Vitamin E
Antioxidant especially for polyunsaturated fatty acids (it inactivates damaging free radicals protecting cell membranes), Anti-inflammatory (decreases LDL oxidation and platelet stickiness
Vitamin K
blood clotting activation as well as bone formation
Made by bacteria in intestine and also comes in foods
Vitamin A
Precursor is carotene in plants
Active in rhodopsin vision pigment preventing night blindness, protein synthesis, cell differentiation & gene expression, epithelial tissue maintenance, growth of bones and teeth (breaks down bone in preparation for elongation), reproduction, some antioxidant activity
Vitamin D
promotes calcium and phosphorous absorption and calcium mobilization from bone
Biotin
coenzyme that carries CO2 in TCA cycle
Niacin
coenzyme in energy transfer - lowers cholesterol, functions in glucose and fatty acid metabolism
Riboflavin
coenzyme - energy release from nutrients - all body cells, serve as electron carriers that function in the production of ATP
Thiamine
coenzyme in energy release from nutrients - nerves and muscle & in synthesis of neurotransmitters (a chemical substance produced by a nerve cell that can stimulate or inhibit another cell) for nerve cells
Panothenic Aicd
part of coenzyme A - crossroads compound in metabolic pathways
B6
coenzyme in amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin and DNA
Folate
coenzyme transfers 1 C compounds in metabolism, activates B12, assists DNA synthesis and cell growth - prevents neural tube defects in babies
B12
amino acid metabolism, DNA synthesis, Folate activation and nerve sheath maintenance
Vitamin C
ascorbic acid - antioxidant and coenzyme - works with enzyme to facilitate reactions
Sodium
is the major cation (+) in extracellular fluid - controlled by kidney
Chloride
major anion (-) in extracellular fluid maintaining fluid balance and pH of body fluids and source for Hydrochloric Acid in stomach for digestion of foods.
Potassium
major cation (+) inside cells - most common electrolyte deficiency
May prevent or correct hypertension when balanced well with Sodium
Important in nerve impulse and muscle contraction
Aids bone strength
Calcium
most abundant mineral in body - 99% in bones and teeth - provides rigidity
Phosphorus
- 85% in bones and teeth - rest in DNA, phospholipids (membranes) & ATP (high energy phosphate bonds which yield energy when broken)
Magnesium
over half in bones, lots of enzymes, ATP catalyst.
Sulfur
, which shape protein molecules giving them functionality
Iron
Most is found in hemoglobin (blood) - carries O2
Some in myoglobin (muscle) - handles O2 within the cells
Copper
involved in collagen manufacture & wound healing
Zinc
Gene expression, many enzyme systems, immune functions, sexual maturity
Selenium
antioxidant - prevents free radical formation and reactions with many enzymes, part of glutathione peroxidase that protects cells from oxidative damage, may help prevent cancer
Iodine
needed for thyroid hormone - thermostat regulating metabolism
Chromium
enhances activity of insulin
Flouride
strengthens crystal deposits in bones and teeth - prevents cavities (caries)
Maganese
bones, liver, kidney & pancreas - cofactor for enzymes
Molybdenum
cofactor for several metalloenzymes