activity factor	a factor used in the equation to determine energy needs that takes into consideration activity level (eg. ambulatory vs. nonambulatory).
anabolic state	a physiological state of building tissue.
aspiration pneumonia	the presence of GI contents, such as formula, in the lungs.
atrophy	the breaking down of a tissue or organ.
basal energy expenditure	energy expended by the body at complete rest.
bolus feeding	a feeding of up to 480 ml of formula within a 30 - 60 minute time frame.
blood urea nitrogen (BUN)	the amount of nitrogen associated with urea in the blood. High values are associated with dehydration and compromised kidney function.
catabolism	the breaking down of tissue or molecules
continuous drip feeding	the provision of formula in an ongoing manner in small amounts.
dietary fiber	undigestible carbohydrate.
drug-nutrient interaction	a reaction between a medication and a nutrient that may have adverse outcomes for drug action or nutritional status.
dumping syndrome	a physiologic response related to the rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. Water is drawn into the intestines resulting in nausea, cramping, and diarrhea. The concommitant drop in blood volume causes a sympathetic nervous system response.
dysphagia	difficulty swallowing.
emulsification	the mixing of two substances that are not normally mixable with the use of a substance that can mix with each.
enteral nutrition	nutrient intake via the gastrointestinal tract.
enterocutaneous fistula	an opening between the intestines and the skin.
esophagostomy	an opening created into the esophagus.
free water	available water; unbound water.
gastrostomy	an opening created into the stomach.
glutamine	an amino acid that serves as a nitrogen shuttle and a fuel to the GI tract.
hematocrit	volume of the blood that is composed of red blood cells. A high hematocrit indicates dehydration.
high biological value protein	protein that is efficiently used by the body. Animal proteins (except gelatin) are high biological value proteins.
hydration status	fluid status.
hydrolysis	the splitting apart of a molecule with water.
hydrolyzed formula	predigested formula.
hypertonic	having a higher osmolality than the comparison solution.
hypoalbuminemia	low blood albumin concentration.
ileus	paralysis of at least part of the GI tract.
indirect calorimetry	the estimation of energy expenditure via the measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
injury factor	factor in the calculation of energy needs that accounts for the patient's state of stress.
isotonic	having approximately the same osmolality of the comparison solution.
jejunostomy	an opening created into the jejunum.
lactose intolerance	an inability to digest lactose because of insuffient lactase enzyme resulting in cramping, bloating, and/or diarrhea.
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)	triglycerides with fatty acids consisting of 8-10 carbons in the carbon chain.
modular formula	a formula consisting of a singular macronutrient. A complete diet can be formulated by mixing modular formulations.
nasoduodenal	a feeding tube that enters the nose and ends in the duodenum.
nasogastric	a feeding tube that enters the nose and ends in the stomach.
nasojejunal	a feeding tube that enters the nose and ends in the jejunum.
normoglycemia	normal blood glucose concentration.
NPO	Latin: non per os; nothing by mouth.
obligatory fluid output	the minimum amount of urine output necessary to excrete waste products.
osmolality	particles of solute per kilogram of solvent.
osmotic gradient	the difference in concentration between two solutions on either side of a semipermeable membrane.
ostomy	a surgically created opening.
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)	the insertion of a feeding tube into the stomach which is pulled out of the body through an incision in the abdominal wall.
polymeric formula	an enteral formula composed of intact macronutrients.
portal system	the vessels that connect to the liver.
pulmonary function	lung function.
RDA	Recommended Dietary Allowances; the United States' standard for adequate consumption of nutrients by healthy individuals.
renal solute load (RSL)	the sum total of materials that must be excreted by the kidneys.
regurgitation	the backflow of GI contents.
residual volume	the volume of enteral formula left in the stomach.
residue	undigested materials.
saline	salt solution.
sepsis	infection.
soluble fiber	dietary fiber that can dissolve in water.
tolerance	the degree to which symptoms arise from a formula infusion.
transnasal	through the nose.
transpyloric	through the pyloric sphincter.
tube feeding	an enteral feeding utilizing a tube that delivers nutrients directly into the GI tract.