Health / Vitamins Glossary

Phytochemicals: Health-protecting compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Phytochemicals (sometimes called phytonutrients) include beta-carotene, lycopene, and resveratrol.

Phytoestrogen: A plant compound with estrogen-like activity.

Polyunsaturated Fat: A fat in which there are two or more links in the chain of carbon atoms that can be opened to accept hydrogen atoms.

Precursor: A substance used as a building block for another substance.

Prenatal Vitamins: Specially formulated multivitamins that ensure a pregnant woman gets enough essential micronutrients. Prenatal supplements generally contain more folic acid, iron, and calcium than standard . . . View Full Definition

Pro-Endorphins: Protein compound releasing muscle micro-tensions and inhibiting fine lines by blocking nerve impulses involved in muscle contraction, smoothens and rejuvenates skin appearance, used as activ . . . View Full Definition

Prolactin: A female hormone involved in milk production.

Prostaglandin: A hormone-like compound with many affects including effects on the secretion of hormones and enzymes, inflammatory response, blood pressure and blood clotting.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Recommended dietary allowance. The amount of a nutrient necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms (USA old definition). The dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrients requi . . . View Full Definition

Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI): Recommended dietary intake. The amount of a nutrient necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms (Australia) or Reference daily intakes, a new term used to refer to the US RDAs (see US RDA).

Retinol: Fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin, the dietary form of vitamin A, plays an important part in vision development and bone growth, stimulates the immune function of the organism, protects agains . . . View Full Definition

Ribonucleic Acit (RNA): A substance in the nucleus of a cell which carries genetic information.

Salicylic Acid: Organic carboxylic acid with crystalline configuration also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), used as a food preservative, but also in the treatment of eczema due to its properties of dissol . . . View Full Definition

Simple Carbohydrate: A type of carbohydrate, for example lactose, fructose and glucose.

Sorbitol: A by-product of glucose metabolism which, in diabetics, can accumulate and lead to complications.

Soy: Plant rich in protein, often replaces animal-based foods, soy extracts are reputed for their rejuvenation action on the inside and outside, as well used in anti-aging cosmetic products.

Steroid: Any fat-soluble organic substance with a certain basic chemical structure. Several different hormones, drugs and other substances are classed as steroids.

Supplements: Vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances taken orally and meant to correct deficiencies in the diet.

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