Beta Carotene is rich in antioxidants and can be converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A is used in for several biological functions including the syntheses of certain glycoprotiens. Vitamin A deficiencies are linked to abnormal bone development, problems in the reproductive system, and exophthalmia. Beta carotene is converted into retinol. Retinol is essential for vision. Retinol is also converted into retinoic acid which is used for growth and cell differentiation. Beta carotene is naturally occurring in fruits, grains, oils, vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, green peppers, and apricots. Beta carotene is produced commercially from palm oil, algae, and fungi.

Biotin is essential to cellular metabolism, as it plays an important coenzyme role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Boron is a trace element with several health benefits. It is used for hormone regulation as it increases estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. It improves cognitive function for improved performance of hand-eye coordination, attention, perception, and memory. Boron may also be beneficial for people with joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. Boron helps regulate the use of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the body. In one study it was shown to control cell growth. This mineral also plays a role in how the body uses energy from fats and sugars.

Calcium, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

Chromium.

Copper is a naturally occurring mineral in foods like shell fish, vegetables, avocado fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and beef. As copper originates from the earth's crust, the surface water and ground water contains small traces of copper. Copper is implicated in many biochemical reactions within the human cells.

Folic Acid, a water-soluble B vitamin that is necessary to form essential body proteins. Folic acid, sometimes called Folate also promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin in the body.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Iron is one of the most commonly available chemical elements which are used in the form of metal. When in the presence of oxygen and moisture, iron gets oxidized very easily. Therefore it is never available on the surface of earth. Iron is a metal whose properties can be changed by mixing it with the various other metals. Humans need iron as a daily dietary substance. There are a number of supplements available in market which provides the daily required dose of iron. But the best way to consume iron is by eating the food that is rich in iron. Fish, poultry, beans, lentils, leafy vegetables are some of food items that are a good source of iron. Although, research shows that it is easier to digest the iron found in meat and meat products than the vegetables.

Lecithin is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is composed mostly of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier.

Magnesium is the chemical element found in the periodic table with the atomic number 12. This alkaline earth metal is one of ten most common elements in the known universe and also very prominently present in the human body. It manipulates polyphosphate compounds, most prominently the DNA, RNA and the ATP. Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium ions to function properly. Most common application of magnesium in medicine may be the addition to antacids and laxatives. This metal is not found as a free element naturally on Earth, generally the metal is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium salts. The most common deficiency in the United States with staggering two thirds of the population is the magnesium deficiency. Magnesium can be obtained through vegetables, tea, cocoa, cereals, coffee, nuts and spices.

Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts to manufacture enzymes necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fat. It also aids the immune system and blood sugar balance. Manganese is also involved in the production of cellular energy, reproduction and bone growth.

Molybdenum is essential in regulating pH balance in the body, enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat. Very small amounts are needed. Molybdenum is necessary for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes, including the metabolism of iron. Molybdenum also promotes normal cell function and helps in the activation of certain enzymes, it is a key component of the metabolic enzyme xanthine oxidase. Molybdenum is found in the liver, bones and kidneys. It supports bone growth and teeth strength. A deficiency may cause impotence in older men. High intakes of sulfur and diets high in refined and processed foods may decrease molybdenum levels.There is no recommended dietary allowance for molybdenum.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Pantothenic Acid is actually a part of the Vitamin B complex, namely Vitamin B5 and is deemed an essential nutrient. It has a critical function in the synthesis and metabolism of core nutrients, such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and it forms the coenzyme – A, also called CoA, most notable for the role in oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids and pyruvate. The Greek origin of the name Pantothenic Acid already states that this Vitamin is found nearly everywhere, with prominent amounts in eggs, meat, legumes and whole grain cereals. In health and fitness circles the dietary supplement is very popular for its energy producing role, but also for the ATP process and for the maintenance of cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the body.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is perhaps one of the most important mineral, which in form of phosphate as an intercellular anion serves a multitude of functions. Not only are phosphates essential for the utilization of most vitamins belonging to the B complex, but they are vital for energy storage and the overall metabolism. But that is not all, phosphate is essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium with phosphorus are required for them and soft tissues as well. But also body fluids require phosphates for excretion of hydrogen ions through the kidneys. Somewhere around one per cent of the body weight should be phosphorus in some form, therefore it is vital to supply your body with sufficient phosphates through milk, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, peas and other sources, including supplements.

Potassium- Potassium is one of the essential minerals required for proper physiological functioning of the body. It plays an important role in the regulation of heart muscles. It helps to convert glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is essential for muscle formation. Potassium also helps to propagate nerve impulses by exchanging ion within cells and also helps in muscle contractions. It helps in balancing blood pressure. It controls the proper functioning of kidney. An average adult needs 3-5 gm of potassium daily. Due to deficiency of potassium, body observes tiredness. Other deficiency symptoms are weakness of muscles, low blood pressure, vomiting, poor kidney functions and Heart arrhythmias. Severe potassium shortages quickly direct to electrolyte disproportion which involves malfunctioning of nerves, kidney and heart.

Selenium is a chemical element and a trace mineral deemed essential to human nutrition. It is found in many food sources, like beef liver, turkey, chicken breast, roast beef, white bread, whole eggs, rice, oatmeal, pasta, Brazil nuts, tuna and many others. Just recently a correlation between selenium, Vitamin E and cancer prevention has been scientifically proven. This essential trace element nutrient is nevertheless toxic in excessive doses, but is vital as a cofactor where antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase is required. Besides the belief that selenium may have a role in prevention from cancer, it has been observed that population in HIV and AIDS stricken countries where the soil is deficient in selenium have larger outbreaks than areas where selenium is sufficiently present. Other uses, such as in prevention from recurrence of tuberculosis, have been recommended by researchers.

Vanadium, a mineral found naturally in the body that helps to balance blood sugar levels and aids in the release of energy. Vanadium is probably essential to growth and involved in fat metabolism.

Vitamin B1, also called Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B1 is commonly found in breads and cereals. Vitamin B1 is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, which is naturally found in foods such as fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry. Vitamin B12 is important for good health, necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of foods and for normal metabolism of carbohydrates, and fat. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Unlike other water-soluble nutrients, vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidney, and other body tissues. It can take several years before signs of the deficiency appear due to poor dietary intake. Vitamin B12 functions as a "methyl donor." A methyl donor is a compound that carries and donates methyl groups to other molecules, including cell membrane components and neurotransmitters. As a methyl donor vitamin B12 is involved in homocysteine metabolism and plays a critical role in proper energy metabolism, immune function, and nerve function. Therefore, vitamin B12 is clearly an added benefit for anyone wanting to lose weight, as without it, metabolism is not at its peak potential.

Vitamin B2 , an easily absorbed micronutrient, is also known by the name of Riboflavin. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of animals as well as humans. A wide variety if cellular processes require this vitamin. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, just like other B vitamins. It is the kind of micronutrient which required for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and ketone bodies. There are a lot of food products that are a good source of Vitamin B2. Matured soybeans, yeast, mushroom, livers, kidneys, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, almonds are such products that are rich in this vitamin. But riboflavin does get destroyed if exposed to light. Riboflavin is a non toxic vitamin. Hence, there is no harm in taking it orally.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble member of the vitamin B complex. It exists in thre forms and often occurs in nature as a mixture of these three forms. Vitamin B6 is involved in protein, fat, and sugar metabolism.

Vitamin C is well known for its powerful ability to help boost the immune system as well as fight off damage causing free radicals. As an anti-oxidant, vitamin c binds with free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells. This damage can cause early aging and even has been linked to some cancers. By taking vitamin C supplements, you are helping prevent these free-radicals, as well as giving your immune system a boost as well. Vitamin C is integral to cellular metabolism as well and a lack of vitamin C can cause a myriad of issues, including scurvy.

Vitamin D- The fast soluble vitamin D is perhaps the most underrated nutrient that is produced when sunlight touches the skin. But it is extremely vital for bone health, as without it the body cannot absorb the calcium that you may provide it in the form of supplements. With the advent of beauty products with high sun protection factor, this nutrient is becoming less available to our bodies. Even weaker sunscreens with just SPF-8 prevent the body considerably from producing vitamin D. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia may stem from deficiency of this vitamin. You can provide vitamin D to your body through supplements and foods like mushrooms, tuna, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified dairy products and cereals, yoghurt, and milk.

Vitamin E is the name for a group of tocopherols and tocotrienols that are soluble in fat and display antioxidant properties. The most important vitamin out of this group is alpha tocopherol, which professes the highest bioavailability, and therefore, was the most studied Vitamin E. Found in such foods as nuts, seeds, milk, wheat germ and most vegetable oils, this Vitamin is said to be perhaps the most important antioxidant in human nourishment, although this trait is not deemed the imperative reason why Vitamin E is required to be in every diet. Most clinical studies which were supposed to crown Vitamin E as the prevention from prostate cancer or cardiovascular wonder supplement have been either inconclusive or were discontinued due to poor results. Vitamin E deficiency results in neurological and neuromuscular problems, but also in failure to absorb fat.

Vitamin K1

Zinc is a metallic chemical element and an essential trace element, whereby only two to four grams of Zinc are found in the human body. There are several biological roles that Zinc plays in humans, including the metabolism of RNA and DNA, gene expression and the regulation of apoptosis. It is deemed vital for proper brain activity and essential in the learning process. It is also critical for the central nervous system, but is also found in muscle, bones, liver, kidneys, eyes and most prominently in the prostate. It is supplied to the body by the ingestion of red meats, particularly beef and lamb, but can also be found in seeds, including sesame and mustard, wheat, beans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts, including almonds.