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To take some of the confusion out of vitamins and terms used in the vitamin industry we have developed this glossary of terms.

Absorption - The process where the nutrients are assimilated into the body (from the digestive tract to the bloodstream).

Amino Acids - Small molecules that join together to create complex proteins.

Antioxidants - Substances that fight against oxygen-derived free radicals to prevent them from reacting with body tissue which could result in cellular damage. Common antioxidants include vitamin C and vitamin E.

Ascorbic Acid (Ascorbate) - The chemical name for Vitamin C, - it can be found in citrus fruits and some vegetables.

Avitaminosis - A condition where the human body suffers from complete vitamin deficiency.

Beta - Carotene - An organic compound, found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables is a powerful antioxidant. It is used by the body to make Vitamin A.

Bioavailability - A measurement term for the speed of and absorption rate of a substance into the bloodstream.

Biological Marker Compound - A quality control test to determine that certain materials are contained in a product, as advertised.

Bioflavonoids - Compounds found in citrus fruits that aid in the absorption process. Commonly referred to as Vitamin P.

Botanicals - Any product that is made from plants or herbs.

Calciferol -The chemical name for Vitamin D. This vitamin can be found in eggs, butter and margarine. It is also added to milk - and is important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Carnitine - An amino acid that breaks down fat and releases energy for the body.

Clinical Trials - Programs created to test the safety and effectiveness of new products. Companies typically use volunteers to test the product - and monitor them for success with the product and any side effects.

Coenzymes - Molecules that are used in the body to alter its biochemistry. Most vitamins are considered coenzmes.

Cobalimin (Cyanocobalimin) - The chemical name for Vitamin B12 - it is found in red meat, fish, chicken, eggs and milk. This vitamin helps create blood cells in bone marrow and nerve tissue. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to anemia.

Dietary Supplements - Products that are used to improve a person’s health. This can include vitamins, herbs, minerals and any botanical products.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) - Considered the building blocks of genes, they are comprised of amino acids.

DV/Daily Value - The term used in the United States as the recommendation usage of the product.

Enzymes - A protein that is produced in the body than in turn becomes a catalyst for reactions in the body.

Extract - This solution is developed by the timed soaking of plant materials that are then evaporated from a liquid.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins - Vitamins that dissolve in liquid fat or fatty oils, in addition to water. They include Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Folic Acid - The chemical name for Vitamin B4. It can be found in nuts, eggs, whole wheat and liver. It assists with cell division and the maintenance of healthy blood.

Free Radicals - An unstable group of atoms that reacts with anything in the body that they come into contact with, and often cause damage to other cells (on a molecular level).

Gene - A structure of DNA caused by hereditary.

GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe)- A term used by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Health Claim - A statement made by a manufacturer or seller of supplements that claims the product can prevent, treat or cure a condition or disease.

Hypervitaminosis - A condition where too high concentrations of certain vitamins are present in the body and they result in poisonous toxins being present in the body.

Immune System - A body’s own defense against viruses or damaging bacterias.

Interaction - A side effect from the use of more than one drug or dietary supplement.

Malabsorption - The is when the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract is poor (low level). This can be caused by drug side effects or a health condition or disease.

Metabolism - All biochemical and physiological changes that take place naturally inside the body. This includes growth, digestion and excretion.

Minearls - Non carbon containing (Inorganic) nutritious substances that are necessary in the body. They include calcium, potassium, sulfur, copper, zinc and iron.

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) - The chemical name for Vitamin B7. Niacin is found in bread, milk, yeast, liver and nuts. It is used for continuing health of body cells and to free energy from carbonhydrates and fats.

Nutrient - A substance that provides the body with nourshiment in order to continue metabolism and the transfer of energy.

Provitamin (Precursor) - Any compound capable of being converted into a vitamin by the body.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) - The nutritional intake levels developed by the Food and Nutrition Board.

Retinol - The chemical name for Vitamin A, which is found in egg yolk, butter, carrots (and most yellow and orange fruits and vegetables). It is fat-soluable and is considered an anti-cancer vitamin. Vitamin A is important for your eyesight and helps with keeping healthy skin.

Riboflavin - The chemical name for Vitamin B2, is is found in dark green leaves, red meat, milk and mushrooms.

Thiamine - The chemical name for Vitamin B1 that is found in whole wheat, bread and pork. Vitamin B helps with growth, digestion and maintaining healthy nerves.

Toxic Levels - The level where substances that are usually not dangerous become poisonous in our body.

USRDA/ United States Recommended Daily Allowances - Used by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they indicate the recommendations on supplements.

Vitamins - Nutrients for the body that are not directly produced by the body.

Water-Soluble Vitamins - Vitamins that easily dissolve in water - they include Vitamin C and all B vitamins.