Quercetin – a plant pigment. It is found in many plants and foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, and berries. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that might help reduce swelling, kill cancer cells, control blood sugar, and help prevent heart disease. It is most used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels and to prevent cancer. It is also used for arthritis, bladder infections, and diabetes, but no solid scientific evidence supports most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using quercetin for COVID-19.

 

Ready-to-Drink – the beverage form that is fully prepared and ready for the user to consume without altering or adding anything to its composition. It is the most convenient form of beverage. However, ready-to-drink beverages often contain additives or preservatives designed to help extend the product's shelf life.

 

Rebaudioside A – a steviol glycoside from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana that is 240 times sweeter than sugar. It is an extremely popular sweetener in sports and hydration drinks. However, caution should be used as it is a diuretic counterintuitive to the hydration process. Rebaudioside A is the sweetest and most stable steviol glycoside and is less bitter than stevioside. Stevia leaves contain 9.1% stevioside and 3.8% rebaudioside A.  See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.

 

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) – the levels of intake of essential nutrients that, based on scientific knowledge, are judged by the Food and Nutrition Board to be adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy persons daily.

 

Recovery – when exercising or undertaking extreme physical activity, we can sweat out fluids and tax our bodies, creating inflammation and swelling in muscles. Different people will recover from this activity at different rates based on their health, fitness, and the type and duration of activity. Many products in the market are available to assist in the recovery process, targeting rehydration and reducing inflammation and swelling.

 

Reishi Powder – is prized for its ability to build resistance to illness, detox the body, and calm the nerves. Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, which are known to support overall wellness. Modern research has shown that Reishi mushroom supports immune health to help you feel your best and supports the body’s immune defenses to stay healthy. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA.

 

Retinol (Vitamin A) – a fat-soluble vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement. Retinol or other forms of vitamin A are needed for vision, cellular development, skin and mucous membranes maintenance, immune function, and reproductive development. Good sources of Vitamin A include cheese, eggs, and oily fish. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men and women is 900 and 700 μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day, respectively.

 

Reverse Osmosis – a technology used when processing drinking water to remove a large majority of contaminants by pushing the water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane.

 

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – helps the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, called B-complex, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. It can be found in milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, lean beef and pork, beef liver, chicken breast, and salmon. The RDA for Riboflavin for adults is 1.3 mg/day for men and 1.1 mg/day for women.

 

Ribose (D-Ribose) – a type of simple (5 carbon) sugar, or carbohydrate, that our bodies make. It is an essential component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which supplies energy to our cells. Without sufficient energy, cells cannot maintain integrity and function. It has been studied as a treatment for people with heart failure or energy deficits, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It is also helpful for athletes looking to increase energy, boost stamina, enhance athletic performance, and aid in recovery from strenuous athletic or other physically demanding activities. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA.

 

Rice Protein–protein that has been taken from rice. When it is broken down into smaller pieces, it is called rice protein hydrolysate. It is taken by mouth for muscle strength and muscle soreness. It is also used in infant formulas for babies allergic to cow's milk. It provides the body with nutrients called amino acids. The kinds of amino acids in rice protein might help to protect the body from too much sugar in the blood. They might also help to reduce blood pressure and blood fats; however, additional research must be conducted.

 

Rice Syrup – a sweetener rich in compounds categorized as sugars and derived by steeping cooked rice starch with enzymes to break down the starches. The liquid is then strained off and reduced by heating until the desired consistency is reached. The enzymes used are supplied by adding sprouted barley grains to the rice starch (the traditional method) or by adding bacterial- or fungal-derived purified enzyme isolates (the modern, industrialized method). Rice syrup is much less sweet than sugar and has a high glycemic index. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.

 

Rutin – a plant pigment that is found in certain fruits and vegetables. Buckwheat, Japanese pagoda tree, and Eucalyptus are sources. It is also found in lime tree flowers, elder flowers, hawthorn, St. John's Wort, ginkgo, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. It might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It might also offer some protection against cancer and other diseases. It is commonly used for autism, aging skin, airway infections caused by exercise, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

​