Society, trends, culture, convenience, emotions and cost, to name a few.

The acronym that takes into account other acronyms, including EAR, RDA, AI and UL, and helps determine the right amount of each nutrient we should consume.

The type of digestion that includes the chewing, grinding and breaking food into smaller pieces.

The sole energy source for brain cells and red blood cells, it is the primary sugar in carbohydrate-rich foods.

The oldest sugar substitute (or sweetener), is 200% - 700% sweeter than table sugar (sucrose).

Four of the top ten leading causes of death that are influenced by nutrition and lifestyle.

Different than DRIs, these are based on the most current nutrition and physical acvitiy research, are updated every 5 years, and are designed to help individuals prevent chronic disease.

It includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum and accounts for most of the digestion of foods we consume.

Different from fructose (glucose + sucrose) and maltose (glucose + glucose), this sugar is needs lactase to be digested and is made of these two monosaccharides.

These compounds are produced by the body in the absence of sugar, when protein is broken down for energy.

Unlike micronutrients, the body needs these nutrients in much larger quantities; they include fats, carbohydrates and proteins

These are the calories that can be consumed beyond those needed to fulfill nutrient needs but still be within the calorie allowancce necessary to maintain a healthy body weight.

The thousands of finger-like projections covering the wall of the small intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

This hormone, secreted by the pancreas, acts to "open the doors" on muscle and fat cells to let glucose in.

This autoimmune disease is the result of destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

Americans generally fall short of the dietary recommendations of iron, vitamins D and E, potassium and this bone-building mineral.

Respectively, the macronutrient distribution ranges for carbohydrates, protein and fat.

The substances that are produced mostly by the pancreas (including those responsible for a majority of fat digestions, and about half of protein and half of carbohyrate digestion).

This storage form of carbohydrates is broken down into glucose when this hormone is released by the pancreas.

The minimum amount of carbohydrate needed daily.

These foods, which are part of a healthy diet, contain many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients compared to the calories they contain.

Often found on food packaging, this claim must contain a food compound and a health condition related to that claim. Think Quaker.

An autoimmune disorder resulting in damage to the small intestine as a result of gluten consumption.

These two forms of carbohydrate help reduce the risk o some cancers, heart diseae, diabetes and obesity.

Mechanical and chemical digestion begin here. This enzyme is responsible for the first steps of carbohydrate breakdown.