C

Calcium

The mineral that is the primary material in bone structure. Note: Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels that allow the nutrients to enter the cells and metabolic wastes to be carried away from the cells. Capillaries have a diameter that is approximately the same as a single cell in the body.

Carbohydrates

Sugars and starches.

Cardiac

Pertaining to the heart.

Cardiopulmonary

Pertaining to the heart and lungs.

Cardiovascular

Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

Carnitine [also L-Carnitine]

Amino acid that has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the heart and muscles, improves stamina and endurance during exercise, and may promote fat burning.

Carotenes

Family of health-promoting hydrocarbons in fruits and vegetables that are dark green, red, orange, or yellow. The liver converts some carotenes to vitamin A. Other carotenes are antioxidants.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Condition where the large nerve is compressed that connects the wrist and hand, resulting in tingling or shooting pains and some degree of loss of finger function.

Cell

The building block of all living tissue, organs, and organisms. Cells contain a nucleus, cytoplasm, and a cell membrane (also called cell wall). The human body has more than 100 trillion cells.

Cellulite

This is a cosmetic defect caused by the breakdown or thinning of connective structure beneath the surface of the skin in the upper compartment systems of fat tissue. In acute cases, cellulite is known as the "mattress phenomenon" with pitting, bulging, and deformation of the skin. Ninety to 98 percent of the cases occur in women, particularly women over age 35 and women who are obese.

Cellulose

A harmless no-calorie indigestible carbohydrate found in some fruits and vegetables, such as the white fiber found adjacent to the skin of an orange or grapefruit. Cellulose is often listed as an ingredient in "low-cal" and "diet" prepared packaged foods. Cellulose is excellent dietary fiber.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain, spinal cord, and associated nerves.

Chlorella

A food supplement of single-cell aquatic plants that has the world's highest concentration of chlorophyll by dry weight.

Chlorophyll

The green-colored material in plants that converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into plant food and manufactures the oxygen in the air as a by-product. As a food supplement, chlorophyll has been shown to be effective in treating anemia, and is a factor in antibiotic and detoxification actions.

Cholesterol

A fat-soluble waxy substance made by the liver or obtained from dietary sources, that circulates in the bloodstream in association with protein lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also called "bad cholesterol," cause plaque buildup on the artery walls, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or "good cholesterol" clean the arteries of plaque. A favorable cholesterol profile of more HDL and less LDL is the result of healthy diet and proper exercise.

Choline

Member of the vitamin B complex family, essential for neurotransmitter production and may counter the effects of age-related memory loss, etc. Acetylcholine is one form of choline that is essential for nerve function.

Chromium

Mineral that the body needs to stabilize blood sugar, regulate insulin, etc.

Circulating Levels

Levels of substances such as nutrients, hormones, etc., that are circulating in the bloodstream and available to the cells, tissues, and organs.

Circulatory System

Heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 also called Ubiquinone)

A vitamin-like compound that is widely found in plant and animal cells, and that studies have shown may play a role in preventing heart disease. CoQ10 resembles a fat, behaves like an enzyme, and functions like a vitamin.

Cofactor

A substance that works with another substance to produce an effect, such as a coenzyme. Also, a condition (for example, being overweight) that works with a another condition (for example, smoking) to produce a synergistic effect (in this case, increased risk of heart attack).

Contraindication

Condition or situation that makes a treatment or procedure inadvisable.

Control Group

In clinical testing, researchers collect individuals with similar characteristics and conditions and divide them into two groups for observation: the experimental group that receives the factor being studied (such as a new drug or supplement dose) and the control group that does not receive the factor being studied. [See Double Blind Study]

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Brain disorder commonly known as "mad cow" disease in Britain.

Cyanocobalamin, Cobalamin (vitamin B12)

Plays a role in maintaining a healthy nervous system, preventing anemia and controlling homocysteine levels.

Cycling

Term used to describe strategies for boosting nutrient levels without adversely effecting the body's ability to synthesize key substances. For example, a bodybuilder might supplement with an amino acid at high intake levels for a few days (the "loading" phase), then take a lower dose for a longer period of time ("maintenance" phase), then stop taking the specific supplement altogether for a period of time ("cycling") to restore the body's ability to produce the amino acid naturally.