Archives for October 2012

Iron

The mineral nutrient iron is best known as a key component of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. Roughly 2/3 of your body’s iron is in hemoglobin. But iron plays many other roles in human nutrition.

Fat

Fat in our food gets a lot of negative press. It’s hard to believe that fat represents anything besides unwelcome calories or a risk factor for heart disease. But fats play many important roles in human health besides providing calories. For example, your brain is actually 2/3 fat, and the protective covering surrounding nerves is 70% fat.

Protein

Protein is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the human body. Almost everything needs protein, from cell structures and membranes to blood and bones, from muscles, skin and hair to other organs like the liver. Enzymes, which drive and control metabolism, are also proteins.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin is considered a B vitamin. It is a key co-factor in 5 enzymes that are part of the metabolic system that controls energy metabolism. In biotin is involved with DNA replication and gene expression, and is required for cell growth and differentiation. Biotin can be synthesized by bacteria in the human digestive system, which may contribute to biotin status.