Author: Glossary

Enzyme that hydrolyses sucrose to glucose and fructose (invert sugar); also called sucrase and saccharase. An enzyme that hydrolyzes sucrose to glucose and fructose. An enzyme in the intestine which splits sucrose. Enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose. An enzyme that converts sucrose into glucose and levulose. It is also…

Soluble but undigested fructose polymer found in root vegetables. Also called dahlin and alant starch (although it is a non-starch polysaccharide). A fructose oligosaccharide (FOS) that is naturally produced in more than 30,000 plants. A vegetable starch used in tests done to determine the adequacy of kidney function. A carbohydrate with a high molecular weight,…

A protein secreted in the gastric juice which is required for the absorption of vitamin B12; impaired secretion results in pernicious anaemia. A substance normally found in gastric juices; essential for the absorption of vitamin B12. A transferase microprotein secreted by the mucosal cells of the stomach, which is required for the absorption of vitamin…

Appearance of polyps (growths) on the surface of the intestine, mainly in the rectum and large intestine, which may in some cases be precursors of cancerous growths. Their measurement may be potentially useful as a functional index of pro- versus anti-carcinogenic influences, some of which may be nutrient-sensitive.  

Also called succus entericus. Digestive juice secreted by the intestinal glands lining the small intestine, containing a variety of enzymes. Alkaline liquid secreted by the small intestine which helps to digest food. Secretions of glands lining the intestine. Alkaline secretion that contains peptidases and enzymes to complete the digestion of disaccharides. A discharge produced by…

Bacteria and other microorganisms that are normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Beneficial bacteria which are always present in the intestine. Bacteria present in the intestines, necessary for digestion and metabolism of certain nutrients. Microorganisms (e.g., Escherichia coli) normally present in the intestinal tract and essential to its normal function. Bacteria normally present in the…

Comparison of an outcome (e.g. morbidity or mortality) between two groups of people deliberately subjected to different dietary or drug regimes. A comparison of the outcome between two or more groups of patients that are deliberately subjected to different regimes (usually of treatment but sometimes of a preventive measure, such as vaccination). Wherever possible those…

Used as a measure of comparative potency of natural substances, such as vitamins, before they were obtained in a sufficiently pure form to measure by weight. An international standard of the biological effects of a particular amount of a substance, e.g., vitamin. An internationally agreed standard used in pharmacy as a measure of a substance…

Created to develop standards and guidelines for collection of food composition data, and standardised terminology and nomenclature; website http://www.fao.org/infoods.