Micronutrients and Nutraceuticals for Health and Longevity
摘要
Micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for basic metabolic reactions in the human body, while nutraceuticals are dietary supplements used for health purposes, other than just nutrition. Recent studies have evaluated the favorable relationship between micronutrients, nutraceuticals, health and longevity. In this chapter, some of the micronutrients and nutraceuticals that are associated with greater longevity in health have been discussed. Among macro-minerals, magnesium (Mg), among micro-minerals (or trace elements), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) have been discussed. In addition, ergothioneine (ERGO), a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from food, which has been considered as a presumed longevity vitamin, and pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ), a biofactor with vitamin-like action associated with biological processes such as growth, aging, reproduction, and mitochondrial genesis, has been discussed. Among nutraceuticals derived from foods that offer health benefits, beyond simple nutrition, omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are among those most frequently associated with benefits for healthy longevity.