There’s been a whole lotta hoopla lately about children’s health and children’s vitamins, as Michelle Obama pushes for better vending machine choices and more and more foods become vitamin fortified to support proper nutrition and, consequently, growth. Of course, a growing body always needs some extra care, and supplement providers are no strangers to this fact. We’ve designed some vitamins to address several factors of children’s health that are alternatively addressed with behavior analysis and program implementation, or even sugary cereals that feature vitamin A.

Still, we’d be the first to admit that designing children’s vitamins is always tricky, due to pickiness and large variances in how children react to, well, anything. We create formulas that have great tastes and minimal sugar content for this purpose. We also take into account the fact that not all children will enjoy the actual act of taking vitamins, and have countered that with enjoyable and simple delivery systems.

So as not to bombard you with in-depth descriptions of each product designed or suitable for children, we’ll just highlight a few. Perhaps the most popular are the obvious—remember that conversation about multis and fish oil? We’re aware that neither of those sound incredibly appealing to tiny ears, so we created Kid’s Superior and DHA Orange Gummies.

Kid’s Superior is a delicious, bear-shaped chewable in a tropical punch flavor. It contains a full range of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients to satisfy a child’s nutritional needs, including fish oil! Bone health and growth require a variety of vitamins and minerals, and an adequate intake of each.* B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc and magnesium all contribute to this process, while the included antioxidant support for immune system health keeps little ones feeling in tip-top shape every day.*

Fish oil, as we mentioned, contributes to a wide range of bodily processes—but we’ll especially focus on its support of cognition and neurological health.* A child’s brain is constantly developing, meaning that offering it support is extremely important.

According to the World Health Organization, “Early childhood is the most intensive period of brain development during the lifespan. Rapid brain development affects cognitive, social and emotional growth, and such development helps to ensure that each child reaches his or her potential.” Further, the human brain reaches about 90 percent of its final weight by age eight, while the body as a whole only reaches half its mature weight by age 10, indicating that brain development happens fast—and sometimes we need a little extra to keep up.

DHA Orange Gummies (which one user has affectionately dubbed “poppers”) are an orange cream flavored chewable source of cold-pressed and molecularly distilled fish oils to support brain growth and development, mental processing, and academic performance, as well as the cellular structures in the brain.* Adults can take this little popper, too, but we had kids in mind with the delicious and fun design. Causes of DHA deficiency include lifestyle and diet—and we all know that aside from some highly-processed battered sticks, it’s hard to get kids to eat fish.

Another supplement to support neurological health offers something quite different from the gummies, but has been influential in the lives of many of our employees.* Behavior Balance-DMG is a phenol-free supplement to support balanced behavior, social interactions, and stress management, and features an added benefit–immune system support.*

A blend of ingredients that includes DMG, TMG, vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12, Behavior Balance is recommended for support of verbal skills, eye contact, mental alertness, and nerve function.* On top of all of this, Behavior Balance is available in a capsule or a delicious black cherry flavored liquid for high compliance. And DMG is endorsed by the National Autism Association!

We often associate neurological wellbeing with the wellness of the gut—because digestive health can affect so many bodily processes. That’s why we’ve included Mega Probiotic Chewable in this write-up. We won’t say we could eat them like candy, because candy doesn’t necessarily support the healthiest gut environment, but we will say this—these chews are darn yummy. They contain digestive enzymes and non-dairy probiotics to support digestive tract health and, perhaps most importantly, nutrient absorption and utilization, which will make you feel at ease knowing that the food you buy is actually being used for fuel.*

With all of these new facts in your tool belt, you can start to explore the various types of children’s vitamins on the market. Think about the sugar content, the manner of processing, and the company’s integrity. Also consider the value of thorough research—again, it can never hurt to give us (or any other company) a call if you’re interested in learning more. And there’s always the comment section if you have a burning question or idea!

Specialty Formulas
By Karin Krisher

Last week, we discussed the main letter vitamins, and the week before, you learned all about multivitamins and fish oils. What could we possibly have left to discuss?

The answer might shock you. FoodScience features over 200 different supplements. Most of those are geared for the support of specific bodily functions, and many are specialty formulas that feature unique ingredients.* Those will be our topic today—though it’s a lot to cover! Because there are so many supplements to consider, we’ve picked out just a few of our (and our customers’) favorite categories, and just a few products in each. If you’d like any more information, please comment and we’d be more than happy to share!

Brace yourself—healthy knowledge coming your way.

Joint Health

Let’s start with the power of movement. Joint support is one of our top categories for both humans and animals, and we’re happy to share the reasons why. Joints are one of those things—you don’t really think about them and how much they affect your day-to-day comfort until it’s too late. Supporting their flexibility, mobility and main function is one of our main functions as a supplement provider. *

Joints are made up of several components; perhaps the most important to this discussion is synovial fluid. Supporting the viscosity of synovial fluid in the joint is what keeps their cushioning ample and you moving right along at a regular pace. * Our top seller for this type of support is called Sea Mussel. *

Sea Mussel is a whole food product, meaning we use the entire mussel organism in the supplement. In a freeze dry/vacuum process, we squeeze all of the important constituents of perna canaliculus green-lipped mussel from New Zealand into a comprehensive formula to support connective tissue function.* (This includes tendons, ligaments, and the like.) Perna contains amino acids, enzymes, glucosamine and glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfates. Using the whole organism means you receive all the benefits of these important constituents, which support joint hydration and overall comfort. *

If you, like so many others, are a vegetarian eater, we’ve got a product that supports the same functions without any of the organism. Superior Joint comes in two flavors of chewable tablets—chocolate and lemon vanilla. We’ve included green-grown glucosamine, as well as hyaluronic acid, MSM and DMG. You’ll find these four ingredients in many of our joint formulas, so they’re worth a bit of discussion time.

Glucosamine is probably the most popular nutrient for joint health in the supplement industry. * Glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of joint cartilage.

MSM (or methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of sulfur to ensure the body’s ability to synthesize collagen for connective tissue health.* It is also important for maintaining cell membrane flexibility.*

Hyaluronic acid is found in the body, most abundantly in cartilage, synovial fluid and skin. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues in order to thicken synovial fluid, pulling water into the joint and thereby
supporting connective tissue structure.*

Finally, there’s our claim to fame—dimethylglycine. DMG is an amino acid derivative and acts as a methyl donor, assisting in the production of nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals, neurotransmitters and other metabolically active molecules in the body.* For joint health, DMG supports circulatory processes, meaning that joints will experience better oxygen utilization and better nutrient delivery. *

Digestive Health

Everybody knows it’s sometimes necessary to go with your gut. In our line of work, we believe it’s always important to follow your belly’s instructions. Gut health affects your whole system, including the brain. That’s why digestive support is so important to overall health. Our most popular digestive support products are often specialty formulas that include both probiotics and enzymes.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria. We know the word bacteria is kind of a turnoff, but we promise, it’s not always a bad thing. For example, yogurt contains live cultures of probiotics that support digestive health—so do our capsule formulations.* Mega Probiotic ND and Mega Probiotic Chew feature several strains of beneficial bacteria, which can support microbial balance in the gut and regularity.* Mega Probiotic Chew also includes enzymes, making it an extremely comprehensive product for digestive health.* Digestive enzymes breakdown proteins, fats, and carbohydrates so your body can better absorb the nutrients your food provides.*

Weight Management

This is a big one. No pun intended.

Weight management is such a popular category because weight does have an impact on overall wellbeing and health. We feature several weight management products, all with different ingredients but the same support capabilities.* One of our favorites is DIM PRO, which is a proprietary blend of Diindolylmethane (DIM®), vitamin E and phosphatidylcholine in a highly-bioavailable, patented form that  supports estrogen metabolism in both men and women by helping to
maintain proper hormone balance.*

DIM® is a plant compound that supports estrogen metabolism causing a beneficial shift in the balance of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone in both men and women.* A healthy balance between estrogen, testosterone and progesterone supports skin, prostate, ovarian, breast, skeletal, joint and cardiovascular health, lean body mass, efficient fat burning, better physical conditioning, improved mood and memory, and increased libido. *(See, the fringe benefits aren’t bad, either!)

Another of our popular weight management supplements is meant to address a very common concern. Carb Down™ includes a Phase 2™ brand carb neutralizer and gymnema sylvestre and Chromemate brand chromium. These ingredients work to support healthy and effective weight management by supporting fat burning, maintaining normal blood glucose levels and neutralizing the calories from complex carbohydrates.* How the heck does that work?

Phase 2™ brand carb neutralizer is a natural extract from the white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). It binds the enzyme alpha-amylase, an enzyme that is necessary for the body to break down starch.* Because Phase 2™ targets this specific enzyme it only works on carbohydrates.* Fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from foods are still absorbed and utilized normally.* Phase 2™ does not enter the bloodstream, but instead stays in the digestive tract and blocks the absorption of carbohydrates (from starch) and causes them and the excess carbohydrate calories to be excreted and not digested.*

Gymnema sylvestre and Chromemate® support appetite control and reduction of sugar cravings by maintaining blood sugar levels within normal ranges and supporting proper insulin utilization.* Proper regulation of insulin also helps the body to stay focused on burning fat.* Chromemate® brand chromium is the niacin brand chromium complex, which is the active glucose tolerance factor responsible for efficient insulin action.*

Carbohydrates are needed by the body for energy. Current research recommends a carbohydrate intake of approximately 130 grams per day for weight reduction.* Carb-Down is ideal for those whose carbohydrate intake is higher than that.* Excessive carbohydrate intake in the form of empty calories will be stored in the body as fat, and learning to manage carbohydrate intake is a key to successful weight loss.*

And More

While these categories feature dozens of individual products, each with different specifications, we think that a quick overview should help you decide how you want to direct your shopping inquiries. Other categories like stress management, liver support, energy support, and support for healthy aging round out our line, which features powder, chew, tablet, capsule, and soft gel formulations.*

Most companies will feature these types of products, and it is up to you to do the supplementary (this time, pun intended) research necessary for your selection. Don’t be hurried. Instead, make a project of discovering what specialty formulas you truly feel will support you in the best and most relevant manner possible.

Shopping around and navigating the sometimes daunting world of supplements slowly and deliberately is a sure way to feel confident about what you are putting in your body. And don’t forget to ask questions—we’re here to answer!

* 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.

The Basics Part II
By Karin Krisher

Last week, we introduced you to some of the basics of supplementation. This week, we go a little deeper—we want to talk about some of the key vitamins that we make, take, and love! This stuff can get heavy, so if you grow weary, take a break and come back. If you’re into your health, it’s important to learn, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy!

Let’s start with the ABCs.

Vitamin A:
This vitamin, which supports ocular health and the immune system, cannot be produced by the human body. Therefore, it is important that we take in vitamin A from the foods we eat. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to difficulties with memory, eyesight, and the immune system. However, that doesn’t mean you should chow down on as much as you can find: vitamin A is not water-soluble, so watching your dosage is important to overall health. *

Vitamin B:
Vitamin B’s are a complicated bunch. There are eight well-known vitamin B’s in this group of water soluble vitamins that play a role in cell metabolism and support various bodily processes.* I’d like to describe each of them to you in detail, but it would take up a lot of space. If you want to learn more about each, take it slow and push through. If not, skip to vitamin C now!

B1 is called thiamine, and is found in foods like yeast and pork. Thiamine helps to manage stress and irritability, as well as supports systems like the cardiovascular and nervous system.* A deficiency in thiamine can cause confusion, muscle spasms, nervousness, and appetite loss. *

B2 is named riboflavin. It’s easily absorbed and a key nutrient for overall health, supporting cardiovascular health and cellular energy.* Riboflavin is a necessary cofactor for the production of energy from fats, carbs, and proteins. A deficiency can cause iron-deficiency anemia and photophobia. *

B3, or niacin, is commonly known for its use in popular energy drinks. Niacinamide (one form of B3) supports proper circulation and cardiovascular health, as well as normal energy levels and normal cognitive functions.* Deficiency can occur in areas where corn is a highly-consumed product, and can result in fatigue, anxiety, depression, digestive disturbances and slowed metabolism.*

B5, known as pantothenic acid, plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and is required by all cells. It may also be helpful in managing irregular moods and stress.* The major food source of pantothenic acid is meats, but human muscles generally contain twice as much B5 as animal muscles. Deficiency is very rare. *

B6 is called pyridoxine, but is more commonly referred to as B6. It is necessary for more than one hundred enzymatic reactions within the body, and is required for normal brain and nerve functions, as well as proper fat and cholesterol metabolism. Pretty important stuff, right? *

B7, or biotin, is often a stand-alone supplement. It supports healthy nerve tissue and aids in cell growth and in fatty acid metabolism, as well as metabolism of cholesterol.* Many people associate biotin with healthy skin, hair and nails. Deficiency is generally mild, and can include symptoms like conjunctivitis or dermatitis around the eyes. *

B9 is better known as folic acid. Its natural form in the body is called folate. Adequate folate intake is necessary to embryonic development, meaning that many pregnant women do choose to supplement with a folic acid formula. Folic acid supports energy production, protein metabolism and RNA and DNA repair. *

B12, or cobalamin, plays a key part in supporting nervous system function. It is needed for the formation of red blood cells that help increase capillary blood flow. It is also necessary for the maintenance of the fatty sheaths that cover and protect our nerve endings. *

All right, I know I said eight B vitamins, but that’s really not all. There’s also choline, inositol, dimethylglycine (our favorite!), pangamic acid, and adenine, just to name a few. Each serves a different purpose, but in common supplementation, b complexes will include at least the top eight, and most will feature others to support total health.* Look for supplements that support your specific needs—again, make sure to analyze those before you start shopping!*

Moving on….

Vitamin C:
This popular supplement sometimes comes in delicious packages, but it’s good for more than just that reason! A water-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, vitamin C supports immune system function, collagen production (for bone, teeth and skin health), and helps to form red blood cells.* A deficiency in vitamin C most commonly results in scurvy, if anything. Yes, that’s right—without vitamin C, the glamour of years spent on the ocean without an orange or a toothbrush can be yours in the comfort of your own home. *

Vitamin D:
Adequate vitamin D levels may be important for maintaining blood pressure within normal ranges.* Vitamin D also impacts heart health and vascular function, and is an immune system modulator, supporting healthy macrophage responses.* It supports bone, cardiovascular and immune system health, as well as calcium balance and healthy cell growth.* Very few foods naturally contain adequate vitamin D, but a deficiency can result in rickets or muscle weakness.*

Vitamin E:
This is one of our favorites! More than 37 million Americans take vitamin E every day.

A person’s daily requirement varies with age, gender, overall health status and diet. Vitamin E can be lost from foods during preparation, cooking or storage. A diet high in polyunsaturated fats, which tend to be easily oxidized, increases a person’s requirement. This vitamin supports joint, cardiovascular, reproductive and immune system health.* It also supports liver and nerve health and function, capillary wall strength, and oxygen utilization.* (See why we like it?) Vitamin E deficiency can result in infertility (in both men and women), menstrual cycle problems, neuromuscular impairment and shortened red blood cell life span.*

That about sums up the first five letters of supplementation. When you consider
these vitamins along with all of the good stuff found in multis and fish oils, you can start to form a picture of complete health. Multivitamins tend to feature each of the above at synergistic levels, but if you require more than what the bottle’s packing, take a look at individual vitamin supplements, or some specialty formulas which contain several of them in a new delivery form or combined with other nutrients.

Choosing specialty formulas isn’t easy: you’ll want to know exactly what you are looking for. Next week, we’ll go over our most popular specialty formulas, noting the importance of doing thorough research on every one. Can you wait until then? If not, comment below and we’ll get the discussion rolling right away. If you feel like there’s anything we missed in the ABCs, just ask!

* 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.