Know Yourself

Vitamin B1, or thiamin(e), is a water soluble vitamin essential for maintaining health. Inadequate thiamin intake can cause adverse health effects. Why is thiamin essential and how much do you need each day?

Your body is inhabited by trillions of bacterial cells. Some bacteria have the potential to harm you, but many benefit your health. Do probiotics, beneficial bacteria added to food, have a health promoting role and why are prebiotics important?

Antioxidants are often promoted as "life preserving" nutrients: a must have in your diet be it from food or supplements. But what are antioxidants, what role do they play in supporting health, and are anti-oxidant supplements necessary?

Vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of bone proteins and is freely available in green leafy vegetables. What other functions does vitamin K have and can you obtain sufficient vitamin K from the food you eat?

Several hormones are necessary for effective nutrient digestion, absorption,and metabolism of the foods and beverages you consume. What are these hormones and what functions do they perform?