Latest Concepts of Nutrition
DermaMed Pharmaceutical Inc.
February 25, 1999

One of the most glaring errors in health care in the world, is the lack of attention to the concept of "prevention". It seems that part of human nature is to deny the possibility of illness until it occurs. Once it occurs we will do and pay just about anything to regain what we lost.

We usually eat our biggest meal at dinner when our activity and caloric needs are the least but I would say it is better to eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a Pauper. I would go further to say that one should never eat to the point of being distended but rather to feeling no longer hungry. 
Secondly, change the quality of what you eat to a low, fat diet. Fat is likely the culprit with the epidemic proportions of breast, colon and prostate cancer in this and other Western countries. The incidence of these cancers and others is decreased in cultures eating a low fat, high fiber diet.

Animal meat consumption should be avoided as much as possible. Fish, turkey and chicken should be your source of non-vegetable protein. The majority of medical articles now suggest that we eat complex carbohydrates- starches that require digestion to break them down to simpler carbohydrates and eventually sugars. Simple sugars should be avoided. Their consumption results in jumps in blood sugar with the body reacting with insulin production and frequently hypoglycemia. Eating complex carbohydrates avoids this. Coarse-grained breads, whole wheat and bran cereals, raw or lightly steamed vegetables, fresh fruits are all in this class. Learn to use a Wok or skillet and when using it try using Pam. It contains no fat. 

Increase the fiber in your diet as much as possible. When doing so you speed the transit through the intestine and decrease the tendency towards constipation. You also decrease your chances for getting colon cancer. High fiber in your diet also lowers serum cholesterol. Fiber is filling and low in calories. Patients with diabetes eating large amounts of fiber can lower or eliminate their need for insulin. Fruits and vegetable and cereals are high in fiber. Drink plenty of water when on a high fiber diet and supplement your diet with calcium, zinc and iron. Substances called phytates in the fiber will bind with these elements and possibly create a deficiency unless supplements are taken. 

Salt should be minimized in your diet. Foods high in salt are frequently high in nitrosamines which by themselves cause cancer. High salt intake in many individuals leads to water retention and the need for diuretics ("water pills") and potassium supplements. Salt is dangerous for people with hypertension. Instead of salt use a salt substitute that is rich in potassium rather than in sodium. Their labels should indicate their contents to be potassium chloride. Only patients with kidney disease need to be concerned about potassium excess in their diets. Potassium recently has been shown to have a blood pressure lowering effect. Low potassium resulting from diuretics taken without supplementation results in weakness and lethargy. In patients with heart disease, low potassium can cause disturbances in heart rhythm. 

Cigarettes should be totally avoided as should the inhalation of passive smoke. Not only lung and bladder cancer but also cardiovascular disease result from and are aggravated by cigarette smoking.

Alcohol intake should be minimized to 1 or 2 ounces a day. Alcohol will wash out many of the water-soluble vitamins as well as increase the consumption of Vitamin C, zinc, selenium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Alcohol in excess will increase fat deposits in the heart and decrease immune function. It is toxic to the bone marrow and can cause liver injury leading to hepatitis and cirrhosis. 

The organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease". A good health program will cover essentially a well balanced diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle.

Healthy eating is simple - natural, wholesome food with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your meals should be balanced; meaning that they should provide you with the six essential nutrients - vitamins, minerals, carbohydrate, protein, fats and water.

It is, when an effort is made to optimize nutrient intake, to provide more than that which is just adequate, something wonderful happens: life is significantly better, healthier, and longer, and with less disease and dysfunction. 
It's not surprising that a well controlled study in Louisiana demonstrated that when a sample of pregnant women ate "normally," they produced "normal" infants, who grew into "normal" children, who tested out to be "normal." What was surprising is that when the diet of these same women were supplemented with nutrient-rich items, and they in turn became pregnant again, nursed their infants, and continued to give their infants the same supplementation program throughout early childhood, dramatic results occurred! These younger children were significantly superior to their older brothers and sisters (who hadn't benefited from additional nutritional supplementation) in every physical, emotional, and intellectual test used to measure their developmental differences. The conclusion: Above-Normal nutrition produces Above-Normal children. 
The inability of our dietary intake to be broken down into its constituent nutrients, and then get to where it's needed within the body, is a major problem often overlooked in health care. In fact, failure to extract the nutrients we need during digestion constitutes a serious form of malnutrition now running epidemic in our society. Make no mistake about it -- the inability to extract and assimilate nutrients from provided foods (malabsorption) constitutes a form of malnourishment just as compromising and debilitating as an improper and unbalanced diet, or slow starvation itself. All have a slow and insidious effect, greatly lessening the power of natural resistance from disease, enfeebling the body, and making it a prime target for illness and early death.

FACTS ABOUT FAT
Fat is important. It makes up 30% of your normal weight and cushions and protects vital organs. There are different types of fats with different characteristics. It is a rich form of stored energy. Some types of fats are more important than others. We need certain fats(Essential Fatty Acids) in our diet for tissue repair, healthy reproductive system, proper eye and brain coordination and optimum immune function.

Gamma-linoleic Acid (GLA)
Gamma-linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids (EFAs). There are two types of EFAs. The omega-6 series derived from cis-linoleic acid (LA) and the omega-3 series derived from alpha linolenic acid (ALA). The natural sources of GLA are mother's milk, oats, spirulina and barley. GLA is found in great abundance in some plant seed oils, notably those of the evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant. Omega-3 is derived from oil extracted from the flesh of cold water fish. These are fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herrings and anchovies. Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3.

It has been estimated that a majority of Americans and Europeans consume far to many omega 6 fatty acids in proportion to the beneficial omega 3 fatty acids (by approximately 10:1). Most biochemists agree an optimal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids should be approximately 1:1. Despite the obvious over-consumption of the omega 6 oils rich in linoleic acid, some individuals lack the ability in converting linoleic acid to the much needed GLA.
The hydrogenation process utilized to convert liquid polyunsaturated oils into semi-solid, altered saturated fats for use as margarine and commercially processed foods. Hydrogenation is accomplished by subjecting the oils to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees C, and bombarding them with hydrogen ions in the presence of the heavy metal nickel, which irreversibly changes the chemical structure of the fatty acid molecule from a healthful "cis" configuration to a dangerous "trans" configuration. When these products are eaten in excess they are known, in some cases, to block the enzymatic conversion of linoleic acid to GLA. In addition to the damaging effects of hydrogenation, certain essential fatty acid nutrient cofactor deficiencies may exist to further complicate this conversion. Vitamins pro-A, A, C, E, B-2, B-3, B-6, pantothenic acid, B-12 biotin and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur and zinc are all involved in essential fatty acid (EFA) metabolism.

Particular interest should be given to those afflicted with diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and alcoholism. For a myriad of reasons, including cofactor deficiencies, these individuals lack the enzymatic ability to convert linoleic acid to GLA and must obtain a direct source of GLA for proper hormonal regulation. In addition, excessive consumption of animal fats containing arachidonic acid compete for the same metabolic pathways occupied by GLA, thus minimizing its biological action.

These potential negating effects can simply be diverted by consuming a food source or supplement containing GLA which bypasses any previously necessary enzymatic conversion and floods the metabolic pathways with beneficial GLA. Nutrient deficiency should also be addressed. Here lies the true power of GLA.

EFA FUNCTIONS IN BODY
 

SOME CLINICAL USES OF ESSENTIAL FATTY AICIDS

Atopic Eczema
Atopic. eczema and inflammatory skin diseases are characterized by dry skin, red skin,' scaling and itching. Skin has several functions of which one is to reduce: moisture loss from our body. Sometimes this functions is affected because the moisture retaining capacity of the skin is lost due to deficiency of EFAS in the diet. This results in dry, flaky and scaly skin.

Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
Women with Mastalgia (real women, real pain) have been found to have abnormal levels of EFAs.

Cancer
Existing treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy often act by raising levels of free radicals in cancer cells, thereby killing the cells. Such agents are also toxic in normal cells and lead to undesirable side effects such as hair loss, nausea and vomiting. GLA is an active metabolite found in EFAs. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) can similarly induce free radical production in cancer; cells, but it does so selectively. Studies done where human breast cancers have been transplanted into animals have confirmed that GLA has significantly reduced the growth of these cancer patients without side effects of nausea, vomiting or white cell depression.

Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves caused by diabetes mellitus. In relation to diabetes mellitus, the most important thing to appreciate about EFAs is that they are required for the normal structure and functions of every organ. Reduced amount of essential fatty acids in the red blood cell wall makes the blood cell rigid. This in turn results in a reduction of oxygen and nutrient supply that can be transported by the red blood cell to the nerves. The reduced volume of oxygen and nutrients would impair nerve functions. EFAs in the form of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is able to prevent or reverse diabetic neuropathy because direct supply of GLA results in an improvement in nerve blood flow.

Eye and Brain Coordination
Essential fatty acids make up 60 % of the brain and is implant for eye important. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a key fatty acid in both retina and brain and is usually present in large quantities in these tissues. Studies have shown the benefit of DHA supplementation for retinal functions. Research shows that a combination of the omega-3 EFA with thyme oil can help maintain eye and brain functions in healthy individuals. Thyme oil is known to have value in preventing the oxidation of EFAs.

Hyperactivity
Hyperactive children are known to be sensitive to certain foods and most food additives. This biochemical difference is explained by a deficiency of EFAs in hyperactive children. Clinical studies showed that about 70% of hyperactive children respond well to EFAs nutritional supplement.

Immune system
EFAs are important in the optimum functioning of the immune system. PGE 1 is involved in the activation of our body defense antibodies such as T-lymphocytes and interferon. It is also indirectly linked to a host of active substances that are involved in immunity.

Joint pain
This condition is medically termed "arthritis. There is inflammation in joints which 'cause immense pain. Metabolites of GLA and EPA are known to reduce inflammation. Thus, supplementation of evening primrose oil and fish oil enables arthritic patient to experience improvement in swelling and pain while at the same time reducing the need for Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). This is important as NSAIDs are known to cause side-effects.

Kidneys
Renal tissue, especially that of the medulla, is particularly rich in essential fatty acids. It is believed that metabolites of these essential fatty acids, namely prostaglandin E1, are of major importance in maintaining the high blood flow required by the kidneys. Renal damage associated with long term us age of certain drugs may be related to the failure of this control system. Clinical studies on EFAs and its beneficial effects on kidneys are warranted.

Learning Disability (Dyslexia)
dyslexia is most commonly expressed as an inability to read and spell at an expected level, although it can also be accompanied by behavioral difficulties as a result of frustration. A study done by Dr. Jackie Stordy at the University of Surrey showed that EFAs, especially the omega-3 EFA can be helpful in improving and even correcting poor night vision in dyslexics. Follow up studies are currently being conducted to determine the extent of the improvements provided by the omega-3 EFA and thyme oil in helping dyslexics.

Menopause
Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive cycle. Among the many symptoms that accompany menopause are hot flushes, sweating, palpitations, depression, irregular menstruation, mood swings, headache and fatigue. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes that occur gradually over several years. As a direct result of these hormonal changes, ovulation becomes infrequent, periods become irregular and menopause finally occurs. The oil of evening primrose is a rich source of GLA which has hormone-balancing properties.

Nervous System
EFAs are required for the normal membrane structure, cell structure of the nerves and for normal nerve functions. EFAs are also of major importance in the central nervous system Studies have shown that GLA is able to prevent or reverse neuropathy (damage to the nerves) because direct supply of GLA results in an improvement in nerve blood flow. It is interesting to note that EFAs make up 60 % of the brain and is important for eye function.

Osteoporosis
This disease is due to decrease in bone mass and density. As a result, bones are brittle, increasing the risk of bone fracture. Post-menopausal women are m the high risk group, as their level of oestrogen is on the decline The hormone oestrogen is known to have protective effects on bones. Recent research showed that evening primrose oil combined with fish oil significantly increase calcium absorption and calcium levels in bone. This strongly suggest that for those with osteoporosis or at risk; taking these essential fatty acids together with a calcium supplement. The National Osteoporosis Society of UK suggests that women should start taking action early in their life before it is too late.

PMS
This stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It is also called Premenstrual Tension (PMT). A high percentage of women suffer from PMS. Some of the symptoms include tender breasts, bloated, irritability, depression, headaches and lethargy. Recent research shows that a deficiency of EFAs in the body may cause hypersensitivity to normal changes in hormone levels. This in turn manifest itself in various symptoms as described above. Evening primrose oil may help restore the normal composition of EFAs in body, bringing the body's sensivity to hormone activity back to normal again.

VITAMINS OVERVIEW

VITAMINS:
All natural vitamins are organic food substances found only in living things, that is, plants and animals. With few exceptions the body cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins. They must be supplied in the diet or in dietary supplements. Vitamins are essential to the normal functioning of our bodies. They are necessary for our growth, vitality, and general well-being.

HOW THEY WORK:
A lot of people think vitamins can replace food. They cannot. In fact, vitamins cannot be assimilated without ingesting food. That is why we suggest taking them with a meal. Vitamins help regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue.

VITAMIN A (Beta Carotene)
IMPORTANCE:
Necessary for growth & repair of body tissues; helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose , throat & lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants; counteracts night-blindness & weak eyesight; aids in bone and teeth formation. Current medical research shows that foods rich in Beta Carotene will help reduce the risk of lung cancer & certain oral cancers. Unlike Vitamin A from fish liver oil, Beta Carotene is non-toxic.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in night blindness; increased susceptibility to infections; rough, dry, scaly skin; loss of smell & appetite; frequents fatigue; lack of tearing; defective teeth & gums' retarded growth.

VITAMIN B-1 (Thiamin)
IMPORTANCE:
Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy; aids in the digestion of carbohydrates; essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles & heart; stabilizes the appetite; promotes growth & good muscle tone.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to the loss of appetite ; weakness & feeling tired; paralysis & nervous irritability; insomnia; loss of weight; vague aches & pains; mental depression & constipation; heart & gastrointestinal problems.

VITAMIN B-2 (Riboflavin)
IMPORTANCE:
Necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells; maintains cell respiration; necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails & hair; alleviates eye fatigue; promotes general health.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in itching and burning eyes; cracks and sores in the mouth & lips; bloodshot eyes; purplish tongue; dermatitis; retarded growth; digestive disturbances; trembling; sluggishness; oily skin.

VITAMIN B-6 (Pyridoxine)
IMPORTANCE:
Necessary for the synthesis & breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein; aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies; maintains the central nervous system; aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin; reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea & stiffness of hands; helps maintain a proper balance of sodium & phosphorous in the body.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, loss of muscular control, anemia, mouth disorders, muscular weakness, dermatitis, arm & leg cramps, loss of hair, slow learning, and water retention.

VITAMIN B-12 (Cobalamin)
IMPORTANCE:
Helps in the formation & regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia; necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; maintains a healthy nervous system; promotes growth in children; increases energy; needed for Calcium absorption.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to pernicious anemia, poor appetite, growth failure in children, tiredness, brain damage, nervousness, neuritis, degeneration of spinal cord, depression, lack of balance.

NIACINAMIDE (Niacin- vitamin B-3)
IMPORTANCE:
Improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the blood; maintains the nervous system; helps metabolize protein, sugar & fat; reduces high blood pressure; increases energy through proper utilization of food; prevents pellagra; helps maintain a healthy skin, tongue & digestive system.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in pellagra, gastrointestinal disturbance, nervousness, headaches, fatigue, mental depression, vague aches & pains, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, skin disorders, muscular weakness, indigestion, bad breath, canker sores.

PANTOTHENIC ACID
IMPORTANCE:
Participates in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats & protein, aids in the utilization of vitamins; improves the body's resistance to stress; helps in cell building & the development of the central nervous system; helps the adrenal glands, fights infections by building antibodies.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to painful & burning feet, skin abnormalities, retarded growth, dizzy spells, digestive disturbances, vomiting, restlessness, stomach stress, muscle cramps.

BIOTIN
IMPORTANCE:
Aids in the utilization of protein, folic acid, Pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B-12, promotes healthy hair.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to extreme exhaustion, drowsiness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression, grayish skin color.

FOLIC ACID
IMPORTANCE:
Necessary for DNA & RNA synthesis, which is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells; essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow; aids in amino acid metabolism.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in gastrointestinal disorders, anemia, Vitamin B-12 deficiency, pre-mature gray hair.

INOSITOL
IMPORTANCE:
Necessary for the formation of lecithin; aids in the breakdown of fats; helps reduce blood cholesterol; helps prevent thinning hair.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in high blood cholesterol, constipation, eczema, hair loss.

CHOLINE
IMPORTANCE:
Very important in controlling fat & cholesterol buildup in the body; prevents fat from accumulating in the liver; facilitates the movement of fats in the cells; helps regulate the kidneys, liver & gallbladder; important for nerve transmission; helps improve memory.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in cirrhosis and fatty degeneration of the liver, hardening of the arteries, heart problems, high blood pressure, hemorrhaging kidneys.

PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid)
IMPORTANCE:
Aids healthy bacteria in producing folic acid; aids in the formation of red blood cells; contains sun screening properties; aids in the assimilation of Pantothenic acid; returns hair to its natural color.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May cause extreme fatigue, eczema, irritability, depressions, nervousness, constipation, headaches, digestive disorders, hair turning prematurely gray.

VITAMIN C (Ascorbic Acid)
IMPORTANCE:
Essential for healthy teeth, gums & Bones; helps heal wounds, scar tissue, & Fractures; prevents scurvy; builds resistance to infection; aids in the prevention & treatment of the common cold; gives strength to blood vessels; aids in the absorption of iron. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular "cement" which holds tissues together. It is also one of the major antioxidant nutrients. It prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, bacon, lunch meats, & some vegetables) into cancer-causing substances. According to Dr. Lines Pauling, the foremost authority on Vitamin C, Vitamin C will decrease the risk of getting certain cancers by 75%.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to soft & bleeding gums, swollen or painful joints, slow-healing wounds & fractures, bruising, nosebleeds, tooth decay, loss of appetite, muscular weakness, skin hemorrhages, capillary weakness, anemia, impaired digestion.

VITAMIN D
IMPORTANCE:
Improves absorption and utilization of Calcium and Phosphorous; required for bone and teeth formation; maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to rickets, tooth decay, softening of bones, improper healing of fractures, lack of vigor, muscular weakness, inadequate absorption of calcium, retention of phosphorous in the kidneys.

VITAMIN E
IMPORTANCE:
Major anti-oxidant nutrient. It retards cellular aging due to oxidation; supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs; thus alleviating fatigue; aids in bringing nourishment to cells; strengthens the capillary walls & prevents the red blood cells from destructive poisons; prevents & dissolves blood clots; has also been used by doctors in helping prevent sterility, muscular dystrophy, calcium deposits in blood walls and heart conditions.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May lead to a rupture of red blood cells, loss of reproductive powers, lack of sexual vitality, abnormal fat deposits in muscles, degenerative changes in the changes in the heart and other muscles; dry skin.

SPECIAL NOTE:
There are several types of Vitamin E available. D-Alpha Tocopherol (100% Natural) is 4 times more potent in biological activity than d1-Alpha Tocopherol (Synthetic) Vitamin E. For example; 100 I.U. of d-Alpha (100% Natural) Vitamin E is equal to 400 I.U. d1-Alpha Tocopherol (Synthetic) Vitamin E in biological activity. Natural Vitamin E is derived from soybeans and synthetic Vitamin E is a petroleum by-product.
Minerals Overview

As important s vitamins are, they can do nothing for you without minerals. Vitamins cannot be assimilated without the aid of minerals. And though the body can manufacture a few vitamins, it cannot manufacture a single mineral. All tissues and internal fluids of our body contain varying quantities of minerals. Minerals are constituents of the bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscle, blood, and nerve cells. They are vital to overall mental and physical well-being.
Minerals act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body, including muscle response, the transmission of messages through the nervous system, the production of hormones, digestion, and the utilization of nutrients in foods.

CALCIUM
IMPORTANCE:
Builds and maintains bones and teeth, regulates heart rhythm; eases insomnia; helps regulate the passage of nutrients in & out of the cell walls; assists in normal blood clotting; helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function; lowers blood pressure; important to normal kidney function and in current medical research reduces the incidence of colon cancer, and reduces blood cholesterol levels.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in arm and leg muscles spasms, softening of bones, back and leg cramps, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis ( a deterioration of the bones), tooth decay, depression.

MAGNESIUM
IMPORTANCE:
Plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart; maintains normal heart rhythm; necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism; converts blood sugar into energy.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in calcium depletion, heart spasms, nervousness, muscular excitability, confusion; kidney stones.

IRON
IMPORTANCE:
Its major function is to combine with protein and copper in making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues which need oxygen to maintain basic life functions. Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress and disease. It is also necessary for the formation of myoglobin which is found only in muscle tissue. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to muscle cells for use in the chemical reaction that results in muscle contraction. Iron also prevent fatigue and promotes good skin tone.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, anemia.

IODINE
IMPORTANCE:
Aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland; regulates the body's production of energy; helps burn excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism; mentality, speech, the condition of the hair, skin, & teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in an enlarged thyroid gland, slow mental reaction, dry skin & hair, weight gain, loss of physical & mental vigor.

COPPER
IMPORTANCE:
Necessary for the absorption & utilization of Iron; helps oxidize Vitamin C and works with Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief component of the Elastin muscle fibers throughout the body; aids in the formation of red blood cells; helps proper bone formation & maintenance.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in general weakness, impaired respiration, skin sores.

ZINC
IMPORTANCE:
Is an antioxidant nutrient; necessary for protein synthesis; wound healing; vital for the development of the reproductive organs, prostate functions and male hormone activity; it governs the contractility of muscles; important for blood stability; maintains the body's alkaline balance; helps in normal tissue function; aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in delayed sexual maturity, prolonged healing wounds, white spots on finger nails, retarded growth, stretch marks, fatigue, decreased alertness, susceptibility to infections.

MANGANESE
IMPORTANCE:
An antioxidant nutrient; important in the blood breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy; necessary for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1 & Vitamin E; Activates various enzymes which are important for proper digestion & utilization of foods; is a catalyst in the breakdown of fats & cholesterol; helps nourish the nerves and brain; necessary for normal skeletal development; maintains sex hormone production.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, ataxia, loss of hearing, digestive problems, blindness and deafness in infants.

CHROMIUM
IMPORTANCE:
Works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels; cleans the arteries by reducing Cholesterol & Triglyceride levels; helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them; helps control the appetite; medical research has shown that persons with low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to having cancer and heart problems and becoming diabetic.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in glucose intolerance in diabetics; atherosclerosis, heart disease, depressed growth, obesity, tiredness.

POTASSIUM
IMPORTANCE:
Works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms; aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain; preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids; stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes; assists in reducing high blood pressure; promotes healthy skin.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in poor reflexes, nervous disorders, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, muscle damage.

SELENIUM
IMPORTANCE:
A major antioxidant nutrient, protects cell membranes and prevents free radical generation thereby decreasing the risk of cancer and disease of the heart and blood vessels. Medical surveys show that increased selenium intake decreases the risk of breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity; slows down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation; helps in the treatment and prevention of dandruff.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in premature aging, heart disease, dandruff, loose skin.

TRACE MINERALS
Minerals that occur in tiny amounts or traces. They play a major role in health, since even minute portions of them can powerfully affect health. They are essential in the assimilation and utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in digestion and provide the catalyst for many hormones, enzymes and essential body functions and reactions. they also aid in replacing electrolytes lost through heavy perspiration or extended diarrhea and protects against toxic reaction and heavy metal poisoning.

NUTRIENTS
BIOFLAVONOIDS * HESPERIDIN * RUTIN * QUERCETIN
IMPORTANCE:
They are vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate their permeability. They assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular "cement" in healthy 
condition; are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C; prevents Vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation; beneficial in hypertension; helps hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and builds a protective barrier against infections. Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of Bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruit

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
May result in varicose veins, tendency to bruise and bleed easily, appearance of purplish spots on the skin.

PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE
The most significant component of lecithin. it emulsifies and breaks down fat deposits in the body, which make it helpful in the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart disease, gallstones and liver problems. Medical studies have also shown that PHOSPHATIDYL Choline is beneficial in neurological disorders, memory loss and depression. Phosphatidyl Choline is 3 times more potent than lecithin.

B-SITOSTEROL
Is derived from many plants and cereal grasses; commonly found in rye germ oil. it has the ability to emulsify fats; and is found to be 30 times more potent than choline when it comes to the breaking down of cholesterol deposits.

L-CARNITINE
A "free amino acid" which has been found to improve fat metabolism in the heart and other organs and tissues, reduces Triglyceride and cholesterol levels, improves heart muscle tolerance, prevents irregular heartbeat and angina, provides more energy for the heart and helps lower blood pressure.

BEE POLLEN
Bee Pollen is considered to be "the world's most perfect food". It contains over 18 Amino Acids, high in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and co-enzymes. Athletes use it to increase muscular vigor, energy and stamina. Many allergists use it in the treatment of hay fever.

BEE PROPOLIS
s a waxy substance collected by honey bees which contains phytotonizides. Phytotnzides are believed to contain immunity factors, which when used internally, stimulates the body and gives it a natural resistance to diseases ( a natural antibiotic).

ROYAL JELLY
The food of the Queen bee. It is a salivary secretion of the honey bees that has been recorded as therapeutically useful in the treatment of sterility and sex organ insufficiencies: such as impotency & frigidity.

ACIDOPHILUS
Works as an intestinal cleanser. Also helps prevent fungus, diverticulosis, acne, and bad breath. It helps in the absorption of calcium as well as other minerals.

LECITHIN
Contains Choline & Inositol which are essential for the breakdown of facts and cholesterol. It helps prevent arterial congestion, helps distribute bodyweight, increases immunity to virus infections, cleans the liver and purifies the kidneys.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT
Grape seed extract is very similar to pine bark extract as it contains a unique type of bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins, which are synergistic with vitamin C, that is, they greatly enhance the activity of Vitamin C. In fact, some researchers believe that grape seed extract helps vitamin C enter cells, thus strengthening the cell membranes and protecting the cells from oxidative damage.

OCTACOSANOL
Is the active ingredient in wheat germ oil. it is used to increase endurance, stamina & vigor.