Folic Acid
Introduction Folic acid is a member of the water-soluble B vitamin group. Isolated in 1946 from spinach leaves, its name comes from folium, the Latin word for leaf. In the body, folic acid is converted to a more biologically active form. Folic acid occurs in a wide variety of foods. Best sources include dark green […]
Inositol
Introduction Inositol is a compound that has been known about for a long time, but it wasn’t until 1940 that scientists first realized that it was an essential nutrient. In fact, this sugar-like substance is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. In humans, it’s found in the liver, kidney, skeletal system and heart muscle. It […]
Vitamin A
Introduction This vital nutrient wasn’t even known about until 1913, when scientists discovered it could prevent night blindness. Then, in 1932 it was discovered that beta-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, was the precursor to vitamin A. When we consume beta-carotene, vitamin A is produced naturally by enzymes in the digestive tract that break beta-carotene […]
Phosphorus
Introduction Phosphorus participates in more biological processes than any other mineral in the body. Following calcium, it is the second most abundant mineral in the human body. Approximately 80 percent of phosphorus is present in the skeleton while the other 20 percent plays a role in the metabolism of every cell in the body. Animal […]
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Introduction DHA is a member of the omega-3 group of fatty acids. DHA is also one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain. In the fetus and young infants, DHA is essential for proper growth and development of the brain, (1) , (2) nervous system, and the retina of the eye. Because DHA […]
Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Introduction Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a substance that is found in the cells of all plants and animals. In the human body, it participates in the formation of important amino acids, vitamins, and neurotransmitters. While DMG can be found in the outer coating of rice and in all seed products, it is produced naturally in the […]
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Introduction Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a member of the omega-3 family of fatty acids. Although EPA can be consumed directly by eating certain kinds of fish, it is also produced in the body from the conversion of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). EPA is a precursor for agents in the body that provide anti-inflammatory activity, (1) […]
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Introduction GLA is derived from linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acid, which is present in many common vegetable oils like safflower and sunflower. GLA is the precursor for many important prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that may affect blood thickness, skin and joint health, cholesterol levels, dilation and constriction of blood vessels, inflammation, […]
Creatine
Introduction Creatine plays an important role in the production of energy and in the process of building muscle tissue. While creatine can be produced in the body from certain amino acids, many athletes are using creatine as a performance-enhancing agent. (1) , (2) Studies suggest creatine may enhance the performance of high-intensity, short-duration exercise. However, […]
Malic Acid
Introduction Malic acid is synthesized in humans as one of the steps in the Kreb’s (citric acid) cycle during the production of ATP, which is the body’s primary source of energy. (1) Malic acid also occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, and its concentration in apples is especially high, which accounts for it often […]