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Term	Description
Neurotransmitter	Any of the numerous chemical substances, such as acetylcholine or norepinephrine, which transmit nerve impulses across the synapse of the brain.
Niacin	See Vitamin B3.
Nicotinic acid	See Vitamin B3.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs	Abbreviated as NSAIDS, medications used to treat inflammation, such as arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. Examples include indomethacin (Indocin), ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene) and nabumetone (Relafen). The major side effects of long-term use of NSAIDs are gastrointestinal complaints, including abdominal pain, stomach and duodenal ulcers, diarrhea, bloating and heartburn. Recent studies have shown chronic long-term use can affect kidney function.
Norepinephrine	Known as the "anger hormone," it is secreted by the adrenal glands. As a part of the fight or flight response, the adrenals release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, which in turn trigger a series of changes as they circulate throughout the body. Hearing and vision become more acute, bronchi dilate to allow more air into the lungs, blood pressure is raised, digestion halts and perspiration increases to cool skin. In addition, endorphins are released to relieve pain in case of injury and blood cell production increases. These almost instantaneous changes give us the heightened reflexes and strength necessary to react when alarmed.
NSAIDS	See Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
Nutraceutical	Any substance that is a food or a part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. Such products may range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and specific diets to genetically engineered designer foods, herbal products, and processed foods such as cereals, soups and beverages. It is important to note that this definition applies to all categories of food and parts of food, ranging from dietary supplements such as folic acid, used for the prevention of spina bifida, to chicken soup, taken to lessen the discomfort of the common cold. This definition also includes a bio-engineered designer vegetable food, rich in antioxidant ingredients, and a stimulant functional food or pharmafood.
Nutrient density	A measure of the nutrients a food provides relative to the calories it dispenses. The more nutrients and the fewer calories, the higher its nutrient density.