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Michael McIsaac, MS, MS, CSCS

Niacin (B3) Deficiency: Symptoms and Solutions

Niacin, colloquially known as B3, was discovered via signs and symptoms of its deficiency; a condition known as pellagra. Pellagra was a prominent condition in the United States prior to the discovery of B3(Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). As a means of appreciating niacin and its relationship to pellagra, the following will explore the same, […]

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Vitamin C and Alzheimer’s Disease

Ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, is widely known as an antioxidant and an immune system-enhancing micronutrient. However, AA has other relevant roles to include halting telomere attrition, cell growth, disorganization of chromatin (“packages” and protects DNA in tight bundles), excessive release of inflammatory factors, in addition to prolonging lifespan (Monacelli, Acquarone, Giannotti, […]

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Vitamin C Bioavailability After Food Preparation/Processing

It is generally understood that regular intake of phytochemical-dense foods provides anti-oxidants, among other micronutrients, which maintain health and longevity. Vitamin C (VC), a micronutrient known for its anti-oxidant and immune-enhancing properties, can be found in many fruits and vegetables (Leong & Oey, 2012). However, food preparation and processing can compromise the levels ascorbate and […]

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Vitamin C and Vitamin E: Supporting Liver Detoxification

The liver has the capacity to manage toxic exposures via a layered process; phase 1 and phase 2. Such a process begins by the production of important enzymes (i.e., cytochrome p450) made within liver cells that help expedite the reduction/oxidation/hydrolysis reactions (i.e., phase 1) (Grant, 1991; Kim & Lee, 2006). Phase 2 is characterized by […]

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Selenium and Glutathione Peroxidase: Battling Reactive Oxygen Species

It is thought that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in many disease states to include arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease (Duthie, 2003; Stockler-Pintos, Mafra, Farage, Boaventura, & Cozzolino, 2010). As such, maintaining optimal levels of anti-oxidants are critical in managing the destructive nature of ROS. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) is an example […]

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Antioxidants and Cell Health

Antioxidants are substrates, which serve to protect a cell’s DNA, lipid membranes, and proteins from reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Duthie, 2003). As such, optimal levels of antioxidants are paramount in maintaining an organism’s health, performance, and longevity. Furthermore, ensuring that said substrate is adequately recycled for continued use is equal relevance (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, […]

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Mitochondria and Cardiac Health: Exploring the Connection

The heart is a muscle (cardiac muscle) critical to sustaining life and homeostasis. Such an organ serves as a pump, which propels blood towards the lungs and other tissues via associated vasculature (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). Cardiac muscle is designed to work in almost near perpetuity; other muscles (i.e., skeletal) are not always required to […]

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CoQ10, Optimizing Absorption, and Statin-Related Deficiencies

CoQ10 is a nutrient whose production tends to become down-regulated by two main sources: genetic mutations involved in its synthesis (a primary deficiency) and statins, which inhibit an enzyme (hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A) involved in the development of CoQ10 (considered a secondary deficiency) (Potgieter, Pretorius, & Pepper, 2013). Secondary deficiency is a common side-affect amongst individuals on […]

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Exercise and “Hitting the Wall”

Movement is the product of many systems working together in a highly coordinated and harmonious fashion. Such systems include the sensorimotor, musculoskeletal, and energy systems (Page, Lardner, & Frank, 2010). When functioning optimally, the coalescence of such systems can produce meaningful and effective motions, such as running. Over time, however, fatigue is expressed as a […]

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