GLOSSARY

Individualized Nutrition Prescription adapts a nutrition prescription to the person's assessed requirements, treatment, preferences and practical context.

A nutrition prescription specifies an individualized plan that can include energy, protein, other nutrients, fluid, food texture or route of delivery. The chosen body-weight reference, clinical condition and practical implementation must be clear when quantities are used. It should be monitored and revised as intake, treatment or health changes. In a clinical athlete, reconcile medical requirements with training rather than placing two incompatible prescriptions side by side and expecting the person to decide which one to follow.

Clinical nutrition translates assessment into an individualized intervention and evaluates the response. A disease name alone cannot define the prescription: disease stage, medication, symptoms, laboratory findings, intake and functional goals matter. Screening identifies possible risk, whereas a full assessment supports a nutrition diagnosis and care plan. A sports context adds training demands but does not remove clinical requirements. Coordinate care when medical and performance objectives interact instead of applying a standard athlete menu to every patient.

An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients while fitting health needs. A high score for variety or a healthy food label cannot independently demonstrate adequacy. Review what is actually eaten, including foods excluded and suitable replacements. Athletes can consume many vegetables yet still lack enough energy or carbohydrate for training. Assess the overall pattern, distribution and relevant nutrient risks rather than assuming that a single food or supplement makes the entire diet balanced.

Adherence concerns how closely an agreed plan is carried out over time. It is influenced by cost, work, family, symptoms, cooking skills and whether the plan is realistic. Difficulties are information for adjustment rather than proof of weak character. Agree on specific actions and review their feasibility. A modest, sustainable change can be more useful than an ambitious prescription that repeatedly prevents the athlete from eating enough or functioning comfortably in daily life.

Laboratory markers provide information within a clinical context rather than a complete nutrition diagnosis. Albumin and prealbumin are affected by inflammation, fluid balance, organ function and other processes, so they should not be interpreted as direct isolated measures of protein intake or muscle mass. A reference interval is not automatically the optimal target for an athlete. Combine relevant tests with intake, physical findings, symptoms and trends, and consider the method and timing before attributing a result to diet alone.

Nutrition follow-up compares intended goals with actual intake, symptoms, function, relevant measurements and the person's experience. Specify the time frame and what would justify adjustment, continuation or referral. A treatment response can be beneficial, absent or adverse, and adherence alone does not prove effectiveness. Retain enough documentation to understand what changed. For an athlete, consider health and training quality alongside body mass or laboratory results so that apparent progress in one measure does not hide deterioration elsewhere.