Proteins &
Amino Acids
Amino Acids
This term describes parts of protein (amino acids) that the body cannot make on its own and need to be consumed through food.
What are essential amino acids?
This type of fatty acid contains no double bonds, allowing them to stack neatly and tightly.
What is a saturated fatty acid?
This mineral is the most abundant in the body and is essential for bone formation and muscle contraction.
What is calcium?
This fat-soluble vitamin, known as the "sunshine vitamin," is synthesized in the skin upon UV exposure.
What is vitamin D?
This B vitamin, also known as B9, is critical during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
What is folate/folic acid?
This type of protein contains all the nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts.
What is a complete protein?
These are the most common form of dietary fat, consisting of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone.
What are triglycerides?
This trace mineral is a component of hemoglobin and is needed to transport oxygen in the blood.
What is iron?
What is vitamin A?
This vitamin, found almost exclusively in animal products, is required for myelin sheath formation and red blood cell production. You also need "intrinsic factor" in your stomach to absorb it.
What is vitamin B12?
This major allergen is a vegan source of protein that is considered a "complete protein."
What is soy?
These fatty acids, found in fish oil and associated with heart health, belong to this omega family.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
This major mineral works closely with calcium in bone health and is critical for energy metabolism as part of ATP.
What is phosphorus?
This vitamin, essential for blood clotting, is produced by bacteria in the gut and found in leafy green vegetables.
What is vitamin K?
What is vitamin C?
This process, carried out in the liver, converts excess amino acids into glucose for energy.
What is gluconeogenesis?
This organ produces bile, which emulsifies dietary fat to aid digestion and absorption.
What is the gallbladder?
Deficiency of this trace mineral causes goiter and impairs thyroid hormone production.
What is iodine?
This fat-soluble vitamin functions primarily as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage by free radicals.
What is vitamin E?
This B vitamin deficiency causes pellagra, characterized by the "4 Ds": Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia, and Death.
What is niacin (vitamin B3)?
This essential amino acid is the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and is found in turkey, eggs, and dairy.
What is tryptophan?
This type of lipoprotein is called "good cholesterol" because it transports cholesterol out of the blood stream, away from tissue, and back to the liver for removal.
What is HDL?
This trace mineral acts as an antioxidant as part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and is found in high amounts in Brazil nuts.
What is selenium.
What is vitamin A?
Unlike most water-soluble vitamins, megadose supplementation of this B vitamin can cause sensory neuropathy and nerve damage.
What is vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)?