amino acids:
Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-nh2) and a carboxyl (-cooh) group.
Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerised to form proteins.

amino group:
An -NH2 group. Organic compounds which have this group are called amines.

antioxidant
Antioxidants may neutralize the effects of free radicals (oxidants), which many scientists believe can be a cause of cell damage. Examples of antioxidant nutrients include vitamins C and E and vitamin A as Beta-Carotene.

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Beta-Carotene
Beta-Carotene is an important source of vitamin A. It is believed to be a superior source of vitamin A because it is readily converted into a more active form of the substance. Good sources of Beta Carotene include: red, yellow, orange and many dark green leafy vegetables.

Biotin
Biotin is important for cell growth and the metabolism of fats, sugar and some amino acids. It helps to release energy from carbohydrates. Good sources of biotin include: eggs, liver, yeast breads and cereals.

Boron
Boron is a mineral present in the diet and in the human body in trace amounts. Boron may promote bone and joint health, particularly in women. Sources of boron include: raisins, peanuts, juices, fruits (other than citrus), leafy vegetables, legumes and nuts.

bovine growth hormone:
A hormone secreted by the bovine pituitary gland. It is used to increase milk production by improving the feed efficiency in dairy cattle.

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Calcium (Elemental)
Calcium is crucial in forming strong bones and teeth and is essential for muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses. Good sources of calcium include: milk, yogurt and most cheeses. Also dark green leafy vegetables (like kale, broccoli, bok choy) and fish with edible bones.

Chloride
Chloride is a mineral generally consumed as sodium chloride or table salt. There is a high correlation between the sodium and chloride contents of the diet. Chloride serves as an electrolyte helping to preserve the fluids in our body and plays an important role in nerve function. Good sources of chloride include: table salt, chlorinated water, some fruits and vegetables.

Chromium
Chromium, in combination with B-vitamins, helps the body regulate fuel stores for energy. Good sources of chromium include: meat, eggs, whole-grain products and cheese.

Copper
Copper is important for the formation of bone, hemoglobin and red blood cells. Copper also helps keeps nerves healthy, and is involved in hair and skin coloring and sensitivity to taste as well as aiding in the healing process. Good sources of copper include: organ meats, especially liver, seafood, nuts and seeds.

daily value
Daily value is used on labels to indicate the percent of the recommended daily amount of each nutrient that a serving of a food or vitamin/ mineral supplement provides. DV has replaced the use of US RDA (United States recommended daily allowance) on labels.

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Folic Acid
Folic acid is essential for the manufacture of DNA, the substances necessary for cell reproduction. It also promotes normal red-blood cell formation. An adequate intake of folic acid is important to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Good sources of folic acid include: leafy vegetables, some fruits, legumes, liver, yeast breads, wheat germ, and vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, and safflower.

Ginkgo Biloba
The Ginkgo Biloba is a tree most commonly found in China and Far East. Ginkgo Biloba extract is obtained from the dried leaves. There have been many traditional uses for Ginkgo, although more recently, western culture has taken interest in the extract's cognition enhancing properties.

Ginseng (American Ginseng Standardized Extract)
Ginseng is a broad term used to include many types of plants in the genus Panax. American Ginseng includes those plants that are grown in North America. Helps the body adapt to stress.

growth factor:
A complex family of polypeptide hormones or biological factors that are produced by the body to control growth, division and maturation of blood cells by the bone marrow. They regulate the division and proliferation of cells and influence the growth rate of some cancers. These factors occur naturally but some can be synthesized using molecular biology techniques and are used clinically to stimulate normal white cell production following chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.

Examples include epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor. Insulin and somatomedin are also growth factors, the status of nerve growth factor is more uncertain. Perturbation of growth factor production or of the response to growth factor is important in neoplastic transformation.

growth hormone:
Polypeptide (191 amino acids) produced by anterior pituitary that stimulates liver to produce somatomedins 1 and 2.

growth hormone regulating hormone:
Hypothalamic hormones that induce (somatoliberin) or inhibit (somatostatin) the release of growth hormone (somatotropin).

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH):
Hormone produced in the hypothalamus that promotes production of Human Growth Hormone. [See Human Growth Hormone]
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HGH:
Human Growth Hormone is often referred to as "HGH".

Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine used to treat illness and relieve discomfort of a wide variety of health conditions. It is practiced by licensed physicians and other qualified prescribers in many regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, the U.K., and the U.S.

hormone:
A naturally occurring substance secreted by specialized cells that affects the metabolism or behavior of other cells possessing functional receptors for the hormone. Hormones may be hydrophilic, like insulin, in which case the receptors are on the cell surface or lipophilic, like the steroids, where the receptor can be intracellular.

human growth hormone:
A protein produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the liver to produce somatomedins, which stimulate growth of bone and muscle.

Also called Somatotropin, HGH is a protein-like hormone that many researchers believe has greater capacity to prevent and reverse aging than any other substance. Under a physician's care, HGH replacement therapy is administered with daily injections. Alternatively or in addition, HGH releasers are widely available without prescription, including arginine, ornithine, and other amino acids taken orally as supplements.
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IGF - Insulin like Growth Factor:
Insulin like growth factors I and II are polypeptides with considerable sequence similarity to insulin.
They are capable of eliciting the same biological responses, including mitogenesis in cell culture. On the cell surface, there are two types of insulin like growth factor receptor, one of which closely resembles the insulin receptor (which is also present).

Insulin like growth factor I = somatomedin A = somatomedin C
Insulin like growth factor II = MSA (Multiplication stimulating activity).
Insulin like growth factor 1 is released from the liver in response to growth hormone.
Acronym: IGF

Iodine
Iodine, best known for keeping the thyroid gland healthy, also helps metabolize fat and aids physical and mental development. Good sources of iodine include: iodized salt and saltwater fish.

Iron
As blood passes through the tiny air sacs in the lungs, oxygen attaches itself to the iron in the blood and is carried to all parts of the body. In general, pre-menopausal women need more iron than men do, because menstruation depletes the body of iron. Good sources of iron include: meat, raisins, green leafy vegetables and nuts.

IU
IU is an abbreviation for international units, a standard unit of measurement for fat soluble vitamins A, D and E.

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Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant found in nature in fruits and vegetables.

Magnesium
Magnesium is necessary for glucose metabolism, the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses and the delicate electrical balance of cells. Good sources of magnesium include: legumes, nuts, whole grains and green vegetables.

Manganese
Manganese helps to metabolize protein and fat. It maintains the health of the immune and nervous systems. It is important for bone growth and reproduction. Manganese makes it possible for the body to use thiamin and vitamin E. Good sources of manganese include: whole-grain products, along with some fruits and vegetables.

Molybdenum
Molybdenum supports normal cell function. It enables the body to use nitrogen and is important for enzymes needed in metabolism. Molybdenum helps regulate iron stores in the body. Good sources of molybdenum include: milk, legumes, breads and grain products.

mucosa:
The soft tissue internal surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and cheek.

Niacin
Another name for vitamin B3, niacin is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. It is also needed for DNA formation and to maintain normal function of skin, nerves and the digestive system. Good sources of niacin include: poultry, fish, beef, peanut butter and legumes.

Nickel
Nickel is a mineral present in the diet. Sources of nickel include: nuts, beans, peas, grain, and chocolate.

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Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of fat and sugar within the body. Good sources of pantothenic acid include: meat, poultry, fish, whole-grain cereals and legumes.

peptide:
A compound of two or more amino acids where the alpha carboxyl group of one is bound to the alpha amino group of another.

Link between two amino acids; peptide also refers to the resulting chain of two or more amino acids.

Phosphorus
Phosphorous teams with calcium to aid in cell growth, bone and tooth formation, kidney function and the contraction of the heart. Good sources of phosphorous include: milk, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts.

Phytosterols
Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are naturally occurring compounds found in all plants and are chemically related to cholesterol, which is found in animal tissue. More than 40 phytosterols have been identified, but sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol are the most abundant. These three compounds comprise up to 98% of the total phytosterols. Vegetable oils are the richest source of phytosterols.

Potassium
Potassium is essential for making all muscles (including the heart) function properly. It is vital for the transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, and the release of insulin. It helps to maintain the fluid level inside and outside cells. Good source of potassium include: fruits, many vegetables, fresh meat, poultry and fish.

precursor:
Something that precedes.
1. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed.
2. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another.
Origin: L. precursor = a forerunner

pituitary:
An endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, in the small recess of a bone - certain sections of the pituitary each secretes important hormones including growth hormone (GH) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

polypeptide:
A peptide which on hydrolysis yields more than two amino acids, called tripeptides, tetrapeptides, etc. According to the number of amino acids contained.

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Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
RDAs are published by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Science, that establishes goals rather than requirements for healthy persons. Different guidelines are established for 16 different age and gender groups.

Riboflavin
Another name for vitamin B2, riboflavin is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. It is also needed to maintain metabolism and the function of skin and nerves. Good sources of riboflavin include: milk and other dairy foods, enriched bread and other grain products, eggs, meat, green leafy vegetables and nuts.

secretagogue:
Substance that induces secretion from cells, originally applied to peptides inducing gastric and pancreatic secretion.

Selenium
In combination with vitamin E, selenium works as an antioxidant. Good sources of selenium include: seafood, liver and kidney, as well as other meats.

Silicon
Silicon is required in the body for proper integrity of the skin, ligaments, tendons, and bone. Aging and low estrogen status may decrease a person’s ability to absorb silicon. Sources of silicon include: unrefined grains of high fiber content, such as oatmeal and brown rice, root vegetables, and cereal products.

somatotropin-releasing hormone:
hypothalamic peptide that regulates the synthesis and secretion of somatotropin in the anterior pituitary gland.
Chemical name: Somatoliberin



somatomedins:
Insulin-like polypeptides made by the liver and some fibroblasts and released into the blood when stimulated by somatotropin. They cause sulfate incorporation into collagen, RNA, and DNA synthesis, which are prerequisites to cell division and growth of the organism.

somatostatin:
Gastrointestinal and hypothalmic peptide hormone (two forms: 14 and 28 residues), found in gastric mucosa, pancreatic islets, nerves of the gastrointestinal tract, in posterior pituitary and in the central nervous system. Inhibits gastric secretion and motility: in hypothalamus/pituitary inhibits somatotropin release.

somatotrophin:
growth hormone, somatotropin.

somatotropin:
Hormone (191 amino acids) released by anterior pituitary that stimulates release of somatomedin, thereby causing growth.
An amino acid based substance secreted by the pituitary gland that promotes cell growth and maintenance, stimulates the immune system, etc.

somatropin:
synthetic or naturally occurring growth hormone from the human pituitary gland. It is given to children with open epiphyses for the treatment of pituitary dwarfism. Chemical name: Somatotropin (human)

Soy Isoflavone
Soy extract typically contains soy isoflavones. It helps support comfort and well-being for women of menopausal age.

Thiamin
Also known as vitamin B1, thiamin participates in the body’s ability to use protein and carbohydrates to produce energy. It also aids metabolism, especially of carbohydrates. It is important for normal functioning of the nervous system. Good sources of thiamin include: whole-grain and enriched grain products, such as beans, rice, pasta and fortified cereals.

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Vanadium
Vanadium is a trace mineral present in nature. Source of vanadium include: shellfish, parsley, mushrooms, dill seed, and wine.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for the growth of and development of bones, teeth and gums. It is also essential for night vision, healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. Good sources of vitamin A include: liver, fish, oil, eggs, and vitamin A fortified foods.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system. Good sources of vitamin B6 include: chicken, fish, pork, liver and kidney. It may also be found in whole grain, nuts and legumes.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for normal growth, healthy nerve tissue and blood formation. It is also a crucial element in the reproduction of every cell of the body. Good sources of vitamin B12 include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy foods.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant and plays a role in collagen formation, neurotransmission and tissue repair. Good sources of vitamin C include: oranges, grapefruits and tangerines, many other fruits and vegetables including berries, melons, peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, potatoes and tomatoes.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body properly utilize calcium and phosphorous necessary to build strong bones and teeth. Good sources of vitamin D include: fortified milk, cheese, eggs and some fish (sardines and salmon).

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation, which can sometimes result in harmful effects in your body. It is also important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. Good sources of vitamin E include: vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, and safflower, as well as nuts, seeds and wheat germ.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps the blood clot when the body is injured and is important in bone metabolism. Good sources of vitamin K include: green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli.

Zinc
Zinc is needed for cell growth, reproduction and repair. It helps regulate the body’s immune response and insulin metabolism, and aids the healing of wounds. Good sources of zinc include: meat, seafood and liver.

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