Arginine   (Arginine HCl, l-arginine)
      Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid, one of the body’s so-called “building blocks,” and is an essential dietary component for normal human growth. After reaching maturity, adults are able to synthesize a sufficient amount for normal function. Among the important mechanisms involving arginine are normal cell development, support for the immune system and endocrine (hormone) system, normal vasodilation (prevents constriction of the blood vessels), and the removal of ammonia waste products (the urea cycle). Food sources of arginine include dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, whole wheat products, raisins and various nuts.
      The most important aspect of supplemental arginine is its use as a potential aid in certain forms of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, angina and congestive heart failure. Reports that this amino acid can aid in impotence or sexual dysfunction in women are not well supported.
      Additional information on cardiovascular health supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      References

Biotin   [ detailed info ]

Calcium   [ detailed info ]

Carnitine   (L-carnitine, L-acetyl-carnitine)
      Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is synthesized in the human body from methionine and lysine. Its primary biochemical function is to transport dietary and other fatty acids across the cell membrane to the nucleus so they can be utilized in the production of energy. There is no dietary requirement for this amino acid because, in healthy individuals, it is produced in sufficient quantity for normal function. Carnitine is available from dietary sources, primarily from meat and dairy products.
      Supplemental carnitine has been suggested for certain disorders, such as specific liver or kidney disease, or genetic defects, where the normal production of this amino acid may be inhibited. Also, the use of some medications may be responsible for lowering natural carnitine levels (see potential toxic effects and adverse reactions below). The specific advantages of supplemental carnitine to remedy any of these conditions, however, is inconclusive.
      Carnitine has also been suggested as a supplement to aid in the management of certain cardiovascular disorders, angina in particular and, to a lesser extent, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and leg pain associated with intermittent claudication. It should be stressed that in all such cases, the application of carnitine is in addition to conventional medications, and under the supervision of your health care provider.
      The use of supplemental carnitine as a physical performance enhancer, and as a potential aid in the reduction of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease has also been suggested. Recent medical research, however, has not been able to substantiate these claims. On the other hand, there is some work that suggests carnitine may have an application in the reduction of blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, although more research is needed in this area. There is considerably more compelling evidence that dietary fiber is a useful agent in the reduction of these compounds.
      Additional information on cardiovascular health supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      References

Cetyl myristoleate   (CM, CMO, myristoleic acid, Myristin)
      Cetyl myristoleate is a natural compound belonging to a class of unsaturated fatty acids. It is known to occur (as myristoleic acid) in only a few animals, namely sperm whales, beaver and mice, and is believed to be the factor responsible for the absence of arthritis and arthritic-like conditions in these animals. This substance does not occur naturally in man. In a small number of animal studies, cetyl myristoleate appears to be able to prevent artificially induced arthritis.
      The potential application of this compound in humans is apparent. Cetyl myristoleate is available as a dietary supplement, and widespread reports suggest relief of pain, stiffness and other symptoms of some forms of arthritis, though no major clinical trials have been conducted to substantiate these claims.
      A small number of studies, also conducted on animals, have shown no toxic effects resulting from the use of cetyl myristoleate, nor have any toxic or other untoward effects been reported from human use.
      Additional information on cetyl myristoleate supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      References

Choline   [ detailed info ]

Chromium   [ see trace minerals ]

Coenzyme Q10   (CoQ10, ubiquinone, ubiquinol, ubidecarenone)
      Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble compound found in nearly all tissues in the human body, and is an essential component in numerous biochemical reactions involved in the production of energy at the cellular level. Although the body synthesizes its own CoQ10, deficiencies can, and do occur for a number of reasons, including such common maladies as liver disease, among many others, and simply the aging process itself.
      There is a mounting body of research that suggests that supplemental CoQ10 can be beneficial, particularly for individuals deficient in this nutrient, in reducing the risk for a number of common diseases, as well as aiding some individuals who are already affected. Of particular interest are the benefits reported for certain types of cardiovascular disease, angina, hypertension and congestive heart failure. In fact, CoQ10 has been approved in many parts of the world for the treatment of various forms of heart disease. Other benefits include improvement in immune system response to infection, in periodontal disease, and as an antioxidant in the possible risk reduction of some types of cancer.
      Additional information on cardiovascular health supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      References

Copper   [ see trace minerals ]

D-glucarate   (d-glucaric acid, glucarate, glucaric acid)
      D-glucarate is a nontoxic and natural compound present in small amounts in the human body and in certain fruits and vegetables. There have been many studies, based primarily on animal research, that have shown this compound to be highly protective against cancer. It promotes glucuronidation, a process by which the body rids itself of potentially dangerous carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds). It has been postulated that the relatively lower incidence of cancer in individuals who consume large amounts of fruits and vegetables is a result of a higher intake of d-glucarate. It follows that supplementary d-glucarate, in the form of either calcium d-glucarate or potassium hydrogen d-glucarate, offers the potential for a possible risk reduction for some types of cancer. In addition, dietary d-glucarate has been shown, in both animal studies as well as in preliminary human studies, to significantly lower serum cholesterol.
      Additional information on d-glucarate supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      References

Fish oil   [ see Omega-3 fatty acids ]

Folic acid   (Folate)   [ detailed info ]

Glucarate   [ see d-glucarate ]

Glucosamine   (glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine HCl)
      Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar, and is a normal by-product of glucose (dextrose) metabolism in the human body. As a dietary compound, glucosamine does not occur in many foods and is typically not consumed in significant amounts in the average adult diet. Supplemental sources are generally derived from seashell, and are formulated most commonly as glucosamine sulfate, and also as glucosamine hydrochloride (glucosamine HCl).
      In the human body, glucosamine stimulates cartilage cells (the connective tissue between bones) to synthesize glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These compounds aid in the normal production and maintenance of cartilage and, without which, the cartilage would loose its elasticity resulting in stiff and immobile joints. It is believed that supplemental glucosamine increases the degree to which this process takes place, thereby supporting a greater range and ease of movement as well as aiding osteoarthritis patients in the relief of stiff and painful joints. Numerous studies have reported positive results in this regard, but the degree to which this effect actually takes place differs widely among arthritis sufferers.
      Additional information on glucosamine supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      References

Iodine   [ see trace minerals ]

Iron   [ see trace minerals ]

L-arginine   [ see Arginine ]

Magnesium   [ detailed info ]

Niacin   (Vitamin B3)   [ detailed info ]

Omega-3 fatty acids   (Fish oil, DHA, EPA)
      Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids (EFA) for human nutrition and are derived from the oils in fish. This nutrient is believed to be a significant factor in the low incidence of heart disease and arthritis among cultures whose staple foods include large amounts of fish. Accordingly, the most focused research on the possible advantages of supplemental fish oil concerns its application in the potential risk reduction of some forms of cardiovascular disease, and for the management of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (not the disease itself). The numerous other reported effects attributed to fish oil supplements are not as well supported and require additional research.
      Additional information on cardiovascular health supplements...
      Potential toxic effects and adverse reactions...
      Additionally, anyone consuming large amounts of supplemental vitamins A, D or E should refer to our sections on health risks for vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E, particularly if you are using cod liver oil as a source for this supplement.
      References

Pantothenic acid   (Vitamin B5)   [ detailed info ]

Phosphorus   [ detailed info ]

Riboflavin   (Vitamin B2)   [ detailed info ]

Selenium   [ detailed info ]

Thiamin   (Vitamin B1)   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin A   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin B1   (Thiamin)   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin B2   (Riboflavin)   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin B6   (Pyridoxine)   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin B12   (Cobalamin)   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin C   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin D   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin E   [ detailed info ]

Vitamin K   [ detailed info ]

Zinc   [ detailed info ]