So many people have e-mailed me on what this means, and what that means,
we have decided to start a glossary of bodybuilding, fitness, and supplement
related words. This is by no means a complete list, and is a work in progress.
If you have any other entries to this list, please leave a message at ron@getbig.com.
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not intended
to replace any health care professionals. It is a compilation of many sources,
mixed in with my opinions.
• A (Retinol): Vitamin A is a vitamin with antioxidant properties, important
for eye protection and bone growth; protein and hormone synthesis (including
GH and testosterone); supports tissue maintenance. Helps reduce susceptibility
to infection. Essential for healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and
teeth, kidneys, bladder, lungs and membranes.
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC): The acetyl ester of carnitine, ALC acts
as an antioxidant, has protective effects in the brain, and stimulates
hormone (including testosterone) release.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid: A sulfur bearing phytonutrient with antioxidant
properties; amplifies effects of other antioxidants.
• Amino Acids: Nitrogen-bearing organic acids that are the building
blocks of protein.
• Anabolic: Metabolic condition in which new molecules are synthesized
(growth).
• Antioxidants: Any substances that prevent or impede cell oxidation
(destruction) by free radicals, etc.
• Arginine: A conditionally essential amino acid with anabolic and
immune system supportive effects.
• Ascorbic Acid: Also known as Vitamin C. A water soluble vitamin,
and an antioxidant. Your body cannot store Vitamin C, so you must supplement
it regularly. It is not resistant to heat, so cooking will destroy it.
Vitamin C functions primarily in the formation of collagen, the chief protein
substance of your body's framework. It also helps in the production of
vital body chemicals. Vitamin C also is a detoxifier (helping cleanse your
body of toxins).
• Aspartame: Known by the trade name NutraSweet, is an artificial sweetener.
Certain people should avoid products that contain Aspartame. They are people
who cannot metabolize the amino acid Phenylalanine, which is an ingredient
in aspartame; and people who are suspectable to headaches.
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The body's energy currency, released
when fuel molecules are broken down.
• B-Complex Vitamins: A group of eleven known vitamins that work together
in your body. All play vital roles in the conversion of food into energy.
Essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, and the maintenance
of good digestion. Helps promote healthy skin, hair, and eyes. These are
water soluble vitamins, which means they cannot be stored by your body
and must be replaced every day.
• B-1 (Thiamin): A vitamin which maintains energy levels, supports
brain function (memory). Aids in digestion. Necessary for metabolism of
sugar and starch to provide energy. Maintains a healthy nervous system.
Alcohol can cause deficiencies of this vitamin and all the B-complex vitamins.
• B-2 (Riboflavin): A vitamin which helps with energy production and
amino acid production. Helps body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates,
and fats. Helps maintain good vision and healthy skin.
• B-3 (Niacin): A vitamin Important in carbohydrate metabolism, formation
of testosterone and other hormones, formation of red blood cells and maintaining
the integrity of all cells. Helps body utilize protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Necessary for a healthy nervous system and digestive system. It also lowers
elevated blood cholesterol levels when taken in large amounts of more than
1,000 milligrams a day.
• B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): A vitamin which supports carbohydrate, protein
and fat metabolism; hemoglobin synthesis. Helps release energy from protein,
carbohydrates, and fat. Needed to support a variety of body functions,
including the maintenance of a healthy digestive system.
• B-6 (Pyridoxine): A vitamin which supports glycogen and nitrogen
metabolism; production and transport of amino acids; production and maintenance
of red blood cells (hemoglobin) Essential for the body's utilization of
protein. Needed for the production of red blood cells, nerve tissues, and
antibodies. Women taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of B-6.
• B-12 (Cobalamin): Necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
Important to amino acid and fatty acid synthesis; essential for hemoglobin
and nerve cell growth and maintenance. The anti-stress vitamin, sometimes
prescribed for stress reduction.
• BCAA's (Branch Chain Amino Acids): Lucein, Valine, and Isoleucein
are called "branch chain" aminos due to their molecular structure, and
are important essential amino acids well known for their anticatabolic
(muscle-saving) benefits.
• Beta-carotene: A phytonutrient carotenoid with antioxidant and provitamin
A activity. In addition to providing the body with a safe source of Vitamin
A, beta carotene works with other natural protectors to defend your cells
from harmful free radical damage.
• Biotin:A vitamin that helps with energy metabolism, fatty acid and
nucleic acid synthesis.
• Boron: It is a trace mineral. Studies show that Boron helps the body
retain minerals, such as Calcium and Magnesium. Large amounts of Boron,
over 10 milligrams a day, can be toxic, particularly to the organs that
manufacture testosterone. You can find traces of Boron in all the food
groups, even in wine, with the greatest concentration in prunes, raisins,
parsley flakes, and almonds. A 1987 study showed that Boron could dramatically
increase testosterone levels, however, the study was for postmenopausal
women who had testosterone deficiencies. Once their boron-rich diets brought
their testosterone levels back up to normal, those levels stabilized, and
they didn't get any higher no matter how many more prunes or parsley flakes
that they ate. Thus, it is somewhat unproven that boron can help build
muscle mass by increasing your testosterone levels. However, a lack of
boron in your diet may have a 'negative' impact on energy utilization.
• Bovine cartilage: A source of mucopolysaccharides which have anti-inflamatory
and joint protective properties.
• Caffeine: Alkaloid that stimulates alertness and boosts energy. A
herbal compound that enhances alertness and fights fatigue. Caffeine increases
endurance during prolonged submaximal activity by increasing blood epinephrine
(adrenaline) levels, thereby allowing fat cells to break down more readily
during aerobic activity. Caffeine also makes a muscle contraction more
forceful.
• Calcium: Most abundant mineral in the body; essential for the formation
and repair of bone and teeth, but also essential to nerve transmission,
muscle contraction, blood clotting and other metabolic activities as well.
Long term calcium deficiency is linked to degenerative bone diseases.
• Carbohydrate: There are two basic forms of carbohydrates: Simple
& Complex. Simple carbs are usually devoid of fiber and include such
foods as refined sugars, fruit juices, and apple sauce. The problem with
simple carbs is that they promote a large insulin surge, which can lead
to hypoglycemia. Complex carbs are absorbed more slowly, so they don't
cause as great an insulin surge as the simple type. Primary macronutrient
source of energy in the body; burned as glucose and stored in muscle as
glycogen (excess stored as fat) and includes all sugars (1 gram yields
4 calories).
• Carnitine (L-Carnitine): Non-structural amino acid that transports
fatty acids into muscle cells for use as energy fuel.
• Cassein: Primary protein found in milk, along with whey protein.
• Catabolic: Metabolic condition in which muscle is broken down and
energy is released.
• Catabolism: Protein breakdown in muscles.
• Cat's Claw: An herb used in South American folk medicine for its
anti-inflamatory and immune system protective properties.
• Choline: A B-fatty acid involved in the production of neurotransmitters
in the brain that regulate mood, appetite, behavior, memory, etc. Most
effective in phosphatidyl choline form. It is beleived to help concentration
and alertness. Studies indicate that it improves cognitive performance.
• Cholesterol: A fat-like sterol used by the body for production of
hormones (including testosterone), vitamin D and cell membranes; high levels
in the blood stream are a marker for heart disease.
• Choline: One of the elements that is found in lecithin. Considered
important in the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Chromium / Chrimium Picolinate: Chromium increases the efficiency
of the hormone insulin, which the pancreas releases after you eat carbohydrates
or protein. Chromium acts to make the receptor of muscle cells more sensitive
to insulin (which allows you to store more carbohydrates in the muscle
cells as glycogen rather than in fat cells as lipids). Insulin also helps
muscles use amino acids for building protein rather than breaking them
down.
• Clenbuterol: This drug is classified as a Beta-2 agonist, and is
used for treating asthma. It is not an anabolic steroid, or a growth hormone.
Currently, it is not approved for sale in the United States, but it is
sold in Europe, under various names, such as Spiropent, Monores, and Ventipulmin.
Researchers in 1987 noted an unusual effect in animals when using this
drug. Their muscles grew, while they lost body fat. The main side effects
associated with this drug include tremors, heart rhythm disturbances, headaches,
nervousness, excessive sweating and insomnia. Bodybuilders use it because
it mimics the actions of Epinephrine. It simulates a process called Thermogenesis,
which turns fat calories into heat and which results in a loss of body
fat. The side effects start when you use more than 80 micrograms or more.
The dosage that's used to treat asthma is around 20 to 40 micrograms twice
a day. The muscle building dose would be over 80 micrograms in humans,
but scientists consider it to be dangerous and unethical. Another problem
is that any effects you get from it wears off rapidly. Bodybuilders who
have used this drug shows that it is better for promoting fat burning than
for muscle building. The drug only stays in the body for 3 days; after
that, it's gone without a trace.
• Copper: Active in the storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin
for red blood cells.
• Cortisol: A hormone that is released in response to stress when the
body is subjected to trauma such as intense exercises, including weight
training. Excess cortisol is known to increase catabolism (protein breakdown
in muscles).
• C-Q10: Antioxidant shown to have heart protective and energy production
properties.
• Creatine (monohydrate): A muscle fuel that is extracted naturally
from meat and fish, or synthesized in the lab. Once it is in the muscles,
creatine combines with phosphorous to make Creatine Phosphate (CP), a high
powered chemical that rebuilds the muscles ultimate energy source, Adenosine
Triphosphate (ATP). CP powers your muscles for high intensity exercise
for short periods only, consequently, athletes who compete in power and
sprint event will have an advantage if they take supplemental creatine.
More CP in the muscle cell translates into a greater resistance to fatigue.
Also, CP helps with the transfer of energy in the muscle cells, thus speeding
up the action, which may enhance performances that are aerobically taxing.
Reports says people who take creatine supplements may recover from intense
activity faster and experience less postexercise muscle soreness.
• DHEA: A hormone made by the adrenal glands used by the body to make
male (androgen) and female (estrogen) hormones; possible positive effects
on mood and energy on older individuals (40+) whose production of DHEA
has declined.
• Egg protein: Source of protein with high Protein Efficiency Ratio,
usually in egg white form (albumin) when used in protein powder to avoid
cholesterol in egg yolk. Egg protein is the standard by which all other
proteins are measured because of its very high ration of indispensable
amino acids (also called essential amino acids because they must be supplied
to the body from food or supplements) to dispensable amino acids.
• Echincea: Herb with immune protective properties, shown to have some
benefit protecting against colds and flu.
• Ephedra / Ephedrine: The active ingredient in the Oriental herb Ma
Huang (Ephedra sinensis); this chemical has been proven to be both a powerful
energizer and weight loss aid. Ephedrine is a powerful thermogenic agent:
It releases norepinephrine, a brain neurotransmitter than exerts a stimulating
effect. Thisd same neurotransmitter signals the sympathetic nervous system,
which is called into play during a 'fight or flight' response. Body temperature
rises and promotes the breakdown of fat cells for fuel.
• Ergogenic aids: Any nutrients that improve athletic performance.
• Essential Fatty Acids (EFA): They include Linoleic Acid, Omega-3
Fatty Acids, and Monounsaturated fats. These are considered the 'good'
fats. They cannot be made by the body and must be supplied by our diet.
You need approxiamately 2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
• Fats: Macronutrient that is a source for long term energy and energy
storage (as adipose tissue); necessary for absorption and transport of
fat-soluble vitamins and constituant of hormones and cell membranes (1
gram=9 calories).
• Fiber: The more insoluble the fiber is (fiber that does not dissolve
in water), the better it is for you. Insoluble fiber reduces the risk of
colon cancer and high blood pressure. Fruit fiber seems to be more beneficial
then vegetable or cereal fibers, probably because fruits are loaded with
Pectin, an insoluble fiber. As a rule, the higher the insolubility, the
fewer the calories. Corn bran is the best, followed by wheat bran, and
then oat bran.
• Garcinia Cambogia: Fruit from India that contains Hydroxicitric Acid
(-HCA), an organic acid influencing carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Gingko Biloba: A herb shown to enhance mental accuity. Some researc
has shown that Ginkgo Biloba increase blood flow to the brain.
• Ginseng: A family of herbs with adaptogenic properties affecting
energy
• Glucosamine: Organic compound found in cartilage and joint fluid;
relieves joint pain and may help in healing some joint injuries.
• Glucose (monosaccharide): Type of sugar that circulates in the bloodstream,
thus the term 'blood glucose levels'. All carbohydrates, whether simple
or complex, are eventually converted to glucose in the body. Glycogen is
many units of glucose together.
• Glutamine: An amino acid. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid
in muscle tissue. Studies are beginning to show that having extra glutamine
in your body may be important to maximize muscle growth, by increasing
growth hormone levels. Glutamine also is important to maintain proper health,
and is shown to have anabolic and anticatabolic properties.
• Glycogen: It is a term for many units of glucose strung together.
The body stores glycogen in two areas, the liver and the muscles. Only
about 5 grams, or 20 calories worth of glucose flows in the blood. Liver
stores about 75 to 100 grams, or 300 to 400 calories; an hour of aerobics
can burn up half the liver glycogen content. The muscles store around 360
grams, or 1,440 calories. Carbohydrate loading is one technique used to
increase muscle glycogen content. By not consuming enough carbohydrates,
you deplete both liver and muscle glycogen reserves. While complex carbs
are considered to be more desirable than simple carbs, simple carbs are
more efficient after a workout for replacing muscle glycogen. Simple carbs
are absorbed faster, and promote a greater insulin output. A carbohydrate
drink with at least 50 grams of carb will do the trick.
• Glycogen (Muscle): Muscle glycogen is extremely important for bodybuilding,
since it's the primary fuel that powers anaerobic training, such as lifting
weights. Glycogen that's stored in a muscle is available only to that muscle
because muscles lack a certain enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase, that's needed
to release glucose into the blood. Muscles can absorb glucose without insulin,
which why exercise helps prevent diabetes.
• Glycogen (Liver): Liver glycogen is a fuel reserve that helps maintain
blood glucose levels. This is important because the brain relies on a constant
supply of glucose to function properly.
• Grape seed extract: Source of proanthocyanadins, an important antioxidant.
• Green Tea: Popular in Asia, green tea contains caffeine. Perhaps
more notable, recent research has shown that green tea reduces the risk
of developing stomach cancer by 50% and esophageal cancer by 6-%. No one
knows for sure, but scientists think that polyphenols in green tea protect
health by combating free radicals.
• Guarana: Source of caffeine. Comes from the seed of a herb found
in the Amazon, long popular among Brazilians for its stimulatory effects.
• Hydroxicitric Acid (-HCA): Acid found in Garcinia Cambogia that affects
fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
• Hypoglycemia: A term meaning low blood sugar. It's a set of symptoms
that point to irregularities in the way the body handles glucose, the sugar
that circulates in the blood. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating,
trembling, anxiety, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, weakness, mental
confusion, and on occasion, seizures and coma. However, it occurs rarely
because the body has a lot of backup systems preventing it.
• Inositol: An active factor in the B-Complex vitamins which help convert
food to energy. With Choline, Inositol is active in the metabolism of fats.
• Insulin: An anabolic hormone that's supposed to take the sugar and
traansport it into the muscle. Insulin also promotes increased amino acid
entry into muscle and increases muscle protein synthesis. Too much insulin
can cause sugar to bypass muscle, and be stored as bodyfat.
• Iron: Mineral essential to oxygen transport in blood (via hemoglobin
and myoglobin), enzyme production and immune support. A deficiency can
cause the most common form of anemia. Teenagers need additional iron during
their years of maximum growth; women need extra iron during the years they
are menstruating and during pregnancy.
• Isoflavones: Phytonutrient antioxidants, including genisteine and
diadzein, that act as estrogen receptor protectors (minimize PMS, menopause
side effects) and lower cholesterol levels.
• Kombucha: A tea made from a fungus / yeast fermentation with high
nutrient level used by people for immune protection, increase energy, and
other postive effects. Sometimes called a Kombucha mushroom. It is two
life forms, a yeast culture and bacteria living in symbiosis, from Manchuria.
• Lactose: Sugar in milk which many people, especially adults, have
an intollerance to (indigestion) to to a lack of the enzyme lactasein their
bodies.
• Lecithin: Dry powder source of phospholipids high in B-fatty acids.
• Linoleic Acid: An essential fatty acid (EFA) that your body cannot
make itself. It is found in polyunsaturated oils such as safflower, sunflower,
walnut oil, etc. This is considered a type of 'good' fat. You need approxiamately
2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
• Lipotropic nutrients: Substances that prevent or curtail the buildup
of fat in the liver, such as B-fatty acids and methionine.
• Lutein: A carotenoid phytonutrient with antioxidant properties especially
important to eye protection.
• Lycopene: Most powerful of the carotenoid antioxidants; shown to
be beneficial in prostate protection and treatment.
• Ma Huang: A herb that yields the stimulant Ephedra.
• Maltodextrin: A long chain of glucose molecules (carbohydrates) that
provides sustained energy without sharply increasing insulin levels.
• Manganese: Needed for normal tendon and bone structure.
• Magnesium: Mineral necessary for energy metabolism, protein and fat
synthesis, neuromuscular transmission, amonia scavenging and binding of
calcium to teeth, etc. Aids in bone growth, and is necessary for proper
functioning of nerves and muscles.
• Melatonin: Hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates circadian
rhythms; helps induce sleep and acts as an antioxidant.
• Methionine: A sulfur bearing essential amino acid important in hair,
nail and muscle production, liver maintenance (lipotropic effects), and
production of creatine and other aminos.
• Minerals: Inorganic substances necessary for good health as an ingrediant
or a catalyst.
• Monounsaturated Fats: An essential fatty acid (EFA) that seems to
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is considered a type of
'good' fat. Olive oil, and canola oil have this in them. You need approxiamately
2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
• Niacin (Vitamn B-3): A vitamin Important in carbohydrate metabolism,
formation of testosterone and other hormones, formation of red blood cells
and maintaining the integrity of all cells. Helps body utilize protein,
fats, and carbohydrates. Necessary for a healthy nervous system and digestive
system. It also lowers elevated blood cholesterol levels when taken in
large amounts of more than 1,000 milligrams a day.
• Olestra: A fake fat substitute. This will save you calories, but
may also deplete your body of nutrients. If you use this product, or products
containing this, make sure you good your 2% dose of essential fatty acids
(EFA).
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An essential fatty acid (EFA) that seems to
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is considered a type of
'good' fat. Sources include fish, salmon, mackerel, sardines. You need
approxiamately 2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
• Ornithine: A non-essential, non-structural amino acid made from Arginine
shown to influence growth hormone release: most anabolic when combined
with alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG).
• Paba (Para Aminobenzoic Acid): Important for the formation of red
blood cells. Aids in the conversion of protein into energy. Necessary for
healthy skin, and hair pigmentation.
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5): A vitamin which supports carbohydrate,
protein and fat metabolism; hemoglobin synthesis. Helps release energy
from protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Needed to support a variety of body
functions, including the maintenance of a healthy digestive system.
• Phenylalanine: An amino acid, one of the main ingredients to enhance
brain function. It has also been used to relieve stress.
• Phosphatidylserine (PS): An ingredient which may block cortisol (a
hormone which breaks down muscle cells into fuel).
• Phosphorus: Mineral that is structural component of all cells (including
muscle); necessary for energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and growth/mainteneance
of all tissues.
• Potassium: Mineral that helps maintain cellular integrity and water
balance, nerve transmission and energy metabolism; necessary for muscle
contraction.
• Pregnenolone: The "mother" steroid hormone from which most other
steroid (sex) hormones are made, including DHEA. Has beneficial neurotransmitter
effects.
• Proanthocyanadins: Potent antioxidant phytonutrient found in some
pine needles (pycnogenol) and grape seeds and skins (grape seed extract),
it is especially synergistic with vitamin C making them more powerful antioxidants
together than by themselves.
• Protein: Primary macronutrient for growth and maintenance of our
body's structural parts (including muscle). Cannot be stored, so must be
replenished through diet. (1 gram=4 calories).
• Protein (Egg): Source of protein with high Protein Efficiency Ratio,
usually in egg white form (albumin) when used in protein powder to avoid
cholesterol in egg yolk. Egg protein is the standard by which all other
proteins are measured because of its very high ration of indispensable
amino acids (also called essential amino acids because they must be supplied
to the body from food or supplements) to dispensable amino acids.
• Protien (Whey): Dairy source of protein (other than cassein), known
for high levels of BCAA's and high nitrogen retention. Made from milk curd,
whey protein is the Rolls Royce of proteins because it has a superior amino
acid composition (including high levels of leucine, arguably the most important
branched chain amino acid), superior biological value (meaning that more
of what you eat gets digested and into your system), is very low in lactose
(a milk sugar that most adults have difficulty digesting).
• Purslane: It is a weed that is edible, and sometimes put on salads,
mostly in Europe. It is loaded with linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acid
that may help reduce the risk of heart attack, and improve the health of
cell membranes in the eyes and brain. It is also an excellent source of
Vitamin E, providing 6 times as much as spinach.
• Pycnogenol: Source of proanthocyanadins.
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6): A vitamin which supports glycogen and nitrogen
metabolism; production and transport of amino acids; production and maintenance
of red blood cells (hemoglobin) Essential for the body's utilization of
protein. Needed for the production of red blood cells, nerve tissues, and
antibodies. Women taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of B-6.
• Pyruvate: A key energy metabolite for the breakdown of fuel ( glucose,
fatty acids, amino acids, etc.) to energy in our bodies, pyruvate can give
us increased energy, assist in burning fat as fuel, and have anticatabolic
effects (such as producing alanine).
• Quercetin: This bioflavonoid occurs in many plant foods. Quercitin
has a synergistic effect with ephedrine and caffeine, increasing and prolonging
their properties.
• Retinol (Vitamin A): A vitamin with antioxidant properties, important
for eye protection and bone growth; protein and hormone synthesis (including
GH and testosterone); supports tissue maintenance. Helps reduce susceptibility
to infection. Essential for healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and
teeth, kidneys, bladder, lungs and membranes.
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2): A vitamin which helps with energy production
and amino acid production. Helps body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates,
and fats. Helps maintain good vision and healthy skin.
• Saw Palmetto: Herb shown to have protective properties for the liver.
• Selenium: Trace mineral with potent antioxidant effects; component
in sulfur bearing amino acid production and fetal development during pregnancy;
recent clinical evidence of cancer preventive properties.
• Shark Cartilage: See Bovine cartilage.
• Sodium: Regulates body fluid volume, transports amino acids to cells
and plays a role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
• Soy Protein: Primary vegetable source of protein found in protein
powders; lower in nitrogen retention and BCAA's than whey and egg, but
higher in arginine and glutamine and contains isoflavones with antioxidant
properties.
• St. John's Wort: Scientific name: Hypericum Performatum. A plant
herb that is used to relieve mild depressive symptoms, sleep disover, and
anxiety, although probably not effective against serious depression. In
large doses, it may be unsafe as it can make the skin and eyes extra sensitive
to light.
• Taurine: An essential amino acid.
• Thermogenesis: A fancy word meaning heat-producing. To make more
heat, your body has to burn more calories. Thermogenesis occurs with training,
with food consumption, and with the use of selected herbs.
• Thiamin (Vitamin B-1): A vitamin which maintains energy levels, supports
brain function (memory). Aids in digestion. Necessary for metabolism of
sugar and starch to provide energy. Maintains a healthy nervous system.
Alcohol can cause deficiencies of this vitamin and all the B-complex vitamins.
• Threonine: An essential amino acid.
• Tryptophan: An essential amino acid.
• Tyrosine: A conditionally essential amino acid, tyrosine can elevate
mood and is a precursor of the brain neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine
and epinephrine.
• Valine: An essential 'branched chain' amino acid.
• Vanadyl Sulfate: Source of mineral vanadium; helps optimize glycogen
storage to yield more energy.
• Vitamins: Complex organic molecules essential for biochemical transformations
necessary for proper metabolism and disease protection. Some popular vitamins
are:
• A: (Retinol) A vitamin with antioxidant properties, important for
eye protection and bone growth; protein and hormone synthesis (including
GH and testosterone); supports tissue maintenance. Helps reduce susceptibility
to infection. Essential for healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and
teeth, kidneys, bladder, lungs and membranes.
• B-Complex Vitamins: A group of eleven known vitamins that work together
in your body. All play vital roles in the conversion of food into energy.
Essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, and the maintenance
of good digestion. Helps promote healthy skin, hair, and eyes. These are
water soluble vitamins, which means they cannot be stored by your body
and must be replaced every day.
• B-1 (Thiamin): Maintains energy levels, supports brain function (memory).
Aids in digestion. Necessary for metabolism of sugar and starch to provide
energy. Maintains a healthy nervous system. Alcohol can cause deficiencies
of this vitamin and all the B-complex vitamins.
• B-2 (Riboflavin): Energy production and amino acid production. Helps
body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Helps maintain
good vision and healthy skin.
• B-3 (Niacin): Important in carbohydrate metabolism, formation of
testosterone and other hormones, formation of red blood cells and maintaining
the integrity of all cells. Helps body utilize protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Necessary for a healthy nervous system and digestive system. It also lowers
elevated blood cholesterol levels when taken in large amounts of more than
1,000 milligrams a day.
• B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): Supports carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism;
hemoglobin synthesis. Helps release energy from protein, carbohydrates,
and fat. Needed to support a variety of body functions, including the maintenance
of a healthy digestive system.
• B-6 (Pyridoxine): Supports glycogen and nitrogen metabolism; production
and transport of amino acids; production and maintenance of red blood cells
(hemoglobin) Essential for the body's utilization of protein. Needed for
the production of red blood cells, nerve tissues, and antibodies. Women
taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of B-6.
• B-12 (Cobalamin): Necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
Important to amino acid and fatty acid synthesis; essential for hemoglobin
and nerve cell growth and maintenance. The anti-stress vitamin, sometimes
prescribed for stress reduction.
• Biotin: Energy metabolism, fatty acid and nucleic acid synthesis.
• C (Ascorbic acid): Antioxidant, synthesis of hormones, amino acids
and collagen (connective tissue); excretion of excess cholesterol. Necessary
to produce collagen, the connective material of all body tissues. Important
for the health of the teeth and the gums. Strengthens capillaries and other
blood vessels. Plays an important role in healing injuries. Aids in the
body's absorption of iron. Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it cannot
be stored by your body and must be frequently replaced.
• D (Calciferol): Supports calcium absorption and deposition into bones.
Must be present for your body to use calcium and phosphorus. Essential
for growing children to insure that teeth and bones develop properly.
• E (d-alpha-tocopherol): Antioxidant, especially protective of polyunsaturated
fats and body tissues. Acts as a preservative, preventing many substances,
such as Vitamin A, from destructive breakdown by oxidation in the body.
Prolongs the life of red blood cells. Necessary for the proper use of oxygen
by the muscles.
• Folic Acid: Necessary for the production of red blood cells. Essential
for normal metabolism. A deficiency may cause a form of anemia. Drinking
alcohol and taking oral contraceptives can cause lower levels of this vitamin
in your body. Especially important during pregnancy to prevent birth defects.
• K: Supports blood clotting, bone mineralization.
• Whey protein: Dairy source of protein (other than cassein), known
for high levels of BCAA's and high nitrogen retention. Made from milk curd,
whey protein is the Rolls Royce of proteins because it has a superior amino
acid composition (including high levels of leucine, arguably the most important
branched chain amino acid), superior biological value (meaning that more
of what you eat gets digested and into your system), is very low in lactose
(a milk sugar that most adults have difficulty digesting).
• Yohimbe: From the bark of an African tree, Yohimbe is a popular herb
percieved as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. Yohimbe contains yohimbine, an
alkaloid similar to caffeine in it's energizing effects.
• Zinc: Mineral important as a cofactor in energy metabolism, amino
acid and protein synthesis; Antioxidant effects to protect the immune system.
Essential for growth, tissue repair, and sexual development. Plays an important
role in healing. Since animal proteins are the best sources, vegetarians
are often deficient in zinc.