Feature Summary

Vitamin D is a hormone now widely recognized to be important to many body systems and a large number of physiological processes and it may also be one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world.^1,2 Many recent studies have linked lower levels to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure, as well as several types of cancer, autoimmune disease and type 2 diabetes.^3,4,5,6 Vitamin D is needed for intestinal calcium absorption, skeletal bone integrity as well as skeletal muscle strength and function and has been associated with overall physical fitness.^7,8,9 Vitamin D is critical for healthy immune function and may reduce the risk of infection, especially respiratory tract infections.^10,11 Given that essentially every tissue in the body has a receptor for vitamin D, it is hard to overestimate its importance.12 Many practitioners recommend supplementation to achieve blood levels of 25-OH-vitamin D between 50-80 nmol/L, which often requires doses of 1000-2000 IU per day, and more for those with common genetic variants affecting vitamin D metabolism.^13,14,15

Feature Summary

The well known benefits of curcumin, a polyphenolic extract of turmeric, have been attributed to powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects as well as antiproliferative and anticancer properties. Curcumin has many molecular targets, such as the enzymes cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, the NF-KB signalling pathway, a critical mediator of inflammation, as well as the enzyme p300, a contributor to diabetic and cardiovascular complications. Its role in the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque formation, platelet aggregation, and LDL oxidation indicates multi-fold cardiovascular benefits, and its ability to inhibit angiogenesis and induce apoptosis in cancer cells suggests both preventative and therapeutic benefit.^1,2

The limiting factor in curcumin’s efficacy has been its poor systemic bioavailability as it is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly metabolized.^2,3 Advanced manufacturing techniques have reduced its particle size over 100-fold, and combining the use of natural emulsifiers to form a colloidal suspension has tremendously increased curcumin’s bioavailability, significantly increasing blood levels of curcumin many times that of other preparations, including so-called enhanced forms of curcumin.^4,5 Theracurmin increases curcumin levels in a linear and dose-dependent manner, bypassing previous limits to curcumin supplementation to achieve unparalleled blood levels of curcumin.

Niacin-IR is an intermediated release, flush free formulation to allow the release of niacin steadily over a six to eight hour period. It is intermediate in that it provides the safety profile of immediate-released niacin while reducing the flushing of the skin that occurs with this form of niacin. Niacin in the form of nicotinic acid provides support to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range.* Niacin is a factor in the maintenance of good health, helps the body to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and helps normal growth and development.* Helps prevent niacin deficiency. Caution: Some people sensitive to nicotinic acid may initially experience flushing of the skin. If this occurs, it is generally mild and transient. Keep out of reach of children. Contains no artificial preservatives, color or sweeteners; no corn, dairy, gluten, soy, starch, wheat or yeast. Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken. For freshness, store in a cool, dry place. Supplement Facts Serving Size 1 Tablet Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) 250 mg 12,500% Other ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate (vegetable grade).

Feature Summary

Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are among the most powerful nutrients for improving overall health, and they are also among the most commonly deficient. EPA and DHA improve a number of cardiovascular risk factors including lowering of atherosclerotic burden, reducing triglyceride levels and blood pressure, and improving platelet and vascular function.^1,2,3,4 Vitamin D has also been shown to modify cardiovascular risk and reduce the risk of several cancers, autoimmune disease, osteoporotic fractures, and overall mortality.^5,6,7,8,9 EPA and DHA are essential to the resolution of inflammatory processes, as well as tissue repair, by providing the substrates for anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, resolvins and protectins, and vitamin D has recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects as well.^10,11,12 Omega-3 fatty acids are incorporated into membrane phospholipids, affecting cellular membrane organization, ion permeability, intracellular signalling, gene expression and the activity of membrane-associated proteins.¹³ EPA and DHA combined with vitamin D are likely to have synergistic benefits for improving overall wellness, as well as for preventing and treating a wide variety of cardiovascular, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.¹⁴

Feature Summary

Oxidative damage to the mitochondria is a major factor in cellular aging along with neurological decay.¹ While lifestyle interventions, such as calorie restriction, help improve mitochondrial function in young non-obese adults, certain supplements such as L-carnitine are also of therapeutic benefit.²However, the salt of L-carnitine, called acetyl‑L‑carnitine (ALC), is the preferred form for conditions of disease and aging as it has better absorption and readily crosses the blood brain barrier.³ ALC has been shown to exert a significant function in the disorders of aging including fatigue hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetic neuropathy and dementia.^4,5,6,7 ALC may work synergistically in combination with alpha-lipoic acid not only to reduce hypertension but reduce the pain associated with a herniated disc.⁸ Recently discovered agents such as Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) play a key in mitochondrial genesis via cell signalling (PGC-1 alpha).⁹ This latter ability to stimulate mitochondrial production ability may in part explain the conclusion of a recent open clinical trial. After taking 20 mg of PQQ daily for eight weeks, 20 healthy and women (average age 38 years) not only had improved vigor but also had a significant reduction in symptoms of fatigue, tension, depression, anger and confusion.¹⁰ While both PQQ and ALC are key components in Mito AMP, other natural compounds in the formula enhance its efficacy.

Feature Summary

GerdX-PO contains enterically coated peppermint, oregano, and caraway oils, all shown to have benefit for diverse gastrointestinal disturbances. Peppermint oil is known to influence gastric motility, accelerating early gastric emptying with an antispasmodic effect on the stomach.¹ It also increases the relaxation time of the pyloric valve, decreases the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, and has synergistic benefit when combined with caraway oil, producing smooth muscle relaxation in the stomach and duodenum.^2,3 Oregano oil has demonstrated antimicrobial effects against H. pylori, the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease and dyspepsia, as well as other GI pathogens.^4,5

Clinically, enterically coated preparations of these oils have demonstrated benefits in a number of clinical trials. Improvement has been shown for dyspepsia and symptoms such as pain, heaviness, and abdominal pressure in controlled trials, regardless of H. pylori status and even in those with significant epigastric pain.^6,7,8 Additionally, enteric coated peppermint oil demonstrated clinical efficacy in a number of trials for irritable bowel syndrome, showing improvement in the majority of participants, and in both children and adults.^9,10

Feature Summary

Digest-ProGD is a broad spectrum proprietary enzyme blend, providing unique support for the digestion of gluten and dairy proteins, as well as lactose, other carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It contains Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), a multifunctional serine protease that targets proline containing peptides, such as those found in gliadin and casein, which are both proteolytically resistant proteins.^1,2,3 DPP-IV is thought to be one of the rate limiting enzymes responsible for the digestion of these proteins. It is known to be found in lower amounts in the intestinal mucosa of individuals with celiac disease and to have an inverse correlation with the level of mucosal damage among those with and without celiac disease.^4,5 The antigenic and immunomodulatory proline-rich proteins found in gluten are thought to trigger an inflammatory response in patients with either celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, often due to inadvertent gluten exposure, even for those on a gluten free diet.⁶ Digest-ProGD provides comprehensive digestive support, containing multiple proteases as well as enzymes necessary for lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Feature Summary

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, balancing the excitatory effects of glutamate on neuronal activity. The inhibitory effects of GABA are generally considered to lessen anxiety, relax muscle tension, and have sedative-like effects.¹ In addition, conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and epilepsy have all been associated with low GABA concentration or activity.^2,3 GABA has also been shown to cause a significant increase in alpha brain waves compared to control, indicative of a more relaxed state, as well as better concentration. In a clinical trial involving patients with a fear of heights, GABA-Pro was found to increase salivary levels of sIgA while crossing a suspension bridge, as compared to the control group whose salivary IgA levels dropped 35%.⁴ This is indicative of the stress reducing effect of GABA-Pro.^5,6

Increasing GABA activity is also a therapeutic target for many medications used in the treatment of insomnia, often by targeting GABA receptors. This has the effect of decreasing waking, shorten sleep latency, and increasing slow-wave sleep.^7,8

Feature Summary

Vitamin B12 is the cofactor in enzymatic reactions with diverse physiological functions. It is required for the conversion of methylmalonyl CoA to succinyl CoA, as well as the conversion of homocysteine to methionine by methionine synthase, which is then converted into S-adenosylmethionine.¹ A B12 deficiency causes impairments in both of these pathways, disrupting neurological function, including poor formation of myelin nerve sheaths, production of toxic levels of homocysteine, and inefficient energy production in all cells.²

Because of its relationship to myelin production and neurological function, high dose B12 has been used in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.^3,4,5

Some individuals, especially those with malabsorption or low dietary intake, are at higher risks for a B12 deficiency. Individuals with impaired absorption of B12 rely on passive absorption, which is typically 1% of the ingested amount. Thus high doses are required for those with greater B12 needs, such as elderly individuals and those with neurodegenerative disorders.^6,7

Feature Summary

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid to enhance digestion. HCl assists in protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin, renders the stomach sterile against orally-ingested pathogens, prevents bacterial or fungal overgrowth of the small intestine, encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and facilitates the absorption of several nutrients including folic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, non-heme iron and some forms of calcium, magnesium and zinc.¹ However, in the absence of adequate HCl, poor digestion can arise leading to bloating, belching, indigestion, and diarrhea or constipation.^1,2 Numerous studies have shown acid secretion declines with advancing age^3,4,5 and impaired HCl production and secretion is correlated with a variety of clinical conditions, including food allergies, asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis and arthritis.^1,2 While the underlying etiological factors leading to impaired or absent HCl secretion are not well understood, long term supplementation is generally safe and may be effective in certain patient populations and clinical conditions.¹ Combining betaine HCl with fenugreek further supports digestive function and health, as fenugreek seeds are an excellent source of mucilage, which helps soothe gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine.

Feature Summary

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and mitochondrial nutrient. The R-isomer of ALA is a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes and a substrate for glutathione reductase, it participates in the citric acid cycle and ATP production, and recycles other antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, CoQ10, and glutathione.¹

R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid provides only the R-isomer, which increased plasma levels nearly 1.5 times higher in older populations than the commonly used racemic mixture (combined R- and S-isomers).² ALA has also accelerates wound healing when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly the R-isomer.^3,4The R-isomer has a greater neuroprotective effect in an in vivo model of brain vascular injury, due to the S-isomer’s negative influence or lack of biological activity.⁵

ALA improved glycemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics, with clear benefit for the prevention and treatment of peripheral neuropathy.^6,7,8 It improved endothelial function among individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, and increased weight loss among obese individuals.^9,10 The R-isomer was significantly more effective than the S-isomer at improving insulin-stimulated glucose transport and metabolism in insulin resistant animal models.¹¹

Feature Summary

Allergic rhinitis is a common upper respiratory problem seen routinely in clinical practice. This problem occurs when inhaled allergens come in contact with IgE antibodies on the surface of the airway triggering numerous acute symptoms: nasal congestion, sneezing, a watery ocular discharge, rhinnorea, and a pruritic palate along with sinus and eustachian tube congestion.¹ According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States, 17.9 million adults and 7.1 million children were diagnosed with hay fever in the year 2010.² While numerous prescription and over the counter (OTC) antihistamines can benefit by relieving symptoms, they are often fraught with side effects including dry mouth, sleepiness, and restlessness. Allerieva represents an alternative that is safe for both short and long term use. A recent controlled study concluded that 2000 mg per day of the blue green algae spirulina significantly reduced the symptoms of allergic rhinitis including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching after three weeks of use.³ In humans, spirulina acts on hay fever symptoms by significantly reducing the secretion of an inflammatory cytokine IL-4 by 32%.⁴

Feature Summary

With the population aging and the life expectancy extending, osteoarthritis (OA) will be the fourth leading cause of disability by the year 2020.¹ The Centers for Disease Control in the United States notes that one in two Americans will get some form of OA in their lifetime and 27 million adults currently have it.² OA induced joint damage is responsible for more than 90 per cent of the knee replacement surgeries in Canada.³ Although surgical interventions are employed in hip and knee OA patients who are refractory to other types of more conservative management techniques, it is considered to be a last resort option.⁴

Arthro NRx provides a well researched and less risky option to prescription agents. Chondroprotective agents such as glucosamine sulfate, MSM and chondroitin sulfate are well known for the treatment of OA. Combinations of these agents have been shown to be more clinically advantageous than single product use. In one study, 118 patients with moderate knee OA, the combination of 1,500 mg glucosamine plus 1,500 mg MSM per day for 12 weeks provided better pain relief and less swelling than those who took glucosamine or MSM alone.⁵