Author Archives: Robert Barrington

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.

Acetyl L-Carnitine and Fatigue

L-carnitine plays a role in the oxidation of fatty acids and is therefore pivotal in energy production. Its acetyl derivative, acetyl L-carnitine, can also be used for this role, but may have other effects in the central nervous system as … Continue reading

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Fenugreek Seed and Blood Lipids

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum) has been shown to have beneficial effects against raised levels of blood lipids and blood glucose. The metabolic syndrome is a condition whereby a poor quality diet leads to insulin resistance and this then causes metabolic … Continue reading

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Acetyl L-Carnitine and The Brain

Acetyl L-carnitine is the principal acetyl ester of L-carnitine, a non proteinaceous amino acid that plays a role in the beta oxidation of fatty acids. Acetyl L-carnitine appears to be well tolerated by humans and does not show adverse effects … Continue reading

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Silymarin marianum (Milk Thistle): Liver Health

The liver is a potential target for toxins for a number of reasons. Firstly, toxins from the gastrointestinal tract often pass through the liver following absorption, and this places a stress on the liver’s finite resources for dealing with such … Continue reading

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Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a widely consumed herbal tea that may have beneficial health effects. Peppermint tea is usually made from peppermint leaves that have a distinctive armour because of the phytochemicals they contain. These phytochemicals include an essential oil … Continue reading

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Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola): Phytochemistry

Centella asiatica is a plant commonly known as gotu kola. The plant grows in large areas of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and its harvesting is important as it has a long tradition of medicinal uses. The … Continue reading

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Lymph Chylomicrons

Chylomicrons are a physiological phenomenon that form as a result of triglyceride absorption. Chylomicrons are high in triglycerides and are particles that can be considered as a class of lipoprotein. Chylomicrons can be seen in the blood following absorption of … Continue reading

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The Tocopherol Transfer Protein

Vitamin E is a group of 8 isomers that share a biological activity with the main form alpha tocopherol. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant in humans and animals, where its primary role is to protect the cell membranes from … Continue reading

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Quercetin and Blood Pressure

Quercetin is a flavonoid belonging to the flavanol sub-group. It is found in plants bound to various sugar moieties and its absorption in humans has been evidenced, particularly from onions. Quercetin may have a number of health effects in humans … Continue reading

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Food Sources of Niacin

Grains, nuts, legumes and meat are food sources of niacin. Of these, the plant sources, which are grains, nuts and legumes, only have modest amounts of niacin. In contrast, meat can have higher amounts of niacin and may release 2 … Continue reading

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