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What is HMB? HMB is short for hydroxyl-beta-methylbultyrate. It is a derivative of leucine, an essential amino acid, and is also present in some foods. Research suggests that HMB plays a role in the synthesis of proteins, including the protein used to build new muscle tissue. A study published in…

What is hydroxycitric acid? Why do we need it? Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a chemical compound found in the garcinia cambogia, a small, pumpkin-shaped fruit native to Southeast Asia. The garcinia (also known as the Malabar tamarind) is often used as a condiment in curry dishes. Animal studies suggest that…

What is indole? Why do we need it? Indole (also known as indole-3-carbinol) is a chemical found in leafy green vegetables that belong to the cabbage family. It is a member of a group of chemicals called glucosinates, and is created whenever cruciferous vegetables are crushed or cooked. Indole is…

What is inosine? Inosine is a nucleoside, one of the basic substances of which cells are comprised. It is a precursor to adenosine, an important molecule that plays a role in energy production and metabolism. It is also a precursor to uric acid, a naturally occurring substance that is believed…

What is inositol? Why do we need it? Inositol is a simple carbohydrate required for the proper formation of cell membranes. In the body, it plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses; it also helps in the transporting of fats within the body. Preliminary studies have shown…

What is iodine? Iodine is a trace mineral and essential nutrient. In its natural state, it is grayish-black in color and lustrous in appearance. It is commonly found in sea water; many soils located near coastal areas are also rich in iodine. Why do we need it? Iodine plays a…

What is ipriflavone? Why do we need it? Ipriflavone is a type of flavonoid (a water-soluble plant pigment) that is derived from daidzein, a compound found in soy. Research has shown that it is a vital element that not only helps the body absorb calcium into the bones, but helps…

What is iron? Iron is an important trace mineral found in every cell of the body, usually in combination with protein. Depending on the level of iron in the body, it can act either as an antioxidant, or it can stimulate the formation of free radicals. Why do we need…

What is isoleucine? What do we need it? Isoleucine 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. Isoleucine also helps prevent muscle proteins from breaking down during exercise. While…

What is lactase? Why do we need it? Lactase is a naturally occurring enzyme located in the small intestines. Its function is to digest lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk. People who do not produce enough lactase have an impaired ability to digest milk and may be diagnosed as…

What is lecithin? Why do we need it? Lecithin is a substance that belongs to a category of fat-soluble substances called phospholipids, which are essential parts of cellular membranes. Lecithin is produced by the liver, and is needed by the body to not only create cell membranes, but to transport…

What is leucine? What do we need it? Leucine 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. Leucine also helps prevent muscle proteins from breaking down during exercise. While…

What is lipase? Why do we need it? Lipase is one of three categories of enzymes manufactured by the pancreas. In addition to pancreatic lipase, there is also gastric lipase (produced by the stomach), pharyngeal lipase (produced by the salivary glands) and hepatic lipase (produced by the liver). Each lipase…

What is lutein? Why do we need it? Lutein is a yellow-colored pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family. In humans, it is found in the eyes, in the central area of the retina called the macula, where a person’s visual perception is most acute. Lutein reduces age-related macular degeneration…

What is lycopene? Why do we need it? Lycopene is a substance belonging to the carotenid family. Carotenes are a brightly colored group of fat-soluble plant pigments that exhibit antioxidant properties, which help fight cellular damage in humans. Lycopene is red, which helps give tomatoes their distinctive color. Several studies…

What is lysine? Why do we need it? Lysine is an essential amino acid. It is different from other amino acids in that it contains two amino groups, which can react with other substances to create chemical compounds. Although the body does manufacture some lysine, it doesn’t produce an adequate…

What is magnesium? An essential trace element, magnesium is found in every cell in the body. It is silver-white in color and metallic in nature. Why do we need it? Magnesium is responsible for a variety of bodily functions. It is needed for bone, protein and fatty acid formation; the…

What is malic acid? Why do we need it? Malic acid is a naturally forming type of acid, which is produced both in the human body and in some foods. It plays an important role in the way the body produces adenosine triphosphate, a vital source of energy. Malic acid…

What is manganese? Manganese is a trace element and essential mineral. In its natural state, it is grayish-white in color and resembles iron, but it is not magnetic. It is absorbed in the small intestine and is stored in small amounts in the bones, pituitary gland, pancreas and liver. Why…

What is mannose? Mannose is a simple sugar which is structurally related to glucose. It is absorbed by the body much more slowly than glucose, however; when ingested, it is not converted to glycogen or stored in the liver, but rather proceeds directly into the bloodstream as a source of…