NUTR-120-02 (20363.202501) on 2/27/2025 (Thu)

Weight loss products

Products marketed to help individuals lose weight, often including supplements and specialized diets.

High protein messaging

Advertising that promotes high protein diets or supplements, often influencing public perception about nutrition.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, absorbed better in di- and tripeptide forms rather than as individual units.

Cherry picking

The practice of selectively presenting data that supports a specific argument while ignoring data that contradicts it.

Deamination

The process by which an amino acid is broken down to remove the amino group, resulting in ammonia and a carbon skeleton.

Endogenous amino acids

Amino acids sourced from within the body, arising from the breakdown and turnover of body tissues.

Exogenous amino acids

Amino acids that come from dietary sources, essential for protein synthesis.

Nitrogen balance

A measure of nitrogen input versus output in the body, indicating protein status—positive for growth, negative for loss.

Ideal protein

A protein that contains all essential amino acids in the sufficient proportions required for human nutrition.

Complete protein

A protein source that contains all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts for human health.

Vegetarianism

A dietary practice that may exclude meat and/or animal products depending on the individual’s philosophy.

Gluconeogenesis

The metabolic process by which glucose is generated from non-carbohydrate sources, including amino acids.

Carbohydrate metabolism

The biochemical process by which carbohydrates are broken down to provide energy to the body.

Sarcopenia

The age-related loss of muscle mass, which may necessitate increased protein intake in older adults.

Protein quality

A measure of how digestible a protein is and whether it contains all essential amino acids.

Protein supplements

Products marketed to provide additional protein, often in powder or bar formats, but their necessity is often debated.

Metabolic pathways

Biochemical routes through which nutrients are processed in the body to yield energy or synthesize necessary compounds.

Caloric intake

The total number of calories consumed in a given time period, which can determine energy balance.

Adipose tissue

Body fat storage tissue that serves as an energy reserve and has roles in metabolic processes.

Credible sources

Reputable and reliable origins of information which are crucial for making informed decisions about health and nutrition.

Dietary guidelines

Recommendations provided to help people make nutritious food choices to maintain health and well-being.

Marketing strategies

Techniques used to promote products, particularly in the nutrition and health industries, which can mislead consumers.