Receptor
“Receptor” — a protein on, or protruding from the cell surface to which select chemicals can bind. Binding of a specific molecule (ligand) may result in a cellular signal, or the internalization of the receptor and the ligand.
Reactive oxygen species
“Reactive oxygen species” (ROS) — highly reactive chemicals, containing oxygen, that react easily with other molecules, resulting in potentially damaging modifications.
Reactive nitrogen species
“Reactive nitrogen species” (RNS) — highly reactive chemicals, containing nitrogen, that react easily with other molecules, resulting in potentially damaging modifications.
Randomized design
“Randomized design” — an experiment in which participants are chosen for the experimental and control groups at random, in order to reduce bias caused by self-selection into experimental and control groups. This type of study design can provide evidence of causality.
Randomized controlled trial
“Randomized controlled trial” (RCT) — a clinical trial that involves at least one test treatment and one control treatment, in which the treatments administered are selected by a random process (e.g., coin flips or a random-numbers table).
Phytochemical
“Phtyochemical” — substance derived from a plant. The term is generally reserved for molecules with biological activity.
Physiologic Dose
“Physiologic dose” — the dose or intake level of a nutrient associated with the prevention of deficiency or the maintenance of health. A physiologic dose of a nutrient is not generally greater than that which could be achieved through a conscientious diet, as opposed to the use of supplements.
Low Density Lipoprotein
“Low density lipoprotein” (LDL) — particles composed of lipids and protein. The form in which fats are transported throughout the body, in the bloodstream. LDLs transport cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body. A high proportion of cholesterol carried in LDL (LDL–cholesterol) is associated with an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases […]
Ionic Bond
“Ionic bond” — a chemical link between two atoms caused by the electrostatic force between oppositely-charged ions in an ionic compound.
Density
“Density” — mass per unit volume (i.e., milligrams of a vitamin per gram of food).