Know Your Supplements

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, playing a critical role in bone mineralization. It also modulates immune function, supports muscle health, and influences mood regulation through serotonin synthesis.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. It plays a key role in maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers and supports energy metabolism.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including energy production, protein synthesis, and nerve transmission. It supports muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and bone health.

Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body. It also supports energy metabolism, immune function, and cognitive development.

Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and plays a vital role in taste perception, fertility, and cellular growth.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. It is essential for collagen synthesis, immune defense, iron absorption, and neurotransmitter production.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are essential polyunsaturated fats critical for brain function, cardiovascular health, and anti-inflammatory processes. They support cell membrane integrity and play a role in visual development.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also enables muscle contraction, nerve signaling, blood clotting, and heart rhythm regulation.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin critical for vision, immune function, and cell differentiation. It supports skin health, reproductive function, and acts as a powerful antioxidant in its provitamin form (beta-carotene).

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. It supports immune function, skin health, and helps prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation, reducing cardiovascular risk.

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) directs calcium into bones and teeth while preventing its deposition in arteries and soft tissues. It works synergistically with vitamin D and is essential for blood clotting and cardiovascular health.

Selenium is a trace mineral that supports thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and antioxidant defense through selenoproteins. It plays a protective role against oxidative damage and supports immune function.

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and amino acid metabolism. It is critical during pregnancy for neural tube development and supports red blood cell formation and homocysteine regulation.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions, primarily in protein metabolism. It supports neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, GABA), immune function, and hemoglobin production.

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis (T3 and T4), which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. It is critical for brain development during pregnancy and early childhood.

Potassium is a critical electrolyte that maintains fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It plays a key role in heart rhythm regulation and helps counteract the effects of sodium on blood pressure.

Copper is a trace mineral essential for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It supports the immune system, acts as an antioxidant cofactor, and is vital for energy production.

Chromium is a trace mineral that enhances insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. It plays a role in macronutrient metabolism and may support healthy blood sugar levels and lipid profiles.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is essential for mitochondrial energy production in every cell. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports heart function, and helps regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E.

Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It plays a critical role in nerve function, muscle contraction, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters required for brain health.

Riboflavin is a key component of FAD and FMN coenzymes, essential for energy metabolism and cellular function. It supports antioxidant defense, red blood cell production, and the metabolism of other B vitamins.

Niacin is vital for converting food into energy through NAD and NADP coenzymes. It supports DNA repair, cell signaling, cholesterol management, and plays a role in over 400 biochemical reactions.

Manganese is a trace mineral involved in bone formation, blood clotting, and metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. It activates antioxidant enzymes (MnSOD) that protect cells from oxidative damage.

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, essential for bone and teeth formation, energy storage (ATP), and DNA/RNA structure. It supports kidney function and acid-base balance regulation.

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. It is widely known for supporting hair, skin, and nail health.