Author: Glossary

Also called polyols, chemical derivatives of sugars that differ from the parent compounds in having an alcohol group (CH2OH) instead of the aldehyde group (CHO); thus mannitol from mannose, xylitol from xylose, lacticol from lactulose (also sorbitol, isomalt, and hydrogenated glucose syrup). Several occur naturally in fruits, vegetables, and cereals. They range in sweetness from…

Cane or beet sugar. A disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. A sugar, formed of glucose and fructose, found in plants, especially in sugar cane, beet and maple syrup. The sugar found in sugarcane, beetroot and many fruits, which in common speech is called table sugar or simply sugar. A disaccharide consisting of one molecule…

The enzyme that hydrolyses sucrose to yield glucose and fructose (invert sugar). Also known as invertase or saccharase. An enzyme that hydrolyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose. An enzyme in the intestine which breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose. Enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of sucrose to glucose and fructose. An enzyme, secreted by…

Term used to denote oil, starch, etc., from genetically modified crops, that does not contain protein or DNA, and cannot be distinguished from the same product from the unmodified crop.  

Angle in degrees subtended by the costal margins in the midline of the body.  

Reduction in the linear growth of children, leading to lower than expected height for age, generally resulting in lifelong short stature. A common effect of protein energy malnutrition, and associated especially with inadequate protein intake. A height that surpasses two standard deviations from the average height for a given age in the reference population is…

Abnormalities of the fetus or infant where developmental abnormalities have resulted in malformations of organs of the body.  

Foods that tend to prevent or relieve constipation.  

Foods that tend to cause constipation.