A constituent of food necessary for normal physiologic function. [L. nutriens, fr. nutrio, to nourish]
- essential nutrients nutritional substances required for optimal health. These must be in the diet, because they are not formed metabolically within the body.
- trace n. SYN: micronutrients.
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nutrient n a nutritive substance or ingredient
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n.
a substance that must be consumed as part of the diet to provide a source of energy, material for growth, or substances that regulate growth or energy production. Nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. See also essential amino acid, essential fatty acid, trace element.
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nu·tri·ent (nooґtre-ənt) [L. nutriens] 1. nourishing; providing nutrition. 2. a food or other substance that provides energy or building material for the survival and growth of a living organism; called also nutriment.Medical dictionary. 2011.