Other Nutrients
What are nutrients?
A nutrient is defined as a substance that either provides nourishment or is necessary for normal body functions or structures. The vitamins and minerals covered in the last section are, in most cases, considered to be essential nutrients. Some of the nutrients covered in this section are also essential and must be obtained in the diet. These include the essential fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid. The role of fats in health and disease is a controversial one and it is only in recent years that scientists have started to understand the beneficial effects of the essential fatty acids.
Other nutrients included here, such as coenzyme Q10, are both manufactured in the body and obtained in food. Increasing evidence suggests that coenzyme Q10 deficiency can occur and supplements have been used to treat a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Newer supplement products such as glucosamine, lipoic acid, chitosan and shark cartilage are also included here. While there is often little research evidence to support their use, many people have reported benefits that are currently being investigated.
This section also contains a chapter on flavonoids, plant compounds that are found in foods such as fruit, vegetables, red wine, green tea and soy. Scientists are just beginning to understand the disease-preventing properties of the thousands of different compounds found in these foods, and this research helps emphasize the important principle that supplements cannot substitute for an unhealthy diet.
Other nutrients:
- Algae: Spirulina and Chlorella
- Amino Acids
- Betaine Hydrochloride
- Carnitine
- Chitosan
- Choline
- Coenzyme Q10
- Enzymes: Bromelain and Papain
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Fiber Supplements
- Flavonoids
- Glucosamine
- Inositol
- Laetrile
- Lipoic Acid
- Melatonin
- PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
- Pangamic Acid
- Probiotics
- Shark Cartilage
- Herbal Medicines