The Emergen-C Review

Alpha Lipoic Acid or thioctic acid is a natural anti-oxidant found in every cell of the human body. By converting blood sugar into energy, this nutrient produces the required energy for bodily functions. Since Alpa lipoic acid is an anti oxidant, it helps in neutralizing harmful chemicals known as free radicals to protect brain and nerve tissues. As compared to some of the common antioxidants like vitamin E and C, lipoic acid is fat and water soluble. It not only increases the formation of glutathione but also improves insulin sensitivity, therefore making the body reduce fat and add lean mass. You can either opt for the natural or synthetic lipoic acid supplement. Alpha lipoic acid is available in vegetables like spinach and broccoli and meat products like kidney and liver.

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 is an essential B vitamin, in cellular energy used for the promotion of healthy cardiovascular function, nervous system function, and immune function. Niacin nutritionally manages cholesterol levels already within the normal range. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is one of a complex of B vitamins that are essential for good health. Niacin is so-called nicotinic acid, known also as nicotinamide. It helps regulate blood sugar and also works at cellular level protecting the skin and enhances the digestive system. And being an originator of the amino acid tryptophan, it can be made by tryptophan in the body. It’s also a coenzyme playing an important role in body metabolism. Supplements of vitamin B3 are also known to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood.

Pantothenic Acid is actually a part of the Vitamin B complex, namely Vitamin B5 and is deemed an essential nutrient. It has a critical function in the synthesis and metabolism of core nutrients, such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and it forms the coenzyme – A, also called CoA, most notable for the role in oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids and pyruvate. The Greek origin of the name Pantothenic Acid already states that this Vitamin is found nearly everywhere, with prominent amounts in eggs, meat, legumes and whole grain cereals. In health and fitness circles the dietary supplement is very popular for its energy producing role, but also for the ATP process and for the maintenance of cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the body.

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, also called Vitamin B2, is naturally manufactured by the body. Riboflavin is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Riboflavin is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Riboflavin is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Sodium is the element that has the atomic number 11 in the periodic table and is commonly known as the main component in the table salt, together with chloride. Interestingly enough, it is probably the one dietary component which does require limitation rather than supplementation, since that average daily nutritional requirement is around half a gram per day. This most popular food seasoning, salt, is providing the most common source of sodium and chloride in human diets, but is generally overused and may cause health problems, such as high blood pressure, if consumed overly generously. The suggested dose of table salt, or rather the upper limit portion, would be somewhat less than 6 gram per day, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, referenced by FDA. In the UK this limit is set at four grams per day.

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, also known as Pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin to aid in the formation of healthy red blood cells and supports more vital bodily functions than any other vitamin. A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B6 is needed to release energy from the food we eat. Vitamin B6 cannot be stored in the body, so it must be obtained daily from either food or supplements. Vitamin B6’s role as a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is what makes it important for dieters. Vitamin B6 is also responsible for the manufacture of hormones, red blood cells, neurotransmitters, enzymes, and prostaglandins. Vitamin B6 is required for the production of seratonin, a brain neurotransmitter that controls mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and sensitivity to pain. For weight loss, dieters should include vitamin B6 to increase their metabolism while rounding out a healthy diet.

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, a mineral needed for cell division and repair as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is also an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.