What are biofactors?
Biofactors are substances required by the body for its physiological functioning. They have health-beneficial and disease-preventive biological activities.
Biofactors include especially vitamins and provitamins, minerals, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids and phytochemicals.
Essentiell biofactors are those the body cannot produce, or not sufficiently produce and therefore they must be supplemented.
Depending on the concentration, biofactors may also have pharmacological effects.
What functions do biofactors such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements have in the body?
The tasks of biofactors in the body are diverse: they control specific metabolic processes. For example, they are involved in numerous enzyme reactions. Or they act in complex systems, such as bone formation, blood formation and nerve function. Many biofactors also have antioxidant properties. This means that they protect the body's cells from harmful oxidation by aggressive substances (free radicals).
Most biofactors cannot be produced by the body itself or cannot be produced in sufficient quantities. However, they are essential for life-sustaining functions. They must therefore be taken in from the outside in sufficient quantities, e.g. through a diet rich in biofactors. These so-called essential biofactors include vitamins, minerals, trace elements, a range of amino acids and fatty acids.
The body can produce some biofactors itself, such as the vitaminoids alpha-lipoic acid, orotic acid or coenzyme Q10. However, the body's own synthesis may not be sufficient under certain circumstances, e.g. if the requirement increases due to illness. In addition, biofactor predators such as medicines, stimulants and some foods can interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of biofactors. In this case, the body is also dependent on an external supply.
In the case of certain health disorders and risk groups, a higher intake of biofactors can be useful in order to positively influence cell metabolism and achieve a medicinal effect.
