antinutrient

noun

an·​ti·​nu·​tri·​ent -ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce antinutrient (audio)
variants or anti-nutrient
: a naturally-occurring substance (such as saponin or tannin) found in plant-derived foods that interferes with absorption or proper functioning of nutrients in the body
Oxalate is called an "anti-nutrient" because it binds with calcium and some other minerals so they cannot be absorbed.Chris Rosenbloom, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
also : a substance (such as refined sugar or alcohol) that has little nutritive value and that typically depletes the body of more nutrients than it provides when metabolized

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Cite this Entry

“Antinutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/antinutrient. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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