Glossary
Have you ever stumbled across an unfamiliar word when reading about vitamins and supplements? Health and wellness can be a complex adventure. Maybe a new product features ingredients you've never heard of. Or maybe you just need a reminder about a certain term. When a quick reference check is needed, visit our Natural Health Glossary for a brief definition (or a link to more detailed information in our Health Encyclopedia). Be sure to keep this helpful, easy-to-search resource one click away: bookmark it!
Maca: (MAH-kah) see maca encyclopedia entry
Magnesium: (mag-KNEE-zee-um) see magnesium encyclopedia entry
Maitake: (my-TOCK-ee) see maitake encyclopedia entry
Malabsorption: (ma-lub-SORP-shun) Impaired absorption of nutrients during digestion, often due to diarrhea.
Malate: (MAY-late) Any salt of malic acid.
Malic Acid: (MAY-lick Ah-sid) see malic acid encyclopedia entry
Manganese: (MAN-ga-knees) A trace mineral required for many body functions, including blood clotting and protein digestion. see manganese encyclopedia entry
MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors: (MAO inhibitors) A class of antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Melatonin: (mel-ah-TONE-in) see melatonin encyclopedia entry
Methionine: (ma-THIGH-uh-neen) An essential, sulfur-containing amino acid.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): (MSM) see MSM encyclopedia entry
Milk Thistle: (milk thistle) see milk thistle encyclopedia entry
Mitochondria: (might-o-CON-dree-uh) Rod-shaped structures in cells that serve as miniature power plants, converting glucose into energy.
Molybdenum: (ma-LIB-den-um) An essential trace mineral required for the production of certain enzymes and for normal growth and development. see molybdenum encyclopedia entry
Momordica: (ma-MORE-dee-ca) see momordica encyclopedia entry
Mucilage: (MEW-sill-age) Soluble fiber found in beans, seeds, nuts, and grains.
Myocardium: (my-oh-CARD-ee-um) The thickest layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): (en-ah-SEAT-ill SIS-teen) A form of the amino acid cysteine. see NAC encyclopedia entry
NADH: (NADH) see NADH encyclopedia entry
Naringen: (nah-RIN-jin) A flavonoid found in grapefruit.
Nettle: (nettle) see nettle encyclopedia entry
Neural tube defect: (NEW-rall tube defect) A birth defect that happens when the brain, spinal cord, and vertebrae don't develop normally during the first month of pregnancy.
Neurotransmitters: (new-row-trans-MITT-erz) Chemicals that transmit messages among brain cells and along nerves.
Niacin: (NIGH-ah-sin) Vitamin B-3. see niacin encyclopedia entry
Non-essential amino acid: (non-essential amino acid) Any of the amino acids that can be made within the body from the nine essential amino acids.
Noni: (NO-nee) see noni encyclopedia entry
Nopal Cactus: (NO-pall cactus) see nopal cactus encyclopedia entry
Norepinephrine: (NOR-ep-uh-NEFF-rin) A hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Also called noradrenaline.
Olive Leaf: (olive leaf) see olive leaf encyclopedia entry
OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins): (OPCs) Antioxidant flavonoids found in red wine and some plants. Most OPC supplements are made from grapeseeds or pine bark.
Oxide: (OCK-side) Any compound of an element or radical with oxygen.
Oscillococcinum: (o-sill-o-cox-see-num) A popular European homeopathic flu medicine.
