Solgar Product Guide

Amino Acids

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Our daily protein requirement is really a need for amino acids. Dietary Amino Acids are classified as "essential" or "non-essential". Essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenyalalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine) cannot be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet or ill-health results. The non-essential amino acids are also essential for health but can synthesised in the body from essential amino acids. Both the essential and non-essential amino acids are reassembled as hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), antibodies and nutrient carriers.

The term "non-essential" may be misleading. Although histidine was once considered an essential amino acid for infants only, subsequent research has determined that histidine may also be essential for adults. Arginine, ornithine, cysteine, taurine and tyrosine are classified as non essential amino acids but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional concerns. A sub-optimal intake of the essential amino acids increase the body's need for the non-essential amino acids.

Products in this range:

- L-Arginine (Vegicaps)

- BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) (Vegicaps)

- L-Carnitine (Vegicaps)

- L-Cysteine (Vegicaps)

- L Glutamine (Vegicaps)

- L-Glutathione (Vegicaps)

- Glycine (Vegicaps)

- L-Hisidine (Vegicaps)

- L-Lysine (Vegicaps)

- L-methionmine (Vegicaps)

- L-Ornithine (Vegicaps)

- L-Phenylalanine (Vegicaps)

- DLPA (Vegicaps)

- Taurine (Vegicaps)

- Tyrosine (Vegicaps)

Antioxidants

If you ever wondered why an apple turns brown after you cut it or why iron rusts when exposed to the elements, you are questioning the damage and destructuve effects of oxidants (free radicals) normally found in the environment. Oxidation causes similar harm to the cells in our body. When you breathe, digest food, exercise or just sleep, your body produces potentially harmful agents called free radicals. The free- radical chain reactions in your body take place countless times each day. To make matters worse, emotional stress, ultraviolet light and tonic substances un air pollution and cigarette smoke also generate free radials that can put your health at risk. Fortunately, nature offers means to protect yourself against hazards of oxidation by-products. You can call on powerful allies known as antioxidants, that work in oppostion to free radicals. Researchs have found that antioxidants inhabit and control free radicals.

Products in this range:

- Advanced Antioxidant Formula

- Alpha Lipoic Acid

- Antioxidant Nutrients

- Bilberry Ginkgo Eyebright Complex

- Grape Seed Extract

- Pine Bark Extract

- Sulphur Antioxidant Complex

Beta Carotene/Carotenoids

The entire family of carotenes are found naturally in many vegetables and fruits. Specially, beta carotene is found in dark orange or green vegtables and fruit. The difference between a dark orange carrot and a pale one is its carotene content. Beta carotene anf other carotenoid supplementations are an appealing and convient way to make up the difference. Unfortunately, most diets are lacking in these important nutrients.

Products in this range:

- Oceanic Beta Corotene

- Advanced Carotenoid Complex

- Lutein Lycopene Carotene Complex

- Lycopene Carotenoid Complex

Digestive aids

Proper digestion and absorption are two of the most important physiological functions in the body. If these processes are not working properly, optimal health cannot be maintained. Incomplete or disordered digestion can be a minor contribution to the development of ill-health. The problem can be two-fold:

1) Ingestion of foods and nutritional substances are of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation and inadequate
2)Incompletely digested food molecules can be inappropriately absorbed into the systemic circulation . This can lead to the development of food allergies and other associated disorders.

The digestion tract and its function may be the single most important body component determining health and disease. Maintaining normal digestion, absorption and elimination is a necessity. When these functions are faulty, we may not be aware that these dysfunctions are contributing to many other problems. The poor digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates further contributes to poor assimilation and nutrients deficiency problems. Therefore, when they are needed, supplemental support of digestion enzymes may be even more important.

Natural emulsifying agents and digestive enzymes are excellent aids to the digestive and absorptive processes.

Products in this range:

- Betaine Hydrochloride

- Bromelain

- Digestive Enymes

- Pancreatin

- Vegan Digestive Enzymes

- Advanced Acidophilus

- Advanced Acidophilus plus

- Advanced 40+ Acidophilus

- Advanced Multi-billion Dophilus

- Multi-Acidophilus

- ABC Dophilus

Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are the basic structural units of liquid. Liquid is the general term which refers to dietary fat. The body can synthesise many fatty acids. However, those which it cannot manufacture in adequate amounts must be obtained from the diet, and are termed essential fatty acids (EFAs). Fatty acids can be saturated monosaturated or polyunsaturated, depending on the degree to which the basic carbon chain of the molecule is filled with hydrogen. The two essential fats are defined as linolenic- an omega- 3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid- an omega-6 fatty acid. The terms omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, refer to which carbon atom of the fatty acid molecule the first double bond is located. Many nutritionists and scientist feel the western diet emphasises omega-6 fatty acids while omega-3 fatty acids are under-consumed. Including more omega-3 rich foods in the diet and decreasing the consumptions of red meats, hydrogenated oils and other saturated fats may protect us against many of today’s degenerative diseases.

Products in this range:

- DHA

- Evening Primrose

- Fish Oil Concentrate

- Fresh Linseed

- Omega-3

- Safflower Oil Softgels with Vitamin B6

- Super GLA

- Wheat Germ Oil

Food Supplements

The food supplements is category of comprised of concentrated foods that provide additional nutrient value to a person’s diet when combined or taken in conjunction with food. Products such as brewers yeast are rich sources of protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids- in the same forms as they occur in nature.

Some food supplements can be mixed with juices, sprinkled on salads or cereals and incorporated into breads and sauces. Other are offered as tables or capsules for easy and palatable ingestion. Still others are available in concentrated forms that provide optimal nutritional benefits in small, manageable portions.

Products in this range:

- Alfalfa

- Brewer’s Yeast

- Broccoli Extract

- Natural Cranberry Extract with vitamin C

- Earth Sources Green and more

- Certified organic garlic

- Garlic oil

- MaxGar garlic

- Liver

- Bee Pollen

Gold Specifics™

Solgar's Gold Specifics™ are a premium range of natural combination formulas that get right to the point by aiding and supporting specific functions in the body. They're the cutting edge of nutritional science.

To create Gold Specifics™ our researchers utilising the latest studies and most advance nutritional technology. Never before have we had such a wealth of research about natural constituents and how they work in the body. Never before have we had such clear understandings of their significant, and highly specific, physiological benefits.

As a result Gold Specifics™ are revolutionary formulas, synergistic blends of vitamins, chelated minerals, free form amino acids, advanced phytonutrients, powerful antioxidants and powerful standardised herbs. All incorporate the most innovative ingredients available today. All offer precise nutrient levels to ensure optimal results and proper nutrient forms for proper absorption and utilisation.

The Gold Specifics™ formulations can be taken with your favourite multi-vitamin and antioxidant formula.

Products in this range:

- Gold Specifics™ Antioxidants Free Radical Modulators (Vegicaps)

- Gold Specifics™ Bone Support (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ Brain Modulators (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ Cardiovascular Support (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ Cholesterol Factors (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ Energy Modulators (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ Glucose Factors (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ GSH (Glutathione) Modulators (Vegicaps)

- Gold Specifics™ Homocysteine Modulators (Vegicaps)

- Gold Specifics™ Joint Modulators (Tablets)

- Gold Specifics™ Microbial Modulators (Vegicaps)

- Gold Specifics™ Prostate Support (Vegicaps)

- Gold Specifics™ Vegan Digestive Modulators (Vegicaps)

Herbal Supplements

Today's emphasis on wellness and a more holistic approach to healthcare has given rise to a new popularity for herbs. More and more poeple are using herbs for their natural, time-tested effectiveness in prevention as well as for treating a variety of ailments.

The use of herbs in medicine dates back thousands of years. In fact, many of today's medicines were originally derived from botanicals. For example, aspirin once came from the white willow tree, quinine from the bark of the cinchona, tree and digitalis from foxglove. Herbs are still the basis for Chinese medicine and are important constituents of many European natural remedies. As Hippocrates said, "Let thy food be thy medicine, thy medicine be thy food".

Solgar is committed to bringing you the best herbal supplements available today. We apply the same high standards to our herbs as with the rest of our nutritional supplements.

Solgar's herbs are carefully selected from plants growing in the wild (wild-crafted) or meticulously cultivated on special herb farms. We choose the finest, freshest herbs based on a strict set of criteria such as the correct geographical origin of the raw material, the authentication of the species and the quality of the raw material. Our herbs enter Solgar's state-of-the-art quality control micro biological laboratory where they are scientifically evaluated for their quality, purity, potency and authenticity.

Before Solgar's standardised herbs are encapsulated, the ingredients are mixed with a special blend of antioxidants - natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), natural beta carotene and other carotenoids, rosemary extract and vitamin C - called the PhytO₂x™ System. The purpose of the PhytO₂x™ System is to maintain the freshness of the herbs and their active constituents by preventing oxidation. This ensures conistant quality and stability of the ingredients in every Vegicap.

Most Solgar herbal supplements are available in Vegicaps, our two-piece capsule made entirely from vegetable cellulose. Unlike most other encapsulated herbal products, Solgar's herbal supplements in Vegicaps are completely free from animal derivatives. The clear capsule is fast dissolving and completely neutral to the herb contents. Vegicaps are free of potential irritants such as starch, sugar, preservatives and colour, making it the perfect capsule for herbal supplements.

Standardised Full Potency Herbs (SPF)

Products in this range:

- American Ginseng Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Ashwaganda Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Astragalus Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Bilberry Berry Extract (Vegicaps)

- Black Cohosh Root Extract Plus (Vegicaps)

- Blueberry Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Boswellia Resin Extract (Vegicaps)

- Butcher's Broom Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Cat's Claw Inner Bark Extract (Vegicaps)

- Cranberry Berry Extract (Vegicaps)

- Devil's Claw Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Dong Quai Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Echinacea Herb Extract (Vegicaps)

- Elderberry Extract (Vegicaps)

- Feverfew Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Ginger Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Goldenseal Root Complex Extract (Vegicaps)

- Green Tea Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Hawthorne Herb Extract (Vegicaps)

- Horse Chestnut Seed Extract (Vegicaps)

- Korean Ginseng Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Deglycyrrhised Licorice Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Milk Thistle Herb Extract (Vegicaps)

- Nettle Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Olive Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Red Clover Leaf Extract (Vegicaps)

- Rhodiola Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- St. John's Wort Herb Extract (Vegicaps)

- Saw Palmetto Berry Extract (Vegicaps)

- Schisandra Berry Extract (Vegicaps)

- Siberian Ginseng Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Turmeric Root Extract (Vegicaps)

- Valerian Root Extract (Vegicaps)

Full Potency Herbs (PF), Traditional herb extract and whole Herb Powder

Products in this range:

- Aloe Vera Leaf (Vegicaps)

- Astragalus Root (Vegicaps)

- Bilberry Extract 60mg with Ginkgo Biloba (Vegicaps)

- Burdock Root (Vegicaps)

- Butcher's Broom (Vegicaps)

- Cat's Claw (Vegicaps)

- Cayenne (Vegicaps)

- Chlorella (Vegicaps)

- Dandelion Root (Vegicaps)

- Devil's Claw (Vegicaps)

- Dong Quai Root (Vegicaps)

- Echinacea (Vegicaps)

- Echinacea/Goldenseal/Cat's Claw Complex (Vegicaps)

- Eyebright (Vegicaps)

- Fenugreek (Vegicaps)

- Ginger Root (Vegicaps)

- Ginkgo Biloba (Vegicaps)

- Siberian Ginseng (Vegicaps)

- Goldenseal Root (Vegicaps)

- Gotu Kola (Vegicaps)

- Green Tea (Chinese) (Vegicaps)

- Hawthorne Berry (Vegicaps)

- Herbal Water Formula (Vegicaps)

- Milk Thistle (Vegicaps)

- Pau D'arco (Vegicaps)

- Saw Palmetto Berries (Vegicaps)

- Saw Paletto Pygeum Lycopene Complex (Vegicaps)

- Scutellariae (Vegicaps)

- Valerian Root (Vegicaps)

- Vegital Silica (Vegicaps)

- Yucca (Vegicaps)

Other Herbal Formations

Products in this range:

- Ginger Fennel Complex (Vegicaps)

- Herbal Female Complex (Vegicaps)

- Herbal Male Complex (Vegicaps)

- Milk Thistle Dandelion (Vegicaps)

- Olive Leaf Echinacea Complex (Vegicaps)

Lecithin

Lecithin is used in foods as a fat emulsifier. As a nutritional supplement, it's a natural source of many nutrients including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl-inositol, phosphatidylserine and other phosplates. Lecithin's most important physiological function may be its role in the biochemical processes of cell membranes, mitochondria and plasma.

Phospholipids are important compounds found in the structure of all cell membranes. Lecithin, an important source of phospholipids, is needed by every living cell in the human body. Cell membranes that regulate which nutrients may leave or enter a cell are largely composed of lecithin. Without it, a cell membrane would harden. The cell's membrane offers protection from damage by oxidation. Interestingly, the protective sheaths surrounding the brain and nerve cells also contain this fatty substance. Lecithin can be found in high concentrations in soybeans and egg yolks. Although lecithin is a fatty substance, it acts as an emulsifying agentm assisting in the breakdown of fats/cholesterol. It enables fats such as cholesterol and other lipids to be dispersed in water and removed from the body. The vital organs and arteries are protected from faty build-up with the inclusion of lecithin in the diet.

Products in this range:

- Lecithin, Soya (Unbleached) (Softgels)

- Soya Lecithin "95" (Granules)

- Phosphatidylcholine Complex (Softgels)

Minerals

Minerals are essential factors in human nutrition, they are constituents of the bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscles, blood and nerve cells. They act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body, and are important in the production of hormones.

Products in this range:

- Boron

- Calcium

- Gentle Iron

- Kelp

- Magnesium

- Selenium

Multivitamins

The human body requires a wide variety of food substances, termed "nutrients" which are the building materials for new and repairing tissues. Each nutrient has specific functions. Although in many instances, several must work together to help the body perform the necessary task.

Among the nutrients that work together are vitamins and minerals which are constituents of the body's enzyme systems, the catalysts necessary for the maintenence of life.

To ensure optimum nutrient intake, for many individuals it is important to consider supplementing the daily diet with a multivitamin/multimineral formula.

Products in this range:

- Daily Gold Pack

- Earth Souce

- Solovite

- Vita Kid

Protein

Protein is the most abundant substance in the body after water. It is vitally important for the growth, maintenance and repair of all body tissues. Therefore protein is one of the most important components of a healthy diet. It is a major component of bones, muscles, blood, nerves, internal organs, hair, skin, nails, ligaments and tendons. Hormones such as thyroid hormine and insulin are also reliant on protein, as is the immune system, which requires adequate protein for the formation of antibodies.

Protein is made up of amino acids, 22 of which are required by the human body. Eight of these are known as essential amino acids because they must be consumed in the diet. Unlike the others, the essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body. When a food contains all eight essential amino acids it is referred to as a complete protein. Common complete protein foods include meat, eggs and dairy products.

Products in this range:

- All-Pro (Tablets)

- Whey To Go Protein (Powder - vanilla flavour)

- Whey To Go Protein (Powder - chocolate flavour)

- Whey To Go Protein (Powder - honey nut flavour)

- Whey To Go Protein (Powder - mixed berry flavour)

- Whey To Go Protein (Tablets)

Speciality Supplements

This section contains a variety of specialist nutritional supplements that represent the very latest nutritional research.

Products in this range:

- Beta 1,3 Glucans (Tablets)

- Maximised Caprylic Acid (Tablets)

- Chondroitin Sulfate 600mg (Tablets)

- CoQ-10 30mg (Softgels)

- CoQ-10 100mg (Softgels)

- CoQ-10 30mg (Capsules)

- CoQ-10 60mg (Vegicaps)

- CoQ-10 120mg (Vegicaps)

- CoQ-10 200mg (Vegicaps)

- Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex (Tablets)

- Glucosamine Sulfate 100mg (Tablets)

- Advanced Glucosamine Complex (Tablets)

- Hematinic (Tablets)

- Hydroxy Citrate (Vegicaps)

- Ipriflavone 200mg (Vegicaps)

- Super Concentrated Isoflavones - Non Gmo (Tablets)

- Iso Soy (Powder)

- Lipotropic Factors (Tablets)

- MSM 1000mg (Tablets)

- Optein Wellness Beverage

- Phosphatidylserine Complex 500mg (Tablets)

- Quercetin Complex (Tablets)

- Solgar's Shark Cartilage 750mg (Capsules)

- Solgar's Shark Cartilage (Powder)

- Shark Liver Oil Complex 500mg (Softgels)

- Skin, Hair and Nails (Tablets)

- Spiruline Tablets 750mg (Tablets)

Vitamins A & D Cod Liver Oil

Vitamins A and D are fat-soluble vitamins that are essential tp our health and are frequently found together in nature.

Vitamin A has many different functions. First is related to the maintenace of normal vision in dim light or the prevention of night blindness. It also aids in the growth and formation of body cells, making it essential for body growth. It is especially needed for bone growth. If the intake is not sufficient, bones will stop growing before the soft tissues are fully mature. Vitamin A is also needed for normal tooth development because the enamel-forming cells are affected by lack of vitamin A. It is also important in the maintenance of healthy epithelial tissues. There are two kinds of epithelial tissues: (1) those that cover the outer surface of the body- the resistant, protective skin (epidermis), and (2) those that line all the mucous membranes. Without vitamin A, the epithelial cells become dry and flat and gradually harden to form scales that shed. Vitamin A is also necessary for the health of the membranes lining the stomach, intestinal wall, bladder and urinary passages and for the health of the sex glands and uterus. Lastly, vitamin A works better where there are sufficient levels of zinc and adequate intake of protien.

Vitamin D is required for calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilisation. It is necassary for growth, development and maintenance of bones and teeth in adults and children. In its active form, vitamin D works with calcium to control bone formation. Vitamin D is unique, in that man and animals normally obtain it from two sources: the spontaneous formation in the skin by the sun via a photo-chemical reaction in the epidermis,and the eating of a food that contains vitamin D.

Products in this range:

-Dry Vitamin A 1502ug (Tablets)

-Vitamin A 2252ug (Softgels)

-Vitamin A & D 2252ug/10ug (Softgels)

-One-a-day Norwegain Cod Liver Oil (Softgels)

-Vitamin D 10ug (Softgels)

-Vitamin D 25ug (Softgels)

B Vitamin

The B vitamins consist of a large number of substances that are involved in the metabolism of all living cells. Acting as coenzymes, they work together with protiens in the various enzyme systems of our body

The functions of the B vitmin are closely synerigistic, and because of these inter-relationships, a dificient intake of one or more of them can cause soluble and are not stored in the body They must be replaced daily, and any excess is excreted. Although the B Vitamins do work together, some of their individual functions are as follows:

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) acts as coenzyme necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which is burned in the body for energy. It is essential for the functioning of the nervous system,and a deficiency can cause beriberi, a disease marked by weakness, paralysis and oedema.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) acts as a coenzyme that activates the breakdown and utilisation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is essential for cellular oxidation, and a deficiency can cause tissue inflammation and over-sensitivity to bright light.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) plays a role as a coenzyme in the breakdown abd utilisation of carbohdrates, fats and proteins. It facilitates the release of glycogen for energy from the liver and muscles. It also participates in the utilisation of energy in brain and nervous tissues and is essential for the regulation of the central nervous system.

Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) is the only vitamin containing cobalt, a trace mineral. It is essential for the normal functioning of all the body cells, especially those of bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system, and is necessary for the formation of red blood cells.

Biotin is an essential coenzyme that assists in the making of fatty acids and in the burning of carbohydrates and fats for body heat and energy. It also aids in the utilisation of amino acids, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid and Vitanin B-12, and is a potent stilmulant to the growth of healthy cells.

Choline is usually considered part of the Vitamin B Complex. It is a constituent of lecithin,which facillitates the movement of fat from the liver and into cells, and it must be present before Vitamin A can be stored. It is manufactured in the body but most tissue choline is derived from dietary phosphatatides as found in lecithin

Folic Acid or Folacin , functions along with Vitamin B-12 and C in the utilisation of proteins, and has essential role in the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in haemoglobin, relating Folic Acid with the formulation of red blood cells. Some Folic Acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

Inositol is usually considered part of the Vitamin B Complex. It is thought that, along with Choline, Inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin within the body.

Niacin, also available in the form of Niacinamide, is a coenzyme that assits in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Niacin is essential for the health of the skin tongue and digestive system. The disease pellagra is a result of a Niacin Deficiency.

PABA Para Aminobenzoic Acid may be considered part of the Vitamin B Complex. It influences intestinal bacteria, enabling them to produce Folic Acid, which turns aids in the production of Pantothenic Acid. As a coenzyme, PABA functions in the breakdown and utilisation of proteins, and in the formation of red blood cells.

Pantothenic Acid is necessary for the normal functioning of the adrenal gland, it is involved in the formation of certain hormones and nerve regulating substances. It is also essential for the formation of fatty acids, and as a coenzyme it participates, fats and proteins.

Products in this range:

-Vitamin B1 100mg (Vegicaps)

-Vitamin B1 500mg (Tablets)

-Vitamin B2 100mg (Vegicaps)

-Vitamin B6 50mg (Tablets)

-Vitamin B6 100mg (Vegicaps)

-Vitamin B6 250mg (Capsules)

-P-5-P 50mg (Tablets)

-Vitamin B12 100ug (Tablets)

-Vitamin B12 500ug (Vegicaps)

-Vitamin B12 1000ug (Nuggets)

-Biotin (Tablets).3mg

-Biotin Capsules 1mg

-Choline (Vegicaps)

-Choline/Inositol 250/250mg (Vegicaps)

-Folacin 400ug (Tablets)

-Niacin 100mg (Tablets)

-Niacin 500mg (Vegicaps)

-No-Flush Niacin 500mg (Vegicaps)

-Niacinmide 550mg (Vegicaps)

-Pantothenic Acid 200mg (Tablets)

-Pantothenic Acid 550mg (Vegicaps)

-PABA 550mg (Vegicaps)

Vitamin B (complexes)

-B-Complex with C (Tablets)

-Formula Vitamin B-Complex "50" (Vegicaps)

-Formula B-Complex "100" (Vegicaps)

-Formula B-Complex "100" (Tablets)

-Megasorb Vitamin B-Complex "50" (Tablets)

-Ultimate B+C Complex (Tablets)

Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids

Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health and is especially important for maintaining healthy skin. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin.

Unlike most other animals, humans cannot make their own vitamin C. With vitamin C playing a role in being part of more than 300 bodily functions, life itself depends on daily replenishment. Its primary function is to maintain collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of skin, ligaments, bones and teeth, and for the strength of blood vessel walls. In addition, vitamin C plays an important part in the absorbtion of iron, which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It also plays a role in the utilisation of folic acid, one of the B-complex vitamins.

It is well noted that vitamin C is destroyed by food preparation more than any other nutrient. It is also well known that the body does not store vitamin C, but tends to excrete excess amounts.

Bioflavonoids are a companion to vitamin C. Two of the most active forms are hesperidin and rutin. Calcium ascorbate is a buffered (less acidic) form of vitamin C.

Ester® ascorbate is a revolutionary form of vitamin C. Metabolites in Ester® ascorbate help the vitamin get into the bloodstream faster and in larger amounts with less waste. In addition, these Ester® metabolites help the vitamin penetrate white blood cells more efficiently. White blood cells are known to have very high levels of vitamin C which they require for their metabolism. This, in turn, influences the white blood cells ability to perform their important role as a critical component of the immune system.

Ester® vitamin C, with neutral pH, is naturally processed in purified water, not solvents, and is proven to be better absorbed by the cells for maximum protection of the immune system.

Products in this range:

- Bio-Ascorbate Buffered Vitamin C (Vegicaps)

- Calcium Ascorbate (Tablets)

- Calcium Ascorbate (Crystals)

- Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex (Tablets)

- Vitamin C 4.4oz (125g) (Crystals)

- Vitamin C 500mg (Vegicaps)

- Vitamin C 1000mg (Vegicaps)

- C Factors "1000" Plus (Tablets)

- Ester-C Plus™ 500mg Vitamin C (Vegicaps)

- Ester-C Plus™ 1000mg (Tablets)

- Hy-Bio (Tablets)

- Hy-C (Tablets)

- Chewable Vitamin C 300mg with Rose Hips

- Vitamin C 500mg with Rose Hips (Tablets)

- Vitamin C 1000mg with Rose Hips

- Vitamin C 1500mg with Rose Hips

- Rutin 500mg (Tablets)

Vitamin E

In the early isolation of vitamin E from plant oils, the proposed term, tocopherols, was used to name the initial four compounds that shared a similar structure. These compounds were designated as alpha, beta, delta and gamma tocopherols. Their structures have two primary parts, a complex ring and a long saturated side chain. Tocopherols play an important role as the major fat soluble antioxidants that protect our bodies against free radical damage.

Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) prevents saturated fatty acids and vitamin A from breaking down and combining with other substances that may become harmful to the body. Not surprisingly, fats and oils containing vitamin E are less susceptable to rancidity than those devoid of vitamin E. Vitamin E also has the ability to unite with oxygen and prevent it being converted into toxic peroxides. This leaves the red blood cells more fully supplied with the pure oxygen that the blood carries to the heart and other organs.

Vitamin E plays an essential role in cellular respiration of all muscles, especially cardiac and skeletal. Vitamin E makes it possible for these muscles and their nerves to function with less oxygen, thereby increasing their endurance and stamina. It also causes dilation of the blood vessels, permitting a fuller flow of blood to the heart. Vitamin E also aids in bringing nourishment to the cells, strengthening the capillary walls, and protecting the red blood cells from destruction by poisons such as hydrogen peroxide, in the blood.

Products in this range:

- Vitamin E 134mg (200iu) Vegitarian (Softgels)

- Vitamin E 268mg (400iu) Vegitarian (Softgels)

- Vitamin E 671mg (1000iu) Vegitarian (Softgels)

- Vitamin E with Yeast-Free Selenium (Vegicaps)

- Vitamin E 67mg (100iu) (Softgels)

- Vitamin E 134mg (200iu) (Softgels)

- Vitamin E 268mg (400iu) (Softgels)

- Vitamin E 671mg (1000iu) (Softgels)

- Liquid Vitamin E

- Vitamin E 83mg (100iu) Dry (Vegicaps)

- Vitamin E 165mg (200iu) Dry (Vegicaps)

- Vitamin E 330mg (400iu) Dry (Vegicaps)

- Vitamin E 495mg (600iu) Dry (Vegicaps)

- Tocotrienol Complex (Softgels)

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin. Phylloquinone, the natural vitamin K found in alfalfa and other foods, was discovered in Denmark and labelled vitamin K for the Danish word, koagulation. Food-source phylloquinone is termed K1, while the menaquinone produced by our intestinal bacteria is labelled vitamin K2. A synthetic compound with the basic structure of the quinones is menadione, or vitamin K3.

Vitamin K is important for proper blood clotting, or coagulation in humans. It is essential for the synthesis by the liver of four blood clotting proteins. Without vitamin K, the level of the blood clotting proteins in the blood is reduced and clotting time is prolonged. Vitamin K has also been recognised for its role in the maintanence and health of bone. Since natural vitamin K is fat soluble, it requires bile and pancreatic juice in the intestine for maximum absorbtion. By contrast, some of the synthetic vitamin K compounds (K3) are water soluble and more easily absorbed and are subsequently used by people who may not tolerate natural vitamin K well, such as those with decreased bile acid secretion. Absorbtion of vitamin K takes place mainly in the upper part of the small intestine with the help of bile or bile salts and pancreatic juices and is then carried to the liver for the synthesis of prothrombin, a key blood clotting factor.

Vitamin K is found in both plant and animal sources in nature. Good supplies are found in dark leafy greens, most green plants, alfalfa and kelp. Blackstrap molasses and the polyunsaturate oils such as safflower, also contain some vitamin K. In animal-source foods, vitamin K is found in liver, milk, yoghurt, egg yolks and fish liver oils. The best source for humans is that made by the intestinal bacteria, which is why vitamin K supplementation is particularly important for those whose normal balance of intestinal flora has been disrupted.

Products in this range:

- Vitamin K 100ug (Tablets)