Absorption
the process by which nutrients are passed through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream to be used by the body. If nutrients are not properly absorbed nutritional deficiencies can result.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
the acetyl ester of carnitine, ALC acts as an antioxidant, has protective effects in the brain, and stimulates hormone (including testosterone) release.
Acetylcholine
a neurotransmitter released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions, active in the transmission of nerve impulses, and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline.
Acid
any class of compounds that share certain basic chemical characteristics. Acids have low pH, are usually sour to the taste, and in their organic form, are often corrosive. Found in plant tissues (especially fruits) tend to prevent the secretion of fluids and shrink tissues.
Adaptogen
a term for a substance, usually an herb, that produces suitable adjustments in the body. Adaptogens tend to normalize body functions, and when the job is completed, they are eliminated or incorporated into the body without side effects.
Allergen
a substance that provokes an allergic reaction.
Allergy
an inappropriate response by the immune system to a normally harmless substance. Allergies can effect any of the body's tissue.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
a sulfur bearing phytonutrient with antioxidant properties; amplifies effects of other antioxidants. It is an insulin potentiator that may be, in some respects, the very best insulin mimicker.
Alzheimer's Disease
a degenerative brain disease.
Amino Acids
chemical molecules which combine to form the various proteins. There are 22 common amino acids. The human body can synthesize (manufacture) 14 of them. The other 8 must come from the diet and are therefore called essential amino acids.
Ammonia
a toxic metabolic waste product.
Olive Leaf
(olive leaf) see olive leaf encyclopedia entry
OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins)
(OPCs) Antioxidant flavonoids found in red wine and some plants. Most OPC supplements are made from grapeseeds or pine bark.
Oscillococcinum
(o-sill-o-cox-see-num) A popular European homeopathic flu medicine.
Oxide
(OCK-side) Any compound of an element or radical with oxygen.
Q-Gel ®
(Q-gel)A registered trademark of Tishcon Corp. used to identify a preparation of coenzyme Q-10 that has undergone a patented process to make it soluble in water
Quercetin
(KWERE-sah-tin) An antioxidant flavonoid found in onions.
Ubiquinone
(you-BEE-kwin-own) Another name for coenzyme Q10.
Urethra
(you-WREATH-ra) The canal through which urine is discharged from the bladder in most mammals and through which semen is discharged in the male.
Valerian
(va-LAIR-ee-un) see valerian encyclopedia entry
Vanadium
(van-AY-dee-um) see vanadium encyclopedia entry
Vasoconstriction
(vas-oh-con-STRICT-shun) The constriction of blood vessels
Vasodilation
(vas-oh-die-ah-LAY-shun) The dilation of blood vessels.
Vegan
(VEE-gun) Someone who eats no animal-derived foods.
Vegetarian
(ve-jah-TAIR-ee-an) Someone who doesn't eat meat.
Vitamin
(Vitamin) An organic compound essential for normal health.
Vitamin A
(Vitamin A) see vitamin A encyclopedia entry
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, and hydroxycyanocobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin in the B-complex vitamin group. The B vitamins are used by the body as coenzymes. They are essential for maintaining the skin, hair, liver, and good muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. The B vitamins also help metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Vitamin B-12 was discovered as a result of attempts to treat anemia. In 1926, scientists discovered that eating liver once a day could reverse anemia. By the late 1940s, cobalamin was isolated as the active ingredient in the liver that effectively controlled the anemia.
Food Sources
Cobalamin is found in foods such as beef, swiss and blue cheese, clams, eggs, liver, and milk. It is not found in vegetables. Vegans, strict vegetarians who avoid dairy products, are at high risk of becoming cobalamin deficient.
Health Applications
- Homocysteine
- Mood
- Cardiovascular health
Functions and Uses
Cobalamin is involved in forming nucleoproteins and red blood cells, and in the functioning of the nervous system. It is involved in cell activity, DNA replication, and the production of the mood-affecting substance called SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine).
Dosage/Toxicity
On average, dietary intakes of cobalamin are sufficient. In cases of elevated homocysteine levels, doctors usually prescribe cobalamin supplementation through injection, tablet, or capsule form. Cobalamin is also often available as a constituent of multivitamin/mineral preparations. The RDA recommendation of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2 mcg per day. The therapeutic range varies from between 100 to 1,000 mcg. There is a very low incidence of vitamin B-12 toxicity, even in intakes of up to 1,000 mcg per day.
Vitamin B-6
(Vitamin B-6) see vitamin B-6 encyclopedia entry
Vitamin C
(Vitamin C) see vitamin C encyclopedia entry
Vitamin D
(Vitamin D) see vitamin D encyclopedia entry
Vitamin E
(Vitamin E) see vitamin E encyclopedia entry
Vitamin K
(Vitamin K) see vitamin K encyclopedia entry
Vitreous
(VI-tree-us) The transparent, colorless mass of gel that lies behind the lens and in front of the retina in the eye.
Water-soluble
(water SOLL-yoo-ball) Dissolves in water. Water-soluble vitamins like the B vitamins and vitamin C cannot be stored in the body.
White blood cells
(white blood cells) Blood cells without hemoglobin that enter tissues to fight infection.
White Willow
(white willow) see white willow encyclopedia entry
Wild Yam
(wild yam) see wild yam encyclopedia entry
Yohimbe
(yo-HIM-bay) see yohimbe encyclopedia entry
Zinc
Zinc: (zink)An essential mineral used to make many enzymes and hormones. see zinc encyclopedia entry
