By: Extension Nutrition Specialists The Texas A&M System
Glossary
Adequate Intake (AI): set when there is no data to set the RDA
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR): range of intake for an energy source that reduces risk of chronic disease while providing essential nutrients. Excess leads to weight gain and increased risk of chronic disease.
Anorexia: loss of appetite
Antioxidant: a substance that prevents the deterioration or rancidity of fats
Ataxia: inability to coordinate voluntary muscles
Cachexia: general physical wasting and malnutrition
Cheilosis: cracks at the corner of the mouth
Coenzyme: compound that forms the actual part in an enzyme after combining with a protein component
Daily Values: (DVs): the amount of a nutrient needed daily as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Dermatitis: inflammation of the skin
Desquamation: loss of a layer of skin
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): general term for a set of reference values for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people
Eczema: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness and itching
Edema: abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body
Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF): a dietary agent that facilitates the reaction of insulin
Gram (g): metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth (10-3) of a kilogram
Hemorrhagic: loss of blood from blood vessels
Ketosis: a condition caused by abnormal burning of fat in the body
Macronutrients: nutrients—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, others—needed by the body in large amounts
Microgram (µg – mcg): one millionth of a gram
Milligram (mg): one thousandth of a gram
Neural Tube Defects (NTD): birth defects due to failure of the neural tube to develop properly during fetal development
Osteomalacia: softening of bones in adults
Osteoporosis: porous, brittle bones
Photophobia: sensitivity to light
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA): the amount of nutrients needed to promote good growth and optimum health in people ages 25 to 50
Rickets: bone deformation in children
Scurvy: weakened cartilages and connective tissue
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): highest daily intake that will not cause adverse effects
Xerophthalmia: an eye condition that can lead to blindness
(open pictures for better view)
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