Health Supplement

By Ian Sani.

It’s a fast and hectic life outside and we need lots of energy and stamina to keep up with the flow of time and to be ready for the number of tasks assigned to us. We are so busy that we never pay proper attention towards the kind of food we eat and guess what we don’t even realize that most of the time we survive on the junk food that provides us no nutrition at all. Hence, we see more people switching to dietary supplements in order to provide their body all kinds of nutrients and vitamins that they missed out on.

These health dietary supplements are specially designed to provide us all the essential nutrients and vitamins that we require in our day-to-day life activities and keep us healthy and fit. Dietary supplements are available in the form of capsules, pills, powders and liquids which makes it easier for us to consume it without wasting much of our time. However, it is recommended that one should not consume dietary health supplements without consulting the doctor as overdose of such supplements can lead to certain health issues.

Some of the top dietary health supplements are multivitamins as they are packed with a bunch of vitamins that help us in our daily activities and keeps away health problems like fatigue and tiredness. Next on the list of diet supplements are meal replacements. Products like Ensure are considered as the best meal replacement supplements as they are designed for weight management and acts like a substitute to your current meal. It also helps in keeping a check on excess calories. Sports Nutrition supplements are also very popular as you will find thousands of brands developing capsules, powders and liquid sports nutrition supplements that would help us keep active and energetic all day.

When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health-conscious individuals tend to run for cover. What they fail to realize is that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of intake of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial – to their health.

The Truth about Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without them, we take one step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.

Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.

As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).

The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other Benefits of Fish Oil
There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.

Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.

In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.

Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.

Fish oil products

Coromega Omega-3 Supplement, Orange Flavor, Squeeze Packets, 90-Count Box

Coromega 2006, Health and Beauty, $15.95

Coromega Healthy Heart, Omega-3 and Coenzyme Q10 Supplement, 30-Count Squeeze Packets

Coromega 2008, Health and Beauty, $21.99

Three of the most important amino acids in the body are leucine, isoleucine and valine, collectively known as branched-chained amino acids (BCAAs). They are most important in maintaining muscle tissues, preserving muscle glycogen stores and preventing muscle breakdown during strenuous exercise. Many people have taken BCAA supplements to enhance physical training effects and improve performance during exercise.

BCAA’s inhibit protein breakdown under this condition. BCAAs are of particular interest to bodybuilders because unlike other amino acids, which are broken down in the liver, they are metabolized in the muscles. Here, they can be used to produce energy or construct new proteins. BCAA supplementation decreases nitrogen losses when compared with non-essential amino acids.

BCAA supplementation is combatting immunosuppression caused by prolonged exercise. Supplementation of BCAA’s to competing triathletes and runners increases plasma glutamine concentratiom which can decrease the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in endurance athletes.

Source:
http://www.ironmagazine.com/review40.html
http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/amino-acid-side-effects.html

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. It is available in three chemical forms, including L-phenylalanine (the natural form of phenylalanine found in proteins throughout the body), D-phenylalanine (a mirror image of L-phenylalanine that is synthesized in a laboratory), and DL-phenylalanine, a combination of the previous two forms.

Phenylalanine may undergo bacterial breakdown in the intestine by the bacterial enzyme with the formation of phenyl acetic acid. This phenyl acetic acid may be converted into benzoic acid. These toxic substances are absorbed and detoxicated in the liver. Like all other amino acids, phenylalanine also takes part in the synthesis of tissue protein.

Symptoms of phenylalanine deficiency include confusion, lack of energy, decreased alertness, decreased memory, and diminished appetite. Its deficiency can also lead to stunted growth, apathy, muscle loss, and weakness.

Available Forms:
* D-phenylalanine
* L-phenylalanine
* DL-phenylalanine (50/50 blend of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine)

L-phenylalanine is found in most foods that contain protein such as beef, poultry, pork, fish, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, soy products (including soy protein isolate, soybean flour, and tofu), and certain nuts and seeds. The artificial sweetener aspartame is also high in phenylalanine.
D-phenylalanine is synthesized in the laboratory is not found in food.

Phenylalanine supplementation uses for:
* Chronic pain
* Parkinson’s disease
* Vitiligo
* Depression

Phenylalanine can cause irreversible brain damage and death, especially when used in high quantities or during pregnancy. Recommended dosages of phenylalanine vary depending on the health condition being treated. Supplements are recommended 15 – 30 minutes before meals.

Source:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/phenylalanine-000318.htm
http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/aminoacids/phenylalanine.htm

L-tyrosine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. It plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate emotions. The body makes L-tyrosine from another amino acid, known as phenylalanine.
L-tyrosine is found in many protein containing foods, such as meats, dairy products, fish, wheat and oats.

L-tyrosine supplements have been used as a therapeutic supplement for those with phenylketonuria, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and those who want to improve their memory.

L-tyrosine supplements are not necessary for most people, but those with specific conditions that may be related to deficiencies of l-tyrosine may benefit from taking 100 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. It is also important to note that l-tyrosine may interact with certain medications. Anyone taking prescription drugs should consult a physician about possible l-tyrosine side effects and interactions.

Source:
http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/l-tyrosine-side-effects.html
http://www.nutritional-supplements-guide.com/benefits-of-l-tyrosine.html

Iron is an essential element that plays a key role in normal human physiology. In humans, iron combines with proteins in the blood that are responsible for the transportation of oxygen through the bloodstream.
It also plays a regulatory role in cell growth and differentiation. When humans are deficient in iron (anemic) oxygen delivery to tissues is hampered, leading to fatigue, confusion, and decreased immunity.
Iron supplements are often given to individuals who for some reason or another are low in Iron concentrations in their blood.

Iron deficiency occurs when the balance of iron that is taken into the body is less than what is required by the body for normal function. The process of iron deficiency is usually slow because the body will first try to compensate for the imbalance by tapping into the forms of iron storage within the body. Once the iron storage forms are depleted, blood hemoglobin levels begin to decrease leading to iron deficiency anemia.

The risk for iron toxicity can run very high if someone is taking iron supplementation that does not need it. This is because iron is lost from the body at a very slow rate. Remember to keep any iron supplement away from children. As little as 200mg has been reported to kill a child.

Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/iron-supplements-a-review-486679.html

Biotin is also known as Vitamin H, Vitamin B2 and Coenzyme R. Iis a B-vitamin that is produced naturally within the body by positive bacteria found in the small intestine.
Biotin is very beneficial for treating a number of skin disorders as well as thinning and balding hair. Biotin supplements are frequently used in the diets of individuals that may be less than nutritionally sound, such as those people suffering from anorexia, and people missing a portion of the small intestine.

Since short-term Biotin deficiencies appears to sometimes occur in women who are pregnant, Biotin supplements are often given to women during their pregnancies. Biotin supplements are also added to an infant formula. This is in order to protect against Biotin deficiencies forming, due to a milk-based only diet.

Health Benefits of Biotin:
1. Helps regulate blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes
2. Produces healthy hair and prevents graying and balding
3. Boosts normal health of sweat glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, male sex glands and blood cells

As a supplement, biotin even in large doses is ~100 percent bioavailable. A biotin supplement providing at least 1 mg is warranted, and 3-5 mg may be best to stay on the safe side (it should also be noted that biotin and pantothenic acid exhibit a synergistic relationship under some circumstances). Because large amounts adminstered at a time might increase renal excretion, biotin is more effective when taken as two or three smaller doses throughout the day.

Source:
http://www.nutritionalsupplementscenter.com/info/HealthSupplement/biotin.html
http://www.ironmagazine.com/review37.html
http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/Biotin-Side-Effects.html

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9 or folacin) and folate (the naturally occurring form), as well as pteroyl-L-glutamic acid and pteroyl-L-glutamate, are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B9.
It is used in our bodies for cell formation and multiplication, DNA replication, formation of red and white blood cells, and other important central functions. You can take in natural folic acid from many foods such as green, leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, peanuts, and meat sources.

A deficiency of folate can occur when an increased need for folate is not matched by an increased intake, when dietary folate intake does not meet recommended needs, and when folate loss increases. Medications that interfere with the metabolism of folate may also increase the need for this vitamin and risk of deficiency.

Folic acid supplementation is encouraged for those who are possibly folic acid deficient and those who have increased need of it, such as in the case of pregnant women.
Folic acid has also been used as medication for treating conditions such as megaloblastic anemia, depression, heart conditions, and so on. However, before deciding that you need to take folic acid supplements yourself to counter any of these conditions, it is always best that you see your doctor beforehand.

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Folate for Children and Adults

Intake of supplemental folic acid should not exceed 1,000 micrograms (?g) per day to prevent folic acid from triggering symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Folic acid supplements can correct the anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Unfortunately, folic acid will not correct changes in the nervous system that result from vitamin B12 deficiency.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folic_acid
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp
http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/side-effects-of-folic-acid.html

PABA is the short form for Para-AminoBenzoic Acid. It is an antioxidant that is considered by some as a B complex vitamin, and sometimes called vitamin Bx. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is used in sunscreen preparations since it can help protect the skin against ultra-violet radiation.
When PABA is in short supply fatigue, irritability, nervousness and depression might manifest itself as well as constipation. Weeping eczema has also been noted in people with PABA deficiency as well as patchy areas on the skin.
PABA Deficiency Symptoms:
1. constipation and other chronic gastro-intestinal disorders
2. nervousness
3. frequent headaches
4. general fatigue
5. depression
6. irritability
7. weeping or moist eczema
8. premature wrinkling of skin
9. premature grey hair

PABA Benefits & Functions:
1. helps in the utilization of pantothenic acid
2. important for healthy skin and hair pigment
3. may restore grey hair to original color when used with inositol, folic acid and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), if greying was due to stress or deficiency in the B vitamins
4. has been used, together with biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and sometimes vitamin E, to restore hair
5. early studies show may help treat vitiligo (loss of color or pigmentation in some areas of skin)
6. may prevent accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue
7. assists formation of red blood cells
8. acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism and utilization of protein

Vitamin C and the B group vitamins, plus Folic Acid are best taken with PABA. An allowance of between 30 mg to 100 mg a day is considered reasonable for a healthy person.
A typical therapeutic dose may be in the region of 200 milligrams (mg) for children to 400 mg for adults. Do not take more than 400 mg daily except under medical advice, to avoid PABA toxicity.

PABA side effects arise from allergic reactions rather than from overdosing. Signs of allergy include coma, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, liver damage, nausea, skin rashes, shortness of breath, slowed breathing, stupor, and vomiting. These require immediate medical attention.

Source:
http://www.healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/PABA.html
http://www.anyvitamins.com/PABA-info.htm

GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) is an amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is synthesized in the brain from another amino acid, glutamate, and functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter – meaning that it blocks nerve impulses. In the body, GABA is concentrated in the hypothalamus region of the brain and is known to play a role in the overall functioning of the pituitary gland – which regulates growth hormone synthesis, sleep cycles, and body temperature.

As a dietary supplement, GABA is typically promoted to bodybuilders and other athletes as a nutrient to help stimulate secretion of growth hormone, decrease body fat levels and increase lean muscle tissue. The problem, however, is that GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it can not get into the brain where it is active.

A related compound known as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) differs from GABA only by substitution of GABA’s amino group with a hydroxyl (OH) group – making GHB able to cross into the brain. As such, products containing GHB have been promoted as supplements to increase growth hormone levels, aid recovery from exercise and promote relaxation and sleep.

Although GABA can be converted into GHB in the brain, and both appear to have power actions in certain regions of the brain, it is unclear whether orally administered GABA is converted to GHB. It does appear, however, that pituitary growth hormone release is partly regulated by blood levels of GABA.

The benefits of taking this supplement:
# Increases growth hormone levels
# Induces relaxation / sleep
# Promotes muscle recovery
# Relieves anxiety / Promotes feelings of well-being

Doses of GABA as high as 5 grams per dose are recommended within hard-core bodybuilding circles to stimulate spikes in plasma growth hormone levels, but smaller doses of 1-2 grams are probably more realistic. Doses are typically taken on an empty stomach prior to sleep.

Source:
http://www.ironmagazine.com/review20.html
http://www.aboutsupplements.com/blog/tag/gaba/