The Emergen-C Review

Alpha Lipoic Acid is also known as ALA or Lipoic acid or thiotic acid. This is considered as fatty acid, which is naturally found in each cell of our body. This acid transforms the glucose to energy. This is even an antioxidant, component which neutralizes potentially dangerous chemicals known as free radicals. Well, this is considered to be unique because it works in fat and water, different from the other usual antioxidants vitamins E and C as well as this can recycle antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin C after these have been utilised. Alpha Lipoic acid boosts the glutathione formation. Glutathione is considered to be a significant antioxidant which supports your body to eliminate potentially dangerous substances.

Calcium, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

Chromium.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts to manufacture enzymes necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fat. It also aids the immune system and blood sugar balance. Manganese is also involved in the production of cellular energy, reproduction and bone growth.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Pantothenic Acid, also called vitamin B5, which is a water-soluble vitamin required by the human body. Pantothenic acid is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is vital in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Potassium, a mineral that is quite common in our food. Potassium is needed for proper muscle growth, nervous system and brain function and to help balance the PH of our bodies.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived mostly from blue-green algae. Quercetin is a strong antioxidant commonly found in onions, wine and tea.

Riboflavin, an easily absorbed micronutrient, is also known by the name of Vitamin B2. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of animals as well as humans. A wide variety if cellular processes require this vitamin. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, just like other B vitamins. It is the kind of micronutrient which required for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and ketone bodies. There are a lot of food products that are a good source of Vitamin B2. Matured soybeans, yeast, mushroom, livers, kidneys, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, almonds are such products that are rich in this vitamin. But riboflavin does get destroyed if exposed to light. Riboflavin is a non toxic vitamin. Hence, there is no harm in taking it orally.

Sodium is part of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular creatures, not least mankind. It is needed for instance in nerve conduction and to balance the acid levels in the body. It is necessary for the functioning of organs such as the liver, intestine and kidneys in their work of ridding the body of toxins However there is an optimum intake. Above this there are problems such as a rise in the blood pressure. Also an excess of salt in the diet will draw fluid out of the cells by the process of osmosis. On the other hand a lack of sodium will lead to too much water in the body the brains cells will actually be flooded.

Thiamine, also called Vitamin B1 or Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thiamine is commonly found in breads and cereals. Thiamine is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin B6- There are three traditionally considered forms of vitamin B6: pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM). The phosphate ester (PLP) has a leading role in metabolism of human body. It is obtained from the diet since humans cannot manufacture it. PLP is crucial in over 100 enzymes that enable important chemical reactions in the human body. In the brain, the manufacture of neurotransmitters like serotonin from tryptophan is made possible by PLP. PLP is also a coenzyme in the production of the iron coating component of hemoglobin called heme. Signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include irritability, depression and confusion, inflammation of the tongue, sores or ulcers of the mouth and the skin at the corner of the mouth.

Vitamin C- The essential nutrient L-ascorbic acid, or rather Vitamin C, is necessary for a wide plethora of metabolic reactions in almost all living beings. In humans, Vitamin C is vital in the collagen synthesis. While most beings are able to make it internally, apes and humans cannot. Interestingly enough, while widely promoted as the best dietary source of Vitamin C, Oranges are dwarfed by the Kakadu plum, which has sixty times the amount. Prominent are rose hips, blackcurrant, red peppers, parsley, the kiwifruit, broccoli, redcurrant, several berries including strawberries and raspberries, as well as more exotic fruits and vegetables like Camu Camu, acerola, seabuckthorn, Indian gooseberry, jujube, guava and baobab. Tomatoes, while very popular Vitamin C source in the US, are very low on the Vitamin C scale.

Zinc is a metallic chemical element and an essential trace element, whereby only two to four grams of Zinc are found in the human body. There are several biological roles that Zinc plays in humans, including the metabolism of RNA and DNA, gene expression and the regulation of apoptosis. It is deemed vital for proper brain activity and essential in the learning process. It is also critical for the central nervous system, but is also found in muscle, bones, liver, kidneys, eyes and most prominently in the prostate. It is supplied to the body by the ingestion of red meats, particularly beef and lamb, but can also be found in seeds, including sesame and mustard, wheat, beans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts, including almonds.