Subscribe to the Newsletter

Vitamin C, is an essential component of the human diet. Humans do not have the last enzyme involved in the synthesis of vitamin C (the gluconolactone oxidase) and therefore require the presence of vitamin C in the diet to avert the deficiency disease, scurvy. It is an important regulator for iron uptake as it promotes the absorption of non-heme iron in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Supplementation with vitamin C improves some important parameters of immune function. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and it is involved in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. By stimulating the production of collagen, Vitamin C, in addition to making the skin more elastic and turgid, contributes to the normal function of blood vessels, bones, gums, and teeth.

Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211

Vitamin D, is a fat-soluble vitamin synthesized by our body, through the absorption of the sun’s rays operated by the skin. It is best known for its functions of regulating calcium homeostasis: useful for the normal development, growth and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. Vitamin D, in fact, regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestine, the mobilization of calcium in the bones and the reabsorption of calcium in the kidney. Vitamin D also intervenes in the process of cell division and contributes to the homeostasis of the immune system. Vitamin D promotes the synthesis of the proteins that make up the muscle fibers.

Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin of fundamental importance for our eyesight; together with its precursors, carotenoids, it constitutes rhodopsin, a substance present on the retina, indispensable for providing the eye with light sensitivity and therefore maintaining the physiological visual capacity. It covers countless functions such as strengthening and maintaining healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes, participates in enzymatic processes for bone development and supports the normal function of the immune system. It also contributes to normal iron metabolism and intervenes in the process of cell specialization.

Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in the liver. It is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa thanks to the presence of dietary fats. Its concentration in the blood is regulated by the liver. Its presence in the intestine also favors the absorption of other vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting it from damage caused by free radicals and cellular aging.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B group. It acts as a coenzyme for more than 140 biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates, the production of neurotransmitters, DNA synthesis and of the RNA, the immune function, the biosynthesis of the heme (component of the hemoglobin for the transport of oxygen in the red globules) and the homeostasis of the homocysteine ​​(metabolite that damages the vases). B6 deficiency is found mainly in the elderly and a slight deficiency is sufficient to generate negative implications, such as cognitive and memory problems in the central nervous system and peripheral neuropathies in the peripheral nervous system. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the reduction of tiredness, fatigue and to the normal psychological function. Its need increases when the body is subjected to stressful conditions. Parra M, Stahl S, Hellmann H. Vitamin B₆ and Its Role in Cell Metabolism and Physiology. Cells. 2018 Jul 22;7(7):84. doi: 10.3390/cells7070084.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B group. It acts as a coenzyme for more than 140 biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates, the production of neurotransmitters, DNA synthesis and of the RNA, the immune function, the biosynthesis of the heme (component of the hemoglobin for the transport of oxygen in the red globules) and the homeostasis of the homocysteine ​​(metabolite that damages the vases). B6 deficiency is found mainly in the elderly and a slight deficiency is sufficient to generate negative implications, such as cognitive and memory problems in the central nervous system and peripheral neuropathies in the peripheral nervous system. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the reduction of tiredness, fatigue and to the normal psychological function. Its need increases when the body is subjected to stressful conditions. Parra M, Stahl S, Hellmann H. Vitamin B₆ and Its Role in Cell Metabolism and Physiology. Cells. 2018 Jul 22;7(7):84. doi: 10.3390/cells7070084.

Zinc, a mineral found in our body in small quantities, is a component of hundreds of enzyme complexes involved in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. It guarantees the proper functioning of various hormones, including those of the thyroid, insulin, sex hormones and growth hormone. In particular, it contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, to normal fertility and reproduction. Promotes normal acid-base metabolism and vitamin A. It is also involved in the process of cell division, supports the functionality of the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress.It has a fundamental role in protein synthesis, in maintaining cognitive function and visual capacity.Finally, it contributes to the maintenance of bones, hair, nails, and skin. Gammoh NZ, Rink L. Zinc in Infection and Inflammation. Nutrients. 2017 Jun 17;9(6):624. doi: 10.3390/nu9060624

Copper is an essential trace element in humans and animals and it is involved in a number of physiological and biochemical processes as a cofactor of numerous metalloenzymes. These catalyze a large number of enzymatic processes (cellular respiration, biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and peptide hormones, protection against free radicals, cross-linking of elastin, collagen and keratin). Copper is also essential for iron homeostasis and it is also important as a potent antimicrobial weapon against invading pathogens. Copper play a unique role in immunity by acting as a component of the antimicrobial arsenal produced by cells of the innate immune system. Vetchý MPJVKKD. Biological role of copper as an essential trace element in the human organism. Ceska Slov Farm. 2018 Winter;67(4):143-153. English.

Selenium is an essential mineral naturally found in soil, water, and some of the food. As an antioxidant, it is one of the necessary trace elements in human body and has been suggested as a dietary supplement for health benefit. Selenium is indispensable for maintaining normal functions of metabolism. Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Xu Y, Guo W, Feng Y. Supplementation of Micronutrient Selenium in Metabolic Diseases: Its Role as an Antioxidant. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:7478523. doi: 10.1155/2017/7478523. Epub 2017 Dec 26.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It has been recognized as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, where it is crucial for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism. Magnesium is required for DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Moreover, magnesium is essential for the regulation of muscular contraction, blood pressure, insulin metabolism, cardiac excitability, vasomotor tone, nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. Magnesium also contributes to the reduction of tiredness, fatigue and to the normal psychological function. Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K. Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy. Nutrients. 2015 Sep 23;7(9):8199-226. doi: 10.3390/nu7095388