Nutritional Science & Calculation Methodology
Full algorithmic transparency. At Unitrition, every score, traffic-light indicator, and glycemic excursion model is derived from open mathematical formulas, peer-reviewed biomedical literature, and international reference nutrition databases.
100% Client-Side Processing (Zero-Cloud Health Data)
All formulas detailed below execute locally in your browser’s JavaScript runtime. No dietary intake records, meal compositions, or carbohydrate metrics are stored on remote cloud servers or linked to persistent identifiers.
1. PRAL Model (Potential Renal Acid Load)
Dietary acid load is calculated utilizing the validated Remer & Manz (1995) formula, estimating net acid excretion (NAE) in urine from dietary mineral composition and protein catabolism:
PRAL (mEq/day) = 0.49 × Protein(g) + 0.037 × Phosphorus(mg) - 0.021 × Potassium(mg) - 0.026 × Magnesium(mg) - 0.013 × Calcium(mg)Abundant in fruits, vegetables, and legumes rich in potassium and citrate. Reduces renal ammonium synthesis and glomerular hyperfiltration stress (aligned with KDIGO CKD standards).
Characteristic of aged cheeses, red meats, and refined grains rich in sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine) metabolized into sulfuric acid.
2. International Carbohydrate Unit Standards (BU / ХЕ)
For accurate carbohydrate counting, Unitrition models deductible net carbohydrates and supports real-time switching between all three major international standards:
| Regional Standard | Grams per Unit | Geographical Convention | Calculation Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ración (10g) | 10 gramos | España, Reino Unido (NHS) | Net Carbs / 10 |
| Broteinheit / ХЕ (12g) | 12 gramos | Alemania, Centro/Este de Europa | Net Carbs / 12 |
| Carb Choice (15g) | 15 gramos | EE.UU. (American Diabetes Association) | Net Carbs / 15 |
Proteins and fats convert into glucose gradually via gluconeogenesis (3 to 5 hours post-meal). Following the Warsaw protocol (Pankowska et al.), 100 kcal derived from fat and protein equals 1 FPU, guiding extended square-wave bolus considerations.
3. Meal Sequencing & Eating Order Engine
Unitrition’s eating order simulator forecasts postprandial glucose excursions based on randomized crossover trials demonstrating that consuming vegetables and protein before carbohydrates fundamentally blunts glucose absorption kinetics.
1. Shukla AP, et al. Food Order Has a Significant Impact on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels in Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(7):e98-e99.
2. Nishida Y, et al. Effect of vegetable consumption before carbohydrates on glycemic excursion. Clin Nutr. 2019.
4. NOVA 1–4 Ultra-Processed Food Classification
Unitrition’s ingredient scanner evaluates commercial formulations using the international Monteiro et al. standard (University of São Paulo / FAO / WHO), flagging synthetic emulsifiers and additives linked to microbiome disruptions:
Partes comestibles de plantas o animales (verduras, frutas, huevos, legumbres frescas).
Sustancias extraídas de la naturaleza para sazonar (aceite de oliva virgen, sal, mantequilla).
Alimentos simples combinados con sal o aceite para prolongar conservación (pan artesano, conservas de pescado).
Formulaciones químicas con edulcorantes artificiales, saborizantes, carboximetilcelulosa y emulsionantes.
Primary Data Repositories & Educational Scope
Our macro- and micronutrient profiles are synchronized with the USDA FoodData Central (FDC) Standard Release and EFSA-validated food composition registries. Unitrition is an educational dietary self-monitoring platform, not a prescriptive medical device. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for individualized therapeutic care.