Carbohydrates are an important group of nutrients that provide energy to the body and are found, for example, in grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Simple sugars , also known as monosaccharides, are the basic building blocks of oligo- and polysaccharides, which represent higher, complex carbohydrates. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. They are rapidly absorbed by the body and thus provide a quick energy boost. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, consist of longer or branched chains of simple sugars. These include polysaccharides such as starch or glycogen, which are found in foods like grains, potatoes, and muscle meat. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly and provide a sustained energy supply.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure that indicates how much carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a low GI (<50) are digested more slowly and therefore have a smaller impact on blood sugar levels compared to foods with a high GI (>70). Glucose (100) serves as the reference value. Another measure, the so-called glycemic load (GL) , also takes into account the carbohydrate density of the respective food.

Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the human body that plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of tissues. This protein is an essential component of skin, hair, nails, bones, cartilage, and tendons. Through its structural properties, collagen supports skin firmness and elasticity, promotes hair growth, strengthens nails, and contributes to joint and bone health.

Collagen hydrolysate refers to a hydrolyzed form of collagen, in which the collagen is broken down into smaller, easily absorbed parts called collagen peptides. This form is often found in dietary supplements.

Collagen peptides are smaller amino acid fragments of collagen. Breaking down the protein into peptides improves its absorption in the body. Collagen peptides are often valued for their potential benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints.

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid of fundamental importance to the human body . It is crucial for the formation of cell membranes and plays a role in regulating inflammatory processes. As a polyunsaturated fatty acid , it cannot be produced by the body and must therefore be obtained through diet. Linoleic acid is found primarily in vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, corn, and soybean oils. Seeds, nuts, and some grain products are also rich sources of linoleic acid.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the body and is involved in a multitude of physiological processes. It supports the function of over 300 enzymes, plays a role in energy production, muscle contraction and relaxation, blood sugar regulation, and contributes to the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is therefore important to consume sufficient magnesium through a balanced diet, as a magnesium deficiency can lead to various health problems such as muscle cramps, fatigue, heart rhythm disorders, sleep disturbances, and general weakness. Magnesium is only found in high quantities in a few foods. Good sources include mineral water, whole grains, wheat bran, sunflower seeds, and cocoa; other staple foods and processed foods tend to be low in magnesium.

Maltodextrin is a tasteless carbohydrate derived from starch . Due to its rheological and energetic properties, maltodextrin is used to enrich foods with carbohydrates and improve their consistency.

Furthermore, maltodextrin is a source of readily available carbohydrates and therefore provides quick energy . For this reason, it is often used by athletes as an energy booster before, during, or after intense training sessions. It can help to quickly replenish glycogen stores in the muscles, which is important for recovery after physical exertion.

Manganese is an essential trace element involved in various biochemical processes in the body. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, is a component of enzymes that support antioxidant processes, and contributes to the formation and maintenance of connective tissue, cartilage, and bones. Manganese is found particularly in green vegetables, oatmeal, and tea, but is ubiquitous in food.

Sodium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating our water balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It is the main cation of extracellular fluid and thus helps maintain osmotic pressure and acid-base balance. Furthermore, sodium is involved in numerous transport systems, such as those for the absorption of sugars and amino acids. The main dietary source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride). However, sodium is ubiquitous, especially in highly processed foods, which is why an oversupply is common in the population. Excessive sodium intake can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or kidney stones. A balanced diet that prioritizes fresh foods and limits the consumption of highly processed foods helps to regulate sodium intake.

Niacin , also known as vitamin B3 , is represented by the compounds nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. It is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for various metabolic processes in the body, including energy production through the respiratory chain. It also plays a role in DNA repair and cholesterol regulation. Natural sources of niacin are diverse and include meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. A niacin deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra, characterized by symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, and nervous system disorders like numbness or behavioral changes. It is important to consume sufficient amounts of niacin through diet to prevent deficiency.

Palatinose™ is a trade name for isomaltulose , a natural sugar derived from sucrose (table sugar) . Isomaltulose consists of the same sugar molecules as sucrose, but they are linked together differently, resulting in some specific properties. Because it is digested more slowly than sucrose , it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels and helps to keep blood sugar levels more stable. It also provides sustained energy , which is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes. Therefore, it is often used in sports drinks, energy bars, and other products designed for sustained energy supply.

Pantothenic acid – also known as vitamin B5 – is another water-soluble vitamin and plays a central role in energy metabolism. Its main function is to support the formation of coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is essential for the synthesis and breakdown of nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. Pantothenic acid also plays a role in the synthesis of some neurotransmitters and cholesterol, which is required for the production of steroid hormones.

Pantothenic acid is found in a variety of foods , particularly animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products . Plant sources are also present, including whole grains, legumes, nuts, and vegetables. Adequate pantothenic acid intake contributes to maintaining a healthy energy metabolism. In the form of dexpanthenol, pantothenic acid improves skin elasticity, moisture retention, and wound healing.

Piperine is a natural substance found primarily in black pepper and is responsible for its pungent flavor. However, piperine is also attributed with bioenhancer properties , meaning it can increase the bioavailability of various nutrients. By inhibiting enzymes in the digestive tract, particularly cytochrome P450, piperine promotes the improved absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and other substances.

In addition to increasing nutrient absorption , piperine also has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from harmful free radicals. Furthermore, some studies have linked piperine to potential anti-inflammatory effects, which could have positive impacts on overall health.

Piperine is frequently used as an additive in some dietary supplements or marketed as a pure substance. These supplements are often valued for their role in improving nutrient absorption and promoting a healthy inflammatory state.

Salt , scientifically known as sodium chloride , is an essential substance composed of the elements sodium and chloride. Salt is not only a seasoning but also a vital element in our diet . It is often used to preserve food and contributes significantly to its flavor and texture. The right amount of salt can not only enhance the enjoyment of meals, but it is also important for regulating the body's fluid balance. It helps maintain blood pressure and ensures that cells are properly hydrated. Furthermore, chloride is used to produce stomach acid, which is involved in the digestion and breakdown of ingested food.

Taurine is a non-essential aminosulfonic acid that plays a significant role in numerous biological processes. It acts as a modulator of neurotransmitter function in the brain, which can have a positive effect on cognitive function and mood. Furthermore, taurine plays an important role in regulating electrolytes, particularly calcium, which is crucial for muscle function. Additionally, taurine has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Taurine is often associated with positive effects on the cardiovascular system , as it can stabilize heartbeat and muscle contraction. Furthermore, taurine can have a calming effect on the nervous system , which can contribute to improved sleep and stress reduction. Taurine also plays a role in the formation of bile acid conjugates, which are produced during excretion and detoxification processes.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin , is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in two crucial enzymatic reactions in the human body. This makes vitamin B12 essential for the formation of red blood cells, which are vital for oxygen transport throughout the body. Furthermore, it plays a key role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and in the formation of DNA, the body's genetic blueprint. The complete metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids is also only possible with the help of cobalamin .

Natural sources of vitamin B12 are primarily animal products such as meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs. For vegetarians and vegans, supplements can therefore be an important alternative, as a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, anemia, and neurological problems such as numbness or memory impairment.

Vitamin B2 , also known as riboflavin , is one of the water-soluble B vitamins and is essential for energy metabolism, as it plays a key role in converting food into energy. It is particularly important for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. In addition to its involvement in energy metabolism, vitamin B2 supports the formation of red blood cells and promotes the maintenance of healthy skin. Furthermore, it acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from harmful free radicals. Vitamin B2 is also essential for the conversion of vitamin B6 and folic acid into their active forms, which is of great importance for overall health. In the food industry, riboflavin is also used as a coloring agent due to its intense yellow to orange hue.

The main sources of vitamin B2 are found in a balanced diet. Foods rich in riboflavin include dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Vitamin B6 , also known as pyridoxine , is a water-soluble B vitamin. It supports metabolism by aiding in the conversion of amino acids and thus contributing to protein synthesis. Furthermore, vitamin B6 plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells and the regulation of the immune system. It is also crucial for the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Additionally, vitamin B6 has a positive effect on the nervous system by promoting the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which influence mood and sleep.

The main sources of vitamin B6 are found in a balanced diet. Foods rich in pyridoxine include fish, poultry, meat, bananas, potatoes, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. A varied diet or the use of supplements makes it possible to consume sufficient amounts of vitamin B6 and thus support optimal health. It's important to note that vitamin B6 is relatively heat-labile – meaning that the more gently the food is prepared, the higher the pyridoxine content.

Vitamin C , also known as ascorbic acid , is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the antioxidants and plays a key role in various physiological processes. As an antioxidant, it protects cells from harmful free radicals produced by environmental factors and metabolic processes . Vitamin C supports the absorption of iron from plant sources and contributes to the formation of collagen , which is crucial for the health of skin, bones, blood vessels, and teeth. Furthermore, vitamin C supplementation can shorten the duration of colds. Adequate vitamin C intake is therefore important for maintaining a normal immune system and overall health.

The main sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are particularly rich in ascorbic acid , but so are bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and kiwifruit.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is not only important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, but also supports a variety of other vital functions. It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines, which is crucial for bone mineralization. Furthermore, it plays a role in regulating the immune system, supports muscle health, and is associated with positive effects on the cardiovascular system and the regulation of inflammatory processes. A unique property of vitamin D is its ability to be synthesized in the skin through exposure to sunlight . The sun's UVB rays trigger a process in which vitamin D3 is produced in the skin. Therefore, sunlight is often referred to as a natural source of vitamin D. However, production can be affected by factors such as geographic location, season, skin color, and the use of sunscreen.

Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system and influences the production, storage, and release of various hormones. It also contributes to wound healing, plays a role in DNA synthesis, and, as a component of over 300 enzymes, is involved in numerous biochemical metabolic processes. A zinc deficiency can have negative health effects and manifest in various symptoms, including growth retardation, a weakened immune system, and skin problems.

Sources of zinc are diverse and include foods such as meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Optimal dietary intake of zinc is crucial, as the body cannot produce it itself.