By Karin Krisher

These days, going with your gut means more than just following your intuition, although that part’s still relevant. With the ever-emerging understanding of those things that make your tummy grumble like lactose intolerance, we’ve been able to embrace the idea that the gut can have a huge effect on overall health—including  a significant one on neurological wellbeing. Recently, probiotics are a health news topic of choice, and we couldn’t resist jumping on the bandwagon for this one. Here, we tell you why probiotic support might be just what the doctor ordered.

The gut is the most biologically active area of the body. That’s not to say the gut works harder than the brain, only that the bacteria and microorganisms which reside in the gut are more plentiful than in any other area—and more active. Zooming outward, you could view your gut as a living thing all its own, that needs specific attention and care. Probiotics, either in food cultures or in supplement form, can provide that support.

The New York Times summarized a large scale study and report on probiotic use, concluding from the evidence that ,in general, probiotics support microbial balance, even that affected by antibiotics. Intuitively, that makes sense: Pro plus Anti equals balance.

But now, new information tells us what might not be so intuitive—even red wine may act as a probiotic delivery system. Fermented foods like yogurt have long been touted for their probiotic content, but wine’s relatively novel, and while the Times is quick to caution us that no doctor would recommend alcohol solely for its potential digestive supportive properties, we’re inclined to use it as an excuse to take a sip here or there.

Or, we could just try our Mega Probiotic. Two products in the FoodScience line, Mega Probiotic ND (this stands for non dairy folks—a huge benefit to any vegetarian or lactose-intolerant consumer), and Mega Probiotic Chewable with Digestive Enzymes, are designed to feature multiple strands of beneficial bacteria for overall digestive support and the support of gastrointestinal comfort.* Combining probiotics with digestive enzymes support nutrient absorption and utilization.*

Next time you’re feeling a little foggy, down in the dumps, or just generally “off,” look no further than your gut. What’s going on in your mind is so affected by microbial balance that the thread is often referred to as “the gut/brain connection.” So instead of delving into the mystery of your current mental state, think about what you ate last night.

As Scrooge professed to the vision of his dead business partner, “You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of underdone potato. There’s more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!”

And he was probably right.

By Karin Krisher

Remember our recipe for the best post-workout smoothie ever? What did you think? Before you answer, take in this second dose of our best smoothie ever treatment.

Our International Account Representative Emily Burnham came up with this recipe. Emily is prepping for her second annual Burlington Marathon run, and we think her fitness advice is good enough on its own—but when she couples it with a delicious recipe, we can’t resist spreading the word.

What do you Need for the Best Smoothie?

Blend the following in a blender until you reach desired consistency:

1 scoop of FoodScience of Vermont Superior Reds

1 scoop of FoodScience Whey Superior Charge Vanilla

1 cup almond milk (or regular milk, if you prefer, though we suggest almond)

1 cup strawberries

1 banana

1 cup frozen blueberries and raspberries mixed

Once again, we feel we should make believers out of skeptics and let you in on what makes this smoothie one of the best you can get your hands on.

First, again, is the taste. The banana and raspberries add just the right sweet fruitiness without overpowering the Reds’ flavor profile, which resembles Kool-Aid in some ways and V8 in others—tasting naturally delicious all around.

The nutrient profile is pretty important to us, also. The bananas, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries offer a serious round of antioxidants to support cellular health, as well as minerals like potassium which are hugely important for many endurance athletes.

The almond milk offers extra protein to support muscle health, as well as calcium to support bone health—and all without the added calories, lactose or cholesterol of whole milk.

Then there are the supplements. Both Whey Superior Charge and Superior Reds include DMG, which supports recovery, endurance, general detoxification processes, cellular health and methylation processes—meaning it’s supportive of the nutritional needs of athletes and couch potatoes alike.*

FoodScience Whey is a high-quality form from New Zealand, and features quality protein in a delicious, easy-to-mix powder. This whey also provides antioxidant support and fiber and is a great source of branched chain amino acids to support muscle growth and immune system health.*

The most important ingredient to this smoothie, we think, is the Superior Reds. It’s what really sets this one apart from just your average fruity drink. Superior Reds includes a proprietary fruit and vegetable blend that provides a high ORAC value for serious antioxidant support. * It also features ingredients like resveratrol and L-glutathione to support the cardiovascular system. *

As if that’s not enough, Superior Reds provides phosphatidylserine, flax seed, choline, acetyl-l-carnitine, inositol and lecithin to support brain cell function and the myelin sheaths, which keep nerves healthy and functioning correctly.*

So next time you’re down and out, or even starting to think about going there, try this awesome recipe to give your day a boost. You can thank Emily later.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

By Karin Krisher

Though not every runner would reveal this about him or herself (or even know it) runner’s high is probably one of the most common personal motivators. Running is a survival tactic. At first, we used it to catch and evade prey and predators, respectively. Then we used it as a means of communication, sending Pheidippides on an epic sprint that gave us the term (and the distance for) “marathons.” Now we use it as a form of physical fitness, though its roots in escapism remain visible to those who know and freely admit that they’re in it for the high.

It turns out there may be an evolutionary reason for runner’s high. That light, energized/exhausted wonderful feeling you attain after a couple of miles on the pavement isn’t just a fringe benefit, but an actual motivator, one that creates a desire to exert energy when so many other biological mechanisms are designed to conserve it.

It all has to do with endocannabinoids. Researchers wanted to find out if those species that don’t run distance would experience the same high as humans do. Using ferrets as an example, the conclusion was simple: They don’t.

“It turned out that, as expected, the humans had shown significantly increased levels of endocannabinoids after running.” Fun fact? “So had the dogs, suggesting, for the first time, that they, too, experience a runner’s high.”

“But neither species had developed increased endocannabinoid levels after walking.”

“And the ferrets didn’t show higher endocannabinoid levels after either session. They gained, it seems, no neurobiological pleasure from running.” (NYTimes)

These results indicate that we want to move. We are genetically hardwired to desire this energy expenditure—so much so that we get a sense of pleasure from it that can only be appropriately described as a high.

With that in mind, the mystery of making a choice not to exercise grows deeper. It is likely the results of a lost battle with our energy-conserving biological mechanisms. Obesity is now the number one annual health care cost incurred in the United States, surpassing even smoking, which details just how far we are from the days of Pheidippides.

We no longer have to run. We no longer even want to—despite the fact that our bodies, from an evolutionary perspective, truly do. Think about that next time you’re frustrated about the distance between the remote and your hand, and negate that frustration with a good dose of endocannabinoids, the product of your natural desire to stretch both your legs and your mind. Escape cabin fever with a run—because we’ve always been designed to get away.

By Karin Krisher

FoodScience Cake Batter Smoothie

Warning: You are about to receive the recipe for the best post workout smoothie ever. Don’t believe us? Try it!

Here at FoodScience, we’re always looking for ways to sneak a little sweetness into our days. From our exercises in self-control while we stare at the candy jar full of Snickers to our exercise in the fitness center, we want sweets involved somehow. That’s why we decided to invent the best post workout smoothie the world has ever known, making use of some of our best and most popular sports and muscle health supplements.

Blend the following in a blender:

1/2 cup organic Vanilla cake mix

1 cup whole milk (or, if you prefer it, almond milk, though a little bit of dairy fat after a workout is our choice!)

Four generous scoops of ice

2 scoops Whey Superior Charge (Vanilla flavor)

125 mg of Aangamik DMG liquid

1/4 vanilla yogurt (optional)

When you pour out the drink, throw in

1tbsp rainbow sprinkles for a fun burst of color and a bit of sugar, which is great for replenishing glycogen levels after a tough weightlifting sesh.

What makes this smoothie sooooo good?

First in our list of judging criteria is taste (of course). This cake batter smoothie is unreal delicious—especially if you are craving something with a little nostalgia mixed in.

Second, this smoothie gives you a ton of the nutrients you need after a workout. Our whey is a high quality form from New Zealand. Mixing it into your drink provides you with both essential and non-essential amino acids, and supports muscle health, muscle building and tissue recovery, energy and immune system health.*

Milk provides proteins, calcium and amino acids, and DMG, or dimethylglycine, supports recovery, cardiovascular and immune system health and oxygen utilization. As a post-workout supplement, DMG reduces lactic acid build up in the muscle thereby shortening recovery time after strenuous exercise.*

So next time you hit the gym, hit your local vitamin store while you’re at it, and grab some FoodScience supplements. Don’t forget to ask if they sell cake mix for your smoothie.

By Karin Krisher

Our employees love fitness—and a good crew of us love to cycle, too. Road biking has been a popular pastime for over 120 years, but newcomers to the sport arrive every day. If you haven’t owned a bicycle since you were 12, and are thinking about hopping on the road again, this post is for you.

Our resident web designer Alek recently caught the bug and decided it was time to make a big purchase. Bicycling can be a simple means of transportation, a competitive event, or a kick in the seat of your pants to get you fit. Alek uses his new whip for both the journey to work and a change-up to his fitness routine. Here, he shares some tips on getting started.

Before you purchase a road bike, consider the most important aspect of the purchase: usage. Your motivation has everything to do with how you shop. For instance, if you’re merely interested in getting from your apartment to downtown on sunny days, you might consider a less expensive or even used road bike. If you’re interested in breaking into the racing circuit, the research will be more extensive and the road bike more expensive.

Alek’s tips for shopping?

Buy local.Most local or non-chain stores or shops offer a five to 20 percent discount on equipment—for life.

Buy a road bike at the beginning or the end of the season.

Most shops will have last year’s models in stock and want to move them out the door. If you’re willing to take a hit on the trending scale, this is the way to go.

Know what you’re paying for.

There is a tier system in bicycle pricing and quality. Tier 1 features the lowest-end components, an aluminum fork, and generally costs between $600 and $800, while the higher tiers feature carbon forks. Tier 4 can cost over $1300.

Understand your road bike frame.

There are two main frame styles: aggressive and comfort. Aggressive, as the name implies, puts the rider in a position made for aerodynamic capabilities, leaning forward and down. Comfort does the opposite, allowing the rider a comfortable commute. The main difference here is the height of the head tube, which you can alter by adding spacers. Still, if you are interested in racing, purchase a bike for racing and stick with aggressive.

Web Designer, Alek Taraskewich, riding his new road bike.

Consider other costs.

Like most big purchases, a bicycle will incur other costs. Consider the cost of repairs on your choice, including the cost of chains, tires and tubes, as well as regular maintenance (which should be scheduled annually).

Other costs include a helmet ($30-$100), water bottle case ($10-$20), riding repair kit ($30-$60), shorts/bibs ($50-$150), chain cleaner ($20-$40), clipless pedals and shoes ($150-$300), gloves ($20-$50), and a computer to measure distance, cadence, average speed and heart rate ($40-$140).

Take all of these things into account when calculating your budget for your new purchase. Organizing these expenses now will be much simpler than being caught by surprise later!

Consider other commitments.

Don’t buy a racing road bike because you one day might want to race. There is something to be said for daydreaming—and something to be said for budgeting realistically. Ask yourself: What do I have to give to this endeavor? If it’s your morning commute, do some more research and choose the bike that’s best for you. Employees of bike shops are great references. If it’s four hours a day, a solid, healthy diet and your developing mentality, then you might be looking for something more serious.

In that case, recognize that a commitment is a commitment, and that type of dedication results in a lifestyle that permeates all aspects of your day-to-day and your big picture. Rest, antioxidants and electrolytes will become especially important to your athletic success. To develop a nutritional plan that supports your health as you make your way into athleticism, check out this resource: http://www.livestrong.com/nutritional-plans/.

If you’re just getting started, please share your experiences with us at FoodScience! For veteran cyclists, that offer stands—we’d love to hear your great tips for making friends with the road—from a bike seat’s distance, of course.

By Toria Cornett

Winter is behind us and spring is upon us.  How difficult was it for you to be active this winter?  Skiing and snowshoeing are excellent ways to stay active in the long Vermont winters.  However, it is difficult to do those things when there isn’t any snow!  So if you haven’t started already, now is the time to get ready to slip into your dress and become fit and healthy.

There are thousands of fad diets available for you to try, from the Grapefruit Diet to the Zone Diet.  How many have you attempted?  How many of you failed?  Ninety-five percent of people who diet regain the weight they lost (and in some cases gain even more).  So what if you are skinny fat or fit and fat?  We are going to look at what kind of body type you are and give helpful hints to help you become the healthy, fit person you want to be regardless of your body shape.

There are three basic body types: endomorphs, mesomorphs and ectomorphs.  Endomorphs are fat retainers, mesomorphs are athletic and ectomorphs are skinny.  These are your body frames and bone structures.  You are born into your body type and you cannot change it.  However, you can look fabulous in your own skin if you understand which body type you are.

At the doctor’s office, to determine if you are overweight or obese and at risk for certain disease the doctor calculates your body mass index.  If your BMI is over 24 you are overweight.  However, these charts do not take into consideration your lean tissue mass,  body type, age or gender.  So which body type are you?  If you are an endomorph and curvy and you are striving to become a tall and skinny ectomorph you are not setting a realistic goal.

Ectomorphs are at a high risk for being skinny fat.  What is skinny fat?  This is somebody who looks fabulous in clothes, can eat anything s/he wants, not exercise and stay skinny.  However, when that person is flabby with no muscle tone, s/he actually has more body fat verses lean muscle mass.

Being skinny fat is dangerous.  Dr. Steven Blair, obesity expert from the University of South Carolina, says “Normal weight people who are sedentary and unfit are at much higher risk for mortality than obese persons who are active and fit.”  Why is this? The fat that we cannot see is surrounding the organs (liver, heart, etc.).  This leads to illness and disease––not to mention cellulite!

Being a smaller size and carrying less weight does not necessarily mean that we have a better body.  What is your body composition?  In other words, what is your lean tissue compared to your fat tissue ratio?  There are several ways to figure out what your body composition is.  The most common, more convenient way is body fat analysis.  This can be done at the gym, or even in your own bathroom.  It is bioimpedence testing that runs an electric current through your tissue to determine how much fat verses lean muscle tissue you have.  Another tool is skin fold calipers.  Skin fold calipers can be found at your local gym.  A tool is used to take measurements at skin folds from your abdomen, thigh, triceps and other areas to determine body fat content. However, you have to trust that the person taking the measurements is qualified to make accurate skin fold samples.

Now let’s look at the fat and fit.  People correlate being fat with being unhealthy.  However, studies are showing that this is not the case.  Two-thirds (67 percent) of Americans are overweight or obese! As I previously mentioned, you can be fat and healthy.  A study was done at the Mayo Clinic with 855 coronary artery disease patients.  The conclusion was that overweight high fitness level individuals had a much lower risk of dying compared with normal weight low fitness subjects.

So before we get angry at our ectomorph friend who is the same size as us and stands on the scale at 115 pounds, take a look at your lifestyle and body type (mesomorph maybe?). What it comes down to is not the number on the scale, but how we look and feel in our own bodies.  When we are healthy, we are happy.

How do we combat the skinny fat or fit and fat syndrome?  First get a body composition measurement.  Then combat body fat with resistance training, cardio workouts and correction of your poor diet.  Perform weight-training workouts three times a week and do intense cardio trainings three times a week.  Make sure to keep a food journal to ensure you are making healthy food choices.

You need to be well no matter what your size.  Your fitness goals should focus on striving to be healthy and fit.  We cannot change our genetics, but we can perfect what we have.  We can be happy and comfortable with our bodies.  This means setting realistic goals when it comes to weight loss and pant size.

I am always repeating to my clients, “Do not worry about the number on the scale.  It is too easy to become obsessed with it.  Pay attention to how you feel, what you look like and how your clothes fit.”  Don’t focus on losing weight; focus on getting active and eating properly.  Take care of the body you have now.

Here’s to you being happy, healthy and in shape!

By Karin Krisher

A recent report that states more than one percent of children have Autism has the health community puzzled. We’re not sure if that one percent means that more children are experiencing issues associated with Autism or if it’s a mere fact of more widespread diagnosis, awareness and data collection. (The finding shows a 78 percent increase in just six years, from 2002 to 2008.)

This puzzle got us thinking about what it all means. We recognize that we can classify any one person in terms of a defined spectrum, but the at-home concerns of raising a child with one of several Autism Spectrum Disorders often have less to do with a title or diagnosis and more to do with behavior. Therefore, as important as so-called diagnosis is (it corresponds to educational funding and insurance capabilities), it doesn’t define the family or the child. Public efforts and definitions truly don’t address the more private, day-to-day concerns.

That’s not to say that public efforts are unimportant. The public education system is adapting quickly to address the growing need for behavioral support, offering more one-on-one and special services than ever before, which can carry over to the home. But parents and caregivers are still searching for support in other areas from acupuncture to supplementation. That’s where we come in.

FoodScience features several supplements for behavioral support, but one has stood out over the years.* An endorsement by the National Autism Association and research from the Autism Research Institute make us feel that our supplement is truly special.

DMG, or dimethylglycine, is recommended for supporting balanced mood states. The Autism Research Institute has published 2008 parent ratings of DMG use with Autistic individuals that establish a 42% improvement rate amongst 5,807 cases (that is, 42% of parents expressed that DMG made a significant positive difference). (Adams, 2008).

It’s not just perception that tells us DMG supports speech processes and socialization.  Dr. Lee Dae Kun administered DMG to 39 autistic children (age 3-7 years) for three months; benefits were reported for 31 (80%). (Kidd, 2002.)

The late Dr. Bernard Rimland, founder of the Autism Research Institute, co-founder of Defeat Autism Now! and author of Treating Autism: Parent Stories of Hope and Success, recommended DMG from 1980 to his death, noting that “Although speech is the most consistent benefit, behavior might also improve.” (Kidd, 2002)

The tremendous successes of DMG led us to formulate a supplement to address behavior and socialization more specifically, and include DMG. Behavior Balance DMG was born. Ingredients like magnesium and l-carnosine support neurological health and socialization, and TMG and DMG support circulation to the brain, gut health, detoxification pathways and auditory processes.*

Because Complementary and Alternative Medicine is somewhat new to Autism, and Autism to it, negotiating the idea of supplementation on an individual level can be difficult. Skepticism is widespread. But FoodScience has arrived here because customer after customer shared stories of success, and because we believe that supplementation can offer unexpected support for total health (that includes the promotion of mental balance in families trying to understand and address behavioral needs).

Now that you know what we think, we’d like to hear from you. Are you open to the idea that supplementation can support socialization skills and modify behavior, or do you hold tight to the idea of traditional therapy, as we see in schools and one-on-one counseling?

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

By Karin Krisher

Last week, it was 80 plus degrees here in not-so-wintry Vermont. That heat wave prompted in the masses a renewed love for the outdoor run, and got us thinking about what supplements can do to help every runner experience a smooth road ahead.

We know that many runners aren’t advocates for supplementation. One reason is that many athletes focus intently on their diets, meaning they feel that supplementation is unnecessary. Still, even the most diligent eaters and planners can miss out on certain nutrients, or just have an off day and require some energy support.

Another reason that some enthusiasts shy away from supplementation is that a lot of products that flood the fitness category get a bad rap due to the extreme lengths to which some manufacturers and users go to build muscle or stay stimulated. Using cheap or under-researched ingredients can lead to effects nobody likes, and those are the stories that make the news.

But you don’t hear about the guy who tried Superior Fuel for the first time and couldn’t get  over the fact that he had enough mmph to pump out that 10^th mile yesterday.* That’s why we’re here—to bring to light the many positive attributes of supplementation for fitness, especially, in this case, for a task that requires high levels of stamina and energy, demands endurance and takes your all.

While many of the supplements we think are the best for runners might be obvious choices, some might surprise you.

EFA Supplements for Runners

Omegas, for example, seem like nutrients that most runners would get from regular diet, but that isn’t the case. According to Runner’s World, 65 percent of runners rarely or never eat seafood, meaning their intake of fish oils probably isn’t what they’d like it to be. Omega 3s EPA and DHA support cognition, cardiovascular function and joint health, and can support proper muscle recovery, thereby reducing soreness and making them great running buddies.*

Calcium is one of the more obvious choices. Dairy is a great source of calcium, but when three or four servings aren’t available at your 9 to 5 and you’ve got to hit the road right after work, supplementation can step in. Calcium supports bone health and density, and because running is so high impact, maintaining bone strength is incredibly important to your success.* On that note, vitamin D will also be an obvious choice, as the body needs it to absorb calcium. It’s also a cardiovascular supporter. Nice.*

Don’t Forget Joint Supplements for Runners

Joint health and comfort supplements are, of course, the most obvious choices. As we mentioned, running is high impact, and over-exertion (as well as daily wear and tear) can definitely affect your joints. (So can hydration—keep chugging that water!)

Our joint support supplements range from basic (MSM alone) to comprehensive (Sea Mussel Plus, which includes green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, DMG, MSM and manganese), but all are designed to support joint comfort, mobility and flexibility, all of which are necessary to keep you on your feet.* While many people might not experience joint problems, no one ever stood up against the opportunity to maintain optimal health.

Another not-so-obvious category of supplementation comes in the form of energy support and support for general recovery. Sometimes, you’ve got a bundle of extra juice and don’t need even the slightest help, but other times, well, you knoooooooow. Things drag.

For those times, FoodScience is an advocate of Superior Fuel, Superior Oranges and DMG. Each of these supplements offers something unique, but all support energy output and stamina, as well as recovery.* DMG is included in all three formulas, and supports oxygen utilization, circulation and a reduction of lactic acid build-up, meaning you could pull an Energizer bunny any day of the week. (Take note, marathoners.)*

Supplementation for runners should be approached just like any other topic in supplementation—with your biochemical individuality leading the way, followed by serious research and education. We’ve got more teaching material up our sleeves (like the multivitamin/mineral formulas important to supporting electrolyte replenishment and general health), but we’ll cut you a break for today.*

As long as you’re lacing those shoes in 3, 2, 1…..

By Karin Krisher

You may have noticed that spring came early this year—and is bringing allergy season along with it. We certainly have, and we’re sure that there’s got to be a way to make things easier on us all. At FoodScience, we’re particular fans of Aller-DMG, but before talking about supplementation, there are some allergy facts we should consider—and some we shouldn’t.

Everyone has his or her fair share of “I once had an allergic reaction to” stories, but only some of those are actual allergic reactions. Among allergy sufferers and non-sufferers alike, long-term self-diagnosis often accompanies a short-term reaction. How can you sort through the bunk, and find out what actually affects you?

The obvious answer is: see a doctor—an allergist, preferably. But in the meantime, check out our list of major allergy misconceptions, and find out if you’ve been sneezing up the wrong tree.

Number 1:

You Either Have Them Or You Don’t.

Allergies are malleable, meaning they can change. Just because you didn’t experience any allergic reactions as a child doesn’t mean you won’t as an adult. Similarly, just because you once broke out in hives after spreading Neosporin on your fresh scrape doesn’t mean you are forever allergic. It is true that people either have a propensity to experience allergic reactions or not—this is called atopy, and can be determined by a doctor. To maintain an actual list of your specific allergens, get tested.

Number 2:

Food Allergies Are The Most Common Type.

No, they aren’t. This one goes back to mind over matter: while one in three people would claim a food allergy, true reactions are actually only seen in about one percent of adults.

Number 3:

Reactions Are Caused By The Allergen Itself.

Reactions are actually caused by the body’s own immune system. It attacks the allergen in a way that it would attack a virus or infection, through the activation of immunoglobulin IgE.

Number 4:

Pet Hair Is A Major Allergen.

This myth is one of the most common. Allergy sufferers are often told that if they get a short-haired or hairless animal, they won’t experience a reaction. In reality, it is not hair, but proteins located in dander, saliva and urine that cause the allergy.

And our favorite…

Number 5:

Medication Is The Only Support For Allergy Sufferers.

While some over-the-counter medications do provide relief to sufferers, there are many people who are averse to this type of consumable, and would like to try an alternative. Good news—there are plenty. From acupuncture to chiropractic treatments to dietary analysis and subsequent supplementation, you do have choices. You don’t have to choose any of these if you’re interested in just “working through it.” But if you, like so many others, are just sick of the sniffles, consider all your options. Medication is not the only one.

By Karin Krisher

Vegetarianism is not, as so many once thought, a passing trend. Vegetarian diets are a part of a lifestyle choice, and that deserves our attention.

A recently published analysis of data from studies on health and diet confirms what many cardiologists have suspected for decades: “eating red meat is associated with a sharply increased risk of death from cancer and heart disease.” (New York Times)

For those that love a juicy burger for dinner, the news couldn’t be more discouraging. Old habits die hard, and we see that in the correlations between more smoking, less physical activity and higher rates of red meat consumption. But perhaps viewing this news differently is the real trick to forming new habits—any vegetarian could tell you that.

While omnivores continue to lament the downfalls of diet decisions, herbivores the world-over continue to celebrate the health benefits of their choices with new restaurant options and the persistent emergence of research validating those choices.

While FoodScience doesn’t take one position or the other (we have plenty of meat-eaters on board!) we do recognize the importance of offering healthy supplement alternatives for those looking for vegetarian-sourced products. As mentioned, vegetarianism is part of a lifestyle, and if one wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing his or her choices, s/he will ask for and need vegetarian alternatives in all product fields.  Supplementation is just one of those fields.

 Supplementing a vegetarian diet with FoodScience

Perhaps the most highly publicized non-vegetarian supplement is glucosamine. Most glucosamine is sourced from crustacean shellfish. While this is both effective for the sourcing company and supportive of joint health for those that choose it, crustacean-sourced glucosamine interferes with the needs of vegetarians and those that must stare down the beast of crustacean allergies.

FoodScience came up with a solution. Superior Joint is a delicious chewable tablet that includes several factors for joint support—specifically, GreenGrown™ glucosamine. Rather than sourcing from sea-dwellers, we’ve included a form of USP grade glucosamine made from non-GMO corn fermentation. This option is ideal for anyone looking for joint support that fits in with his or her vegetarian lifestyle.

 Supplements Vegetarians Swear By

Other vegetarian supplements might be more popular because of the inherent gaps that can occur in a vegetarian diet. (Not that they always occur—many vegetarians are aware that they will need to seek out food sources of iron or vitamin B to maintain healthy levels of these vitamins and minerals.) These include, but are not limited to: fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin Bs.

 Something Seems Fishy

Because fatty acids or omegas so often come from fish oils, supplementing with omegas can be difficult while maintaining a vegetarian diet. However, it is also important, especially as the essential fatty acids, omegas 3 and 6, are not produced by the body, but are important for the maintenance and support of brain health and cognitive functions, skin health, and cardiovascular function.* (Even the non-essentials, like gamma linolenic acid, support skin and nerve health, and can become depleted when a diet is not comprehensive.) Both flax seed and primrose are vegetarian sources of EFAs.*

Primrose is an evening primrose oil formulation to support cognitive function, skin health, cardiovascular health, and more.* Flax seed oil provides omegas 3, 6 and 9 and is a great vegetarian source of omega 3. Both flax and primrose oils support optimal cellular function and overall health.*

B Your Best

 Vitamin Bs are a part of our existence that we can’t ignore. They support proper circulatory function, blood pressure within normal ranges, homocysteine levels, restful sleep and normal energy and stress levels.* Vegetarian diets often lead to deficiencies in vitamin B. Luckily, supplementation exists! We’ve created two B12 formulas that combine B12 and folic acid in synergistic levels. They’re both cherry flavored, and of course, vegetarian. Our B complex, which includes a larger variety, is also vegetarian. If you’re looking for true supplementation (meaning, as an addition to proper diet), then these formulas will be right up your alley. *

 ‘Cuz We Are Living In A Mineral World

 Calcium is an obvious concern for vegans, and many vegetarians don’t drink milk by the gallon, either. Other calcium food sources might feature not enough or too much of other minerals/vitamins to support proper utilization. Once again, supplementation finds its stride.*

Calcium makes up two percent of our bodyweight. As the most abundant mineral in the body, it’s necessary for most bodily functions. Supplementing with calcium supports bone health, while calcium and magnesium together work synergistically to support cardiovascular health.* Vitamin D is necessary for proper absorption of calcium, so it’s also important to include in supplement regimens. *

Iron Fist

 We all know that red meat packs a punch when it comes to iron. But that’s not going to help anyone who read the first bit of this post. So, what can you do to get enough iron in the diet, without sacrificing your health and moral values? See our post on multivitamins, to start.*

Information Overload?

 While most vegetarians are highly educated on nutrition (because this lifestyle choice generally requires such education), considering supplementation can throw a wrench in the game. Take it slow. Discovering what formulas are right for you isn’t as easy as merely looking for the word “vegetarian” somewhere on the label. Assessing your own nutritional needs over time will help you decide what supplements to love, and what to leave.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.