Methionine

Methionine is an essential amino acid containing sulfur. Methionine reaches its full clinical potential once the body converts it to s-adenosyl methionine (SAM). This amino acid belongs to the class of compounds called “methyl donors” where in a methyl group (containing carbon and hydrogen atoms) are donated to other molecules. This process is called methylation which is one of the ways the body protects itself from damage on the cellular level. Methyl donors help protect against cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and many age related problems and facilitate the manufacture of DNA and brain neurotransmitters. 

Effective for: 

• Depression
• Hepatitis 
• Cirrhosis 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Chronic fatigue 

Supplements: 

• Most of the people do not need to take methionine supplements, possible exceptions are strict vegetarians who take no animal products. 
• For anyone taking methionine supplements it would help to add cysteine, taurine, Vitamin B6 and folic acid. 

Recommended Dose: 

• For depression 800-1600 mg per day 
• For liver disease (hepatitis or cirrhosis) 1600 mg daily 
• For fibromyalgia 1 gm a day

Side effects and precautions: 

• A small number of people may experience nausea and gastrointestinal disturbance when taking high doses. 
• Consult a doctor if suffering from manic-depressive disorder before taking s-adenosyl methionine supplement.

GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid)

GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA is formed in the body from another amino acid, glutamic acid. GABA is essential for brain metabolism, its function is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from overfiring. Tranquilizers drugs like valium mimic GABA function, but GABA is a natural safe tranquilizer that can be used without the fear of addiction. 

Effective for: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Epilepsy (seizure control) 

Supplements: 

The body can make adequate GABA with the help of Vitamin B6 and zinc supplements. 

Recommended Dose: 

• For anxiety, irritability a dose of 500 mg to 4 gms a day. 
• For large amounts in case of seizure and depression a doctor has to be consulted. 

Side effects and precautions: 

Too much GABA can cause increased anxiety, shortness of breath, numbness around mouth, tingling in the extremities.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is important for overall metabolism, and involved in the metabolism of phenylalanine. Tyrosine is a precursor of adrenaline and neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, therefore this amino acid works very well against depression. Tyrosine plays an important role in the function of thyroid hormone, it attaches to iodine atoms to form active thyroid hormones. 

Effective for: 

• Depression 

In conjecture with tryptophan: 

• Hypothyroidism 
• Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Withdraw from cocaine addiction 

Supplements: 

A form of tyrosine know as acetyl L-tyrosine is the most effective for treatment of depression. 

Recommended Dose: 

• High doses of tyrosine must be taken under doctor’s supervision. 
• Doses of 600-2000 mg against depression on empty stomach with vitamin B6 and vitamin C 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Tyrosine is capable of raising the blood pressure or pulse rate and has to be taken under doctor’s supervision.
• Persons taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors , or peple suffering from migraine, melanoma or gliobastoma multiforme must not take tyrosine.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. Once inside the body phenylalanine is converted to another amino acid tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two key neurotransmitters that promote alertness. 

Effective for: 

• Depression 
• Aid in memory and learning 
• Suppress appetite 
• Caffeine withdrawal 
• Pain relief 
• Vitiligo 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Parkinson’s disease 

Supplements: 

• Phenylalanine is available in three forms- L-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine and DL-phenylalanine. The L-phenylalanine is the natural form. 

Recommended Dose: 

• For depression, fatigue or pain 250-1000 mg before mealtime 
• For appetite suppression 250-1000 mg before mealtime, if this does not work use equal amounts of tyrosine supplement. 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Phenylalanine is capable of raising the blood pressure or pulse rate and has to be taken under doctor's supervision. 
• People with phenylketonuria, tardive dyskinesia, skin cancer and brain cancer (gliobastoma multiforme) should avoid taking phenylalanine completely.

Lysine

Lysine is one if the eight essential amino acids that the body cannot manufacture on its own. Lysine is required for proper growth and bone development in children; it helps in calcium absorption and maintains a proper nitrogen balance in adults. Lysine helps to build muscle protein and aids in production of antibodies, hormones and enzyme. Most people consume all the lysine they need from red meats, chicken, turkey and other animal proteins. Vegetarian and low fat dieters may not get enough lysine through their diet. 

Effective for: 

• Preventing osteoporosis 
• Preventing cataracts 
• Preserving muscle tissue 
• Recuperate from stress 
• Cold sores 
• Fighting herpes virus 
• Immune strength 
• Reversing heart disease 

Recommended Dose: 

• Most do not need to take lysine supplement, supplements need be considered by vegetarians and low fat dieters. 
• For suppressing herpes 1-2 gm daily.

Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid found in the muscles of the body. Many plant and animal substances contain glutamine bit is easily destroyed by cooking, Glutamine can readily pass the blood brain barrier and is know as brain fuel. Glutamine maintains the structural integrity of the intestine. Glutamine is unique among other amino acids as it carries not one but two atoms of nitrogen, therefore it play a role of nitrogen shuttle taking it from the area where it can be spared to areas where it is needed the most. The medicinal value of glutamine is tremendous as highlighted below. 

Effective for: 

• Arthritis 
• Autoimmune disease 
• Intestinal disorder 
• Inflammatory bowel condition 
• Peptic ulcers 
• Fibrosis 
• Connective tissue disease: Polymyositis, scleroderma 
• Tissue damage from chemo or radiation therapy to treat cancer 
• Recovery from surgery 
• Exercise recovery 
• Enhance mental function 
• Developmental disabilities 
• Epilepsy 
• Fatigue 
• Impotence 
• Depression 
• Schizophernia 
• Senility 
• Decreases sugar and alcohol cravings 
• Fatty liver 
• Cirrhosis 
• Obesity 

Supplements: 

Powered L-glutamine is the easiest and the most economical way to take this amino acid. 

Recommended Dose: 

• 2-3 gms to counter act cravings for sugar or alcohol 
• 5 gms daily for maximizing gains from weight lifiting program
• 40 gms daily for inflammatory bowel syndrome 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Glutamine dosages are very safe. 
• For treatment of liver cirrhosis glutamine should be use with caution where liver is about to fail as it cannot handle glutamine.

Arginine

Arginine, an amino acid, is a precursor for a blood compound called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is responsible for regulating blood flow, immune function, liver function, nerve communication, blood clotting and sexual arousal. Despite the benefits of Nitric oxide, it is a free radical and capable of inflicting oxidative damage. Other than being a precursor for nitric oxide Arginine is essential for several processes in the body, it is important muscle metabolism, it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin and assists in the release of growth hormones. Arginine is also a component of collagen and aids in building new bone and tendon cells. 

Effective for: 

• Muscle preservation 
• Enhances immune function- Steps up activity of natural killer cells increases the weight of thymus gland where immune function originates, strengthen neutrophils (bacteria killing cells) 
• Male sexual health- Erectile dysfunction, sperm production 
• Wound healing 
• Healing fractures 
• Osteoporosis prevention 
• Reye’s syndrome 
• Lowers LDL cholesterol 
• Coronary heart disease 
• Poor leg circulation 
• High blood pressure 
• Congestive heart failure 

Recommended Dose:

• 1,500 mg- 4gm for wound healing, immune system support, restore sexual response 
• 15 gms as part of cardiovascular therapy 

Side effects and precautions: 

• To avoid arginine’s risk of promoting free radical oxidation, supplementation should be taken with antioxidants such as co enzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid. 
• Arginine should be taken cautiously by people who have arthritis, active infection, infection of viral herpes (these viruses feed on arginine) 
• Children under 18 should not be given multigram doses for extended period of time. 

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin like substance found in all parts of the body. Coenzyme Q10 plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body and is a very powerful antioxidant. The body’s production of Coenzyme Q10 peaks at around twenty years of age and declines to 60% below the mark by the time one is eighty years old. It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation and has vital anti aging effects. Coenzyme Q10 is vital for heart function. Heart muscle contains twice the amount of Coenzyme Q10 than any other organ or tissue in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is remarkable in treating and preventing many heart aliments. People with heart disease have 25% less Coenzyme Q10 than their healthy counterparts. 

Effective for: 

• Periodontal disease 
• High blood pressure 
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Anti aging 
• Cardiomyopathy 
• Atherosclerosis 
• Lowering bad cholesterol 
• Cancer 
• Schizophernia 
• Alzheimers 
• Candidiasis 
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Ulcers 
• For low sperm count 
• Preventing miscarriages 
• Tinnitus 
• Muscular dystrophy 
• Huntington’s disease 
• Fatigue 

Recommended Dose: 

• 90 mg bare minimum therapeutic dose daily 
• Cancer 200-400 mg daily 

Side effects and precautions: 

Be careful while buying Coenzyme Q10 as not all products offer it in its purest form. Its natural color is dark bright yellow to orange. Pure Coenzyme Q10 is perishable and deteriorates at high temperatures (115 F). Coenzyme Q10 product containing Vitamin E in a small amount helps preserve it.

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are sometimes referred to as vitamin P, an abundant group of pigments that color many of the flowers, leaves and stem. Bioflavonoids are not manufactured by the body, so they must be supplied through the diet. Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C and the two should be taken together. There are many different bioflavonoids including, citrin, eriodictyol, flavones, hespertin, hesperidin, quercetin, quercetrin and rutin. Citrus fruits contain some of the nature’s bioflavonoids, other plants include Ginkgo biloba, Hawthorn berry, Bilberry. 

Effective for: 

• Relieves pain, bumps and bruises due to athletic injuries 
• Reduce pain 
• Antibacterial effect 
• Promote circulation 
• Stimulate bile production 
• Lowers cholesterol 

Quercetin: Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and helps as a curative and preventative measure for a wide variety of diseases, therefore it is often known as the “king of flavonoids”.
Effective for: 

• Allergies 
• Inflammation 
• Heart disease- helps in lowering bad cholesterol, safeguards LDL cholesterol against oxidation 
• For cancer prevention as well as a therapy

Recommended Dose: 

• For arthritis, allergies and inflammation a divided dose of 600-1200 mg twice a day on empty stomach 
• For prevention of heart disease and cancer 300-600 mg daily 
• For treatment of aggressive cancer 1500 mg daily

Pycnogenol and grape seed extract:A powerful antioxidant that neutralizes a wide range of free radicals in the body
 Effective for: 

• Strengthen blood capillaries therefore preventing hardening of arteries 
• Varicose veins 
• Improves blood flow to brain 
• Heals bleeding gums 
• Curbs heavy menstrual flow 

Recommended Dose: 

• For allergies and most of the mentioned afflictions 50-300 mg daily 
• To stop bleeding gums or heavy menstrual flow 1000mg three times a day. 

Side effects and precautions: 

A very high dose may cause diarrhea. 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is least known amongst all nutrients. Vitamin K plays a very important role in bone formation and repair. Vitamin K is needed for the production of prothrombin that is necessary for blood clotting. Most of the body’s supply of Vitamin K is produced by the beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Loss of Vitamin K in the body due to:

• Use of blood thinning drugs (eg warfarin) 
• Use of antibiotics 
• Chemotherapy 
• Gastrointestinal problems 

Effective for:

• Osteoporosis 
• Fighting cancer (along with vitamin C) 
• Alleviates pregnancy related nausea and vomiting (along with vitamin C) 
• For expectant mothers to prevent bleeding disorder in their newborns (hemorrhagic disease) 

Recommended Dose:

• Women- 100 mcg daily

Side effects and precautions:
Do not start taking vitamin K if taking blood thinner drugs as this can cause blood clots. Consult the doctor first if taking blood thinner drugs. A dose up to 500 mcg is perfectly safe.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant involved in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. It improves circulation and is vital for tissue repair. Vitamin E protects other fat soluble vitamins from destruction by oxygen and helps in utilization of vitamin A.
Signs of deficiency:

• Infertility 
• Menstrual problems 
• Neuromuscular impairments 
• Shortened red blood cell lifespan 
• Spontaneous abortion 
• Uterine degeneration 

Effective for:

• Coronary heart disease 
• Reduces LDL cholesterol 
• Reduces triglycerides 
• Diabetes- improves sugar metabolism, reduces tissue damage due to high blood sugar 
• Protects health of the nervous system 
• An antioxidant that helps in prevention of cancer formation 
• Treatment of tardive dyskinesia 
• Prevent deterioration of alzheimers 
• Substantially reduces risk of cancer in smokers 
• Promotes sperm motility 
• Lung disease 
• Arthritis 
• Promotes normal blood clotting and healing, reduces scar form wounds 
• Helps combat free radical damage behind certain eye disease eg cataract, macular degeneration Menopausal symptoms 
• Fibrocystic disease of the breast 
• Immune weakness 
• Blood disorders 

Supplements:
Several forms exist, d-alphatocopherol is very potent. Natural mixed tocopherols-alpha-tocopherol, beta- tocopherol, gamma- tocopherol, delta- tocopherol reproduces how vitamin E occurs in nature. The body needs Zinc for proper utilization of vitamin E
Recommended Dose:

• 400-1200 IU 
• Heart conditions- 1200 IU 

Side effects and precautions:
Doses of vitamin E up to 3,200 IU per day is very safe. If dosage not built up gradually can prompt slight increase in blood pressure in those who have hypertension.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is unique as it is the only nutritional necessity that actually functions as a hormone in its active form- vitamin D3. Independent of diet the skin manufactures vitamin D after little exposure to direct sun light. For darker skinned people less vitamin D will be produced to sunlight. Vegetarians and followers of low fat diet at are risk of deficiency as fat is required absorption.

Signs of deficiency:

• Rickets in children 
• Osteomalacia in adults 

Effective for:

• Bone disorder-bone thinning and osteoporosis 
• Psoriasis 
• Bowel ailments-Colitis and Chron’s disease 
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• Arthritis 
• Cancer 

Recommended Dose:

• Exposing face or arms to outdoor sunlight twenty minutes a day for four months a year meets the body’s requirement. 
• 400-800 IU for those with vitamin D deficiency or related health problems (Elderly, women, shift workers, low fat dieters, vegetarians, dark complexioned people, people who stay indoors) 

Side effects and precautions:

• Too much of Vitamin D increases the amount of calcium in blood, this is harmful to the body. Excess calcium seeps into walls of blood vessel to form artery blocking plaques. 
• Toxicity may result from taking 65,000 IU of vitamin D over a period of two years.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidant known. Almost every medical problem has a vitamin C based solution, documented by a vast amount of scientific evidence. The right amount of dosage of vitamin C is the key to either preventing or curing the illness. 

Loss of vitamin c in body due to: 

• Consumption of alcohol 
• Use of oral contraceptives 
• Use of analgesics, antidepressants and anticoagulants 
• Smoking 

Signs of deficiency: 

• Scurvy 
• Increased susceptibility to infection 
• Poor digestion 
• Prolonged wound healing 

Effective for: 

• Viral and bacterial infections 
• Asthma 
• Allergies 
• Cancer 
• Prevents LDL cholesterol buildup 
• Raises the level of HDL cholesterol 
• Helps during stress (physical and emotional) 
• Obesity 
• Gout 
• Gallstomes 
• Prevent cataracts 
• Reduces risk of glaucoma 
• Helps overcome drug addiction 

Recommended Dose: 

• For general health 500 mg daily 
• 1000 mg daily for treating specific illness 

Side effects and precautions: 

• The amount of Vitamin C tolerance by the body can be tested by increasing the dose till diarrhea is induced (only a temporary phase).
• Large doses are safe. When taking large doses divide the dose. 
• When taking large doses of vitamin C do not stop taking abruptly but taper the dose down gradually.
• Take bioflavonois, digestive enzymes and magnesium for better utilization of vitamin C by the body.

Iron

Iron is a double edged sword in nutrition, it is vital for a healthy body but an excess of iron is implicated in heart disease and cancer. The most important function of iron in the body is for the production of hemoglobin, myoglobin and  oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is also required for a healthy immune system. 

Loss of iron body due to: 

• Menstruation 
• Taking asprin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine 
• Consumption of high carbohydrate or high fiber diet 

Signs of deficiency: 

• Anemia 
• Fatigue 
• Weakened immune system 
• Lower body temperature 
• Reduced output of thyroid hormone 

Effective for: 

• Anemia 

Supplements: 

Two kinds of iron exist- 

• Heme iron which is a natural, organic and biologically form  found in red meat, chicken and fish. Heme iron is absorbed by the body with no surplus accumulates. 
• Non heme iron which is a synthetic inorganic form that should to be avoided. It is found in most iron supplemented and fortified foods. Higher accumulation of non heme iron leads to increased risk of heart disease and cancer. 
• Iron absorption can be enhanced by taking vitamin A and C. 

Side effects and precautions: 

To be safe it is best to go to a doctor for a blood test to check iron levels. Ordinary hemoglobin count will let you know if you are anemic but not deficient. but the best test is serum ferritin test which measures how much of the mineral is stored in the body.

Vitamin B complex

The members of the B complex family are B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid, B12 (cobalamin), pantothenic acid and biotin. The B complex members exist together in nature and are responsible for producing energy by extracting fuel from carbohydrates, protein and fats from the food.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin):
Signs of deficiency:
· Beriberi disease
Effective for:
· Heart disease
· Learning disabilities
· Emotional disturbances
· Prevention of alzheimers
· Neural disorders
· Pain relief
· Lead poisoning
Recommended Dose:
· 50-100 mg daily


Vitamin B2 (riboflavin):

Riboflavin speeds up conversion of vitamin B6 to its active form. Involved in regenerating glutathione, a important antioxidant. Lack of riboflavin Impairs the body’s absorption of iron and weakens the thyroid gland function.

Signs of deficiency:
· Cracks at the corner of the mouth
· Difficult in adjusting to darkness or bright lights
Effective for:
· Minimizes respiratory injuries from various toxins
· Limits cell damage induced by stroke
· Improves the treatment of sickle cell anemia
Recommended Dose:
· 25-50 mg daily for general health


Vitamin B3 (niacin):

Vitamin B3 is critical for energy production and well-being. Vitamin B3 is important for heart health and optimal circulation. Needed for amino aid metabolism. Vitamin B3 comes in two different form niacin and niacinamide, both these meet the body’s requirement of Vitamin B3 but their therapeutic powers differ.

Niacin effective for:
· Reduces level of LDL cholesterol and raises level of HDL cholesterol
· Helps reduce the level of triglycerides
· Reverses schizophrenia
Niacinamide effective for:
· Reduces dose of insulin needed for type I diabetics.
· Diminishes osteoarthritis pain and improves joint mobility
· Gentle sedative effect useful in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, alcoholism
Recommended Dose:
· 100 mg daily for general health
· start with 100 mg with a gradual increase to 1000mg for therapeutic benefits under doctors supervision.
Side effects and precautions:

Niacin induces an “niacin flush” characterized by a tingling, itching warmth that flows over the skin. This is due to histamine release triggered by niacin which is harmless and lessens day by day as the body gets used to it. Niacin moderately raises blood sugar in diabetics. Consult doctor if using vasodilator drugs.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):

Vitamin B6 is involved in several biochemical reactions essential to sustaining life. It is the most frequently observed vitamin deficiency. Pyridoxine affects both physical and mental health.

Effective for:
· Reduces glycosylated hemoglobin (an indicator of diabetes related cell damage) in diabetics. Helps control blood sugar, helps prevent diabetic retinopathy
· Protects cardiovascular health, reduces level of homocysteine (heart disease risk factor), acts as a diuretic and lowers high blood pressure
· Critical for natural defense against infections
· Plays an integral role in maintaining a balance of female hormones
· Relieves pregnancy related nausea, decreases risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
· Helps against uterine fibroids, endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease
· Fights candidiasis
· Prevents kidney stones
· In treatment of epilepsy, depression, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia and autism
· Alleviation of hand pain from carpal tunnel syndrome
· Effector agaist asthma, acne, seborrheic dermatitis
· Topical application for malignant melanoma
Recommended Dose:
· 50 mg daily for general health
· Therapeutic range 100-400 mg
Side effects and precautions:

Vitamin B6 is non toxic but has to be always taken with other B-comples vitamins and magnesium supplements

Folic acid:
Folic acid is vital for many body functions such as energy production, protein metabolism, cell division and replication, the normal development of fetus. Folic acid is considered brain food and therefore very useful in treating many psychiatric disorders.
Effective for:
· Preventing birth defects: spinal bifida, anencephaly
· Postpartum depression
· Heart disease: high homocysteine a risk factor for heart attack and stroke is reduce. Homocysteine
  levels reduced along with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and betaine
· Estrogen replacement: High doses of folic acid have estrogen like effect ( dose of 40-60 mg) called the
  mega-folic therapy
· Depressed libido, restore menstrual regularity, adjust hormonal imbalance
· Intestinal disorders: Colitis
· Depression, epilepsy, mania, schizophrenia
· Peripheral neuropathy
· Cervical dysplasia
· Psoriasis, vitiligo, acne
· Anti inflammatory
Recommended Dose:
· 3-8 mg daily
· For heart conditions 10-20 mg
· Therapeutic doses 20-60 mg for conditions of cancer, menopausal symptoms, postpartum depression,
  colitis.
Side effects and precautions:

Use of oral contraceptives and alcohol consumption can deplete levels of folic acid in the body.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin):
Vitamin B12 is required for proper digestion, absorption of foods, the synthesis of protein and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin B12 aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. In addition Vitamin B12 prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility and promotes normal growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings.
Effective for:
· Pernicious anemia
· Low blood pressure
· Fights viral infection
· Relieves symptoms of dementia in older people
· Overcomes effects of homocysteine (indicator of heart attack)
· Multiple scleorosis
· Sleep disorders-insomnia, helps adjust to changes in sleeping and waking habits, jet lag
· Asthma
· Allergies
· Nerve pain
· Hearing problems such as tinnitus.
· Infertility
· cancer
Recommended Dose:
· 100 mcg daily
· 200 mcg daily for older than forty
· 400 mcg daily for older than sixty
· For deficiency related conditions 1 mg per day
Side effects and precautions:

To assess the levels of Vitamin B12 in the body, measurement of Vitamin B12 serum levels is inadequate. A blood test for methylmalonic acid reading reflect more accurately the levels of Vitamin B12, higher readings of methylmalonic acid indicates that the body does not receive or absorb enough Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is extraordinarily safe even in high amounts. Vitamin B12 should not be taken alone but along with other B vitamins.

Choline and lecithin (phosphatidylcholine):

Phosphatidylcholine is an essential protector of cells especially that of the nervous system and serves as the main source of choline. Eggs best source for phosphatidylcholine. Choline is important for the formation of a neurotransmitter acetylcholine and helps to manufacture lecithin. Choline aids in fat and cholesterol metabolism. Choline is also found in breast milk indicating its importance in development.

Effective for:
· Choline supplements for Alzheimers disease
· Choline/phosphatidylcholie/lecithin fights heart disease
· Lecithin lowers harmful LDL cholesterol
· Lecithin breaks down fats for better digestion
· Choline helpd to lower blood pressure
· Choline helps clear fatty liver
· Lecithin helps uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast syndrome, endometriosis and breast and endometrial
  cancer.
Recommended Dose:
· Phosphatidylcholine supplements as high as 35 gms per day.
· Concentrated lecithin liquid- typically contaings 55% phosphatidylcholine, ¼ teaspoon daily for
  general health.
Side effects and precautions:

High does of supplemental lecithin and choline should be accompanined by additional vitamin c and calcium.

Inositol:
Inositol relaxes nervous tension and encourages sounder sleep. Inositol is also vital for hair growth.
Effective for:
· Depression
· Anxiety and panic disorder
· Alzheimer’s disease
· Diabetic neuropathy
· Obesity
· Infant health
Recommended Dose:
· For insomnia 500-1500 mg a bedtime
· For anxiety 1-2 gms a day
· Clinical depression and panic and obsessive compulsion disorder 6-18 gms
Side effects and precautions:
Inositol is a chemical isomer of glucose and in high doses may inhibit weight loss.


Pantethine/Pantothenic acid:

Pantothenic acid is known as the anti stress vitamin. Once inside the body pantothenic acid forms a substance known as panthethine which is converted to an vital enzyme called coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Coenzyme A is involved in the production of hemoglobin, bile. Sex and adrenal steroids, cholesterol.

Effective for:
· Lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides
· Protects the heart and arteries
· Enhances heart muscle and strengthens the force of contraction
· Soothes inflamed tissue in arthritis, allergies, asthma, lupus, psoriasis
· Colitis and crohn’s disease
· Candidiasis
· Skin disease
· Obesity
Recommended Dose:
· 100-200 mg pantothenic acid or pantethine for general health
· 600-900 mg of both pantothenic acid and pantethine for conditions of inflammation, allergies, autoimmune conditions, reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides


PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid):

PABA is not an official member of the B complex family but is typically included in B-complex supplement. PABA is converted into folic acid by intestinal bacteria.

Effective for:
· Scleroderma
· Peyronie’s disease
· Joint disorders
· Skin discoloration- vitiligo
· UV protection for skin
Recommended Dose:
· For general health enough PABA is obtained through food
· For vitiligo 400 mg per day
· Peyronie’s disease 6-12 gms a day


Biotin:
Biotin aids in cell growth, fatty acid production in metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and in the utilization of other B complex vitamins.
Effective for:
· Maintains blood sugar in diabetics
· Reverse diabetic neuropathy
· Weak and brittle nails
· Infantile cradle cap
· Hair problems- improves texture
Recommended Dose:
· Daily supplement of biotin not necessary
· 5-15 mg for diabetics, hair problems

Vitamin A and the carotenoids

Carotrenoids: Carotenoids are fat soluble pigments and are potent family of antioxidants that include alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Fat in the diet is very essential for proper absorption of carotenoids. The body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A as needed. 

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is involved in cell communication, vision, reproduction and immune function. Vitamin A is technically known as retinol. Vitamin A also functions as important hormone-like growth factor in a oxidized form known as retinoic acid.

Signs of deficiency:

• Night blindness

Effective for:

• Infection fighter
• Decrease risk of cataract and age related macular degeneration
• AIDS
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Pulmonary diseases-emphysema
• Digestive ailments- colitis, crohn’s disease, duodenal ulcer
• Cancer
• Women's health concern-premenstrual syndromes, menopausal symptoms, for pregnancy related complications. 
• Wound healing
• Blood sugar disorders

Recommended Dose:

An average adult should consume 5,000 IU of vitamin A daily. For retinol-deficiency-related illness up to 100,000 IU per day.

Beta-carotene: A potent antioxidant in its own right.

Effective for:

• Cancer
• Heart disease-Angina, increase the level of protective HDL cholesterol
• Immune reinforcement

Lutein and zexanthin: Lutein and zexanthin are concentrated in the macular, the true- centre of sight at the back of the retina.

Effective for:

• Protect the eyes
• Ward off cataracts
• Reduce risk of macular degeneration

Lycopene: Lycopene is the pigments that colors tomatoes and watermelons.

Effective for:

• Cancer- breast, lung, endometrium, prostate

Recommended Dose:

Ideal source of carotenoid supplements are those derived from algae or whole food concentrates. For preventive care 10,000-25,000 IU, 75,000 IU for cancer fighting.