Valine – a branched-chain essential amino acid. This means your body does not make it; you must get it through your diet. Branched-chain amino acids are used in your body to help produce energy. Valine is found mainly in protein food sources, such as meats, fish, soy, and dairy.

 

Vanadium – a trace mineral found in many foods. Scientists think your body may need vanadium in tiny amounts for average bone growth. Scientists are unsure what effects vanadium may have or what amount might be helpful; however, they know high doses of vanadium are likely unsafe. It may cause liver or kidney damage, and research suggests it may be harmful to the kidneys. Other studies link high blood levels with an increased risk of breast cancer.

 

Vegan – a diet based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts, and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

 

Vegan/Plant-Based Protein – plant-forward diets have increased in popularity over the past several years. Research shows that following a plant-forward diet can improve health and reduce environmental impact. Some plant-based proteins lack essential amino acids, but eating a variety of plant-based protein sources throughout the day will ensure that your body’s needs are met.  Plant-based foods rich in protein and fiber include grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and soy. Plant-based foods also contain essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that benefit overall health. You can supplement your intake by adding plant-based protein powder to foods, drinks, and shakes.

 

Vegetarian – a diet that does not include any meat or seafood. However, there are many variations to this – some people following a vegetarian diet may eat eggs and dairy foods, while others may avoid one or both. Choose healthy plant-based foods to get the most out of a vegetarian diet. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans, and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods.

 

Vitamins – a group of organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because the body cannot synthesize them on its own.

 

          Vitamin A (Retinol) – 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.

 

          Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) – a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in some foods, added to foods and sold as a supplement. Thiamin plays a vital
          role in the growth and function of various cells. Only small amounts are stored in the liver, so a daily intake of thiamin-rich foods is needed.
          The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men ages 19 and older is 1.2 mg daily; for women in the same age range, 1.1 mg daily.

 

          Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – helps the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B
          vitamins, often called B-complex vitamins, 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.

 

          Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – a B vitamin made and used by your body to turn food into energy. It helps keep your nervous system, digestive system,
          and skin healthy. It is often part of a daily multivitamin, but most people get enough Niacin from their food. It occurs naturally in many foods,
          including greens, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Many products are also fortified with niacin during manufacturing. The RDA for men is
          16mg/day, and for women, it is 14mg/day.

 

          Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – a B Vitamin naturally present in foods, added to foods, and available as a supplement. It is used to make
          coenzyme A (CoA), a chemical compound that helps enzymes build and break down fatty acids and perform other metabolic functions, and
          the acyl carrier protein, which is also involved in making fats. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men and women ages 19+
          years is 5 mg daily. The best sources are beef, chicken, organ meats, fortified cereals, and some vegetables.

 

          Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – a Vitamin essential for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous system and immune systems
          healthy. Food sources of vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals. The Recommended Daily Amount
          of Vitamin B6 for adults 50 and younger is 1.3 milligrams. After age 50, the recommended daily amount is 1.5 milligrams for women and 1.7
          milligrams for men.

 

          Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – a water-soluble B Vitamin found naturally in some foods (beef liver, eggs, salmon, avocado, pork, sweet potato, nuts,
          and seeds) and supplements. Biotin plays a vital role in assisting enzymes to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in food. It also
          helps to regulate signals sent by cells and the activity of genes. Most people get enough biotin in their diet and do not require a supplement.
          An RDA for Biotin does not exist.

 

          Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) – crucial for proper brain function and essential in mental and emotional health. It aids in producing DNA and RNA,
          the body's genetic material, and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as in infancy, adolescence, and
          pregnancy. For many years, it has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by
          federal law. Foods naturally high in folic acid include leafy vegetables, okra, asparagus, certain fruits, beans, yeast, mushrooms, animal liver
          and kidney, orange juice, and tomato juice. A folic acid deficiency is characterized by extreme tiredness, lack of energy, tingling, and
          numbness, sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness, vision problems, and psychological issues ranging from anxiety and
          confusion to dementia. The RDA for adults is 400 mcg DFE daily.

 

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

 

          Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – a water-soluble vitamin (meaning that your body does not store it) that is naturally present in some foods, added
          to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Unlike most animals, humans cannot synthesize Vitamin C on their own, so it is an essential
          dietary component. It is needed by the body to help wounds heal, enhance iron absorption from plant foods, and support the immune system.
          It is also an antioxidant. It also has been shown to benefit heart health (hardening of the arteries, heart attack, and stroke) and lower the risk
          of high blood pressure. However, these claims have yet to be validated by the FDA. Citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, peppers, potatoes,
          broccoli, and tomatoes are good sources of Vitamin C. You will get the most Vitamin C if you eat fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.
          The Recommended Daily Amount for Vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) daily for women and 90 mg for men.

 

          Vitamin D (Calciferol) – 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, nursing 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.

 

          Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – a vitamin that dissolves in fat. It is found in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, and
          fruits. It is an essential vitamin required for the proper function of many organs in the body. It is also an antioxidant. It occurs naturally in
          foods and is different from man-made vitamin E that is in supplements. It is used for treating vitamin E deficiency, which is rare but can
          occur in people with certain genetic disorders and very low-weight premature infants. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for
          Vitamin E for males and females ages 14 years and older is 15 mg daily, including pregnant women.

 

          Vitamin K (Phylloquinone) – a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms. The primary type of Vitamin K is called phylloquinone, found in
          green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. It helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the
          building of bones. It is found throughout the body, including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone. It is broken down very quickly and
          excreted in urine or stool. Because of this, it rarely reaches toxic levels in the body, even with high intakes, as may sometimes occur with
          other fat-soluble vitamins. The RDA is 120 micrograms (mcg) daily for men and 90 mcg for women.

 

Warnings (Label) – the Food and Drug Administration requires food and beverage manufacturers to label their products with important consumer information such as ingredients and Recommended Dietary Allowances. Perhaps the most essential part of the labeling requirements is the warning label. This part of the label alerts the consumer of potential risks, conflicts with other substances, or allergens present in the product.

 

Wellmune – the commercial brand, owned by Kerry’s ProActive Health, of a functional ingredient for food, beverage, and supplement products, clinically shown to help strengthen the immune system. It improves general immune health, maintains overall physical health, protects against the harmful effects of stress, and promotes healthy energy levels and mental clarity.

 

Whey Protein – the protein from whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. It is commonly used as a protein supplement. it might improve the nutrient content of the diet and affect the immune system. People commonly use it for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is also used for asthma, diabetes, weight loss, and many other conditions, but no good scientific evidence supports most of these uses.

 

Xanthan Gum – a popular additive for thickening, suspending, and stabilizing. It is found in many food and beverage products and is safe for most people. It is a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers are carbohydrates that your body cannot break down. Instead, they absorb water and become a gel-like substance in your digestive system, slowing digestion. Therefore, your body cannot digest xanthan gum, providing no calories or nutrients. The FDA considers it generally safe for consumption.

 

Xylitol – a sugar-free sweetener (sugar alcohol) added to some foods and beverages. It is nearly as sweet as sugar (sucrose) but has fewer calories and a low glycemic index. Side effects may include gas, bloating, and laxative effects. People with diabetes sometimes use it as a sugar substitute. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.

 

Zinc (Zn) – supports several functions in the human body. As well as supporting the immune system, it
enables the body to make proteins and DNA, contributes to wound healing, and plays a role in childhood growth and development. It also has antioxidant properties. The best source of zinc is oysters, but it is also plentiful in red meat and poultry. Other good sources are other kinds of seafood, nuts, whole grains, breakfast cereals, and dairy products.           

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