Author Archives: Tom

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin are important nutrients found in green leafy vegetables as well as other foods such as eggs. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. AMD and cataract incidence are growing. Worldwide, more than 25 million people are

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Choline

Choline is a nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs to stay healthy. Choline helps cells make membranes, make a neurotransmitter (a chemical that helps nerve cells communicate with other cells) and remove fat from the liver. Choline is found in whole milk, beef liver, eggs, soy foods and peanuts. Choline is

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Inositol

Inositol, also named myoinositol, is a nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs to function and stay healthy. Inositol helps cells make membranes and respond to messages from their environment. It has the same chemical formula as glucose which is the main source of energy for living organisms, but has a different

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Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic acid, is widely found in both vegetables, meat, cereal grains, legumes, eggs and milk. Vitamin B5 is commercially available as D-pantothenic acid, as well as dexpanthenol and calcium pantothenate, which are chemicals made in the lab from D-pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is frequently used in combination with other B

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Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It helps the body make healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic acid, but it’s especially important for women who may get pregnant. Getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent major birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine. Whole food source of folic acid include: leafy

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Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is important for maintaining healthy brain function, the formation of red blood cells, the conversion of protein and the syntheses of antibodies to support the immune system. Whole food sources for vitamin B6 include: avocado, banana, legumes, meat, nuts, poultry and whole grains. Fortified breads and cereals may also

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Niacin

Niacin is also known as nicotinic acid and vitamin B3. Niacin helps some enzymes work properly and helps skin, nerves and the digestive tract stay healthy. It is water-soluble and must be taken in every day. Not enough niacin can cause a disease called pellagra which is a condition marked by skin, nerve and digestive

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Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid the body makes from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It is a building block for several important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate and influence mood. Tyrosine also helps produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair and skin color. It helps

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Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means your body cannot produce it you must get it from your diet or supplemental sources. Tryptophan is an amino acid needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. The body uses tryptophan to help make niacin and serotonin. Serotonin is thought to produce

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