Protein fulfills many roles in the body by supporting growth, maintenance and repair of cells and producing enzymes and hormones.
Essential amino acids are the building blocks that are needed to create proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of cells. Because humans can’t make them, we need to obtain them from our diets.
Non-essential amino acids contribute to the building blocks needed to create proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of cells. Humans can make these amino acids from carbohydrates and fat, therefore it's not required to obtain them from the diet.
Fat provides energy and contributes to cell building. Fat is made up of fatty acids that can be grouped into saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fatty acids (TFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) & monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).
Cholesterol is a building block to make cells, produce certain hormones, and help the body absorb fat from the diet. Humans can make cholesterol so it is not necessary to eat.
Saturated fatty acids are a group of fats that provide energy, contribute to cell building, and can raise harmful blood cholesterol levels.
Monounsaturated fatty acids are a group of fats that provide energy, contribute to cell building, and assist the body’s absorption of certain vitamins.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are a group of fats that provide energy, contribute to cell building, and can lower harmful blood cholesterol levels.
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a type of trans-fat produced by microbes in ruminant animals. CLA levels in foods can vary due to different agricultural management practices, however their impact on human health is unclear.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that provides energy and contributes to cell building. It can be converted to other omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation and support cognitive health.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports cardiovascular and cognitive health and lowers inflammation.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fat that is especially important for building cells in the brain.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are a type of fat that most experts consider harmful for health. However, the source of TFAs may influence their health impact.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Omega-3s are a subgroup of PUFAs that promote cognitive health and lower inflammation.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that provides energy and contributes to cell building. It can be converted to other omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation and support cognitive health.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports cardiovascular and cognitive health and lowers inflammation.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fat that is especially important for building cells in the brain.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Omega-6s are a subgroup of PUFAs that increase the body’s beneficial inflammatory response when fighting infection or healing from injury.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
The omega-6:omega-3 ratio shows how much omega-6 fat there is compared to omega-3 fat in a food. It’s calculated by dividing the amount of omega-6 fat by the amount of omega-3 fat, to show how the types of fat are balanced. Research suggests that a lower ratio is healthier, but there’s no agreed-upon ‘ideal’ ratio.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports cardiovascular and cognitive health and lowers inflammation.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fat that is especially important for building cells in the brain.
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a type of trans-fat produced by microbes in ruminant animals. CLA levels in foods can vary due to different agricultural management practices, however their impact on human health is unclear.
Rumenic Acid is a type of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a type of fatty acid produced by microbes in the gut of ruminant animals. The amount of CLA in foods can vary due to different agricultural management practices, however their impact on human health is unclear.
Trans-10, Cis-12
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that provides energy and contributes to cell building. It can be converted to other omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation and support cognitive health.
Thiamin is a B vitamin required by cells for normal function and growth, including converting food into energy and creating building blocks for DNA.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps convert food into energy and protects cells from damage due to oxidative stress.
Riboflavin is a B vitamin that assists in converting food into energy and protects cells from damage due to oxidative stress.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) assists cells in converting food into energy and DNA repair.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) assists in converting food into energy and helps cells build and break down fat.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) assists in chemical reactions required for protein synthesis and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B7 (biotin) is required for cellular growth and function and assists in building and breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and protein.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Vitamin B9 (folate) assists in chemical reactions required for protein synthesis and cell division.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) assists in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and insulation around neurons.
Vitamin A plays many important roles in function and growth, including helping cells develop properly and supporting vision.
Vitamin D helps manage calcium levels in the body which is important for bone health, muscle contractions, and neuron communication.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage due to oxidative stress and helps relax blood vessels.
Sodium is required to regulate proper fluid balance by transporting compounds into and out of cells and supporting neuronal signaling.
Calcium is required for the formation of strong bones and supports neuronal signaling and muscular contraction.
Potassium is required to regulate proper fluid balance and support neuronal signaling.
Phosphorus is required for DNA synthesis, cell metabolism, and in supporting strong bone formation.
Zinc assists proteins in crucial roles such as wound healing, immune function, and DNA synthesis.
Selenium assists proteins in crucial roles such as protecting cells from damage due to oxidative stress, DNA synthesis and supporting thyroid function.
Magnesium assists enzymes in crucial roles such as protein synthesis, muscular and neuronal function, and regulating blood sugar and blood pressure.
Manganese assists proteins in crucial roles such as protecting cells from damage due to oxidative stress, assists in converting food into energy, and allowing blood to clot.
Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen in red blood cells around the body and assists in converting food into energy.
Copper assists in converting food into energy, managing iron levels in the body, and protecting cells from damage due to oxidative stress.
Cobalt is an essential element required for vitamin B12 function. There are trace levels of cobalt in many foods, however cobalt needs are primarily met through consuming vitamin B12-containing foods.
There is no established function of nickel in humans and no evidence of toxicity from dietary nickel.
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element that can be found in the air, water, and soil. High exposure to certain forms of arsenic is toxic.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Cadmium naturally occurs in rocks and soil. All foods contain a low level of cadmium, however certain foods may contain more. High cadmium exposure can damage the kidneys, lungs, and bones.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Mercury is a naturally-occurring element that can contaminate the environment due to industrial pollution. High exposure to mercury can lead to neurological and kidney problems.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.
Lead is a harmful heavy metal that damages many organs including the brain, kidneys, and reproductive system. Foods can accumulate lead from the environment.
Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest level that can be reliably measured by a lab. The true value could be anywhere between zero and LOQ.