Glossary
ACFM
The Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers.
Body
Mass Index
Is one of the most accurate ways to identify
extra pounds that can result in obesity and/or health risks.
It is a measurement that uses an adult’s weight and
height to gauge their total body fat.
BNF
The British Nutrition Foundation is a scientific
and educational charity, which promotes the well being of
society through the impartial interpretation and effective
dissemination of evidence-based nutritional knowledge and
advice.
Calcium
Is essential for keeping bones and teeth
strong, ensuring proper functioning of muscles and nerves,
as well as helping blood clot.
CEEREAL
Represents the breakfast cereal and oat
milling industries in the European Union.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates
are an important part of a healthy diet because they provide
fuel for the body and are made
up of mainly sugar and starch. Many foods rich in whole-grain
carbohydrates are good sources of essential vitamins and
minerals.
Essential
Fatty Acids
Helps with inflammation, hormone imbalances,
arthritis, heart disease, brain function, multiple sclerosis,
skin problems, weight loss and behavioural disorders
Fat
Soluble Vitamins
Include vitamins A, D, E and K and are
found in fatty foods. They are stored in the liver and fatty
tissues and perform a variety of vital functions.
FDF
The Food and Drink Federation represent
the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. FDF promotes
the industry's views and works to build consumer confidence
in the food chain as a whole.
Fibre
Is made up of soluble and insoluble fibre.
It helps keep the digestive system healthy and eating wholegrain
(insoluble fibre) cereals is the best way to reach fibre intake
targets.
Folate
Its most common form is folic acid, and
it is essential for normal foetal development (to prevent
neural tube defects) and in the formation of red blood cells.
FSA
The Food Standards Agency is an independent
food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000
to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation
to food.
GDAs
Guideline Daily Amounts is a labelling code that shows the
dietary intake of salt, sugar, fat from a portion of food
in relation to an average persons needs.
Iron
Is important for healthy blood and immune
system. Lack of iron can lead to anaemia, which can result
in tiredness, lack of concentration and irritability.
Monounsaturated
Fatty Acids
An essential fatty acid that has only one
unsaturated bond. Monounsaturated fatty acids seem to lower
blood cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats.
NDNS
The National Diet & Nutrition Survey
aims to gathering information about the dietary habits and
nutritional status of the British population. The results
of the survey are used to develop nutrition policy and to
contribute to the evidence base for Government advice on healthy
eating.
Niacin
(B3)
Promotes healthy skin, can help lower blood
lipid levels
Nutritional
Labelling
Values are typically displayed per 100g and per average serving
(approximately 30g, although this does vary between different
cereals). Nutritional information for serving sizes often
include the addition of an average serving of semi-skimmed
milk (125ml) to give consumers an indication of total nutrition
intake. Some manufacturers also indicate the fat and calorie
difference if whole milk or skimmed milk is substituted for
semi-skimmed milk.
Polyunsaturated
fatty acids
An essential fatty acid that has more than
one unsaturated bond. Polyunsaturated fatty acids help lower
total blood cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats.
Riboflavin
(B2)
Required to release energy from protein,
carbohydrate and fat
Saturated
fatty acids
Have all the hydrogen the carbon
atoms can hold. Saturated fatty acids usually raise blood
cholesterol, which raises the risk of coronary heart disease
and stroke.
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral needed by the human
body for regulation of fluid balance, contraction of muscles
and conduction of nerve impulses. It is naturally present
in plants and animals, but other sources include salt and
baking soda
Thiamin
(B1)
Helps metabolic reactions, particularly
needed to release energy from carbohydrates.
Trans
Fatty Acids
Similar to saturated fatty acids, trans
fatty acids can increase the risk of heart disease. Some studies
also showed that a diet high in trans fatty acids may be linked
to a greater risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Vitamin
B12
Many vegetarian and vegan foods are supplemented
with B12. It is essential for the synthesis of red blood cells,
the maintenance of the nervous system, and growth and development
in children.
Vitamin
B6
Is essential for the metabolism of protein,
the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system.
It is also required in the synthesis of hormones and red blood
cells
Vitamin
D
Is important for strong teeth and bones.
It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and assists
in assimilation of Vitamin A.
Zinc
Is a trance element that is found in all
cells in the body. It is also a co-factor in more than 200
enzymes that are catalysts in controlling the speed of biological
reactions.
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