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Nutrient Glossary

Antioxidant:

Antioxidants are nutritional substances that help protect against cell damage from free radicals. Well known antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Antioxidants can be easily found in vegetables and fruits.

Ascorbic acid:

Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin with many uses within the body. Its deficiency leads to the disease scurvy. As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for the maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen, and blood vessels (capillaries). It enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation.

Beta-carotene:

See 'Carotene'

Bioflavonoids:

A group of low molecular weight plant substances with recognized antioxidant (free radical scavenging) properties and with the ability to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, which cause inflammation in the body.

Biotin:

A vitamin that releases energy from foods, plays a role in metabolism of amino acids, and is needed for normal hair production and growth.

BCAA:

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) comprise the three essential amino acids L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine. Branched-chain amino acids are sometimes used in enteral and parenteral feedings in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. They are also occasionally used enterally and parenterally in the management of extensive burns and other severe trauma conditions because of their possible anticatabolic action in these conditions. Although amino acids are not considered important energy sources, BCAAs serve as important fuel sources for skeletal muscle during periods of metabolic stress. Under such conditions, BCAAs may promote protein synthesis, suppress protein catabolism and serve as substrates for gluconeogenesis. BCAAs are mainly catabolized in skeletal muscle, stimulating the production of, among other substances, L-alanine and L-glutamine.

Calciferol:

Vitamin D2, a less stable form of vitamin D. See 'Cholecalciferol'.

Calcium:

An essential mineral needed in large amounts by the body for strong bones and teeth; to build and replenish bone calcium supplementation is a treatment and cure for osteoporosis. Calcium is also necessary for muscle and nerve activity as it regulates nerve impulses and aids in the formation of neurotransmitters.

Carnitine:

An amino acid derivative is found in nearly all cells of the body. L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membranes in the mitochondria, where they are processed by beta-oxidation to produce biological energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate or ATP.

Carotene:

A provitamin and an antioxidant that is converted by the body to vitamin A as needed.

Cholecalciferol:

Vitamin D3, the most stable form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the formation of strong bones and teeth by mediating intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone calcium and phosphorus metabolism and muscle activity. It usually acts as a hormone precursor as it requires two stages of metabolism before reaching actual hormonal form. Vitamin D3 is also involved in the regulation of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation and proliferation.

Choline:

A vitamin B cofactor (covitamin) that is critical to memory, learning and mental alertness. Manufacture of cell membranes and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (as its precursor) depend on it as components. Choline helps increase the amount of acetylcholine in the memory circuits of the temporal lobe. It also helps control cholesterol buildup and aids the liver in eliminating toxins. As a lipotropic nutrient, it prevents fat accumulation in the liver.

Chromium:

A mineral that, as part of the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), works with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12):

A B vitamin, also known as cyanocobalamin, responsible for growth, red blood cell production, and plays an important role in the formation of the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. Cobalamin also helps the body transport and store folic acid and is involved in the synthesis of genetic material (DNA). It helps promote growth, increase energy and improve concentration. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, nerve dysfunction (weakness, poor reflexes and strange sensations in the arms and legs) and impaired mental activity. It has also been linked to depression, especially in the elderly.

Coenzyme Q10:

Also known as CoQ10, an enzyme found in cells and most all foods (the "10" refers to the length of the enzyme "tail" chemical structurally speaking). Co-Enzyme Q10 is made by the body and stored in the liver, kidneys, pancreas and heart. It is found in all cells, but the cells of the heart contain the most because they use the greatest amount of energy. Co-Enzyme Q10 has generated much excitement as a possible therapy for heart disease. It also stimulates the immune system, has anti-aging effects and helps with circulation. CoQ10's primary function is as a catalyst to the creation of energy on a cellular level. CoQ10 is synthesized in the body but this ability may decline with age.

Copper:

A mineral that is essential for red blood cell formation and hemoglobin synthesis. It is involved in many enzyme systems including superoxide dismutase (SOD), a major antioxidant enzyme system.

Docosahexaenoic acid:

Dietary Fiber:

Dietary fiber comes from the thick cell wall of plants. It is an indigestible complex carbohydrate. Fiber is divided into two general categories: water-soluble and water insoluble. Soluble fiber has been shown to lower cholesterol. However, in many studies, the degree of cholesterol reduction was quite modest. For unknown reasons, diets higher in insoluble fiber (mostly unrelated to cholesterol levels) have been shown to correlate better with protection against heart disease in human trials. Soluble fibers can also lower blood sugar levels, and some doctors believe that increasing fiber decreases the body's need for insulin—a good sign for diabetics. Insoluble fiber acts as a stool softener, which speeds digestion through the intestinal tract. For this reason, insoluble fiber is an effective treatment for constipation. The reduction in "transit time" has also been thought to partially explain the link between a high fiber diet and a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Essential Amino Acids:

Essential Amino Acids are amino acids that your body does not have the ability to synthesize. Hundreds of different amino acids exist in nature, and about two-dozen of them are important to human nutrition. Nine of these - histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, theronine, tryptophan, and valine - are considered essential, since they must be supplied by your diet.

Folic acid:

A B vitamin used in red blood cell production, protein synthesis, and necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis and metabolism. Hence, folic acid plays an essential role in all cell divisions and in the development of the fetal nervous system. Essential for proper brain function, folic acid is important for mental and emotional health. It is also involved in the metabolism of fats. Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and poor growth in children and can also contribute to various psychiatric disturbances including depression.

Grape Seed Extract:

In addition to exhibiting great antioxidant power, grape seed extract is an antiallergenic, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory. Primary uses of grape seed extract are treatments of blood vessel disorders including venous insufficiency, varicose veins, capillary fragility and circulatory problems.

Glutamine - L:

Glutamine is a protein amino acid found in proteins of all life forms. It is classified as a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid. This means that under normal circumstances the body can synthesize sufficient L-glutamine to meet physiological demands. However, there are conditions where the body cannot do so. Recently, L-glutamine has come to be regarded as one of the most important of the amino acids when the body is subjected to such metabolic stress situations as trauma (including surgical trauma), cancer, sepsis and burns. Under such conditions, L-glutamine becomes an essential amino acid, and it is therefore very important to ensure adequate intakes of the amino acid in order to meet the increased physiological demands created by these situations.

Inositol:

A vitamin B cofactor (covitamin) that is critical for cell membranes and nerve function. Inositol occurs in cell membranes as phosphatidylinositol and is involved in calcium mobilization. The neurotransmitters serotonin and acetylcholine depend on phosphatidylinositol for proper functioning.

Iodine:

A mineral needed for proper functioning of the thyroid gland and production of thyroid hormones.

Iron:

An essential mineral necessary for hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen and energy metabolism and prevents anemia. Particularly critical to motor and mental development during infancy, an iron deficiency can adversely affect the ability to learn and understand new information and may result in poor concentration and attention span.

Macronutrients:

Nutritionists often group nutrients into two subclasses, called macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients refer to those nutrients that form the major portion of your calories and contribute energy to your diet. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats, protein, and alcohol. Sometimes water is also considered to be a macronutrient. All other nutrients are consumed in smaller amounts, and are labeled as micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

Magnesium:

An essential mineral needed in large amounts by the body to build and replenish bone and teeth, in DNA genetic material synthesis, and in many enzyme systems, especially those involved in energy production. Magnesium is also necessary for muscle and nerve activity as it regulates nerve impulses and aids in the formation of neurotransmitters.

Manganese:

A mineral that is a cofactor in many enzyme systems including those involved in bone formation, energy production and protein metabolism.

MCT:

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) are fatty acids containing from six to 12 carbon atoms. The physiology and biochemistry of medium-chain triglycerides are very different from those of long-chain triglycerides. MCT is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine, intact or following hydrolysis, into the portal circulation. From there, it is transported to the liver. MCTs are therefore easier to metabolize, which could be advantageous to those who are critically ill and those with carnitine deficiencies.

Niacinamide:

See 'Niacin'.

Niacin (Vitamin B1):

A B vitamin necessary for the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Niacin enhances the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. It is also vital to the formation and maintenance of many tissues, including nerve tissue. Niacin provides nutritional support for healthy cholesterol levels. It is needed daily for healthy skin, the nervous system, and for cell metabolism. A severe niacin deficiency produces pellagra, a disease characterized by the three D's: dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia. Niacinamide is another form of niacin but unlike niacin does not produce the "flushing" feeling that commonly occurs from taking high doses of niacin.

Nucleotides:

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the molecule that comprises the genome, and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are marketed as nutritional supplements. DNA, which makes up the genetic material, is comprised of units called nucleotides. A nucleotide consists of a base, a sugar and a phosphate group. There are certain conditions in which the body requires dietary nucleic acids/nucleotides to meet its physiological requirements. These conditions include rapid growth, limited food supply and metabolic stress. Under these conditions, metabolic demand exceeds the capacity of de novo synthesis. Dietary nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids become conditionally essential nutrients. Dietary nucleotides may spare the energetic cost of de novo synthesis of nucleotides. There are a few medical foods and enteral supplements containing RNA and nucleotides, which are used for immune-enhancement under conditions of metabolic stress. RNA and nucleotides are sometimes referred to as immunonutrients.

OKG:

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, abbreviated OKG, also known as ornithine 2-oxoglutarate or ornithine oxoglutarate (OGO), is a salt formed of two molecules of the non-protein amino acid, L-ornithine, and one molecule of the Krebs cycle dicarboxylic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate. OKG has been used both enterally and parenterally in burn, trauma, surgical and chronically malnourished patients. It appears to decrease protein catabolism and/or increase protein synthesis under these conditions. OKG is a popular nutritional supplement for athletes, among others.

Omega-3 fatty acid:

Also known as DHA and omega-3 fatty acid, it is a polyunsaturated fatty acid playing a critical role in infant brain development and vision. Before a child is born, DHA from the mother's blood travels to the placenta where it is used for membrane development in the brain and retina. DHA is essential for the proper growth and development of brain, nervous tissue and retina of the eye. Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats, one of four basic types of fat that the body derives from food. (Cholesterol, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat are the others.) All polyunsaturated fats, including the omega-3s, are increasingly recognized as important to human health.

Omega-6 fatty acid:

Omega-6 fatty acids belong to a group of "good" fats called polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unlike such "bad" fats as cholesterol and saturated fatty acids (which contribute to the worsening of a host of ailments including heart disease and other degenerative conditions), omega-6s can actually be beneficial to your health. Omega-6 fatty acids are one of two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that people need to consume to stay healthy.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5):

A part of coenzyme A, pantothenic acid is involved in the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is vital to the synthesis and degradation of sterols, fatty acids and steroid hormones. Pantothenic acid is also involved in the acetylation of Choline into acetylcholine, an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Phosphorus:

An essential mineral that maintains strong bones and teeth, phosphorus is necessary for muscle and nerve function.

Potassium:

A mineral that as an electrolyte is needed to maintain fluid balance, proper heartbeat and nerve transmission.

Protein:

Protein is one of the basic components of food and makes all life possible. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. All of the antibodies and enzymes, and many of the hormones in the body are proteins. They provide for the transport of nutrients, oxygen and waste throughout the body. They provide the structure and contracting capability of muscles. They also provide collagen to connective tissues of the body and to the tissues of the skin, hair and nails.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6):

A B vitamin needed for protein and fat metabolism, nerve function and releases energy from foods. It is essential for function of red blood cells and hemoglobin synthesis. Pyridoxine is necessary for the production of amino acid-derived neurotransmitters such as nor- epinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. It helps assimilate fat and protein and helps promote proper synthesis of nucleic acids and works as a natural diuretic. B6 deficiency can cause many ailments including slow learning and visual disturbances. Low levels of this vitamin may also provoke epileptic seizures in people prone to them.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2):

A water soluble B vitamin that helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nails, and functions in all neurological mechanisms as well as other cell systems such as protein metabolism. Riboflavin also releases energy from foods.

Ribose:

D-ribose is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar found in all living cells, and is very essential for life. Some of the most important biological molecules contain D-ribose, including ATP (adenosine triphosphate), all the nucleotides and nucleotide coenzymes and all forms of RNA (ribonucleic acid). D-ribose, in the form of ribonucleoside diphosphates, is converted to deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates, precursor molecules for DNA. D-ribose in RNA and D-deoxyribose in DNA may be considered genetic sugars.

Selenium:

A mineral that acts as an antioxidant and is a constituent of glutathione peroxidase. Selenium protects vitamin E.

Silica:

A mineral compound composed primarily of silicon as silicon dioxide and is the major component of sand and glass. Silica is an excellent absorbent for many organic compounds.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD):

One of the body's natural antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals that have been shown to accelerate the aging process. When combined with the mineral copper, it has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for arthritic joints. The immune system sends out white blood cells along with SOD to attack infection or harmful toxins.

Thiamine (vitamin B1):

A B vitamin that helps convert glucose to energy through carbohydrate metabolism, aids in nerve function and is needed for normal appetite. It also mimics acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter involved in memory) and plays a role in brain functions related to memory and cognition. Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption can cause a thiamine deficiency resulting in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a disease marked by mental confusion. Severe thiamine deficiency leads to beriberi, a disease characterized by weakness, wasting, nerve inflammation and numbness of the hands and feet.

L-tyrosine:

One of the non-essential amino acids found in protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, seafood and tofu. L-tyrosine is a precursor to the neurotransmitters nor epinephrine and dopamine. These chemical messengers promote mental acuity and alertness. Increased levels of the neurotransmitters can affect mood and behavior, fostering a tendency to think more quickly and react more rapidly.

L-tryptophan:

An amino acid integral to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter with sedative and sleep-promoting effects. Tryptophan is converted within the body into niacin. The body uses thiamine, pyridoxine and riboflavin (and possibly biotin) for the conversion. L-Tryptophan is found in foods such as bananas, milk and sunflower seeds. Protein is approximately 1% tryptophan.

Vitamin A (Retinol):

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with multiple functions in the body. It helps cells differentiate, an essential part of cell reproduction. Cells that are not fully differentiated are more likely to undergo pre-cancerous changes. It is a central component for healthy vision; vitamin A nourishes cells in various structures of the eye and is required for the transduction of light into nerve signals in the retina. It is required during pregnancy, stimulating normal growth and development of the fetus by influencing genes that determine the sequential growth of organs in embryonic development. It influences the function and development of sperm, ovaries and placenta and is a vital component of the reproductive process.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):

Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin that the body requires to break down carbohydrates, fat and protein. Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Vitamin B1 is also essential for the proper functioning of nerve cells.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and helps convert carbohydrates to adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Under some conditions, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin):

Vitamin B3 is required for cell respiration and helps release the energy in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also supports proper circulation and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and as a memory-enhancer. A shortage of niacin may be indicated with symptoms such as canker sores, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, limb pains, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, and inflammation.

Vitamin B6:

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B complex. Vitamin B6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies by the immune system, which is needed to fight many diseases. It helps maintain normal nerve function and also acts in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also required for the chemical reactions needed to digest proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more the need for vitamin B6.

Vitamin B9 (Folate):

Vitamin B9, also known as Folic acid, is a B vitamin necessary for cell replication and growth. Folic acid helps form building blocks of DNA, which holds the body's genetic information, and building blocks of RNA, needed for protein synthesis. Folic acid is most important, then, for rapidly growing tissues, such as those of a fetus, and rapidly regenerating cells, like red blood cells and immune cells. Folic acid deficiency results in an anemia that responds quickly to folic acid supplements.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine):

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 acts with folic acid and vitamin B6 to control homocysteine levels. An excess of homocysteine has been linked to an increased risk of coronary disease, stroke and other diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer's. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes fatigue.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that has a wide range of functions in the human body. One of vitamin C's important functions is acting as an antioxidant, protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage. When LDL is damaged the cholesterol appears to lead to heart disease, but vitamin C acts as an important antioxidant protector of LDL. Vitamin C may also protect against heart disease by reducing the stiffness of arteries and the tendency of platelets to coagulate in the vein.

The antioxidant properties also protect smokers from the harmful effects of free radicals. Vitamin C has a range of additional functions. It is needed to make collagen, a substance that strengthens many parts of the body, such as muscles and blood vessels, and plays important roles in healing and as an antihistamine. Vitamin C also aids in the formation of liver bile, which helps to detoxify alcohol and other substances. Evidence indicates that vitamin C levels in the eye decrease with age and that vitamin C supplements prevent this decrease, lowering the risk of developing cataracts.

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol):

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps maintain blood levels of calcium, by increasing absorption from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both functions help keep calcium in the body and therefore spare the calcium that is stored in bones. Vitamin D may also transfer calcium from the bone to the blood, which may actually weaken bones. Though the overall effect of vitamin D on the bones is complicated, some vitamin D is certainly necessary for healthy bones and teeth. The human body also produces Vitamin D during exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the Sun. Vitamin D plays a role in immunity and blood cell formation and also helps cells differentiate—a process that may reduce the risk of cancer.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol):

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body, such as LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), from damage. Several studies have reported that supplements of natural vitamin E help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Vitamin E also plays some role in the body's ability to process glucose.

Zinc:

An essential mineral for healthy skin, nails and strong teeth. Zinc helps wound healing and is a component of many enzymes. It is a component of the hormone insulin required for blood sugar control. Zinc is also needed for proper taste and hearing. Zinc deficiency may contribute to dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.

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