Glossary of Nutrition Terms
A B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

 

A

C

Chronic disease: a condition that develops slowly over time and lacks a specific cure

I

Intrinsic factor: a protein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestines. Intrinsic factor (IF) binds B12 in the stomach and the IF-B12 complex resists digestion (2).

W

Wernicke-Korsakoff: brain disorder due to vitamin B1 (thiamin) deficiency, typically in those with alcoholism or conditions causing malabsorption. Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, loss of coordination, tremor, changes in vision, hallucinations (1).

References

1. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. MedLinePlus. NIH US National Library of Medicine. Last updated 2/24/14. Last accessed 2/20/16. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000771.htm
2. Brody, T. Molecules Important to Digestion and Absorption. In: Nutritional Biochemistry, 2nd ed. Academic Press. San Diego, CA. 1999: 81.