GLOSSARY

Malabsorption Syndrome is a constellation caused by inadequate uptake, not established by one symptom or low intake alone.

Maldigestion is inadequate breakdown; malabsorption is inadequate intestinal uptake. One may cause the other, but they are not exact synonyms. Problems can be nutrient-specific or broader. Recurrent symptoms and deficiencies require appropriate assessment; visible food fragments or fatigue alone are not diagnoses. Nutrition changes should address the cause while preserving the athlete's energy and nutrient supply rather than imposing unnecessarily broad restrictions.

Bloating, nausea and bowel changes have multiple causes; one meal does not establish a disease or enzyme deficiency. Record foods, amounts, timing, exercise and medicines. Severe or persistent pain, bleeding, repeated vomiting or unintended weight loss warrants assessment. Digestive discomfort should not automatically trigger enzyme supplements or unsupervised exclusion of an entire food group, especially when the athlete already struggles to meet energy needs.

Bioaccessibility concerns release from the food matrix and accessibility for absorption; bioavailability concerns the absorbed and usable fraction within a stated framework. Laboratory release does not equal human uptake. Cooking, meal composition, chemical form and body status matter. Practical food choices require actual portions and variety rather than accepting a claim of complete absorption without knowing the measurement method or relevant conditions.