Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients p. 2

Serrapeptase (Serratiopeptidase). Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme used mainly as a supplement for swelling, inflammatory discomfort, and mucus viscosity rather than as a normal dietary nutrient. It is better viewed as a specialized systemic enzyme that requires caution, especially in people with bleeding risk or those taking anticoagulants.

Liazy. A class of enzymes that split or rearrange molecules without hydrolysis or classic oxidation reactions. Lyases are important for amino acid metabolism, organic acid handling, neurotransmitter pathways, and some anticancer strategies. Clinically, they are discussed more through specific enzymes and deficiencies than as a separate nutrient.

Translocases. A class of membrane enzymes and transport proteins involved in ion balance, nutrient movement, gastric acidity, and mitochondrial function. Translocases matter for the Na/K ATPase, calcium pumps, proton pumps, and ABC transporters. Clinically, they become especially relevant in arrhythmias, reflux, insulin resistance, and drug resistance.

Ligases. A class of ATP-dependent enzymes that join molecules and support repair, protein synthesis, and the biosynthesis of complex structures. Ligases matter for DNA repair, ubiquitin regulation, and ammonia detoxification. Clinically, their relevance is usually understood through specific enzymes and cellular processes rather than as a dietary nutrient.

Isomerases. A class of enzymes that rearrange molecules without changing their chemical formula. Isomerases are important for glycolysis, lipid handling, protein folding, and metabolic adaptation. Clinically, they are discussed more as part of rare enzyme defects, tumor metabolism, and research targets than as a standalone supplement.

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. A class of enzymes that transfer methyl, amino, acyl, and phosphate groups between molecules. Transferases are critical for methylation, detoxification, liver function, neurotransmitter handling, and cell signaling. Clinically, they stand out through ALT/AST, COMT, GST, kinases, and epigenetic enzymes.

Oxidoreductases. A class of enzymes that control electron transfer, cellular respiration, and antioxidant defense. Oxidoreductases are central to mitochondrial work, drug detoxification, free-radical control, and energy production. Clinically, their relevance appears through LDH, MAO, xanthine oxidase, cytochrome P450 systems, and antioxidant enzymes.

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.

Vitamin U. Protection of mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, anti-ulcer action, detoxification. In case of deficiency, predisposition to ulcer disease, gastritis. Therapeutic doses (200-400 mg) - for gastrointestinal diseases.

Vitamin B17 (amygdalin, laetrile). Antitumor properties (discussive), analgesic effect. Toxic in large doses! Requires careful use under the supervision of a specialist.

Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid). Antioxidant protection, improvement of oxygen exchange, detoxification. In case of deficiency, fatigue, disturbances in the nervous system. Therapeutic doses (50-300 mg) – for asthma, alcoholism, atherosclerosis.