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, […]
Tocotrienols
Introduction Tocotrienols consist of four different compounds that are members of the vitamin E family. Scientists refer to these as alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocotrienol and they are generally sold together in dietary supplements. Some studies suggest that these four tocotrienols may be more potent than vitamin E for protection against elevated cholesterol, oxidation […]
Pyruvate
Introduction Pyruvate is a nutrient that plays a critical role in the processes that control energy production in the body. It can be found in the cell mitochondria, the so-called “power plant” of the cell. Here, it helps facilitate important metabolic processes that fuel the body. While pyruvate is produced naturally in the body, some […]
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Introduction Bearing a close chemical resemblance to linoleic acid, research indicates that conjugated linoleic acid may also offer a number of health benefits. These include possible enhancement of immunity, as well as potential protection from cancer and heart disease. CLA may also stimulate growth of muscle tissue while promoting fat loss. Small amounts of CLA […]
Tyrosine
Introduction Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid synthesized in the body from the essential amino acid phenylalanine. Tyrosine is the direct precursor to several important neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, dpinephrine, and L-dopa. Some of the functions regulated by these tyrosine-dependant neurotransmitters include mood, stress response, mental function, satiety and sex drive. Tyrosine is also […]
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Introduction Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid. Several other fats are derived from omega-6 including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), and arachidonic acid (AA). Collectively, these fats make up the omega-6 family of fatty acids. While many scientists believe that severe deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids exist in the United States, the same cannot […]
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Introduction In the late 1970s, scientists learned that the native Inuits in Greenland, who consumed a diet very high in omega-3 fatty acids, had surprisingly low rates of heart attacks. Since that time thousands of scientific studies have evaluated the multiple ways that omega-3 fatty acids promotes not only cardiovascular health, but also the healthy […]
Deer Antler Velvet
Introduction This unique supplement was first used by the Chinese more than 2,000 years ago. A silk scroll recovered from an ancient Chinese tomb describes the use of deer antler velvet for more than 50 diseases. Deer antler velvet is the soft growing antler tissue that is cast off every year and re-grown by several […]
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, […]