Vitamin Supplement For Finger Nails Articles & Resources

What is it? Sources?

Alpha-lipoic acid
An essential amino acid with a Potatoes, plant leaves, and red
unique ability to be both fat and meat.
water soluble, making it
a universal antioxidant.

Amino acids
The building blocks of protein. Found in all vegetables and
They are critical in: physical meat. Examples include:
performance, weight loss, and arginine, cysteine, glutamine,
in increasing immune response. taurine, tyrosine, etc.

B vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins. Beans, peas, whole grains,
 leafy green vegetables, and
 organ meats.

Bee pollen
The powder-like substance Local bee-keepers usually
produced by flowering plants for supply local health food stores
reproduction and gathered by and fruit stands. May be sold
bees. It is rich in B-complex as powder, capsules, or mixed
vitamins, vitamin C, fatty acids, in royal jelly (a mixture of
minerals, and enzymes. honey, pollen, and the special
 food produced for queen bees).

Beta-1,3-D glucan
A simple sugar. 
                    

                    

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Derived, in some cases, from the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bioflavonoids A family made up of thousands Some examples are: oligomeric of individual nutrients. While proanthocyanidins (OPCs) not truly vitamins, they perform (found in grapes and French many of the same roles, maritime pine) and resveratrol and often help the body to form (found in wine). Also: white certain vitamins. Bioflavonoids rind of citrus fruit, were originally called vitamin P. buckwheat, honey, and vegetables. Calcium A macro-mineral. Milk and dairy foods, seafood, green leafy vegetables, asparagus, brewer's yeast, cabbage, figs, and soybeans. Carnitine More like a B vitamin than an Body produces its own, if amino acid. sufficient iron in diet, and B vitamins are supplied. Found in supplements and meat. Carotenoids Part of the bioflavonoid family. Some are precursors of vitamin Yellow, red, and blue pigments A. Examples are: beta-carotene, found in vegetables and fruits. lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and alpha-carotene. Cartilage Shark, or bovine, cartilage Both forms are by-products of supplements. the animals they came from. Chondroitin sulfate A natural compound. Derived from two sugar-like molecules that are attached to each other. Chromium A trace mineral Brewer's yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat, whole grains. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) A co-enzyme not technically Mackerel, salmon, sardines. classified as a vitamin. Found in Found in small amounts in every body cell, but highly beef, peanuts, and spinach. concentrated in body organs. Copper A macro-mineral. Nuts, avocados, barley, beans, molasses, broccoli, garlic, green leafy vegetables, oats, and soybeans. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) An omega-3 fatty acid. Ocean-dwelling microalgae, North Atlantic/Artic fish. 5-HTP (5-hydroxy L-tryptophan) Extracted from the seed of the A natural compound. Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Folic acid A B vitamin. Barley, beef, brewer's yeast, brown rice, green leafy vegetables, chicken, legumes, lamb, liver, salmon, tuna, peas, mushrooms, root vegetables, wheat germ, and whole wheat. .S. (fructo-oligosaccharides) Tiny amounts found in bananas, Fruit/vegetable sugars (glucose- onions, garlic, tomatoes, fructose disaccharides) linked barley, and artichokes together. (Jerusalem artichoke). Glucosamine sulfate A natural compound found It's made from a combination of throughout the body. sugars and a derivative of an ammonia-containing nitrogen/ hydrogen compound. Glutamine helps create glucosamine. Glutathione A tripeptide made of three Synthesized in the liver. amino acids (cysteine, glutamic Supplementing with N-acetyl acid, and glycine). crysteine is helpful. Huperzine A An isolated extract. From Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata). Iodine A trace mineral. Iodized salt, seasalt, seafood, kelp, asparagus, garlic, soybeans, summer squash, and turnip greens. IP-6 A powerful antioxidant called Whole grains, brown rice, inositol hexaphosphate. It is the soybeans. Available in chemical found just inside the capsules. hulls of grain. Iron A macro-mineral. Eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, whole grains. Lecithin A substance needed to emulsify Brewer's yeast, soy, and fats. supplements. Maitake mushroom (extract) From the Maitake mushroom An extract. (Grifola frondosa). Magnesium A macro-mineral. Found in most foods, especially dairy, meat, fish, and seafood. Also in many fruits, nuts, whole grains, brewer's yeast, and green leafy vegetables. Manganese A macro-mineral. Avocados, nuts, seeds, seaweed, whole grains. Melatonin Produced by the pineal gland, Synthetically produced. Your this hormone regulates our own melatonin production can internal clock to produce sleep be increased naturally by and seasonal cycles. Also controls following a regular sleep the thymus, pituitary, and pattern based on light and dark thyroid glands. With age, the cycles. body slows production of this hormone. .M. (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) Derived from .. A natural compound (dimethyl sulfoxide). NAC (N-acetylcysteine) A powerful antioxidant amino Found in the body from acid that is a building block for L-methionine. the antioxidant, glutathione. NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide H) Present in high levels in meat, An antioxidant coenzyme. poultry, and fish, but destroyed in cooking process. Tiny levels are present in plants, but not enough. Potassium A macro-mineral. Dairy foods, fish, meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. Selenium A trace mineral. Content is dependent on soil of farm land. Soil in US and New Zealand generally deficient. Brazil nuts, broccoli, brewer's yeast, brown rice, parsley, kelp, onions, molasses, kelp, and whole grains. Silicon An element. Primary-source silicon is derived from earth silicon (or minimally synthesized). Secondary-source silicon is derived from plants, such as horsetail. Vitamin A A fat-soluble co-enzyme (catalyst Carotenoid-rich foods such as for enzymes) which aids in carrots, asparagus, broccoli, eye, skin, and epithelial tissue cantaloupe, yellow squash, formation and repair. Also various greens, papaya, and called retinol. Is formed in liver apricot. Also found in animal from beta-carotene. liver and fish liver oils. Vitamin C Ascorbic acid. Citrus fruits, berries, green A water-soluble vitamin. vegetables, onions, sweet peppers, radishes, rose hips, black currants, and tomatoes. Vitamin E A fat-soluble vitamin. Cold-pressed vegetable oils (such as olive, canola, sesame), dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Zinc A macro-mineral. Brewer's yeast, dulse, kelp, eggs, fish, lamb, legumes, mushrooms, oysters, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, and soybeans. What is it? Uses/benefits? Alpha-lipoic acid An essential amino acid with a Renews vitamins C and E. unique ability to be both fat and Improves glucose utilization water soluble, making it and insulin sensitivity, which a universal antioxidant. helps with diabetes. Lowers cholesterol and reduces oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Blocks a "switch" that causes cancer growth. Amino acids The building blocks of protein. They are the building blocks of They are critical in: physical protein, which can be obtained performance, weight loss, and by plant sources, alone, if in increasing immune response. desired. B vitamins Water-soluble vitamins. If you're on a weight-loss diet, take antibiotics, or drink alcohol, you are possibly deficient in one or more B vitamins. The B vitamins help: immune and nervous system function, cardiovascular health, and convert food into energy. Bee pollen The powder-like substance Has antimicrobial effects and produced by flowering plants for boosts immune system function; reproduction and gathered by can help depression, fatigue, bees. It is rich in B-complex cancer, and colon disorders. vitamins, vitamin C, fatty acids, It's often used for allergies minerals, and enzymes. because it triggers specific immune reactions to local allergens. Beta-1,3-D glucan A simple sugar. Activates macrophages (boosting immunity), helps in wound-healing, joint/tissue repair, and inflammation. Indirectly, it recruits such immune cells as: interferon-alpha and interferon-beta, IL-1 and IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Bioflavonoids A family made up of thousands They enhance the power of of individual nutrients. While antioxidants and help maintain not truly vitamins, they the integrity of cell perform many of the same roles, membranes, including those and often help the body to form which line our blood vessels. certain vitamins. Bioflavonoids were originally called vitamin P. Calcium A macro-mineral. Important in formation of bones, teeth, gums, and muscle. Lowers cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and helps blood to clot. Activates enzymes which break down fat for utilization. Prevents bone loss of osteoporosis. Carnitine More like a B vitamin than an Transports fat to be burned for amino acid. energy. This helps prevent fat build-up in the heart and liver; helps in diabetes; and improves blood lipids. Carotenoids Part of the bioflavonoid family. Many of these are proving to be Yellow, red, and blue pigments very important to good health, found in vegetables and fruits. possessing powerful antioxidative capabilities. Cartilage Shark, or bovine, cartilage Used for bone and joint health, supplements. and, in case reports, for cancerous tumors. Chondroitin sulfate A natural compound. Along with silicon, vitamin C, manganese, and glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin helps make cartilage resilient (and helps rebuild it, if it's damaged). Helps in osteoarthritis. Chromium A trace mineral Important for metabolism of glucose (sugar), but also metabolizes fats and proteins. Stabilizes blood sugar levels, eliminating "sweet tooth" and unnecessary appetite impulses. Helpful for both diabetes and hypoglycemia. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) A co-enzyme not technically Antioxidant which provides classified as a vitamin. Found in huge benefit to heart health by every body cell, but highly strengthening heart muscle, concentrated in body organs. lowering blood pressure, and relaxing constricted blood vessels. Stops oxidation of mitochondria giving organ tissues more energy. Copper A macro-mineral. Needed for the formation of bone, red blood cells, collagen, and elastin. Important to the healing process, energy production, skin and hair tissues, taste sensitivity, and healthy nerves and joints. Prevents osteoporosis. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) An omega-3 fatty acid. It's required for proper brain development and function, and proper vision (retinal development). 5-HTP (5-hydroxy L-tryptophan) Although helpful for mood A natural compound. enhancement, some of its most powerful benefits have been associated with responsible weight-reduction. Folic acid A B vitamin. Aids in energy production, formation of red & white blood cells, and synthesis of RNA/ DNA. May ease depression and anxiety. In early pregnancy, necessary for embryo's nerve formation. Deficiencies linked to neural tube defects in infants. .S. (fructo-oligosaccharides) FOS helps: (1.) re-establish a Fruit/vegetable sugars (glucose- healthful balance of intestinal fructose disaccharides) linked flora ("good" bacteria) after a together. course of antibiotics; (2) encourage the colonization of more good bacteria; (3) promote regularity; and (4) boost immune function. Glucosamine sulfate A natural compound found Studies have shown that this throughout the body. compound helps: alleviate pain, reduce joint tenderness, and decrease swelling. Is often used alone; or in conjunction with: silicon, vitamin C, and manganese. Glutathione A tripeptide made of three Antioxidant that purifies liver amino acids (cysteine, glutamic and goes directly into acid, and glycine). bloodstream. Anti-aging properties by repairing oxidized fats and cholesterol. Huperzine A An isolated extract. Improves learning, memory retention, focus, and concentration; helps with cognitive and memory impairment; improves nerve transmission to muscles; helps avoid/reduce symptoms of presenile & senile dementia; and alleviates glaucoma symptoms. Iodine A trace mineral. Needed for thyroid health and prevention of goiter. Also helps metabolize fats and control weight gain. IP-6 A powerful antioxidant called Protects from and inhibits inositol hexaphosphate. It is the growth of cancers of the colon, chemical found just inside the prostate, and breast. Reduces hulls of grain. risk of kidney stones and helps circulation. Iron A macro-mineral. Essential for the production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells. Strengthens immune system and energy production. Lecithin A substance needed to emulsify Makes fat molecules small fats. enough to be efficiently carried in the blood to cells, thereby preventing them from forming at atherosclerotic plaque. Maitake mushroom (extract) Research suggests that maitake An extract. mushroom extracts boost immunity in: some forms of cancer, in conjunction with chemotherapy, and in AIDS (protects T-helper cells). It may also help diabetes and hypertension. Magnesium A macro-mineral. Controls nerve and muscle impulses. Deficiencies can cause dizziness, depression, muscle weakness and twitching, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic fatigue. Magnesium deficiency is common in diabetics. Manganese A macro-mineral. Needed for fat and protein metabolism; healthy nerves; immune system; blood-sugar regulation; and bone and cartilage formation. Essential for iron-deficient anemia. Melatonin Produced by the pineal gland, Encourages regular sleep this hormone regulates our patterns. Stimulates immune internal clock to produce sleep system, preventing age-related and seasonal cycles. Also controls disorders and perhaps extending the thymus, pituitary, and life and youthfulness. It has thyroid glands. With age, the an antioxidant effect in the body slows production of this brain, protecting nerves and hormone. membranes. .M. (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) Studies have suggested that A natural compound MSM helps to block/prevent pain impulses along nerve fibers and reduce inflammation. Thus, it has been shown to be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis. NAC (N-acetylcysteine) A powerful antioxidant amino Strong antioxidant powers help acid that is a building block for with: cancer, muscle fatigue, the antioxidant, glutathione. bacterial infection, viral infection, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and AIDS. It also seems to protect the liver. NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide H) NADH: (1) is our cells' fuel An antioxidant coenzyme. for energy production; (2) plays a key role in cell regulation and repair of DNA; (3) serves as a powerful antioxidant; (4) enhances our cellular immunity; and (5) stimulates key neuro-transmitters. Potassium A macro-mineral. Helps nervous system in transmitting electrical impulses. Helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure. With sodium, regulates water retention. Essential for transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. Important for hormone secretion. Selenium A trace mineral. Vital for keeping antioxidant enzyme systems working in fatty tissues. Protective against many types of cancer including breast, prostate, colon, and digestive tract. Seems to play a role in heart, liver, and pancreas health. Silicon An element. Critical for joint/tissue repair and function, and important for hair, skin and nails. Often taken alone, or in conjunction, with vitamin C, manganese, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. Vitamin A A fat-soluble co-enzyme (catalyst Antioxidant activity fights for enzymes) which aids in aging and some types of cancer. eye, skin, and epithelial tissue Improves eyesight, especially formation and repair. Also night vision. Promotes called retinol. Is formed in liver healthier skin and hair. from beta-carotene. Protects against colds, flu, and infections of the kidney, bladder, and lungs. Vitamin C Ascorbic acid. Antioxidant vitamin necessary A water-soluble vitamin. for tissue growth and repair. Helps produce anti-stress hormones. Protects against infection and strengthens immune system. Necessary for metabolism of folic acid, and some amino acids. Vitamin E A fat-soluble vitamin. Antioxidant activity essential for protecting against cancer and heart disease. It promotes normal blood clotting and reduces blood pressure. Important for repair of damaged tissues and can reduce scarring. For women, it may ease PMS. Zinc A macro-mineral. Important in formation of collagen and bones, regulating activity of oil glands (acne), and sharpening senses of taste and smell. Zinc lozenges help reduce the severity and duration of colds. What is it? How much? Alpha-lipoic acid An essential amino acid with a 50-250 mg/day. unique ability to be both fat and water soluble, making it a universal antioxidant. Amino acids The building blocks of protein. Available as individual They are critical in: physical supplements, in combo formulas, performance, weight loss, and and in foods. From meat alone, in increasing immune response. however, produces too much acidity in the body. B vitamins Water-soluble vitamins. A B-complex featuring the following individual B vitamins is your best bet: 150 mg (pantothenic acid), 25 mg (B-1, B-2, B-3 [niacin]), and microgram levels: B-12 (400 mcg), folic acid (800 mcg), biotin (400 mcg). Bee pollen The powder-like substance Follow label instructions. produced by flowering plants for reproduction and gathered by bees. It is rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, fatty acids, minerals, and enzymes, Beta-l,3-D glucan A simple sugar. Follow label instructions. Bioflavonoids A family made up of thousands For individual bioflavonoid of individual nutrients. While supplements, follow label not truly vitamins, they per- instructions. 300-500 mg/day form many of the same roles, for mixed formulas. and often help the body to form certain vitamins. Bioflavonoids were originally called vitamin P. Calcium A macro-mineral. 1,000-1,500 mg/day. Carnitine More like a B vitamin than an 300-500 mg/day. amino acid. L-carnitine is the preferred form. Carotenoids Part of the bioflavonoid family. Follow label instructions, Yellow, red, and blue pigments depending on whether you have found in vegetables and fruits. mixed or single-carotenoid supplements. Cartilage Shark, or bovine, cartilage Follow label instructions. supplements. Chondroitin sulfate A natural compound. Follow label instructions. Chromium A trace mineral 150-200 mcg/day taken as trivalent chromium. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) A co-enzyme not technically 50-100 mg/day. classified as a vitamin. Found in every body cell, but highly concentrated in body organs. Copper A macro-mineral. 2-3 mg/day. Excess can lead to toxicity. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) An omega-3 fatty acid. 100-200 mg/day. 5-HTP (5-hydroxy L-tryptophan) Follow label instructions. A natural compound. Folic acid A B vitamin. 400-800 mcg/day. Supplementation essential for all women of childbearing age. .S. (fructo-oligosaccharides) Follow label instructions, Fruit/vegetable sugars (glucose- although 1 gram/day is often fructose disaccharides) linked recommended. together. Glucosamine sulfate A natural compound found Follow label instructions. throughout the body. Glutathione A tripeptide made of three Follow label instructions. amino acids (cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine). Huperzine A An isolated extract. Follow label instructions. Iodine A trace mineral. 200-225 mcg/day. IP-6 A powerful antioxidant called Follow label instructions. inositol hexaphosphate. It is the chemical found just inside the hulls of grain. Iron A macro-mineral. 10-20 mg/day only if deficient. Don't take with vitamin E Lecithin A substance needed to emulsify Follow label instructions. fats. Maitake mushroom (extract) Follow label instructions. An extract. Magnesium A macro-mineral. 500-1,000 mg/day. Manganese A macro-mineral. 5-10 mg/day. Melatonin Produced by the pineal gland, Dosage is age dependent. For this hormone regulates our people in their 40's, a dose of internal clock to produce sleep to mg taken before and seasonal cycles. Also controls bedtime is enough. In their the thymus, pituitary, and 50's, 1-2 mg is needed, in thyroid glands. With age, the their 60's, 2-4 mg, and for body slows production of this people over 70, 3-5 mg. hormone. .M. (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) Follow label instructions, A natural compound although 2 grams (2,000 mg) a day is often recommended. NAC (N-acetylcysteine) A powerful antioxidant amino Maintenance doses are generally acid that is a building block for around 50-100 mg/day. Vitamin the antioxidant, glutathione. B-6 is also necessary for proper utilization. NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide H) mg/day, or every other An antioxidant coenzyme. day. Potassium A macro-mineral. 99 mg/day. Tobacco and caffeine decrease absorption. Stress increases need. Selenium A trace mineral. 100-200 mcg/day, or as directed by doctor. Silicon An element. Follow label instructions. Vitamin A A fat-soluble co-enzyme (catalyst 7,500 to 10,000 IU per day is for enzymes) which aids in normal dose. Do not exceed eye, skin, and epithelial tissue 10,000 IU if you have liver formation and repair. Also disease or are pregnant. called retinol. Is formed in liver Overdosage for extended period from beta-carotene. can have toxic effects. Vitamin C Ascorbic acid. 1,000-3,000 ms/day. You may A water-soluble vitamin. have to work up to this dose to avoid diarrhea. Smokers should take extra vitamin C. Vitamin E A fat-soluble vitamin. 400-600 IU/day. Zinc A macro-mineral. 25-50 mg/day.