Definitions

Energy

This is the measure of the amount of energy in food that is available through digestion.

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Fibre

Material undigested by the body generally composed of complex carbohydrates. Fibre keeps the lower gut healthy in many ways including clearing gut blockages and accumulation but is also implicated in stabilising glucose and cholesterol levels.

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Vitamin C

A vitamin not made by the body and essentially for normal cellular function.  It is an antioxidant and is thought to help maintain the bodies natural antioxidant system.  Deficiency leads to scurvy.

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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

It is important for body growth and red blood cell production and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the term for a group compounds called tocopherols, oil like compounds, the function of which are still under intense research They are potent antioxidants and their intake has been related to reductions in the incidence of chronic diseases believed to be associated with oxidative stress such as cardiovascular disease etc. Deficiency is rare and generally only seen in combination with other conditions but can lead to muscle weakness, problems with balance and visual impairment.

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Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin first identified as an essential factor for blood clotting.  We get some Vit K from our gut bacteria but need to obtain the remainder from our food.  Deficiency leads to slow clotting and ultimately spontaneous haemorrhage.

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Calcium

A common element essential for general good health, bone development and strength.  It is essential for neuromuscular, enzymatic, hormonal, and other metabolic activity. Deficiency leads to bone mass loss and fracture.

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Iron

An element necessary for the blood to adequately hold and transport oxygen throughout the body.  Deficiency leads to anaemia.

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Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that helps the kidneys function normally. It also plays a key role in cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle contraction, making it an important nutrient for normal heart, digestive, and muscular function.

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Selenium

Selenium is an essential component of the body’s own antioxidant system and is essential in reducing cell membrane damages and symptomatic responses such as inflammation .

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Zinc

This mineral serves as a cofactor for over 100 enzymes in the body, especially those involved with the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, fat and alcohol.  Zinc is also essential for protein synthesis, integrity of cell membranes, maintenance of DNA and RNA, tissue growth and repair, wound healing, taste acuity, prostaglandin production, bone mineralisation, proper thyroid function, blood clotting and cognitive functions.

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