Glossary

The passage of nutrients from the digestive tract into the blood or lymph.

An everyday term for a specific immune response to a particular allergen.

Glands located above the kidneys that produce cortisol, aldosterone and catecholamines, among other hormones.

An enzyme associated with the liver, bile ducts and bones, among other tissues. Interpretation depends on the remaining data.

An enzyme found in the liver and muscles, among other tissues. A single result does not identify the source of a possible abnormality.

A protein found in particles that transport certain lipids. The result is interpreted as part of a broader cardiovascular risk assessment.

A compound that may limit oxidation reactions. Its effect depends on its form, amount and the wider biological environment.

A group of steroid hormones associated with metabolism, sex characteristics and sebaceous gland activity, among other functions.

A basic building block of proteins. Individual amino acids perform different functions and are not interchangeable.

An enzyme found mainly in the liver. The result is assessed together with other parameters and the reason for testing.

The main plasma protein produced by the liver, involved in transporting substances and maintaining oncotic pressure.

A term used for a substance described as supporting the body's adaptation to stressors. Its meaning depends on the specific ingredient, dose and safety.

A fluid produced by the liver that is primarily involved in the digestion and absorption of fats.

An everyday term for the proper protective function of a tissue, such as the skin or gut.

Natural fluctuations in parameters within one person and between different people.

The concentration of glucose in the blood measured under specific conditions, for example while fasting.

A tissue's ability to provide selective protection and exchange with its environment, relevant to the skin and gut among other tissues.

An everyday term for blood glucose concentration measured under specified conditions.

A B vitamin involved in the work of metabolic enzymes. High doses may affect the results of some laboratory tests.

The extent and rate at which an ingredient can be absorbed and used by the body.

A product of haemoglobin metabolism processed by the liver. The result requires differentiation of its fractions and the context of other tests.

A population of white blood cells involved in immune reactions. The result is assessed within the white blood cell differential.

A mineral important for bones, muscle contraction, nerve conduction and many cellular processes.

An action intended to correct a confirmed deficiency while taking its cause and safety into account.

An approximately twenty four hour rhythm of biological processes, synchronised by light and meal timing among other signals.

A test that includes red and white blood cells, platelets and related indices.

An enzyme found especially in muscles. The result may depend on physical activity and tissue damage, among other factors.

A product of muscle metabolism used in the assessment of kidney function, among other purposes.

An adrenal hormone involved in the stress response, metabolism and circadian rhythm.

A component required by a particular enzyme for a reaction to proceed correctly.

A protein measured in stool, among other samples, as a marker that supports the assessment of inflammation in the digestive tract.

Protein signalling molecules involved in communication between cells, including the immune response.

C reactive protein, whose concentration may rise in response to inflammation but does not identify its cause on its own.

Planning when to take ingredients with regard to meals, other preparations and the daily rhythm.

Lipids that form an important part of the skin's stratum corneum and its barrier function.

Another term for dietary fibre, encompassing components with different properties.

Natural changes in a parameter depending on the time of day, relevant for hormones among other measurements.

A description of an altered microbiome composition or function that is not a diagnosis on its own.

The amount, frequency and duration of use of a substance. It should not be determined solely from the product name.

A neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement, motivation and the reward system, among other functions.

The process of considering different possible causes of symptoms and gradually distinguishing between them, performed by an authorised professional.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, an adrenal hormone assessed for specific indications and together with other parameters.

Diamine oxidase, an enzyme involved in breaking down histamine, particularly in the digestive tract.

A group of plant components with different physiological properties. Type, amount and tolerance all matter.

Maintaining the correct proportions of electrolytes and fluids in the body.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a non specific parameter that may change in many different conditions.

A steroid hormone from the oestrogen group. The result depends on sex, age and the phase of the menstrual cycle, among other factors.

The process of producing and maturing red blood cells, dependent on many nutrients and signals from the body.

A population of white blood cells associated with allergic reactions and responses to certain parasites, among other functions.

A protein or molecule that accelerates a specific chemical reaction in the body.

Minerals found in body fluids that are important for fluid balance, nerves and muscles.

The temporary exclusion of specific foods for a clearly defined purpose. It requires a reintroduction plan and an assessment of deficiency risk.

Food to which specified vitamins or minerals have been added during production.

Highly reactive molecules containing an unpaired electron that also arise during normal metabolism.

A description of a situation in which the availability or use of a nutrient may be insufficient despite the absence of a classic deficiency picture.

A synthetic form of vitamin B9 used in fortified foods and supplements.

The free fraction of thyroxine. The result is usually assessed together with TSH, symptoms and information about medication.

The free fraction of triiodothyronine, a thyroid hormone. It should not be interpreted without a clear indication and the remaining parameters.

A pituitary hormone involved in regulating reproductive function. The result depends on age, sex and the point in the cycle.

Natural and supplemental forms of vitamin B9 involved in cell division and blood cell formation, among other processes.

A protein that stores iron. Its result may also change during an inflammatory response.

The use of glucose by cells for energy production or storage.

The body's ability to regulate glucose concentration after glucose is supplied.

A concept describing relationships between the gut, microbiome, immunity and skin function.

Two way communication between the digestive tract, microbiome and nervous system.

A short term for two way communication between the digestive tract, microbiome and nervous system.

An index describing the blood glucose response after a portion of food containing a specified amount of carbohydrate.

The processes that regulate glucose concentration and the body's response to insulin.

A diverse group of plasma proteins with transport and immune functions.

The primary sugar used by cells as an energy source, regulated by many hormones.

The non enzymatic attachment of sugars to proteins or lipids, which occurs in the body to varying degrees.

An enzyme used in the assessment of the liver and bile ducts. The result should not be evaluated separately from other tests.

The process of using information encoded in a gene to produce a functional product, such as a protein.

A system of cells and structures separating the intestinal lumen from the body's internal environment.

An index calculated from fasting glucose and insulin, used as a supporting measure in the assessment of insulin sensitivity.

The process of secreting histamine from cells that store it in response to specific stimuli.

A CRP measurement method capable of detecting lower concentrations, used for specific indications.

A description of symptoms associated with histamine release or metabolism that requires other possible causes to be differentiated.

The hypothalamic, pituitary and adrenal system involved in regulating the stress response.

The state of fluid balance in the body, dependent on intake, losses and electrolyte balance.

A product of partially breaking down protein into smaller fragments, found in foods and supplements among other products.

A signalling molecule produced by tissues and organs that acts on specific target cells.

An amino acid formed during methionine metabolism. The result depends on many factors and requires broader interpretation.

An index calculated from fasting glucose and insulin, used as a supporting measure in the assessment of insulin metabolism.

A compound involved in the immune response, digestive function and regulation of wakefulness, among other processes.

The protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

The proportion of red blood cell volume in the total blood volume, interpreted together with other complete blood count parameters.

Particles that transport lipids in the blood. HDL cholesterol concentration is one element of the lipid profile.

Cholesterol transported in HDL particles. The result is part of a lipid profile and should not be assessed in isolation.

A mineral needed for oxygen transport and the work of many enzymes, among other functions.

The amount of iron stored in the body, assessed with ferritin and a broader panel among other measures.

A network of cells, tissues and molecules that recognises threats and maintains the body's balance.

A situation in which a combination of ingredients affects their combined action or use by the body.

A complex protective response of the body to damage or threat that may be acute or chronic.

A property of the gut barrier that determines the selective passage of molecules.

The body's ability to recognise threats and maintain balance through many cells, tissues and signals.

A mineral required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Both deficiency and excess may be relevant.

An everyday term for irritable bowel syndrome, whose diagnosis requires medical assessment and the exclusion of other causes.

The effect of one ingredient, medication, meal or factor on the action or absorption of another.

A state of reduced tissue response to insulin, assessed as part of a broader metabolic picture.

A pancreatic hormone that helps cells use glucose and regulates energy metabolism.

A compound found in the body and in food that participates in cellular signalling.

An immune protein that recognises specific structures. Different classes of immunoglobulins perform different functions.

The processes of absorbing, transporting, storing and using iron, assessed with several parameters.

An organ involved in metabolism, detoxification, storage and protein production, among other functions.

Lipopolysaccharide, a component of the outer membrane of certain bacteria that is recognised by the immune system.

A set of tests describing selected lipids and lipoproteins in the blood.

An enzyme that digests fats and is produced by the pancreas, among other organs.

A group of white blood cells that includes cells with different immune functions.

Particles that transport cholesterol and other lipids. The result is assessed in the context of the entire profile and risk.

An iron binding protein found in body secretions, among other places, and involved in innate immunity.

An enzyme that breaks down lactose in the small intestine.

The way a measurement result is expressed. Comparing values requires checking the unit and method used.

The final part of the digestive tract, associated with fluid balance and microbiome activity, among other functions.

Cholesterol transported in LDL particles. The meaning of the result depends on the entire lipid profile and clinical risk.

The coexistence of defined metabolic factors that increase health risk.

A population of white blood cells involved in the immune response and the removal of cellular material.

A collective term for microorganisms and their genetic material in a particular environment.

The total of chemical reactions that enable the body to obtain energy, build structures and regulate processes.

A complete blood count parameter describing the average volume of a red blood cell.

A complete blood count parameter describing the average amount of haemoglobin in a red blood cell.

Immune cells found in the skin and mucous membranes, among other tissues, that can release histamine.

A mineral involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions, muscle function and the nervous system.

A plan of meals for a specified period that should take into account an individual's needs, preferences and tolerance.

The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes calculated from a complete blood count and assessed only in the appropriate context.

Vitamin B3, which participates in energy metabolism and the work of many enzymes.

The most abundant population of white blood cells, particularly important in the rapid immune response.

A molecule that transmits a signal between cells of the nervous system.

A chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons that occurs naturally in metabolism.

A state in which the balance between oxidation processes and the body's protective mechanisms is disrupted.

A measure of the number of osmotically active particles in a specified mass of fluid.

The common name for a family of fatty acids that includes ALA, EPA and DHA.

A chemical process involving the transfer of electrons that occurs naturally in metabolism.

A family of polyunsaturated fatty acids with different sources and biological functions.

A group of steroid hormones involved in many reproductive, metabolic and tissue processes.

A precisely defined variant of a microorganism whose properties may not be shared by the entire species.

Parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium and phosphate balance together with other hormones and organs.

A pituitary hormone associated mainly with lactation that also affects other processes.

A steroid hormone associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, among other functions.

Live microorganisms administered in an appropriate amount for a specific purpose.

A substrate used by the host's microorganisms that may affect the composition or function of the microbiome.

Blood components involved in clotting and repairing damage to blood vessels.

A mineral important for bones, cell membranes and energy metabolism. Its balance is linked to other minerals.

A range of values established for a specific population and method that serves as a reference point, not a diagnosis.

A form of vitamin A found in the body, food, supplements and cosmetics.

The controlled reintroduction of a previously excluded food in order to assess tolerance.

The process of rebuilding tissues and restoring their function, dependent on many biological and environmental conditions.

A cellular structure that recognises a specific signal and triggers a biological response.

A complete blood count parameter describing variation in the size of red blood cells.

A range of values established for a specific population and laboratory method that serves as a reference point, not a diagnosis.

Blood cells primarily responsible for transporting oxygen through the haemoglobin they contain.

A protein that binds sex hormones and affects their transport in the blood.

A physiological state important for recovery, cognitive function, metabolism and the immune response.

A mineral required for certain enzymes, including those linked to thyroid function and antioxidant protection.

The part of the digestive tract where much of digestion and nutrient absorption takes place.

An assessment of the continuity, depth and restorative quality of sleep, not only the number of hours.

Skin structures that produce sebum. Its amount and composition depend on hormones and the local skin environment, among other factors.

The outer protective layer of the skin that limits water loss and contact with environmental factors.

A pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid function and is assessed with other data in mind.

An essential amino acid that is a precursor of several important compounds in the body.

Another name for platelets, which are involved in blood clotting.

A form of fat that circulates in the blood and is stored in adipose tissue.

A protein that transports iron in the blood.

A steroid hormone present in all sexes at different concentrations and performing many functions.

A gland that produces hormones involved in regulating metabolism and many functions of the body.

Selecting an ingredient, form, amount and duration of use for a clearly defined need.

Antibodies measured for specific indications when autoimmune thyroid disease is suspected.

An index describing what proportion of transferrin binding sites is occupied by iron.

The process of connecting a result with its range, measurement conditions, symptoms, health history and other data.

The combined amount of the main plasma proteins. The meaning of the result depends on albumin, globulins and the clinical picture.

Unsaturated iron binding capacity, a parameter used in the assessment of iron metabolism.

A product of purine metabolism whose concentration depends on production, diet and excretion by the kidneys.

A group of compounds important for calcium and phosphate balance, among other functions.

A vitamin involved in the function of blood cells, the nervous system and DNA synthesis.

Blood cells involved in the immune response.

A mineral involved in enzyme activity, immunity and skin function, among other processes.