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Sugar produced from cornstarch; comprised of glucose (dextrose), maltose and higher sugars; 70 percent to 80 percent solids

Sugar based sweeteners are those such as that developed from corn starch. The development of the various types of corn syrups, maltodextrins, and high-fructose corn syrup from corn starch sources could be called one of the greatest changes in the sugar and sweetener industry over several centuries. In the late 1800s it was found that corn starch could be hydrolyzed and a sugar formed. It was not until the 1970s that it became commercially a major product bringing about changes in the food industry. Over-reliance in the food industry and over-indulgence by consumers of these processed sugers, particularly high fructose corn syrup, has most likly contributed to obesity in many western countries.



These sweeteners are processed and refined using a series of separation, and grinding processes. Finally, the products are converted and fermented. From this processing a five classes of corn sweeteners are formed. This does not include the corn syrup conversion into high-fructose corn syrup.

The exact components of milk vary by species, but it contains significant amounts of saturated fat, protein and calcium. These amounts are not large in comparison to other foods rich in them, including coconuts, fish, and kale respectively, because milk is predominantly composed of water. Aquatic mammals, such as seals and whales, produce milk that is very rich in fats and other solid nutrients when compared with land mammals' milk.



Most milk packs a nutritional punch and contains protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and D, LACTOSE (milk sugar) and riboflavin. On the minus side, milk's natural sodium content is quite high. Most milk sold in the United States today is PASTEURIZED, which means the microorganisms that cause diseases (such as salmonella and hepatitis) and spoilage have been destroyed by heating, then quick-cooling, the milk. Pasteurization eliminates the possibility of disease and gives milk a longer shelf life. Most commercial milk products have also been HOMOGENIZED, meaning that the milk fat globules have been broken down mechanically until they are evenly and imperceptibly distributed throughout the milk. The end result is that the CREAM does not separate from the milk and the liquid is uniformly smooth.



Cow's milk is generally available in several varieties. In some countries these are:



Full cream (or "whole" in US, "homo milk" in Canada & some US dairies, about 3.25% fat)

Semi-skimmed ("reduced fat" or "low fat", about 1.5-1.8% fat)

Skimmed (about 0.1% fat)

Milk in the U.S. and Canada is sold as:



Whole varieties

2% (reduced fat)

1% (low fat)

<0.5% (very low fat)

Skim (nearly no fat) or fat free

In the United States, skim milk is also known as "fat free" milk, due to USDA regulations stating that any food with less than ½ gram of fat per serving can be labeled "fat free".

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk

Mixture of amino acids and peptides produced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of casein.



Source: http://www.fao.org

Mixture of amino acids and peptides produced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of casein.



Source: http://www.fao.org

Food scientists have long noted the nutritional benefits of MCFA. (Note: in this article MCFA - medium chain fatty acids - and MCT - medium chain triglycerides - are used interchangeably.) Coconut oil, or some derivative of it, is used in hospital formulas to feed the very young, the critically ill, and those who have digestive problems. It makes up a vital part of the solutions fed to patients intravenously or through a tube inserted down the throat. In emergencies when commercial IV solutions are not available, doctors in tropical climates will use coconut water instead.

Genetically Modified soybeans and corn make up the largest portion of genetically engineered crops. When looking at a product label, if any of the following ingredients are listed there’s a good chance it has come from GM corn or soy (unless it’s listed as organic.



Due to cross contamination, wheat may be present. Read food label carefully to ensure it is Gluten Free.

Unlike other legumes, the soybean is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and desirable oil. Because they're inexpensive and nutrition-packed, soybeans are used to produce a wide variety of products

Although soyfoods are widely recognized for their nutritional qualities, interest in soyfoods has risen recently because scientists have discovered that a soy component called isoflavones appears to reduce the risk of cancer. More research needs to be done to determine exactly how isoflavones work, but it appears that as little as one serving of soyfoods a day may be enough to obtain the benefits of this anticancer phytochemical.



Although soyfoods are widely recognized for their nutritional qualities, interest in soyfoods has risen recently because scientists have discovered that a soy component called isoflavones appears to reduce the risk of cancer. More research needs to be done to determine exactly how isoflavones work, but it appears that as little as one serving of soyfoods a day may be enough to obtain the benefits of this anticancer phytochemical.



Traditional soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and soy milk are very high in protein. Tempeh has the highest percentage of protein of the traditional soy products providing approximately 22 grams of protein for each 4 ounce (113 gram) serving. Tofu provides approximately 9 grams of protein for a similar small serving size. The Recommended Dietary Allowance of protein for adult males (aged 25-50) is appoximately 63 grams and 50 grams for adult females (aged 25-50). Soy products can provide a significant portion of one's daily protein needs.



It is important to keep in mind, however, that the balance of amino acids (protein building blocks) in soy is not the same as meat. Because soy foods does not have an ideal balance of amino acids, some experts recommend taking in a little extra soy foods and/or combining soy products or legumes with a whole grain dish at meals where other protein (e.g., eggs, fish) is not eaten. The amino acids in whole grains combine well with amino acids in soy and legumes to make a more ideal balance of amino acids. If a person's diet is reasonably-balanced, however, there is usually no need to be concerned about getting enough protein.





Vegetarians and health enthusiasts have known for years that foods rich in soy protein offer a good alternative to meat, poultry, and other animal-based products. As consumers have pursued healthier lifestyles in recent years, consumption of soy foods has risen steadily, bolstered by scientific studies showing health benefits from these products. Last October, the Food and Drug Administration gave food manufacturers permission to put labels on products high in soy protein indicating that these foods may help lower heart disease risk.



As with health claims for oat bran and other foods before it, this health claim provides consumers with solid scientific information about the benefits of soy protein and helps them make informed choices to create a "heart healthy" diet. Health claims encourage food manufacturers to make more healthful products. With soy, food manufacturers have responded with a cornucopia of soy-based wares.

No sooner had FDA proposed the health claim regulation, however, than concerns arose about certain components in soy products, particularly isoflavones. Resulting questions have engulfed the regulation in controversy.



This came as no surprise to Elizabeth A. Yetley, Ph.D., lead scientist for nutrition at FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition . "Every dietary health claim that has ever been published has had controversy," she says, "even the relationship of saturated fat to a healthy diet."



While the controversy may seem confusing to the consumer giving it casual consideration, a careful review of the science behind the rule reveals a strict divide between what FDA allows as a health claim based on solid scientific research and related issues that go well beyond the approved statements about health benefits of soy protein.

Source:http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/300_soy.html

By removing free fatty acids and phospholipids from crude corn oil, the oil refining process gives corn oil one of the qualities consumers value most: its excellent frying quality and resistance to smoking or discoloration. It also has a pleasant taste, resists developing off-flavors and offers high levels of polyunsaturated, instead of saturated fats.



Studies using typical American foods have found that no vegetable oil is more effective than corn oil in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

At the core of the starchy substance and toward the pointy end of the kernel is the germ. The germ contains a small amount of oil. If you cut a popcorn kernel in half, you can see the husk, starch and germ. If you cut out the tiny piece of germ and squeeze the germ, you will see the oil.

the oil is odorless, has no taste, and has a high smoking-point, which makes it a good choice for frying. It is used in salad dressing, mayonnaise and some margarine.



Corn oil contains very little cholesterol. It has a fatty acid content is 13% saturated, 62% polyunsaturated, and 25% monounsaturated.

High oleic safflower oil is used for its high resistance to oxidation and heat degradation enabling many culinary applications including high temperature frying. High oleic safflower oils inherently low saturated fatty acid content (7%) allows nutritional advantages to a food product far superior to other fats and oils in similar stability

The search for the near perfect cooking and salad oil resulted in sunflower seeds that are so enhanced that they are actually patented. High Oleic Sunflower Oil is produced from these selectively bred sunflower seeds which took tens of millions of dollars and more than a decade to develop. After years of selective breeding, the sunflower seeds were improved to produce an oil with a high level of monosaturates (80%), (even higher than Olive Oil) and a refined bouquet! Unlike ordinary oils, which contain relatively high levels of undesireable polyunsaturates, High Oleic Sunflower Oil is a high monosaturated oil with low levels of both saturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Traditional (polyunsaturated) linoleic acid sunflower oil has been a popular vegetable oil for many years and currently ranks fourth in world production among all vegetable oils. Major areas producing oil-type sunflower include Australia, Argentina, India, South Africa, Turkey, most of southern and eastern Europe, The Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet Union) and The United States of America. The success of the crop is a statement of the plant's adaptability to different soil profiles and climates, as well as its ability to survive on relatively modest water supplies.

Mortierella alpina oil (ARA) is a source of arachidonic acid.



DHA and ARA are fats that are naturally found in breastmilk. In the body, you can find high amounts of these fats in the brain and eyes.

Many scientists believe that ARA and DHA(docosahexaenoic acid)are most important for infants when the eyes and brain are rapidly growing and developing (in the last trimester of pregnancy to around 18 months of life). DHA and ARA are fats that are naturally found in breastmilk. In the body, you can find high amounts of these fats in the brain and eyes.

The oil that provides the ARA is made by fungi (Mortierella alpina). These are the same fungi and microalgae that are commonly eaten by fish and animals.

Crypthecodinium cohnii, a marine alga used for the commercial production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), was cultivated in medium containing sodium acetate as principal carbon source; the pH was maintained at a constant value by addition of acetic acid, which also provided an additional carbon source in a controlled manner. The accumulation of lipid by C. cohnii in this pH-auxostat culture was significantly greater than previously reported for batch cultures using glucose as principal carbon source. Of six strains tested in pH-auxostat cultures, C. cohnii ATCC 30772 was the best, with the cells reaching 20 to 30 g dry weight per liter after 98 to 144 h and containing in excess of 40% (w/w) total lipid, with DHA representing approximately half of the total fatty acids in the triacylglycerol fraction. A productivity of 36 mg DHA L[-][1] h[-][1] was achieved during cultivation for 98 h using a 5% (vol/vol) inoculum, and DHA production was in excess of 3 g per liter of culture. Most of the DHA was present in neutral lipids.



Source:http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=13389637

Vitamin A is very important for maintaining good vision. In fact, the first sign of a vitamin A deficiency is often night blindness. Vitamin A also contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes that line the nose, sinuses, and mouth. Research has shown that this nutrient is necessary for proper immune system function, growth, bone formation, reproduction, and wound healing. Animal studies also suggest that it provides some protection from toxic chemicals such as dioxins. (Dioxins are released into the air from combustion processes such as commercial waste incineration and burning fuels like wood, coal or oil. These chemicals can also be found in cigarette smoke.)

Calciferol, Calcipotriol, Cholecalciferol, Irradiated Erogcalciferol



A vitamin produced by the body when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from dietary sources. Vitamin D3 is a hormone that has an important role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and for the assimilation of Vitamin A. It may also has a strong immune enhancing effect. Technically, vitamin D3 is not a vitamin because the body can produce it



Deficiency: People need vitamin D3 to treat menopausal systems, to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and as replacement therapy in other conditions of inadequate estrogen production.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the function of all the organs in your body and is particularly important for growth and development. Acetate is a retinol form of vitamin A commonly used in supplements (this is a synthetic form of vitamin A). Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and vision, health of epithelial cells, growth, a healthy reproductive system, protection against infection, bone development and brain development. It is also important for the maintenance of the proper functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables as well as fermented foods. Vitamin K 1, found naturally is called phylloquonone, and vitamin K2, found naturally is called menaquinone 7, which can be synthesized by bacteria in the gut and absorbed in the intestines. Man-made forms of K1 and K2 are phytoandione and menatetranone (menaquinone 4) respectively. Vitamin K seems to play a unique role in maintaining arterial health and promoting healthy bones.

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and helps in the metabolism of proteins and fats. Vitamin B1 deficiency affects the functioning of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and peripheral nervous systems. Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (often seen in alcoholics) are the primary diseases related to thiamine deficiency. General symptoms of beriberi include loss of appetite and overall lassitude, digestive irregularities, and a feeling of numbness and weakness in the limbs and extremities.

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is required to complete several reactions in the energy cycle. Reddening of the lips with cracks at the corners of the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, and a greasy, scaly inflammation of the skin are common symptoms of deficiency.Riboflavin (B2)- Classic riboflavin deficiency involves the lips, tongue, eyes, skin and nervous system. Vision changes, cheliosis (tiny lesions in the mouth or cracks in the corners of the mouth) tongue inflammation and discomfort eating or swallowing.



Riboflavin?s role in the body involves the metabolism of fats and proteins. Enzymes influenced by riboflavin are absolutely necessary to transport oxygen to the cells. A decrease in this vitamin can result in fatigue. New research indicates that migraine headache sufferers may benefit by riboflavin. 400mgs.day have been shown to lessen the incidence of migraines.



Required for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration and growth. Important for good muscle tone. Involved in metabolism of protein, protein fats, and carbohydrates. Necessary for good vision, skin, hair and nails.

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. The B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce energy. These vitamins, often referred to as the B complex, are also essential in the metabolism of fats and protein. B complex vitamins also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.



Vitamins B12, B6, and B9 (folic acid) work closely together to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Elevated levels of this substance appear to be linked to heart disease. Plus, vitamin B6 is essential for normal brain development and function, participating in the process of making important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.



Pyridoxine is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve and muscle cells and it aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. It is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B12 and for the production of red blood cells and cells of the immune system. Pyridoxine has also been called the "woman's vitamin" because it may help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is important to good health. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells . Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Good sources include meat, particularly liver, salmon, cod, milk, cheese, eggs, yeast extract, and some fortified breakfast cereals.

Nicotinamide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions which may be of benefit in patients with inflammatory skin conditions.[4] These conditions include acne vulgaris, and the compound can suppress antigen induced-lymphocytic transformation and inhibit of 3'-5' cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Nicotinamide has demonstrated the ability to block the inflammatory actions of iodides known to precipitate or exacerbate inflammatory acne.



Nicomide (take note the naming similarity), is an acne medication, and in its vitamin supplement form, the most predominant ingredient is 750 mg of nicotinamide, based on this area of research. Alternatively it is used topically as a 4% or 5% gel or cream - as effective as topical 1% clindamycin (8-week double-blind trial ) performed at the New York University College of Medicine.



Animal studies show that nicotinamide has anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) properties. It may work in a way similar to benzodiazepines.[5]



Nicotinamide lacks the vasodilator, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and hypolipemic actions of nicotinic acid. As such, nicotinamide has not been shown to produce the flushing, itching and burning sensations of the skin as is commonly seen when large doses of nicotinic acid are administered orally. However, nicotinamide can produce liver toxicity at doses above 3 grams per day.[6] In overall, it rarely causes side effects, and is considered generally safe as a food additive, and as a component in cosmetics and medication.[7]



Nicotinamide is produced by the aqueous ammonolysis of 3-cyanopyridine (nicotinonitrile) and subsequent crystallisation.



Nicotinamide is an inhibitor of sirtuins and has been reported to restore cognition in Alzheimer's Disease transgenic mice.[8]



Nicotinamide has been reported to increase the endurance of mice.[9]



Nicotinamide, or Vitamin B3, prevents immunosuppression caused by UVA and UVB radiation, and could be added to sunscreen.[10]



Nicotinamide has been reported to be an effective skin whitener in topical application

Folic acid (also known as Vitamin B9[1] or Folacin) and Folate (the naturally occurring form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 (Folic acid and Folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions ranging from nucleotide synthesis to the remethylation of homocysteine. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth. Both children and adults require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.[2] Folate and Folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium (leaf).



Leafy vegetables such as spinach,asparagus, turnip greens, lettuces, dried/fresh beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain other fruits and vegetables are rich sources of folate. Liver and liver products also contain high amounts of folate, as does baker's yeast. Some breakfast cereals (ready-to-eat and others) are fortified with 25% to 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folic acid. A table of selected food sources of folate and folic acid can be found at the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.[3] Folic acid is added to grain products in many countries, and in these countries fortified products make up a significant source of folate [4]. Because of the difference in bioavailability between supplemented folic acid and the different forms of folate found in food, the dietary folate equivalent (DFE) system was established. 1 DFE is defined as 1 µg of dietary folate, or 0.6 µg of folic acid supplement. This is reduced to 0.5 µg of folic acid if the supplement is taken on an empty stomach

Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5 (a B vitamin), is a water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life (essential nutrient). Pantothenic acid is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In chemical structure, it is the amide between D-pantoate and beta-alanine. Its name is derived from the Greek pantothen (pa?t??e?) meaning "from everywhere" and small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in nearly every food, with high amounts in whole-grain cereals, legumes, eggs, meat, and royal jelly. It is commonly found as its alcohol analog, the provitamin panthenol, and as calcium pantothenate.

a colorless crystalline growth vitamin of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk; no side effects are known.



One of the B-vitamins that functions as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The biotin co-enzyme also serves in crucial roles in the breakdown of amino acids. Deficiency of the vitamin can result in hair loss and dermatitis, thus it is found as a popular ingredient in hair care products.

The scientific name for vitamin C, ascorbic acid helps maintain the red color of cured meat and prevents the formation of nitrosamines, which promote cancer (see SODIUM NITRITE). It helps prevent loss of color and flavor by reacting with unwanted oxygen. It is used as a nutrient additive in drinks and breakfast cereals. Sodium ascorbate is a more soluble form of ascorbic acid. ERYTHORBIC ACID is very similar to ascorbic acid, but has no value as a vitamin. Large amounts of ascorbic acid may reduce the severity of colds and offer other health benefits.

It is one the vitamins in vitamin B group, and is an important composition of lecithinum, acethlcholine and neurophospholipid in biological tissues



Choline chloride is a member of the B-complex group of water-soluble vitamins (vitamin B-4). It is used as an animal feed additive, especially for poultry and swine, to increase growth, reduce mortality rate, increase feed efficiency, increase egg production, and improve meat quality. It is not a substitute for any other feed supplement and has no direct substitutes itself.



Choline plays many roles in the body. The three major metabolic functions of choline are as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, as a precursor for acetylcholine biosynthesis and as a methyl donor. In addition to serving as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine, choline is the precursor of the phospholipid sphingomyelin. Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are structural components of biological membranes. These phospholipids also serve as precursors for the intracellular messengers ceramide and diacylglycerol. Choline is also the precursor of the signaling lipids, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and sphingosylphosphoryl-choline.



Increased choline intake has recently been recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences for pregnant and nursing women to help ensure normal fetal brain development. And, like phosphatidylcholine (see Phosphatidylcholine), choline may be helpful in some liver diseases, manic conditions, cognitive disorders, tardive dyskinesia and, possibly, some cancers.



Source: http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/cho_0283.shtml

Inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin and functions closely with a B complex vitamin, Choline. Since it is not essential in the human diet, it cannot be considered a vitamin. Inositol is a fundamental ingredient of cell membranes and is necessary for proper function of nerves, brain, and muscles in the body. Inositol works in conjunction with folacin, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, choline, betaine, and methionine to prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver. It exists as the fiber component phytic acid, which has been investigated for its anti-cancer properties.

One of the better calcium supplements, Calcium Citrate is 2.5 times more bioavailable (easier for your body to use) than calcium carbonate.

calcium phosphate (dibasic) is used as dietary supplement in doses of 1g orally

The correct balance of calcium and phosphorous is essential for ensuring correct growth and development of the skeletal system.

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.



Magnesium oxide is used as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the body.



Before taking magnesium oxide, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium oxide may not be recommended in some situations.

or iron, iron sulfate, Used in the food industry as a carrier for iron.



Iron in the body works with proteins that release energy in metabolism such as hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood stream. Also involved in the making of ammino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

Iron can be found in meats, poultry, and fish and many fortified foods. Fruits, vegetables and juices also provide some iron.

Iron deficiency symptoms include; anemia, inability to concentrate, weakness, fatigue, pallor, being out of breath after small exertion, cold hands and feet. Some people may develop a smooth round tongue, and have difficulty swallowing.



Symptoms of overload include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shock and even death.



***Parents should be warned that iron supplements and multivitamins containing iron are the second most common cause of poisoning in young children in the U.S. (Aspirin is the first) The lethal dose of ferrous sulfate for a 2-year-old is only 3g.***



Source: Harvard Medical School - Health Publications Group, Vitamins and Minerals

This is a mineral used to treat or prevent low levels of zinc. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Though there is no prof, people have claimed it has helped with hair loss.



Zinc is a essential element for humans; naturally occurs in meat (especially liver), fish (especially shellfish), lentils, green leafy vegetables, whole cereals (including wheat germ), brewer's yeast, cheese, milk, nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds; toxic doses of zinc cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, stomach irritation, depressed immune function and anemia; excessive zinc doses may decrease the level of HDL ("good") cholesterol and increase the risk for heart disease.

Manganese supplements are used to prevent or treat manganese deficiency. For patients who are unable to get enough manganese in their regular diet or who have a need for more manganese

Sodium iodide is a white, crystalline salt with chemical formula NaI used in radiation detection, treatment of iodine deficiency, and as a reactant in the Finkelstein reaction.



Sodium iodide is commonly used to treat and prevent iodine deficiency.



Sodium iodide is used in polymerase chain reactions, and also (as an acetone solution) in the Finkelstein reaction, for conversion of an alkyl chloride into an alkyl iodide. This relies on the insolubility of sodium chloride in acetone to drive the reaction.



R-Cl + NaI ? R-I + NaCl

Sodium iodide crystals doped with thallium, NaI(Tl), when subjected to ionizing radiation, emit photons (i.e., scintillate) and are used in scintillation detectors, traditionally in nuclear medicine, geophysics, nuclear physics, and environmental measurements. NaI(Tl) is the most widely used scintillation material and has the highest light output. The crystals are usually coupled with a photomultiplier tube, in a hermetically sealed assembly, as sodium iodide is hygroscopic. Fine-tuning of some parameters (i.e., radiation hardness, afterglow, transparency) can be achieved by varying the conditions of the crystal growth. Crystals with a higher level of doping are used in X-ray detectors with high spectrometric quality. Sodium iodide can be used both as single crystals and as polycrystals for this purpose.



The radioactive iodide salt of sodium, Na(I-131) is used to diagnose thyroid cancer.

Citric acid (Sodium Citrate) is versatile, widely used, cheap, and safe. It is an important metabolite in virtually all living organisms and is especially abundant naturally in citrus fruits and berries. It is used as a strong acid, a tart flavoring, and an antioxidant. Sodium citrate, also safe, is a buffer that controls the acidity of gelatin desserts, jam, ice cream, candy, and other foods.

Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.



Potassium is important in controlling the activity of your heart, muscles, nervous system, and just about every living cell in your body. Potassium helps activate enzymes for the use of amino acids, and is involved in bone calcification, the conversion of blood sugar into the stored glycogen for energy reserves, muscle contraction & coordination. It plays a role in maintaining the water balance & integrity of your cells. It is important to nerve transmission. It is involved in the transport of choline for acetylcholine synthesis in your brain. Protein & carbohydrate metabolism, glucose breakdown, & glycogen (stored glucose) are all potassium dependent. It is yet to be completely understood its function on the thyroid gland.

Naturaly found in: kelp, fresh & dried fruits and vegetables, rice, wheat bran, potatoes, bananas, orange juice, apricots, nuts, seeds, grains, mushrooms, molasses, and some seafood.

A white or colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, used chiefly in the manufacture of mineral water, and as a source of other potassium compounds

Potassium hydroxide is the inorganic compound with the formula KOH. Along with sodium hydroxide, this colourless solid is a prototypical "strong base". It has many industrial and niche applications. Most applications exploit its reactivity toward acids and its corrosive nature. In 2005, an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 tons were produced. Approximately 100 times more NaOH than KOH is produced annually.[1][2][3] KOH is noteworthy as the precursor to most soft and liquid soaps as well as numerous potassium-containing chemicals.

Sodium Selenite - Selenious acid & disodium salt. It is widely used to supply the trace element selenium.



Selenium is a component of an enzyme with antioxidant properties. Like vitamin E, it prevents oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. May free vitamin E for other tasks.

Found in Meats, Seafoods, Kidney, and Liver. Cereals and grains can also be good sources, but the level varies depending on the amount of selenium in the soil they were grown in.



Source: Harvard Medical School - Health Publications Group, Vitamins and Minerals

Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that occurs naturally in foods and can also be manufactured by the body from the amino acid methionine. In the production of cysteine, methionine is converted to S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), which is then converted to homocysteine. Homocysteine then reacts with serine to form cysteine. Cysteine is also found in the body and in food as cystine, an amino acid that contains two cysteines joined together.



How it Functions

What is the function of cysteine?

Promoting Antioxidant Activity

As a key constituent of glutathione, cysteine has many important physiological functions. Glutathione, formed from cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, is found in all human tissues, with the highest concentrations found in the liver and eyes. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant, protecting fatty tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals. The antioxidant activity of glutathione is attributed specifically to the presence of cysteine in the compound.



Source:http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=54

We can absorb L-tryptophan though our digestive system. Since nearly everything we eat comes from forms of life, nearly everything we eat contains at least a trace of L-tryptophan. Some things we consume do contain larger amounts of L-tryptophan than others. The best sources of L-tryptophan from food are meats (especially turkey and chicken), dairy products (especially cottage cheese and milk), brown rice, peanuts, almonds, soy products (soy contains 5 times as much as oats) and green leafy vegetables. According to some information I've seen from several sources, humans can't produce L-tryptophan - we have to consume it. That is why it is sometimes called an "essential" amino acid. Apparently, since L-tryptophan has been widely available to us, our human bodies have evolved to just rely on getting it from our environment rather than forming it inside our bodies. This is not unsual. It is the same situation for humans with vitamin C. It is the same way for cats with taurine.

nonessential amino acid; produced by synthesis of the amino acids methionine and cysteine in the liver, vitamin B6 helps the process; diabetic and hypoglycemic patients should use taurine under medical supervision as it may have an effect on insulin activity, excessive consumption of taurine may result in diarrhea and peptic ulcer formation

L-Carnitine is not an amino acid in the strict sense (it is not used as a neurotransmitter or in protein synthesis), however L-Carnitine bears many resemblances to amino acids and is usually grouped under this heading. L-Carnitine (the "L" refers to its chemical polarity) is used by the body to transport long chain fatty acids to the mitochondria in your cells, where they are burned for energy. Since this fat burning is such a major source of muscular energy, deficiencies in L-Carnitine are manifested as low energy levels and muscular weakness. L-Carnitine deficiencies can also appear as mental confusion or cloudiness, angina (heart pain) and weight gain.

L-Carnitine can be manufactured in the body provided the requisite vitamins and minerals are also present. These vitamins and minerals are B1, B6, C, and iron. The amino acids lysine and methionine are also needed for L-Carnitine synthesis. L-Carnitine is also present in meats and other animal foods, so if you are a vegetarian or vegan you may want to consider supplementing with L-Carnitine. This would be especially important if you are an athlete, since you are using lots of L-Carnitine during periods of exertion