Chromium (Cr) is a metal found in a ubiquitous fashion amongst soil, water, and air (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Several oxidized states of Cr exist, however, researchers consider Cr3+ the most biologically relevant form (Vincent & Lukaski, 2018). Cr3+, also known as trivalent chromium, is the most stable of the oxidized forms often bound […]
Read MoreSelenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is a component of larger proteins (i.e., selenoproteins) involved in such processes as redox reactions, antioxidant activity, reproduction, immune function, and thyroid metabolism (Thomason, Chisholm, McLachlan, & Campbell, 2008). Deficiencies in Se have been associated with viral infections, inflammatory disorders, male infertility, altered immune function, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and […]
Read MoreMitochondria are organelles found within cells responsible for energy (ATP) production. Such is achieved via conversion of food (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) through oxidation and enzymatic reactions (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). As such, it is paramount said enzymes are present and in adequate concentrations, which is achieved by appropriate levels of key precursors; zinc (Zn) and […]
Read MoreZinc (Zn) is a micronutrient and essential cofactor/metal in many enzymes to include alkaline phosphatase, carbonic dehydratase, and polymerases and is obligatory for cell division and DNA synthesis (Crook, 2011). Deficiencies in Zn can cause several maladies such as increased risk of infections, infertility, impaired brain development, dermatitis, alopecia, low testosterone, and impaired smell/taste (Crook, […]
Read MoreExcessive consumption of processed foods is a dominant trend in North America in which 70% of calories are derived from refined carbohydrates to include alcohol, vegetable oils, and sugar (Ilich, Kelly, Kim, & Spicer, 2014). Such refined sources (i.e., sugar sweetened beverages) have become linked to pathological conditions like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and insulin resistance/type 2 […]
Read MorePhospholipase enzyme 2 (PLA2) represents a group of enzymes found in the plasma. In particular, the primary enzymes behind phospholipid hydrolyzing processes is found amongst a sub-group known as secretory PLA2 (SPLA2) and have been associated with atherosclerosis (Garces et al., 2010). As such, the following will explore said enzymes in greater detail, other biomarkers […]
Read MoreLow grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) is a condition characterized by a persistent presence of inflammatory processes, that eventually manifests as tissue damage (Nasef, Mehta, & Ferguson, 2017). LGCI is also implicated with several diseases to include autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes (Kenney, Wilmore, & Costill, 2012; Nasef et al., 2017). Essentially, mitigating the inflammatory […]
Read MoreOptimal vitamin D levels, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D, remains to be somewhat equivocal, thereby affecting recommended oral doses of vitamin D3. Since research indicates the critical relationship of vitamin D to optimal health, it behooves one to consider the nuances and implications of recommending supplemental vitamin D to individuals. The following will explore the […]
Read MoreVitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the precursor/pre-vitamin to 1,25-(OH)2D; the active form within the body, known as calcitriol (Chaplin & Jablonski, 2013). Vitamin D3 can be derived from sun exposure as well as foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon and sardines), plants (i.e., shitake mushrooms), fortified foods (i.e., milk, yogurt, butter, cheese) […]
Read MoreVitamin E is a fat-soluble compound along with A, D, and K. Said vitamin is most widely recognized by its anti-oxidant capabilities and capacity to maintain and protect cell membranes and lipoproteins (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). As a means of appreciating vitamin E’s role as an anti-oxidant, the following will briefly consider its structure, […]
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