Fat
Macronutrient that is a source for long term energy and energy storage (as adipose tissue); necessary for absorption and transport of fat-soluble vitamins and constituent of hormones and cell membranes (1 gram=9 calories).

Fatty Acids
A group of organic acids in animal or vegetable fats

Feverfew
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), also known as Bachelor's Button, is a common flowering aromatic plant. Feverfew was known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who regarded it as a valuable remedy to alleviate headaches, joint pain, stomach aches, menstrual pains and fever. For centuries it has also been employed as an emmenagogue to promote menstrual flow.

Fiber
The more insoluble the fiber is (fiber that does not dissolve in water), the better it is for you. Insoluble fiber reduces the risk of colon cancer and high blood pressure. Fruit fiber seems to be more beneficial then vegetable or cereal fibers, probably because fruits are loaded with Pectin, an insoluble fiber. As a rule, the higher the insolubility, the fewer the calories. Corn bran is the best, followed by wheat bran, and then oat bran. See: Psyllium Husk

Filler
An inert substance used in to add mass to a tablet, softgel, or capsule.

Fillers, Binders, Excipients

Acacia gum
Plant extract used as a binder to hold materials together.

Acidisol
Acidic filler for increased ingredient activity.

Alcohol
Adds mass and preserves liquid ingredients.

Apple Pectin
Speeds absorption and breakdown of capsule or tablet.

Avicel
A microcrstalline cellulose that helps with tablet compression and aids in tablet disintegration.

Calcium Carbonate
Mass adding filler with low weight/mass ratio. Used in products where a lot of size needs to be added with little weight.

Calcium phosphate- dibasic
A mined, naturally-occuring mineral that helps with tablet compression. It can be considered both a binder and a filler.

Calcium stearate
Adds mass to tablet and acts as lubricant in breakdown.

Calcium Sulfate
Sulfur based filler used mainly in tablets and capsules.

Carbomer
A synthetic gelling agent necessary to obtain a water-based gel.

Cellulose
Microcrystalline ingredient in tablet coatings and capsules.

Cellulose acetate phthalate
Used as an enteric coating which provides both buffering and time release actions.

Citric Acid
a natural preservative.

Dextrose
Used as a basic filler and also acts as disintigrant to faciliate breakdown.

Dicalcium Phosphate
Used mainly to bring additional mass to tablet. Also "cements" tablet together.

Diethyl phthalate
Used as a "plasticizer."

Ditab (dibasic calcium phosphate)
A mined, naturally-occuring mineral that helps with tablet compression. It can be considered both a binder and a filler.

Eleema P100
Anti-fungal compound. It sounds chemical laden, but it is a natural product.

Fructose
A sweetner for chewable or sublingual tablets.

Fumed silica
Used as a flow agent in manufacturing.

Gelatin
Binds sublingual or chewable tablet together.

Glycerin
Adds mass to either liquid or softgel products.

Hydroxypropyl metheylcellulose
Derived from cellulose (which is from wood pulp or cotton seed fiber), it is used as a tablet binder or coating agent.

Flavonoid
Any of a large group of crystalline compounds found in plants.

Fluoride
A naturally occurring element found in the soil, water, plants, and animals. Sodium fluoride is regularly added to drinking water supplies, usually as 1 part per million parts of water, for its proven ability to reduce the formation of dental cavities by up to 70%. Fluoride , along with adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D is required to maintain strong bones and teeth.

Folic Acid
Necessary for the production of red blood cells. Essential for normal metabolism. A deficiency may cause a form of anemia. Drinking alcohol and taking oral contraceptives can cause lower levels of this vitamin in your body. Especially important during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. See: Folic Acid

Free Form Amino Acids
Separate and isolate amino acids not bound or linked to any other amino acids. See: Amino Acid Complex

Free Radicals
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules in the body which can destroy tissues by oxidizing cell membrane lipids and damaging DNA, the body's genetic material. Free radicals are produced through the body's normal process of metabolizing the air we breath and the food we eat, as well as exposure to tabacco smoke, excess sunlight and environmental pollutants. Antioxidants work in the body by neutralizing free radicals before the can do significant harm.

Fungus
One of a class of organisms that include yeast, mold, and mushrooms. A number of fungal species, such as Candida albicans, are capable of causing severe disease in immunocompromised hosts.