Glossary

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

The recommended proprotion of a person's daily calories that should come from protein (10-35%), fat (20-35%), and carbohydrates (45-65%).

accessory organs

Digestive organs that add secretions to the process of digestion, but the food itself does not enter these organs.

active transport

Form of nutrient absorption that requires both a carrier and energy in the form of ATP. This means that nutrients can be absorbed even if there are already many in the blood (against a concentration gradient)

Added sugars

Sugars and/or syrups added to food during preparation, processing, or at the table.

adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and released to fuel cellular processes

adipose

body fat

adulteration

substituting a poorer quality, inferior ingredient or substance into a produce reducing the quality of the original product

aerobic respiration

Process by which organisms use oxygen to turn fuels such as glucose and fatty acids, into chemical energy (ATP)

albumin

Most abundant protein in the blood; important for fluid balance between blood and body cells

alcohol dehydrogenase

Enzyme used to breakdown alcohol (ethanol) in the liver.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Characteristics describing the cycle of alcohol addiction: binge/intoxication stage, withdrawal/negative stage, and the preoccupation/anticipation stage.

alcoholism

The inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol.

amino acid pool

Amino acids from ingested proteins plus dismantled proteins that can be used by the body cells for protein synthesis.

Amino acids

building blocks of protein

anabolism

building

anaerobic

Without oxygen

anions

negatively charged electrolytes

antibodies

Blood protein produced in response to a specific foreign invader or antigen. Antibodies combine with "alien" substances such as bacteria or viruses, and counteract their ability to infect body cells

appetite

the psychological desire for food

ariboflavinosis

Condition of deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Arteries

blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart and to the lungs for gas exchange and to the body cells to deliver oxygen and nutrients and to pick up wastes

atrophy

A reduction or shrinking of the size of a cell or tissue.

basal metabolic rate (BMR)

The amount of energy required by the body to conduct basic functions. For most people it is 50-70% of the total calories they require each day.

beriberi

Condition caused by deficiency of thiamin (vitamin B1)

bicarbonate
Bile

Substance made in the liver, stored in the gallbladder. It emulsifies fats, allowing them to mix more readily with water-based enzymes for digestion

Binge drinking

consuming 5 or more alcoholic drinks per day for men, 4 or more for women

binge/intoxication stage

Stage 1 of Alcohol Use Disorder, alcohol consumption initiates the reward/pleasure system of the brain.

bioavailability

The amount of a substance that is absorbed, transported, and subsequently used in the body

blood alcohol concentration (BAC)

legal measurement used to assess intoxication and the impairment and ability to perform certain activities such as driving a car

body composition

the amount of fat tissue versus the amount of lean tissue in a body, idetified as % fat

Body Mass Index (BMI)

An index of an individual's weight to their height. A crude tool used to indicate an estimate of over/under weight and obesity, especially in large populations.

bolus

food that has been partially broken down that leaves the mouth and enters the pharynx and esophagus - the amount you swallow each time

calorie

unit of measurement of food energy; the amount of energy required to raise 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius.

capillary

tiniest blood vessels

catabolism

breakdown

cations

positively charged electrolytes

cholecystokinin (CCK

hormone released from the duodenum that initiates bile release from the gallbladder

cholecystokinin (CCK)
Cholesterol

Most well known sterol in the body important for cell membrane structure and the formation of substances like hormones and bile. Found only in animal foods in the diet.

chylomicron

lipoprotein that transports lipid from the small intestine into the lymph vessel for transport to the liver

Chyme

partially digested food that is a semiliquid mass that leaves the stomach about a tablespoon at a time and enters the duodenum of the small intestine

clinical signs

things that can be easily seen such as bleeding, vomiting or fainting

cofactor

A non-protein chemical compound (often a mineral) that is required for some enzymes to function.

Colostrum

breast milk produced immediately after birth and for first few days after birth; contains protein, fat soluble vitamins, minerals, and antibodies beneficial for the infant's new immune system

Complementary proteins

two or more incomplete protein foods that, when consumed together, provide all nine of the essential amino acids

complete protein sources

Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids in relatively high amounts

conditionally essential

a normally non-essential nutrient that becomes essential due to a disease, condition, or medication

conditionally essential amino acids

Nonessential amino acids that become essential during specific times in the lifecycle or any time due to diseases or conditions.

confounding variables

factors other than the ones being tested in a research study that could be influencing the results. It is important to control for as many variables as possible to assure research results are valid

control group

group in a research study that does not receive any type of treatment

critical periods

Times during pregnancy where the infrastructure for body parts is developed. The developing baby is particularly vulnerable to damage caused by poor nutrition, medications, alcohol, or other harmful exposures.

Daily Value (DV)

Located on nutrition fact labels, this value represents the percentage of the recommended amount of a given nutrient per one serving of a particular food.

dehydration synthesis

Process of combining molecules by removing a water molecule. This occurs in many instances in the body including the building of macromolecules such as glycogen, storage fat, and protein.

Denaturation

physical changes such as unraveling that occur in proteins when they are exposed to heat, acid, high salt concentrations, alcohol, and mechanical agitation

dental caries

cavities

Dietary fibers

polysaccharides found in plants that are not digestible in humans due to lack of fiber-digesting enzymes

dioxins

Chemical compounds created during manufacturing that can pollute water sources. Fish become contaminated, and the compounds can cause cancer.

Disease

any abnormal condition affecting the health of organisms, characterized by specific signs and symptoms

disordered eating

A disturbed and unhealthy eating pattern that may or may not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.

double blind study

a type of research study design in which neither the participant nor the researcher know in which group (treatment or control) the participant is assigned; It is a way to minimize bias

duodenum

First and smallest section of the small intestine, where the bulk of chemical digestion of foods occurs.

duration

length of an exercise session

dysphagia

impaired ability to swallow

electrolytes

Atoms that can separate into charged ions when dissolved.

embryo

second stage of pregnancy; multi-celled organism that implants in uterus

empty calorie

Food or beverages such as sugary sodas or candy containing calories but no beneficial nutrients

emulsifiers

Substances that allow the mixing of water-based substances and oils

Energy balance

energy intake equals energy required

energy dense or calorie dense

Foods containing many kcal per amount consumed

energy nutrients

macronutrients that can provide energy in the form of kilocalories (kcal)

enriched

The replacement of nutrients lost when a food is processed

Enrichment

Replacement of nutrients that are lost with food processing.

Enzymes

proteins that catalyze specific chemical reactions by lowering the amount of energy and time it takes for the reaction to occur

Epidemiological studies

types of scientific studies that observe what happens in a population in relation to health over time in order to find risk factors for a health event; these types of studies do not determine cause

epiglottis

Small flap that covers the entrance of the trachea when you swallow to stop the bolus of food from entering the trachea instead of the esophagus

epinephrine

Hormone released from adrenal glands. Considered the "fight-or-flight" hormone, it promotes breakdown of glycogen to provide quick energy to primarily the brain in addition to increasing heart rate and blood pressure, expanding air passages in the lungs, and enlarging pupils in the eyes.

epinephrine (adrenalin)

fight-or-flight hormone released from the adrenal gland

Ergogenic aids

substances, devices, practices, or treatments that improve athletic of physical performance

esophagus

muscular digestive tube that connects the mouth to the stomach

essential

required by the body, and it must be consumed in the diet

essential amino acids

Nine amino acids that must be consumed in the diet because the body cannot make them in sufficient amounts to sustain life

essential fat

The amount of body fat a person requires to function. In males it is generally considered to be 2-5%, in females 10-12%

essential fatty acid

fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in adequate amounts by the body and must be consumed in the diet

Exercise

form of physical activity that is structured, planned, repetitive, and performed with the goal of improving health or fitness

extracellular

outside of cells

extrusion reflex

Automatic reflex where a baby will push food placed on their tongue back out of the mouth

facilitated diffusion

Transport mechanism requiring a protein carrier which shuttles molecules such as some nutrients across cell membranes. The process does not require energy so is considered passive.

female athlete triad

A condition caused by disordered eating patterns (usually insufficient calories) which leads to issues in female athletes such as irregular menstruation or amenorrhea, which can lead to low bone density (osteopenia).

fetal

third and final stage of pregnancy

fetus

final stage of pregnancy; fetal development includes maturation of organ systems until they are able to work outside the womb

food allergy

an immune response to a protein in a food product, the response can involve any area of the body: mouth, tongue, skin, GI tract, lungs, cardiovascular system, and can even cause death

food deserts

geographic regions with limited or no access to healthy foods within reasonable traveling distance

food infections

Infection caused when ingested food contains a pathogen (bacteria, virus, etc)

food intolerance

a negative response to a food product involving primarily the gastrointestinal system (gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea)

food intoxications

Occurs when ingested food contains a toxin such as mold or toxic pollutants

Food irradiation

The application of ionizing radiation to food that improves the safety and extends the shelf life of foods by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects.

food jag

A period of time where children want to eat only the same few things for several days and at every meal.

Food loss

Edible amount of food post harvest that is available for human consumption but is not consumed for any reason

Food preservation

The handling or treatment of food to prevent or slow spoilage. Preservation techniques include refrigeration, curing, smoking, canning, picking, drying, vacuum packing, and pasteurization.

Food processing

The transformation of raw ingredients into packaged foods

food secure

having adequate access to food and enough nutrients to achieve a healthy lifestyle

food swamps

Neighborhoods where the food environment consists primarily of fast food and junk food, with limited healthier alternatives

Food waste

Decrease in quality or quantity of food because of the actions of food retailers, food service providers, and consumers.

Foremilk

type of mature milk secreted early in a feeding; contains water, vitamins, and protein

fortified

Nutrients added to a food product that would not naturally occur in that product.

free radical

a molecule with an unpaired electron

Frequency

how often one participates in exercise; usually expressed in days per week

gastric distension

stomach stretching

gastric lipase

Digestive enzyme released from the stomach that begins the digestion of lipids in adults

genome

sequence of DNA that makes up your genes

ghrelin

hunger hormone secreted from the stomach when it is empty

glucagon

Hormone produced by alpha cells in the pancreas. It is released when blood glucose levels decrease (between meals). It signals the liver to break down it's stored glycogen to raise blood glucose.

gluconeogenesis

Formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as lipids and fats

glucose

main form of carbohydrate in the body

glycemic index

numeric value given to carbohydrate-containing foods based on their ability to raise blood glucose levels

glycemic load

An indicator of both the glycemic index and the actual effect on blood glucose a food will provide.

glycogen

stored form of glucose in animals including humans; stored in liver and skeletal muscle

glycogenesis

The formation of glycogen from excess glucose molecules, occurring in the liver and muscle cells

glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose for use as energy

glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose specifically to create energy (ATP)

goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by a severe and chronic deficiency of iodine.

health

encompasses physical, psychological, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease

heme iron

Form of iron that is most easily absorbed, found only in animal foods.

Hemochromatosis

Condition caused by a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal iron metabolism. Iron accumulates in organs such as liver, pancreas, and heart and can cause serious symptoms such as impaired pancreatic and liver function.

hemoglobin

Protein on red blood cells that transports oxygen

High-density lipoprotein

Lipoprotein made and secreted from the liver that travels through the blood, picks up LDL, and returns it to the liver. Often called "good" cholesterol

Hind-milk

form of mature milk released during a feeding after fore milk; contains higher levels of fat necessary for weight gain

hormones

chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands and the brain's hypothalamus and secreted directly into the blood

Hunger

physical feeling of emptiness accompanied by other symptoms caused by lack calorie intake

Hydrogenation

Adding hydrogen atoms to an unsaturated fatty acid which allows the double bonds to break and become single bonds. Used in food processing to extend shelf life and harden fats.

hydrolysis

The process of chemically splitting macromolecules by the addition of water. It is used in many places in the body, including digestion where large carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are split into smaller molecules.

hyperglycemia

A condition of high blood glucose

hyperkalemia

High levels of potassium in the blood which can be life threatening.

hyperplasia

increase in cell number

hypertrophy

increase in the size of a cell or tissue such as fat cells or muscle

hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose

hypokalemia

Low levels of potassium in the blood.

hyponatremia

very low levels of sodium in the blood; can be life-threatening, usually caused by excessive water intake (water intoxication)

hypothyroidism

Decreased production of thyroid hormones, primarily T3 and T4.

ileum

Third and final section of the small intestine where much nutrient absorption occurs.

incomplete protein sources

Food that contain fewer than nine of the essential amino acids

incubation period

time between exposure to a pathogen or toxin and the onset of physical symptoms

ingredients list

Required on food labeling; ingredients are listed in descending order by weight

insulin

Hormone released by beta cells of the pancreas during hyperglycemia. Insulin transports blood glucose into body cells, removing it from the blood.

Intensity

an estimate of how hard one is working during an exercise bout

Intermediate-density lipoprotein

remains of VLDL after transport in the blood; contains cholesterol; will become LDL

interstitial

space between cells

Interventional clinical trial studies

studies that change one variable between groups to determine causal relationships

Intoxication

When blood alcohol level exceeds the rate at which the liver can metabolize it; leading to physical and mental impairment

intracellular

within cells

intrinsic factor

substance made in the stomach that is required for vitamin B12 absorption; secretion of this substance slowly naturally declines after age 50

ions

a charged atom

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

Most common nutrient deficiency disease in the world, caused by inadequate iron levels in the body. Common symptoms are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

jejunum

Second and longest section of the small intestine where chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs

kilocalorie

one thousand calories, denoted as kcal or Calorie (capital C) on nutrition food labels

kwashiorkor

Form of malnutrition that occurs when calorie intake is adequate but protein intake is lacking. It primarily affects children.

lactase

Digestive enzyme secreted from intestinal villi that splits lactose into glucose and galactose.

lactate (lactic acid)

Produced when oxygen is limited during physical activity; build up of lactate causes muscle fatigue

Lactation

also called lactogenesis, it is the synthesis and secretion of breast mlk

lactose intolerance

Condition where a person does not generate enough lactase so they cannot completely digest lactose. This causes gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramping.

leptin

hormone released by fat cells; signals to the hypothalamus that eating is not required, often called the satiety hormone; helps regulate long term food intake

lingual lipase

digestive enzymes released from salivary glands that begins the digestion of lipids in infants

lipogenesis

The process that forms triglycerides from glycerol and fatty acids.

lipoproteins

Group of lipid transport molecules

Low-density lipoprotein

Made in the liver from IDLs, transport cholesterol to the body from the liver

lower esophageal sphincter

sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach

macronutrients

Classes of nutrients needed in relatively large amounts. These include carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and water.

malnutrition

nutrient intake which does not meet calorie and/or nutrient requirements for health

maltase

Digestive enzyme secreted by intestinal villi that splits maltose into glucose monosaccharides.

marasmus

Form of malnutrition that occurs when both calories and protein intake are inadequate. It affects both children and adults.

mastication

scientific word for chewing

Mature milk

final form of breast milk secreted beginning two weeks after birth; contains fore-milk and hind-milk

Metabolic homeostasis

State where nutrients absorbed match energy required to carry out biological processes

Metabolism

Total of all of the chemical reactions that take place in the body, both anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking).

micelles

Lipid transport molecule surrounded by bile salts allowing dietary lipids to be absorbed into the walls of the small intestine

microvilli

very small finger-like projections on the tips of the villi of the small intestine

mitochondria

powerhouse of a cell

monounsaturated fatty acid

a fatty acids with one C=C double bond in the carbon chain

mycotoxins

Natural, poisonous substances contained in molds that develop in crops such as grains, nuts, and produce.

Myoglobin

Oxygen-carrier protein in muscle

n

letter used in research studies to indicate the number of participants in the study; ex. n=150 means there are 150 participants in the study. Generally the higher the n the more credible the results of the study

negative energy balance

energy intake is less than energy required

negative feedback

a reaction that causes the output of a system to be lessened, leading to homeostasis

Negative health

level of health associated with illness, and, at the extreme, premature death

negative nitrogen balance

Amount of nitrogen excreted is greater than the amount ingested through protein intake. To compensate the body must break down proteins to meet cellular requirements. Occurs primarily when a person is diseased or is consuming a low protein diet.

niacin flush

Side effect in some people of excessive consumption of niacin (vitamin B3). Causes redness of the face, arms, chest due to vasodilation of small blood vessels. You may also experience tingling, burning and itching.

nitrogen balance

The balance between nitrogen consumed through protein intake and nitrogen losses in urine, feces, hair, nails and skin.

nixtamilization

The soaking of corn in wood ash or pickling lime to make the niacin more bioavailable. Native American cultures so it when making masa harina, the corn meal used to make corn tortillas and tamales.

Non-essential

nutrients that can be manufactured by the body in adequate amounts so consumption is not required

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)

Energy expended for everything a person does throughout the day that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like activities. It consists of activities of daily living and varies greatly from person to person and day to day.

non-heme

Form of iron not well absorbed that is found in both plant and animal foods

nonessential amino acids

Amino acids that can be made by the body in sufficient amounts so do not need to be consumed in the diet.

nutrient dense

the amount of nutrients a food contains relative to the energy it provides

nutrients

chemicals found in food essential for health

nutrigenetics

Identification of genetic markers in genes that modify the need for or use of various nutrients.

nutrigenomics

study of the relationships among genes, diet, and health outcomes

nutrition

study of how nutrients interact with each other and with the body

Nutrition assessment

systematic process of collecting and interpreting information in order to make decisions about the nature and cause of nutrition-related health issues that affect an individual

Nutritional science

Scientific exploration of how an organism nourishes itself and how this nourishment affects personal, population, and planetary health.

Obese

Condition of having excess body fat.

obesogenic environments

Defined by CDC as an environment that promotes increased food intake of non-healthful foods, and physical inactivity.

organic molecule

term used in chemistry to denote that a molecule contains the carbon atom

osmolality

the concentration of dissolved particles (solutes) in a fluid

Osmoregulation

control of fluid balance in the body using solutes; keeps fluids from becoming too diluted or too concentrated

osmosis

passive movement of fluids through a membrane from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration

osteoblasts

bone-building cells

osteoclasts

bone crushing cells

osteomalacia

low bone density in adults

overload

increasing frequency, intensity, or duration of an exercise bout to improve fitness

Overweight

Having more weight than is typical for a particular height.

oxidative stress

an imbalance between reactive oxidative species (ROS) formed and the number of electrons available to neutralize them causing cell damage

Oxytocin

hormone involved in milk release or ejection from the breast (milk letdown)

pancreatic amylase

Carbohydrate-digesting enzyme secreted from the pancreas into the duodenum. It picks up where salivary amylase leaves off.

pancreatic lipase

Lipid digesting enzyme released from the pancreas

Pasteurization

Is a process of heating a food or beverage to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life.

pathogen

a microorganism that can cause disease

pathogens

Bacterial or viral agents that cause illness.

pellagra

condition caused by severe niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency

pepsin

First active protein-digesting enzyme, found in the stomach. Pepsin begins the chemical breakdown of proteins into smaller units.

peptidases

Enzymes released from the intestinal villi that chemically digest tri- and di-peptides, splitting them into individual amino acids

peptide bonds

bonds linking amino acids together

peristalsis

muscle contractions of the digestive tract, squeezing from top to bottom

pH

Measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. A low pH indicates more acidic, a pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, and a high pH is more basic.

pharynx

Anatomical description of the throat area containing the epiglottis and opening of the trachea

Phospholipids

Form of lipid made up of two fatty acids attached to a hydrophilic head. Often used in cell membranes and emulsifiers

Physical activity

any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle that increases energy expenditure above a basal level

Physical fitness

ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and respond to emergencies

Physical training

specific use of exercise to promote fitness and strength or improved performance in a specific task

Phytochemicals

non-nutritive chemical compounds found in the edible parts of plants that provide characteristics to the plant like color, taste, smell. They may also provide health benefits beyond the traditional nutrients

pica

craving for and consumption of non-food items

placebo

a substance that has no therapeutic effect

placenta

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy that provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby and removes waste products from the baby's blood. It attaches to the baby via the umbilical cord.

polypeptides

Protein consisting of many four or more amino acids

polyunsaturated fatty acid

a fatty acid with 2 or more C=C double bonds in the fatty acid chain

positive energy balance

energy intake is greater than energy required

Positive health

health levels that allow a person to enjoy life and to withstand challenges

Positive nitrogen balance

Occurs when nitrogen intake via protein consumption is greater than nitrogen excretion. This occurs during times of child growth, pregnancy, and wound healing.

preoccupation/anticipation stage

Stage 3 of Alcohol Use Disorder. The drinker seeks out alcohol to combat the negative and stressful withdrawal, leading to additional and continued consumption of alcohol.

Preventive nutrition

dietary practices for reducing disease and promoting health

primary deficiency

nutrient deficiency caused by inadequate intake

primary nutrient deficiency

deficiency of a nutrient caused by inadequate intake

proenzyme

an inactive precursor to an active or functional enzyme

progression

small, continual changes in overload with subsequent adaptation to the imposed stressor resulting in fitness improvements

Prolactin

hormone that initiates growth of the milk duct system in breast tissue and maintains milk production in the alveoli of the breast

proteases

Enzymes that chemically digest proteins

protein energy malnutrition (PEM)

A dangerous combination of low protein intake and low calorie intake leading to malnutrition.

protein synthesis

The creation of proteins in body cells by combining amino acids is specific sequences.

protein turnover

Body processes of protein breakdown and protein synthesis

psychoactive drug

any substance that crosses the blood-brain barrier that affects brain function

pyloric sphincter

sphincter between the stomach and the small intestine

pyruvate

Product created at the end of anaerobic glycolysis

randomized

type of study where participants are assigned by chance to a particular group that compares different treatments

ribosome

Organelle of a cell where protein synthesis occurs

rickets

Condition of soft, weak, deformed bones in children caused by a deficiency of vitamin D

risk factor

characteristic that increases the risk of developing a disease

salivary amylase

Carbohydrate specific enzyme in saliva that begins to chemically break down amylose and amylopectin into smaller chains of glucose

sarcopenia

reduction of muscle mass in the body; often accompanies aging

satiety

the sensation of being full

saturated fatty acid

a fatty acid with no double bonds

scientific method

a system by which a hypothesis is developed based on observation, then the hypothesis is tested and modified based on the outcome of tests and experiments

scurvy

Condition caused by deficiency of vitamin C

secondary deficiency

Adequate intake of a nutrient occurs, but for some reason the body cannot use it so deficiency signs and symptoms occur.

secondary nutrient deficiency

nutrient deficiency that occurs when a person consumes an adequate amount of a nutrient, but for some reason the body cannot use what is consumed

secretin

hormone released from the duodenum that initiates release of pancreatic juices containing macronutrient-digesting enzymes and bicarbonate for neutralizing hydrochloric acid from the stomach

Sedentary behavior

Lack of physical activity or activities where energy expenditure is no more than 1.5 times the amount of energy expended while at rest. This includes sitting, reclining, or lying down while awake.

segmentation

muscular contractions of the digestive tract squeezing from the sides

smoke point

term used to describe the termperature at which an oil stops shimmering and starts smoking. Based on the chemical composition of the oil, smoke points can range from 325-520 degrees Fahrenheit

Solutes

all dissolved substances in a fluid

specificity

sports training that is relevant and appropriate to the sport for which the individual is training. Only those muscles most used during training will adapt to the imposed demands.

sphincters

muscular rings separating digestive organs that open and close to allow food to move through the digestive tract in a more orderly fashion

starches

stored form of carbohydrate in plants

Sterols

Form of lipid made up of several ringed structures.

storage fat

The amount of body fat beyond that which is required for essential body functioning. This fat provides energy for movement and other body processes.

subcutaneous

fat found directly beneath the skin

subcutaneous fat

body fat found under the skin

sucrase

Digestive enzyme secreted from small intestine villi that splits sucrose into glucose and fructose.

symptoms

things that cannot be easily seen and are usually reported by a patient such as headache, dizziness, pain, or nausea

thermic effect of food (TEF)

The energy it takes to digest, absorb, transport, and store nutrients from a meal.

thermoregulation

balancing heat gain with heat loss to maintain homeostasis

total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)

Total number of kcals a person expends daily. It is made up of BMR, energy spent on physical activity, TEF, and NEAT.

toxicity

being "toxic" or poisonous - able to cause damage to the body

toxin

poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms

trachea

Tube that carries air from the mouth and nose into the lungs

transamination

transformation process that changes one amino acid into another by modifying the R group

transcription

First step of protein synthesis where the gene recipe for a protein is copied onto messenger RNA (mRNA)

Transitional milk

form of breast milk released from 2-4 days after birth until about 2 weeks after birth; includes high levels of fat, lactose, and water soluble vitamins

translation

Second step of protein synthesis where the gene-coded recipe for a protein on the messenger RNA is followed and amino acids are combined in a specific order to make a unique protein. Translation occurs in the ribosome of a cell.

Triglycerides

Type of lipid made up of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acids; the most common form of lipid in the body and in food

Very low-density lipoproteins

lipoproteins made in the liver that transport fat from liver to the body cells

villi

finger-like projections that line the small intestine

visceral

fat located in and around body organs

visceral fat

body fat centrally located around abdominal organs

withdrawal/negative affect stage

Stage 2 of Alcohol Use Disorder. In this stage the body experiences withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not consumed.

xerophthalmia

Severe drying of the eyes caused by a deficiency of vitamin A

zygote

a fertilized egg; first stage of pregnancy

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