Caffeine – a drug that stimulates (increases the activity of) your brain and nervous system. It is consumed to help you feel awake and alert. It is found in many drinks, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Chocolate also contains caffeine. Energy drinks often have more caffeine and sugar than soft drinks. A typical cup of coffee contains 95mg of caffeine per serving. Children, those allergic to caffeine, and pregnant or nursing mothers should not consume caffeine in any significant quantities as it may cause restlessness, headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, dehydration, anxiety, and dependency if consumed regularly. 

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Calciferol (Vitamin D) is used as a dietary supplement when the amount of Vitamin D in the diet is insufficient. People most at risk for vitamin D deficiency are older adults, breastfed infants, people with dark skin, obese people, and those with limited sun exposure or gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease. It is also used along with calcium to prevent and treat bone diseases. It may cause side effects such as loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and constipation - tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults 19 years and older is 600 IU (15 mcg) daily for men and women; for adults over 70 years, it is 800 IU (20 mcg) daily.

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Calcium (Ca) – one of the six electrolytes and the most abundant mineral in the body. It is stored in bones and teeth, giving them structure and hardness. Your body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between your brain and every part of your body. Calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, sardines, and salmon. Growing children and teenagers need more calcium than young adults. The RDA of calcium for an adult is approximately 1,000 mg.

 

Calories – the energy released when your body breaks down (digests and absorbs) food. The more calories a food has, the more energy it can provide to your body. When you eat more calories than you need, your body stores the extra calories as body fat. Even fat-free foods can have a lot of calories. Generally, the Recommended Daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men.

 

Cane Syrup – a popular sweetener used for centuries, particularly in the South. It is made by extracting sugar cane juice and boiling it into a thick, amber syrup. It contains sucrose derived from sugar cane and sugar beet and, sometimes, depending upon the grade, small quantities of inverted sugar. Invert sugar is a liquified form of table sugar in which the chemical bonds between glucose and fructose molecules have been broken. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.

 

Cannabidiol (CBD) – is one of two main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant - the other being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The main difference between the two cannabinoids is that THC has strong psychoactive effects, meaning it makes a person ‘high,’ whereas CBD is thought to have an anti-psychoactive effect that controls or moderates the ‘high’ caused by the THC. CBD is also believed to reduce some of the other adverse effects that people can experience from THC, such as anxiety. CBD is legal for use in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. CBD products are not FDA-approved, so despite being marketed extensively, there are no federal standards for their content, purity, or potency. Over-the-counter CBD products are often advertised as therapies for many health conditions such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, opioid addiction, severe pain management, diabetic complications, and neurological disease, even though many of these claims are unproven and the health effects of these products are unknown. The FDA has been unable to evaluate and approve these products for their marketed use, mainly due to limited data to support their effectiveness. Athletes should be aware that cannabinoids are an NCAA-banned substances.

 

Carbohydrates – known as "carbs"- include fiber, starch, and sugars. Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of the three primary nutrients in foods and drinks. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary energy source for your body's cells, tissues, and organs. The amount of carbs you consume affects blood sugar. Taking in a lot of carbs can raise blood sugar levels. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can put you at risk for diabetes. Some people who do not consume enough carbs have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that carbohydrates make up 45% to 65% of total daily calories. So, if you consume 2,000 calories daily, between 900 and 1,300 calories should be from carbohydrates. That translates to 225 and 325 grams of carbs daily from all food and drinks consumed.

 

Carbonated – water containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either artificially injected under pressure or occurring due to natural geological processes. Carbonation causes tiny bubbles to form, giving the water an effervescent quality.

 

Carnitine – a substance that helps the body turn fat into energy. Your body makes it in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, and brain. Usually, your body can make all the carnitine it needs. It has been proposed as a treatment for many conditions because it acts as an antioxidant. Health conditions that carnitine may be used to treat include heart failure or heart attack, angina, and diabetic neuropathy. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA. Children and pregnant or nursing women should not use carnitine because its safety is unknown.

 

Carnosyn (Beta-Alanine) – a commercial brand of beta-alanine created by Natural Alternatives International, Inc. They claim it helps athletes build better muscle faster and gain focus, energy, and strength. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements.

 

Casein Protein – a protein found in milk that gives milk its white color. Cow's milk consists of around 80% casein protein. In addition to milk, casein protein is found in yogurt, cheese, infant formulas, and various dietary supplements. It provides the body with all the amino acids necessary to help build muscle. It is digested more slowly than other proteins, so it might be better at reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Some early research shows that taking casein protein improves strength and athletic performance before or after exercise. But not all research agrees. Some research also indicates that casein protein works as well as whey protein or creatine to improve athletic performance. However, other research shows that whey protein is better than casein protein. If you have a milk allergy, avoiding casein protein is best.

 

Cayenne Fruit Extract – Cayenne is a variety of Capsicum Annuum, a plant genus and species that includes bell peppers, paprika, red chili peppers, and pimento. It is a fat burner and thermogenic that can help boost metabolism. As a supplement rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, its high Vitamin C content also helps fortify the immune system and support cardiovascular and heart health. Additionally, it helps ease digestion and contributes to joint health. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA.

 

CDC (Center for Disease Control) – the national public health agency of the United States. It is a United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the nation's leading science-based, data-driven service organization that protects the public's health.

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Cellulase – a general term for a group of enzymes that degrade cellulose to produce glucose. Cellulase is widely used in the food industry to increase the availability of a food’s nutritional properties; for example, it helps fruits and vegetables release antioxidant compounds. Almost all species of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa produce cellulase, but humans and animals do not.

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Certification – many food and beverage products undergo an independent third-party evaluation to help validate and market their products and product benefits. When passing these evaluations, the products become "certified" by the party, validating compliance with a governing body's guidelines. These certifications help build consumer confidence and confirm that the product applies to the needs of specific groups of consumers. In the beverage industry, certifications can include designations such as non-GMO (non-genetically modified organisms), Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Kosher, Halal, NSF certified, Informed Sport or Informed Choice certified, NCAA compliant, NAIA compliant, natural, organic, and more.

 

Chaga Mushroom Powder – although it is classified as a mushroom, Chaga does not look like a traditional mushroom that you would find in the grocery store. Typically found growing on birch trees, it has a rough exterior that resembles burnt charcoal and an orange-yellow interior. It is often called the “king of mushrooms,” its main claim to fame is supporting healthy immune function. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA.

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Chamomile – an herb from the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) plant family and is grown worldwide. It has been a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety, aid in sleeping, and settle stomachs. People in ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt used dried chamomile flowers and their essential oils as a medicinal herb. Potential side effects include drowsiness and nausea or vomiting when taken in large doses. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before using chamomile supplements.

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Chloride (Cl) – one of the six electrolytes that plays a crucial role in maintaining cell homeostasis and transmitting action potentials in neurons. It is also one of the ingredients in table salt (Sodium Chloride). It is also found in many vegetables. Foods with higher amounts of chloride include seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and olives. Most Americans probably get more chloride than they need from table salt and the salt in prepared foods. Too little chloride in the body can occur when your body loses many fluids. This may be due to heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Medicines such as diuretics can also cause low chloride levels. Too much sodium chloride can increase your blood pressure and cause a buildup of fluid for those who have congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease. The RDA of chloride for an adult is 2,300 mg.

 

Cholesterol – a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol can be inherited, but it is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which make it preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and sometimes medication can help reduce high cholesterol. Soluble high-fiber foods such as oatmeal, oat bran, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples, and pears can also help lower cholesterol absorption into your bloodstream.

 

Choline – a nutrient found in many foods your brain and nervous system need to regulate muscle control and other functions. You also need choline to form the membranes that surround your body's cells. It might also help decrease swelling and inflammation related to asthma and has also been used for memory, mental function, preventing specific congenital disabilities, and many other purposes. Still, more scientific evidence is needed to support many of these uses. It can be made in the liver. It is also found in meats, fish, nuts, beans, vegetables, and eggs.

 

Chromium (Cr) – an essential trace element some people use as a supplement. Chromium forms a compound in the body that enhances the effects of insulin and helps lower glucose levels. But it also has risks, and its use as a supplement is somewhat controversial. It is easy to get enough chromium through a well-balanced diet. Because the mineral comes from the soil, it is in most vegetables (e.g., broccoli), fruits (e.g., grapes), and whole grains (e.g., whole wheat), along with grain or grass-fed meats. Chromium seems to have few side effects, but there have been some reports of chromium causing occasional irregular heartbeats, sleep disturbances, headaches, mood changes, and allergic reactions. Chromium may also increase the risk of kidney or liver damage.

 

Citrate – prevents and treats high acid levels in your body. It may also help prevent gout or kidney stones, conditions caused by high uric acid levels. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in your body.

 

Citric Acid – an odorless and colorless compound found naturally in citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes. It is also found in lesser amounts in pineapple, berries, cherries, and tomatoes. It gives them their tart, sour taste and is predominantly used as a flavoring and preserving agent, especially in soft drinks and candies. Beverages or food products that contain these fruits also contain citric acid. It aids in turning food into usable energy. It also enhances the bioavailability of minerals, allowing your body to absorb them better. Some foods and beverages use less expensive synthetic or manufactured citric acid. 

 

Citrulline (L-Citrulline) – a nonessential amino acid. There is limited evidence that citrulline supplementation can reduce ratings of perceived exertion, decrease muscle soreness, increase power output and total repetitions performed in resistance training, and mildly reduce blood pressure. However, more research is needed. Watermelon contains citrulline, with no reported side effects from consuming it.

 

Clinical – involving or concerned with the direct observation and treatment of living patients. In addition to medicines, many dietary supplements are used in clinical applications to treat various illnesses and diseases. For these products, you will note that their packaging does not contain a "Nutrition Facts" panel but a "Supplement Facts" panel.

 

Cobalt – a trace mineral and component of Vitamin B12, which supports the production of red blood cells. Tiny amounts are needed for animals and humans to stay healthy. Cobalt poisoning can occur when you are exposed to large amounts of it.

 

CocoMineral – a commercial brand of powdered extract of coconut water, owned by Cambridge Commodities, used in sports nutrition, health, and wellbeing drink products. It is rich in potassium, contributing to normal muscle function and maintaining normal blood pressure. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA. All beverage products containing any form of coconut must be labeled for tree nut allergies by the FDA.

 

Coconut Milk – an opaque, milky-white liquid extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. The opacity and rich taste of coconut milk are due to its high oil content, most of which is saturated fat. It is not as good a source of hydration as coconut water because it only contains 50% water. It is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of manganese and an adequate source of phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. All beverage products containing any form of coconut must be labeled for tree nut allergies by the FDA.

 

Coconut Milk Powder – dehydrated coconut milk that comes from the white endosperm, often referred to as the meat of the coconut. The meat is grated or shredded and then pressed to produce coconut cream. The coconut cream is then spray-dried using heat. The result of pressing the meat and spray drying the cream is a high-fat, low-moisture powder. It is often used as a dairy and sweetener substitute in beverages. It is a superfood rich in minerals, electrolytes, and fatty acids. All beverage products containing any form of coconut must be labeled for tree nut allergies by the FDA.

 

Coconut Water – the liquid found in the center of a young, green coconut that contains about 94 percent water, very little fat, and electrolytes, making it a regular choice for the base of many sports drinks and hydration beverages. It also may have antioxidant properties. However, more research needs to be conducted. All beverage products containing any form of coconut must be labeled for tree nut allergies by the FDA.

 

Coconut Water Powder - freeze-dried coconut water is often used as a sweetener and natural electrolyte source that supports rapid hydration, including sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. All beverage products containing any form of coconut must be labeled for tree nut allergies by the FDA.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – is a nutrient that occurs naturally in your body and in many foods you eat. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, and vital to your metabolism. Most healthy people have enough to meet their needs in their body naturally. It has been used to treat many conditions, including high blood pressure, slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, treating migraine headaches, as an energy supplement, and overall heart and brain health. However, more research is needed, and the FDA has yet to validate any claims to this extent.

 

Cognitive – the mental process humans use to think, read, learn, remember, reason, pay attention, and, ultimately, comprehend information and turn it into knowledge.

 

Collagen Peptides – small pieces of protein from animal collagen. They are made by breaking down whole collagen proteins into smaller pieces. Collagen plays a vital role in the health of your skin, bones, and connective tissues, keeping joints strong, making skin elastic, and helping protect your organs and other functions. They have been shown to reduce joint pain among athletes significantly. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA. 

 

Collagen Protein – the most abundant structural protein in the human body, making up over a third of the body’s protein content. While humans can produce collagen naturally, age and diet can slow the body’s ability to synthesize this essential protein. As a result, it is often added to beverages as a supplement. Minor side effects may include a feeling of heaviness in your stomach and mild diarrhea. Research shows that taking 2.5 to 15 grams daily of hydrolyzed collagen is safe. A smaller dose benefits your joints and skin, while a more significant amount may help with body composition and muscle mass.

 

ConcenTrace – the commercial brand owned by Trace Minerals containing a full spectrum of minerals (including selenium, zinc, iodine, iron, chromium, manganese, copper, and silicon, to name a few) pulled directly from the earth. Trace minerals can replenish your body for improved energy, focus, sleep, and overall health. They also contain electrolytes for hydration, nutrients for energy, metabolic and mood support, and nutrients for supporting healthy joints, bones, and teeth. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA.  

 

Copper (Cu) – a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to perform many essential functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. Copper also helps maintain the nervous and immune systems and activates genes. Oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, and organ meats (kidneys, liver) are good sources of copper. Dark leafy greens, dried fruits such as prunes, cocoa, black pepper, and yeast, are also sources of copper in the diet. However, copper deficiency is rare except in specific conditions, and you should consult a doctor before adding any copper supplement to your diet.

 

Cordyceps Powder (Cordyceps Militaris) – a powder made from a fungus that has been used to boost energy and strength, improve immunity, and enhance kidney function. It has also been used to treat cough and fatigue. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA. Cordyceps is known as an adaptogen, which means it may help your body adapt to stress. Cordyceps Militaris is commercially grown, unlike Cordyceps Sinensis, a fungus that grows from a dead caterpillar's head that is much rarer and expensive.

 

Corn Starch – the starch derived from corn grain. It is a common food ingredient, often used to thicken sauces or soups and to make corn syrup and other sugars.

 

Creatine – a compound that comes from three amino acids. It is found mainly in your body's muscles and the brain. Most people get it through consuming seafood and red meat — though at levels far below those found in synthetically made supplements. The body's liver, pancreas, and kidneys can also make about 1 gram per day. Users believe it allows an athlete to do more work during reps or sprints, leading to more significant gains in strength, muscle mass, and performance. It is often used by athletes involved in high-intensity intermittent activities that require a rapid recovery during training and competition. It also might reduce the frequency of dehydration, muscle cramping, and injuries to the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Society of Sports Medicine do not recommend creatine use under age 18.

 

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) – a manufactured or synthetic form of Vitamin B12. Most people get enough Vitamin B12 from their diet. Maintaining the health of your metabolism, blood cells, and nerves is essential. The Recommended Daily Amount of Vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.