Dictionary of Dietary Supplement Terms

The ODS Dictionary features terms related to dietary supplements and health found in the ODS fact sheets for consumers.

Search the dictionary by selecting a letter of the alphabet or by entering a word or phrase in the search box.

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26-deoxyactein

A component of black cohosh. It belongs to the family of chemical compounds called triterpene glycosides.

abetalipoproteinemia

A rare inherited disease in which the intestine cannot absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins from food. It is associated with fatty stools, diarrhea, nerve problems, and eye disease.

absorption

In nutrition, the process of moving protein, carbohydrates, fats, and other nutrients from the digestive system into the bloodstream. Most absorption occurs in the small intestine.

ACE inhibitor

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. A medicine used to treat high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and kidney problems

acid reflux

A condition in which stomach acid leaks backwards into the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach), causing heartburn and irritating the lining of the esophagus.

acne

A sometimes severe skin condition that commonly occurs on the face, neck, back, and chest and includes whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Severe acne may be painful and can leave permanent deep scars.

actein

A component of black cohosh. It belongs to the family of chemical compounds called triterpene glycosides.

acute

Sudden, severe, and not long lasting.

additive effect

When the combination of two or more drugs, dietary supplements, or other therapies produces a greater result than one drug, dietary supplement, or therapy given alone. For example, combining valerian with alcohol may have a stronger sedative effect than valerian by itself would produce.

adenoma

A type of tumor that is benign (not cancer).

Adequate Intake

AI. The recommended daily intake of a nutrient estimated by the Institute of Medicine to meet or exceed the amount needed to maintain adequate nutrition for most people in a particular life stage and gender group. An AI is established when not enough information is available from scientific research to determine a Recommended Dietary Allowance (a dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of most people).

administration

The process of giving a person a medicine or dietary supplement by mouth, by vein, on the skin, or by another route. For example, a 14-day administration of valerian extract.

adulterate

To make unsafe or impure by using contaminated or unneeded ingredients; using a strength or quality that is less than claimed; leaving out or substituting key ingredients; or using inferior manufacturing, processing, packaging, or storage procedures. read more..
Originaly post at, https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/ODS_Frequently_Asked_Questions.aspx