Glossary

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has historically been used to mitigate toxic insults to the liver.

ALA is involved in converting carbs into energy and therefore assisting in weight loss.

ALA is also a nutrient cofactor involved in mitochondrial function, thus supporting energy production in the cells.

Studies indicate that a higher amount of alpha-lipoic acid is most effective for neurological support and helping to maintain mental sharpness.

In addition to being an important antioxidant in both fat-soluble and water-soluble tissues, alpha-lipoic acid also helps recycle other antioxidants, including glutathione, another essential antioxidant for liver detoxification.

People most commonly use alpha-lipoic acid for nerve pain in people with diabetes. It is also used for obesity, altitude sickness, aging skin, high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood, and many other purposes.

Vitamin B12 is essential for processes involved in cardiac function, sleep, blood cell formation, and nerve function.

B12, as Methylcobalamin, provides vitamin B12 in its already biologically active and tissue-ready form.

Methylcobalamin helps maintain normal circadian rhythms to promote normal sleep and supports healthy methylation processes in the body.

Methylcobalamin is essential for the body to recycle homocysteine and to form the internal methyl donors involved in cardiovascular function, sleep, blood cell formation, and nerve function.

B vitamins are essential to energy production, red blood cell formation, detoxification, and hundreds of biochemical pathways in the body. 

• Supports the rapid release of cellular energy by promoting creatine conversion.
• Aids in building muscles by supporting the metabolism of amino acids and protein synthesis.
• Reduces muscle spasms and cramps by increasing the bioavailability of magnesium.
• Benefits neurotransmitter synthesis and neurological function.

Biotin supports healthy skin, hair, and nerve function.

Biotin in a higher amount, promotes glucose metabolism by stimulating glucose-induced insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and by accelerating glucose metabolism in the liver.

Similarly, biotin can enhance muscle insulin sensitivity by increasing the uptake of glucose by muscle cells.

Choline is a major component of the membranes of the liver cells (hepatocytes). As such, it provides significant protection for the liver, probably because good liver health requires the ongoing replacement of old cell membranes with healthy new ones.

Choline has been shown in numerous studies to protect liver cells from damage from a variety of toxins, including ethanol, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene (used in dry cleaning and as a degreasing solvent), and mushroom toxins.

Choline is an important component of the lipids that circulate in the bloodstream and is a major constituent of bile, which is necessary to metabolize fats.

Choline also has the potential to decrease the absorption of dietary cholesterol, which helps maintain a normal cholesterol level.

Choline might also help decrease swelling and inflammation related to asthma.

• Copper is a trace mineral that is essential for bone health, connective tissue health, cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, neurological health, and skin health.
• It's also a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Because copper and zinc compete with each other for absorption, an individual taking a high amount of zinc can develop a copper deficiency. 
• A copper deficiency can render many cell types, including fat cells and blood cells, more susceptible to oxidation.
• Zinc supplementation should be accompanied by copper supplementation.

CoQ10 is a nutrient found in the mitochondria of cells. CoQ10 provides support against oxidative stress and plays an important role in the body’s production of cellular energy. 

CoQ10 is particularly supportive for the cells of the heart, liver, brain, kidney, and muscles.

As a person ages, the level of CoQ10 in the body declines. The level of CoQ10 can also be depleted by certain medications. 

Benefits of CoQ10:

• Supports cellular energy production which, in turn, supports the body’s energy level and exercises stamina
• Support for a healthy heart – promotes normal heart rhythm and blood vessel function, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure
• Promotes healthy aging by enhancing mitochondrial function – important for cardiovascular, immune, neurological, and ovarian function, as well as optimal skin health
• An important nutrient for mitochondrial function and cellular energy production
• Plays an important role in protecting against oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of the body’s master antioxidant – glutathione
• Supports a healthy inflammatory response 

• Master Antioxidant Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced by the liver and found in every cell of the human body. It is a tripeptide made of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. 
• Glutathione plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including detoxification, immune function, and maintaining cellular health. It is also involved in the production of DNA, protein synthesis, and the metabolism of toxins and carcinogens. Glutathione levels can be influenced by factors such as diet, environmental toxins, and genetics. 

Inositol may help reduce blood triglyceride levels, improve insulin function, lower blood pressure, and promote ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Inositol supports balanced hormone levels by promoting insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing ovarian exposure to insulin. 

Inositol's role as a second messenger can also modulate hormones, including androgens as well as other hormones involved in ovulation, such as FSH.

Lactated Ringer’s solution is an intravenous fluid that doctors use to treat dehydration and restore fluid balance in the body. The solution consists primarily of water and electrolytes.

• L-arginine's most compelling contribution to human physiology is its role as a biological precursor of nitric oxide. 
• The vascular endothelium (the lining of the arteries) creates nitric oxide from L-arginine, resulting primarily in blood vessel relaxation.
• This property is important for maintaining good vascular health, heart health, reproductive health, and protection against oxidative damage.
• Maintaining the natural and healthy function of the vascular endothelium depends on an adequate supply of L-arginine being available to these cells.
• Without adequate L-arginine (and subsequently, nitric oxide) available to the vascular endothelial cells, arteries might not optimally dilate, which can result in less than optimal blood flow to the organs and extremities.

The amino acid L-carnitine is a cofactor that is required for the metabolism of fats and their subsequent transport into the mitochondria, where they undergo oxidation and produce energy.

L-carnitine is probably best known for its cardiac benefits.

In the heart muscle, L-carnitine facilitates fatty acid use and promotes rhythm, myocardial blood flow, and cardiac output.

It has also been shown to benefit athletic performance.

For example, studies show improvements in running speed, increased maximal oxygen uptake, and decreases in average oxygen consumption, heart rate, and lactic acid.

L-carnitine has been shown to help maintain normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) (associated with LDL cholesterol), and triglycerides.

It also promotes healthy sperm count and sperm motility.

In addition to supporting athletic performance, cardiac function, healthy lipid levels, and reproductive health, L-carnitine has also been shown to promote general well-being, appetite control, and carbohydrate metabolism.* Individuals prone to being deficient in L-carnitine or for whom supplementation would be advisable, include those on dialysis or who are HIV-positive.

• The Lipo-B injection is a product that contains a combination of compounds that have been shown to exhibit lipotropic effects. The lipotropic effects facilitate the burning of adipose tissue within the human body which may, consequently, result in some degree of weight loss. 
• Lipo-B injections are typically used as fat loss supplements, in combination with diet and exercise, in weight loss plans. 
• The combination of products that make up the Lipo-B (MIC) injection are methionine, choline, and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

Boosts nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide helps your arteries relax and work better, which improves blood flow throughout your body. This may help treat or prevent some diseases.

L-glutamine, the most prevalent amino acid in the bloodstream, is found in high concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract. Many factors can play a part in the depletion of glutamine, such as food allergies, and various bodily insults like injury, infection, chronic stress, and being malnourished. Intense exercise can also adversely lower the blood level of glutamine and, if intense training is repeated without adequate recovery, then the level can remain low.

What causes glutamine depletion: 

• Prolonged exhaustive exercise
• Extended periods of physical stress
• Trauma or infection
• Being malnourished
• Chemotherapy

Benefits of L-Glutamine: 

• Benefits gastrointestinal health
• Improves gut permeability and optimal gut barrier function
• Supports wound healing
• Helps maintain immune health
• Restores plasma glutamine levels depleted after periods of physical stress, such as prolonged exhaustive exercise
• Helps maintain a healthy stomach and intestinal lining

• Wound healing – Lysine is often recommended for supporting the healing of sores and wounds because of its benefits to collagen formation and immune function.

• Some evidence indicates lysine can be beneficial for maintaining healthy gum and lip tissues.

• Promotes immune health – lysine provides nutritional support to help your body maintain its natural defenses.

• Skin health – This amino acid is known to promote collagen formation, which in turn benefits the health and elasticity of the skin.

• Bone Health – lysine promotes calcium absorption, which is needed to maintain strong bones and teeth.

Ornithine is an amino acid that plays a central role in the urea cycle, functioning along with Arginine and Citrulline to rid the body of ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. 

• Taurine is a conditionally essential, sulfur-containing amino acid and the most abundant amino acid in the heart. Taurine supplementation has been shown to benefit the production of nitric oxide in the vascular endothelium, which is essential to optimal blood flow, maintaining already normal blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular function. Taurine also acts as an antioxidant by inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation. In the liver, taurine is combined with bile acids, which results in increased cholesterol solubility and excretion, thus helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Taurine's involvement in bile acid formation facilitates fat digestion, fluid regulation, detoxification of environmental toxins, regulation of cellular calcium, and regulation of nerve excitability. A taurine-deficient individual can be more susceptible to tissue damage from environmental pollutants such as aldehydes, chlorine, and amines.

Magnesium is essential for the health of the heart and blood vessels, brain, bones, muscles, and lungs, and to support healthy blood sugar

•  Promotes bronchial relaxation

•  It’s an essential mineral for the electrical activity of the heart, which supports a healthy heart rate and rhythm

•  Helps relax smooth and skeletal muscle

•  Promotes the dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation), which supports normal blood pressure and enhances blood flow

•  Supports insulin sensitivity for healthy blood sugar

•  Is a cofactor for enzymes involved in cellular energy production

Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential to our bodies in small amounts. Because we cannot make it, we must obtain it in food or supplements. Manganese is a coenzyme that assists many enzymes involved in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.

Methionine is an essential amino acid it is important for many functions in the body, including building new proteins, making DNA, and normal tissue growth and repair.

Essential for processes involved in cardiac function, sleep, blood cell formation, and nerve function. Methylcobalamin provides vitamin B12 in its already biologically active and tissue-ready form.  Methylcobalamin helps maintain normal circadian rhythms to promote normal sleep and supports healthy methylation processes in the body.

Methylcobalamin is essential for the body to recycle homocysteine and to form the internal methyl donors involved in cardiovascular function, sleep, blood cell formation, and nerve function.

NAD+ therapy optimizes your own cells' NAD levels so they rev up and provide you with more immediate energy. NAD+ therapy can also fight the physical effects of aging, reduce depression and anxiety, combat chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances, and help relieve autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

• Repairs DNA 
• Rejuvenate metabolic function
• Sharpen memory and concentration
• Boost agility and athletic performance
• Strengthen the immune system
• Promote healthy cholesterol and blood pressure

Support for Thyroid Health

Selenium supports normal thyroid function in healthy individuals and is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

It is also necessary for converting the thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) to the active T3 form (triiodothyronine).

Healthy thyroid function benefits energy levels, metabolism, mood, and healthy hair and skin. 

Supporting Healthy Aging

Selenium benefits powerful antioxidant functions in your body by supporting the glutathione and superoxide dismutase systems.

Antioxidants like selenium help reduce oxidative damage in the body and brain caused by excess free radicals from environmental toxins, smoking, alcohol use, and stress while supporting healthy skin, hair, and cognitive function. 

Promoting Optimal Immune Function

Selenium plays an important role in the body’s immune health.

Its antioxidant properties support a healthy inflammatory response and promote optimal immune function.

Studies have shown that an optimal selenium level is associated with a healthy immune response. 

Heavy metal protection

Selenium supplementation also might exert a protective effect against mercury, cadmium, and other toxic heavy metals.

• Promotes optimal immune function
• Important in collagen production, which enhances skin, nail, and hair health
• Supports healthy tissue and cartilage formation, a benefit during wound healing and injury repair
• Plays a role in phase I liver detoxification, plus its antioxidant properties help protect against the toxic effects of heavy metals
• Helps increase glutathione, a potent antioxidant necessary for supporting phase II liver detoxification
• Helps glutathione work efficiently in the body.

The benefits of collagen production, its antioxidant status, and immune support make vitamin C an important nutrient for surgery patients to support wound healing

• Supports healthy teeth and bones
• Promotes lean muscle mass and helps maintain muscle strength
• Enhances the absorption and retention of calcium
• Supports healthy brain function
• Promotes cardiovascular health and immune function

You could be at a higher risk of a vitamin D deficiency if you:

• Rarely go outdoors, live in the northern latitudes, or have a darker skin tone
• Have limited sun exposure due to your occupation, clothing choices, or engage in indoor athletics rather than outdoor sports
• Regularly wear sunscreen with an SPF greater than 8
• Are an older adult (the risk of a deficiency increases with age beginning at age 50)
• Have a chronic health condition, such as a bowel disease or a surgical procedure (like gastric bypass) that decreases fat absorption
• Are obese

• Zinc is necessary for the development and function of the cells related to the immune response
• Zinc is essential for activating a certain group of white blood cells – called T-lymphocytes (T-cells) – that moderate the body’s inflammatory response during times of immune stress
• Studies have found that the antioxidant-promoting properties of zinc help mitigate oxidative stress – a process that damages cells and tissues and can lead to several chronic health conditions
• Zinc promotes healthy skin and eyes
• Zinc supports the body's normal production of testosterone, a hormone essential for building lean muscle mass