CHPLN flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Holistic nutrition

An approach that assesses diet alongside lifestyle, environment, stress, sleep, and psychosocial factors, treating health as an interaction of systems rather than a single nutrient deficiency.

Nutrient density

The amount of nutrients per unit of energy in a food; whole foods generally have higher nutrient density than ultra-processed foods, which are often energy-dense but nutrient-poor.

AMDR

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range: the proportion of energy intake associated with reduced chronic disease risk, typically 45–65% carbohydrate, 20–35% fat, and 10–35% protein for adults.

RDA versus EAR

The Estimated Average Requirement meets the needs of half the population; the Recommended Dietary Allowance is set at EAR plus two standard deviations, covering about 97–98% of healthy individuals.

Bioindividuality

The principle that genotype, microbiome, medications, life stage, and culture modify how a person responds to a given diet, so identical intakes can produce different metabolic outcomes.

SGLT1 and GLUT5

Intestinal transporters: SGLT1 absorbs glucose and galactose with sodium, while GLUT5 absorbs fructose; their activity affects postprandial glycemic response to different sugars.

Chylomicron formation

In enterocytes, absorbed lipids are packaged with apolipoproteins into chylomicrons, which enter lymphatic circulation via lacteals before reaching the bloodstream, bypassing the portal vein.

Essential fatty acids

Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6) cannot be synthesized by humans and must come from diet; they are precursors to longer-chain fatty acids and eicosanoids.

Viscous soluble fiber

Fiber types such as beta-glucan, pectin, and psyllium form gels in the gut, slowing gastric emptying and glucose absorption and binding bile acids, which can lower LDL cholesterol.

Heme versus non-heme iron

Heme iron from animal foods is absorbed efficiently; non-heme iron from plants is inhibited by phytate, tannins, and calcium and enhanced by vitamin C, so meal composition matters.

Short-chain fatty acids

Acetate, propionate, and butyrate produced when colonic bacteria ferment fiber and resistant starch; butyrate fuels colonocytes and supports barrier integrity and immune regulation.

Low-FODMAP diet

A structured elimination of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols for 2–6 weeks, followed by reintroduction; used for IBS symptom management, not as a permanent default.

Celiac disease serology

Tissue transglutaminase IgA with total IgA is the standard screen; duodenal biopsy confirms diagnosis, and testing requires ongoing gluten intake to avoid false-negative results.

Intestinal permeability

The degree to which the gut barrier allows molecules to pass between epithelial cells; increased permeability is associated with inflammation but is not a stand-alone diagnosis.

Strain-specific probiotics

Probiotic effects depend on genus, species, and strain, plus dose and viability; evidence for one strain does not transfer to another, and CFU counts should reflect end-of-shelf-life potency.

HbA1c

Glycated hemoglobin reflecting average glycemia over roughly 2–3 months; it can be misleading in anemia, hemoglobinopathies, pregnancy, and renal disease, so interpret with context.

HOMA-IR

A surrogate marker of insulin resistance calculated as fasting glucose (mg/dL) times fasting insulin (µIU/mL) divided by 405; higher values suggest reduced insulin sensitivity.

Metabolic syndrome criteria

A cluster requiring at least three of elevated waist circumference, triglycerides, low HDL, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose; thresholds vary by population and ancestry.

Type 2 diabetes remission

Sustained HbA1c below 6.5% for at least three months without glucose-lowering medication; weight loss and energy restriction are the strongest levers, and remission should be monitored.

PCOS Rotterdam criteria

Diagnosis requires two of oligo/anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology; insulin resistance is common and lifestyle intervention is first-line.

NFPE

Nutrition-focused physical exam: systematic inspection and palpation for muscle wasting, fat loss, edema, and micronutrient signs such as glossitis, cheilosis, and koilonychia.

Albumin as nutrition marker

Serum albumin and prealbumin are negative acute-phase reactants influenced by inflammation and hydration; they are unreliable markers of recent intake in acute illness.

Ferritin interpretation

Ferritin is the best single indicator of iron stores but rises with inflammation; transferrin saturation and soluble transferrin receptor help distinguish iron deficiency from anemia of inflammation.

Methylmalonic acid

A functional marker of vitamin B12 status that rises when B12 is deficient; it is more sensitive than serum B12 and helps identify deficiency when serum levels are borderline.

Elimination diet sequence

Identify suspected triggers, eliminate for a defined period, reassess symptoms, reintroduce one food at a time, and document reactions; structured reintroduction prevents unnecessary long-term restriction.

DASH pattern

A dietary pattern emphasizing potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber while limiting sodium; it is used to lower blood pressure and is a pattern, not a supplement protocol.

Refeeding syndrome risk

Highest with severe malnutrition, low BMI, minimal intake over five days, and electrolyte depletion; start low, advance slowly, and monitor phosphate, potassium, and magnesium.

IgG food sensitivity testing

IgG antibody panels lack validated diagnostic utility for food sensitivity and should not drive elimination diets; diagnosis relies on clinical history and, where indicated, validated allergy testing.

St. John's wort interaction

Induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing concentrations of many drugs including oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants, and some anticoagulants; it also risks serotonin syndrome with SSRIs.

Third-party supplement testing

Independent verification such as USP, NSF, or Informed Sport reduces but does not eliminate risks of contamination, adulteration, or mislabeling; it is not a guarantee of efficacy.

Motivational interviewing OARS

Open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries elicit change talk; arguing for change (the righting reflex) tends to increase client resistance and reduce adherence.

Scope of practice

The legally and professionally defined boundaries of a credential; nutrition practitioners must not diagnose disease, prescribe medication, or provide psychotherapy without separate licensure.