Research Library
The content on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine or taking new supplements.
Vitamin C Plus
Vitamin C aka ascorbic acid is an essential water-soluble nutrient, required in the diet, regularly, as our bodies can not make it. It has been classified as one of the most important water-soluble antioxidant substances in the body. Ongoing research explores the benefits of Vitamin C, due to its antioxidant activity on chronic diseases. Antioxidant Vitamin C can work both inside and outside the cells, neutralising free radicals, preventing damage and protecting cells (Braun & Cohen 2015, 1102). Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent and can reduce and neutralise reactive oxygen species (Lobo et al. 2010). Immune System Vitamin C stimulates the production and function of white blood cells, the cells in the body that protect the body from unwanted substances (Linus Pauling Institute 2020). Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting the cellular function of the innate and adaptive immune system (Carr & Maggini, 2017). Energy Support Vitamin C is a cofactor for the molecule required for the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for the generation of metabolic energy (Carr & Maggini, 2017). Collagen Formation / Skin Health Vitamin C is needed for the synthesis of collagen proteins. It plays a role in the maintenance of normal collagen networks in humans (Boyera et al. 1998). Vitamin C is found in high levels in the dermal and epidermal skin layers. Dietary and topical ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells (Linus Pauling Institute 2020). Brain Function Ascorbate is a vital antioxidant molecule in the brain, it’s involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and is involved in neural maturation and acts and a neuroprotective agent (Harrison & May 2009). References Braun, L., and Cohen,Marc. 2015. Herbs & Natural Supplements An Evidence-based guide Volume 2. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier. Harrison, FE., May, JM. 2009. “Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transported SVCT2”. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 15. 6 (Mar): 719-30. 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.12.018 Linus Pauling Institute. 2020. “Micronutrient Information Center- Vitamin C”. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C Boyera, N., Galey, I., Bernard, BA. 1998. “Effect of vitamin c and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science”, 20. 3 (Jun): 151-8. 10.1046/j.1467-2494.1998.171747 Carr, AC., Maggini, S. 2017. “Vitamin C and Immune function.” Nutrients, 3. 9(Nov). 10.3390/nu9111211 Lobo, V., Patil, A., Chandra, N. 2010. “Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.” Pharmacology Review, 4. 8 (Jul-Dec): 118-126. 10.4103/0973-7847.70902
Learn morePrenatal Plus
The period prior to conception and the first eight weeks of pregnancy – before you may even realise you’re expecting – are critical for your baby’s healthy development. Research has shown that key nutrients, like folate and iron, are essential for a healthy pregnancy. During the gestation period, your baby’s vital organs and nervous system are developing rapidly, so taking a scientifically formulated prenatal supplement lays a strong foundation to support healthy growth and function in utero and beyond. Supports Pregnancy Folate In an Australian cohort study, 19-46% of women did not meet the recommended daily intake for folate, highlighting the need for supplementation where diet does not provide adequate nutrients (Livock et al 2017). It is recommend to take 500 micrograms per day folic acid, from 12 weeks before conception and throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In addition to supporting neural tube development for unborn babies, folate is also essential for the health of the pregnant mother. Folate is involved with DNA methylation (a process related to gene expression) and supports red blood cell formation. Up to one-third of women might not be able to use folic acid efficiently, which means some women may not be getting as much folate through supplementation as they thought. To ensure you’re getting adequate folate, our Prenatal Plus has been formulated with the active form of folic acid, methylfoalte. This bioavailable form of folic acid is better absorbed and utilised by your body. Not all folate derivatives are equally efficacious in treating folate deficiency, especially when measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to the genetic predisposition in certain individuals. Levomefolate is already in its active form, so the body doesn’t need to convert it further. This makes it especially beneficial for people with genetic variations (e.g., MTHFR mutation) that reduce their ability to process folic acid (Siu Kei Lam et al. 2022). Choline Choline is particularly critical during pregnancy due to its multifaceted contributions to maternal and foetal health. The impact of choline begins very early in pregnancy, potentially before the mother is aware of her condition. This underscores the necessity for adequate choline intake before and during the initial stages of pregnancy. Choline's influence extends beyond the development of the neural tube; it also contributes to the formation of the foetal brain and the establishment of neural connections. Research indicates that choline intake during pregnancy may have enduring effects on the cognitive function, memory, and behaviour of the offspring (Jaiswal et al. 2023). Iron During pregnancy, the body requires extra iron to support the growing blood supply and fetoplacental development (Alwan & Hamamy 2015). References Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate - Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health. Published April 26, 2023. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/ Livock, M., Anderson, P. J., Lewis, S., Bowden, S., Muggli, E., & Halliday, J. (2017). Maternal micronutrient consumption periconceptionally and during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Public health nutrition, 20(2), 294–304. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980016002019 Nelson Siu Kei Lam, Xin Xin Long, Xuegang Li, Mirette Saad, Florence Lim, James CG Doery, Robert C. Griffin, Cherrie Galletly, 2022. "The potential use of folate and its derivatives in treating psychiatric disorders: A systematic review", Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 146, 2022,112541, ISSN 0753-3322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112541 Jaiswal A, Dewani D, Reddy LS, Patel A. (2023). "Choline Supplementation in Pregnancy: Current Evidence and Implications". Cureus. 15(11):e48538. Published 2023 Nov 8. doi:10.7759/cureus.48538 Alwan NA, Hamamy H. (2015). "Maternal Iron Status in Pregnancy and Long-Term Health Outcomes in the Offspring". J Pediatr Genet. 4(2):111-123. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1556742
Learn morePlant Protein
Protein is a fundamental macronutrient that plays a vital role in almost every biological process within the body. Composed of amino acids, protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, maintaining muscle mass, and much more. Protein is found in a variety of animal food sources such as meat, eggs, dairy and fish along with plant-based food sources such as wholegrain, legumes, nuts and seeds. A balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources ensures that the body receives both essential and non-essential amino acids, supporting everything from energy production to cellular repair and resilience. Dietary Support A vegetarian diet can easily provide enough protein, as long as energy needs are met and a variety of foods are included. People following vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets may use plant protein supplements to help ensure they reach their daily protein goals (Marsh et al 2013). Plant-based proteins, such as pea, hemp, or rice protein, may be easier to digest for those who have sensitivities or intolerances to dairy or animal-based proteins. Higher-protein diets, can help improve appetite control, support weight management, and reduce certain cardiometabolic risks compared to lower-protein diets (Leidy et al. 2015). Fitness Most people can meet these protein needs through a balanced diet, but consuming protein and amino acids before, during, or after exercise can enhance recovery, immune function, and muscle maintenance For athletes, protein and amino acid supplements can be a convenient way to ensure they get enough protein at the right times, which is beneficial for endurance, strength, and anaerobic exercises (Kreider & Campbell 2009). References Marsh, K. A., Munn, E. A., & Baines, S. K. (2013). “Protein and vegetarian diets”. The Medical Journal of Australia, 199(S4), S7–S10. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja11.11492 Kreider RB, Campbell B. (2009). “Protein for exercise and recovery”. Phys Sportsmed. 37(2):13-21. doi:10.3810/psm.2009.06.1705 Heather J Leidy, Peter M Clifton, Arne Astrup, Thomas P Wycherley, Margriet S Westerterp-Plantenga, Natalie D Luscombe-Marsh, Stephen C Woods, Richard D Mattes,. (2015). "The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance234", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 101, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 1320S-1329S, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038
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