Vitamin & Supplement Glossary: Definitions and Terms
Vitamin & Supplement Glossary: Definitions and Terms
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Multivitamin. A pill, beverage, or other substance containing more than one vitamin.
Oxidation. A chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with a substance, changing or destroying its normal function. Oxidation can damage cell membranes and interfere with a cell's regulatory systems, but it is also part of our normal-functioning immune system.
Phytochemicals. Compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants that can be health-protecting. Phytochemicals (sometimes called phytonutrients) include beta-carotene, lycopene, and resveratrol.
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 adult supplements.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The amount of nutrients needed daily to prevent the development of disease in most people. An example is vitamin C; the RDA is 70 milligrams, below which, for most people, there is the risk of developing scurvy.
Supplements. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances taken orally and meant to correct deficiencies in the diet.
U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). A nonprofit authority that sets standards and certifies supplements that meet certain quality, strength, and purity standards, some of which are called the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Many supplements carry the USP symbol on their label.
Vitamins. Naturally found in plants and animals, vitamins are vital to growth, energy, and nerve function. There are two types of vitamins used by the body to support health: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Water-Soluble. Water-soluble vitamins like B-6, C, and folic acid are easily absorbed by the body. Your body uses the vitamins it needs, then excretes excess water-soluble vitamins in urine. Because excess amounts of these vitamins are not stored in the body, there is less risk of toxicity than with fat-soluble vitamins but a greater risk of deficiency.
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Skip to Article Content- Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide
- Getting the Most From Supplements Your guide to the benefits of taking vitamins and supplements.
- Vitamins and Supplements Glossary What does that vitamin label mean? A vitamin and supplement glossary of terms.
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- Vitamins that Fight Inflammation Facts on which vitamins and supplements may help decrease inflammation.
- Nutritious & Delicious Foods Find out how these tasty and nutritious foods can benefit you.
- How to Use Supplements Wisely A handy guide to taking supplements wisely.
- Supplements to Boost Your Mood Depressed? Get the facts to see if supplements can help improve your mood.
- Natural Sleep Supplements If you're in search of a good night's sleep, try these natural sleep aids.
- Energy-Enhancing Supplements Low on energy and tired all the time? Find vitamin fixes here.
- Libido-Boosting Supplements Can dietary supplements help put the spark back in your sex life?
- Chronic Pain Supplements Don't let chronic pain keep you grounded. Find out which supplements ease pain.
- Supplements for Skin & Beauty Which vitamins help keep you looking your best? Get the facts here.
- Arthritis & Joint Pain Supplements Find out which supplements can help ease joint pain.
- Memory-Boosting Supplements Fortify your memory naturally with the right vitamins.
- Allergy Vitamins & Supplements Vitamins and supplements to help ease bothersome allergy symptoms.
- Supplements for People With Cancer If you have cancer, you may have special nutrition needs. Vitamins may help.
- Supplements for Cold and Flu Can vitamins help you stay healthy during flu season?
- Evaluating Supplements What should you know before taking vitamins and supplements?
- Heart Health Supplements Find out which supplements can help lower cholesterol.
- Weight Loss Supplements Stuck in a diet rut? Find out if supplements can boost your weight loss efforts.
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Vitamin & Supplement Glossary
Multivitamin. A pill, beverage, or other substance containing more than one vitamin.
Oxidation. A chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with a substance, changing or destroying its normal function. Oxidation can damage cell membranes and interfere with a cell's regulatory systems, but it is also part of our normal-functioning immune system.
Phytochemicals. Compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants that can be health-protecting. Phytochemicals (sometimes called phytonutrients) include beta-carotene, lycopene, and resveratrol.
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 adult supplements.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The amount of nutrients needed daily to prevent the development of disease in most people. An example is vitamin C; the RDA is 70 milligrams, below which, for most people, there is the risk of developing scurvy.
Supplements. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances taken orally and meant to correct deficiencies in the diet.
U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). A nonprofit authority that sets standards and certifies supplements that meet certain quality, strength, and purity standards, some of which are called the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Many supplements carry the USP symbol on their label.
Vitamins. Naturally found in plants and animals, vitamins are vital to growth, energy, and nerve function. There are two types of vitamins used by the body to support health: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Water-Soluble. Water-soluble vitamins like B-6, C, and folic acid are easily absorbed by the body. Your body uses the vitamins it needs, then excretes excess water-soluble vitamins in urine. Because excess amounts of these vitamins are not stored in the body, there is less risk of toxicity than with fat-soluble vitamins but a greater risk of deficiency.
