Glossar
Amino acid
Organic compound with at least one carboxyl group and at least one amino group. The term “amino acid” is often used as a synonym for the proteinogenic (primary) amino acids that function as building blocks for proteins. 23 of these proteinogenic amino acids are known at present.
Antioxidant
A substance that prevents the oxidation of sensitive molecules. Antioxidants are used in foods and medicinal products to prevent a reaction with oxygen from the air or other oxidizing chemicals. One very common antioxidant is ascorbic acid.
Antioxidizing agent
A substance that prevents the oxidation of sensitive molecules. Antioxidants are used in foods and medicinal products to prevent a reaction with oxygen from the air or other oxidizing chemicals. One very common antioxidant is ascorbic acid.
Approval under the German Dietetic Products Ordinance
There are two kinds of dietetic products. One is food supplements; these only replace one meal. The other type – balanced diets – replaces other foods entirely. The requirements in respect of the formulation are naturally stricter, since there must not be an undersupply of important substances. For example, iodine must be worked into these dietetic products, since an underdose or overdose is critical. This important homogeneity is tested by the food authorities, which then issue approval for the processing of these substances.
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C. Being a redox system, this vitamin mobilizes the body’s own defence mechanisms. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) also promotes physical performance. It is involved in the synthesis of collagen, an important structural protein for connective tissue, cartilage and skin. Ascorbic acid also plays a role in the production of carnitine, which is needed for burning fat in the muscles. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) assists the detoxification of foreign substances (nitroso compounds) and promotes the absorption of iron in the small intestine.
A vitamin C deficiency may result in scurvy, bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes, increased tiredness and fatigue, lowered resistance to infection and impaired physical performance.
Baby food
Babies and young children need special food with adequate nutritional value for their healthy development. Baby food is therefore prepared to meet the specific needs of babies and toddlers from the age of 6 months. Baby food contains less spices, sugar and salt, or none at all, and preferably no colorants or preservatives.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a natural colorant occurring in carrots. It is the precursor of vitamin A and is therefore also called provitamin A.
Vitamin A is important for vision, the skin, mucous membranes and growth. A vitamin A deficiency can result in night blindness, xerophtalmia, keratomalacia, inhibited growth and increased susceptibility to infection.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of research that draws on findings from the sciences of biology and biochemistry in order to develop new technical processes. One key sector is the production of enzymes, which are made in a bioreactor with the aid of micro-organisms.
Biotin
One of the vitamins from the B complex that is also known as vitamin H. It influences metabolism and is important for the skin and hair. Deficiency symptoms such as dermatitis, anorexia or depression are rare, since biotin is produced by the body’s own intestinal flora.
B vitamins (vitamin B complex)
A group of 8 vitamins, that also serve as precursors of co-enzymes. B vitamins are totally different substances from the chemical and pharmacological point of view. Vitamin B is found in both vegetable and animal foods, but vitamin B12 only occurs in foods of animal origin.
Calcium
The important mineral calcium is a bulk element. It is important for the bones and teeth, nerves and muscle cells, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, cardiac functions and hormone release. A calcium deficiency can result in osteoporosis, rickets and muscular weakness.
Cereals
A general term for products made from grain that are eaten for breakfast, often with milk, yoghurt or fruit juice. Typical cereals are muesli, cornflakes and rolled oats.
Cholecalcipherol
Cholecalcipherol is the technical term for vitamin D or vitamin D3. It is necessary for calcium and phosphate metabolism and for bone formation. A cholecalcipherol deficiency may result in rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
Chromium
Chromium is an important trace element. The mineral chromium promotes carbohydrate metabolism and the breakdown of fatty acids. Chromium is important for glucose tolerance, especially in old age and in persons with diabetes.
A chromium deficiency can cause weight loss, reduced glucose tolerance and a risk of diabetes.
Compounding
Compounding is the homogeneous mixing of various different substances.
Compounds of active ingredients
A compound of active ingredients is a mixture of different active substances.
Convenience
The term “convenience” is used for various products and services that make food preparation easier for the user. Convenience products include ready meals, peeled fruit, pre-cooked dishes etc.
Copper
Copper is a trace element. The mineral is essential for metabolism, the transportation of iron and the proper functioning of the immune system. Copper is also a constituent of enzymes in the muscles, liver and bones. Anaemia, insomnia, elevated cholesterol levels, a feeling of weakness, lack of appetite and shortness of breath may result from a copper deficiency.
Cyanocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin is better known as vitamin B12. Strictly speaking, the term vitamin B12 describes several different cobalamins, but cyanocobalamin is by far the most common of these substances. Vitamin B12 stimulates the formation of blood cells and is important for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acid. Typical signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency are pernicious anaemia and nervous disorders.
Deficiency symptoms
Certain vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, and various other substances, are essential for the human body. That means the organism cannot produce them itself, so they have to be taken in with the food. If these substances are not supplied from outside, for example in the form of food or food supplements, the body reacts with deficiency symptoms
Dietary fibres
Dietary fibres are virtually indigestible constituents of food, found chiefly in vegetable products. Dietary fibres cannot be broken down by the enzymes in the digestive tract and converted in the process of metabolism. A distinction is made between water-soluble fibres (such as carob gum, guar gum, pectin and dextrins) and fibres that are insoluble in water (e.g. cellulose).
Dietetic foods
According to the German Dietetic Products Ordinance, dietetic foods serve a specific nutritional purpose and must differ noticeably from similar foods in respect of their properties and composition. They are used for weight reduction, to combat diseases and allergies, and as food for babies and toddlers, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Dietetic Products Ordinance
The German Ordinance on Dietetic Products of 1988, last amended in 1994. It comprises various individual regulations, including such on marketing approval for additives, special requirements for certain foods, and declaration and labelling regulations. In Germany this ordinance is often referred to by its abbreviation: “Diät VO”.
Dosing container
Pneumatically filled dosing containers are part of our automated system for small quantities. Frequency-regulated dosing screws pass the substances on to extremely precise small-component balances, where they await automatic conveyance by the suction weighing system.
Dosing screws
Frequency-regulated dosing screws are part of our automated system for small quantities. They convey these substances from pneumatically filled dosing containers to extremely precise small-component balances, where they await automatic conveyance by the suction weighing system.
Developing countries
The term “developing country” is generally used to mean a country that is not yet very advanced in respect of its economic, social and political structures. There are no generally accepted criteria for classifying countries as “developing” or otherwise.
Emerging markets
Emerging markets is another expression for emerging nations.
Emerging nations
Emerging nations are traditionally thought of as being developing countries, but they are already on their way to industrialization. The term emerging nations originally referred to the Asian tiger states. There is controversy as to which states are emerging nations today.
Essential
Certain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and various other substances are essential for the human body. That means the organism cannot produce them itself, so they must be taken in with the food.
EU health mark
The EU health mark is a uniform symbol used on food packs throughout the European Union. It is found on milk and all dairy products, where it is prescribed throughout the EU under the Milk Regulation of 20 July 2000. It is also used on other foods of animal origin.
Fluorine
The trace element fluorine is one of the minerals. Fluorine ensures the stability of teeth and bones and promotes wound healing and vision. It also inhibits caries bacteria.
Folate
Folate (folic acid) is one of the B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B9. Folate controls reproduction and cell division in intermediate metabolism; it has a central function in protein metabolism.
A folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological abnormities and changes in the intestinal mucosa.
In many developing countries flour, as a basic food, is fortified with folate.
Folic acid
Folic acid (folate) is one of the B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B9. Folic acid controls reproduction and cell division in intermediate metabolism; it has a central function in protein metabolism.
A folic acid deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological abnormities and changes in the intestinal mucosa.
In many developing countries flour, as a basic food, is fortified with folic acid.
Food ingredients
A common international term for food additives. These are substances used in foods to change their properties in response to specific requirements. Typical food ingredients or additives include colorants, preservatives, antioxidants, acidifying agents, acidity regulators, gelling agents, thickeners, humectants, emulsifiers, foaming agents, flavour enhancers, sweeteners, sugar replacers and modified starches.
Food supplements
A food supplement serves to provide an additional supply of certain nutrients to the human metabolism. Food supplements often contain minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. They are used chiefly when the supply of certain micronutrients is unreliable because of a poorly balanced diet.
Food technology
Food technology is an applied science concerned with the processes used in manufacturing foods. It aims chiefly to optimize the conversion of raw materials into foods, taking the highest quality and safety standards into account.
Fortification
Foods, beverages and other edible products are fortified, i.e. enriched, with vitamins and minerals. This ensures that the necessary substances are taken in with the food.
Full analysis
Analysis of all the constituents of a micronutrient premix by a licensed laboratory.
Functional Food
The term “functional food” is generally used to denote foods that have been fortified with additional ingredients. The substances added are usually vitamins, minerals, bacteria cultures and unsaturated fatty acids. Functional food fortified with vitamins and minerals is becoming more and more popular because it simplifies the adequate provision of these essential nutrients.
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) was founded in 2002 by the United Nations, private enterprise and educational and development organizations. The international alliance has set itself the task of combating malnutrition, especially in the developing countries.
HACCP system
The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system, abbreviated to HACCP, is a system of measures designed to ensure the safety of foods and consumers.
The Food Hygiene Ordinance of 1998 anchored the HACCP system in German law. The hygiene package came into force in the European Union on 1 January 2006. Since that date, every company producing or processing food (including restaurants, canteens etc.) must perform and document a risk analysis according to the HACCP Guidelines.
The SternVitamin production plant has an audited HACCP system.
Homogeneous blend
A blend or mixture is described as homogeneous if its ingredients are very finely and evenly dispersed. That is: even very small amounts of this blend contain the ingredients in the correct ratio.
IFS certification
Certification according to the International Food Standard. The IFS serves to check and certify systems intended to guarantee the safety and quality of food during the production process. The IFS is based on the well-known quality management standard ISO 9001:2000 and also comprises the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (cleaning, disinfection, pest control, repair, maintenance and training), and HACCP.
International Food Standard (IFS)
The IFS serves to check and certify systems for guaranteeing the safety and quality of food during the production process. The IFS is based on the well-known quality management standard ISO 9001:2000 and also comprises the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (cleaning, disinfection, pest control, repair, maintenance and training), and HACCP.
Iron
The mineral iron is an important trace element. It is a constituent of haemoglobin and important for the production of this substance. Iron also promotes the oxygen supply in the blood and is a constituent of numerous enzymes. An iron deficiency may result in inhibited growth, muscular weakness, pallor, anaemia, fatigue and disturbed formation of the skin, nails and hair. Retarded mental development and an elevated child mortality rate have also been observed in connection with iron deficiency.
ISO 9001:2000
A quality management standard. It describes a complete quality system.
Isotonic
Isotonic drinks have the same concentration of dissolved particles as blood plasma. Since the particle concentration corresponds to that of the blood, isotonic fluids are absorbed very rapidly by the body. That is especially important in drinks for athletes, since the nutrients can be taken in very rapidly to make up for lost energy.
Iodine
The trace element iodine supports the function of the thyroid gland and regulates metabolism and body temperature. An iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, goitre formation and weight fluctuations.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral. The bulk element is important for physical energy, muscles and bones. Magnesium helps to prevent cramp, activates enzymes, lowers the cholesterol level and plays a role in the storage and release of hormones
A magnesium deficiency may result in cramp, irritability, poor concentration, cardiac arrhythmias and gastro-intestinal problems.
Manganese
The trace element manganese is a component of numerous enzymes, especially for carbohydrate and fat metabolism, other metabolic processes and the production of sexual hormones.
Typical deficiency symptoms are impaired skeletal growth and fertility.
Metal detection
A procedure for finding and eliminating metallic impurities, for example by means of electromagnets. Metal detection may be a measure required by the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) in order to ensure the safety of foods and consumers.
Micronutrient
The term “micronutrient” covers vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Micronutrients are substances that have to be taken into the metabolism of living organisms through food although they do not supply energy. Micronutrients serve to build up macromolecules and are a co-factor in essential enzyme reactions. Other micronutrients have an antioxidant effect.
Micronutrient complex
A mixture of various micronutrients made up individually for a specific purpose. Micronutrient complexes often have effects that go beyond those of the separate micronutrients.
Micronutrient premixes
A micronutrient premix is a mixture of different micronutrients that is added to a product, for example a food, as a single component. Use of micronutrient premixes relieves the burden on the production process, since only the premix has to be procured, stored and added. Moreover, the right ratio of the micronutrients to each other is guaranteed at all times.
Millennium Development Goals
In their Millennium Declaration of 8 September 2000, 189 member states of the United Nations approved a catalogue of basic goals that were to be binding for all UN members. In order to implement the Millennium Declaration a study group drew up a list of objectives that came to be known as the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs). They are as follows:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce child mortality
- Improve maternal health
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Ensure environmental sustainability
- Develop a global partnership for development.
All the member states of the United Nations have agreed to achieve these goals by the year 2015.
Mineral premixes
A mineral premix is a mixture of different minerals that is added to a product, for example a food, as a single component. Use of mineral premixes relieves the burden on the production process, since only the premix has to be procured, stored and added. Moreover, the right ratio of the minerals to each other is guaranteed at all times.
Minerals
A mineral is a non-organic nutrient essential to life which the organism cannot synthesize itself. Minerals have to be taken in with the food.
The human body needs the following minerals: arsenic, calcium, chlorine, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulphur, tin, vanadium, zinc.
Mineral tablets
Tablets containing a mineral or a combination of several minerals. As a food supplement they serve to compensate for or prevent a mineral deficiency. There are several different dosage forms; one of the most common is effervescent tablets. Many people use mineral tablets to try to compensate for deficiencies caused by a poorly balanced diet lacking in minerals.
Molybdenum
The trace element molybdenum assists the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and iron.
The deficiency symptoms include a reduced uric acid concentration and an excessive uptake of copper.
Multivitamin juice
A mixture of fruit juices containing numerous vitamins. Some multivitamin juices only contain the vitamins from the fruits from which they are pressed. Others also have added vitamins.
Niacin (nicotinic acid)
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, plays a central role in glycolysis and lipid synthesis and also in energy generation. Symptoms of niacin deficiency include Alpine scurvy (pellagra), hyperkeratosis, gastro-intestinal disorders and disorders of the central nervous system.
Niacinamide (nicotinamide, nicotinic acid amide)
An amine derivative of nicotinic acid. Vitamin B3 or niacin is often used as a synonym for niacinamide. It plays a central role in glycolysis and lipid synthesis and also in energy generation. Symptoms of niacin deficiency include Alpine scurvy (pellagra), hyperkeratosis, gastro-intestinal disorders and disorders of the central nervous system.
Nutrient
Nutrients are the main ingredients of food.
Overdosing
Overdosing is a term used in food technology when more micronutrients are added to a product than are present and advertised in the end product. The purpose of overdosing is to compensate for losses during processing.
Pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is one of the vitamins of the B complex. It is a component of enzyme systems in the generation of energy from nutrients.
Deficiency symptoms are rare and unspecific; they include headache, fatigue and physical weakness.
Phosphorus
The mineral phosphorus is a bulk element and an important constituent of bone. It is also important for human genetic information, energy metabolism and the acid-base balance. A lack of phosphorus can cause muscular weakness and bone disorders.
Potassium
The bulk element potassium regulates the water balance of the cells, cardiac rhythm, protein synthesis and the conversion of carbohydrates. It is important for protein and glycogen formation and the release of hormones. Typical deficiency symptoms are muscular weakness, disturbed cardiac function, stomach problems, diarrhoea, enteroparesis and an irregular pulse.
Premix
A premix is a mixture of different micronutrients which are added to a product, for example a food, as a single component. Use of micronutrient premixes relieves the burden on the production process, since only the premix itself has to be procured, stored and added. Moreover, the right ratio of the micronutrients to each other is guaranteed at all times.
Process control system
A computer-aided system for controlling production plant.
Pyridoxine
A synonym for pyridoxine is vitamin B6. This vitamin is important for protein metabolism, the biosynthesis of amines, the formation of blood cells and for biochemical links with other B vitamins. A lack of pyridoxine or vitamin B6 in the body can result in dermatoses, seborrhoic changes, hypochromic anaemia and neuropathies.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a derivative of vitamin B6. It is used for fortifying foods and food supplements.
Quality management
The term refers to measures directed towards improving working procedures. Quality management includes optimizing communication as well as professional strategies for solving problems and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Another term for riboflavin is vitamin B2, often called the “growth vitamin”. As a component of enzymes, vitamin B2 is involved in all metabolism for energy generation and controls oxidation-reduction mechanisms in the respiratory chain.
A lack of riboflavin (vitamin B2) may result in disturbed growth and vision, cloudiness of the eye lenses, oversensitivity to light, rhagade formation, skin changes and cardiovascular disorders.
Selenium
The trace element selenium binds free radicals, promotes tissue elasticity and is an important constituent of bone and tooth mass. Typical deficiency symptoms are damage to cardiac muscle and bowel disease.
Setpoint/actual-value weighing
A weighing procedure in which the balance automatically compares the value actually determined with a prescribed weight or “setpoint”. If a difference is found between the actual value and the setpoint, an “alarm” is given or a corrective measure is initiated.
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral. The bulk element sodium is necessary for the absorption and transportation of nutrients. It also regulates the water balance and blood pressure.
A sodium deficiency may result in cramp and circulatory problems.
Thiamin
Another name for thiamin is vitamin B1; derivatives are thiamin mononitrate and thiamin hydrochloride. Vitamin B1 is especially important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also plays a major role in carbohydrate metabolism. A vitamin B1 deficiency may result in beriberi, nervous cardiovascular disorders, irritability and muscular weakness.
Thiamin hydrochloride
Thiamin hydrochloride is a derivative of thiamin (vitamin B1); it is used for fortifying foods or food supplements.
Thiamin mononitrate (thiamin nitrate)
Thiamin mononitrate is a derivative of thiamin (vitamin B1); it is used for fortifying foods or food supplements.
Tocopherol
Tocopherol is the scientific term for vitamin E. This vitamin controls muscle and gland formation, stimulates the blood circulation and is an important antioxidant in metabolism. A lack of vitamin E (tocopherol) may result in fatigue, increased lipofuscin formation and also disturbed circulation, growth and development.
Tocopherol acetate
Tocopherol acetate is a derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E); it is used more often than tocopherol itself for fortifying foods or food supplements, since it is more stable.
Trace element
Trace elements are minerals which the organism has to take in in quantities of less than 50 mg per day. If the human body lacks essential trace elements, physiological damage may occur. But an overdose may have an adverse effect on health too, since some trace elements are highly toxic. Generally recognized trace elements are chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, tin, vanadium and zinc.
Trace element complex
Trace element complexes are mixtures of different trace elements that are made up individually for a specific application. Trace element complexes often have effects that go beyond the added effects of single trace elements.
Trace element premix
A trace element premix is a mixture of different trace elements that is added to a product, for example a food, as a single component. Use of trace element premixes relieves the burden on the production process, since only the premix has to be procured, stored and added. Moreover, the right ratio of the trace elements to each other is guaranteed at all times.
Visual display system
A process-monitoring system that shows the individual steps in the form of images, for example on visual display units (VDUs).
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for vision, the skin, mucous membranes and growth. A vitamin A deficiency can result in night blindness, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, inhibited growth and increased susceptibility to infection.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 (also called thiamin, thiamin nitrate, thiamin mononitrate, thiamin hydrochloride) is especially important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also plays a major role in carbohydrate metabolism. A vitamin B1 deficiency may result in beriberi, nervous cardiovascular disorders, irritability and muscular weakness.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is often called the “growth vitamin”. As a component of enzymes it is involved in all metabolism for energy generation and controls oxidation-reduction mechanisms in the respiratory chain. A lack of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may result in disturbed growth and vision, cloudiness of the eye lenses, oversensitivity to light, rhagade formation, skin changes and cardiovascular disorders.
Vitamin B3
Also called nicacin or nicotinic acid, vitamin B3 plays a central role in glycolysis and lipid synthesis and also in energy generation. Symptoms of niacin vitamin B3 deficiency include Alpine scurvy (pellagra), hyperkeratosis, gastro-intestinal disorders and disorders of the central nervous system.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a component of enzyme systems in the generation of energy from nutrients. Deficiency symptoms are rare and unspecific; they include headache, fatigue and physical weakness.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important for protein metabolism, the biosynthesis of amines and the formation of blood cells. It forms biochemical links with other B vitamins. A lack of vitamin B6 may result in dermatoses, seborrhoic changes, hypochromic anaemia and neuropathies.
Vitamin B8
An old name for biotin. This vitamin from the B complex, also called vitamin H, influences metabolism and is important for the skin and hair. Deficiency symptoms such as dermatitis, anorexia or depression are rare, since biotin is produced by the body’s own intestinal flora.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 is another name for folic acid. Folic acid (also folate) controls reproduction and cell division in intermediate metabolism and plays a central role in protein metabolism.
A folic acid deficiency may result in megaloblastic anaemia, neurological disorders and changes in the intestinal mucosa.
In many developing countries flour, as a basic food, is fortified with folic acid.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine) stimulates the formation of blood cells and is important for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acid. Typical symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency are pernicious anaemia and nervous disorders.
Vitamin C
Being a redox system, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) mobilizes the body’s own defence mechanisms. It also promotes physical performance. The vitamin involved in the synthesis of collagen, an important structural protein for connective tissue, cartilage and skin. Ascorbic acid also plays a role in the production of carnitine, which is needed for burning fat in the muscles. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) assists the detoxification of foreign substances (nitroso compounds) and promotes the absorption of iron in the small intestine.
A vitamin C deficiency may result in scurvy, bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes, increased tiredness and fatigue, lowered resistance to infection and impaired physical performance.
Vitamin complex
A mixture of different vitamins made up individually for a specific application. Vitamin complexes often have effects that go beyond the added effects of the separate vitamins.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D (cholecalcipherol) is necessary for calcium and phosphate metabolism and for bone formation. A cholecalcipherol deficiency may result in rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 (cholecalcipherol) is necessary for calcium and phosphate metabolism and for bone formation. A cholecalcipherol deficiency may result in rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopherol) controls muscle and gland formation, stimulates the blood circulation and is an important antioxidant in metabolism. A lack of vitamin E may result in fatigue, increased lipofuscin formation and also disturbed circulation, growth and development.
Vitamin H
Vitamin H (also called biotin) influences metabolism and is important for the skin and hair. Deficiency symptoms such as dermatitis, anorexia or depression are rare, since vitamin H is produced by the body’s own intestinal flora.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for the blood coagulation system and regulates redox reactions. A typical vitamin K deficiency symptom is a tendency to bleed.
Vitamin loss
Foods containing vitamins, such as fruit, vegetables and also cereals, lose some of these vitamins through storage, heating and processing or as a result of industrial production. This vitamin loss is often compensated for by fortifying the food with vitamins.
Vitamin premixes
A vitamin premix is a mixture of different vitamins that is added to a product, for example a food, as a single component. Use of vitamin premixes relieves the burden on the production process, since only the premix itself has to be procured, stored and added. Moreover, the right ratio of the vitamins to each other is guaranteed at all times.
Vitamin PP
Vitamin PP is a less common name for niacin (also nicotinic acid or vitamin B3). Niacin plays a central role in glycolysis and lipid synthesis and also in energy generation. Symptoms of niacin deficiency include Alpine scurvy (pellagra), hyperkeratosis, gastro-intestinal disorders and disorders of the central nervous system.
Vitamin tablets
Tablets containing a vitamin or a combination of several vitamins. As a food supplement they serve to compensate for or prevent a vitamin deficiency. There are several different dosage forms; one of the most common is effervescent tablets. Many people use vitamin tablets to try to compensate for deficiencies caused by a poorly balanced diet lacking in vitamins.
Vitaminization
Vitaminization is fortification of a product, for example a food, with vitamins. The objective may be to replace vitamins that have been lost during processing or to add vitamins which the food did not originally contain.
Vitamins
Vitamins (“vita” is the Latin word for “life”) are organic substances that do not serve the organism as a source of energy but fulfil other essential functions. Since the body cannot synthesize them itself, they have to be taken in with the food to ensure health.
Zinc
The trace element zinc strengthens the immune system and the eyes. Zinc is also important for the skin and connective tissue and the storage of insulin. Deficiency symptoms include lack of appetite, hair loss and skin lesions.