Vitamins, vitamins and more VITAMINS!
Vitamin Formulas, Multi-Vitamins and now Nutriceuticals – Are they Vitamins too?
What are they?

Good questions. The many kinds and types of vitamins that are offered very often confuse folks.  We put together this glossary and guide to help you understand these vitamin terms and explain what they mean. 

A vitamin by definition is any organic substance that is essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants.  Vitamins act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units.  Vitamins are present in natural foods or sometimes produced within the body.

Vitamin C, as an example, is a well-known vitamin that is needed by the body for various reasons.  It is a valuable anti-oxidant and it fights scurvy.  There are many individual vitamins that your body needs in varying amounts each and every day.

When you put several vitamins together, you create a vitamin formula or a multi-vitamin. So, many vitamins put together are multi-vitamins.  Nutritionists recommend certain amounts of vitamins and recommend daily doses.  When you put many vitamins together in their recommended daily dose amounts, you get a multi-vitamin or a vitamin formula.  These are great for everyday use.

A nutriceutical is a bit different.  As an example, certain vitamins are known to improve memory.  Putting all those memory vitamins together into one formula expressly to try and help improve memory creates a nutriceutical.  Biotrex Memory+ is a nutriceutical that puts all the vitamins needed to enhance or improve memory into one easy-to-take tablet.  Instead of buying many memory vitamins separately, we put them all together for you, saving you money.

If you want to know how each vitamin in our formulas help you, visit the Biotrex Vitamins product pages.  There you will see a vitamin glossary for each formula that will take you through the individual vitamins and how they help your body. We've included that vitamin glossary at the bottom of the home page too.  It's great as a study aid for students or for people who want to know what each vitamin does.   Be aware that the glossary contains the vitamins, minerals and botanicals that are used in Biotrex Products.  Other manufacturers may use different ingredients.  This Glossary is fairly comprehensive but does not include every vitamin, mineral or botanical there is, just the ones found in Biotrex products.

Biotrex makes 6 Vitamin formulas – choose from Renew+ Anti-Aging Vitamins, Sports+ Muscle and Joints Sports Recovery Vitamins, Memory+ Memory Enhancing Vitamins, Senior+ Vitamins for Back Pain Relief, and Alert+ Focus and Attention Enhancement vitamin formulas.

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Vitamins, Minerals, Botanicals
Glossary & Guide

Nutriceutical and Multi-Vitamins Ingredients in Biotrex Formulas

Vitamins

Beta Carotene an anti-aging vitamin, is a powerful antioxidant that is said to decelerate the aging process. Your body converts Beta Carotene into Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity.

Biotin is necessary for both metabolism and growth in humans, particularly with reference to production of fatty acids, antibodies, digestive enzymes, and in Niacin (Vitamin B-3) metabolism. Helps the body maintain healthy skin.

Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is important in red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, growth and cell division. Folic Acid has been shown to work together with Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12 to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that builds and maintains tissues. Elevated homocysteine levels can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or loss of circulation in your hands and feet. It's also very important in pregnancy for the developing fetus.

Vitamin B1 or Thiamine, combines with phosphorus to form Thiamin Pyrophosphate necessary for the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. It is essential for growth, normal appetite, digestion, and healthy nerves. Vitamin B1 may prevent, correct or help aging and memory loss.

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is required by the body to use oxygen, and the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Vitamin B2 is further needed to activate Vitamin B6. It helps to create Niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails.

Vitamin B3 also known as Niacin is required for cell respiration and the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It's also needed for circulation and healthy skin. It has been used as a memory-enhancer. People report more mental alertness when this vitamin is incorporated into their diet.

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid, is used in the release of energy as well as the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates. It helps to fight allergies and is beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves. Indirectly, because it helps in the secretion of hormones, it is used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin. It is believed that Pantothenic Acid is also helpful to fight wrinkles as well as graying of the hair.

Vitamin B6 also known as Pyridoxine is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for normal metabolism of nerve tissues and is active in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. B12 improves the functions of iron in the metabolic cycle and assists Folic Acid in the synthesis of choline. It also plays an important role in the production of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of living cells.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that maintains skin integrity, helps heal wounds and is important in immune functions. Vitamin C is a redox agent. It acts as an antioxidant in some cases, and an oxidant in others. As an antioxidant, it helps to prevent cell damage by neutralizing "free radicals." Free radicals cause damage to cells. Some studies have shown that people who eat foods high in Vitamin C have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. It is not clear if taking Vitamin C supplements produces similar benefits. However a 2001 study indicates that supplementation with Vitamin C, certain other antioxidants and Zinc may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. This combination of ingredients is in our Renew+ formula.

Vitamin D Necessary for growth and development of bones & teeth. Important in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Required for proper absorption & utilization of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin E is a powerful biological antioxidant. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Vitamin K An essential nutrient needed for bone formation and repair and for blood clotting. Vitamin K, along with Vitamin D and Calcium, play an important role in the prevention of the bone thinning condition called osteoporosis.

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Minerals

Calcium is the body's most plentiful a mineral, is essential for strong teeth and bones and for muscle and nerve function. Studies suggest that Calcium supplements, if taken regularly, help prevent osteoporosis by reducing bone loss.

Chromium (Picolinate) has been shown to lower blood glucose (sugar). Chromium (Picolinate) has been found to decrease body fat and enhance lean body mass, while lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Copper a trace mineral that works with Zinc and Vitamin C to form elastin; is used in healing and in the production of energy and healthy nerves and joints. Deficiency signs include osteoporosis, anemia, weakness, impaired respiration and growth, and poor use of iron. Deficiency raises blood fat levels. An essential component of several enzymes, including those used for hemoglobin synthesis, cell respiration, and antioxidant protection of red blood cells.

Iodine forms part of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine which are necessary for the maintenance of metabolic rate, cellular metabolism and integrity of connective tissue.

Magnesium is needed for the efficient production of enzymes. It is also involved in protein metabolism, utilization of fats and carbohydrates and is necessary for proper nerve function.

Phosphorus An element that plays an important role in the body's use of carbohydrates and fats in the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissue.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that the human body needs. It is an important part of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism.

Vanadium It is believed that Vanadium is probably essential to growth and involved in fat metabolism. A Vanadium deficiency can increase blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Zinc is essential to the synthesis of DNA and RNA, of proteins, insulin and sperm. The body needs zinc to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, protein and alcohol; to dispose of carbon dioxide; to make good use of Vitamin A. More than seventy different enzymes require Zinc to do their appointed work. Zinc boosts the immune system and makes wounds heal faster. It's integral to the growth and maintenance of body tissues.

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Herbals - Botanicals

Cantaloupe Extract is a botanical that has been shown to increase water retention in the skin making the skin appear younger. We include it in our anti-aging products.

Gingko Biloba is a botanical that is a powerful antioxidant. Gingko Biloba, a readily available natural product, has been the focus of recent media reports as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Scientists examined how taking 120 mg a day of a Gingko Biloba extract affected the rate of cognitive decline in people with mild to moderately severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. At the end of the study, they reported a small treatment difference in people given the Gingko Biloba extract.

Gotu Kola an excellent botanical herb that can support brain function and thereby enhance attention and focus.

Grape Seed Extract another botanical, is an herb that helps protect cells from free radical damage while promoting healthy circulation it is rich in Polyphenols, a beneficial compound, high in antioxidants that helps to improve circulation.

Green Tea Extract a botanical, is a bioflavonoid rich, potent extract used primarily for fighting free radicals. It contains a high content of polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavonoids. Green Tea Extract contains a potent antioxidant, EGCG, which is over 200 times more powerful than Vitamin E in neutralizing the pro-oxidants and free radicals that attack lipids in the brain.

Lycopene is responsible for the red color in tomato, grapefruit, watermelon and guava. Substantial research has documented Lycopene's potent antioxidant abilities, especially its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation, suggesting a decreased risk of Cardiovascular Disease. Lycopene's antioxidant abilities are currently being evaluated for its possible protective role in cancer prevention, especially cervical, prostate, pancreatic and stomach cancers.

Pine Bark Extract a botanical, has been shown to be a very powerful antioxidant that is even more powerful than either Vitamin C or Vitamin E.

Tumeric Standard Extract is a botanical and people who have various arthritis problems, osteoarthritis, and other common joint pains have reported that this product helped them feel better.

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Other

Acetyl L-Carnitine has been shown to protect brain cells against aging-related degeneration and improve mood, memory and cognition. The most important effect of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, however, is to maintain the function of the cell's energy powerhouse, the mitochondria.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a highly potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the mitochondria, (the power plants of cells) where energy for all cellular activities is generated. Some nutritionists believe that mitochondrial free radicals play an important role in human aging. We include it in our anti-aging products.

Cetyl Myristoleate has been shown to be highly effective as a support in the treatment of many forms of joint conditions. A great ingredient for people who play sports or for seniors because it helps repair cartilage and joints.

Colostrum Medical research and reports from consumers indicate that Colostrum may have the following health benefits for many individuals: helps support and may speed healing, can build lean muscle and burn fat, increases endurance, and has the potential to enhance athletic performance.

Coenzyme Q10 Studies have yielded information about how Coenzyme Q10 works in the body to produce energy and act as an antioxidant. Some studies have suggested that Coenzyme Q10 stimulates the immune system and increases resistance to disease.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA, is a naturally occurring nutrient shown to contribute to the growth of lean muscle, reduction of body fat and improved health. Linoleic Acid belongs to a family of essential fatty acids called omega-6 fatty acids and performs a number of important metabolic functions in the body. CLA has a slightly different molecular structure than Linoleic Acid and, as a result, different nutritional benefits. In addition to its body shaping benefits, research continues to build a case for CLA's antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.

Cysteine maintains the structure of proteins in the body and can also be converted into glucose and used as a source of energy.

DMAE is a very powerful antioxidant and free radical neutralizer that can stabilize liposome membranes, preventing rupture of these scavenger bodies, which would result in leakage of collected toxins and protein-damaging enzymes. It reverses the formation of lipofuscin that causes the so-called aging spots or liver spots. This pigment also tends to clog brain and nerve cells as we age. DMAE is beneficial to maintaining youthful-looking skin.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus not only help the digestive tract function, they also reduce the presence of less healthful organisms by competing with them for the limited space available. A number of studies suggest that acidophilus can enhance immune function.

L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increasing concentration, and productivity. It is helpful with certain forms of ADD/ADHD by improving concentration.

L-Glutamine contains two ammonia groups, one from its precursor, glutamate, and the other from free ammonia in the bloodstream. One of Glutamine's roles is as a "nitrogen shuttle," which helps protect the body from high levels of ammonia. L-Glutamine can act as a buffer, accepting excess ammonia, then releasing it when needed to form other amino acids, amino sugars, nucleotides, and urea. This capacity to accept and donate Nitrogen makes Glutamine the major vehicle for nitrogen transfer between tissues. In times of metabolic stress, Glutamine is released into circulation, where it is transported to the tissue in need.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a safe, natural, assimilable food, which assists the body in maintaining adequate sulfur stores. MSM may support the body in regulating insulin production, improving skin smoothness and elasticity, regulating environmental and allergic sensitivities, enhancing bowel function and liver detoxification, and enhancing respiratory function. MSM is a component of the proteins necessary for the formation of skin, hair, nails and muscle. Sulfur is also a component of bones, teeth and collagen.

Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids are said to help regulate mental health problems because they enhance the ability of brain-cell receptors to comprehend mood-related signals from other neurons in the brain. In other words, they are believed to help keep the brain's entire traffic pattern of thoughts, reactions, and reflexes running smoothly and efficiently.

Phosphatidal Choline Serine stimulates acetylcholine output and the synthesis and release of dopamine. Phosphatidal Choline Serine is also thought to reverse memory decline. Human trials have demonstrated memory improvement, improvements in lucidity, in outlook upon life, and in the general ability to cope with the concerns of the day and to function socially. This may solve those senior moment problems and possibly help Alzheimer's sufferers.

Sea Cucumber has been shown to be effective in reducing the pain and inflammation seen in the arthritic and traumatized patient. Sea Cucumber has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure, help in the healing of ulcers, joint pain, injury to soft tissue, as well as joint trauma.

We hope that our vitamin guide was useful and informative.   Please come back as often as you like because we will update our vitamin definitions every time we add a new vitamin supplement or make a change to one.

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