Dietary Intake of Taurine and Glycine Maintaining our health as we age becomes increasingly important, and nutrition plays a crucial role. Among the many nutrients that support healthy aging, taurine and glycine stand out due to their numerous synergistic bodily functions that support overall health. Although our bodies can produce these amino acids endogenously, the natural aging process can lead to a decline in the synthesis of taurine and glycine. Additionally, dietary intake of taurine and glycine may not always meet our body's needs, especially for individuals with low protein intake, ve ..read more

Creatine monohydrate stands out as one of the most renowned ergogenic aids, and its reputation is well-deserved. This blend of the amino acids (methionine, glycine, and arginine) has undergone extensive examination for its impact on sports performance. However, what many people overlook is the broader spectrum of benefits creatine offers beyond pure athletic endeavors. Its supplementation is likely advantageous for women navigating menopause and the aging population, as well as those adhering to a plant-based diet. Women and Menopause Women, unfortunately, remain underrepresented in research ..read more

Despite being the only mammals that purposefully delay sleep, human adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night is important for every major body system, including the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, digestive, and respiratory systems. Sleep is so fundamental to normal human physiology that if an individual is kept awake for 17 hours or more, their motor performance can be impaired as much as if they had a blood alcohol level of 0.05% (the legal limit is 0.08%). Ensuring adequate sleep can be as simple as creating a simple sleep ..read more

What are short-chain fatty acids? Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites resulting from the fermentation of dietary fibers and resistant starch by the anaerobic microbiota in the large intestine of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are also known as postbiotics. SCFAs are saturated aliphatic organic acids consisting of one to six carbons, with acetate (two carbons), propionate (three carbons), and butyrate (four carbons) being the most abundant. In the large intestine, the majority of the SCFAs are rapidly absorbed by the epithelial cells lining the colon.  SCFAs provide a c ..read more

While the popularity of the anti-inflammatory potential of omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin continues to grow, the clinical utility of these compounds in mitigating inflammation that has been found in depression is still emerging. The focus of this blog will be on the evidence that investigates the role of omega-3s and curcumin on various indices of depression – more specifically, on the inflammatory pathways and cytokines that are currently thought to contribute toward depression’s etiology.  The most common symptoms of depression include sadness, anxiety, fatigue, anhedonia, decreased ..read more

While most people are familiar with vitamin C’s role in promoting immune health, its lesser-known role is promoting cardiovascular health through its interactions with nitric oxide (NO) and the blood vessel lining, or endothelium. Vitamin C (also referred to as ascorbate) plays a beneficial role in promoting endothelial function and maintaining vascular integrity.  Collagen Synthesis Vitamin C promotes endothelial cells to proliferate and to form capillary-like structures in vitro, likely due to its ability to increase the synthesis of type IV collagen, which is required for basement mem ..read more

Nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as one of the most important molecules produced by the body. It was named “Molecule of the Year” by Science in 1992, and in 1998, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to the three U.S. scientists responsible for its discovery. Nitric oxide is a messenger molecule that plays a role in nearly every organ system in the body, regulating hormone secretion, nutrient metabolism, cardiac contractility, immune function, and cognitive health. One of NO’s most recognized functions is serving as a vasodilator to promote healthy blood pressure and blood flo ..read more

Cardiovascular health is influenced by modifiable factors that include inflammatory status. Abnormal inflammatory responses that lead to chronic inflammation are associated with the development and progression of many cardiovascular-related pathologies.  During the process of endothelial cell damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses are interconnected. The activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is linked to many inflammatory pathways that influence endothelial health and vascular function. During the inflammatory process, endothelial cells undergo major changes, which incl ..read more

Oxidative stress is linked to many chronic illnesses throughout the body; including atherosclerosis and many other cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is caused by an overaccumulation of free radical reactive oxygen species (ROS). The body contains a complex system to control the balance of ROS. This system is composed of molecules and enzymes required for healthy antioxidant activity. These include antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione.  Glutathione is considered the body’s “master” antioxidant and is critical for the maintenance of antioxidative balance, deto ..read more

Functional nutrition bars are supplemental bars that provide essential nutrients and potentially offer clinical benefits to various bodily systems. They may promote bone, joint, skin, gut, nail, and immune health and may support athletic performance. Beyond their convenient delivery format and delicious taste, supplemental functional nutrition bars may also play a role in supporting overall metabolic health.  Clinical studies have explored the potential benefits of nutrition bars to athletes. In a cross-over pilot study, 12 elite athletes were provided nutrition bars post-exercise for fi ..read more