Power Thought By Bluebonnet Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for several bodily functions. It plays a pivotal role in the formation of red blood cells, aiding in the prevention of anemia. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and proper brain function, as it is involved in the synthesis of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This vitamin is primarily found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs, making it important for vegetarians and vegans to consider supplementation. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neurological issues, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.

L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body, produced primarily in skeletal muscle and then released into circulation. It serves vital roles in various tissues, including the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and liver, where it supports essential functions such as maintaining intestinal integrity, immune response, and amino acid balance. Although traditionally classified as a non-essential amino acid, during periods of severe stress, glutamine becomes conditionally essential due to the body's increased demand. It acts as a critical nitrogen and carbon transporter between organs, and while the intestinal mucosa can synthesize glutamine, this production is insufficient during times of significant physiological stress. Dietary supplements generally contain L-glutamine as it is the biologically active form of the amino acid.

Deanol, also known as 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol or DMAE, is a chemical compound that is found naturally in the brain and is also available as a dietary supplement. It is purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including cognitive and mood-enhancing effects. Deanol is a precursor to choline and is thought to work by increasing the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, learning, and other cognitive functions. It is most often used as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, although it is important to note that the effectiveness of deanol for these purposes has not been established.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a type of phospholipid that plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. Phosphatidylcholine is also a source of choline, which is an essential nutrient that is important for liver function, brain development, and nerve function. Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, mood, and muscle control. Phosphatidylcholine is found naturally in foods, particularly in egg yolks, soybeans, and organ meats such as liver. It is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, and liquids. Phosphatidylcholine supplements are sometimes marketed as nootropics, which are substances that are purported to enhance cognitive function and memory.

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that plays a crucial role in cell structure and function, particularly in the brain. It's a key component of cell membranes, aiding in cell signaling and maintaining cellular integrity. In the context of the brain, phosphatidylserine supports cognitive function, memory, and neurotransmitter regulation. Additionally, it's commonly used as a dietary supplement to potentially enhance cognitive performance and mitigate age-related cognitive decline.

L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid produced within the body through the conversion of the essential amino acid, phenylalanine. It is often used as a dietary supplement to support cognitive function, enhance focus, and mitigate stress by serving as a precursor for neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a tree native to Asia and is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. The extract of the ginkgo leaf is commonly used in traditional medicine and is one of the most popular dietary supplements consumed worldwide. Its most common use is to help improve memory and cognitive function.