The light on the sunshine vitamin—vitamin D—is shining bright lately and not just in areas of bone health, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteomalacia and hip fractures. In fact, it is also said that vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions. But before going into the structure/function applications of vitamin D, it is first important to understand the history and background of this important nutrient.

ResistAid™ is a proprietary natural immune support ingredient manufactured by the Swiss life-science company Lonza. It is produced via a patented water-based extraction process (US 5756098, EP 866808 and other patents) from larch trees that grow in abundance in the United States. ResistAid™ consists of the soluble fiber arabinogalactan and bioactive polyphenolic flavonoids, and thus has antioxidant capacity.

DHAid™ is a concentrated and purely vegetarian source of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential long-chain fatty acid. It is produced from a strain of microalgae through a patented fermentation process. DHAid™ is an environmentally friendly source of DHA as it is manufactured using renewable resources. DHAid™ is non-allergenic, free of potential contaminants often associated with seafood, and uses no chemical solvents for production.

Theracurmin is a special advanced form of curcumin—the yellow pigment found in turmeric (Curcuma longa)—the chief ingredient in curry. Curcumin has demonstrated significant activity in many experimental and clinical studies, but its effects have been limited until now because of poor absorption. Studies indicate Theracurmin is by far the most bioavailable form of curcumin and represents a major breakthrough in the use of curcumin to promote health. Many of curcumin’s beneficial effects are attributed to its ability to act as an antioxidant and help to restore balance in certain cellular functions.

“Based on the evidence reviewed, the botanical material bitter orange peel, at the doses typically used in herbal medicine and food, is not considered to pose any risk to the health of consumers.”  This is the finding of “Synephrine, Octopamine and Caffeine Health Risk Assessment Report,” prepared by Robin Marles, Ph.D., Director, Bureau of Clinical Trials and Health Sciences, Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) of Heath Canada.  Health Canada is the Canadian counterpart to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.

Q: How has the face of the sports nutrition market changed in recent years?

A: Now a $3.2-bilion industry projected to grow 21% between 2008 and 2013, sports nutrition products are no longer just a niche category used by elite athletes, such as pro athletes and hardcore bodybuilders to augment their rigorous training and give them a competitive advantage. General consumers who lead active lifestyles have now sought out sports nutrition supplements to improve their physical look, energy and performance as part of a pathway to leading a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, their brand selections in this category are highly influenced by the endorsements of serious athletes and bodybuilders whom they aspire to emulate.

Over 40 years ago, a remarkable discovery was made by a brilliant scientist…John Willard, Ph.D. At the time, this talented chemistry professor was in the process of conducting research on a highly concentrated trace mineral water when he serendipitously combined the trace mineral water with another product he’d been developing. With that small stroke of inspired genius, he invented Willard Water.

Blood sugar and appetite are monitored by various systems within the body. For example, specialized immune cells that surround every brain cell can sense the level of glucose in your blood. Every time blood sugar drops rapidly, these cells send signals to parts of the brain that cause you to feel hungry. If you are overweight, insulin resistance and cravings can make your brain send out hunger signals even when it is inappropriate.

1. What is the importance of vitamin D in the body?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that requires conversion in the liver and kidneys to form the physiologically active form of vitamin D known as calcitriol. Active vitamin D functions as a steroid hormone in the body, augmenting calcium and phosphorus absorption in the kidneys, which helps to form and maintain healthy bones and teeth.

ResistAid™ is a natural proprietary immune support ingredient manufactured by the Swiss life-science company Lonza.  It is produced via a water based extraction patented process (US 5756098, EP 866808 and other patents) from larch trees that grow in abundance in the United States. ResistAid™ consists of the soluble fiber arabinogalactan and bioactive flavonoids, and thus has antioxidant capacity.