ELEMENTAL

Vitamin A (as Palmitate)

Vitamin A is a Retinyl Palmitate that is a naturally-occurring analogue of retinol, better known as Vitamin A. It is the most abundant form of Vitamin A that is stored amongst mammals. Vitamin A’s benefit comes in its ability to maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes and skin. Retinol also specifically produces the pigments in the retina of the eye. This is why Vitamin A is often touted for its eye health benefits. In addition to this, Vitamin A Palmitate has also been studied for its chemopreventive benefits.

Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is perhaps historically best-known for the treatment and prevention of scurvy, though it has many other roles in the body. For example, vitamin C catalyzes or is a cofactor in eight enzymatic reactions involved in the synthesis of collagen, the nutrient carnitine, and several neurotransmitters necessary for the proper function of the brain.

In the contemporary context, vitamin C is best known as a potent antioxidant. In addition to its intrinsic activity as an antioxidant, vitamin C has been shown in in vitro trials to regenerate alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). As an antioxidant, vitamin C combats the detrimental effects of a group of compounds called radical oxygen species that, when produced, degrade the lipid membrane of the cell and may cause internal damage. By “scavenging” these free radicals, vitamin C and other antioxidants form a defense against excess cellular damage.

Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D, in its various forms, is not an essential nutrient – as it is produced endogenously within the body, as a reaction to the skin’s exposure to the sun – and thus not commonly considered a vitamin. Despite its technical classification, vitamin D (a hormone), is nevertheless an import and biologically-active compound, necessary for the calcium homeostasis and metabolism, along with increasing the absorption of magnesium and phosphate.

Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol acetate)

Vitamin E is another technical misnomer, as the term refers to a group of compounds known as tocopherols with eight biologically-active constituents: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol is the principal bioactive in humans, though the presence of other tocopherols has been linked to beneficial effects. 

As a result of its robust antioxidant activity, vitamin E assists in the maintenance and support of several physiological processes, though most notably sight and the immune system. Emerging research also suggests that the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E inhibits an enzyme known as protein kinase C, and therefore contributes to the healthy regulation of smooth muscle cell growth and differentiation.

Critically, we have used the natural version of vitamin E (technically d-alpha tocopherol) and not the synthetic (dl-alpha tocopherol). The difference is a meaningful one: the single isomer of d-alpha tocopherol is easier and more efficiently absorbed and used in the body as compared to the eight isomers in the dl analog.

B Vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Biotin, Vitamin B5 (as Pantothenic Acid))

B vitamins are a group of eight essential vitamins with several critical functions in the body. Though both molecularly and physiologically distinct, they are also deeply interrelated in their effects, synthesis and metabolism. Among the B-complex’s many critical roles are energy (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) metabolism, supporting and maintaining the healthy function of the adrenal glands, skeletal muscle function, and digestion.

While rates of metabolism and clearance differ between each B vitamin, all B vitamins are water-soluble and are thus not stored in fat. As a result, the body simply excretes excess B vitamins in the urine and requires replenishment (from food or supplements) in order to maintain the cell functions to which B vitamins contribute.

Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate)

While best-known as the main bioactive in milk, and a compound that contributes to strong bones, calcium has numerous physiological effects in the body – including mediating vascular contraction and vasodilatation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion. Homeostatic regulation of calcium, which the body cannot produce, requires sufficient levels of vitamin D.

When present in sufficient amounts, calcium is necessary for the adequate formation, function, and remodeling of both bone and teeth. Insufficient levels of calcium are associated with degenerative bone and joint disorders such as osteoporosis, wherein bone accretion slows or stops; thereby reducing bone mass and density and decreasing bone strength.

Iodine (as Potassium Iodide)

Iodine is one of the most important minerals on the planet. It is a trace element naturally present in certain foods, including sea vegetables and table salt. Potassium iodide, as opposed to sodium iodide, is the more favorable form of iodine. Iodine is a critical component for fetal development, especially during early pregnancy, as maternal T4 (thyroxine) is the sole source of fetal thyroid hormone. After birth, especially if breast-feeding, iodine remains an important constituent of a balanced-diet to maintain adequate T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) levels in the mother and for the proper cognitive development in the child.

As implied, however, the most important of iodine’s functions is assisting the body to produce and maintain healthy levels of both thyroid hormones and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary). The thyroid hormones, in turn, regulate several critical biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis, and, along with norepinephrine/epinephrine, largely determine the body’s metabolic rate. 

In addition to the benefits stated above, potassium iodide has been used frequently to protect vital organs (particularly the thyroid) against harmful radiation. This may not pose a risk to many but those who are exposed to nucelar disasters or high amounts of radiation therapy may be at risk and can benefit from potassium iodide. It has also been seen to relieve certain respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, working as a fighter against irritants that effect the glands of the respiratory mucosa.

Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide)

It is difficult to overstate the biological necessity of magnesium. Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 enzymatic reactions that regulate essential physiological functions such as protein synthesis, glucose homeostasis, muscle and nerve function, and the maintenance and support of healthy blood pressure levels. Roughly 60% of the magnesium in the body is found in bone, while the other 40% is found in muscle, soft tissues and fluids. It is safe to say that every cell in the human body needs magnesium to function. Magnesium oxide specifically has been used to treat conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation, as well as magnesium deficiencies

Magnesium is also required for the use of the body’s energy currency, ATP. To become biologically active, ATP must be bound to magnesium to form Mg-ATP. In addition, magnesium is necessary for the proper function of cells with calcium and potassium gated ion channels such as heart and muscle cells.

In men, magnesium (along with zinc) is necessary for the maintenance of healthy levels of testosterone. For women, magnesium is also essential for the balance of estrogen and progesterone. For women who suffer from premenstrual symptoms like water retention, cramps, tiredness, and irritability, magnesium has been shown to improve mood, reduce cramping and bloating, and improve energy.

Zinc (as Zinc Oxide)

As an essential mineral, like magnesium, zinc is also involved in a wide-range of essential biological functions in the human body – and a requirement in the catalytic activity of over 100 enzymes.

Most notably, zinc is vital for immune function, protein synthesis, cellular division, and DNA synthesis. For immune function, zinc is required for the function of a group of immune cells known as neutrophils and macrophages, which eliminate pathological cells and their products from the body.

With magnesium, sufficient levels of zinc are also necessary for the production and maintenance of healthy levels of testosterone.

Selenium (as Selenium Glycinate)

Selenium is a trace element that is naturally found in many foods but is often seen added to others, as well as available as a dietary supplement. It possesses a high nutritional benefit for humans as it is a constituent of more than two dozen selenoproteins that play critical roles in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection against cellular damage. Selenium glycinate in particular is a highly bioavailable form of selenium. It avoids food and other minerals that compete for absorption in the gut, which allows it to have enhanced absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Selenium has also been studied for its prostate cancer reduction benefits in men. Selenium supplementation was shown to increase activity for erythrocyte and plasma glutathione peroxidase as well as lowered values for plasma prostate specific antigens. This antioxidant activity noticed from selenium can allow it to be of high benefit to those suffering from prostate cancer or at risk of developing prostate cancer.

Copper (as Copper Gluconate) 

Copper is a trace element necessary for the production, function, and maintenance of a diverse range of compounds involved in physiological function.

The brain, the heart, bone, and connective tissue specifically require copper or the enzymes it catalyzes to properly grow and differentiate their various cell types. Like many of the ingredients in Core MULTI, copper is also required for the homeostasis of other minerals, specifically zinc.

Manganese (as Manganese Bisglycinate Chelate)

Manganese is a required element for not only humans, but all living organisms. Manganese primarily acts as an antioxidant, specifically scavenging a radical oxygen species known as superoxide.

Chromium (as Chromium Nicotinate-Glycinate Chelate)

Chromium is an essential, though little understood, trace element found in certain foods and industrial compounds. Only one of chromium’s two forms, the form used in Core MULTI, chromium 3+, is biologically active.

While not as well-defined as other trace elements, chromium’s physiological actions nevertheless seem pivotal to the production and transmission of healthy levels of insulin. Emerging research also seems to suggest that chromium is directly involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Molybdenum (as Molybdenum Glycinate Chelate)

Molybdenum is an essential trace element, involved in at least four enzymatic reactions necessary for urea excretion and a number of other physiological functions.

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate provides joint support by supporting normal cartilage formation and by aiding in helping to maintain healthy joint function and mobility. One of the main mechanisms of action is in glucosamine’s ability to stimulate the formation of specific building blocks of connective tissue called glycosaminoglycans (GAGS). GAGS, such as chondroitin sulfate, are necessary building blocks to helps balance and maintain healthy joint structures. In addition to its ability to stimulate GAG formation, glucosamine sulfate also inhibits the degradation, or breakdown, of these building blocks. Clinical studies have backed up these benefits as well showing that supplementation with glucosamine sulfate for 6-8 promoted healthy joint function and reduced swelling and tenderness associated with normal joint wear and tear. It is important to keep in mind that glucosamine is often extracted from the backbones of shellfish, so those who follow a vegan lifestyle or that are allergic to shellfish should refrain from consuming glucosamine.

Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium

Chondroitin sulfate is a type of glycosaminoglycan and complex carbohydrate rich in sulfur, and is a relative of glucosamine. Chondroitin is one of the major constituents of cartilage, not only providing structure and stability, but also water for the purpose of lubrication. Chondroitin sulfate is also part of a protein molecule that helps give cartilage its elastic properties and has also been seen to have anti-inflammatory effects. This combination can be beneficial to reduce swelling in joints that occurs when the exposed bones in the joint rub together. This swelling can also lead to osteoarthritis when the joint cartilage wears down over time due to this friction between bones. In addition to this, chondroitin sulfate may help slow the breakdown of cartilage and help restore cartilage growth.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is a naturally occurring, organosulfur molecule that can be synthesized both naturally and synthetically from DSMO. While the majority of MSM present in the human body is ingested – either deliberately or accidentally – the compound does have a natural presence in certain tissues and fluids in the body, including cerebrospinal fluid. MSM appears to assist healthy biochemical communication between cells that may assist joint flexibility and mobility. While still emerging, certain data on MSM appears to show a promising role for the compound in the maintenance of proper joint function. Several studies demonstrate joint function increases on the WOMAC scale ranging from 20-35%, while animal data suggests equally significant results. Though not every trial on MSM reveals such significant results, a meta-analysis conducted in 2011 found that the overwhelming majority of clinical MSM trials featured function improvements over placebo.

Turmeric Extract (Curcuma longa) (root) (95% curcumin)

Turmeric is a root endemic to certain regions of Southeast Asia and India, and has been a staple in the Siddha traditional medicinal system for thousands of years. Turmeric is noted in Siddha texts for various uses, including as an ancient equivalent of an anti-microbial agent.

More recently, numerous studies seem to suggest that its primary bioactive constituent, curcumin, powerfully inhibits the enzymes that synthesize inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In particular, basic research and molecular studies have now firmly established curcumin’s ability to dose-dependently and potently inhibit a transcription factor known as NF–kB – a molecule involved in the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, soft tissue destruction, and autoimmune responses.