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 is rich in antioxidants and can be converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A is used in for several biological functions including the syntheses of certain glycoprotiens. Vitamin A deficiencies are linked to abnormal bone development, problems in the reproductive system, and exophthalmia. Beta carotene is converted into retinol. Retinol is essential for vision. Retinol is also converted into retinoic acid which is used for growth and cell differentiation. Beta carotene is naturally occurring in fruits, grains, oils, vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, green peppers, and apricots. Beta carotene is produced commercially from palm oil, algae, and fungi.

Beta-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that increases muscle power, strength and mass as well as increases anaerobic and aerobic endurance. It also delays muscle fatigue.

Bioperine or black pepper, which is a common spice, has medicinal properties. It is a tropical plant and India is the largest producer of Piper Nigrum. It possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts as an antioxidant agent also. Black Pepper contains essential oil, which acts against intestinal flatulence and also stimulates sweating and urination. The essential oil found in Piper Nigrum stimulates stomach cells to produce HCl acid, which helps in digestion. Piper Nigrum also helps in absorption of certain essential micronutrients like coenzyme Q-10, beta-carotene and EGCG. Pepper has its contribution in Ayurvedic medicines also. Pepper seeds are used to prepare sinusitis relieving medicines. It also used for sore throat and dry cough.

Biotin, also called Vitamin H or Vitamin B7. Biotin is a water-soluble B-Complex Vitamin that is needed for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Boron is a trace element required by our body for proper metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It has many medicinal uses and helps in preventing arthritis, reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, reduces congestive heart failure, decreases the severity of fungal infections and helps in the production of estrogen. It is also useful for body building, in cancer therapy, improves brain function, helps in bone building, helps in preventing blood clots, used in cancer therapy, ensures proper embryonic development, lowers plasma lipid levels, prevents post menopausal osteoporosis, helps in preventing blood clots, helps to maintain proper cell membrane function and it serves as enzyme inhibitors.

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, is a supple gray alkaline earth metal, which is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust. Calcium is also at the fifth most profuse dissolved ion in seawater by both molarities and mass. Calcium is a significant nutrient that we require in our bodies. It has many imperative functions. It helps getting strong teeth and bones and is involved in muscle contractions and blood clotting, The calcium is mainly stored in our teeth and bones. Low calcium level may lead to the bone fractures and in some cases porous bones or osteoporosis, generally in old age. The intake of calcium can drop down the high blood pressure, maintain your heart functions, avert gum disease, prevent colon and rectum cancer, and help blood to clot.

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, sometimes called Choline Bitartrate, is an essential nutrient involved in many bodily actions such as the structure and function of cells and metabolic functions.

Chondroitin is a major part of cartilage – the connective tissue that cushions the joints. Chondroitin occurs naturally in the body and prevents the breakdown and compression of cartilage. It assists in the repair and formation of cartilage. Cartilage remains healthy as chodroitin absorbs fluids into it making it flexible. It reduces pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and improves the functioning of the knee or hip in people suffering from osterarthritis which affects the cartilage. Chondroitin is believed to relieve symptoms of overactive bladders and interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. It is also recommended for heart diseases and Alzhiemer’s disease. Chondroitin is not found in specific food items and supplements are recommended. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this supplement.

Chromium is an essential mineral that plays an important role with how the body uses glucose. Chromium may be found in brewer’s yeast, grains, cereal and in some beers. It aids in maintaining the ideal blood sugar level which helps diabetic patients. It also helps in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body that may help reduce fats. It helps improve muscle tone by burning the fats. It reduces hunger pangs, suppress cravings and appetite. It is help control the blood cholesterol level. It lowers the risks of cardiovascular problems. It also alleviates depression by stimulating the fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis that is important for brain function.

Copper is a naturally occurring mineral in foods like shell fish, vegetables, avocado fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and beef. As copper originates from the earth's crust, the surface water and ground water contains small traces of copper. Copper is implicated in many biochemical reactions within the human cells.

Creatine Monohydrate is an organic acid that is naturally found in humans. First discovered in 1832, the primary function of creatine monohydrate is to help in supplying energy to the muscles. About half of the stored creatine monohydrate in the body comes from food sources, mostly meat. Vegetarians tend to show lower levels of creatine monohydrate since vegetables don’t contain this acid. However since meat tends to contain high levels of saturated fat which is not good for the heart, one way in which creatine monohydrate can be made available is through supplements. In fact many body builders take creatine supplements to help in increasing muscle mass. Creatine monohydrate has also been shown to cause slight increase in strength in those with neuromuscular disorders and is now being considered as a therapy for several diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s etc. especially because it is considered safe and so far has exhibited no side effects.

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- We know Folic acid by various names - Folate, Folacin, Pteroylglutamic acid, or just Vitamin B9. No matter what we call it, Folic acid is basically a B vitamin that helps the body to create healthy new cells. Folic acid is thus necessary for each one of us though pregnant women require it all the more. A woman who has a sufficient intake of folic acid both before and during pregnancy can protect the baby from major birth defects of the brain or spine. The best part about this vitamin is that it is readily available in fruits, dried beans, nuts, peas, cereals, grain products, and leafy green vegetables. It is however important to consume this vitamin regularly through proper diet. This is because folic acid being water soluble, it easily dissolves in water and the leftover vitamin is passed out through the urine.

Glucosamine Sulfate is a form of glucosamine that is artificially prepared mostly from the hard outer shells or “chitin” of various shellfish like crabs, shrimps and oysters. It is popularly being used for the treatment of arthritis, particularly that of osteoarthritis. According to studies, glucosamine sulfate can ease the arthritis-related pain together with the swelling and stiffness that comes with it. Taken as oral supplements that could either be in capsule or tablet type, glucosamine sulphate is also believed to have the properties that can restore broken or damaged cartilages. However, there were really no significant evidence to support this claim.

Inositol - The precise role of Inositol is unknown. Animals deficient in inositol grow poorly and show hair loss. iI occurs naturally in fruits and cereals.

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 a mineral that may be found inside most of the cells in the body tissues and organs. It is important in the absorption of calcium and aids in the formation and development of bones and teeth. Magnesium deficient individuals have an increased risk of acquiring osteoporosis; they also have problematic menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome, irregular cycle and dysmenorrhoea. Magnesium helps in maintaining the cardiovascular health and decreases the risk of heart problems. It also prevents gallstones from forming. Magnesium is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also helpful in treating erectile dysfunction and prostate problems.

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 or vitamin B5 is a water soluble vitamin that may be found in various food sources such as fish, meat, broccoli, and egg yolk. It forms part of the coenzyme A (CoA) that is important in converting the food we ingest into energy. It stimulates the production and transportation of energy from fats. It also helps in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and prevents the liver from becoming fatty. Pantothenic acid is also known for preventing stress. It enhances the immune system and protects the body against various infections. Studies also showed that increases the level of zinc in the body that helps reduce acne and pimple breakouts.

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 is a chemical element and a trace mineral deemed essential to human nutrition. It is found in many food sources, like beef liver, turkey, chicken breast, roast beef, white bread, whole eggs, rice, oatmeal, pasta, Brazil nuts, tuna and many others. Just recently a correlation between selenium, Vitamin E and cancer prevention has been scientifically proven. This essential trace element nutrient is nevertheless toxic in excessive doses, but is vital as a cofactor where antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase is required. Besides the belief that selenium may have a role in prevention from cancer, it has been observed that population in HIV and AIDS stricken countries where the soil is deficient in selenium have larger outbreaks than areas where selenium is sufficiently present. Other uses, such as in prevention from recurrence of tuberculosis, have been recommended by researchers.

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, also known as cobalamin, which is naturally found in foods such as fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry. Vitamin B12 is important for good health, necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of foods and for normal metabolism of carbohydrates, and fat. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Unlike other water-soluble nutrients, vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidney, and other body tissues. It can take several years before signs of the deficiency appear due to poor dietary intake. Vitamin B12 functions as a "methyl donor." A methyl donor is a compound that carries and donates methyl groups to other molecules, including cell membrane components and neurotransmitters. As a methyl donor vitamin B12 is involved in homocysteine metabolism and plays a critical role in proper energy metabolism, immune function, and nerve function. Therefore, vitamin B12 is clearly an added benefit for anyone wanting to lose weight, as without it, metabolism is not at its peak potential.

Vitamin B2 , an easily absorbed micronutrient, is also known by the name of Riboflavin. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of animals as well as humans. A wide variety if cellular processes require this vitamin. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, just like other B vitamins. It is the kind of micronutrient which required for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and ketone bodies. There are a lot of food products that are a good source of Vitamin B2. Matured soybeans, yeast, mushroom, livers, kidneys, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, almonds are such products that are rich in this vitamin. But riboflavin does get destroyed if exposed to light. Riboflavin is a non toxic vitamin. Hence, there is no harm in taking it orally.

Vitamin B3, commonly called Niacin, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Vitamin B5, commonly called Pantothenic acid, it is a water-soluble member of the vitamin B complex. Pantothenic acid is involved in adrenal gland function and is required to fight stress.

Vitamin B6 is important to a healthy human diet and is equally important in various metabolic and synthesis functions as well as gene expression.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic (a-SKOR-bik) acid, is needed for many functions in the body, including helping the body use carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Vitamin C is found in most citrus fruits and green vegetables and is a strong antioxidant.

Vitamin D- The fast soluble vitamin D is perhaps the most underrated nutrient that is produced when sunlight touches the skin. But it is extremely vital for bone health, as without it the body cannot absorb the calcium that you may provide it in the form of supplements. With the advent of beauty products with high sun protection factor, this nutrient is becoming less available to our bodies. Even weaker sunscreens with just SPF-8 prevent the body considerably from producing vitamin D. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia may stem from deficiency of this vitamin. You can provide vitamin D to your body through supplements and foods like mushrooms, tuna, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified dairy products and cereals, yoghurt, and milk.

Vitamin E is the name for a group of tocopherols and tocotrienols that are soluble in fat and display antioxidant properties. The most important vitamin out of this group is alpha tocopherol, which professes the highest bioavailability, and therefore, was the most studied Vitamin E. Found in such foods as nuts, seeds, milk, wheat germ and most vegetable oils, this Vitamin is said to be perhaps the most important antioxidant in human nourishment, although this trait is not deemed the imperative reason why Vitamin E is required to be in every diet. Most clinical studies which were supposed to crown Vitamin E as the prevention from prostate cancer or cardiovascular wonder supplement have been either inconclusive or were discontinued due to poor results. Vitamin E deficiency results in neurological and neuromuscular problems, but also in failure to absorb fat.

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, a mineral needed for cell division and repair as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is also an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.