Dietary enhancement involves the incorporation of additional nutrients into a regular diet in order to achieve health or performance enhancement. This process is also known as food fortification or enrichment.
GTT results showed greater glucose clearance in mice fed HF with pH enhancement using ammonia treatment compared to those fed LF at all three time points (0, 90 and 120 min; Supplemental Table S3A). A sexual effect was also apparent.
Protein
Protein is the primary source of amino-acids in human diets and plays an array of structural, metabolic and protective roles in our lives. Dietary protein is essential to maintaining proteome content, structures and function in adults as well as during periods of growth and development. Furthermore, special requirements, such as during pregnancy or lactation require adequate intake. Dietary protein requirements today are determined through nitrogen balance studies that are complex to create, carry out and interpret. Protein quality can be measured using biological value, protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), chemical score or any combination thereof. There are 20 total amino acids; nine essential amino acids (EAAs) cannot be produced within the body and must be obtained via diet alone.
Carbohydrate
Carbs are our body’s main source of energy, from glucose that circulates in our bloodstream to cells for fueling their function, or stored as glycogen in muscles and liver for later use. A diet rich in carbohydrates is especially crucial for endurance athletes and high-intensity intermittent athletes.
Carbs should come from unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans containing vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Complex carbohydrates (starches) and naturally occurring sugars such as honey should form the bulk of our intake rather than processed or refined sugars. They may also be taken in supplement form such as glucose maltodextrin or sucrose for sports supplement use to provide energy boost.
Fiber
Fiber, made up of nonstarch polysaccharide plant substances resistant to digestion and absorption by humans, has been associated with healthy gut microflora, normal metabolic function, weight regulation and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Dietary fiber comes in two main forms – soluble and insoluble; plants rich in soluble fiber include beans, nuts fruits and vegetables while those high in insoluble fiber include whole grains and wheat bran.
Dietary fibers play an essential role in energy intake control by activating postabsorptive satiety signals and altering mechanical threshold and sensory mechanisms. Furthermore, they reduce food glycemic index and stimulate intestinal transit – increasing stool volume while supporting regularity.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic substances found naturally on Earth’s surface and typically exhibit an organized chemical composition and internal structure.
Minerals possess many physical characteristics, including color, streak, hardness, luster and diaphaneity (see-through quality), specific gravity, cleavage fracture magnetism and solubility. Some minerals such as copper iron mica lead can even conduct heat or electricity.
Minerals are essential to body function and immunity regulation; in particular, components of innate immunity and inflammation regulation. A balanced diet typically provides enough minerals, but some individuals may suffer deficiency issues.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds which serve a multitude of essential functions in our bodies and are therefore vital components. Vitamin sources primarily come from food but supplements may also contain them.
Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K can be stored in the liver and other fatty tissues; water-soluble ones like B complex vitamins can be deposited in the bloodstream and flushed away when no longer required.
Vitamin A strengthens immunity by encouraging healthy cells and fighting infection, protecting vision and encouraging normal skin function while aiding iron metabolism. Furthermore, vitamin C promotes bone health in partnership with D, helping regulate calcium levels.
