Definitions
Definitions of
common supplements terms
On this site, you would have encountered some of
the often used terms, associated with supplements. Here are brief
description for those terms, in alphabet order. Check Wikipedia for
more information on any of these definitions.
Analogue (or Variant) - In
chemistry, analogue is a structural derivative of a parent compound
that often differs (varies) from it by a single element. It usually
means that a particular compound is very similar to its parent
compound. For example, Adrafinil is an
earlier analogue to Modafinil - it
means Adrafinil is very similar to Modafinil.
Antioxidants - Substances that
protect and repair cells from free radicals damage. These are
usually vitamins that we obtain from food, mostly fruit and
vegetables, but also nuts and grains, and some meats, like fish and
poultry. In essence, antioxidants prevent oxidative process,
caused by oxygen. This oxidative process can lead to cell
disfunction, which can then cause serious problems like heart
disease and diabetes. Antioxidants improve immune system and reduce
risk of infections. (See also Free Radicals
definition, below)
Blood-Brain Barrier - The
existence of the blood-brain barrier was first noticed by Paul
Ehrlich in the 19th Century. Essentially the blood-brain barrier is
a membranic structure that protects the brain from chemicals and
other substances in the blood. Although this is designed as a
protective mechanism for the brain, some of substances or compounds
are able to cross this barrier, such as for example Melatonin and Picamilone, bringing about positive effects
on the brain and the body.
Dopamine - A 'feel-good' hormone
and neurotransmitter is a precursor (forerunner) of adrenaline.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals used by the brain to communicate
signals between neurons and other cells. Low levels of dopamine are
related to Parkinsons disease. Dopamine is extracted from Dopa,
which is used in treatment of Parkinsons. Smart drugs like
Deprenyl (Selegiline) in particular
increase levels of dopamine in the brain and is used as
preventative for Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases.
Free Radicals - Unstable molecules
produced when the body breaks down food, or by enviromental
exposures to tobacco smoke, pollution, herbicides and
radiation. These unstable molecules usually have an odd electron,
which then seeks to bond with other compounds in order to gain
stability. This becaomes a chain reaction, causing cells
damage and ultimately leading to health problems. Free radicals
damage increases with age. Vitamins or antioxidants stop this
damage by "adding" one of their own electrons to free radicals,
thus stopping the damaging process. The best antioxidant vitamins
are vitamins C and E. (See
also Antioxidant definition, above)
GABA - GABA is short for 'gamma
amino butyric acid'. It is the amino acid that acts as an
inhibitory neutrotransmitter in the brain. Found in Picamilone and Piracetam.
Increased amounts of GABA in the body produce relaxing,
anti-anxiety effects. GABA is also believed to increase the amount
of HGH - Human Growth Hormone.
Niacin - Also known as
nicotinic acid, niacin is a water-soluble vitamin B3
(previously known as vitamin PP). This means it's easy absorbed,
but not stored in the body. Niacin helps insulin regulate blood
sugar levels (useful for diabetics) and lowers cholesterol. Severe
niacin deficiency can cause pellagra - a vitamin deficiency
disease.
Nootropic - Nootropic drugs or
nootropics are what is known as congnitive enhancers. The term
nootropic comes from Greek language and refers to substance that
acts on or enhances the mind. According to Will Block, Nootropic or
smart drugs can help to improve your intelligence, information
processing ability, concentration, memory and creativity. Most of
the smart supplements on this site fall into nootropics.
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