BCAA is the abbreviation for Branched–chain amino acids. This is sometimes used to describe those amino acids that have aliphatic side-chains and are nonlinear. They are isoleucine, leucine, and valine. These three essential amino acids total up to approximately thirty three percent of skeletal muscle in the human body and it plays a crucial role in protein synthesis as well. BCAA is clinically used on burn victims and also to boost the strength of athletes. Bodybuilders show great interest in BCAA because it gets metabolized in the muscles and can be utilized to build proteins and produce energy. Studies reveal that, BCAA when regularly used increases hormone growth in the blood, thus resulting in improved muscular activity. Combining BCAA with beta-alanine reduces muscle injury.

Benfotiamine B1- Benfotiamine is a form of thiamine that is lipid soluble. In recent studies benfotiamine has been found to help with sciatica, vascular health, general nerve health, improved blood pressure, general cellular protection, anti-aging, fibromyalgia, prevention of lactic acidosis, and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.  It is being used in neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. It strengthens the nervous system and even improves mental attitude. It is necessary in the treatment of beriberi, neuritis, and alcoholism. It can aide in digestion, fight sea sickness, promote growth, repel biting insects, and helps to regulate the heart.

Beta Carotene may be found in many plants and fruits. It is converted into vitamin A in the body. It is antioxidant that protects the cells from aging process and from free radical damages. It is also aids in the cell communication that prevents the overgrowth of cell that may lead to cancer. It is also known to be good for the eyesight. It prevents night blindness, cataracts and other eye problems. It also prevents the thickening and hardening of artery walls that may lead to cardiovascular problems. It also helps reduce blood cholesterol. Beta Carotene also helps rid the body of toxins. It enhances the immune system and fights against colds, flu, and infections brought about by virus and bacteria.

Beta-Alanine, or rather beta-alanine and 3-aminopropanoic acid, is also considered the only naturally occurring beta amino acid, despite being part of larger bioactive molecules like beta-peptides. Beta-alanine is a rate limiting precursor to the dipeptide carnosine, which means that carnosine levels depend on the available amounts of beta-alanine. Carnosine is abundant in brain tissues and muscles. It has been observed that supplementation with Beta Alanine in fact does increase the levels of carnosine, which resulted in athletes experiencing less fatigue and allowing them to boost the amount of muscular work, i.e. the training that can be done. In clinical trials conducted over ten weeks with supplementing Beta Alanine to test subjects, intramuscular carnosine levels were measured at eighty per cent higher levels than before the test.

Bioperine, a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent of piperine. Bioperine is used in conjunction with other herbs or vitamins to increase their absorption and digestion to make them more effective.

Biotin, also known as vitamin H, but is more commonly called Biotin. It is a vitamin which is B-complex in nature and is water soluble. Biotin helps in transferring carbon dioxide along with helping in various metabolic reactions. A steady blood sugar level can also be maintained by the help of biotin. Hair and nails are strengthened by the consumption of biotin. Therefore, a lot of hair and cosmetic products use biotin as one of its ingredients. The body’s daily requirement of vitamin B7 is produced by the intestinal bacteria. This therefore reduces the chances of vitamin B7 deficiency. There a large number of foods that contain biotin in large quantities. Swiss chard, tomatoes, liver,eggs, almonds, cumcuber, cauliflower, legume, soybeans, raspberries, carrots are some of those foods.

Boron is a trace element with several health benefits. It is used for hormone regulation as it increases estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. It improves cognitive function for improved performance of hand-eye coordination, attention, perception, and memory. Boron may also be beneficial for people with joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. Boron helps regulate the use of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the body. In one study it was shown to control cell growth. This mineral also plays a role in how the body uses energy from fats and sugars.

Bromelain - There are numerous health benefits of bromelain. Studies have shown that bromelain helps improve both the health and quality of life in a variety of ways. It is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the body and helps ease and prevent a number of diseases due to its valuable medicinal properties. It is beneficial for arthritis patients since it helps decrease swelling and inflammation which can be caused by this disorder. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain can also aid in treatment of rheumatism. It also has blood thinning properties, and thus it can be efficacious in preventing and treating clots in blood and plaques in arteries that in turn helps prevent cardiovascular problems. It helps alleviate aches and pain.

Calcium, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

Cetyl Myristoleate is created by a combining a fatty acid called myristoleic acid with cetyl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol was initially derived from whale, and later on, obtained from coconut and palm oils. Myristoleic acid or 9-tetradecenoic acid be found in certain animals and vegetables, it is an unsaturated fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Being derived from fatty acids, Cetyl myristoleate has the same benefits as the naturally found essential fatty acids in the human body. It is known to help in treating or alleviating rheumatisms as it lubricates the joints and muscles and the effects last longer. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

Choline- Grouped with the Vitamin B complex, choline is deemed an essential nutrient. It is a natural amine and an organic compound, which serves several physiological purposes. Choline improves the structural integrity of cell membranes and provides signaling roles, assisting with the system of communication, which controls basic cellular activities and manages cell actions. Deemed a nootropic drug, choline as a dietary supplement is supposed to increase the cognitive behaviour and alertness. As a building block of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, choline certainly seems to be nootropic, but recently the application of choline as a nutritional supplement helping to reduce body fat because of the activity in the lipid metabolism was observed. Infant formulas that are not derived from cow’s milk are ordered by the FDA to supplement choline.

Chondroitin- Chondroitin is a substance which occurs naturally in the body. It is an important ingredient of proteglycans – a protein molecule which provides elasticity to the cartilage. Chondroitin attracts fluid into proteoglycan molecule. Chondroitin is a compound which nourishes the connective tissues and synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint and works like a shock-absorber. It reduces arthritis symptoms but providing the body with needed nutrients which are essential for healthy joints. By providing joint cartilage they repair cells and make them strong and flexible. It stimulates the production of the ingredient collagen – needed for cushioning the structure towards the joint end. As compared to other pain relief medications, chondroitin is affordable and safe. Chondroitin is often combined with glucosamone to produce best results. It is also better to consult a physician as it makes some people agitated and uneasy.

Chromium is a natural trace mineral in human nutrition and is needed for proper metabolism of sugar in humans. It is vital for metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It helps move blood sugar from the bloodstream into cells to be utilized as energy and turn fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. Chromium helps stimulate fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are needed for brain function and other body processes. It activates numerous enzymes that are required to drive many chemical reactions essential to life. Chromium supplements also improve glucose tolerance in people with Turner's syndrome, a disease associated with glucose intolerance. It is also vital for insulin metabolism. It regulates hunger and decreases cravings.

Copper is being considered a mineral with immense medical advantages, copper has been used as a supplement in its gluconate form. Copper is one of the most important constituents of the blood and prevents poly – unsaturated fatty acids from turning rancid. Copper also increases the health of the cell membranes and is actively involved in the formation of hemoglobin. Copper Gluconate is instrumental in treating conditions such as irregular beating of the heart, hypoglycemia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body. Copper Gluconate is known to have side effects and is toxic if taken excessively. In the case of women who are expecting or mothers who are nursing, it is advisable to consult with your docter before taking any Copper based supplements.

Creatine Monohydrate supplements received wide popularization the early nineties of the twentieth century although already in the early years of the century proof existed that the muscle content could be boosted by the ingestion of creatine. The scientists discovered shortly thereafter the importance of creatine phosphate and the research did not stop there. While some weak supplements were available before 1992, with the introduction of Phosphagen into the supplement market, one of the most important products for the body building community has been created. Ever since then, creatine supplements have been changed and amended, improving the bioavailability and absorption properties. Currently there is a new version of the most popular supplement version, creatine monohydrate. Micronized creatine is this new product and it promises much quicker digestion and utilization.

Curcumin is one of curcuminoid of turmeric, a polyphenol that gives turmeric its yellow color. Curcumin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral and antifungal properties. It also fights free radical damages including cataracts, heart diseases, and cancer. Curcumin also proved to be effective in lowering cholesterol level. Research showed that the curcumin inhibits the production of lipozygenase and cyclooxygenase-2, enzymes that promotes inflammation in the body such as arthritis. It also prevents the growth of Helicobacter pylori which causes gastric ulcers and is linked with gastric cancers. Curcumin also protects the brain. Curcumin is a natural detoxifier, protecting the liver from the effects of alcohol and other toxic chemicals.

Folic Acid produces healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia in both children and adults. It is especially important in pregnancy and infancy and is also believed to help in the prevention of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

Glucosamine Sulfate provides lubrication for healthy joints and helps in arthritic pain. It is helpful in alleviating joint pain and other symptoms. It ensures a natural replacement for aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. It promotes repair in worn-out joints and assists in maintaining normal joint function and resiliency. Studies have shown that glucosamine plays an important role in assisting to keep the joints in the body lubricated and supple. It stimulates manufacturing of glycosaminoglyúcans, which are important structural components in cartilage that line the joints. It also encourages incorporation of sulfur into cartiúlage. This makes glucosamine sulfate the most effective type. It helps control pain and inflammation of degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis.

Inositol is a nutrient that occurs naturally in various forms. The most common form is myo-inositol. Inositol can be produced inside the human body from glucose and it is considered to be very effective. It is direct precursor of phospholipids, a major cellular membrane component. This nutrient helps in maintenance of electrical energy along with the transfer of nutrients across the cell membranes. Inositol also acts as a lipotropic that helps in the changing of fat into useful products. Apart from establishing healthy membranes, Inositol also facilitates the nerve impulses. Experts recommend a low dosage of 500mg capsule of Inositol. You can take several grams at one time only if you have previously tried a lesser amount. Inositol supplements can be beneficial for people with a bipolar disorder, impotence, lung cancer, depression or a panic disorder.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Isoleucine- An important essential amino acid is isoleucine which is also part of the three “branched chain amino acids” along with leucine and valine. Since it is an essential amino acid it cannot be synthesized in the body and thus isoleucine has to be ingested in the diet (almonds, chicken, eggs, cashews, fish, lentils, liver, meat etc.). Isoleucine is required for muscle recovery and also for the formation of haemoglobin. Isoleucine also assists in regulating blood sugar levels and energy levels. It is also involved in blood-clot formation. Isoleucine deficiency is present only in those people who are lacking in protein intake. Deficiency may lead to dizziness, fatigue, depression etc. Excessive amounts of isoleucine doesn’t seem to be a problem though it isn’t recommended for those with kidney or liver disease.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that works together with isoleucine and valine, forming the three branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Leucine is easily converted by to body to glucose, helping to regulate and maintain the blood sugar level. Leucine promotes muscle recovery, muscle repair and provides the body with energy. It also helps in burning fat that are least responsive to exercise and dieting. Leucine helps in toning the body and the muscles. Leucine prevents muscle loss by breaking down and converting to glucose, this prevents the body from breaking down muscle tissues to create energy, particularly during intense workouts and heavy weight lifting.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts to manufacture enzymes necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fat. It also aids the immune system and blood sugar balance. Manganese is also involved in the production of cellular energy, reproduction and bone growth.

Molybdenum is essential in regulating pH balance in the body, enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat. Very small amounts are needed. Molybdenum is necessary for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes, including the metabolism of iron. Molybdenum also promotes normal cell function and helps in the activation of certain enzymes, it is a key component of the metabolic enzyme xanthine oxidase. Molybdenum is found in the liver, bones and kidneys. It supports bone growth and teeth strength. A deficiency may cause impotence in older men. High intakes of sulfur and diets high in refined and processed foods may decrease molybdenum levels.There is no recommended dietary allowance for molybdenum.

MSM is also known as methylsulfonylmethane. It is known to enhance the effectiveness of antioxidants and other bioflavinoids. It is used for increased alertness and ability to concentrate as well as improved mood. MSM is often used to prevent and treat muscle cramps in the legs and back due to inactivity and strenuous use. It improves hair and cuticle growth as well as reduces wrinkles from aging. This supplement also seems to help in the body's ability to produce insulin choline and speeds up the metabolizing carbohydrates.

Naringin, which is a citrus flavanoid that is found in grapefruit. Naringin is commonly used in energy supplements as it may extend the duration of the effects of caffeine.

Pancreatin is an enzyme used to enhance low levels of digestive enzymes. It is often used by people having cystic fibrosis. It heals deficiency of pancreatic secretions. Also known as pancreatic acid, it is beneficial in cases of food allergies, autoimmune disease, celiac disease, cancer, and weight loss. Pancreatin is a mixture of pancreatic enzymes trypsin, amylase, and lipase, and is very similar in nature to another enzyme called pancrelipase. The main thing differentiating the two enzymes is that pancrelipase has more active lipase enzyme than pancreatin. Pancreatin is an efficacious enzyme supplement for replacing missing pancreatic enzymes that are essential in a number of body processes. It also helps eradicate routine cancer.

Pantothenic Acid also known as B5 is a natural, inexpensive and safe form of curing acne. It is free from all negative side effects. It is best suited for people with oily skin as it stops the overproduction of oil within our body. It converts the carbohydrates and fats into energy effectively when synthesized with other Vitamin B. Additionally it also helps your body produce red blood cells and metabolizes fats. It plays a significant role in reducing physical and mental stress because it works along with the stress hormone producing adrenal gland. Pantothenic acid is present in all kinds of food and therefore our body gets sufficient amount of it. As it is impossible for our body to become deficient in pantothenic acid, there is no recommended daily amount of it. Eggs, whole grains and milk contain panthothenic acid in large numbers.

Papain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from the fruits of papaya and certain other plants. It helps catalyze several chemical reactions within the cells, particularly digestive enzymes. Papain acts by mildly soothing the stomach and aids in the digestion of protein. It relieves heartburn, indigestion, treat ulcer, and regulates the acidity in the stomach. In fact, Papain is often used tenderizer for meat. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It is also used to dissolve membranes in diphtheria and reduce fever, swelling and adhesion. Topically, it is used to cure boils, warts and freckes, and to treat burns and sore throat. Papain also has anticarcinogenic properties.

Selenium , an essential mineral that is toxic at high dosages. Selenium plays an important function in the antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against free radicals. Selenium also promotes proper thyroid hormone metabolism.

Valine- One of the several essential amino acids present in the human body is Valine. This is also a nonpolar, branched chain amino acid which is found in high concentrations in the muscles. Since it is an essential amino acid, valine is not synthesised in the body and thus must be ingested as part of the diet. Valine is available through foods like fish, poultry, peanuts, sesame seeds, lentils and cottage cheese. Valine is essential for muscle, growth and repair of tissue and for maintaining the body’s nitrogen balance. Since it has a branched chain, valine can be used as an energy source in the muscles and thus conserves glucose. Hence valine is often used by bodybuilders to support muscle growth and provide energy. A deficiency of valine in the body, caused by the inability of the body to metabolise valine leads to the Maple Syrup Urine Disease in which the person’s urine smells like maple syrup.

Vitamin B12 helps maintain different forms of cells in the human body. For example, practices such as formation, maintenance and repair of red blood cells largely depend on Vitamin B12. It also takes care of the nerve cells in the body, helping maintain a strong nervous system. It is a key entity for regular formation of DNA in the body. In case of its deficiency in the body, abnormal cell formation, called megaloblasts, occur, which can cause anemia in the body. It is a good source of relieving the body from fatigue and weakness. Cyanocobalamin also helps reduce the cholesterol levels in the body. It is efficacious in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is necessary in the oxidative process of metabolism. It is also sometimes used to correct certain enzyme deficiencies and improve mental processes.

Vitamin B3 is also known as Niacin or nicotinic acid. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose that serves as fuel for energy. It also helps the body in metabolizing fats and proteins. Niacin also helps in the production of hormones necessary for the body to function properly. It is also effective in improving the circulation in the body. It lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar level. It also helps in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It also helps in regulating the blood sugar level. Niacin also helps prevent the Pellagra disease, which causes digestive problems, diarrhea, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, amnesia, dementia, delirium, and even death. Niacin also helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and is also effective in treating acne.

Vitamin B5, also called Pantothenic acid, which is a water-soluble vitamin required by the human body. Vitamin B5 is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is vital in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Vitamin B6contains pyridoxal phosphate, or PLP for short, as the active ingredient and is a vitamin belonging to the B complex grouping. It is functioning mainly as a co-enzyme with others in the human body, aiding in the proper function of several metabolic processes. Neurotransmitter synthesis, as well as hemoglobin and histamine synthesis are just some of the functions of PLP, hemoglobin function, gene expression and aiding in the facilitation of decarboxylation, elimination and other reactions, mainly taking place in the liver. Vitamin B6 was found to diminish by 50% the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Alternative medicine suggests the use of Vitamin B6 to combat autism, in combination with magnesium. This combination has shown effects with children suffering from attention deficit disorders. PLP also seems to show therapeutic effects for diabetic nephropathy.

Vitamin C- The essential nutrient L-ascorbic acid, or rather Vitamin C, is necessary for a wide plethora of metabolic reactions in almost all living beings. In humans, Vitamin C is vital in the collagen synthesis. While most beings are able to make it internally, apes and humans cannot. Interestingly enough, while widely promoted as the best dietary source of Vitamin C, Oranges are dwarfed by the Kakadu plum, which has sixty times the amount. Prominent are rose hips, blackcurrant, red peppers, parsley, the kiwifruit, broccoli, redcurrant, several berries including strawberries and raspberries, as well as more exotic fruits and vegetables like Camu Camu, acerola, seabuckthorn, Indian gooseberry, jujube, guava and baobab. Tomatoes, while very popular Vitamin C source in the US, are very low on the Vitamin C scale.

Vitamin D is actually a group of prohormones, all fat soluble, whereby ergocalciferol, or Vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3 are the most common forms. The Vitamin D3 form is made when human skin is exposed to UV B radiation. The active form of Vitamin D is calcitrol and it is required in the body to manage phosphorus and calcium levels, but, among other functions, to affect anti tumor activity, immunomodulatory functions and much more. Vitamin D, or more accurately calcitrol, is being bound to a carrier protein, which allows it to be transported throughout the body to the various destinations. The Vitamin D receptors, steroid and thyroid hormone receptors, can be found in most organs, including the brain, skin, heart, breast, prostate and gonads.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is an antioxidant. Vitamin E helps to gradually break down blood clots in the circulatory system and helps prevent more from forming. Involved in red blood cell formation.

Vitamin K- The lipophillic, hydrophobic vitamins needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins is denoted by the Vitamin K. It is required mostly for blood coagulation. K3, K4 and K5 are the three types of synthetic Vitamin K that are used in many areas. Pet food industry makes use of Vitamin K3 whereas Vitmanin K5 is used to inhibit fungal growth. The main sources of vitamin K are spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and a few fruits like kiwifruit and avocado. Recent research shows that vitamin K helps in increasing bone mass. Research also shows that the consumption of vitamin K helps in promoting osteotrophic processes while at the same time slowing the osteoclastic processes. This process is done by achieving the calcium bonding in the bones.

Zinc is acknowledged as essential to the human organism. It is a trace element found in over a hundred and up to three hundred enzymes. It is the second most important mineral in the body, after iron. Zinc is also defined as an important catalytic agent, which is active in enzymatic reactions such as hydroxilation, which is essential for the protein forming amino acid proline, but also for hypoxia response. Zinc is naturally found in red meat, milk, spinach, nuts, oysters, beans and oats. Low zinc counts can attribute to a weakened immune system, interfere with muscle building, cause diarrhea and all kind of other deficiencies. In body building circles, Zinc is an important supplement, valued for the indirect increment of testosterone and the muscle building role.