Editorial standards

How entries are chosen, researched, worded and corrected.

Choosing words

Words are added when they come up often in everyday life but are rarely explained: on labels, in apps, in sport, in health news. Preference goes to terms that are useful to understand, rather than fashionable ones.

Sources

Entries draw on publicly available reference material: the guidance and opinions of public health bodies such as the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority, national dietary guidelines, standard textbooks of nutrition and physiology, and review articles in peer-reviewed journals. Where a topic is still debated, the entry says so rather than picking a side.

How nutrients are described

When an entry describes what a vitamin, mineral or other nutrient does in the body, it uses wording consistent with the nutrition and health statements authorised in the European Union, for example "magnesium contributes to normal muscle function" or "vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones". Where those statements come with conditions, such as a minimum daily amount, the condition is mentioned.

Entries make no medical claims about foods, nutrients or habits, and do not give personal dosage advice.

Plain English

Each entry starts with a short definition in a box, followed by explanation, everyday examples and common confusions. Technical terms are explained the first time they appear. Pronunciations are given in the International Phonetic Alphabet (British English) and as a simple respelling.

Independence

Define Healthy carries no advertising, sponsored entries or affiliate links, and does not accept payment for coverage. No brand or product is recommended.

Corrections and updates

Guidance changes and mistakes happen. Each entry shows the date it was first published; significant changes are made in place. If you spot an error, please write to hello (at) definehealthy.net with the entry name and, if possible, a source.

Limits

This is a dictionary, not a clinic. Individual needs vary with age, health, medication and circumstances. For anything that concerns your own health, consult a qualified professional.