Acetyl-L-Carnitine has demonstrated amazing abilities to fight fat, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increase energy, and improve heart function. Recent advances in understanding aging have focused on the role of the mitochondria, the tiny components in every cell that supply the energy needed for optimal cellular function. As we age, our mitochondria become less efficient because of the decay of components of their membrane system. This causes an increase in oxidative stress and further cellular deterioration. Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been shown in mice to improve mitochondrial function and decrease the production of free radicals. This leads to less DNA damage and improved function of many organs. We have added this expensive ingredient to the packs because we believe it has now been shown to be a necessary component of any regimen aimed at slowing the aging process. This amino acid is also directly linked to the improvement of cognition and memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease and neurological repair in stroke victims.*
L-Carnosine is a powerful antioxidant has been shown to protect against radiation, improve the function of the heart and even promote wound healing. This amino acid is also well known for its ability to rejuvenate cells. L-carnosine has an anti-glycosylation effect. Glycosylation takes place when sugar aldehydes react with the amino acids on the protein molecule--this results in the formation of AGEs (Advance Glycosylation End-products). These cross-linked, oxidized end-products can be quite damaging. L-carnosine bars this chain of events from happening, and therefore protects the body from many aspects of aging that glycosylation can cause.*
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical naturally produced in the human brain. It is thought to be used in converting choline to the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Involved in the processes of learning and memory, acetylcholine has been known to be beneficial for people with autism, memory deficiency and dementia. The possible memory-boosting effects of DMAE may help with the ordinary memory lapses that occur with normal aging. People who have tried DMAE report better memory (especially short-term memory), as well as improved concentration, focus, mental clarity, and sleep.*
LECI-PS can reverse normal age-related memory loss that occurs while performing certain basic tasks of everyday life. Most striking is the effect of Leci-PS on our ability to learn and remember names: an age-related reversal of memory loss was observed that was the equivalent of almost 14 years (Crook, 1998). PS benefits brain functions not only in the elderly, it also reduces the negative effects of mental stress in young healthy individuals and benefits a person's mood. As shown in numerous studies, PS is also an effective supplement for combating exercise-induced stress and preventing the physical deterioration accompanying too much exercise (i.e., overtraining).*
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: We have maintained since the publication of the GISSI trial in which fish oil capsules reduced the risk of sudden death by 45% in patients with heart disease that the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA should be a staple of any full spectrum supplement. That is why two capsules of fish oil have been in our packs since 1997. Now the American Heart Association has for the first time recommended a dietary supplement and it is fish oil capsules. They recommend 360 mg a day of DHA, the most potent form of omega-3 fatty acids. Our premium packs provide 500 mg of DHA in half of the volume of fish oil as most capsules. This means that there are fewer of the other potentially damaging fatty acids (such as arachadonic acid) that can be found in the other 500 mg of a typical less concentrated fish oil capsule. In addition, our capsules are enteric coated, which virtually eliminates fish odor.
Vitamin A: The packs contain a mixture of retinol palmitate,
the fat soluble directly-acting molecule, and the full spectrum of natural carotenes including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin for a natural algae. This assures that there is no toxic build up of vitamin A in the liver and that multiple actions of carotenes found in nature are replicated. The beta-carotene used in the lung cancer trial that found an increase in lung cancer in the treated group used synthetic beta-carotene. There is no need to purchase a separate eye health supplement. These packs contain therapeutic doses of lutein and lycopene, which add to protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that the carotenes above afford.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is the element of the antioxidant network responsible for regenerating the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C and vitamin E. It is known that these latter two antioxidants can become pro-oxidants if taken in high quantities. ALA significantly reduces this possibility by shuffling between the cell membrane and aqueous compartments of the tissues to regenerate the antioxidant form of vitamins C and E.
Vitamin K2: Vitamin K2 has been proven instrumental in regulating the body's use of calcium, namely keeping it out of the blood and into the bones. We've added the best K2 available - MenaQ7.
Vitamin C: the packs contain both water and lipid soluble vitamin C to provide a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals intracellularly and within the cell membrane. It also helps to regenerate vitamin E to its full activity and exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin C is also required for the synthesis of collagen which helps improve tone and radiance in the skin and is effective in treating spider veins. It also strengthens the capillaries which helps improve cardiovascular health.
Vitamin D-3: deficiency of this nutrient is quite common in the US, especially in northern states during the winter (not enough sun exposure to produce it in the skin) and in the elderly who often do not get out in the sun and have poor diets. The RDA is 400 IU, but a cushion is preferable. The packs provide a total dose of 1,400 IU which is enough to maintain a blood level above the 45 that authorities now consider optimal.
Vitamin E: It is becoming clear that as with the carotenoids, a mixture of the naturally occurring tocopherols provides greater benefits than a synthetic version of one of them. Many supplements provide only alpha tocopherol or the succinate form of vitamin E. This misses the other forms of beta, delta, and gamma tocopherol the latter of which is particularly important for lowering cholesterol and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. The natural E forte in the packs contains high doses of gamma and beta tocopherol.
B-complex in the packs is formulated to provide the RDA of folic acid for women and to reduce plasma homocysteine levels with the B-12 and B-6. The doses are equivalent to most separate products that are sold as heart protection packs.
Calcium - included in the packs is 525mg of calcium citrate, a highly absorbable and utilizable form of calcium. While the RDA for elemental calcium intake (dietary and supplemental) is 1000 mg a day for premenopausal women and 1500 mg for post menopausal woman, we have kept the dosage at the 525mg, as hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone, restores postmenopausal bone remodeling to the same levels as premenopause.
Magnesium is a mineral required in over 300 enzymatic functions. It is required for the production of ATP for energy and helps to mitigate anxiety, stress, migraines and muscle tension. It also regulates bowel movement and has been shown to reduce blood pressure. It is also required in a 1:2 ratio with calcium for optimal bone health, which is the ratio the pack provides.
Zinc is an essential cofactor in the endogenous anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD occurs in virtually all cells and helps to destroy free radicals that lead to accelerated aging. Zinc also modulates hormone levels, regulates taste acuity, improves tissue repair, enhances the immune system and improves neurological function. Zinc has also been shown to be beneficial in age related macular degeneration.
Selenium is an essential cofactor in glutathione, one of the body’s most important endogenous antioxidant systems. The packs contain what many authorities consider is an optimal dose of 200 mcg. Be careful that your total daily dose does not exceed 400 mcg if you are taking other supplements.
Chromium and vanadium are trace minerals essential for blood sugar control. The packs contain 200/26 mcg chromium/vanadium per day, the recommended daily dose. There is no need to take more or add a blood sugar control supplement.
Boron is important for preserving bone density and the packs supply it in the high end (3.2 mg) of the recommended 1 to 5 mg a day.
Bromelain is a potent anti-inflammatory substance that speeds wound healing.
The packs contain a full complement of bioflavonoids and proanthocyanidins from various natural sources including red wine and pine bark extract. These substances have potent antioxidant effects.
CoEnzyme Q10: Many supplements advertise Coenzyme Q10 on their label but put a sub-therapeutic amount in because of its expense. The AM Packs contain 100 mg of CoQ10, which if taken with meals usually results in a measurable increase in plasma levels.
Gingko Biloba: This herb promotes good blood flow to the brain and heart by keeping one’s blood from becoming sticky and causing clots.
* - These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.