D-F
Dehydration
The removal of water – if something or someone is dehydrated
they have lost water.
Digestion
The breakdown of food in the digestive tract (or gastrointestinal
tract). Large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules,
which can be absorbed and assimilated into the body. For example,
proteins are broken down
into amino acids that are
then absorbed.
Electrolytes
Minerals such as sodium and
potassium which split into ions when in solution.
Enzyme
Small particles that aid the breakdown of large molecules into
smaller ones. There are enzymes in all body cells and they are vital
to all tissues and systems, especially the digestive system.
Ergogenic aids
A substance or food reputed to enhance performance above the
level anticipated in normal conditions. Common ergogenic aids used
by sports participants include caffeine
and creatine.
Essential amino acid
An amino acid that cannot
be made in the body and has to be ingested as part of the diet.
Of the 20 amino acids used in the body, 8 of them are ‘essential’.
Fat
A concentrated source of dietary energy. Fat, or lipids, in the
body act as components of cell membranes and hormones. Fat insulates
some organs against damage (e.g. kidneys) and acts as an energy
reservoir. Fats are triglycerides, made from glycerol and fatty
acids.
Fatty acids
A constituent of fats. Most fatty acids can be
synthesised in the body, but some, specifically needed for cell
membrane function and to make eicosanoids, cannot be made in the
body. These are called essential fatty acids and must be supplied
in the diet.
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