Bupropion, marketed as Wellbutrin, functions primarily as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It exerts minimal serotonergic activity, differentiating it from other antidepressants. After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within three hours. The compound undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP2B6, forming active metabolites with extended half-lives. Within this pharmacological framework, buy wellbutrin uk represents a therapeutic agent with distinctive dopaminergic and noradrenergic modulation.

Overview

Selenium is an important and essential micronutrient – that plays a role in a number of functions in the body.

Roles

Selenium is involved in:

1. Reproduction
2. Brain function and thyroid hormone production
3. DNA production
4. Immunity
5. Protection against oxidative damage

Sources

Selenium is found in both animal and plants foods.

Seafood and organ meats (e.g. heart, kidneys, tongue, liver) are the richest source of selenium. Other sources of selenium include:

1. Meat – Pork, Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Ham etc.
2. Cereals
3. Grains
4. Dairy products

The amount of selenium in plant-based food varies – and is dependent on the amount of selenium in the soil.

How much Selenium do I need?

• Males and Females 11-14 years – 45 ug/d
• Females 15 years+ – 60 ug/d
• Males 14-18 years – 70 ug/d
• Males 18 years+ – 75 ug/d

Women who are breastfeeding need more selenium each day (+15 ug/d).

How much selenium is in a serving of ..?

• Brazil nuts, (6-8 nuts) – 544 ug
• Yellowfin tuna, 85g – 92 ug/d
• Halibut, 85g – 47ug/d
• Sardines, canned in oil, 85g – 45ug
• Roasted ham, 85g – 42ug
• Shrimp, 85g – 40ug
• Chicken, 85g – 22ug
• Cottage cheese 1% fat, 1 cup – 20 ug
• Brown rice, cooked, 1 cup – 19 ug
• Boiled egg, 1 large – 15 ug
• Wholemeal bread, 1 slice – 13 ug
• Oatmeal, cooked, 1 cup – 13 ug
• Spinach, 1 cup – 11 ug
• Milk & Yoghurt, low fat, 1 cup – 8 ug

Selenoproteins

Seleniums effect are thought to occur mainly through selenoproteins – a protein that contains selenocysteine (selenium).

Selenoproteins are involved in protecting cells from free radical damage, which is associated with illness and disease – e.g. cancer.

Selenium and Cancer

Our bodies cells generate free radicals but can also degrade them – which is necessary to avoid damage.

However, various factors, circumstances and activities of a cell can make cell’s lose control over the formation and management of free radicals – which leads to an imbalance in the formation of free radicals and the defense provided by the cells – leading to high numbers of free radicals, which cause damage, and can lead to the development and spread of of cancer. Selenium containing enzymes (TrxRs) are thought to have a protective effect on the development of cancer by preventing oxidative damage (harm experienced by cells & tissues due to free radicals).

Studies have shown that those with higher levels of selenium have a lower risk of developing – colorectal, prostate, lung, bladder, skin, esophageal, and gastric cancers.

Selenium supplementation may also help prevent and reduce the spread of cancer to a second site & may also be helpful to reduce the size of the tumour spread.

The post Selenium appeared first on LA Nutrition.

Vitamin E requires fat to be absorbed, and once absorbed acts an antioxidant in the body.

Food Sources

Vitamin E can be found in a number of foods including:

1. Nuts
2. Green leafy vegetables
3. Avocado
4. Seeds
5. Tomatoes
6. Apples
7. Carrots
8. Whole grains
9. Vegetable Oils – sunflower, olive

Functions in the body

Vitamin E has many functions in the body including:

1. Acting as an antioxidant – protects cells from damage
2. Helps regulate the immune response
3. Helps the body use vitamin K
4. Helps cells interact and carry out important functions
5. Helps with the formation of red blood cells

Vitamin E and Skin Health

Vitamin E is known for its benefits on skin health, and is an important ingredient in many skin products.

Several studies have shown success of Vitamin E on the treatment of psoriasis.

Kim Kardashian West has shared her journey with the autoimmune condition of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is triggered by genetics or exposure to certain environment conditions – which leads to inflammation (raised, red, scaly patches on the skin).

29 hospitalized patients with psoriasis were supplemented with vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium – and had their  signs and symptoms of psoriasis monitored. Supplementation with the antioxidants resulted in significant improvements of the signs and symptoms of psoriasis (raised, red, scaly patches on the skin).

A 36 year old female with psoriasis had all processed foods and sugars eliminated, and was supplemented with vitamin E and a number of additional vitamins, minerals and amino acid – which reduced the signs and symptoms of psoriasis without the need for standard treatment (e.g. corticosteroids).

Both of these studies support the role for vitamin supplementation in psoriasis, but the addition of other substances can be beneficial.

Vitamin E and Olive Oil

We can get vitamin E within the diet through olive oil, in the form of alpha tocopherol. Extra virgin olive oil is thought to increase heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) – a protein involved in the prevention of inflammation.

Inflammation and Immune Response

Inflammation is the body’s response to an illness, injury or infection. It can be a process by which the body protects us from the infection/injury/illness. However, in some cases (E.g. psoriasis, eczema) the body triggers an attack on our own skin cells, and triggers an inflammatory response.

How much Vitamin E do I need?

There is no specific recommendation for vitamin E in the UK, but the NHS advises:

• 3mg a day for women
• 4mg a day for men

You can get the recommended amounts of vitamin E by eating a variety of foods including:

• 1 oz of walnuts (about 14 halfs) = 7mg
• 2 tbsp of peanut butter, fortified (15g) = 4 mg
• 1 cup of spinach = 4mg
• 1 cup of broccoli = 2mg
• 1 tbsp of sunflower oil (15g) = 6mg

Can Vitamin E be harmful?

If supplementing with vitamin E, high doses may increase the risk of bleeding.

The post Vitamin E – role in the body, in skin health & psoriasis, and dietary sources appeared first on LA Nutrition.

Vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid, can be found in: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, bell peppers, sweet potato, strawberries, tomatoes, oranges & orange juice. It is important that w get enough in our diet because it is required for :

1. Protecting cells from damage and disease
2. The production of collagen
3. Aiding the absorption of iron

Collagen

Collagen a protein – found within skin, bones, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissue. It helps to keep strong and flexible blood vessels, and help to maintain a good blood flow. Those with diets high in vitamin C (who eat the most fruits and vegetables) are the least likely to have a stroke which occur when there is an interruption of constant blood flow to the brain – that causes loss of neurological function.

Common causes of poor and lower blood flow and a primary risk factor for stroke include obesity. Research showed that obese children who took a vitamin C supplement on a daily basis – reduced the protein, endothelin-1 (a vasoconstrictor which narrowed the blood vessels) resulting in a better blood flow.

Absorption of Iron

If you only consume plant sources of iron make sure to consume it with a source of vitamin C. This will help improve and increase the absorption of iron into your body – as plant sources (non-heme iron) are absorbed less readily than animal based sources (heme-iron).

• Plant sources  – nuts and seeds, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, tofu & spinach

• Animal sources – liver, chicken, eggs, fish, poultry.

Vitamin C plays a key role in the absorption of non-heme due to

1.  The prevention of the formation of unabsorbable iron compounds
2. The reduction of non-heme iron to heme iron. (Iron first has to be in the form of heme to be uptaken & absorbed)

Iron and Haemoglobin

Iron is required for the production of haemoglobin – a protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) which help with breathing & energy production.

4 heme groups are within the haemoglobin molecule, which contain an iron molecule. One iron atom binds with one oxygen molecule and transports it to the lungs and tissues. There oxygen is released, and binds to glucose to create energy.  Created during this reaction is carbon dioxide – which will bind with haemoglobin and be transported back to the lungs and expelled from the body.

Poor absorption of iron or lack of iron in the diet can cause iron deficiency anemia – which can lead to – fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath and strange cravings to eat items that aren’t food, such as dirt, ice, or clay.

The post Micronutrients – Vitamin C & Iron appeared first on LA Nutrition.

Bupropion, marketed as Wellbutrin, functions primarily as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It exerts minimal serotonergic activity, differentiating it from other antidepressants. After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within three hours. The compound undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP2B6, forming active metabolites with extended half-lives. Within this pharmacological framework, buy wellbutrin uk represents a therapeutic agent with distinctive dopaminergic and noradrenergic modulation.

Overview

Vitamin E is a fat-sobuble vitamin (requires fat to be absorbed into the body), and acts an antioxidant (a substance that helps to protect against oxidising agents which can cause harm to the body).

Food Sources

Vitamin E can be found in a number of foods including:

1. Nuts
2. Green leafy vegetables
3. Avocado
4. Seeds
5. Tomatoes
6. Apples
7. Carrots
8. Whole grains
9. Vegetable Oils – sunflower, olive

Functions in the body

Vitamin E has many functions in the body including:

1. Acting as an antioxidant – protecting cells from damage
2. Help regulate the immune and inflammatory response
3. Helps the body use vitamin K
4. Involved in cell signalling – helping cells interact and carry out important functions
5. Helps with the formation of red blood cells

Vitamin E and Skin Health

Vitamin E is commonly known for its benefits on skin health, and is an important ingredient in many skin products.

Several studies have shown success of Vitamin E on the treatment of psoriasis. Kim Kardashian West has shared her journey with the autoimmune condition of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease (this is triggered by exposure to bacteria/virus/infection/allergy etc.) which leads to inflammation (in the case of psorisasis –  raised, red, scaly patches on the skin).

One study supplemented half of 58 hospitalized patients with psoriasis with vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium – and monitored signs and symptoms. Supplementation with the antioxidants resulted in significant improvements of the signs and symptoms of psoriasis.

A report showed also showed the benefits of nutritional supplementation and diet manipulation without standard psoriasis treatment (e.g. corticosteroids etc.) on the remission of psoriasis within six months. A 36 year old female with psoriasis had all processed foods and sugars eliminated, and was supplemented with vitamin E and a number of additional vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Both of these studies support the role for vitamin supplementation in psoriasis, but the addition of other substances can be beneficial.

Vitamin E and Olive Oil

One form of vitamin E within the diet is through olive oil, in the form of alpha tocopherol. Studies have shown promising antioxidant effects of extra virgin olive oil, with an increased number of  heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) – a protein involved in the prevention of inflammation.

Inflammation and Immune Response

Inflammation is the body’s response to an illness, injury or infection. It can be a process by which the body protects us from the infection/injury/illness. However, in some cases, the body triggers an attack on our own skin cells, and trigger an inflammatory response whereby such conditions as psoriasis, and eczema can occur.

How much Vitamin E do I need?

There is no specific recommendation for vitamin E in the UK, but the NHS advises:

• 3mg a day for women
• 4mg a day for men

You can get the recommended amounts of vitamin E by eating a variety of foods including:

• 1 oz of walnuts (about 14 halfs) = 7mg
• 2 tbsp of peanut butter, fortified (15g) = 4 mg
• 1 cup of spinach = 4mg
• 1 cup of broccoli = 2mg
• 1 tbsp of sunflower oil (15g) = 6mg

Can Vitamin E be harmful?

If supplementing with vitamin E, high doses may increase the risk of bleeding.

The post Vitamin E – role, sources, skin health and psoriasis appeared first on LA Nutrition.

All are involved in converting the food that we eat (carbohydrate, protein & fat) into fuel (glucose) and into energy.  The energy is known as ATP and can be used, or stored (in the form of glycogen) for later use. This will be covered a little bit more in when focusing on B7 Biotin.

We must restore our body’s supply of B-Vitamins to supply energy to our body, and for a number of other reasons that we will cover in this post as we cannot store them in our body.

Pyridoxine (B6)

Is found in: Tuna, salmon, shrimp, milk, cheese, lentils, spinach, sunflower seeds and is involved in energy production, brain health and neurotransmitter production.

A number of neurotransmitters are produced with the help of pyridoxine, including dopamine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin and norepinephrine.

Norephinephrine can also be known as noradrenaline, and stops the body from becoming too cold by narrowing blood flow, restricting the flow of blood to the skin and distributes it within the organs.

Serotonin helps to produce melatonin, a hormone involved with sleep regulation. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, levels are high at night, and low during the day. When the sun goes down and it is dark, the input from your eyes (little light input) will cause melatonin to be produced and levels will rise, causing you to feel less alert, and more tired. The levels stay high during night-time, and daytime concentrations then dip when the light input from the eyes increases.

Low levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine have been found in patients with depression, and anxiety.

A lack of dopamine can cause depression, chronic boredom, loss of satisfaction, chronic fatigue and low physical energy with no desire to move the body – a lack of drive, motivation and enthusiasm as dopamine is related to reward-motivated behavior, movement and control.

A neurotransmitters job is to transmit electrical signals from nerve cells to target cells (e.g. muscles, glands or other nerve cells including ones in the brain) so if dopamine release is low – behaviour, movement and control will be usually slow, poor and difficult.

Biotin (B7)

Is found in: Brewer’s yeast, eggs, sardines, almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, mushrooms and is involved in energy production, and keeping healthy hair, skin and nails.

So B-Vitamins act as a co enzyme (something necessary for a reaction to occur) and process the carbohydrates, lipids (fats) and proteins from our food so that we are able to generate energy. The energy generated is used in the form of ATP (adenosine trphosphate) to drive the movement of body reactions, breathing, heart rate and thinking. In order to ensure that your body is able to breakdown carbohydrates and lipids into energy (ATP) it is important to get a balance of B-Vitamins.

Here, have a look at where the B-Vitamins are involved in processing and breaking down the macronutrients in order to create ATP:

(Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2020)

You can see the B-Vitamins help to convert the components of the macronutrients (carbs, fats and proteins) ultimately into into Acetyl-CoA which is then combined with oxaloacetate acid within the citric acid cycle/krebs cycle. This is passed through a number of other reactions, to convert in to energy which we can use!

Folate / Folic Acid (B9)

Is found in: Leafy greens, asparagus, root vegetables, brussel sprouts, lima beans, whole grains, orange juice, avocado, milk, salmon and is involved in energy production, cell growth, DNA synthesis, red blood cells and iron use, and is an important prenatal vitamin.

Folate deficiency increases the risk of NTDs, like spina bifida, a condition where an unborn baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly, and usually detected during the anomaly scan. It can lead to bowel or urinary incontience, weakness in the legs, or loss of skin sensation in the legs. Supplementation with folic acid decreases the risk of unborn babies developing this, and if planning to have a baby, you should supplement with tablets for 2-3 months before you conceive. 400micrograms (mg) per day for pregnant women and those trying to conceive.

B9 deficiency can also lead to folic acid deficient anaemia. Folate (B9) is required to make red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body, needed to convert the food and liquid we take in into energy, and allows us to breathe! Low levels of B9 can lead to a lack of energy, muscle weakness, tiredness and memory problems. 

Cobalamin (B12)

Is found in: Shellfish, fish, eggs, beef, pork, poultry, dairy, wild game and is involved in energy production, cell health, heart and nerve cell health, and the control of homo cysteine levels (along with folate!)

Homocysteine is an amino acid, and high levels of can lead to dementia, heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. High levels in the blood can damage or kill cells, (e.g. those on artery walls causing blood vessel damage, which can lead to damage to organs e.g. heart, eye.) and lead to oxidative damage (which damages cells, proteins and DNA).

Both Vitamin B9 and B12 are required to convert homocysteine into methionine.

If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet. But is not found naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables and grains, vegans may not get enough of it. We are recommended to have at least 1.5mg of Vitamin B12 each day.

Be careful if you take supplements for B9, or B12 – as too much of both can be dangerous. 

Too much Vitamin B9 can hide the fact that you have B12 deficiency and could lead to high levels of homocysteine.

Too much B12 can lead to dizziness, headaches, anxiety, and vomiting.

Picture from:

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (2020). Energy production and B vitamins | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. [online] Available at: https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/nutraceutical/about/nutrition/sports-nutrition/essential-nutrients/vitaminbcomplex.html [Accessed 8 Jan. 2020].

The post B Vitamins #2 appeared first on LA Nutrition.

Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folate (B9) and Cobalamin (B12).

All are involved in converting the food that we eat (carbohydrate, protein & fat) into fuel (glucose) and into energy.  The energy is known as ATP and can be used, or stored (as fuel, in the form of glycogen) for later use. As well as this, the B-Vitamins have a number of other roles in our body, and benefits on and for our health.

We cannot store B-Vitamins in our body, so this is why we must restore our body’s supply. So this post will focus of 4 of the 8 B-Vitamins, and we will look at the foods you can find them in and the role of them in our body and benefits for our health!

Thiamine B1

Is found in: meat, nuts, whole grains, beans and legumes.

Thiamine is involved in energy production, immune health, nervous system function and the stress response due to its role in the production of acetycholine a neurotransmitter.

A neurotransmitter is a molecule used by the nervous system (nerves & specialised cells within the body) to transmit messages between cells  and muscles which can help with the movement and contraction of muscles.

During infection acetycholine is produced by immune cells, and this then allows these immune cells, known as T-cells to migrate into the infected cells, and kill the infected cells – protecting against infection and disease.

Riboflavin B2

Is found in: nuts, whole grains, brussels sprouts, spinach, eggs, mushrooms.

Riboflavin is involved in energy production, red blood cell production and use, and eye health. A low red blood cell count can lead to anemia, and can make you feel tired and weak as your body cannot enough oxygen to the cells for use.

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, allowing us to create energy and to remove carbon dioxide from the body, when you breathe out to prevent respiration failure and organ damage.

Evidence suggests that riboflavin is an antioxidant (a molecule that protects cells against free radicals which cause damage and disease) and may reduce the risk of the development of cataracts, which develops slowly, can effect one or two eyes, and can cause blurry or double vision, and trouble with bright lights. Higher intakes of riboflavin have been linked to a reduced risk of cataract.

Niacin B3

Is found in: Beef liver and kidney, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, peanuts.

Niacin is involved in energy production, circulation and the heart system. It is thought that niacin raises High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels, a type of cholesterol that is thought to protect against heart disease and stroke.

Niacin also makes various sex and stress-related hormones. Sex hormones are not only important for reproduction, but also influence both physical and mental health and well-being.

For example, estrogen (a female sex hormone) increases the body’s level of serotonin – a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression, low energy, depression, anxiety, obsessive disorders and sleeping problems.

Niacin is also vital for the male sex hormone, testosterone – a hormone involved with again regulating mood, and also helping to build muscle and bone mass. Reduced levels of testerone can result in a loss of muscle mass and depression and irritability.

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

Is found in: beef, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, avocado, legumes, sweet potatoes, whole grains, brewer’s yeast

Pantothenic Acid is involved in energy production, cell and digestive health, and helps to maintain healthy skin and blood lipid levels. It is essential for the making of coenzyme A (coA) and acyl carrier protein. CoA is needed for the making and breaking down of fatty acids which B-Vitamins help to break down to create a source of energy which the body can use.

It is also thought to regulate the loss of water and other components from the skin, and help to control the rate or ketionocyte specialisation, which produce keratin, an important protein which helps to protect the outside of the skin. A lack of keratin can lead to dullness and wrinkles of the skin.

Panthothenic Acid also is thought to lower Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. LDL tend to buildup in your arteries and cause a blockage, preventing blood from being able to flow through to your heart and brain, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke, from the loss of blood.

The post B Vitamins appeared first on LA Nutrition.