Immune System
Specialized cells and organs which protect the body by locating, killing and eating foreign invaders. Includes white blood cells, thymus gland, lymphatic system, spleen, bone marrow, antibodies, complement and interferon.

Immunity
Resistance or protection against infection by the body's natural defenses.

Infection
Invasion of body tissues by disease-causing organisms such as viruses, protozoa, fungi, or bacteria.

Inflammation
A reaction to illness or injury characterized by swelling, warmth, and redness.

Inositol
An active factor in the B-Complex vitamins which help convert food to energy. With Choline, Inositol is active in the metabolism of fats.

Insomnia
Abnormal inability to sleep. See: Melatonin 3mg; Melatonin 5 mg Time Released; 5-HTP 50 mg; 5-HTP 200 mg; Peaceful Nights

Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the metabolism of glucose (sugar) in the body.

Interferon
A protein produced by the cells in response to viral infection that prevents viral reproduction and is capable of protecting uninfected cells from viral infection. There are different types of interferon, designated alpha, beta, and gamma.

Intestinal flora
The "friendly" bacteria present in the intestines that are essential for digestion and metabolism of certain nutrients. See: ProDophilus

Iron
Mineral essential to oxygen transport in blood (via hemoglobin and myoglobin), enzyme production and immune support. A deficiency can cause the most common form of anemia. Teenagers need additional iron during their years of maximum growth; women need extra iron during the years they are menstruating and during pregnancy.

Isoflavones
Phytonutrient antioxidants, including genistein and diadzein, that act as estrogen receptor protectors (minimize PMS, menopause side effects) and lower cholesterol levels.
See: Super Soy

Isoleucine
One of the three branched chain amino acids. They are called BCAA's because they structurally branch off another chain of atoms instead of forming a line.

International unit (IU)
A measure of potency based on an international accepted standard. Because this is measure of potency, not weight or volume, the number of milligrams in an international unit varies, depending on the substance being measured.