Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients

Lauric acid. Lauric acid is a C12:0 saturated fatty acid found mainly in coconut and palm kernel fat. It can form monolaurin, but in diet the key issues are dose, lipid response and the quality of the fat source.

Lectins. Plant protein agglutinins. They can irritate the intestines and exacerbate inflammation; they have no therapeutic use.

Quercetin. Antioxidant and antihistamine. Reducing inflammation, stabilizing mast cells, supporting immunity and blood vessels.

Nattokinase. Improves blood rheology, prevents thrombosis. Destroys fibrin clots, reduces blood viscosity, supports the function of the heart and blood vessels. Therapeutic doses (100–200 mg or 2,000–4,000 FU) – for atherosclerosis, hypertension, prevention of thrombosis.

Serrapeptase. Dissolves fibrin, reduces inflammation, decreases swelling and pain. Used for the resorption of scars, cysts, thrombi, in sinusitis and chronic inflammations. Therapeutic doses (40,000–120,000 IU on an empty stomach) – for fibrosis, inflammation, thrombosis.

Liazy. They catalyze the breakdown of molecules without the involvement of water and oxidizers, forming new bonds. Inadequate amounts may lead to disruptions in the metabolism of amino acids and organic acids. Therapeutic doses of enzymes are used to support metabolism and digestion.

Translocases. They provide transport of molecules and ions across membranes, regulate energy metabolism. Deficiency is associated with impaired mitochondrial function and reduced ATP production. Enzymes and coenzymes are used in therapy to improve cellular respiration.

Ligases. They connect molecules through ATP energy, participate in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Insufficiency leads to a slowdown in cell growth and tissue repair. They are used for therapeutic purposes to restore metabolism and regeneration processes.

Isomerases. They catalyze the restructuring of molecules, providing flexibility in metabolism. In case of deficiency, there may be disruptions in energy metabolism, as well as in the absorption of carbohydrates and lipids. In medicine, they are used to optimize metabolism and in cases of impaired glucose tolerance.

Hydrolases. They break down complex substances with the involvement of water (proteins, fats, carbohydrates). Insufficiency manifests as digestive disorders and nutrient deficiencies. Therapeutic doses (enzyme complexes) are used in cases of dyspepsia, pancreatitis, and malabsorption syndrome.

Transferases. Functional groups are transferred between molecules, key participants in metabolism. A deficiency leads to impaired synthesis of amino acids, lipids, and hormones. They are used in therapy to support metabolism and hormonal balance.

Oxidoreductases. They catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, ensuring cellular respiration and detoxification. In case of deficiency - decreased energy, accumulation of toxins. Antioxidant complexes and cofactors are therapeutically used to normalize metabolism.

Silver. In the body, it accumulates and can cause toxicity (argyrosis, liver and kidney damage). Therapeutic use is limited to antiseptic forms for external use. Internal intake is contraindicated.

Barium. Toxic heavy metal, affects the nervous system, heart, and muscles. Upon exposure, it causes intoxication, arrhythmias, and muscle spasms. In medicine, only insoluble barium sulfate is used for radiological studies.

Strontium. A chemical element similar to calcium can replace it in bones. An excess disrupts mineralization and leads to bone fragility. Therapeutic forms (strontium ranelate) are used strictly according to indications in osteoporosis but have safety limitations.

Mercury. Mercury is not a nutrient; it is a toxic heavy metal. The practical issues are the chemical form, source of exposure, accumulation level and protection of pregnancy, children and people who often eat large predatory fish.

Lead. Lead is a toxic heavy metal, not a nutrient. Key risks involve the nervous system, blood formation, kidneys and child development; the practical focus is exposure source control and medical assessment, not supplement “detox”.

Cadmium. Toxic to the kidneys, bones, and respiratory system, it disrupts enzymatic processes. With accumulation — osteoporosis, renal failure, hypertension. Therapy includes increasing levels of zinc, selenium, and antioxidants to displace cadmium.

Arsenic. Arsenic should not be treated as a beneficial nutrient. The main concern is chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic from water and food; source, chemical form and medical risk assessment matter.

Beryllium. Beryllium is not a dietary nutrient. It is an industrial metal mainly dangerous when dust or fumes are inhaled; key risks include sensitization, chronic beryllium disease and lung damage.