Lactobacillus Acidophilus – is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the human gut, mouth, and certain foods. It can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. L. acidophilus is sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and is found in probiotic supplements. Many foods and drinks contain acidophilus probiotics, including yogurt, cottage cheese, miso soup, kombucha, tempeh (fermented soybeans), kefir (fermented milk drink), kimchi, and sauerkraut. The labels of certain foods may be marked with the phrase “live active cultures.”

 

Lactase – an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products. Some people's bodies do not make enough lactase, so they cannot digest milk well, leading to diarrhea, cramps, and gas. This is referred to as "lactose intolerance."

 

L-Alanyl L-Glutamine – a dietary supplement that protects the gastrointestinal tract. The protective effect reduces bacterial translocation, thus reducing the risk of infections and infection-related problems such as diarrhea, dehydration, malabsorption, and electrolyte imbalance. Dietary sources of glutamine include plant and animal proteins such as beef, pork, poultry, milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, raw spinach, raw parsley, and cabbage.

 

Lemon Balm Extract (Melissa officinalis) – an herb from the mint family. The leaves have a mild lemon aroma and are used to make medicine and flavor foods. It contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative and calming effect. It might also reduce the growth of some viruses and bacteria. People also use it for cold sores, anxiety, stress, insomnia, indigestion, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

 

Leucine – one of the three essential branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids can be used by skeletal muscle to give energy during exercise. Eating foods with complete protein gives enough amino acids without supplementing them.

 

Licorice Root Extract – one of the three essential branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids can be used by skeletal muscle to give energy during exercise. Eating foods with complete protein gives enough of these amino acids without supplementing them. Foods that contain it are canned navy beans, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, eggs, hemp seeds, lentils, spirulina, peanuts, and oats. For most adults, the current recommendation for leucine is a minimum daily intake of 25 mg per pound (55 mg per kg) of body weight, or approximately 4.4 grams per day for a 175-pound (80-kg) person.

 

Lion's Mane Extract/Powder – (Hericium Erinaceus) - a mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. It is believed to improve nerve development and function. It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged. It also seems to help protect the lining of the stomach. People use it for Alzheimer's disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

 

Lipase – a type of digestive enzyme or "digestive juice." It helps your body digest fats. Most of your lipase is made in your pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of your stomach. Lipase is also made in your salivary glands and your stomach. Foods that contain lipase include avocados, walnuts, and pine nuts.

 

Liquid Concentrate - a concentrate with most of its base component (in the case of a liquid, the solvent) removed. Typically, this will be the removal of water from a solution or suspension, such as the removal of water from fruit juice.

 

Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit) – a small round fruit native to southern China. It has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine as a cold remedy and a digestive aid. Extracts from monk fruit also provide calorie-free sweetness in reduced-calorie foods and beverages. It is natural and up to 200 times sweeter than sugar, so while it can be expensive, a little goes a long way. It has a zero glycemic index and has no known side effects. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.

 

Lutein – an antioxidant that occurs naturally. It protects and improves eye function. It is part of a group of substances called carotenoids. Foods rich in lutein include egg yolks, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, zucchini, and squash.

 

Lysine – an essential amino acid - is necessary for human health. Lysine is a building block for making proteins in the body. You must get lysine from food or supplements because the body cannot make it. Sources of lysine include meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Amino acids like lysine are the building blocks of protein.

​