Chromium is an essential mineral that plays an important role with how the body uses glucose. Chromium may be found in brewer’s yeast, grains, cereal and in some beers. It aids in maintaining the ideal blood sugar level which helps diabetic patients. It also helps in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body that may help reduce fats. It helps improve muscle tone by burning the fats. It reduces hunger pangs, suppress cravings and appetite. It is help control the blood cholesterol level. It lowers the risks of cardiovascular problems. It also alleviates depression by stimulating the fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis that is important for brain function.

Copper is being considered a mineral with immense medical advantages, copper has been used as a supplement in its gluconate form. Copper is one of the most important constituents of the blood and prevents poly – unsaturated fatty acids from turning rancid. Copper also increases the health of the cell membranes and is actively involved in the formation of hemoglobin. Copper Gluconate is instrumental in treating conditions such as irregular beating of the heart, hypoglycemia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body. Copper Gluconate is known to have side effects and is toxic if taken excessively. In the case of women who are expecting or mothers who are nursing, it is advisable to consult with your docter before taking any Copper based supplements.

DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid or cervonic acid is an omega 3 essential fatty acid, a carboxylic acid commonly found in fish oils and microalgae. DHA is found in beef and eggs, but can be derived from eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, through docosapentaenoic acid, DPA. DHA has been discovered to restrain colon carcinoma cells in humans. DHA is found in large numbers in human brain and retina, half of plasma membranes of neurons is Docosahexaenoic acid. In recent times, due to changes in farming, DHA levels in common food have been decreasing, prompting the use of DHA as a food additive. DHA as a nutritional supplement is widely viewed as vital, Docosahexaenoic acid is also very often found in nutritional supplement compounds designated for pregnant women.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), also known as icosapentaenoic acid and EPA, is a omega 3 fatty acid, a carboxylic acid which acts as a precursor for prostaglandin 3, thromboxane 3 and leukotriene 5 groups of eicosanoids. It is mostly found in fish oil, but can also be contained in human breast milk. In recent times, sources from microalgae have been preferred, due to the large quantities of toxins contained in fish swimming in polluted waters. Human body can produce EPA out of alpha linoleic acid, but since that ALA is an essential fatty acid, only excess amounts would be converted. EPA has been subject to studies pertaining to the use in treatment of schizophrenia, but it may also lower suicidal tendencies. Further use as breast cancer progression inhibitor is under investigation.

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food and helps produce and maintain new cells.

Ginkgo Biloba, actually ginkgo biloba, is a unique species of a tree, is also deemed a living fossil, because it is deemed an ancient genus. All other genera are extinct, but in China it has been cultivate for centuries, so this species survived. While it was believed that no ginkgo plants were present in the wild, some areas in eastern China have been recently discovered. Ginkgo biloba extract is usually derived from the leaves and the inner seed of the fruit. It is due to certain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids that certain nootropic properties have been observed, leading to clinical trials in treatments of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In body building circles, this extract is being used as concentration and memory enhancer, increasing blood flow with antioxidant properties as an additional bonus.

Green Tea Extract- By increasing the body's metabolism, it is widely believed that green tea extract largely aids in weight loss.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Iron is a necessary mineral for humans, needed for example to help form red blood cells which transport oxygen around the body. Fortunately there are plenty of good sources available for both the omnivore and the vegetarian or vegan These include liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit , also whole grains and many of dark green leafy vegetables, although some such as spinach also contain substances that prevent the absorption of iron as do caffeine based drinks such as tea and coffee. On the other hand the drinking of fluids containing vitamin C aids the body in its necessary task of absorbing iron.

Magnesium is essential to all living cells and is a vital component to a healthy diet. Calcium absorption for the body largely depends on magnesium to facilitate this.

Manganese is a trace mineral that has long been associated with musculoskeletal health. It activates enzymes in the body that is necessary for the production of collagen and proteoglycan, components of connective tissue. It also aids in the absorption of calcium in the body. It helps prevent the development of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Manganese helps in the digestion and utilization of vitamin E in the body that makes it a potent antioxidant. It fights free radicals from damaging the cells that may lead to premature aging, heart problems and cancer. It alleviates premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as mood swings and nausea.

Molybdenum is essential in regulating pH balance in the body, enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat. Very small amounts are needed. Molybdenum is necessary for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes, including the metabolism of iron. Molybdenum also promotes normal cell function and helps in the activation of certain enzymes, it is a key component of the metabolic enzyme xanthine oxidase. Molybdenum is found in the liver, bones and kidneys. It supports bone growth and teeth strength. A deficiency may cause impotence in older men. High intakes of sulfur and diets high in refined and processed foods may decrease molybdenum levels.There is no recommended dietary allowance for molybdenum.

Niacin is a vitamin that wards against pellagra, a disease characterized by a vitamin B3 deficiency. Niacin is made from pyridine and is often called vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, because they all three have similar formulas. Niacin and nicotinamide are comparable in make up, but only niacin works to lower cholesterol levels. The restoration of DNA is also known to be a positive side effect of taking niacin. A fairly large number of individuals, particularly those in third world countries or those suffering from alcoholism, have been shown to be lacking in niacin. Niacin is often taken as a supplement by those with high cholesterol levels, as it has been proven to lower “bad” cholesterol and raise “good” cholesterol.

Pantothenic Acid is actually a part of the Vitamin B complex, namely Vitamin B5 and is deemed an essential nutrient. It has a critical function in the synthesis and metabolism of core nutrients, such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and it forms the coenzyme – A, also called CoA, most notable for the role in oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids and pyruvate. The Greek origin of the name Pantothenic Acid already states that this Vitamin is found nearly everywhere, with prominent amounts in eggs, meat, legumes and whole grain cereals. In health and fitness circles the dietary supplement is very popular for its energy producing role, but also for the ATP process and for the maintenance of cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the body.

Selenium is considered good for health if taken in small amounts. It is a trace mineral which when incorporated into protein, makes selenoproteins that helps stop cellular damage due to free radicals. The major source of selenium is plant foods and its content in the food depends on the selenium content in the soil where it was grown. Also known as selenium acid, selenium sulfide and selenium yeast, this mineral is available in seafood and meat products. The main function of selenium is to work with vitamin E in order to maintain the elasticity and preservation of tissues. It not only helps in improving the supply of oxygen and blood to the muscles in the heart but also slows down the aging process by enhancing endurance.

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite(the light-absorbing molecule retinal). This molecule is absolutely necessary for both scotopic and color vision. It also palys an important role in the health or our skin, bone metabolism, immune function. It is also commercially produced and administered as esters such as retinyl acetate commonly called Vitamin A acetate. Its defeciency can cause blindness. Other problems include impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), keratosis pilaris and squamous metaplasia of the epithelium lining the upper respiratory passages and urinary bladder to a keratinized epithelium.

Vitamin B1, also called Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B1 is commonly found in breads and cereals. Vitamin B1 is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin B12, or rather the Vitamin B complex, is a group of vitamins that are all soluble in water and very often coexist in food sources. While every single Vitamin from the B complex group has a name, they are very often referred to by the number added to the Vitamin B group name, like Vitamin B1, which is thiamine, or Vitamin B2, which is riboflavin. Some other compounds have been added to the Vitamin B group at some time, but were later dropped, like adenine, orotic acid or adenosine monophosphate, where later research found that they are either synthesized by the human body or simply no Vitamins. Vitamin B complex supports the metabolism rate, maintains muscle tone and skin, raises functions of the nervous system and the immune system, promotes red blood cells and cell growth and division and much more.

Vitamin B2 , also called Riboflavin, is naturally manufactured by the body. Vitamin B2 is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Vitamin B2 is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Vitamin B2 is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, plays an important role in the breakdown of protein, fats and carbohydrates. It helps in the production of antibodies that keeps the immune system strong. It promotes red blood cell (RBC) production. It alleviates the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS such as headaches, bloating, depression, mood swings, and abdominal pains. Vitamin B6 also prevents the development of kidney stones. It also helps reduce the build-up of homocystein in the vessels that may cause hearth attack. Vitamin B6 is also beneficial in the overall nerve health. It also prevents or decreases the susceptibility to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Vitamin C is well known for its powerful ability to help boost the immune system as well as fight off damage causing free radicals. As an anti-oxidant, vitamin c binds with free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells. This damage can cause early aging and even has been linked to some cancers. By taking vitamin C supplements, you are helping prevent these free-radicals, as well as giving your immune system a boost as well. Vitamin C is integral to cellular metabolism as well and a lack of vitamin C can cause a myriad of issues, including scurvy.

Vitamin E consists of eight related vitamins that are all fat soluble and have antioxidant properties. The alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols with the corresponding tocotrienols all belong to the Vitamin E group, whereby the alpha-tocopherol has been found to be the most bioavailable form. Vitamin E is commonly found in food sources like eggs, milk, nuts, seeds, vegetable oil like olive oil, wholegrain foods, wheat germ, red palm oil, but also in asparagus and avocado fruits. While Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, several other properties have been noted as well, such as prevention of damage to neurons, cholesterol reduction and cancer prevention. Vitamin E has been also identified as a vital signaling molecule, whereby the primary necessity of Vitamin E to human survival is still not clear.

Zinc is acknowledged as essential to the human organism. It is a trace element found in over a hundred and up to three hundred enzymes. It is the second most important mineral in the body, after iron. Zinc is also defined as an important catalytic agent, which is active in enzymatic reactions such as hydroxilation, which is essential for the protein forming amino acid proline, but also for hypoxia response. Zinc is naturally found in red meat, milk, spinach, nuts, oysters, beans and oats. Low zinc counts can attribute to a weakened immune system, interfere with muscle building, cause diarrhea and all kind of other deficiencies. In body building circles, Zinc is an important supplement, valued for the indirect increment of testosterone and the muscle building role.