DEXFENFLURAMINE.An anorectic drug formerly
marketed under the brand name Redux.
DHA.A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found pri-
marily in oily fish. It is important for the development
of the brain and the retina of the eye.
DIABETES MELLITUS.A condition in which the body
either does not make or cannot respond to the hor-
mone insulin. As a result, the body cannot use glucose
(sugar). There are two types, type 1 or juvenile onset
and type 2 or adult onset.
DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY.A condition
where the sensitivity of nerves to pain, temperature,
and pressure is dulled, particularly in the legs and feet.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.A condition where the
tiny blood vessels to the retina, the tissues that sense
light at the back of the eye, are damaged, leading to
blurred vision, sudden blindness, or black spots, lines,
or flashing lights in the field of vision.
DIALYSIS.A method of artificial kidney function
used to remove waste products or other substances
from the patient’s body fluids. In the case of patients
with MSUD, dialysis may be used to remove BCAAs
from the patient’s body during an acute episode
requiring hospitalization.
DIAPHORETIC.An agent that promotes sweating.DIETARY APPROACHES TO STOP HYPERTENSION
(DASH).Study in 1997 that showed a diet rich in fruits,
vegetables and low fat dairy foods, with reduced satu-
rated and total fat can substantially lower blood
pressure.
DIETARY DEFICIENCY.Lack or shortage of certain
vitamins or minerals within the diet that can result in
illnesses.
DIETARY FIBER.Also known as roughage or bulk.
Insoluble fiber moves through the digestive system
almost undigested and gives bulk to stools. Soluble
fiber dissolves in water and helps keep stools soft.
DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS. Dietary
guidelines published every five years since 1980 by
the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA). They provide authoritative advice for people
two years and older about how good dietary habits
can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic
diseases. They serve as the basis for federal food and
nutrition education programs.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT.A product, such as a vita-
min, mineral, herb, amino acid, or enzyme, that is
intended to be consumed in addition to an individual’s
diet with the expectation that it will improve health.DIETITIAN.A health care professional who specia-
lizes in individual or group nutritional planning, pub-
lic education in nutrition, or research in food science.
To be licensed as a registered dietitian (RD) in the
United States, a person must complete a bachelor’s
degree in a nutrition-related field and pass a state
licensing examination. Dietitians are also called
nutritionists.DIGESTION.The process by which food is chemi-
cally converted into nutrients that can be absorbed
and used by the body.DIGESTIVE ENZYMES.Molecules that catalyze the
breakdown of large molecules (usually food) into
smaller molecules.DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.Organs and paths responsible
for processing food in the body. These are the mouth,
the esophagus, the stomach, the liver, the gallbladder,
the pancreas, the small intestine, the large intestine,
and the rectum.DIGESTIVE TRACT.The tube connecting and includ-
ing the organs and paths responsible for processing
food in the body. These are the mouth, the esophagus,
the stomach, the liver, the gallbladder, the pancreas,
the small intestine, the large intestine, and the rectum.DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (BENADRYL).
An antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms.DISACCHARIDE.Any of a class of sugars, including
lactose and sucrose, that are composed of two
monosaccharides.DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUGS
(DMARDS).A class of prescription medications given
to patients with rheumatoid arthritis that suppress the
immune system and slow the progression of RA.DISTRACTIBILITY.Inability to concentrate or attend
to the task on hand; inattentiveness.DIURETIC.A substance that removes water from
the body by increasing urine production.DIVERTICULA.Small pouches in the muscular wall
of the large intestine.DIVERTICULAR DISORDERS.Disorders that involve
the development of diverticula.DIVERTICULITIS.Inflammation of the small pouches
(diverticula) that can form in the weakened muscular
wall of the large intestine.Glossary