Oxygen

Description

Oxygen is an odorless, colorless gas that comprises 20% of the atmosphere.

Obviously Oxygen is absolutely essential to human life - the human body dies from Oxygen deficiency more rapidly than when deprived of any other nutrient.

Cells

 85% - 90% of the body’s Oxygen is consumed by the Mitochondria of Cells.  ^[1]

 The body's Cells retain Oxygen in their Cell Membranes, where it acts as a barrier against penetration by Viruses. 

Metabolism

 Oxygen is a catalyst for the conversion of Pyruvic Acid to Acetyl Coenzyme A - an integral step in the initial phase of the Krebs Cycle of Energy production.

 The Electron Transport System (ETS) accepts Hydrogen atoms from the Krebs Cycle and passes them through a series of compounds until they combine with Oxygen to form Water - each cycle of this process produces 11 molecules of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP):

 Note that the ATP produced by the ETS is NOT utilized in the Mitochondria of cells in the production of the layman's definition of Energy.

Nervous System

 Although the Brain comprises only 2% of the body's weight, it consumes 20% of the body's Oxygen intake.

 Inhalation of pure Oxygen improves Memory.  ^[2]

Alkaloids

 Betaine may improve the body’s utilization of Oxygen. 

Amino Acid Derivatives

 Dimethyl Glycine (DMG) may facilitate the delivery of Oxygen to the body’s tissues.  ^[3]

 Pangamic Acid may enhance the body's utilization and transportation of Oxygen (due to its Dimethyl Glycine content). 

Carotenoids

 Crocetin may improve the transport of Oxygen via the Plasma to the Brain, Muscles, Heart and other tissues of the body.  ^[4]

Complementary Therapies

 Various forms of modified Oxygen (e.g. Hydrogen Peroxide or Ozone) are often utilized as therapeutic agents in Oxygen Therapy - which increases the delivery of Oxygen to Cells and therefore promotes cellular respiration. 

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Negative Ions may help to maintain normal blood Oxygen levels. 

Hormones

 Thyroid Hormones stimulate the body’s utilization of Oxygen:  ^[5]