Glossary – Supplement Terms

Key terms

Bioavailability

Percentage of an ingested nutrient that reaches systemic circulation and is usable by the body.

Chelated mineral

Mineral bound to amino acids (e.g., bisglycinate) to improve absorption and GI tolerance compared with inorganic salts.

Core pharmacokinetics & absorption

• First-pass metabolism: presystemic metabolism in the gut and liver that reduces systemic exposure.
• Cmax: maximum observed plasma concentration after a dose.
• Tmax: time to reach maximum concentration after dosing.
• AUC (Area Under the Curve): total exposure over time.
• Half-life (t1/2): time required to reduce plasma concentration by 50%.
• Solubility: ability to dissolve; key factor for absorption.
• Permeability: ability to cross biological membranes.
• Dissolution: rate/extent of active dissolving from the dosage form.
• BCS classification: biopharmaceutics system grouping by solubility/permeability.

Delivery technologies

• Liposomal delivery: lipid encapsulation that protects actives and may enhance uptake.
• Enteric‑coated: resists gastric acid; releases in the intestine for better tolerance.
• Sustained‑release: gradual release for steadier exposure and comfort.
• Immediate‑release: rapid disintegration and release after ingestion.
• Microencapsulation: micro‑scale encapsulation to protect actives or modulate release/taste.
• Cyclodextrin complexation: inclusion complexes improving solubility/stability for lipophilic actives.
• Matrix tablet: polymeric matrix controlling release kinetics.
• Delayed‑release: designed to release after a programmed lag time (e.g., post‑gastric).

Extracts and enhancers

• Standardized extract: plant extract adjusted to a defined percentage of bioactives.
• Piperine (bioenhancer): increases absorption of certain actives such as curcumin.
• Marker compound: compound measured to assure identity and consistency.
• Extract ratio (e.g., 10:1): plant:extract ratio suggesting concentration level.

Dosing & evidence

• Clinical dose: dose supported by human clinical trials for a specific outcome.
• Evidence grade: strength of human evidence (RCTs, meta‑analyses).
• Human Equivalent Dose (HED): conversion of animal doses to human‑equivalent doses.
• Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT): trial with random allocation and control group.
• Meta‑analysis: statistical synthesis of results from multiple studies.

Labeling & claims

• Proprietary blend: mixture with undisclosed per‑ingredient amounts.
• NRV / RDI / DV: reference intake values; vary by region.
• Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL): highest daily intake unlikely to pose adverse risks.
• Cofactors (D3 + K2): pairing that supports calcium metabolism and bone health.
• Serving size: declared portion used to express nutrient amounts.
• Per serving vs per capsule: distinction between total serving and per‑unit quantities.
• Elemental content: amount of the active element (e.g., elemental iron).

Omega‑3 quality markers

• EPA/DHA per serving: actual omega‑3 amounts per serving and per capsule.
• TOTOX: total oxidation value (commonly 2×peroxide + anisidine); freshness index of fish oil.
• Peroxide Value (PV): primary oxidation; early rancidity indicator.
• p‑Anisidine Value (p‑AnV): secondary oxidation; aldehydic compounds.
• Acid Value (AV): triglyceride hydrolysis indicator.
• IFOS: International Fish Oil Standards independent program. See Third‑party certifications.

Quality & analytical testing

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): batch document with identity, potency, purity and test results.
• Assay: quantitative potency test for the active ingredient.
• Purity: absence of impurities beyond specified limits.
• Identity testing: verification that the ingredient is as labeled.
• HPLC: chromatography technique to separate and quantify compounds.
• LC–MS/MS: highly specific/sensitive quantification via mass spectrometry.
• ICP–MS: trace/heavy metals testing at very low levels.
• Microbiological testing: total counts and pathogens per pharmacopeial standards.
• Stability testing: evaluates quality and potency over shelf life.
• Shelf life: time period for which declared quality is guaranteed.
• Oxidative Stability Index (OSI): accelerated oxidation stability measure (e.g., Rancimat).