MACROPHAGE: An immune system cell that scavenges bacterial and other foreign material in the blood and tissues.

MACULAR DEGENERATION: A pigmentary disturbance in the macula lutea lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina in the eye, which brings the loss of central visual acuity.

MAGNESIUM: An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.

MANGANESE: An essential mineral found in trace amounts in tissues of the body. Adults normally contain an average of 10 to 20 milligrams of manganese in their bodies, most of which is contained in bone, the liver and the kidneys. Manganese is essential to several critical enzymes necessary for energy production, bone and blood formation, nerve function and protein metabolism. It is involved in the metabolism of fats and glucose and in the production of cholesterol. It is also involved in the building and degrading of proteins and nucleic acid, biogenic amine metabolism, which involves the transmitting of nerve impulses and Manganese is also necessary for RNA chain initiation.

MCG: Microgram- a metric unit of measurement, l/1,000,000 of a gram.

MELATONIN: The only hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the pineal gland. The hormone appears to inhibit numerous endocrine functions, including the gonadotropic hormones. Research exists on the efficacy of melatonin in treating jet lag and certain sleep disorders. Dosages greater than l milligram have been associated with drowsiness, headaches, disturbances in sleep/wake cycles and is contraindicated in those who are on antidepressive medication. It also negatively influences insulin utilization.

METABOLISM: The sum of all the chemical and physical changes that take place within the body and enable its continued growth and functioning.

METABOLITE: A substance that takes part in the process of metabolism in the body.

METHIONINE: Essential amino acid. Dietary source of sulfur and methyl groups. Important for growth, healthy nails and skin and the synthesis of taurine, cysteine, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), bile, carnitine and endorphins. It is an antioxidant nutrient and lipotropic agent which promotes the physiological utilization of fat.

MG: Milligram - a metric unit of measurement, l/1000 of a gram.

MILK THISTLE: An herb, (Silybum marianum). Milk thistle was named Silybum for its large purple thistle-like flower heads by the Greek medical doctor, Dioscorides in 100 AD. Since ancient times, both the plant structures and seeds have been used to positively influence liver function and as a general tonic. Numerous modern clinical studies have proven that this plant with its active silymarin constituent has tremendous therapeutic application.

MINERAL: Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.

MITOCHONDRION: (pl. mitochondria) Structure inside a cell that is the location of the cell's energy production machinery.

MOLYBDENUM: An essential mineral. It is a key component of at least three enzymes: xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase. These enzymes are involved with carbohydrate metabolism, fat oxidation and urine metabolism. The average adult has about nine milligrams of molybdenum concentrated mostly in the liver, kidney, adrenal glands, bones and skin. Molybdenum deficiencies are associated with esophageal cancer, sexual impotency and tooth decay.

MONOCYTE: A large mononuclear leukocyte.

MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE: Carbohydrates that act as support structures in connective tissue in the body.

MUTAGENIC:Causing alterations in genetic material.

MYELIN: A substance made of protein and lipid (fat) that protects the nerves, especially in the brain.

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