Sources - Vitamins, NutrientsL-Carnitine Dairy and red meat contain the greatest amounts of carnitine. Therefore, people who have a limited intake of meat and dairy products tend to have lower L-carnitine intakes. Cysteine The body can synthesize cysteine from methionine and other building blocks. Cysteine, the amino acid from which NAC is derived, is found in most high-protein foods. Phenylalanine LPA is found in most foods that contain protein. DPA does not normally occur in food. However, when phenylalanine is synthesized in the laboratory, half appears in the L-form and the other half in the D-form. These two compounds can also be synthesized individually, but it is more expensive to do [...] Glutamic Acid Sources of glutamic acid include high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some protein-rich plant foods also supply glutamic acid. Glutamine Glutamine is found in many foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products. Glycine Glycine is found in many foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy. Histidine Dairy, meat and poultry, and fish are good sources of histidine. L-Tyrosine Dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and most other protein-containing foods contain tyrosine. Methionine Meat, fish, and dairy are all good sources of methionine. Vegetarians can obtain methionine from whole grains, but beans are a relatively poor source of this amino acid. Ornithine As with amino acids in general, ornithine is predominantly found in meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Western diets typically provide 5 grams per day. The body also produces ornithine. Taurine Taurine is found mostly in meat and fish. Except for infants, the human body is able to make taurine from cysteine another amino acid. Amylase Inhibitors Amylase inhibitors can be extracted from several types of plants, especially those in the legume family. Currently available Amylase inhibitors are extracted from either white kidney bean or wheat. Antioxidants and Free Radicals Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) Although the substances that comprise AAKG are present in many foods, the AAKG compound is found only in supplements. Kelp Kelp can be one of several brown-colored seaweed species called Laminaria. Vitamin C Broccoli, red peppers, currants, Brussels sprouts, parsley, potatoes, citrus fuit, and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin B-Complex Vitamin B1 Wheat germ, whole wheat, peas, beans, enriched flour, fish, peanuts, and meat are all good sources of vitamin B1. Vitamin B2 Dairy products, eggs, and meat contain significant amounts of vitamin B2. Leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and enriched grains contain some vitamin B2. Pantothenic Acid Liver, yeast, and salmon have high concentrations of pantothenic acid, but most other foods, including vegetables, dairy, eggs, grains, and meat, also provide some pantothenic acid. Vitamin B6 Potatoes, bananas, raisin bran cereal, lentils, liver, turkey, and tuna are all good sources of vitamin B6. Folic Acid Beans, leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beets, wheat germ, and meat are good sources of folic acid. Pollen Most noncultivated plants produce pollen. Commercial pollen is collected from bees returning to their hives (bee pollen) or may be directly harvested with machines (flower pollen). It is not clear which plants produce the most effective pollens. Some of the most common pollens used are timothy grass, corn, rye, and pine. Propolis Propolis is available in liquid extract form as well as in capsules and tablets. Topical creams and sprays containing propolis are also available, but whether they closely resemble topical propolis products used in research is unclear. HMB Small amounts of HMB are present in many foods of animal and plant origin, especially alfalfa and catfish. The amino acid leucine is metabolized into a compound called alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC), which is then turned into HMB by the body. Dietary supplements of HMB are also available. Beta-Carotene Dark green and orange-yellow vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene. It is also available in supplements. Beta-Glucan Beta-glucan is found in the cell walls of many yeast and cereal fibers, such as oats, wheat, and barley. As a dietary supplement, beta-glucan is available in liquid form as well as in capsules and tablets. Beta-Sitosterol Beta-sitosterol is one of several plant sterols (cholesterol is the main animal sterol) found in almost all plants. High levels are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oil, and soybeans. Peanuts and its products, such as peanut oil, peanut butter, and peanut flour, are good [...] Betaine (Trimethylglycine) Dietary sources of betaine include fish, beets, and legumes. Betaine is most widely available as betaine hydrochloride (betaine-HCl), but that form is used primarily as a source of hydrochloric acid for people with hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). The forms used specifically to provide [...] Betaine Hydrochloride Gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. The acidity is quite strong in a normal stomach. In fact, the stomach can be between 100,000 and almost 1,000,000 times more acidic than water. Flavonoids Flavonoids are found in a wide range of foods. For example, flavanones are in citrus, isoflavones in soy products, anthocyanidins in wine and bilberry, and flavans in apples and tea. Biotin Good dietary sources of biotin include organ meats, oatmeal, egg yolk, soy, mushrooms, bananas, peanuts, and brewer’s yeast. Bacteria in the intestine also produce significant amounts of biotin, but evidence is conflicting as to whether biotin produced by intestinal bacteria is present at a location or [...] Evening Primrose Oil EPO is found primarily in supplements. Its presumed active ingredient, GLA, can also be found in black currant seed oil and borage oil supplements. However, it is not known whether the effects of these three oils in the body are the same. Borage Oil Borage oil is found primarily in supplements. Its presumed active ingredient, GLA, can also be found in black currant seed oil and evening primrose oil supplements. However, it is not known whether the effects of these three oils in the body, are the same. Boric Acid Boric acid is a white, odorless powder or crystalline substance that is available in many over-the-counter pharmaceutical products for topical use, alone as a topical antiseptic, and in suppository form. Boron Raisins, prunes, and nuts are generally excellent sources of boron. Fruit (other than citrus), vegetables, and legumes also typically contain significant amounts. Actual amounts vary widely, depending upon boron levels in soil where the food is grown. Cartilage and Collagen Cartilage is derived from either sharks or cows. Collagen is derived from either cows or chickens. Bovine Colostrum Bovine colostrum is available in capsules, tablets, powdered drink mixes, liquid preparations, food bars, and skin care products. Brewer’s Yeast Brewer’s yeast, which has a very bitter taste, is recovered after being used in the beer-brewing process. Brewer’s yeast can also be grown specifically for harvest as a nutritional supplement. “De-bittered” yeast is also available, though most yeast sold in [...] Bromelain Bromelain is found mostly in the stems of pineapples and is available as a dietary supplement. Vitamin D Cod liver oil is an excellent dietary source of vitamin D, as are vitamin D-fortified foods. Traces of vitamin D are found in egg yolks and butter. However, the majority of vitamin D in the body is created during a [...] Calcium Most dietary calcium comes from dairy products. The myth that calcium from dairy products is not absorbed is not supported by scientific research. Other good sources include sardines, canned salmon, green leafy vegetables, and tofu. Calcium D-glucarate Calcium D-glucarate is available in capsules and tablets. Foods high in glucaric acid (a form of calcium D-glucarate) include apples, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Calcium: Which Form Is Best? Carnosine Dietary sources of preformed carnosine include meat and poultry and fish. Carotenoids Carotenoids are found in all plant foods. In general, the greater the intensity of color, the higher the level of carotenoids. In green leafy vegetables, beta-carotene is the predominant carotenoid. In the orange colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, mangoes, yams, winter squash beta-carotene concentrations are high, but other pro-vitamin A [...] Lutein Spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, leeks, peas, and egg yolks are good sources of lutein. Lycopene Tomatoes and tomato-containing foods are high in lycopene. In the Harvard study, the only tomato-based food that did not correlate with protection was tomato juice. In an unblinded, controlled trial, lycopene supplementation, but not tomato juice, effectively increased the body’s lycopene stores. These studies suggest that the lycopene present in tomato juice is poorly absorbed. However, [...] Cetyl Myristoleate Cetyl myristoleate is found in certain animals, including cows, whales, beavers, and mice. As a nutritional supplement it is found in a highly purified, refined form in capsules and tablets. CMO is also available in creams and lotions for topical application. Chitosan Chitosan is extracted from the shells of crustaceans, such as shrimp and crab. Chlorophyll Good dietary sources of chlorophyll include dark green leafy vegetables, algae (including spirulina and chlorella), wheat grass, and barley grass. Supplements of chlorophyll as powder, capsules, tablets, and drinks are also available. Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline Choline, the major constituent of PC, is found in soybeans, liver, oatmeal, cabbage, and cauliflower. Soybeans, egg yolks, meat, and some vegetables contain PC. Lecithin (containing 10–20% PC) is added to many processed foods in small amounts for the purpose [...] Chondroitin Sulfate The only significant food source of chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage. Glucosamine/Chondroitin Chromium The best source of chromium is true brewer’s yeast. Nutritional yeast and torula yeast do not contain significant amounts of chromium and are not suitable substitutes for brewer’s yeast. Chromium is also found in grains and cereals, though much of it [...] Conjugated Linoleic Acid CLA is found mainly in dairy products and also in beef and poultry, eggs, and corn oil. Bacteria that live in the intestine of humans can produce CLA from linoleic acid, but supplementation of a rich source of linoleic acid did not produce increases in blood levels of CLA in one human study. [...] Coconut Oil Coconut oil may be found in many types of processed foods, including fried foods, crackers, desserts, candies, whipped topping, and non-dairy creamers. It is also available in some grocery stores for use in cooking. Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil (EPA & DHA) EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements typically contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA, though more purified (i.e., higher in EPA and DHA) [...] Coenzyme Q10 CoQ10 is found primarily in fish and meat, but the amounts in food are far less than what can be obtained from supplements. Colloidal Silver Colloidal silver is sold as a water-based solution. Copper The best source of copper is oysters. Nuts, dried legumes, cereals, potatoes, vegetables, and meat also contain copper. Creatine Monohydrate Creatine is produced naturally in the human liver, pancreas, and kidneys. It is concentrated primarily in muscle tissues, including the heart. Animal proteins, including fish, are the main source of the 1–2 grams per day of dietary creatine most people consume. Supplements in [...] Turmeric D-Mannose D-Mannose is in many fruits, including Peaches, apples, oranges, cranberries, and blueberries. Soy Relatively large amounts of isoflavones are present in whole soybeans, roasted soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, meat substitutes, soy flour, and some soy protein isolates. In addition, the isoflavones present in soy are available as supplements, in capsules or tablets. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands. A synthetic form of this hormone is also available as a supplement in tablet, capsule, liquid, and sublingual form. Some products claim to contain “natural” DHEA precursors from wild yam. However, the body cannot convert these substances into DHEA (although a series of reactions in a laboratory can make the conversion). Docosahexaenoic Acid Cold-water fish, such as mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, black cod, anchovies, and albacore tuna, are rich sources of DHA and EPA. Similarly, cod liver oil contains large amounts of DHA and EPA. Certain microalgae contain DHA and are used as a vegetarian source of this [...] Digestive Enzymes Only small amounts of the animal-based proteolytic enzymes, trypsin and chymotrypsin, are found in the diet; however, the pancreas can synthesize these enzymes. The plant-based proteolytic enzyme bromelain comes from the stems of pineapples and is useful in many conditions. Papain comes from unripe papayas. All of these enzymes are available as [...] Methylsulfonylmethane A precursor of MSM is formed initially by ocean plankton and released into the atmosphere, where it interacts with ozone and sunlight and returns to earth as MSM in rainfall. MSM can be taken up by plants and incorporated into their structure, but no measurement of the [...] DMSO DMSO is derived from trees as a manufacturing by-product from the processing of paper. Metabolites (breakdown products) of DMSO, such as the sulfide and sulfone forms, are naturally present in the human body. However, the role of these in the body is not clear. DMAE DMAE is found as a supplement, although it is not widely available. Green Tea Lactase Lactase is produced by the body. Dairy products have varying levels of lactose, which affects how much lactase is required for proper digestion. Milk, ice cream, and yogurt contain significant amounts of lactose although for complex reasons yogurt often doesn’t trigger [...] Lipase Most of the body’s lipase is manufactured in the pancreas, although some of it is secreted in the saliva, as well. Pancreatin contains lipase along with two other groups of enzymes: proteases and amylase. Methoxyisoflavone Several substances similar to methoxyisoflavone are found in many plants and some foods, including soybeans. Whether methoxyisoflavone itself is found in nature is unknown. Iron The most absorbable form of iron, called “heme” iron, is found in oysters, meat and poultry, and fish. Non-heme iron is also found in these foods, as well as in dried fruit, molasses, leafy green vegetables, wine, and iron supplements. Acidic foods (such [...] Fiber Whole grains are particularly high in insoluble fiber. Oats, barley, beans, fruit (but not fruit juice), psyllium, and some vegetables contain significant amounts of both forms of fiber and are the best sources of soluble fiber. The best source of lignan, by far, is flaxseed (not flaxseed oil, regardless of packaging claims to the contrary). Psyllium Quercetin Quercetin can be found in onions, apples, green tea, and black tea. Smaller amounts are found in leafy green vegetables and beans. Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil In addition to its presence in flaxseed oil, small amounts of ALA are also found in canola, soy, black currant, and walnut oils. Small amounts of lignans are present in a wide variety of foods of plant origin. Fluoride Fluoride is a trace mineral found in varying concentrations in foods and in water. Foods high in fluoride include fish, tea, and many different vegetables. Fluoride is added into the municipal water supply of many cities in the United States. For those [...] Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides FOS and inulin are found naturally in Jerusalem artichoke, burdock, chicory, leeks, onions, and asparagus. FOS products derived from chicory root contain significant quantities of inulin, a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and plants, which is classified as a food ingredient (not as an additive) and is considered to be safe to [...] Fumaric Acid Fumaric acid is formed in the skin during exposure to sunlight, as well as being available as an oral supplement and as a preparation for topical use. GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) GABA is found as a nutritional supplement, primarily in capsules and tablets. Gamma Oryzanol Gamma oryzanol is a natural component of rice bran, corn, and barley oils. Gamma oryzanol is also available as a supplement. Hydroxycitric Acid HCA is found in only a few plants, with one rich source being the rind of a little pumpkin-shaped fruit called Garcinia cambogia, which is native to Southeast Asia. This fruit (also called Malabar tamarind) is used as a condiment in dishes such as curry. Garlic Ginkgo biloba Glandular Extracts Most glandular products are derived from beef (bovine) sources, with the exception of pancreatic extracts, which are most often derived from pork (porcine). The four most widely known methods of processing are the azeotrophic method, salt precipitation, freeze-drying, and predigestion. The azeotrophic method begins by quick-freezing the material at well below 0 degrees F, [...] Liver Extracts Liver extracts are available as nutritional supplements in capsules and tablets. Spleen Extracts Spleen extracts are available as nutritional supplements in capsules and tablets. Thymus Extracts Thymus extracts (from bovine sources) are found in capsules and tablets as a dietary supplement. Thymomodulin is not available in the United States, and it is unknown whether any of the thymus extracts that are available have the same effects as Thymomodulin. [...] Thyroid Extracts Thyroid extracts are available as nutritional supplements in capsules and tablets. Glucomannan Glucomannan is a purified fiber from konjac root that is available as a bulk powder to be taken in hard-gelatin capsules or used as an ingredient in food. Glucosamine Glucosamine is not present in significant amounts in most diets. Supplemental sources are derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crab, or may be synthesized. Glutathione Dietary glutathione is found in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat. Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of glutathione. Proanthocyanidins Proanthocyanidins can be found in many plants, most notably pine bark, grape seed, and grape skin. However, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants also contain these flavonoids. Nutritional supplements containing proanthocyanidins extracts from various plant sources are available, alone or in combination [...] Grapefruit Seed Extract Grapefruit seed extract is available in liquid concentrate and in capsules and tablets. Green-Lipped Mussel Green-lipped mussels are found in the oceans off New Zealand. In supplement form, green-lipped mussel is available as a lipid extract or a freeze-dried powder. Huperzia Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is produced in the human body and is found in the tissues of all animals. A nonanimal source of hyaluronic acid can be synthesized by bacterial fermentation. Indole-3-Carbinol Indole-3-carbinol is found in highest concentrations in broccoli, but is also found in other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Inosine Inosine is found in brewer’s yeast and organ meats. It is also available as a supplement. Inositol Nuts, beans, wheat and wheat bran, cantaloupe, and oranges are excellent sources of inositol. Most dietary inositol is in the form of phytate. Vitamin B3 The best food sources of vitamin B3 are peanuts, brewer’s yeast, fish, and meat. Some vitamin B3 is also found in whole grains. IP-6 IP-6, also known as phytate, is associated with dietary fiber and thus is naturally present in a wide variety of plant foods, especially wheat bran, whole grains, and legumes. Usual dietary intakes range from 1–1.5 grams phytate per day. Iodine Seafood, iodized salt, and sea vegetables for example, kelp are high in iodine. Processed food may contain added iodized salt. Iodine is frequently found in dairy products. Vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil also contain this mineral. Ipriflavone Ipriflavone does occur naturally in food but only in trace amounts. It is available as a nutritional supplement. Lysine Brewer’s yeast, legumes, dairy, fish, and meat all contain significant amounts of lysine. Magnesium Nuts and grains are good sources of magnesium. Beans, dark green vegetables, fish, and meat also contain significant amounts. Malic Acid Malic acid is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but the richest source is apples, which is why malic acid is sometimes referred to as “apple acid.” Manganese Nuts and seeds, wheat germ, wheat bran, leafy green vegetables, beet tops, tea, and pineapple are all good sources of manganese. Medium-Chain Triglycerides Medium-chain triglycerides are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and butter. Medium-chain triglycerides are also available as a supplement. Melatonin Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, located within the brain. Levels of melatonin in the body fluctuate with the cycles of night and day. The highest melatonin levels are found at night. Melatonin is present in foods only in trace amounts. Multiple Vitamin-Mineral Supplements Molybdenum The amount of molybdenum in plant foods varies significantly and is dependent upon the mineral content of the soil. The best sources of this mineral are beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and grains. Hard tap water can also supply molybdenum to the diet. Molybdeum is also available as a supplement. N-Acetyl-Glucosamine NAG is available primarily in tablets and capsules. NADH NADH is found in the muscle tissue of fish and poultry and cattle, as well as in food products made with yeast. However, it is not known whether the NADH from these sources can be efficiently absorbed or utilized by the body. It is also available as a nutritional supplement. Ionized Air (Negative Ions) Octacosanol Octacosanol is a waxy substance found in vegetable oils and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum). Another compound, called policosanol, contains a large amount of octacosanol, along with several similar compounds. Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Although the amino acids that comprise OKG are present in protein foods such as meat and poultry and fish, the OKG compound is found only in supplements. PABA PABA is found in grains and foods of animal origin. Phosphorus Phosphorus is highest in protein-rich foods and cereal grains. In addition, phosphorus additives are used in many soft drinks and packaged foods. Phosphorus is not often present in supplements except for certain calcium supplements, such as bone meal. Phosphatidylserine PS is found in only trace amounts in a typical diet. Very small amounts are present in lecithin. The body manufactures PS from phospholipid building blocks. PS research has used material derived from a bovine source. Currently, PS that is commercially available is derived from soy. Vitamin K Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, collards, and broccoli, are the best sources of vitamin K. The greener the plant, the higher the vitamin K content. Other significant dietary sources of vitamin K include soybean oil, olive oil, cottonseed oil, and [...] Policosanol The long-chain alcohols found in policosanol are present in many foods of plant origin. Supplemental policosanol is typically extracted from sugar cane or beeswax. Potassium Most fruits are excellent sources of potassium. Beans, milk, and vegetables contain significant amounts of potassium. Pregnenolone The cells of both the adrenal gland and the central nervous system synthesize pregnenolone. Human studies show there are much higher concentrations of pregnenolone in the nervous tissue, than in the bloodstream. Animal studies indicate the concentration of pregnenolone in the brain is ten-fold higher than that of other stress-related [...] Progesterone Progesterone is produced in the female body in the ovaries. Progesterone production is high during the luteal phase (second portion) of the menstrual cycle and low during the follicular phase (first portion), as well as being low before puberty and after [...] Whey Protein During the process of making milk into cheese, whey protein is separated from the milk. This whey protein is then incorporated into ice cream, bread, canned soup, infant formulas, and other food products. Supplements containing whey protein are also available. Pyruvate Pyruvate is formed in the body as a byproduct of the normal metabolism of carbohydrates and protein and is present in several foods, including red apples, cheese, dark beer, and red wine. Dietary supplements of pyruvate are also available. Resveratrol Resveratrol is present in a wide variety of plants of the edible plants, mainly in grapes and peanuts. Wine is the primary dietary source of resveratrol. Red wine contains much greater amounts of resveratrol than does white wine, since resveratrol is concentrated in the grape skin and the manufacturing process of red [...] Ribose Ribose is present in small amounts in many foods of plant or animal origin. Royal Jelly Royal jelly is available in liquid form (usually in glass vials), tablets, and capsules. 7-KETO 7-KETO is available as a dietary supplement. SAMe SAMe is not abundant in the diet, though its precursor, the amino acidmethionine is plentiful in many protein foods. It is not known whether increasing one’s intake of methionine will increase the body’s production of SAMe. Supplements of SAMe have been available in the U.S. since 1997. [...] Selenium Brazil nuts are the best source of selenium. Yeast, whole grains, and seafood are also good sources. Animal studies have found that selenium from yeast is better absorbed than selenium in the form of selenite. Silicon Good dietary sources for silicon include whole-grain breads and cereals, root vegetables, and beer. A form of silicon called silicates is added to some processed foods. Strontium Strontium is widely distributed throughout nature. Strontium levels in the soil determine how much strontium will be in the foods grown in particular areas. Areas with strontium-rich soils also tend to have higher levels of strontium in the drinking water. Sulforaphane Sulforaphane is found in highest concentrations in broccoli sprouts, but it is also found in mature broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Sulfur Most dietary sulfur is consumed as part of certain amino acids in protein-rich foods. Meat and poultry, organ meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products are all good sources of sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfur also occurs in garlic and onions and may be partially responsible for the health benefits associated with these items. [...] Tocotrienols Tocotrienols are found primarily in the oil fraction of rice bran, palm fruit, barley, and wheat germ. Supplemental sources of tocotrienols are derived from rice bran oil and palm oil distillates. Tocotrienol supplements are available in capsules and tablets. Top Anti-Aging Supplements Top Supplements for Men Vanadium Vanadium is found in very small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including seafood, cereals, mushrooms, parsley, corn, soy, and gelatin. Vinpocetine Vinpocetine is synthesized from vincamine, a constituent of the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) Xylitol Xylitol occurs naturally in straw, corncobs, fruit, vegetables, cereals, mushrooms, and some seaweeds. For use in food manufacturing, xylitol is extracted from birch wood chips. Xylitol may be found in many foods labeled as "sugar-free," including hard candies, cookies, chewing gums, soft drinks, and throat lozenges. Zinc Good sources of zinc include oysters, meat, eggs, seafood, black-eyed peas, tofu, and wheat germ. Vitamin A Liver, dairy products, and cod liver oil are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is also available in supplement form. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Acetyl-L-carnitine is a molecule that occurs naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. It is also available as a dietary supplement. N-Acetyl Cysteine Cysteine, the amino acid from which NAC is derived, is found in most high-protein foods. NAC is not found in the diet. Probiotics Beneficial bacteria present in fermented dairy foods namely live culture yogurt have been used as a folk remedy for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria. However, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. [...] Silica Hydride Since silica hydride is not essential, a recommended intake has not been established. Whether it is present in food or water is unknown. Supplements contain 200 to 250 mg per capsule. Adenosine Monophosphate The body creates AMP within cells during normal metabolic processes. AMP is also found as a supplement, although it is not widely available. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is found in all foods of animal origin, including dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. According to one report, small, inconsistent amounts occur in seaweed (including nori and chlorella) and tempeh. Many researchers and healthcare professionals believe that people cannot rely on vegetarian sources [...] Adrenal Extract Adrenal extracts are available in capsules or tablets. Adrenal extracts prepared for injection were commonly used at one time, but currently are unavailable. Alpha Lipoic Acid The body makes small amounts of alpha lipoic acid. There is only limited knowledge about the food sources of this nutrient. However, foods that contain mitochondria (a specialized component of cells), such as red meats, are believed to provide the most alpha lipoic acid. [...] Alanine As with the other amino acids, excellent sources of alanine include meat and poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some protein-rich plant foods also supply alanine. Alfalfa Blue-Green Algae Blue-green algae grow in some lakes, particularly those rich in salts, in Central and South America, and Africa. They are also grown in outdoor tanks specifically to be harvested for nutritional supplements. Aloe Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) AKG is present in many foods and is synthesized for use in dietary supplements. Vitamin E Wheat germ oil, nuts and seeds, whole grains, egg yolks, and leafy green vegetables all contain vitamin E. Certain vegetable oils should contain significant amounts of vitamin E. However, many of the vegetable oils sold in supermarkets have had the vitamin E removed in processing. The high amounts found in supplements, often 100 to 800 IU per day, [...] Amino Acids Overview Foods of animal origin, such as meat and poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, are the richest dietary sources of the essential amino acids. Plant sources of protein are often deficient in one or more essential amino acids. However, these deficiencies can [...] 5-Hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels. Supplemental 5-HTP [...] Arginine Dairy, meat and poultry, and fish are good sources of arginine. Nuts and chocolate also contain significant amounts of this amino acid. Branched-Chain Amino Acids Dairy products and red meat contain the greatest amounts of BCAAs, although they are present in all protein-containing foods. Whey protein and egg protein supplements are other sources of BCAAs. BCAA supplements provide the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. |