Thiamin is a water-soluble nutrient that was the first of the eight B-vitamins to be discovered, hence its name vitamin B1. Severe thiamin deficiency causes a syndrome known as “beriberi”. In the early 20th century, doctors discovered that when sailors ate a diet of white rice they were likely to suffer from muscular weakness,… Continue Reading
Wellness Supplements
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that works as an antioxidant in the body. Selenium is incorporated into glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that plays a critical role in reducing free-radicals and oxidation in the body. Free-radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that are a byproduct of metabolism. Diet and lifestyle also impact the amount of free-radicals… Continue Reading
Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral that is the third most abundant mineral in the body (after iron and zinc). Copper is found in skeletal muscle and skin but the highest concentrations are found in the brain and liver. Several enzymes require copper making this mineral important for a number of enzymatic reactions. Copper… Continue Reading
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
(Vitamin B5) Pantothenic acid is named after the Greek word pantos, meaning everywhere because this vitamin is found in virtually all plants and animals. Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5. Like other members of the B-complex family of vitamins, pantothenic acid is water-soluble. That means any excess is not stored but excreted… Continue Reading
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that is involved in numerous enzyme and body functions. Zinc is stored primarily in muscle and is found in high concentrations in bone, skin, kidney, liver, pancreas, retina and prostate. Zinc is necessary for proper immune system function. The body requires zinc to develop and activate cells that are… Continue Reading
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
(Pyridoxine) Vitamin B6 is a member of the B-complex family of water-soluble vitamins. This B-vitamin exists in three major forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Your body can not store B6 and any excess is excreted through the urine. As a result, you need a continuous supply of this vitamin in your diet. Vitamin… Continue Reading
Potassium
Potassium helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heartbeat. Potassium also keeps your muscles and nerves functioning properly. A diet low in fruits and vegetables accompanied by a diet high in processed, packaged foods typically results in a potassium deficiency. … Continue Reading
Folate/Folic Acid
Folate gets its name from the Latin word folium for leaf because this B-vitamin is found in high concentrations in green leafy vegetables. Folate is necessary for cells to divide properly as it is required for producing the genetic material DNA. As a result, cells and tissues that divide rapidly such as skin cells… Continue Reading
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. About half is found in the skeletal system and the other half is found in the cells of body tissues and organs. Only a small percentage is found in the blood. Magnesium is required for more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. This… Continue Reading
Zinc is Beneficial Against the Common Cold
If you don’t want to suffer from another cold this season, you may want to take a zinc supplement. A review of 15 studies showed that intake of zinc supplements reduced the incidence of developing a cold. If they did get a cold, zinc users significantly reduced the duration and severity of their cold symptoms…. Continue Reading