A plant compound with estrogen-like activity.
- Pica
The eating of non-food items such as ice or clay.
- Placebo
An inactive substance used in chemical experiments to provide a basis of comparison with the effects of the experimental drugs.
- Plaque
A deposit of a substance on the body tissues, such as a patch of atherosclerosis or a deposit in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease sufferer.
- Platelets
Blood cell fragments that play a role in blood clotting.
- Polyunsaturated fat
A fat in which there are two or more links in the chain of carbon atoms that can be opened to accept hydrogen atoms.
- Postmenopause
The period after menopause.
- Precancerous
Abnormal tissue that is likely to become cancerous.
- Precursor
A substance used as a building block for another substance.
- Pre-eclampsia
A disorder associated with the late stages of pregnancy. Symptoms include high blood pressure, edema and protein in the urine.
- Premenopause
The period before menopause.
- Prolactin
A female hormone involved in milk production.
- Prolapse
The falling, sinking or sliding of an organ from its normal position.
- Prophylaxis
Prevention or protection against disease.
- Prostacyclin
A prostaglandin.
- Prostaglandin
A hormone-like compound with many affects including effects on the secretion of hormones and enzymes, inflammatory response, blood pressure and blood clotting.
- Pulmonary
Relating to the lungs.
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R
- RDA
Recommended dietary allowance. The amount of a nutrient necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms (USA old definition). The dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrients requirements of nearly all the people in the group (USA new definition).
- RDI
Recommended dietary intake. The amount of a nutrient necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms (Australia) or Reference daily intakes, a new term used to refer to the US RDAs (see US RDA).
- RE
See retinol equivalent.
- Reflux
Abnormal backwards flow of a fluid. Often used to refer to the inflammation resulting from the backward flow of the stomach contents into the esophagus.
- Resorption
The loss of a substance, such as bone, by physiological or pathological means.
- Respiratory tract
The lungs and associated passageways.
- Retina
The part of the eye that receives images and transmits visual impulses to the brain.
- Retinal
A form of vitamin A.
- Retinoic acid
A form of vitamin A.
- Retinol
Vitamin A.
- Retinol equivalents
A unit of measurement for vitamin A.
- Retinopathy
An eye disorder resulting from changes in the retinal blood vessels.
- Rickets
Abnormal bone development caused by a vitamin D deficiency.
- RNA
Ribonucleic acid. A substance in the nucleus of a cell which carries genetic information.
- RNI
Recommended nutrient intake. The amount of a nutrient necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms (UK).
- Rosacea
A form of acne seen in adults.
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S
- Saturated fat
A fat in which all the atoms are joined by a single bond.
- Schilling test
A diagnostic test for vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Scoliosis
Lateral curvature of the spine.
- Scurvy
Vitamin C deficiency disease.
- Seborrhea
A condition in which there is an overproduction of sebum.
- Sebum
The oily secretion of certain glands in the skin.
- Serotonin
A chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Serum
The fluid part of the blood.
- Sickle cell anemia
A sever, chronic type of anemia characterised by abnormal hemoglobin and red blood cell formation.
- Simple carbohydrate
A type of carbohydrate, for example lactose, fructose and glucose.
- Sorbitol
A by-product of glucose metabolism which, in diabetics, can accumulate and lead to complications.
- Spina Bifida
A neural tube defect.
- Steroid
Any fat-soluble organic substance with a certain basic chemical structure. Several different hormones, drugs and other substances are classed as steroids.
- Subclinical deficiency
A deficiency so mild it produces no obvious symptoms.
- Superoxide dismutase
An antioxidant enzyme.
- Systolic blood pressure
The blood pressure measured when the heart is contracting.
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T
- T cell
A type of white blood cell involved in immune function.
- TE
See tocopherol equivalents.
- Tetany
A condition involving cramps, convulsion and twitching of the muscles.
- Thalassemia
A type of anemia.
- Thioctic acid
Lipoic acid.
- Thromboxane
A prostaglandin.
- Thymus gland
A Gland in the upper part of the chest that is involved in the maturation and development of the immune system.
- Thyroid gland
A gland at the front of the neck involved in growth and metabolism.
- Thyroxin
A hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
- TIBC
Total iron building capacity. A test to measure the iron in the blood.
- Tocopheral equivalents
A unit of measurement for vitamin E.
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
The upper limit of nutrient intake associated with a low risk of adverse effects in most people.
- Topical
Relating to the surface of the body.
- Trace element
An element essential for human health in minute quantities.
- Trans fatty acids
A type of fat formed when unsaturated vegetables oils are hydrogenated. These forms are more stable but do not occur in nature.
- Transferrin
A protein involved in iron transport.
- Triglyceride
The major type of fat molecule found in the blood.
- Triiodothyronine
A thyroid hormone involved in the regulation of growth, development, metabolism and body temperature.
- Tryptophan
An amino acid that can be converted to niacin and serotonin.
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U
- Ubiquinone
Coenzyme Q10.
- Ulcerative colitis
An inflammatory disorder of the large intestine and the rectum.
- Unsaturated fat
A type of fat in which some of the links are triple or double bonds.
- Urea
The main excretion product of metabolism.
- Urogenital
Relating to the urinary and reproductive systems.
- US RDA
The highest recommended dietary allowance values (se RDA).
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V
- Vasoconstrictor
A substance that constricts blood vessels.
- Vasodilator
A substance that acts to dilate blood vessels.
- Vegan
A strict vegetarian who eats no foods of animal origin.
- Visual purple
A purple pigmented compound in the retina that is involved in adaptation of the eye to low density light.
- Vitamin
An organic compound essential in small quantities for normal body function. With few exceptions, vitamins can not be synthesised by the body and must be obtained from the diet.
- Vitilogo
A skin pigmentation disorder.
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W
- Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome
Bain damage caused by thiamin deficiency. It is often seen in chronic alcoholics.
- Wilson's disease
An inherited disorder of copper metabolism in which copper accumulates in the liver.
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X
- Xerophthalmia
An eye condition caused by vitamin A deficiency.
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