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Water is the most abundant nutrient in our body and plays an important transmission function in every body cell and tissue. Sixty percent of our body weight is water. The fact that you can live without food for a long period of time, even months, but live only for a few days without water is true. Under normal conditions, the body releases about one quart of water daily. Therefore, replacement to equal the losses is very important for survival.

Dehydration is the most common problem of water imbalance due to water losses and deprivation. The effects of dehydration on nutrition can adversely affect ones health. Dehydration is the major cause of ones diminished ability to perform during endurance activities. Body water is lost through the stomach, respiration, sweat, and the kidneys. It is recomended that 24oz of water a day should be taken. This amount can double or even triple with endurance type exercise.



A note about water: More and more evidence shows the benifit of being well hydrated.

Studies show that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated (likely applies to half the world's population), leading to possible health problems such as fatigue. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger, leading to over-eating. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.



Bottled Water: Some types of bottled water are not subject to the same regulations as tap water. These are regulated as food products, and their regulations are largely related to sanitary food handling and processing practices. Bottled water manufacturers will provide a detailed report on the quality of their product to consumers who call to request it.

Corn Syrup High Fructose

Corn syrup is glucose produced from corn starch in a process called wet milling. Wet milling isolates the components of the corn through chemical or biochemical separation. The sugars are further separated by the use of enzymes. Since fructose is sweeter but not naturally found in corn, scientists have ways to convert the glucose into fructose. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), also known as corn sugar, is a combination of glucose and fructose. Depending on the level of sweetness, the glucose to fructose ratio is adjusted. For example HFCS 55 is 55% fructose and is usually used in soft drinks. HFCS 42 is 42% fructose and used in foods that require only a little sweetening. The chemical composition of high fructose corn syrup is similar to that of sucrose, or table sugar. Still, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that under the formal definition of “natural,” HFCS does not meet the requirements. The enzymes that are used to separate the sugars are synthetic, deeming HFCS unnatural. Also, there has been controversial evidence showing that the consumption of HFCS is associated with obesity.

Gutierrez, David. "FDA Says High Fructose Corn Syrup Cannot Be Considered "Natural"" Independent News on Natural Health, Nutrition and

More. 12 Jan. 2009. Web. 16 May 2011. .

Hofstrand, Don. "Specialty Grain Terms A3-50 December 2006." Iowa State University Extension. Dec. 2006. Web. 16 May 2011.

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Wilson, J. Justin. "Op-Ed." Center for Consumer Freedom. 15 June 2009. Web. 16 May 2011.

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A colorless, crystalline organic compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids, present in practically all plants and in many animal tissues and fluids. It is one of a series of compounds involved in the physiological oxidation of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to carbon dioxide and water.



First isolated from lemon juice by a Swedish chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele, in 1784, citric acid is manufactured by fermentation of cane sugar or molasses in the presence of a fungus, Aspergillus niger. It is used in confections and soft drinks (as a flavoring agent), in metal-cleaning compositions, and in improving the stability of foods and other organic substances (by suppressing the deleterious action of dissolved metal salts)."



Citrus fruits are notable for their fragrance, and most are juice-laden. They contain a high proportion of citric acid giving them their characteristic astringent odour and flavour. They are also good sources of vitamin C. In botanical terms, "The fruit of all Citrus trees, in which the true fruit is the peel, [is] made up of an outer layer, brightly colored and rich in glands, a spongey whitish mesocarp, and a membraneous endocarp surrounding the segments. The succulent parts we eat is only a secondary tissue developed as a filler"



List of citrus fruits:

Amanatsu

Bergamot orange

Bitter orange (Seville Orange)

Calamondin (Calamansi)

Citron

Clementine

Golden Lime - hybrid between the genus Citrus and the genus Fortunella

Daidai

Dancy

Grapefruit

Ichang Lemon

Iyokan

Kaffir lime

Key lime

Kumquat - in the related genus Fortunella, not Citrus; forms hybrids with Citrus

Lemon

Lime

Limequat

Mandarin Lime

Mandarin Orange

Meyer Lemon

Mikan

Minneola

Natsumikan

Orange

Orangelo (Chironja)

Orangequat

Persian lime (Tahiti lime)

Pomelo (Pummelo, Shaddock)

Ponkan

Rangpur (Lemanderin)

Rough Lemon

Satsuma

Shekwasha (Taiwan Tangerine)

Sudachi

Sweetie

Tachibana Orange

Tangelo

Tangerine

Tangor

Ugli

Yuzu



Some brands of Citric Acid may be made from wheat, however this is very rare.

Salt is one of the most ubiquitous food ingredients around. Those who think of salt only as something used to perk up flavor might wonder what could possibly give this ingredient the level of importance it has gained through the ages. In reality, there is much more to this crystalline cube than first meets the eye.



Besides enhancing taste, salt has several other functions in food products. It acts as an antimicrobial or microbiological control agent. It contributes to certain chemical reactions that create a wide variety of food characteristics.



Sometimes the terms "salt" and "sodium" are used interchangeably, but technically this is not correct. "Salt" is sodium chloride. By weight, it is 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride.

Most foods and tap water contain sodium and chloride. Sodium is an essential nutrient, a mineral that the body cannot manufacture itself.

Because of sodium's importance to your body, the excretory and nervous systems guard against under-consumption of salt, which is a threat to your body's nerves and muscles. Other ions such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are also very important. Concentrations of these ions are held in narrow ranges by the kidney.



The association between eating salt and the risk of blood pressure increasing is difficult to quantify. Some people are sensitive to changes in salt intake whereas others can adjust so that blood pressure does not rise at all.



Americans typically consume 4,000-8,000 mg each day, well above their daily needs. A goal for moderation for all adults, (including pregnancy and lactation) is approximately 2,400 mg of sodium per day.

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.

Flavor(s) Natural & Artificial

A combination of both what is considered “natural” and “artificial” flavoring under the Federal Drug Administration(FDA) Regulations. Artificial flavoring “means any substance, the function of which is to impart flavor, which is not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof.” In other words, substances not found in nature to add flavor to a substance is considered artificial. See Artificial Flavor. Natural flavoring “means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.” See Natural Flavor.

Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 of the Us. Food and Drug Administration. Title 21. Volume 2. Revised 1 April 2010.

A source of phosphorus and potassium for seedbed fertilizers, specialty and household fertilizers, nutrient for 'bugs' in biological waste treatment

The laymans name for ascorbic acid, vitamin C 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.Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means you need it in your diet every day because it cant be stored in the body.

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.

Vitamin B3 is required for the proper function of more than 50 enzymes. Without it, your body would not be able to release energy or make fats from carbohydrates. Vitamin B3 is also used to make sex hormones and other important chemical signal molecules.



Vitamin B3 comes in two principal forms: niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide). When taken in low doses for nutritional purposes, these two forms of the vitamin are essentially identical. However, each has its own particular effects when taken in high doses. Additionally, a special form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate has shown some promise as a treatment with special properties of its own.

Vitamin B3



Also called Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, Niacinimide, Nicotinic.



Acts as a co-enzyme in the release of energy from carbohydrates. Also needed to help breakdown fats and proteins. Aids in formation of red blood cells.

Since the 1950's doctors have used nicotinic acid to treat high cholesterol. Niacin is the only drug available that both substantially lowers the "bad" lipids (LDL), and increases the "good"(HDL) cholesterol. The reason this vitamin is not in the forefront of cholesterol therapy is because many people treated with high doses of niacin experience bothersome side effects such as; facial flushing, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and much more serious, liver damage.



Milk, eggs, meats (especially liver), chicken, fish, and most other protein-rich foods contain a significant amout of niacin. Also in smaller amounts in coffee and tea.



Dificiency is very rare in modern countries. Symptoms include: Pellagra (diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia) Less severe symptoms of deficiency include irritability, loss of appetite, weekness and swollen tongue.

Approved in the United States in April 1998, sucralose (a synthetic chemical) can be used in soft drinks, baked goods, ice cream, sweetener packets, and other products. It previously had been used in Canada, Europe, and elsewhere. Sucralose is safer than saccharin and cyclamate and doesn’t raise the concerns that tests on acesulfame-K and aspartame have raised.

Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate



EDTA is an agent, which help to separate metallic ions. It remove metal impurities in food thus prevent rancidity. This safe chemical is used in preventing rancidity in salad dressing, margarine, sandwich spreads, mayonnaise, processed fruits and vegetables, canned shellfish, and soft drinks. Used to treat metal poisoning in people. Found to be harmfull in large doses because it limits mineral metabolism.





Ref:Ninth Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series, 1966 No. 40; Wld Hlth Org. techn. Rep. Ser., 1966, 339 1967

(http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/40abcj09.htm)

PANTOTHENIC ACID (vitamin B5) plays a still-undefined role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Pantothenic acid is an integral part of coenzyme A and plays the important role of decarboxylating pyruvate in the citric acid cycle. Clinically, pantothenic acid is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, steroid metabolism, neuron activity, and stimulation of antibody production.



Common sources of pantothenic acid are cheese, corn, eggs, liver, meats, peanuts, peas soybeans, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ.



Because of its wide occurance, pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare unless specifically engineered for the purposes of biochemical investigations.



Along with other B vitamins, pantothenic acid is required for converting food to energy, building red blood cells, making bile, and synthesizing fats, adrenal gland steroids, antibodies, acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters. Pantothenic acid in dexpanthenol lotions and creams relieves the pain of burns, cuts, and abrasions, reduces skin inflammations, and speeds wound healing.

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.

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation (antioxidant)in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues.



Found natural in Vegetable oil, Spinach, whole grains and sunflower seeds.



Deficiency Symptoms: Rare symptoms may include anemia & edema



Toxicity Symptoms: Generally non-toxic; nausea, dizziness & diarrhea can occur



Source: foodfacts

The term “vitamin E” refers to a family of eight related, lipid-soluble, antioxidant compounds widely distributed in plants. The tocopherol and tocotrienol subfamilies are each composed of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta vitamers having unique biological effects. Different ratios of these compounds are found in anatomically different parts of a plant. For example, the green parts of a plant contain mostly alpha-tocopherol and the seed germ and bran contain mostly tocotrienols. Along with other nutrients tocopherols and tocotrienols are concentrated in the bran layers of the rye grain, and are only present at low levels in the flour endosperm. Tocopherols are also present in algae, mint teas, and other food stuff.87-93



When this family of compounds was first discovered and determined to be essential for health, a standardized test for its activity was devised for which the members of the family were rated for their biological activity. In one test, alpha tocopherol scored highest and was rated 100% with all others having lower ratings. In accordance with this rating, alpha-tocopherol was deemed to be the essential compound and was called vitamin E. One International Unit (IU) of vitamin E activity is the activity under this rating of one mg of the plant-derived form of alpha-tocopherol.94



Since the original rating method was established, many additional important biological effects of these compounds have been discovered and many nutritional scientists now consider that rating method to be incomplete. For example, by the original rating, gamma-tocopherol was only 10% to 30% as strong as alpha-tocopherol, yet more recent studies have shown it to be essential for maintaining the health of cell membranes, especially if alpha-tocopherol is being supplemented. New studies continue to elucidate the unique benefits of individual members of the vitamin E family. For these and other reasons, the original definition of vitamin E has been enhanced to include all eight family members and the related compounds that convert to them in the body.94



Vitamin E compounds are usually produced and made available in esterified form as alpha-tocopheryl acetate or alpha-tocopheryl succinate. Neither of these forms has any antioxidant activity until converted to alpha-tocopherol in the body, but they are much more stable with respect to storage time and temperature than the unesterified forms. Moreover, while the acetate form is rapidly activated within the body, activation of the succinate form is slower. The succinate form appears to access and benefit areas of the tissues that are unavailable to the other forms. For this reason, there is a tendency to regard alpha-tocopherol succinate as a distinctly different and beneficial compound. Alpha-tocopherol succinate appears to have longer half-life in the body, and does not interfere with vitamin A or K absorption.95-98



Serious vitamin takers prefer cold-water dispersible dry powder vitamin E supplements in the form of alpha-tocopheryl succinate or acetate because the cold-water dispersible forms are efficiently absorbed even when taken on an empty stomach or with a low-fat meal. The non-cold water dispersible (oil) forms of vitamin E may be poorly absorbed unless taken with several grams of fats or oils.



Cold-water dispersible vitamin E is more efficiently absorbed than some other forms. Both “acetate” and “succinate” vitamin E can come from natural sources. The importance to the consumer is how well the vitamin E absorbs into the bloodstream. Cold-water dispersible vitamin E, whether in a succinate or acetate form, always comes in a white dry powder, while non-cold water dispersible natural and synthetic acetate forms of vitamin E are always in a thick brown oil.



Source: http://www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00063.html

Vitamin E



Found in almonds, apricot oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, hazelnuts, margarine, peanut oil, safflower nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, wheat germ, whole-wheat flour

Vitamin E is an antioxidant.Its action is enhanced by ascorbic acid and selenium. It protects polyunsaturated fats in the body from oxidation, maintains the integrity of vitamin A in the body and promotes normal clotting of blood. It's levels in the body are dependenent on proper levels of zinc.Promotes normal growth and development Prevents free radical damage in body Acts as anti-blood clotting agent Protects tissues against oxidation Promotes normal red blood cell formation Helps treat fibrocystic disease of the breasts Helps treat circulatory problems of lower extremities Helps in treatment of sickle-cell anemia Protects lungs from air pollution Helps prevent coronary-artery heart disease Improves stamina Heals burns and wounds Helps retard aging Lessens some types of hair loss Eases menopause Dimineshes liver spots Useful as an adjuct treatment for Bursitis Prevents diaper rash Decreases scarring Useful in treatment of anemia Helps heal acne.

Acesulfame Potassium

Also seen as Acesulfame K, Ace-K, Sunett, or Sweet One, Acesulfame Potassium is a sugar substitute that is 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener for foods. It is a low calorie food ingredient because our bodies do not metabolize it. Acesulfame K also is not consumed by bacteria so it does not contribute to tooth decay as sugar does. However, methylene chloride is used for the production of Acesulfame K, which also is used as a propellant, degreaser, and paint stripper. There are many side effects with consumption of Acesulfame K, including increased risk for cancer, triggering chronic respiratory disease, or abnormal cravings for sweets. The chemical remains stable when exposed to heat, basic, or acidic conditions. Since it is stable under high heat, manufacturers use Acesulfame K potassium to use in baking and extending shelf life. This artificial sweetener has a slight bitter aftertaste, but companies are using this with sodium ferulate to mask the bitterness. Other companies use Acesulfame K with other alternative sweeteners such as Aspartame or sucralose to control the use of it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the acceptable daily intake of 15mg/kg of body weight/day.

"Artificial Sweeteners Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Acesulfame K: What Are the Pros on

MedicineNet." Web. 17 May 2011. .

Denby, Amelia. "Acesulfame Potassium Dangers Medical Questions, Weight Loss, Pregnancy, Drugs,

Health Insurance." Health: Medical Questions, Weight Loss, Pregnancy, Drugs, Health Insurance. 14 Jan. 2011. Web. 17 May 2011. .

"What Is Acesulfame Potassium?" Tech-FAQ. Web. 17 May 2011.
faq.com/acesulfame-potassium.html>.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin This means you need it in your diet every day because it cant be stored in the body.that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine, It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a vitamin)

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Activated vitamin B-6 is extensively involved in the metabolism of amino acids. efficiently from pyridoxine in the liver. Ex cessive protein intake, alcohol or contraceptive use also indicates a greater need for vitamin B-6. It also plays a crucial role in the multiplication of cells.



Source: Vitamin & Mineral Safety 2nd edition - by John N. Hathcock PHD

Red 40

Red 40 is a dye commonly used as food coloring in today’s foods. The proper chemical name is actually

6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, but also

known as “azo” dye. By itself Red 40 has an orangish-red color and found in cherry and strawberry flavored foods. Orange foods are typically dyed with Yellow 6. See Yellow 6. All dyes are considered additives by the FDA through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) since it is not used for the purpose of consumption, but to improve the appearance of the product. For example, chocolate pudding would be slightly greener without the use of red dye. Not just limited to foods, Red 40 is also used for coloring in cosmetics and sold as powders or liquids.

"Electronic Code of Federal Regulations." GPO Home Page. Title 21. Part 74, 12 May 2011. Web. 16 May 2011. .

FD&C Red Dye #40 Information, Education and Discussion. Web. 16 May 2011. .

Blue 1

Commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF or E133, Blue 1 is found in beverages, dairy products, jellies, etc. as a food coloring. It can produce various shades of green according to the manufacture’s wishes in conjunction with Yellow 5. It was originally derived from coal tar, but now made from an oil base such as petroleum. All dyes are considered additives by the FDA through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) since it is not used for the purpose of consumption, but to improve the appearance of the product. The synthetic dye does not fade as easily as other natural sources of blue dye such as indigo and is more preferred by the manufacturer. The consumption of artificial dyes has been thought to increase hyperactivity in children. It has been banned in much of Europe, but is still considered legal according to the European Union and the United States.

"CSPI Urges FDA to Ban Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Behavior Problems ~ Newsroom ~ News from CSPI ~ Center for Science in the Public Interest." Center for Science in the Public Interest. Web. 16 May 2011. .

"Electronic Code of Federal Regulations." GPO Home Page. Title 21. Part 74, 12 May 2011. Web. 16 May 2011. .

"FD&C Blue No.1,Brilliant Blue FCF,FD&C Blue No.1 Dye,FD&C Blue No.1 Color." Food Additives, Natural Food Additives, Food Colors, Natural Food Colors. Web. 16 May 2011. .

"Where does blue food dye come from?: Scientific American." Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American. Web. 18

May 2011. .