Every superhero needs a sidekick—and so do many supplements. It’s widely known that zinc enhances the absorption of vitamin C, and magnesium helps vitamin D better perform its most vital functions.
What’s the reason? Cofactors—the “helper molecules” of the supplement world.
This guide to cofactors in professional-grade supplements will define cofactors, explore the inner workings of these powerful compounds, and delve into some cofactor combinations that help bodies perform at their best.
What Are Cofactors?
Cofactors are non-protein chemical compounds that are required for a protein's biological activity. They are often enzymes but can also be in the form of vitamins or minerals.
They assist in transforming one substance into another and are essential for converting nutritional components efficiently. Each cofactor partners with specific enzymes to help speed up chemical reactions in the body. This teamwork is vital to get the most out of a supplement and better support overall health.
When a person takes supplements, cofactors help the body fully absorb the nutrients for maximum benefits. Keep reading to learn about some common cofactors and why they make such a difference when it comes to supplement quality and efficacy.
Why Professional-Grade Supplements Need Cofactors
Professional-grade supplements are known for their effectiveness and are expected to perform a cut above other supplement lines. One of the reasons they work so well is the careful selection of cofactors.
There are several reasons why cofactors make such a significant difference:
Cofactors enhance absorption of essential nutrients. For example, it's important to consume vitamin D and magnesium as part of a calcium supplement. These two nutrients play a critical role in helping the body absorb the calcium effectively. Without these cofactors, the body may not fully benefit from the calcium.
Cofactors help optimize metabolic pathways. Cofactors ensure that the metabolic pathways reliant on various nutrients are fully functional. This optimization leads to better energy production and more robust results from supplements that contain cofactors.
Cofactors ensure that biochemical processes function optimally. When cofactors are incorporated into supplements, they have a greater impact on the body’s processes and may lead to improved overall health.
Common Cofactor Combinations
There are some tried and true teams of cofactors. Here are a few of the most well-known and effective:
- Vitamin C supplements often include bioflavonoids and zinc
- Vitamin D supplements often include magnesium, vitamin K2, and vitamin A
- Calcium supplements often include vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K2
- Magnesium supplements often include vitamin D, calcium, vitamins B6, B2, B3, and B5
Bottom Line: Cofactors are Important Helpers
Cofactors are crucial for maximizing the many benefits of professional-grade supplements. They improve absorption, make supplements more effective, and may provide more significant results than a single-ingredient supplement.
When selecting supplements, particularly vitamins, check the list above to see if there is a cofactor that should be included. If not, you may want to consider an additional supplement for full support.
Get the most from your supplements with the power of cofactors.