GLOSSARY OF NUTRIENTS AND INGREDIENTS

Vitamins - Minerals - Herbs - Additional Nutrients - Additional Ingredients

Our own Energy Source nutritionist formulates all of our products, using only the highest pharmaceutical grade raw materials. The following glossary contains information about the ingredients shown in the Supplement Facts on our labels.

VITAMINS

Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It is necessary for appropriate gene expression, thereby influencing numerous physiological processes. It is required for normal functioning of the immune system. It maintains the integrity of the skin and the lining of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts, which act as first barriers against infection. It is also vital to fetal development.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is important to the health of the nerves and nervous system. It enhances circulation, aids digestion, and works to stimulate the cells’ production of energy, mainly in glucose metabolism. It works together with other B vitamins to prevent fatigue, irritability and depression. It also protects the body from the degenerative effects of aging.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, and cell respiration. It participates in the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates and amino acids. It assists the adrenal gland, and it is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the digestive tract. It also is beneficial to the skin, hair and nails.

Niacin (VitaminB3) contributes to good circulation and healthy skin. It supports the functions of the nervous system, and the formation of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system. It also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is known as the “anti-stress” vitamin in its support of the adrenal glands’ production of hormones. It is critical to the production of red blood cells, and it supports the immune system. It helps with proper vitamin utilization, and it participates in converting fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy.

Vitamin B6 affects the efficient function of the nervous and immune systems. It is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is essential in the production of hemoglobin and its ability to carry oxygen. It helps to maintain the correct balance between sodium and potassium, and it is a cofactor in the prevention of arteriosclerosis.

Vitamin B12 helps to maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA. It is necessary to prevent anemia, and it helps with the utilization of iron. It is required for the proper digestion and absorption of foods. It is associated with the prevention of shrinkage and atrophy of the brain in older individuals.

Biotin is a B vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, the breakdown of proteins to urea, and the conversion of amino acids from protein into blood sugar for energy.

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, a structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bone. It contributes to the synthesis of an important neurotransmitter in proper brain function. It is also a vital antioxidant, protecting proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids from damage by free radicals.

Vitamin D is required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus in the digestive tract, and to maintain the correct calcium/phosphorus balance in the bloodstream. It protects against muscle weakness, and is a cofactor in the regulation of the heartbeat.

Vitamin E functions primarily as a powerful antioxidant. It protects fats in cell membranes and the bloodstream against oxidation by free radicals, which are formed during normal energy production. It also affects the activities of molecules and enzymes in immune and inflammatory cells.

Vitamin K is vital to a series of functions that result in blood coagulation, an action that prevents serious blood loss in the event of a cut or wound.

MINERALS

Boron is a trace element that enhances the body’s ability to use calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. It also seems to assist in brain functioning and recognition.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is indispensable in the formation of strong bones and teeth. It is necessary for muscle contraction, for maintaining a regular heartbeat, for the secretion of hormones and enzymes and for the transmission of nerve impulses. It is also important for normal blood clotting and for regulating cholesterol levels.

Chromium is a trace mineral that is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat and protein. It helps to maintain normal levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

Germanium in its organic form supports the immune system, relieves pain and helps to restore the liver. It is an energizer.

Iodine is an essential element that enables the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. It also contributes to proper brain function.

Magnesium plays a structural role in bone, cell membranes and chromosomes. It is required for a number of steps during nucleic acid and protein synthesis. It is important to the enzymes involved in energy production. It is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction/relaxation. It assists with the transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, and it prevents calcification of soft tissues.

Manganese contributes to bone and nerve health, normal blood sugar levels, and optimal thyroid function. It also helps the body utilize several key nutrients.

Molybdenum is an essential trace element for virtually all life forms. It functions as a cofactor for a number of enzymes that catalyze important chemical transformations.

Potassium is an essential dietary mineral and electrolyte. An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into ions (charged particles) in solution, making it capable of conducting electricity.

Potassium is the principal positively charged ion in the fluid inside of cells, and sodium is the principal ion in the fluid outside of the cells. The concentration differences between potassium and sodium across cell membranes create an electrochemical gradient known as the membrane potential, which is critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and heart function. Potassium is also a cofactor for a number of enzymes.

Selenium regulates the effects of thyroid hormone on fat metabolism. It helps to protect the health of the heart and liver, and it is needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity. It is also an important antioxidant, helping to protect against free radical damage throughout the body.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, supports a healthy immune system, helps maintain a sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis and wound healing.

HERBS

A word about inflammatory disorders – Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection or molecules perceived by the immune system as foreign. While an inflammatory response is essential for survival, the ability to control inflammation is also necessary for health. Excessive or uncontrolled inflammation results in a vast array of diseases that include allergies, asthma, various forms of arthritis and a number of autoimmune conditions. It is becoming increasingly clear that inflammation is at the root of a significant number of serious diseases.

Boswellia is derived from a tree resin, has been used for thousands of years to treat what we now recognize as inflammatory disorders and certain autoimmune diseases. It inhibits or blocks the immune system’s inflammation responses and helps prevent the deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue.

Burdock Root is a nutrient-rich herb that provides cleansing support for the blood, the liver and the natural defense system. It contains polyacetylenes that have both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Cats Claw has been used for centuries in South America for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections, asthma, ulcers, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and cancer. It is used to support the immune system and promote kidney health.

Ginger is a spice that has been utilized in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is most commonly known for its effectiveness as a digestive aid, and to relieve motion sickness. It stimulates circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Horsetail dates back to at least ancient Roman and Greek medicine, when it was used to stop bleeding and to heal ulcers and wounds. Today it is used to help mend broken bones and to form collagen, an important protein found throughout the body.

Sheep Sorrel Leaf is a Native American remedy that supports the immune and lymphatic systems. It is used traditionally for fevers and inflammations, and as a diuretic. It is prominent in the well known Essiac cancer treatment formula, and anecdotal evidence is strong although scientific tests have not been conducted.

Siberian Ginseng Root has been used for centuries in Russia and China. It helps the body adapt to stressful conditions, and it is valued for its ability to increase longevity, enhance overall health, and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory.

Slippery Elm Bark is a Native American remedy that was used to treat toothaches, skin injuries, gout, arthritis, stomachaches and coughs. Now it is used to relieve gastrointestinal conditions, sore throats, ulcers and respiratory irritations. It is also in the Essiac formula.

Turkish Rhubarb Root has been used for more than 2,000 years as a purgative, to restore bowel health. It benefits both the digestive and urinary tracts and the liver. It contains an impressive number of vitamins, and a long list of minerals and trace minerals.

White Willow Bark was used by the ancient Egyptians for inflammation, and Hippocrates wrote about its medicinal use in 5th century B.C. It is the forerunner of today’s aspirin. It relieves back and joint pain, fevers, flu symptoms and inflammatory disorders.

Yucca has been used traditionally by Native Americans as an arthritis remedy. It is an effective pain reliever, and its phytosterols work with the natural immune functions of the body, and assist the body in using and producing its steroid-related hormones. It also works on inflammatory disorders.

Stevia Rebaudinia has many health benefits and it is completely non-toxic. It contains impressive numbers of vitamins and minerals, and over 100 phytonutrients. Stevia leaf powder is approximately 15 to 30 times sweeter than common table sugar.

ADDITIONAL NUTRIENTS

Fulvic Acids – We consider them important enough to include in most of our products, see our page devoted to Fulvic Acid for a description of their attributes.

Grape Seed Extract is a natural bioflavonoid that is antiallergenic, antihistamine, anti inflammatory and antioxidant. It strengthens blood vessels, improves skin, and aids in circulation. It protects against cardiovascular disease, varicose veins, collagen damage and arthritis.

Glucosamine HCL (Non-Shellfish) is a vegetarian form of glucosamine, which is one of the major building blocks utilized in the body’s synthesis of the lubricants and shock absorbing mechanisms necessary to maintain and restore healthy joint performance.

Inositol helps establish healthy cell membranes, especially the specialized cells in the brain, bone marrow, eyes and intestines. It also helps to maintain proper electrical energy and nutrient transfer across the cell membrane. It is important to healthy hair growth. In some studies it was found to relieve symptoms of depression.

L-Cysteine is a sulfur bearing amino acid normally synthesized by the body. More may be required if the body is under stress. L-Cysteine is used to produce L-Taurine, which plays a major role in central nervous system function, and L-Glutathione, which is critical for immune system function, cellular function and nerve signal efficiency. L-Cysteine is essential for T-cell production and immune system activation. It is also a component of insulin.

MSM (methylsulfonyilmethane) provides sulfur, a vital building block of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails, and methyl groups, which support many vital biochemical processes in the body, including energy production.

5-Loxin is derived from the Boswellia tree, has been proven to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as reported in a recent article. It has shown benefits in promoting joint comfort, knee mobility and walking distance.

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

Citric Acid is an organic acid, not to be confused with ascorbic acid, vitamin C. It is found primarily in citrus fruits. It can be used as a natural preservative in lieu of chemicals, and at the same time it helps regulate pH in the digestive tract, aids in the removal of toxins from the body, helps break down fatty foods and promotes efficient digestive function.

Magnesium Stearate is used as a lubricant in powder blends to prevent adherence to the capsule when it becomes compact.

Potassium Bicarbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate are alkaline agents. When added to a Calcium/Magnesium supplement they improve the bioavailability of these alkaline minerals, increasing their absorption. The combination is important to neutralizing the body’s harmful acidic wastes and maintaining a healthful pH balance.

Rice Flour is a passive food ingredient generally recognized as safe for use as a filler. Vegetable Cellulose is generally recognized as safe for use as a binder.

Xylitol is the preferred alternative to sugar that most health care providers recommend, because it does not require insulin for metabolism and it effectively fights bacteria that cause oral, nasal or ear infections. It also prevents tooth decay.