Biotin is required for the fatty acids and glucose formation so that essential energy is produced. Biotin also assists in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Biotin is available in food naturally and the dietary sources of biotin comprise of brewer’s yeast, cauliflower, bananas, egg yolks, salmon, liver, sardines, mushrooms and legumes. The deficiency of biotin is uncommon. The other possibilities for having biotin as deficiency is genetic biotin deficiency, surgical stomach removal, excessive consumption of alcohol and infant dermatitis. Biotin deficiency leads to hair loss, skin rash, heart problems and high cholesterol. Biotin supplements are effective for eczema, acne, diaper rash, brittle nails and hair loss. People having a history of seizures should avoid using biotin. This is a B vitamin that helps in converting food to energy. It is mandatory that minimum 30 mg is taken daily as there are adequate health benefits. Normal biotin intake strengthens fingernails and also controls blood sugar levels.

Calcium, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

Choline- Grouped with the Vitamin B complex, choline is deemed an essential nutrient. It is a natural amine and an organic compound, which serves several physiological purposes. Choline improves the structural integrity of cell membranes and provides signaling roles, assisting with the system of communication, which controls basic cellular activities and manages cell actions. Deemed a nootropic drug, choline as a dietary supplement is supposed to increase the cognitive behaviour and alertness. As a building block of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, choline certainly seems to be nootropic, but recently the application of choline as a nutritional supplement helping to reduce body fat because of the activity in the lipid metabolism was observed. Infant formulas that are not derived from cow’s milk are ordered by the FDA to supplement choline.

Chromium.

Copper, a trace element that is essential for the human body. Copper is needed to absorb and utilize iron in the body. Copper is a part of enzymes, essentially proteins that assist biochemical reactions in cells.

Creatine Monohydrate- I- methionnine, I- glycine and I- arginine are responsible for the composition of creatine in the body which acts as a metabolite. Minimum of 2 grams of creatine is metabolized even in an inactive person. Hence, those who are into heavy duty workouts and weight lifting have higher amounts of metabolism of creatine. Some types of fishes and red meat would be an ideal source of creatine monohydrate. However, the quantity derived by these may not be sufficient hence it is advisable to take creatine in the form of powder. Creatine is beneficial to pump your work out sessions. However, it has some side effects. One common side effect of creatine monohydrate is gastro entreaties, but it might not affect everyone.

Folic Acid produces healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia in both children and adults. It is especially important in pregnancy and infancy and is also believed to help in the prevention of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

Glutamine Peptides are a combination of two amino acids that are chemically combined. It is L-glutamine commonly bonded together with either L-alanine or L-glycine. Unlike amino acids, it is absorbed and transported through the system faster. Glutamine Peptides plays an important role in protein synthesis and improved protein metabolism. It prevents the breakdown of muscle, and helps in faster recovery of muscles after strenuous workout. It also helps in repairing and building of lean muscles. It increases the secretion of growth hormone levels that helps in metabolising body fat and formation of new muscles. Glutamine Peptides also help in improving the immune system.

Inositol - The precise role of Inositol is unknown. Animals deficient in inositol grow poorly and show hair loss. iI occurs naturally in fruits and cereals.

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 one of the most commonly available chemical elements which are used in the form of metal. When in the presence of oxygen and moisture, iron gets oxidized very easily. Therefore it is never available on the surface of earth. Iron is a metal whose properties can be changed by mixing it with the various other metals. Humans need iron as a daily dietary substance. There are a number of supplements available in market which provides the daily required dose of iron. But the best way to consume iron is by eating the food that is rich in iron. Fish, poultry, beans, lentils, leafy vegetables are some of food items that are a good source of iron. Although, research shows that it is easier to digest the iron found in meat and meat products than the vegetables.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs most abundantly in the body by being released from muscles under stress. Aside from increasing the immune system’s efficiency to fight diseases, it also takes care of the normal functioning of the brain and the digestive system through the removal of excess ammonia in the body. A number of factors, such as stress, infections, injuries and surgery affect the levels of glutamine in the system, showing that the healing process is under way. Glutamine supplements may be used by regular exercisers to help in the recovery of muscular fitness after a workout. Glutamine, however, is known to be linked with infections of the intestine and users are advised to seek advice from professionals before ingesting this amino acid.

Magnesium is a mineral that may be found inside most of the cells in the body tissues and organs. It is important in the absorption of calcium and aids in the formation and development of bones and teeth. Magnesium deficient individuals have an increased risk of acquiring osteoporosis; they also have problematic menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome, irregular cycle and dysmenorrhoea. Magnesium helps in maintaining the cardiovascular health and decreases the risk of heart problems. It also prevents gallstones from forming. Magnesium is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also helpful in treating erectile dysfunction and prostate problems.

Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts to manufacture enzymes necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fat. It also aids the immune system and blood sugar balance. Manganese is also involved in the production of cellular energy, reproduction and bone growth.

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, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

PABA is an important growth factor for many micro-organisms and a deficiency causes a loss of hair color in mice. No vitamin function has been shown in humans.

Pantothenic Acid, commonly called vitamin B5, is water soluble and is needed by every cell in the body to maintain good health. It helps in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins to provide the body with energy. It assists in the production of red blood cells and hormones and ensures a healthy pregnancy. It is also known to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. It helps in reducing stress and treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pantothenic acid is found in small quantities in almost all foods but abundantly in meats, fish, poultry, avocados, peas, broccoli and whole grains. A deficiency which is rare, leads to leg cramps, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, insomnia, depression, a burning sensation in the limbs and a weakened immune system.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is perhaps one of the most important mineral, which in form of phosphate as an intercellular anion serves a multitude of functions. Not only are phosphates essential for the utilization of most vitamins belonging to the B complex, but they are vital for energy storage and the overall metabolism. But that is not all, phosphate is essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium with phosphorus are required for them and soft tissues as well. But also body fluids require phosphates for excretion of hydrogen ions through the kidneys. Somewhere around one per cent of the body weight should be phosphorus in some form, therefore it is vital to supply your body with sufficient phosphates through milk, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, peas and other sources, including supplements.

Potassium is an electrolyte, a substance that maintains the fluid levels in the body. It is helpful in regulating blood pressure and heart function. Intake of potassium can benefit people suffering from hypertension. Research has found that a potassium supplement intake decreased incidence of stroke by 60 percent. It neutralizes acids and restores alkaline salts to bloodstream.  It acts along with sodium cells to maintain or restore membrane potentials. Potassium is also vital for nerve functioning and cardiovascular, and regulates nutrients’ transfer into cells and adds to muscle energy. It also helps recuperative powers, besides regulating water balance. Potassium is beneficial for eliminating wastes. It is helpful in controlling headaches and convulsions, and quickens healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries.

Riboflavin, an easily absorbed micronutrient, is also known by the name of Vitamin B2. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of animals as well as humans. A wide variety if cellular processes require this vitamin. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, just like other B vitamins. It is the kind of micronutrient which required for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and ketone bodies. There are a lot of food products that are a good source of Vitamin B2. Matured soybeans, yeast, mushroom, livers, kidneys, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, almonds are such products that are rich in this vitamin. But riboflavin does get destroyed if exposed to light. Riboflavin is a non toxic vitamin. Hence, there is no harm in taking it orally.

Selenium is a trace mineral that plays an important role in several metabolic pathways such as glutathione-peroxidise pathway. Selenium works with Vitamin E which gives its strong antioxidant effects and improves the immune system. It protects the body from prematurely aging. It also help prevent free radical damages that may cause heart diseases and cancer. It is essential in the proper function of the thyroid hormones, and promotes efficient metabolism. It is also beneficial in the reproductive health particularly of men because it facilitates in the sperm production, and prevents infertility. Selenium also helps reduce inflammation which is beneficial to those with rheumatism to reduce pain.

Sodium is part of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular creatures, not least mankind. It is needed for instance in nerve conduction and to balance the acid levels in the body. It is necessary for the functioning of organs such as the liver, intestine and kidneys in their work of ridding the body of toxins However there is an optimum intake. Above this there are problems such as a rise in the blood pressure. Also an excess of salt in the diet will draw fluid out of the cells by the process of osmosis. On the other hand a lack of sodium will lead to too much water in the body the brains cells will actually be flooded.

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects if taken with other members of the vitamin B complex. Thiamine is essential to a strong appetite and to enable the body to use sugars and other carbohydrates.

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 B12 is required for the normal functioning and development of the nervous system, blood cells and brain. It’s a water soluble vitamin which is used to elevate mood, improve energy levels and concentration, to boost immune system and in sleeping disorders. Severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia. It is also used for lowering high homocysteine levels which may contribute to heart disease, asthma, AIDS, to prevent cervical and other cancers, memory loss, osteoporosis, allergies and skin infections. It also helps to prevent atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and kidney and gum disease. Vitamin B12 is added in almost all multi-vitamin B complex supplements. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 in infants can lead to megaloblastic anemia, delayed developments and movement disorders. Studies have proved that when used in combination with folic acid, it can prevent heart diseases.

Vitamin B6- There are three traditionally considered forms of vitamin B6: pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM). The phosphate ester (PLP) has a leading role in metabolism of human body. It is obtained from the diet since humans cannot manufacture it. PLP is crucial in over 100 enzymes that enable important chemical reactions in the human body. In the brain, the manufacture of neurotransmitters like serotonin from tryptophan is made possible by PLP. PLP is also a coenzyme in the production of the iron coating component of hemoglobin called heme. Signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include irritability, depression and confusion, inflammation of the tongue, sores or ulcers of the mouth and the skin at the corner of the mouth.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic (a-SKOR-bik) acid, is needed for many functions in the body, including helping the body use carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Vitamin C is found in most citrus fruits and green vegetables and is a strong antioxidant.

Vitamin D- The fast soluble vitamin D is perhaps the most underrated nutrient that is produced when sunlight touches the skin. But it is extremely vital for bone health, as without it the body cannot absorb the calcium that you may provide it in the form of supplements. With the advent of beauty products with high sun protection factor, this nutrient is becoming less available to our bodies. Even weaker sunscreens with just SPF-8 prevent the body considerably from producing vitamin D. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia may stem from deficiency of this vitamin. You can provide vitamin D to your body through supplements and foods like mushrooms, tuna, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified dairy products and cereals, yoghurt, and milk.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is known for protecting the tissues of the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Zinc is a mineral that is present in every cell in the body. It is good for maintaining a healthy skin. It promotes healing of wounds such as bed sores, skin sore, and canker sores. It may also act as an astringent and aid in the treatment of acne. Zinc improves the immune system by activating white blood cells to fight against infections, virus, and even cancers. Zinc is also beneficial in improving the health of prostate gland and protects it against inflammation and infection. It also helps improve the brain functions such as memory retention. It also helps in the production of testosterone that improves libido, prevents low sperm count. It may also help in the formation and development of muscles.