Hemin (trade name Panhematin) is a protoporphyrin IX containing a ferric iron ion (heme B) with a chloride ligand, which is is indicated for the amelioration of recurrent attacks of acute intermittent porphyria temporally related to the menstrual cycle in susceptible women. Manifestations such as pain, hypertension, tachycardia, abnormal mental status and mild to progressive neurologic signs may be controlled in selected patients with this disorder. the therapy for the acute porphyrias is not curative. Heme acts to limit the hepatic and/or marrow synthesis of porphyrin. This action is likely due to the inhibition of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase, the enzyme which limits the rate of the porphyrin/heme biosynthetic pathway. The exact mechanism by which hematin produces symptomatic improvement in patients with acute episodes of the hepatic porphyrias has not been elucidated.

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), an endogenous intermediary metabolite in the Krebs cycle, is a molecule involved in multiple metabolic and cellular pathways. As an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, AKG is essential for the oxidation of fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose. Extracellular AKG is a significant source of energy for cells of the gastrointestinal tract. As a precursor for the synthesis of glutamate and glutamine in multiple tissues (including liver, skeletal muscle, heart, brain, and white adipose tissue), AKG bridges carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism for both conservation of amino acids and ammonia detoxification. Additionally, emerging evidence shows that AKG is a regulator of gene expression and cell signaling pathways (including the mammalian target of rapamycin and AMPactivated protein kinase). Thus, AKG is an attractive dietary supplement in animal and human nutrition to improve cellular energy status, immunity, and health.AKG can decrease protein catabolism and increase protein synthesis to enhance bone tissue formation in the skeletal muscles and can be used in clinical applications. In addition to these health benefits, a recent study has shown that AKG can extend the lifespan of adult Caenorhabditis elegans by inhibiting ATP synthase and TOR. Orally, AKG is used for kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, bacterial overgrowth, intestinal toxemia, liver dysfunction, and chronic candidiasis. It is also used for improving peak athletic performance, improving amino acid metabolism in hemodialysis patients, and cataracts. Intravenously, AKG is used for preventing ischemic injury during heart surgery, improving renal blood flow after heart surgery, and preventing muscle protein depletion after surgery or trauma.

Lactose is the most important carbohydrate in the milk of most species. Its biosynthesis takes place in the mammary gland. The molecular structures of α- and β -lactose differ in the orientation of a hydrogen- and a hydroxyl group on carbon atom no.1 in the glucose moiety. Both forms change into one another continuously. At room temperature, the equilibrium results in a ratio of about 40% α-lactose and 60% β-lactose. The fact that two forms of lactose exist which differ in molecular structure has profound effects on various properties of lactose such as crystallization behavior, crystal morphology, solid-state properties, and solubility. The intestine does not actively absorb lactose unless it is split into its two-monosaccharide components, i.e. glucose and galactose. This hydrolysis of lactose is affected by the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the epithelium cells in the brush-border of the small intestine. Thus, the capacity of mammals to digest lactose is dependent on the lactase activity in the intestine. The maximum activity of the enzyme occurs shortly after birth and declines during the weaning period, after which it remains at a relatively constant level. Genetically determined factors governing residual lactase activity also exist. Individuals having low lactase activity are called lactose malabsorbers. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people have symptoms due to the decreased ability to digest lactose. The principal symptom of lactose intolerance is an adverse reaction to products containing lactose (primarily milk), including abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, and vomiting (particularly in adolescents). These appear one-half to two hours after consumption.

Aconitic Acid found in leaves and tubers of Aconitum napellus L., Ranunculaceae, in various species of Achillea (Compositae) and Equisetum (Equisetaceae), in beet root, and in sugar cane. It is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms of chronic illness including fatigue, effects of toxin buildup, slowed metabolism, weakened constitution. The limited data on trans-aconitic acid indicate it to be less toxic than citric acid. Trans-aconitate salts appear to be excreted readily by the kidneys. There is no direct evidence that trans-aconitic acid is utilized as is the cis-aconitic acid isomer in mammalian metabolism although non-specific oxidation probably occurs.

Maltose, a disaccharide, is found mainly in grains and cereals. Nutritionally, maltose provides the same number of calories as starches and other sugars. Maltose can be the agent responsible for the primary signals to induce the sensations of hunger and satiation in human beings. It was shown, that parenterally administered maltose could be of clinical value.