Nahrung

Nahrung is a German noun meaning nourishment, sustenance, or food. The term derives from the verb nähren (to nourish) and the noun-forming suffix -ung; in everyday German, it denotes the material ingested to maintain life rather than the process of consuming.

In biology and nutrition science, Nahrung refers to substances that organisms ingest and metabolize to obtain energy and structural components. For humans these include macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats—and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, plus water. Energy yield is typically measured in kilocalories (or kilojoules). The body uses carbohydrates and fats as major energy sources, while proteins provide amino acids for tissue maintenance and may contribute energy under certain conditions.

Digestion, absorption, and metabolism transform ingested Nahrung into usable nutrients. The efficiency and balance of intake influence growth, health, and disease risk. Nutrition science studies dietary patterns, nutrient requirements, and the roles of timing and synergy of nutrients.

Social and cultural factors influence the availability and composition of Nahrung. Food supply, affordability, and cultural preferences shape what people eat. In German discourse, Ernährung is the broader field of nourishment and eating behavior; Nahrung focuses on the edible substances themselves or the available supply.