Glossary

The BetterYou Glossary has been developed to help explain in more detail some of the terminology you will see across the site and in our products. In cases, there will be links to take you to more in depth guides and information. 

Anemia

A condition also known as iron deficiency, where there is a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Sufferers may be prescribed iron supplements. 

Antibodies

A protein produced in the immune system in response to an unwanted cell present in the body which acts to remove the unwanted substance. 

B Complex

The group of B vitamins which are essential for the inner workings of enzymes in the body, they can be taken together as one in vitamin B supplements.

Bath Flakes

Shaken into the bath, they dissolve and release vital minerals such as Magnesium Bath Flakes.

Bioavailability

Bioavailability is the proportion of a certain nutrient in the body and how able it is to have an active effect. 

Calcification

The hardening of tissue by the deposition of calcium carbonate. 

Calcium

A mineral which has a vital role in bone health and is included in bone health supplements. 

Cardiovascular

Relates to organs and workings of the heart and blood. 

Cholecalciferol

A technical name for one of the D vitamins, found in vitamin D supplements, responsible for depositing calcium in the bones.

Cholesterol

A compound found in the body which if levels are too high can cause cardiovascular problems such as heart disease. 

Cognitive Function

Referring to brain based skills and processes, helped by having the proper levels of vital nutrients like vitamin B12 to support the immune system.

Curcumin

The active and most important ingredient in Turmeric and Turmeric oral spray supplements.

Dead Sea Salt

Dead Sea Salts are salts taken from the Dead Sea which are often used in baths to soothe the skin and provide nutrients. 

Deficiency

Deficiency means to be lacking in a vitamin or mineral and suffering side effects from not getting enough vital nutrients.

Depletion

The loss of stored substances in the body. Depletion of vitamins and minerals can impact immunity, which can be assisted by taking vitamin D to support the immune system.

Digestion

The process the body does to break down food into nutrients and waste. 

Dosage

The optimal amount of vital nutrients suggested to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. E.g the optimal magnesium dosage is no more than 300mg for men, & 270mg for women.

Energy

The strength and health required to go about your day to day without feeling tired or run down. Encouraged by sleep and energy boosting supplements.

Epidermis

The top, outer layer of the skin on which topical magnesium supplements can be applied. 

Fat-soluble

A vitamin that can dissolve in fat and oils, such as vitamin D. 

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness which can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and other medical problems. 

Ferritin

A blood protein that contains iron and indicates the iron levels in the body in an iron test kit.

GABA Receptors

Amino acids in the nerves which play an important role in behaviour, cognition, and the body's response to stress.

Hemoglobin

The substance in red blood cells, containing iron, that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body.

Hydrochloric Acid

An acid present in the stomach which starts the breakdown of food. 

Immune System

The organs and functions of the body are important to keeping you healthy and free from illness, which can be supported by immune system supplements.

Insomnia

A disorder resulting in difficulty falling asleep which may be helped with sleep supplements.

Insulin

A hormone produced in the pancreas which regulates the glucose levels in the blood. Those with diabetes have insufficient or ineffective insulin, and could be more at risk of issues such as magnesium deficiency.

Intake

Addition of certain nutrients to your body through diet or supplementation. You can check your vitamin intake using a test such as a vitamin D test kit. 

Iron

Iron is a mineral the body needs to make hemoglobin. 

ISO

The International Organization for Standardization used to ensure vitamin supplement standards.

IU

International Unit used in medicine to mean an accepted amount of a substance or dosage. For example an adult will require a Vitamin D dosage of 2000-3000iu daily. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral the body needs for regulating muscle and nerve function, as well as other processes in the body.

Malabsorption

When the intestine does not properly absorb nutrients and vitamins. 

Melatonin

A hormone produced in the pineal gland which responds to darkness, coordinates sleep cycles, and tells your body to prepare for sleep.

Metabolism

All the chemical processes inside the body are vital to life and growth. Taking certain vitamins can aid proper metabolism.

Mineral

Found in the ground or water, minerals build cells and support nerves. Examples include calcium or magnesium.

Multivitamin

Multivitamins are supplements containing a variety of vitamins and minerals needed to support a healthy lifestyle.

Nutrient

Nutrients are substances like vitamins and minerals that are required for healthy growth and development. The nutrients needed in key life stages can change.

Oral Spray

Oral sprays are BetterYou's pill-free solution to vitamin supplements sprayed into the mouth. 

Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder which affects the stomach, meaning the body struggles to make red blood cells and absorb vitamin B12.

Pill-free

A way of taking vitamin and mineral supplements, such as oral sprays, while avoiding the side effects of a traditional pill supplement.

Placenta

An organ in the uterus during pregnancy which provides the fetus with nutrients which can be supported through pregnancy supplements.

Protein

Essential compounds made up of amino acids that form the structure of muscle and tissues in the body. Some supplements such as magnesium can help relieve muscle tension. 

Red Blood Cells

Cells within the blood which contain iron give blood its red color and carry oxygen around the body. Red blood cells can be affected by low iron levels.

Supplement

Supplements are something you take to enhance and add to vitamin or mineral levels because you can't get enough from diet alone. You may find supplement bundles make supplementation even more hassle-free.

Topical

Something applied directly to a part of the body, e.g. Magnesium Creams.

Transdermal Magnesium

Transdermal magnesium is a form of magnesium supplement which is applied to the skin.

Turmeric

A bright yellow aromatic powder used in cooking which can help heart health, and can be found in Turmeric Supplements.

Ultraviolet 

A type of radiation emitted by the sun which can cause harm to the skin if sun exposure is too high. UVB rays are important for vitamin D.

Vegan

A diet which excludes meat and other animal products. A vegan may be assisted in getting vital nutrients through vegan supplements.

Vegetarian

A diet which excludes meat and fish products. A vegetarian may be assisted in getting vital nutrients through vegetarian supplements.

Venous System

The system of veins within the body. 

Vitamin

Organic compounds which are essential for normal growth and nutrition. Contained in supplement form such as oral sprays, through to specialized children's vitamins to aid a healthy lifestyle. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in green and yellow vegetables responsible for growth and for vision in dim light. 

Vitamin B

B Vitamins, such as vitamin B12, are essential for the working of certain enzymes in the body. 

Vitamin C

Called ascorbic acid, vitamin C supplements aid the essential function of maintaining healthy connective tissue.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for supporting the calcium in the bones.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble alcohol with antioxidant properties, important in the stabilization of cell membranes. 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a vitamin essential for the blood-clotting process and working with vitamin D to aid calcium absorption. 

Wet Blood Sample

A sample of blood taken for a blood test in health test kits to measure nutrient levels taken by lightly pricking the finger.

Zinc

A mineral with a vital role in the immune system. Taking zinc and magnesium together can help regulate your zinc levels.