Iron
Overview Iron plays a role in many biochemical pathways. The primary functions of iron involve oxygen transport within blood and muscle, electron transfer in relation to the cellular uptake of oxygen, and the conversion of blood sugar to energy. Iron is also a part of many enzymes that are involved with making new cells, amino […]
Copper
Overview Copper is an essential trace mineral that is a cofactor in cuproenzyme systems. After being absorbed, it is carried on transcuprein and albumin to the liver where it is incorporated into liver enzymes. These are secreted into the blood as ceruloplasmin, which is a copper-carrying protein that is an important blood-based antioxidant. Dosage Info […]
Lecithin
Overview Lecithin is a complex mixture of naturally occurring compounds called phosphatides or phospholipids. The principle components of lecithin are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol. The kind and portion of the various polar lipids, especially the phospholipids, primarily determine the physiological properties of lecithins. Phosphatidyl choline (PC) is generally thought to be the primary active ingredient […]
Lycopene
Overview Lycopene is a member of the family of phytochemicals called carotenoids. It is the substance that gives tomatoes and several other fruits their deep red color. Under normal conditions, the concentration of lycopene in human plasma is greater than beta-carotene and other dietary carotenoids. Some studies report that lycopene may enhance various aspects of […]
Methionine
Overview Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are the end products of protein digestion. The environment consists of 80 amino acids; however, the body only utilizes 20 of them. Essential amino acids are those that are not synthesized in the body so they must be taken in through the diet. Methionine is […]
L-Carnitine
Overview L-carnitine is an amino acid that is synthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Because it can be synthesized in the body, L-carnitine is usually not considered to be an essential nutrient. However, it could be classified as an essential nutrient for premature infants and other individuals who are not able to synthesize […]
Soy Isoflavones
Overview Soy Isoflavones, from Glycine max, are phytoestrogens. These weak estrogens are chemically similar in structure to naturally produced estrogen hormones. Isoflavones are found in soy foods both with and without a sugar molecule attached. The two primary isoflavones in soybeans are daidzein and genistein and their respective glucosides, genistein and daidzein. Soy foods typically […]
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Overview SAMe is a metabolite of the essential amino acid methionine. It is a cofactor in three important biochemical pathways and consequently, SAMe is synthesized in cells throughout the body. Because of the important biochemical reactions that it regulates, studies are reporting that SAMe is beneficial for a wide variety of health and medical conditions. […]
Lysine
Overview Editor’s Note:While peer-reviewed scientific studies on this dietary supplement are lacking, many practitioners and individuals report observational and anectodal benefits from its use. Use of this dietary supplement is on the rise. For this reason, NHIondemand has provided this monograph using the information that is currently available. As more science-based research becomes available, this […]
Lutein
Overview Lutein is a member of the carotenoid family, which are naturally occurring fat-soluble pigments found in plants. Lutein occurs in numerous foods but the highest concentrations occur in marigolds, which are the source of most of the lutein that is used commercially. Lutein specifically concentrates in the macula, which is a small area in […]