nutricional

Nutricional is an adjective used in several languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, to describe anything related to nutrition, nourishment, and the study of nutrients in the diet. In English, the equivalent term is nutritional. The concept encompasses how foods and beverages provide energy, macronutrients, micronutrients, and other substances necessary for growth, health, and overall functioning.

Nutritional science covers the components of the diet, including macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) that supply energy and perform key bodily functions, and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) required in smaller amounts for metabolism and prevention of deficiencies. Other factors of nutritional status include fiber, water, and bioactive compounds in foods. Energy balance—calories consumed versus calories expended—helps determine weight and composition over time.

Nutritional assessment involves evaluating dietary intake, body composition, and physiological markers. Common methods include dietary surveys (24-hour recalls, food frequency questionnaires, diet records), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference), and laboratory tests (blood nutrient levels, biomarkers). These tools support clinical care, nutrition research, and public health monitoring.

Applications of nutricional knowledge span clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, and policy. They inform dietary guidelines, nutrition labeling, fortification programs, and consumer education. Challenges in the field include addressing malnutrition in all its forms, improving access to diverse and nutritious foods, and integrating emerging evidence on sustainability and personalized nutrition into practice.