Nutrition terms

22 glossary entries from the Nutrition topic of the CCMA test plan. Try free Nutrition practice questions.

• anorexia nervosaAn eating disorder marked by keeping body weight far too low through starvation or excessive exercise.
• BMRBasal metabolic rate: energy the body uses at complete rest.
• bulimia nervosaAn eating disorder with repeated binge eating followed by purging or other behaviors to prevent weight gain.
• calorieA unit of energy in food; the food calorie is a kilocalorie.
• carbohydrateA macronutrient built from sugars that supplies the body with energy.
• celiac diseaseAn autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten damages the small intestine.
• DRIDietary reference intakes: a set of nutrient reference values for healthy people.
• electrolytesIons dissolved in body fluids that support most body functions and help maintain homeostasis.
• enteral nutritionNutrition given directly into the digestive tract through a tube.
• fat-soluble vitaminsVitamins A, D, E and K, which dissolve in fat.
• glutenA protein in wheat, barley and rye.
• lipidA fat or fat-like substance that does not dissolve in water, such as triglycerides and cholesterol.
• macronutrientA nutrient needed in large amounts for energy: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• micronutrientA nutrient needed in small amounts, such as vitamins and minerals.
• mineralAn inorganic nutrient the body needs to function properly.
• obesityBody weight greater than the healthy range for height; in adults, a BMI of 30 or higher.
• picaCraving and eating nonfood substances, such as clay.
• proteinA macronutrient made of many amino acids linked together.
• RDARecommended dietary allowance: the daily intake of a nutrient that meets the needs of nearly all healthy people.
• TPNTotal parenteral nutrition: complete nutrition given intravenously.
• vitaminAn organic micronutrient the body needs for normal growth and metabolism.
• water-soluble vitaminsThe B vitamins and vitamin C, which dissolve in water.