Taurine
Also known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid. A non-protein, sulfur-containing amino acid with a variety of important physiological functions. Taurine is used in the formation of bile salts (which facilitate fat digestion/absorption); and is needed for osmoregulation, proper cardiac function and neurological development. Taurine is also abundant in skeletal muscle and has antioxidant activity.
See the Taurine review for more information.
Selenium
An essential trace mineral. Selenium is required for the functioning of various selenoproteins – which are selenium-dependent enzymes. Certain selenoproteins, such as the glutathione peroxidases, are responsible for reducing reactive oxygen species. Selenoproteins are also vital to thryoid hormone regulation.
See the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center for more details.
Rhodiola rosea
An adaptogenic herb used in Russian folk medicine. Positive effects on physical/emotional stress have been documented in several animal studies and small human clinical trials.
See the review, “Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root) Information” for more details.
Octacosanol
A high molecular weight, waxy alcohol that’s one of the components of policosanol, a substance derived from sugar cane that’s been shown to reduce cholesterol in some studies but not in others. Octacosanol has been touted as a performance enhancer, although there is minimal supporting data. Octacosanol has antioxidant effects and has been shown to reduce lipid peroxidation in-vivo.
Tyrosine
See L-Tyrosine.
