Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin. It is also known as Retinol because it generates the pigments in the retina. Vitamin A promotes good vision, especially in dim light. It may also be required for reproduction and lactation. Beta Carotene, which has antioxidant properties, is a precursor to Vitamin A. The body regulates the conversion of beta-carotene to Vitamin A based on the body's needs. Vitamin A deficiency can increase the susceptibility to infectious diseases, as well as cause vision problems.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C promotes healthy teeth and gums, helps absorption of iron, aids in the maintenance of normal connective tissue, and promotes wound healing. It also helps the body's immune system. Vitamin C should be consumed every day, since it is not a fat-soluble vitamin, and cannot be stored for later use. It is water soluble, and is therefore excreted regularly through the urine by the body. A deficiency of Vitamin C causes the periodontal disease scurvy.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes the body's absorption of calcium, which is essential for the normal development of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain adequate blood levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency leads to soft bones or rickets.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the body's most important antioxidant nutrients. Antioxidants protect the body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants protect healthy cells from oxidative and free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable chemicals formed in the body during metabolism and from exposure to environmental sources, such as pollution and cigarette smoke. Free radicals are necessary for energy metabolism and immune function, but when an excessive number of free radicals are formed, they can attack healthy cells, especially cell membrane lipids and proteins. The overproduction of free radicals is thought to contribute to a number of degenerative diseases. Vitamin E is an especially valuable antioxidant in the cell membranes, especially red blood cells and tissues sensitive to oxidation, such as the lungs, eyes, and arteries. Vitamin E also protects the liver and other tissues from the free-radical damage of toxicants, such as mercury, lead, ozone, nitrous oxide, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, cresol, and various drugs. Related to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E is important for normal immune function, and many studies show that it prevents lipid peroxidation of blood lipoproteins, such as LDL-cholesterol. Vitamin E is important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of Vitamin K.
Thiamine
Thiamine is one of the B Vitamins, a group of water-soluble vitamins that participate in many of the chemical reactions in the body. Thiamine (B1) helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. A deficiency of thiamine can cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis, and nerve damage.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin required by the body for health, growth and reproduction; one of the B-complex vitamins. Alternative name: Vitamin B2. Riboflavin works with the other B vitamins to help release energy from carbohydrates. Deficiency symptoms include dry and cracked skin and eyes that are sensitive to bright light.
Niacin
Niacin is part of the Vitamin B complex, a group of water-soluble vitamins required by the body for health, growth and reproduction. Niacin assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy. A deficiency of niacin causes pellagra. The symptoms include inflamed skin, digestive problems, and mental impairment.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin of the Vitamin B complex. Alternative name: Pyridoxine. Vitamin B-6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher a body's protein intake, the more the need for Vitamin B-6.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin of the B-complex. Alternative name: B-9, Folate. Folic acid acts as a coenzyme with B-12 and Vitamin C in the breakdown (metabolism) of proteins and the synthesis of new proteins. Folic Acid is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity), as well as tissue growth and cell function. It also stimulates the formation of digestive acids. Folic acid deficiency may cause poor growth, graying hair, inflammation of the tongue, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea. It may also result in hemolytic and megaloblastic anemias. Pregnant women often require additional supplementation as prescribed by the health care provider. Adequate folic acid is important to women in their childbearing years because it has been shown to prevent some kinds of birth defects.
Biotin & Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid and Biotin are water-soluble vitamins of the B vitamin complex. Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of food. It is essential in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates and in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
Ultra CAL Calcium & Magnesium
Function: Bone nutrition
This Osteo-guard formula (Women's Pack Only) is the best calcium source for those at risk of osteoporosis. The calcium source in Osteo-guard occurs naturally in whole bone, and is the only one shown to not only reduce calcium loss, but also to put calcium back into bones. This means bones are stronger and are resistant to breaking with age. All other natural bone minerals and organic constituents such as collagen that lets calcium do its best for healthy bones are also present. This Osteo-guard formula also contains boron, and vitamin K, which have extra benefits for bone health. Studies show calcium hydroxyapatite whole bone extract, the major ingredient in Osteo-gard, is 100% better absorbed than calcium gluconate. The magnesium blend is a special patented combination with high bioavailability, maintaining a proper supplemental intake ration with calcium. Although magnesium comprises only about one percent of bone mineral content, it still significantly affects both bone mineral metabolism and the matrix that provides its structure. Adequate dietary magnesium maintains optimum bone function and structure. Similarly, copper and manganese are important in optimizing the formation of cross-linkages that strengthen the bone mineral matrix, while boron is also important in maintaining normal absorption of calcium and magnesium, as well as metabolism of copper. The isoflavone derivative ipriflavone has also been shown to promote healthy function and structure of bone by inhibiting osteoclast activity, and perhaps stimulating osteoblasts. All of these ingredients contained in UltraCAL work together to help maintain healthy bone.
Manganese
An essential trace mineral necessary for general health.Health Function: Osteo-support; Cardiovascular health
Copper
An essential trace mineral that is present in all of the body tissues. Copper, along with iron, helps in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps in keeping the blood vessels, nerves, immune system and bones healthy.
Boron
Health Function: Bone health
Proprietary Blend: Ipriflavone, L-Glutamic Acid & Alfalfa for bone health.
Zinc
Zinc is an important trace mineral. It is second only to iron in its concentration in the body. Fruits and vegetable are NOT good sources of zinc, because zinc in plant proteins is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal proteins. Therefore, low-protein diets and vegetarian diets are low in zinc. Zinc plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system in the body. It is required for the enzyme activities necessary for cell division, cell growth, and wound healing. It plays a role in the acuity of the senses of smell and taste. Zinc is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Symptoms associated with zinc deficiency include: slow growth, decrease in wound healing, loss of hair, taste-impaired, smell-impaired, more frequent infections and inability or difficulty in adapting vision to the dark.
Selenium
An essential trace mineral necessary for general health.Health Function: antioxidant
Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral that is not made by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Chromium is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Chromium stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and is an activator of several enzymes. Chromium deficiency may show itself as impaired glucose tolerance. It is seen in older people with non insulin-dependent diabetes, and in infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. Supplementation of chromium helps with management of these conditions, but supplementation is not a substitute for other diabetes treatment.
Molybdenum
An essential trace mineral necessary for general health.
Health Function: Bone health
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that is involved in both electrical and cellular functions in the body. (In the body it is classified as an electrolyte). Potassium is a very important mineral to the human body. It assists in the regulation of the acid-base and water balance in the blood and the body tissues. It assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism. It is necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth. A deficiency of potassium can occur in people with chronic disease or as a result of the aging process. The most common problems associated with reduced potassium levels are hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, depression and fatigue. A variety of conditions can cause the loss of potassium from the body. The most common of these conditions are vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. Renal disease and diabetes, depending on the stage of either, can also cause fluctuations in the levels of potassium. Additionally, many medications can cause depletion of potassium (such as diuretics, cortisone, prolonged use of aspirin, and laxatives). The most common symptom of potassium depletion is fatigue. Other symptoms of potassium deficiency include slow reflexes, muscle weakness, and dry skin. A quick loss of potassium could lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Severe potassium deficiency symptoms include decreased heart rate, extreme muscle weakness, and bone fragility.
Marine Lipid Triglycerides (Omega-3 fatty acids)
Health Function: Cardiovascular health, healthy skin, hair, nails
A proper balance of essential fatty acids is important for good health, as are vitamins and minerals. In their polyunsaturated forms, these are indispensable for many physiologic processes and are integral components of nerve cells, cell membranes, and vital hormone-like substances known a prostaglandius. Prostaglandins help regulate numerous body functions including immune response during inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids may be able to modify sodium channels by binding to the channel proteins. This could then prevent ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.
Trace Elements(from Sea Vegetation)
Health Function: Minerals necessary for general health
Executive Stress Proprietary Blend
Health Function: Nutrients, minerals & vitamins to boost the body's defenses against stress.
Ginkgo biloba Extract (leaf)
Ginkgo is generally accepted as a remedy for minor deficits in brain function, such as occur with advancing age. It is used to improve concentration and combat short-term due to clogged arteries in the brain, and to treat dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache, and emotional hypersensitivity accompanied by anxiety. For people with intermittent circulation in the legs, it helps permit longer pain-free walks.
Silymarin (seed), Lemon Bioflavonoids, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate Betaine HCl, L-Glycine, N-Acetyl-LCysteine, SOD/Glutathione Peroxidase L-Methionine, Proanthocyanidins (Red Wine Grapes), Glutamic Acid and L-Glutathione (reduced)
Co-Enzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, has been receiving an increasing amount of attention over the past 5 years for its cardioprotective abilities. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble molecule synthesized from cholesterol and located predominantly in mitochondria (the cell's powerhouse) where it plays a vital role in energy production. Specifically, CoQ10 is crucial for the proper transfer of electrons through the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Given that heart muscle requires a tremendous amount of energy to function properly, it is not unusual that significant levels of CoQ10 can be found in heart muscle. Since CoQ10 levels have been found to be lower under certain circumstances, researchers have been investigating the effect that supplemental CoQ10 can have on heart function. Not surprisingly, numerous clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in functional parameters of the heart in patients with congestive heart failure after supplementation with
CoQ10
CoQ10 treatment prior to bypass procedures has also yielded more positive outcomes when compared with patients who did not receive supplementation. CoQ10 levels have also been shown to be reduced in patients taking statin drugs, as cholesterol is required for the synthesis of CoQ10 in the body. CoQ10 has also been shown to be an effective antioxidant, protecting against lipid peroxidation, DNA and protein oxidation and is also capable of functioning synergistically to help regenerate other antioxidants.
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
Bioflavonoids (also called flavonoids) are a class of phytochemicals that are potent antioxidants, which scavenge many potentially damaging free radicals.
Health Function: Anti-oxidant
PABA
Health Function: Antioxidant
Rutin
Health Function: Antioxidant; supports the health of the body's circulatory system by helping maintain capillary blood flow and proper vascular permeability, integrity and resiliency.
Choline
Health Function: Neurological, general health
Pycnogenol
Health Function: Antioxidant
Inositol
Not a B-Vitamin per se, but so utilized
Vanadium
An essential trace mineral utilized in blood sugar metabolism.