Health & Fitness Glossary
Click on the letters below for a wealth of health and fitness definitions.
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Glossary

Nn

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)—A series of surveys that include information from medical history, physical measurements, biochemical evaluation, physical examination and dietary intake of population groups within the United States. The NHANES is conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approximately every five years.

Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS)—A survey conducted by the USDA roughly every ten years that monitors the nutrient intake of a cross-section of the U.S. public.

negative (eccentric)—The part of a resistance exercise when the weight is lowered.

negatives—Weight training technique in which the exerciser must obtain assistance to perform a concentric contraction to raise the weight; assistance may be through a spotter(s) as in forced reps or through the breaking of proper training form, as in cheat sets; This type of exercise is extremely damaging to connective tissue and often leads to DOMS.

negligence—Failure of a person to perform as a reasonable and prudent professional would perform under similar circumstances.

neural tube defect—In simple terms, a neural tube defect (NTD) is a malformation of the brain or spinal cord (neurological system) during embryonic development. Infants born with spina bifida, where the spinal cord is exposed, can grow to adulthood but usually suffer from paralysis or other disabilities. Babies born with anencephaly, where most or all of the brain is missing, usually die shortly after birth. These NTDs make up about 5 percent of all U.S. birth defects each year. According to the CDC, the use of sufficient folic acid is enough to eliminate the risk of NTDs. (see folic acid).

non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)—Most common form of diabetes; typically develops in adulthood; is characterized by a reduced sensitivity of the insulin target cells to available insulin and is usually associated with obesity.

nutraceuticals—One term used to describe substances in or parts of a food that may be considered to provide medical or health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including disease prevention. Also, see functional foods."

nutrient—Something that nourishes, especially as found in food.

nutrient density—Quantitative analysis of the amount of nutrients versus the amount of calories in a given food; Nutrient-dense foods provide more nutrients than calories.

nutrition—Process by which a living organism takes in and uses food for the purpose of growth and tissue replacement.