Vitamin Glossary "G"

• gaba-gamma aminobutyric acid- GABA is an amino acid which functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

   

• gastroenteritis- inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract.

   

• gastrointestinal system- pertaining to the stomach and intestines.

   

• gene- the basic unit of DNA in chromosomes which codes for a protein or affects the expression of genetic information.

   

• genitourinary system- pertaining to the genitals and urinary organs.

   

• geopathic stress- stress to the human body caused by harmful radiation from the earth.

   

• GH- see growth hormone.

   

• giardia lamblia- a parasitic infection transmitted by an ingestion of cysts in focally contaminated water or food.

   

• glucose- blood sugar; an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body.

   

• glutamate or glutamic acid-an excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

   

• glutathione peroxidase- selenium - and - cysteine - containing enzyme which, with the required help of reduced glutathione, catalyzes the breakdown of peroxides, while controlling the potentially dangerous free radicals. It also directly scavenges free radicals.

   

• glycine- aminoacetic acid the simplest amino acid. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

   

• glycogen- glycogen is the form in which carbohydrates are stored in the human body for future conversion into sugar and for use in performing muscular work and distributing heat through the body. Glycogen is formed from sugar and is transformed into glucose as needed.

   

• glycoproteins- proteins combined with sugar.

   

• Gompertz Law-a mathematical description of the fact that, as the human population ages, the number of survivors drop off, eventually reaching zero.

  Expressed mathematically as:

  Rm= -1/n x dn/dt =Ro x ealpha x t
  where n = population size at time tdn/dt = death rate
  Ro= a constant, the mortality rate at t = 0
  alpha = a constant
  t = age
  Rm = mortality rate

   

• growth hormone-(GH) a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in the brain. Growth hormone plays a crucial role in growth and repair, as well as stimulating the immune system. The GH peaks during sleep which are typical of young people are frequently absent or small in older people, and in those who are obese.

© 2000 Design by Doctor's Health Supply™ Corp. Unipro®