Author: Glossary

Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the small and large intestine, usually resulting from infection. General term for infection of both the small intestine and the colon; symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Both viruses and bacteria cause enterocolitis. Infection with either may result in severe illness and dehydration. Inflammation of the small…

Tube feeding with a liquid diet directly into the stomach or small intestine. Providing nutrition through a tube that enters the stomach or small intestine through the nasal passage or abdominal area. Used for patients who are unable to consume adequate nutrition by eating sufficient quantities of food. Delivery of nutrients through a gastrointestinal tube…

The addition of nutrients to foods. Although often used interchangeably, the term fortification is used of legally imposed additions, and enrichment means the addition of nutrients beyond the levels originally present. Improving the quality of a food up to a specified nutritional standard by adding nutrients to the original food. The addition of nutrients to…

A condition where two or more people weave their lives and identities around one another so tightly that it is difficult for any one of them to function independently.  

The ability to do work. The SI unit of energy is the joule, and nutritionally relevant amounts of energy are kilojoules (kj, 1000 J) and megajoules (MJ, 1000 000 J). Measured in kilocalories or kilojoules. One calorie equals 4184 joules. The force or strength to carry out activities. The fuel value, usually measured as calories…

In relation to body build, means short and stocky. Body type characterized by a large block-shaped body, wider at hips and abdominals, a predominance of fat tissue but not necessarily obese. One with endomorphy traits. Person whose body tends to be more heavily developed in the torso than in the limbs, with fat accumulations giving…

Substances that are soluble in both fat and water and enable fat to be uniformly dispersed in water as an emulsion.  

Chemically salts that dissociate in solution and will carry an electric current; clinically used to mean the mineral salts of blood plasma and other body fluids, especially sodium and potassium. Electrolytes are nutrients that affect fluid balance in the body and are necessary for nerves and muscles to function. Sodium and potassium are the two…

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 carbon atoms.  

Body type characterised by slight bone structure and muscle mass. Body type, characterized by frail and delicate bone structure, lean musculature, and usually very little fat. A thumbnail description of the somatotype who is dominated by the ectoderm, specifically the skin, nervous system, and endocrine glands. Less arcane, a tall and thin person, with long…