THE PURSER WELLNESS REFERENCE
Nutrients, made clearer.
Explore food sources, supplement approaches, nutrient connections and what to discuss at follow-up.
31 entries
Symptoms can overlap. Herbs and other compounds do not all have a recognized deficiency syndrome; each entry explains the difference.
Beta-Carotene
A carotenoid that the body can convert to vitamin A.
Vitamins & mineralsBiotin
Helps enzymes process fats, carbohydrates and amino acids.
Vitamins & mineralsBoron
A trace element found in food; a human dietary requirement has not been established.
Vitamins & mineralsCalcium
Provides structure for bones and teeth and supports muscle and nerve signaling.
Vitamins & mineralsCholine
Contributes to cell membranes, acetylcholine and transport of fats from the liver.
Vitamins & mineralsChromium
A trace element marketed in supplements; its essential role in humans remains under discussion.
Vitamins & mineralsCopper
Supports iron handling, connective tissue and antioxidant enzymes.
Vitamins & mineralsDelta-Tocotrienol
One member of the vitamin E family; it is distinct from alpha-tocopherol, the form used to establish vitamin E requirements.
Vitamins & mineralsIodine
Is needed to make thyroid hormones.
Vitamins & mineralsIron
Helps hemoglobin carry oxygen and supports many cellular processes.
Vitamins & mineralsLithium
An element found in trace amounts in the environment and used in prescription medicines.
Vitamins & mineralsMagnesium
Helps enzymes, nerves and muscles work, and participates in energy production.
Vitamins & mineralsManganese
Helps several enzymes, including a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, function.
Vitamins & mineralsMK-4 & MK-7
Are forms of vitamin K2, a family involved in activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins.
Vitamins & mineralsMolybdenum
Supports enzymes involved in processing sulfites and other compounds.
Vitamins & mineralsPantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Is used to make coenzyme A, important in energy and fat metabolism.
Vitamins & mineralsPotassium
Helps fluid balance, nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
Vitamins & mineralsSelenium
Is part of proteins involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defense.
Vitamins & mineralsStrontium
An element with chemical similarities to calcium; supplemental strontium is not a substitute for calcium.
Vitamins & mineralsVanadium
A trace element without an established essential dietary role in humans.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin A
Supports vision, immune function and tissue development.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Helps convert food into usable energy and supports nerve function.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Needed for nerve function, DNA production and healthy red blood cells.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Forms enzyme helpers used in energy metabolism.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin B3 (Niacin)
Provides building blocks for NAD and NADP, which participate in cellular energy reactions.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Supports amino-acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production and hemoglobin synthesis.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin B9 (Folate)
Supports DNA synthesis and one-carbon metabolism, including the pathway that processes homocysteine.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Supports collagen formation, antioxidant activity and absorption of nonheme iron.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin D
Helps calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
Vitamins & mineralsVitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Supports proteins involved in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Vitamins & mineralsZinc
Supports enzymes, immune function, wound healing and taste.
