THE PURSER WELLNESS REFERENCE
Nutrients, made clearer.
Explore food sources, possible deficiency symptoms, supplement forms and questions to bring to your next visit.
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.
