Body Fat / Skin
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an estimated 16-foot long system, which includes the upper digestive tract (esophagus, oral cavity, stomach) in addition to the lower digestive tract (small and large intestine) and accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Such a system serves as a semipermeable gateway connecting the outside environment to…
Mitochondria 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…
Zinc (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,…
Phospholipase 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…
Biotin, also known as B7, is a water-soluble vitamin contributing biochemically as a coenzyme carrier responsible for nutrient metabolism and energy production (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). B7 also facilitates gene expression via biotinylation of histone proteins (such proteins “wrap” around DNA base pairs) whereby said micronutrient exposes or “unwraps” DNA to facilitate expression of…
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,…
In less developed countries, vitamin A deficiency (in conjunction to protein, iron, and iodine deficiency) are the leading causes of child deaths worldwide (Vijayaraghavan, 2000). Early signs of said deficiency can express itself as xerophthalmia (dryness of eyes), nyctalopia (night blindness), and dry skin (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Although such signs can prompt one…
***The below post comes from Jon Barry; a fellow Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner I met many years ago, and continue to maintain contact with. I wanted to share his perspectives and rationale behind choosing the ketogenic diet. Enjoy! *** The next time you’re at the start (or finish) line of a running race,…
Micronutrient supplementation falls within an industry that generates substantial sums of revenue; Dagerman (2012) noted that in 2009, the aforementioned industry generated 26.7 billion dollars with 1,000 new supplements entering the consumer market yearly, and more than 29,000 supplements available for purchase in total. With such an array of choices, and a lack of quality…
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a condition defined by a constellation of associated risk factors that increase a person’s chances of contracting stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and diabetes (Chen, Yen, Huang, Lee, Hsia, & Lin, 2012). Said risk factors include: abdominal obesity (waist circumference 102 cm for males, 88cm for females), impaired fasting glucose (≥6.1 mmol/L),…