Pregnenolone is a steroid precursor. It is made in the body from the bad-rap guy, cholesterol. Naturally, to get pregnenolone, we need adequate amounts of cholesterol plus other nutrients, including vitamin A, thyroid hormone and enzymes. If any of these are inadequate, you will have a less than desired supply of pregnenolone. In a healthy…
Vitamin C has a long and colorful history. Before it was known by its current name, its importance was realized by people of many cultures. In the 1750’s, Dr. James Lind demonstrated the importance of citrus fruit in preventing scurvy among sailors and led to the nickname “limeys” for British mariners. Perhaps less well‑known is…
What is DHEA? DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring androgen, produced by the adrenal glands and is abundantly found in plasma and brain tissue. At the age of 21, we produce the highest levels of DHEA but by the time we reach age 40, our DHEA production is about half of what it was when…
What’s the best way to take mineral supplements? Picolinates? Amino acid chelates? Chelates involving other organic acids such as citrates? Whenever anyone asks my opinion on such matters, I find myself giving an answer they often don’t expect: “Try orotates!” The blank looks I usually get in response tell me that most people need some…
Alpha‑lipoic acid, otherwise known as thioctic acid or just lipoic acid, is considered a non‑vitamin because the body can manufacture adequate amounts of the substance. Unfortunately, we only manufacture enough of the nutrient to prevent a deficiency, but not enough for the nutrient to live up to its full potential and perform all of its…
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and member of the B-complex family. Originally isolated in 1901, over the years numerous researchers attached different names to this nutrient, referring to it alternately as bios, vitamin H, protective factor X, and coenzyme R. Today the scientific name for this sulfur-bound vitamin is biotin. Biotin was discovered by the…