Term | Definition |
nutrition | the science or practice of taking in and utilizing foods |
nutrition status | comparing what is considered “normal” body weight for a patient’s age and development with the patient’s actual body weight (ABW) |
actual body weight (ABW) | the weight of a person's body |
ideal body weight (IBW) | the weight for a given height that is associated with maximum longevity and health |
body mass index (BMI) | a process in which a person's body weight is divided by height to identify both under- and overnutrition |
calories | a measurement of energy intake |
micronutrient | a substance, such as vitamins and minerals, that plays a key role in many metabolic processes |
vitamin | a substance that your body needs to grow and develop normally |
mineral | a substance that is essential the nutrition of the body |
recommended daily intake (RDI) | nutritional recommendation daily intake for vitamins and essential trace elements given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Institute of
Medicine |
international unit (IU) | units of measurement developed for each substance based on its biological effect |
obesity | a body composition that contains significantly more fat than is considered normal or healthy |
malnutrition | a lack of adequate nutrient intake to supply basic metabolic needs |
marasmus | a chronic condition caused by inadequate caloric and protein intake over a prolonged time |
cachexia | a condition in which muscle and fat tissue visibly waste away |
kwashiorkor | a condition in which caloric intake is adequate but protein intake is deficient |
fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) | vitamins that accumulate in fatty tissue and can build up in the body over time |
water-soluble vitamins | vitamins that are easily excreted from the body in the urine |
vitamin A | a fat-soluble vitamin that helps promote and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, skin, and good vision |
retinoids | vitamin A derivatives that are needed for vision, growth, bone formation, reproduction, immune system function, and skin health |
thiamin (B1) | an important coenzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism |
riboflavin (B2) | a coenzyme involved in tissue respiration and normal cell metabolism |
niacin (B3) (nicotinic acid) | an acid that is essential for reactions in the body that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a critical molecule in cellular energy production and cholesterol production |
pantothenic acid (B5) | a precursor of coenzyme A, which is required for proper metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids |
pyridoxine (B6) | a vitamin that is converted in the body to the coenzymes responsible for amino acid metabolism |
biotin (B7) | a coenzyme involved in metabolism |
folate (B9) | "a vitamin that plays a major role in intracellular metabolism and the
breakdown of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with cardiovascular disease (see also folic acid)" |
folic acid | "a vitamin that plays a major role in intracellular metabolism and the
breakdown of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with cardiovascular disease; can greatly reduce the incidence of birth defectsin pregnant women (see also folate [B9])" |
cyanocobalamin (B12) | a coenzyme necessary for cell reproduction, normal growth, and red blood cell production |
intrinsic factor | a substance which is made in the stomach and aids in the absorption of B12 |
vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | a vitamin best known for its role in immune system function and as an antioxidant |
vitamin D | a vitamin that is important for maintaining calcium and phosphate levels in the blood |
ergocalciferol | a form of vitamin D that is found in plants and yeasts |
cholecalciferol | a form of vitamin D that is made in the skin in response to sunlight |
vitamin K (phytonadione) | a coenzyme for the hepatic production of blood clotting factors |
trace element | essential minerals needed for normal physiologic functions |
chromium | a trace element that is part of a complex of molecules called glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which helps regulate glucose tolerance and insulin levels |
copper | a catalyst and coenzyme in a wide variety of chemical reactions in the body |
iodine | an element used in the body to make thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolic rates |
iron | an element found in hemoglobin inside red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles; it is a cofactor for neurotransmitter production and is a part of the functional groups of many important enzymes |
manganese | a trace element that is a cofactor in many metabolic and enzymatic reactions in the body |
selenium | a metallic trace element that is incorporated into amino acids |
zinc | a trace element that is a cofactor in many physiologic processes, including the synthesis of DNA and protein |
enteral nutrition | nutrition provided by feeding a patient through a tube placed into the gastrointestinal tract |
nasogastric (NG) tube | a tube inserted manually throught the nose into the stomach for enteral nutrition |
gastrostomy (G) tube | a tube surgically inserted into the stomach for enteral nutrition |
jejunostomy (J) tube | a tube surgically inserted into the jejunum, a section of the small intestines, for enteral nutrition |
parenteral nutrition | nutrition is provided by feeding a patient intravenously (see also total parenteral nutrition [TPN]) |
total parenteral nutrition (TPN) | nutrition is provided by feeding a patient intravenously (see also total parenteral nutrition (see also parenteral nutrition) |
morbid obesity | a condition in which actual body weight is more than twice the amount of ideal body weight |
satiety | the sensation of feeling full and satisfied |
centrally distributed fat | adipose tissue that accumulates in the abdominal area, rather than in the hips, thighs, or buttocks |
anorexiants (commonly known as appetite suppressants) | a drug class that is used to treat obesity and works by stimulating dopamine and norepinephrine and preventing reuptake of serotonin; increased neurotransmitter levels signals give a sense of fullness and satisfaction |
lipase inhibitor | a drug class that is used to promote weight loss and works by binding to gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes in the intestines, preventing the enzymes from breaking down fats into a form that can be absorbed |
ephedra | a natural supplement that is a central nervous system stimulant with anorexiant effects; currently banned from sale in the United States (see also ma huang) |
ma huang | a natural supplement that is a central nervous system stimulant with anorexiant effects; currently banned from sale in the United States (see also ephedra) |
vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) | a fat-soluble vitamin that is difficult to become deficient in, except in cases of very specific genetic or malabsorption disorders; an antioxidant that protects cells against the effects of free radicals; has been used for cardiovascular disease, cancer, |
fiber | a natural substance in fruits and vegetables that creates a sense of fullness and speeds gastrointestinal motility, limiting fat and calorie absorption; nutrient and drugs that enhance GI motitlity and help pass stool easier; resolve symptoms of hemorrhoi |