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Vitamins Glossary

Every day our body is hard at work, sending valuable nutrients to aid in the ongoing process of cell renewal so that both mind and body function at peak efficiency. Although a rich and varied diet should always be the main source of these important vitamins and minerals, can top up levels with IV Vitamin Therapy or a Vitamin Injection – particularly during times of stress or strenuous physical activity. Here’s a list of the different vitamins and minerals that we provide at IV Boost UK, whether that be in an IV cocktail or in an individual high dose vitamin shot.

Amino Acids

Our bodies run on protein made up of amino acids; from the production of blood, tissue, muscle, collagen, hormones, enzymes, antibodies and the chemical messages constantly being sent around the body. There have been 24 main amino acids identified that, in combination, make up tens of thousands of proteins. Some of the most important – arginine, carnitine, cysteine and taurine – have been included in this glossary.

Arginine

An important amino acid that can be produced naturally by the body, but often needs supplementation from diet or intravenous therapy. It performs many vital functions in the body including boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin, nails and hair with the production of collagen and minimising stress.

Calcium

Calcium is everywhere in the body, doing invaluable work keeping it in optimum condition. It is required for strong bones and teeth, necessary for the blood clotting function and helps to keep your heart healthy. If deficient in calcium from diet, the body takes what it needs from your bone reserves which can lead to serious health problems. Calcium works closely with magnesium as they balance each other out and both are necessary for good health. Your IV Boost UK practitioner will assess whether you have a deficiency in both or either of these nutrients.

Carnitine

Not technically an amino acid but made up from two essential amino acids, carnitine is mainly found in red meat so vegetarians often suffer from a carnitine deficiency. Stress, over-exercising, being overweight and certain malabsorption conditions can also lead to lowered levels of carnitine. Among other functions, carnitine is invaluable for energy production. Other benefits of carnitine include maintaining the immune system and improving the condition of your skin.

Cysteine

An amino acid that works as an antioxidant, cysteine slows down the ageing process by fighting free radicals that damage the body. It is one of the three amino acids that make up glutathione, known as the superhero antioxidant. Cysteine’s many benefits include producing healthy skin and hair and boosting the immune system.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that makes up the powerful antioxidant glutathione, but also has many important functions of its own, such as regulating blood PH, removing waste products, as well as being an important building block in the production of muscle tissue. Its benefits include boosting the immune system and strengthening the intestinal system.

Glutathione (GSH)

This molecule, made up of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamine, is produced naturally by the body and is usually recycled. However, when the body’s toxic load is too great – a problem that is on the rise – our levels can become depleted. The benefits of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, are becoming increasingly recognised, as it fights the spread of free radicals that cause such damage to the body. Lowered levels of glutathione can lead to a depressed immune system, lowered energy levels and the risk of muscle damage and lengthy recovery times. Studies have clinically proven its value.

Magnesium

One of the key nutrients needed by the body. Usually gained from a varied diet, lower levels of magnesium in food sources mean that more and more people are experiencing a magnesium deficiency. Other factors such as certain medications, stringent dieting, alcohol abuse or gluten intolerance can all contribute to lowered levels of magnesium. Magnesium is essential for energy production and cell turnover. Boosting your levels of magnesium can benefit production of healthy bones, teeth and heart. It can also help relax muscles and thereby lessen the chance of incurring an athletic injury.

Methionine

An essential amino acid, methionine contains sulphur and is used to produce glutathione, cysteine, creatine and taurine. These are necessary for all the functions of the body, as well as building strong and healthy tissue and eliminating toxins. Methionine also contributes to the production of collagen, strengthening of muscles and an increase in energy levels.

Ornithine

Ornithine is an amino acid which is crucial for the elimination of waste from the body and if this process is compromised it can greatly increase levels of toxicity. This can cause a lack of energy.

Phenylalanine

Another essential amino acid, phenylalanine produces tyrosine that is needed to make adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenaline.

Taurine

Not actually an amino acid in itself, taurine is a by-product of two other amino acids. Its benefits include boosting energy levels and improving athletic performance and reaction time, making it very popular with athletes. Taurine also works as a highly effective antioxidant.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral found in the soil and we gain selenium from a variety of different foods. It is essential for a number of functions in the body from the production of antioxidants and the thyroid hormone and how our metabolism and immune systems works. There are a number of health benefits associated with selenium including building a healthy immune system. It can also reduce oxidative stress through the production of antioxidants, which keeps you looking and feeling young.

Vitamin B

A number of different B vitamins have been identified and they all play a different role in the body.

B1 (thiamine)

This vitamin plays an important role in converting food into energy as well as boosting your immune system.

B2 (riboflavin)

This vitamin operates as an anti-oxidant so fights free radicals which can cause accelerated skin ageing.

B3 (niacin)

Niacin contributes to energy production and can reduce tiredness and fatigue. It also plays a role in skin health.

B6 (pyridoxine)

Useful in maintaining your digestive system which has an impact on overall health.

B7 (biotin)

Good for the health and renewal of your skin, nails and hair.

B9 (folate, folic acid)

Well-known as an important pregnancy vitamin as it assists in embryo development, particularly in preventing neurological birth defects.

B12 (cobalamin)

This is an important vitamin that plays a number of essential roles in the body, from cell division and red blood cell formation to normal function of the immune system and reduces tiredness and fatigue.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is needed for cell production and growth in every tissue of the body. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant reducing oxidative stress in the body and thereby potentially preventing a whole range of health conditions, as well as working as an anti-ageing agent.

Zinc

Zinc is vital for many of the functions of the body, particularly cell growth and division which makes zinc essential during pregnancy. The body gets zinc from food sources so a balanced and varied diet is important, but for those with a zinc deficiency, an IV drip can be an effective way to boost levels in the body. Other benefits of zinc include boosting the immune system and building healthy skin, hair and nails.