Chapter 1: Nutrition - Linking Food and Health

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions covering introductory nutrition concepts, nutrient classifications, research methodologies, and dietary reference standards from Chapter 1.

Nutrition

The study of food, including how food nourishes our bodies and how food influences our health.

Health

Physical, mental, and social well-being.

Nutrients

Chemicals in foods that are critical to human growth and function.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in relatively large amounts that provide energy, including carbohydrates, fats and oils, and proteins.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in smaller amounts to support normal health and body functions, consisting of vitamins and minerals.

Kilocalorie

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of $1\,kg$ of water by $1^\circ\text{C}$.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of fuel for the body, especially for the brain, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, providing $4\,kcal$ per gram.

Fats

Molecules composed of lipids that are insoluble in water, made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, providing $9\,kcal$ per gram.

Proteins

Chains of amino acids made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen that supply $4\,kcal$ of energy per gram.

Vitamins

Organic molecules that help regulate body functions, categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins (A, D, E, and K) soluble in fat that are stored in the human body and can cause toxicity when consumed in excess.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins (C and B-vitamins) soluble in water that are not stored to any extent in the human body and are excreted in urine when in excess.

Minerals

Inorganic substances required for body processes such as fluid regulation, energy production, and maintaining bone and blood health.

Major Minerals

Minerals needed in amounts greater than $100\,mg/day$ in the diet, with body presence greater than $5\,g$ ($5,000\,mg$).

Trace Minerals

Minerals needed in amounts less than $100\,mg/day$ in the diet, with body presence less than $5\,g$ ($5,000\,mg$).

Water

An inorganic macronutrient vital for health and survival that supports fluid balance, nutrient transport, nerve impulses, waste removal, muscle contractions, and body temperature regulation.

Probiotics

Active ingredients containing beneficial bacteria that improve the intestinal microbial balance.

Prebiotics

Nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of probiotic bacteria.

Phytochemicals

Naturally occurring plant compounds beneficial to human health.

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)

Specific reference values for each nutrient issued by the United States National Academy of Sciences, Health and Medicine Division to identify nutrient amounts needed to maintain good health.

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

The average daily nutrient intake level estimated to meet the needs of $50\%$ of healthy individuals in a particular age and gender group.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The average daily nutrient intake level required to meet the needs of $97\text{--}98\%$ of healthy individuals in a particular age and gender group.

Adequate Intake (AI)

The recommended average daily nutrient intake level assumed to be adequate, used when an EAR cannot be determined.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

The highest average daily intake level likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in a group.

Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)

The average daily dietary energy intake predicted to meet the needs and maintain energy balance in healthy adults.

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

The recommended range of carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake expressed as a percentage of total energy associated with reduced risk of chronic disease.

Placebo

An imitation treatment that has no effect on participants, given to the control group in randomized clinical trials.

Systematic Reviews

A synthesis of the findings of quality studies on a particular research topic.

Meta-analysis

A synthesis of data from the individual studies included in a systematic review.

Conflict of Interest

A situation where an individual is in a position to derive personal benefit or unfair advantage.

Bias

An inclination toward or against a particular individual, situation, or outcome.

Misinformation

The communication of inaccurate or incomplete information that can mislead.

Disinformation

The intentional spreading of false information.