Ingredients FAQ

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid that is produced naturally in the body. It acts as a facilitator in the body's use of fatty acids, resulting in the production of energy necessary for major organ systems - heart, brain, and nervous systems. ALC has been shown to play an important role in a variety of age-related conditions.

Although ALC is available from a diet that includes red meat and dairy, it is not found in adequate amounts in fruits, vegetables, and grains. (Note the similarity of the word "carnitine" with the word "carnivore.") True ALC deficiencies are rarely encountered, but certain medical conditions, physiological stress and medications may negatively affect the body's ability to produce ALC or utilize dietary sources alone.

Alpha lipoic acid was discovered in the 1950s and is classified as a coenzyme. It has antioxidant properties and is involved in energy production. In recent studies, alpha lipoic acid has shown that it may be helpful in supporting insulin sensitivity in Type II diabetes and reducing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes. There is evidence that alpha lipoic acid's antioxidant effects may be beneficial to brain and neural tissue. It may also provide protection against the toxic effects of metals, such as lead, and certain chemicals. Studies show this ability to detoxify the system may help to protect the body from degenerative aging and associated diseases, and environmental pollutants.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 and vitamin H, is one of the B-complex vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that excess is removed from the body each day in the urine. As a coenzyme for carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, symptoms of deficiency manifest themselves in seemingly unrelated ways. Biotin deficiency is associated with poor absorption from the digestive tract, which may be due to the diet itself. Diets encouraging rapid weight loss or restrictive food choices may be lacking in biotin. Alcoholism and cigarette smoking also contribute to low biotin intake. Gastrointestinal disease may contribute to poor absorption of biotin, even with a healthy diet. Biotin deficiency may also occur from the body's increased demand for biotin during pregnancy or in patients receiving medical treatment such as dialysis, dependency on long-term use of biotin-deficient supplemental feedings, or medications known to interfere with biotin stores in the body.

Boron is a "trace metal" – an element found in nature in water, soil, and rock – that is associated with the body's ability to utilize calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium. It is the fifth element on the periodic table. In the form of borax and boric acid, borates have been recognized for their usefulness in medicines, preservatives, and agriculture over the past 4,000 years. Boron's place as a beneficial nutrient for humans became evident in observational and clinical trials where it was removed or significantly decreased from the diet, with the resulting effects of bone demineralization, increased incidence of arthritis, changes in cognitive function, steroid metabolism, and fluctuations in blood levels of important vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. These findings suggest that boron may play a significant role in maintaining healthy bones and joints. Although not conclusive, boron supplementation may also improve cognitive function and fine motor skills in the elderly.

Calcium is a mineral that is widely known for its important role in the development of bones and teeth in children and teenagers, but it is very important for men and women of all ages. Due to increased public awareness of the incidence of osteoporosis, calcium supplementation is now commonly accepted as a necessary requirement to adult diets. Equally important, it should be acknowledged that calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body; therefore, deficiencies may manifest themselves in many ways, not just as related to bone health.

Calcium deficiencies and bone loss occur due to inadequate dietary or supplemental intake and concomitant lack of co-administration of vitamin D3. Certain drug interactions (prednisone and other corticosteroids) and disease states also affect the body's stores of calcium. Excessive caffeine intake from coffee (3-4 cups per day) or cola-containing drinks (six 12-ounce servings per day) may increase calcium loss as well. People who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies are at risk of poor dietary intake of calcium.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of blood glucose and in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. As with many nutrients, a lot has been learned about chromium's function within the body when observing patient's who are experiencing chromium deficiency. "Glucose intolerance" or "dysglycemia" is a state where blood glucose levels are too high because there is either not enough insulin being produced to process the glucose in the blood, insulin is produced but the insulin receptor cells have become insensitive and no longer respond to it, or conversely, blood glucose is too low because too much active insulin is released into the blood stream. Chromium is a key component in Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which is a complex entity that enhances the action of insulin resulting in regulation of blood sugar by increasing glucose reuptake and improving the body's use of available insulin and stimulating the production of protein. The multiple functions of chromium associated with the body's natural response to blood sugar levels demonstrate its important role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Coenzyme Q10 is produced in the body, so it is not considered a true vitamin. It is in practically all of the body's cells. The heart, kidney, liver, and pancreas are areas where Coenzyme Q10 is highly concentrated. Natural production and dietary intake don't provide enough Coenzyme Q10 to treat deficiency or have therapeutic benefits. Coenzyme Q10 acts as a coenzyme in many oxidative processes and has been found to be helpful in conditions associated with low Coenzyme Q10 levels, such as acquired and genetic disorders of mitochondrial function. In recent studies, it was found that Coenzyme Q10 might support better health for people with migraine headaches, and also those with cardiovascular, periodontal, and muscular problems. Coenzyme Q10 may play a role in relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which could improve angina and high blood pressure.

Copper is an essential trace metal that, although not required in large amounts, has been found to be involved in many processes necessary for optimal health. Copper is instrumental in the production of hemoglobin, the primary component of red blood cells, and deficiency has been linked to certain forms of anemia. Copper is present in the formation of connective tissue found in the musculoskeletal system, the heart and lungs, blood vessels, skin, and collagen, suggesting it plays a role in osteoporosis and some respiratory diseases. Copper is also present in the formation of myelin, the protective layer covering nerves in the central nervous system. Due to its role in the formation of melanin, copper plays a role in the pigmentation of hair, skin, and eyes; depigmentation results in cases of copper deficiency.

Dietary fiber has been increasingly recognized as a major contributor to promoting and maintaining optimal health. Fiber consists of non-digestible compounds found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and various processed fiber sources. These compounds exhibit their positive results by different mechanisms, resulting in the elimination of the offending entity from the system. Fiber acts by absorbing fat, binding toxic byproducts of the diet and metabolism, providing short chain fatty acids needed for healthy colon cells, and positively influencing all aspects of glucose metabolism. In addition, fiber may lower the glycemic index for food intake and adds bulk, slowing the TRUNCATE TABLE ing of the stomach, thereby possibly enhancing the feeling of fullness after eating.

Fish such as anchovies, salmon, sardines, and trout contain oils high in fats called omega-3 fatty acids. These fish oils are particularly high in two specific omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). In recent studies, EPA is recognized for its possible role in improving heart health, as well as mood and skin disorders. DHA is recognized for its role in decreasing the risk of age-related eye disorders, improving heart health, and reducing skin disorders. Research may support that both EPA and DHA reduce triglyceride levels, but don't have the same effect on LDL levels. Research is working to determine the role of fish oils in preventing other age-related issues. Taking excessive amounts of fish oil can affect the bloods ability to clot, so prudent dosing is important. The source of dietary and supplemental fish oil should also be considered to avoid overexposure to contaminants associated with marine life and other additives, such as vitamins A and D found in cod liver oil.

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is also referred to as folate, folinic acid, and vitamin B9. The word "folate" is derived from the Latin word folium and indicates that it is derived from green leafy vegetables. Folic acid plays a major role in cell division, as it is involved in both DNA and RNA processes. This explains the importance of folic acid in fetal development, as well as in possibly preventing some age-related diseases. Folic acid is essential for the production of healthy red and white blood cells. Folic acid also functions within the central nervous system, showing evidence that deficiencies may play a role in some mood disorders and cognitive symptoms, especially in the elderly. Another function of folic acid is in protein metabolism, as it reduces blood levels of homocysteine, a protein known to be associated with heart and bone health.

Glycine is an amino acid, a building block of protein. Protein is constructed from a set of twenty amino acids. These amino acids are essential to life and the human body is reliant on proper dietary intake to survive. The underlying cause of many diseases not associated with infection is a problem with protein assimilation. Once digested, the amino acids in protein reconfigure to produce, primarily, muscle and collagen. Muscle is not limited to mobility and athletic performance, but is responsible for the action of the lungs for breathing and other processes that sustain life. Each amino acid has its own characteristics, but one shared similarity is the presence of nitrogen. The formation of DNA, RNA, catalyst and regulatory enzymes, hormones, plasma, and literally thousands of other nitrogen-dependent processes rely on amino acids for nitrogen. Amino acids depend on trace metals, minerals, and vitamins to produce the various chemical reactions that sustain a healthy body. Glycine may act within the central nervous system and play a role in learning processes and memory.

Hydroxytyrosol has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and the incidence of age-related disorders. In vivo studies indicate that hydroxytyrosol retains its activity and may reduce nitric oxide (NO) by as much as 108 percent.

Hydroxytyrosol is the major component of the olive oil phenolic fraction found in green olives. It is a small molecule that is an efficient scavenger of free radicals and six times more potent than Resveratrol. Experiments demonstrate that hydroxytyrosol effectively counteracts the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various human cellular systems. In studies using hydroxytyrosol preincubated cells, it was found that damage due to oxidative stress, such as lipid peroxidation and alterations of cell permeability, could be prevented and that hydroxytyrosol exerted a protective effect against H2O2 induced oxidative damage.

Hydroxytyrosol is able to quench lipid radicals involved in the initiation of lipid oxidation by forming an intra-molecular hydrogen bond between the free hydrogens and their hydroxyl group and their phenoxyl radicals.

In addition to the strong antioxidant activity of hydroxytyrosol, it contains a series of compounds that represent multichemical mechanisms of defense against microbe activity. It has been demonstrated that hydroxytyrosol effectively inhibits or delays the rate of growth of a range of bacteria and fungi including Staphylococcus aureus.

Iodine is an element that has long been associated with thyroid health. In early history, sea sponges, peat, and brines were found to have positive effects in preventing goiters due to their iodine content. Because thyroid hormones regulate numerous bodily functions, iodine deficiency can cause impaired growth, stunted fetal and infant brain development, decreased productivity and intelligence in populations with symptomatic hypothyroidism, and impose reproductive complications in women. In addition to iodine being highly concentrated in the thyroid gland, molecular iodine is also taken up by the mammary glands, which may prove useful in treating fibrocystic breast disease.

Proline is one of the twenty common amino acids that form proteins and is the only cyclic amino acid. The "L" in front of its name denotes the active form of proline. Amino acids are essential to life and the human body is reliant on proper dietary intake to survive. The underlying cause of many diseases not associated with infection results from a problem with protein assimilation. Once digested, the amino acids in protein reconfigure to produce, primarily, muscle and collagen. This is not limited to mobility and athletic performance, but is responsible for the action of the lungs for breathing, the integrity and dilation mechanism of the blood vessels, and many other processes that sustain life. Each amino acid has its own characteristics, but one shared similarity is the presence of nitrogen. The formation of DNA, RNA, catalyst and regulatory enzymes, hormones, plasma, and literally thousands of other nitrogen dependent processes rely on amino acids for nitrogen. Amino acids depend on trace metals, minerals, and vitamins to produce the various chemical reactions that sustain a healthy body.

Lutein is a carotenoid – a member of the vitamin A family derived from plant sources – and is usually found together with another carotenoid, zeaxanthin, in the macula and retina of the eye. As antioxidants, they appear to protect the eye tissues from photo damage by acting as light filters.

Lutein is found in adipose tissue and has been suggested to have a role in the lower incidence of breast cancer associated with diets high in fruits and vegetables. This same theory has been applied to the lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts in those whose diet is higher in lutein.

Lycopene is a carotenoid – a member of the vitamin A family derived from plant sources. Lycopene does not, however, have vitamin A activity. Lycopene is responsible for the red coloration of fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes are an important source of lycopene and processed products, such as tomato juice, have long been known for their health benefits. In recent studies, it has been shown that lycopene is a strong antioxidant and may protect against certain age-related diseases.

Magnesium is a highly abundant, naturally occurring element that is sometimes referred to as an electrolyte because it contains a positive electronic charge or "cation." It is the fourth most prevalent cation in the body and is involved in more than 300 enzymatic processes involving energy production and RNA and DNA. Approximately 53 percent of magnesium is stored in and on the bone and 46 percent is stored in muscle and soft tissue; the remaining 1 percent is found circulating in the blood stream. The body works to keep the circulating magnesium levels constant, so deficiencies become apparent when the stored magnesium in the body becomes low and can't replenish what has been lost from circulation. Because magnesium is so abundant in nature, food sources and a normal unrestricted diet are not usually the cause of low magnesium levels. Deficiency is frequently associated with diseases or medications that interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of magnesium or that cause excessive urinary loss. Alcoholism, diabetes, thyroid disorders, diseases of the kidney and gastrointestinal tract, and diuretics can cause magnesium deficiency. Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of potassium, calcium, and parathyroid hormone. Low magnesium levels often accompany low potassium levels. Because magnesium is involved in so many bodily functions, it is necessary for optimal heart, musculoskeletal, and central nervous system health.

Manganese is a trace element that acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic processes involving carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Proper manganese levels may contribute to preserving bone loss from the spine in postmenopausal women and to increasing bone density in osteoporosis. In addition to its role in bone formation, manganese is also known to be involved in the production of cartilage. Manganese is thought to be involved in the body's natural defenses for decreasing the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Therefore, supplementation of manganese may enhance the body's response to the inflammation associated with arthritis, sprains, and strains. Manganese has also been associated with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels. Because it is necessary for the formation of antibodies, manganese contributes to a healthy immune system. Manganese has also shown possible effectiveness in easing the symptoms of irritability and mood swings associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Note: Manganese is often found in combination products with glucosamine and chondroitin. Combined daily dosage of manganese should not exceed 11 mg.

Molybdenum (Mo) is an ultratrace element. It is also classified as a metal. Molybdenum is found in nature in the earth's crust and is also essential for plant life. Because the amount of molybdenum varies in soil, the nutritional values of food sources around the world also vary. Molybdenum is considered an "essential" ultratrace metal because it is required by the body to sustain life. It is the key component and cofactor in multiple processes, many of which result in the body's ability to utilize and breakdown enzymes. A few examples that are more commonly recognized are the nitrogen cycle, whereby nitrogen is converted to ammonia by nitrate reductase, a "molybdoenzyme" process. Xanthine oxidase is required to breakdown xanthine derivatives (caffeine) to uric acid and other byproducts. Sulfite oxidase is responsible for the body's ability to metabolize sulfur into the useable forms of sulfite and sulfate. Aldehyde oxidase requires molybdenum and iron to metabolize nicotine, producing the waste product cotinine that is found in the urine of cigarette smokers. Similarly, alcohol dehydrogenase, found in the stomach, initiates the metabolism of ingested ethanol. Molybdenum, in essence, works to detoxify and maintain optimum health.

Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM), one of the important ingredients in Olivamine, is used to promote wound healing and may play a role in easing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, osteoporosis, joint and muscle pain, and bursitis and tendonitis. There has been evidence that MSM may possibly be helpful to those with seasonal allergies. Methylsulphonylmethane contributes methyl groups to the body, which may reduce homocysteine levels, contributing to heart health.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine is a derivative of the amino acid, L-cysteine, a building block of protein. The activity of N-acetyl-L-cysteine is linked to its conversion to glutathione, a potent antioxidant. The underlying cause of many diseases not associated with infection results from a problem with protein and amino acid assimilation. Once digested, the amino acids in protein reconfigure to produce muscle and collagen, as well as DNA, RNA, catalyst and regulatory enzymes, hormones, plasma, and literally thousands of other nitrogen-dependent processes. The activity of muscle and collagen is not limited to mobility and athletic performance, but is responsible for the action of the lungs for breathing. N-acetyl-L-cysteine appears to be useful in chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by decreasing the number of flare-ups per year. Its antioxidant activities may assist the body's protective response in the presence of chemical and environmental toxins.

Nickel (Ni) is an ultratrace element and a metal. It is known to be of biological importance to bacteria and plant life. It is not well absorbed from the diet, and body stores appear to decrease with age. Nickel attaches to albumin, amino acids, and DNA.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is referred to as a B-complex vitamin and the "antistress" vitamin. The term "stress" means different things to different people, since there are many forms: an emotional or psychological response, subjection to extreme environmental factors or physical activity, the taxing of the body as it works to heal from trauma or disease, or the combating of inflammatory processes such as arthritis or allergies. The end result is that stress promotes the release of cortisone (adrenaline) and other adrenal hormones by the adrenal glands. Pantothenic acid is component of coenzyme A and a precursor to other important cofactors that are responsible for maintaining proper function of the adrenal. It also plays an important role in the conversion of fats, carbohydrates, and lipids into energy. In regard to anti-inflammatory properties, the swelling and pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis may show improvement with pantothenic acid supplementation in the calcium pantothenate form. Since diabetics have shown a propensity to excrete pantothenic acid at a higher rate than non-diabetics, supplementation may be advised. The importance of the role of pantothenic acid and its association with coenzyme A has made it an essential component of human nutrition.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found naturally in the soil. Much of what is known about selenium is based on observations of deficiency states caused by low levels of soil-selenium in certain regions of the world, and the food sources produced from that soil. Selenium has antioxidant properties. Research suggests that increased rates of cancer, heart disease, hypothyroidism, and skin and immune disorders are believed to be associated with selenium deficiency.

Silicon (Si) is an ultratrace element and is the second most abundant element found in the earth's crust. Consequently, unfiltered drinking water is one of the highest sources of dietary silicon. Research suggests that silicon is required for the formation of bone, and that men and women who have a high dietary intake of silicon may have a reduced risk of osteoporosis. It is important to note that bone formation occurs prior to the onset of menopause; therefore postmenopausal women would not be as likely to benefit from this attribute as much as their premenopausal counterparts. Other research suggests that silicon may decrease bone resorption and stimulate bone formation even in conditions of low estrogen, as in the postmenopausal state. Silicon may play a role in the formation of collagen production found in connective tissue throughout the body, such as the skin, tendons, the aorta, and trachea. Silicon is believed to be beneficial for healthy skin, hair, and nails, and for treating sprains and strains. Alzheimer's research includes positive observations of silicon's ability to protect neurons from the toxic effects of aluminum.

Taurine is an amino acid that has recently been recognized as possibly being more important for optimal health than previously known. Categorizing taurine's significance in the diet has traditionally labeled it as "conditionally essential." What does this mean? Taurine is readily available in diets that contain foods from animal sources. The body also produces taurine in the process of breaking down other amino acids. Therefore, our bodies can either utilize taurine directly from the diet or from that produced through the metabolism of other, specific, amino acids. As in many cases, deficiency states allow researchers to observe how the human body reacts in the absence of a nutrient. It is known that the brain, heart, retina, and platelets contain large quantities of taurine. As a result, researchers are looking into the role of taurine deficiency as it relates to optimal health.

Tin is an ultratrace metal found in the earth's crust. The term "trace" refers to the amount of the metal observed in food and water that provides the dietary intake necessary to maintain optimal health. As is the case with most of the trace minerals, tin's contribution and nutritional value is appreciated in conditions of deficiency, when health begins to fail. Necessary for many yet undefined or understood biological functions, research and observation recognize the necessity of ultratrace minerals and the very minute amounts required to avoid excessive exposure. Food stored in tin cans provides a dietary source of tin. The inside of the cans used to store acidic foods, such as tomato products and fruits, requires a lacquer-like lining to prevent excessive leaching of tin and resultant toxicity. Research suggests that tin's role in biological function appears to be associated with growth; the composition of major organs; heme oxygenase activity (a process of the production of bilirubin); and maintaining a healthy immune system by its influence on the thymus, which exhibits declining activity with age.

Vanadium is an essential trace mineral found in water and soil throughout the world. It is important in the formation and normal development of bones and teeth. Vanadium is a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions for utilization and regulation of insulin, glucose, and cholesterol. In areas of the world where the soil is rich in vanadium, it has been observed that there is a lower incidence of heart disease. As a result, vanadium may be useful in the treatment or management of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and the mineralization of bones and teeth. When used in combination with chromium, vanadium may possibly affect insulin activity and glucose tolerance.

Vitamin A is actually a family of various retinoids and carotenoids. The retinoids are found in animal products and make up two-thirds of dietary vitamin A. The carotenoids are found in plants and are the source for the other third of dietary vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the carotenoid that is most recognized and is converted in the body to vitamin A, as well as providing activity of its own. Beta-carotene is not active in its natural form and its absorption into the body is dependent on various factors. A portion of the available beta-carotene is converted to retinol and stored in fatty tissues dependent on the body's need. If the body recognizes that the available retinol is low, more beta-carotene will be processed. If retinol is not needed, the body does not process the Beta-carotene and it is eliminated. On average, one-third of dietary beta-carotene is absorbed and then only 10 to 50 percent is converted to retinol, depending on the body's storage status.

The earliest use of vitamin A was associated with its vital role in vision, most notably night blindness. We now know that vitamin A is necessary to maintain healthy eyes; treat skin disorders such as psoriasis, acne, and severe dry skin; help maintain the immune system; increase hemoglobin levels in anemia; provide antioxidant activity; and treat the myriad of symptoms associated with vitamin A deficiency itself. Vitamin A is considered an essential vitamin – a nutrient that is required for optimal health and life, but cannot be manufactured by the human body. The body is reliant on diet and supplementation to meet its nutritional requirements. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which indicates that it does not dissolve in water, but rather is stored in the liver and the body's fatty tissues. Because it doesn't dissolve in water, specific proteins and conditions are necessary to carry the dietary vitamin A from the digestive tract. Even with adequate dietary intake, deficiency can occur if the transport or storage processes are impaired. As the first recognized vitamin, vitamin A may be the most researched of all the micronutrients and the impact of deficiency states continues to be a world wide public health concern.

Vitamin B₁ is also known as thiamin. It was the first of the B vitamins discovered in the early 1900s. At the time, researchers were trying to find the cause of a widespread malady called "beriberi," a disease that affected the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It was extremely prevalent in populations where rice was a focal point of the diet. It was ultimately discovered that the polishing of rice removed an important nutrient that was contained only in the outer layers. In the 1950s, fortification of rice, grains, and flour was instituted as a way to combat vitamin B₁ deficiency.

Vitamin B₁ is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism. It is not stored in the body and is easily eliminated. The effects of Vitamin B₁ deficiency have been linked to the nervous system, heart, and gastrointestinal system. Deficiency can occur due to conditions that cause poor absorption and utilization (alcoholism, malabsorption syndrome, ingestion of foods that degrade vitamin B₁ such as raw fish and raw shellfish) and excessive elimination (vomiting, diarrhea, dialysis, diuretics).

Vitamin B₂ (riboflavin) is a water-soluble B vitamin that is an important factor in oxidative and enzyme dependent processes of the body. It is also essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Deficiency is rare because vitamin B₂ is readily available in many food sources. However, storage in the body is minimal, and when dietary intake is insufficient, signs of deficiency can occur within one week. Diets that restrict certain foods high in Vitamin B₂, as in the case of insufficient dairy intake due to lactose intolerance, do exist, but most deficiencies are a result of deprivation or an unbalanced diet. Celiac disease, irritable bowl syndrome, gastrointestinal and biliary obstruction, and diarrhea are examples of conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B₂ and may be lead to deficiency. Vitamin B₂ may possibly be effective in preventing migraine headaches; protecting against oxidative damage associated with ischemic heart trauma or stroke; maintaining healthy vision, hair, skin, and nails; and assisting glutathione in decreasing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It has been suggested that vitamin B₂ may possibly work in conjunction with vitamin B₆ to diminish the symptoms of carpal tunnel.

Vitamin B₆/Pyridoxine is a member of the B vitamin family. The body cannot produce vitamin B₆/pyridoxine so dietary intake is essential. Because it is water-soluble like the rest of its family, replenishment is necessary, even though there is some storage in muscle. Like other B vitamins, it is required for many processes - up to 100 enzymes may be dependent on vitamin B₆ - therefore its role in the body is very diverse. Vitamin B₆/pyridoxine is thought to play a role in blood glucose regulation; the production of hemoglobin and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and hormones; maintaining the immune system; and regulating homocysteine levels. This translates into possibly reducing the risk of certain types of anemia, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders. Vitamin B₆/pyridoxine plays a prominent role in amino acid metabolism and is needed for the production of niacin from tryptophan, helping prevent niacin deficiency and its associated symptoms.

Vitamin B₁₂ is the name given to a group of naturally occurring compounds referred to as cobalamins. Because the body doesn't produce vitamin B₁₂, dietary intake is essential, and animal products are the primary food sources. In the stomach, a mediator called Intrinsic Factor or IF is required to carry vitamin B₁₂ from food into the bloodstream. There, it is either transported to cells where it acts as a coenzyme or to the liver for storage. Vitamin B₁₂ is required for the normal function of all cells. Preventing and treating deficiency is critical for the healthy function of the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system, protein degradation, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, proper DNA synthesis, and treating pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of IF or conditions of the stomach that inhibit vitamin B₁₂ absorption. Aging is related to this decline in absorption. Symptoms associated with increased age – low energy, depression, confusion, lack of concentration – may be improved with vitamin B₁₂ supplements. Methylcobalamin, the vitamin B₁₂ component of Pinnaclife Multivitamin, is a naturally occurring coenzyme that may also improve alertness and improve sleep quality by its influence on melatonin levels.

Vitamin B₃ is a water-soluble B vitamin that exists as two forms, niacin and niacinamide. These two compounds work independently in many cases, but are both necessary for treating the vitamin B₃ deficiency known as pellagra. Observed for centuries as a disease of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system, pellagra progresses from an identifying dermatitis to diarrhea, dementia, and eventually death. Affected population's consumed a diet low in protein and high in corn. In the early 1900s, while looking for an amino acid related cause, researchers found that unprocessed corn did not release tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted to niacin in the body. By soaking corn in an alkaline solution, the tryptophan was released and the nutritional value recovered. Niacin is required for more than fifty known chemical processes in the body. Due to its water-solubility, it isn't stored well, and must be continually replenished. Niacin and niacinamide are used in very high doses to treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes. This type of dosing must be under the supervision of a physician. At low doses recommended for nutritional supplements, niacin assists enzymes in releasing energy from carbohydrates, regulating blood sugar, and metabolizing fat and cholesterol. Within the central nervous system, niacin is needed for proper brain function and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Niacin also acts as an antioxidant and takes part in detoxification.

Vitamin C is an essential, water-soluble micronutrient that is produced by plants and animals, but not by humans. There is evidence of often-fatal "scurvy" dating back to 3000 B.C. In the 1700s, researchers found the link between scurvy and diets of rationed food lacking fruits and vegetables. In the 1800s, the British Royal Navy began issuing sailors an ounce of lemon or lime juice each day, beginning their second week at sea. This is how British sailors earned the nickname "limey." Scurvy was such a devastating health issue that the discovery of its cure - ascorbic acid - was honored with a Nobel Prize in the 1930s. Today, the role of vitamin C has expanded. Research has revealed that vitamin C accumulates in almost all the cells, tissues, and organs of the body. It is recognized for: antioxidant effects in the eye and in cancer prevention; promoting a healthy gastrointestinal tract; the formation of healthy skin, bones, and cartilage; its beneficial role in cardiovascular disease; and maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is not stored in the body and requires constant replenishment. Levels decline rapidly in the presence of stress, infection, and inflammation, and supplementation is necessary to support the healing process. The argument that vitamin C is the cure for the common cold may be based on observations of improved recovery time associated with a healthy, vitamin C supported immune system. Doses of vitamin C vary based on the condition being treated, however, blood levels become appropriately saturated at a dose of 250 mg a day, the dose found in Pinnaclife Multivitamins.

The term "Vitamin D" refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins whose primary purpose is to maintain appropriate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Of the different forms of vitamin D - vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) - is the most potent form. Not available in many foods, vitamin D₃ is produced in the skin by virtue of a reaction with sunlight. Many factors prohibit optimal vitamin D₃ production from sun exposure – sunscreen, indoor lifestyle, living in northern latitudes – therefore deficiency is not uncommon. Vitamin D₃ has shown usefulness in the following situations and may possibly be of value to treat osteoporosis; prevent falls; aid weight loss; and decrease the risk of developing many age-related diseases.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in several forms: alpha, beta, delta and gamma-tocopherol, and alphatocotrienal. Alpha-tocopherol has long been considered the most biologically active form of vitamin E supplement, but research suggests that other forms provide benefits that may have been underappreciated. Vitamin E's antioxidant activities play a role in supporting cell life and impart anti-aging effects. Vitamin E's antioxidant activities play a role in supporting cell life and impart anti-aging effects. Vitamin E may possibly promote heart, central nervous system, and vision health.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble group of vitamins that is comprised of the K vitamins: K₁, K₂, K₃, and K₄. Vitamin K, whose name is derived from the German word koagulationvitamin, is most famous for its role in the clotting of blood. However, there is increasing evidence that it is involved in other roles that are beneficial, such as possibly enhancing bone formation in men and women, as well as possibly reducing high cholesterol levels in peritoneal dialysis patients. Vitamin K₁ (phytonadione) is commonly used to counter the effects of medications or medical conditions that reduce the ability of the blood to clot, either as an antidote to excessive warfarin or pre-surgically. Vitamin K₂ (menaquinone or MK-4) may promote the attraction of calcium to bone, increasing bone density and possibly decreasing the risk of fractures in post-menopausal women, at risk elderly men, and people taking medications that cause bone mineral loss, such as oral steroids.

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid – a member of the vitamin A family derived from plant sources - and is usually found together with lutein, another carotenoid, in the macula and retina of the eye. As antioxidants, they appear to protect the eye tissues from photo damage by acting as light filters.

Zinc is a trace element that is essential to optimal health. It is required for the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the human body, and therefore participates in a wide range of functions. Zinc has a role in antioxidant activities, detoxification of the liver, and maintaining a healthy immune system. The senses of smell and taste are affected by zinc deficiency, and supplementation may help increase weight gain and benefit depression associated with anorexia. Diarrhea associated with malnutrition is significantly improved with zinc supplements. Taking zinc may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms, but it has not been shown to prevent it. Wound healing, psoriasis, and acne may be improved by taking oral zinc. The risk of macular degeneration, night blindness associated with vitamin A deficiency, and possibly cataracts may also be decreased when proper zinc levels are maintained. The combination of zinc, manganese, copper, and calcium may improve bone mineral density and strengthen the bone, and may also slow bone loss of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.