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What is sodium? A silvery-white mineral, sodium is one of the most abundant elements in nature. It is usually seen in combination with one or more elements and is chemically very active. About half of the sodium found in the body is in the soft tissues. Why do we need…

What is spirulina? Why do we need it? Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, of which there are several species. The most popular are spirulina maxima (which is cultivated in Mexico) and spirulina platensis (which is cultivated in California). It grows best in warm climates and areas with warm,…

What are spleen extracts? What are they used for? Spleen extracts are substances derived, oddly enough, from the spleens of bovine animals such as cows and sheep. In humans, the spleen lies on the left side of the body, just above the abdomen, and is protected by the lower ribs.…

What is St. John's wort? Why do we need it? Also known as klamath weed, St. John's wort is a small, flowering plant found in Europe and the United States, particularly northern California and southern Oregon. The typical St. John's wort has small, oval-shaped green leaves and bright yellow flowers.…

What is strontium? Why do we need it? Strontium is a silvery, metallic element that is found throughout nature, usually in soft soils. It is extremely chemically reactive, and turns yellow when exposed to air. In addition to its uses in the human body, strontium is employed in a variety…

What is sulforaphane? Why do we need it? Sulforaphane is a compound that was discovered quite by accident by a group of scientists in the United States in the mid-1990s. At the time, scientists were researching the anticancer compounds in broccoli, when they discovered that broccoli sprouts contain between 30…

What is sulfur? The mineral sulfur plays a vital role in the body. As an individual element, it makes up an important part of the proteins responsible for the formation of hair, muscles and skin. It is also a component of bones, teeth and collagen. It is also an important…

What is taurine? Why do we need it? Taurine is a non-essential amino acid produced by the body through the synthesis of two other amino acids (methionine and cysteine). It is an important component of bile acids, which are used to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. It also regulates heartbeat;…

What is tea tree oil? Why do we need it? Tea tree oil is a type of aromatic oil that comes from melaleuca alternifolia , a species of tree that grows only in Australia. The oil gets its name from an incident in the 18th century, in which a group…

What is tyrosine? What do we need it? Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, another amino acid. It plays a role in the structure of nearly every protein in the body, and is a precursor of several other substances, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.…

What is usnic acid? Why do we need it? Usnic acid is a type of chemical extracted from usnea, a type of lichen also known as old man's beard, because of its resemblance to human facial hair. When extracted from the plant, it is yellow and crystalline in appearance. Mixed…

What is valine? What do we need it? Valine is an essential amino acid. It belongs to a special group of amino acids called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are needed to help maintain and repair muscle tissue. Valine also helps prevent muscle proteins from breaking down during exercise. While…

What is vanadium? What do we need it? Vanadium is a trace element that is absorbed in the intestines and stored in the liver and bones. It helps to normalize blood sugar imbalances and increases the metabolism and conversion of glucose into lipids. Although it has yet to be recognized…

What is vinpocetine? Vinpocetine is an alkaloid derived from an extract of a plant known as the lesser periwinkle, a type of shrub native to Europe. Although it has been sold throughout Europe for years, vinpocetine has only recently been made available in the United States. In Europe, vinpocetine is…

Why do we need vitamin A? Vitamin A is part of a group of compounds known as retinoids. Vitamin A promotes good eyesight and helps keep the skin and mucous membranes resistant to infection. Vitamin A also enhances immunity, enabling the body to defend against colds, influenza, many infections, and…

What is vitamin B1? Also known as thiamin, vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin. Since it is not stored in body fat, after the body uses what it needs, any excess vitamin B1 is excreted in the urine. Why do we need it? Like most of the B vitamins, thiamin…

What is vitamin B2? Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin. Since it is not stored in body fat, after the body uses what it needs, any excess vitamin B2 is excreted in urine or sweat. Why do we need it? Vitamin B2 works with the other…

What is vitamin B6? Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin absorbed by the intestines and carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. Since it is not stored in body fat, after the body uses what it needs, any excess vitamin B6 is excreted in urine or…

What is vitamin B12? Discovered in 1948, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin absorbed in the intestines and carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. Since it is not stored in body fat, after the body uses what it needs, any excess B12 is excreted via urine or sweat. Why…

Why do we need vitamin C? Vitamin C is one of several antioxidants shown to play a key role in the prevention of many types of cancers. Vitamin C maintains collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of skin, ligaments and bones. It also enhances the immune system, helps heal…