HEALTH INFO
Articles
- Açai Very Berry
- Antioxidants and Free Radicals
- Building Bone Density
- CoQ10 - Q&A
- Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails
- Inflammation and Health
- Omega-3
- Vitamins
- Vitamins and Supplements For Your Age

Ingredients
Understanding the Ingredients

The better you understand the ingredients in your Natural Health Products, the easier it is to choose the right product for your health requirement.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietician, pharmacist, or other qualified health care professionals about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.



VITAMINS BODY PARTS AFFECTED AUGMENTING NUTRIENTS FOOD SOURCE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
A / Beta Carotene
Fat soluble		 Eyes, skin, teeth, bones B complex, choline, Vitamins C, D, E, F, calcium, phosphorous, zinc dark coloured fruits and green leafy vegetables, milk, milk products, fish liver oil Helps maintain healthy eyesight, skin membranes and immune function. Helps in development and maintenance of night vision, teeth, bone growth and skin. A factor in the maintenance of good health.
B complex
Water soluble		 Entire body Vitamins C,E, Calcium, phosphorus brewer’s yeast, liver, whole grains Helps the body to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
B1 (Thiamine)
Water soluble		 Entire body B complex, Vitamins B2, C, E, folic acid, niacin, manganese, sulphur brewer’s yeast, brown rice, fish, meat, nuts, organ meats, poultry, wheat germ Helps maintain good health. Helps maintain normal growth.
Helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Factor in the maintenance of good health.
B2 (Riboflavin)
Water soluble		 Entire body B complex, Vitamins B6, C, niacin, phosphorus nuts, organ meats, whole grains, milk, bread products, fortified cereals A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps in tissue formation. Helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
B6 (Pyridoxine)
Water soluble		 Entire body B complex, Vitamins B1, B2, C, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, linoleic acid, sodium brewer’s yeast, green leafy vegetables, meat, organ meats, wheat germ, whole grains, desiccated liver, soy-based meat alternatives A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Helps in tissue formation.
B12 (cobalamin)
Water soluble		 Blood, entire body B complex, Vitamin B6, C, choline, inositol, potassium, sodium cheese, fish, milk, milk products,
organ meats		 Factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps in metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Helps to form red blood cells.
Biotin (B complex)
Water soluble		 Entire body B12, folic acid, C, pantothenic acid,
B complex, sulphur		 legumes, organ meats, bean sprouts, egg yolk A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. For products providing daily doses of biotin at or above the Adequate Intake (AI) (adjusted for the life stage groups) - helps to prevent biotin deficiency.
Folic Acid
(folacin B complex)
Water soluble		 Blood, entire body B complex, Vitamins B12, C, biotin, pantothenic acid brewer’s yeast, fish, legumes, organ meats, soybeans, wheat germ, lecithin, enriched grains, dark leafy vegetables, whole grain breads A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize proteins and helps to form red blood cells.
Niacin (Niacinamide B complex)
Water soluble		 Entire body B complex, Vitamins B12, B2, C, phosphorus brewer’s yeast, seafood, lean meats, milk, milk products, poultry, desiccated liver, whole grain breads A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps normal growth and development. Helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Pantothenic Acid
(B complex)
Water soluble		 Entire body B complex, Vitamins B6, B12, C, biotin, folic acid brewer’s yeast, legumes, organ meats, salmon, wheat germ, whole grains, chicken, beef, potatoes, oats, cereals, tomato products, egg yolk, broccoli A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and helps in tissue formation.
C (ascorbic acid)
Water soluble		 Entire body all vitamins & minerals, bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium citrus fruits, cantaloupe, green peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, brussel sprouts, green onions, broccoli, strawberries, cabbage, spinach Helps the body metabolize fats and proteins. Helps in connective tissue formation, and in wound healing. An antioxidant for the maintenance of good health.
D (cholecalciferol,
ergocalciferol)
Fat soluble		 Bones, teeth, entire body Vitamins A, C, choline calcium, phosphorus, unsaturated fatty acids egg yolks, organ meats, bone meal, sunlight, fish liver oils, flesh of fatty fish, fortified milk A factor in the maintenance of good health. It helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth and helps in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus.
E (tocopherol)
Fat soluble		 Entire body Vitamins A, B complex, B1, C, inositol, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, unsaturated fatty acids dark green vegetables, eggs, liver, organ meats, wheat germ, vegetable oils, desiccated liver, grains, nuts, fruits Antioxidant, promotes good health.
K (phylloquinone)
Fat soluble		 Entire body, bones Calcium dark green leafy vegetables, brussel sprouts, cabbage, plant oils Helps in the maintenance of bones.
Helps to prevent vitamin K deficiency.

MINERALS
 BODY PARTS AFFECTED AUGMENTING NUTRIENTS FOOD SOURCE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Calcium Bones, teeth, entire body Vitamins A,C,D, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, unsaturated
fatty acids		 milk, cheese, yogurt, bone meal, dolomite, calcium set tofu, bok choy, kale, broccoli Helps in the maintenance of bones and teeth.
A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Chromium Entire body none brewer’s yeast, clams, corn oil, whole grain cereals, meats, poultry, fish A factor in the maintenance of good health. Provides support
for healthy glucose metabolism, helps body metabolize
carbohydrates and fats.
Copper Blood, entire body iron, zinc legumes, nuts, organ meats, seafood, raisins, bone meal, cocoa products, nuts, wheat bran cereals A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps to produce
and repair red blood cells and connective tissue. Helps to form
red blood cells.
Iodine Thyroid gland, entire body none seafood, kelp, salt (iodized) A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Helps in the normal function of the thyroid gland.
Iron Blood, entire body Vitamins B12, C, folic acid, calcium, copper, phosphorus eggs, fish, organ meats, poultry, wheat germ, desiccated liver, dried apricots, spinach A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps to form
red blood cells and helps in their proper function.
Magnesium Bones, teeth, muscle,
entire body		 Vitamins B6, C,D, calcium, phosphorus bran, honey, green vegetables, nuts, seafood, spinach, bone meal, kelp, green leafy vegetables, unpolished grains, meat, starches, milk A factor in themaintenance of good health. Helps body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Helps in development and maintenance of bones, teeth, tissue formation. Helps to maintain proper muscle function.
Manganese Bones, entire body none bananas, bran, celery, cereals, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, liver, nuts, pineapples, whole grains, tea A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Helps in the development and maintenance of bones
Molybdenum Entire body none soybeans, lentils, oats, bread, organ meats, legumes, cereals, grains, nuts A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Helps the body to metabolize proteins.
Phosphorus Entire body Vitamins A,C, calcium, iron, manganese, unsaturated fatty acids eggs, fish, grains, meats, poultry, yellow cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream, peas A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body
to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Potassium Entire body Vitamin B6, sodium dates, figs, peaches, tomato juice, peanuts, raisins, seafood A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Selenium Entire body Vitamins C,A, E grains, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, organ meats, seafood A factor in the maintenance of good health.
An antioxidant for the maintenance of good health.
Silica Nails, hair, skin none whole-cereal grains, root vegetables For healthy nails, hair and skin.
Vanadium Entire body none cereals, canned fruit juices, fish sticks, vegetables, mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Zinc Connective tissue, skin, immune system Vitamin A, calcium copper, phosphorus brewer’s yeast, liver, seafood, soybeans, spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms,
red meats		 A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps in connective tissue formation, helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates, helps to maintain healthy skin and maintain immune function.

COFACTORS
 BODY PARTS AFFECTED AUGMENTING NUTRIENTS FOOD SOURCE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Bioflavonoids Entire body Vitamin C citrus fruits Antioxidant, prevents cell damage
Choline Entire body none brewer’s yeast, clams, corn oil, whole grain cereals, meats, poultry, fish A factor in the maintenance of good health. Provides support for healthy glucose metabolism, helps body metabolize carbohydrates and fats.
Inositol Blood, entire body iron, zinc legumes, nuts, organ meats, seafood, raisins, bone meal, cocoa products, nuts, wheat brand cereals A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps to produce and repair red blood cells and connective tissue. Helps to form red blood cells.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane		 Knees, joints none synthetic Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Helps to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

HERBS
 SOURCE/MEDICINAL INGREDIENT SUGGESTED USE
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa		 Aerial parts
vitamins, minerals, protein, enzymes		 Traditionally used as a nutritive tonic.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera		 Leaf gel,
dried leaf latex
polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, aloin		 Oral: Traditionally used as a laxative, vermifuge.
Leaf gel: Traditionally used to treat minor burns, cuts to assist wound healing. Helps to promote healing of minor wounds
(cuts, burns) and minor skin irritations.
Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis paniculata		 Leaf
diterpene lactones, andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide		 Prophylaxis and symptomatic treatment of upper respiratory infections, bronchitis and pharyngotonsilitis, lower urinary tract infections and acute diarrhea.
Artichoke
Cynara cardunculus		 Leaf
caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin glycosides		 Used to help relieve digestive disturbances, such as dyspepsia,
to help increase bile flow.
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri		 Whole plant
alkaloids, saponins, sterols		 Helps to improve cognitive function and to enhance memory
and learning abilities.
Bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus		 Fruit
anthocyanosides		 Traditionally used as an astringent to help relieve diarrhea.
Source of antioxidants for maintenance of good health.
Black cohosh
Actaea racemosa L.		 Root, rhizome
triterpenoids		 Helps relieve menopausal symptoms & premenstrual symptoms. Traditionally used to relax skeletal muscle and ease nervous tension.
Borage oil
Borago officinalis L.		 Seed oil
essential fatty acids		 Source of essential fatty acids: omega-6 fatty acids
and linoleic acid for the maintenance of good health.
Buckthorn
Rhamnus frangula		 Bark
1,9-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives		 Mild laxative action and normalizes gastric function.
Burdock
Arctium lappa L.		 Dried root
extract		 Traditionally used as a diuretic to induce sweating. Helps remove accumulated waste products via kidneys, skin and mucous membranes. Helps to alleviate pain associated with rheumatism.
Cat’s claw
Uncaria tomentosa		 Bark
proanthocyanidins, alkaloids, phytochemicals		 Acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation.
Cascara sagrada
Cascara sagrada		 Aged bark
hydroxianthracene derivative (HAD), free anthraquinone		 Traditionally used as a laxative.
Cayenne
Capsicum frutescens		 Fruit
capsaicin, carotenoids, capsicidins		 Oral: Traditionally used as a digestive aid and to help support peripheral circulation. Topical: Traditionally used as a rubefacient/counterirritant to help relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and/or muscle and joint pain. Used for the temporary relief of muscle and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and pain of tendons and ligaments; used to relieve cutaneous pain associated with conditions such as post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Chaste tree
Vitex agnus castus		 Berries
agnuside		 Helps manage the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. For symptomatic relief of PMS, including irritability, breast tenderness and headaches.
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon		 Fruit, fruit juice
anthocyanidins		 Helps prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale F.H.		 Leaves & Roots
sesquiterpene, triterpenes, phenolic acids, carotenoids		 Leaf: Used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic. Root: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic, to help treat digestive disturbances (dyspepsia), increase bile flow (cholagogue), and stimulate appetite, as an alterative to help relieve dermatological conditions such as eczema.
Devil’s claw
Harpagophytum procumbens		 Secondary root tubers
harpogoside, beta sitosterol		 Traditionally used as a bitter to help stimulate appetite and relieve digestive disturbances such as dyspepsia. Also, used to help relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Echinacea
Echinacea angustifolia/
Purpurea/Pallida		 Root, aerial parts
echinacosides, polysaccharides, phytosterols		 Echinacea angustifolia: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and to help relieve sore throats.
Echinacea purpurea, echinacea pallida: Used in Herbal Medicine to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract. Supportive therapy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. common colds). Helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
Evening primrose
Oenothera bennis		 Seed oil
gamma-linolenic acid, mixed tocopherols		 Source of essential fatty acids: omega-6 fatty acids
and linoleic acid for the maintenance of good health.
Fennel Seed
Foeniculum vulgare		 Seeds & Oil
antioxidant		 Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as an expectorant to help
relieve coughs associated with colds, to help relieve digestive disturbances including bloating and flatulence and to help relieve
the pain associated with menstruation.
Fenugreek
Trigonella
foenum-graecum		 Seeds
flavonoids, saponin, vitamins		 Oral: Traditionally used to help stimulate the appetite, as a digestive tonic to aid digestion, to relieve dyspepsia and gastritis, mild laxative, expectorant to help relieve catarrh of the upper respiratory passages and to promote milk production /secretion.
Topical: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help heal minor skin wounds, burns, irritations and local inflammations.
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium		 Leaves, aerial parts
sesquiterpene lactones		 Leaf: Clinically shown to help reduce the severity and/or frequency of migraine headaches and associated nausea and vomiting when taken as a prophylactic. Aerial parts: Traditionally used to help relieve symptoms of colds. Traditionally used to aid digestion.
Used in western herbalism to help prevent migraine headaches.
Flaxseed
Linum usitatissimum		 Seed & Seed Oil alphalinoleic acid Bruised, cracked, ground, milled seed or seed oil: Source of essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health.
Whole, bruised, cracked, ground or milled seed: Bulk-forming laxative. Promotes bowel movement by increasing bulk volume and water content. Gentle relief of occasional constipation (irregularity).
Garcinia cambogia
Garcinia cambogia		 Fruit
hydroxycitric acid		 Helps suppress appetite and inhibit the production of unwanted fat (promotes fat oxidation).
Garlic
Allium sativum		 Bulb, distilled oil from bulb
alliin, allinase, allicin, vitamins

Traditionally used to help relieve the symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections and catarrhal conditions. Used to help reduce elevated blood lipid levels/ hyperlipidaemia in adults and to help maintain cardiovascular health in adults.
Ginger
Zingiber officinale		 Root
phenylalkylketones		 Helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion
sickness, postoperative nausea and seasickness. Traditionally used to relieve digestive upset/disturbances (lack of appetite, nausea, digestive spasms, indigestion, dyspepsia, flatulent colic), expectorant, anti-tussive to help relive bronchitis, colds and coughs.
Ginkgo biloba
Gingko biloba		 Leaves
flavoglycosides; quercetin, proanthocyanidins, terpenes		 Helps to enhance cognitive function and memory in an aging population and helps to support peripheral circulation.
Ginseng
Panax ginseng		 Root
ginsenosides, glycosides		 Helps to improve cognitive function and performance.
Grape seed
Vitis vinifera L.		 Seed
proanthocyanidins		 Antioxidant to prevent cell damage.
Green coffee
Coffea arabica		 Bean
chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid		 Helps to reduce the absorption of consumed carbohydrates, decrease the uptake of glucose in the body and regulate blood glucose levels.
Green tea
Camellia sinensis		 Leaves
polyphenols		 Source of antioxidants for maintenance of good health, to be used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity to help in weight management.
Griffonia simplicifolia
Griffonia simplicifolia		 Seed
5-HTP (L-5-hydroxytryptophan)		 Helps to promote healthy mood balance and relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Helps to reduce the severity and duration of migraine headaches when taken as a prophylactic. To be used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity (if possible) to help in weight management by reducing carbohydrate cravings. Used as a sleep aid.
Golden seal
Hydrastis canadensis L.		 Root & Rhizome
alkaloids, (hydrastine) fatty acids, volatile oil		 Oral: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help alleviate infectious and inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract such as gastritis. Used as a bitter to aid digestion and to increase appetite (stomachic). Used to help relieve digestive disturbances such as dyspepsia, as a mild laxative. Buccal: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve mucous membrane inflammations of the mouth.
Guggulipids
Commiphora mukul		 Gum resin
essential oil, guggulesterone, deoresin		 Helps lower cholesterol.
Hawthorn
Crategus oxyacantha		 Berries
flavonoid, glycosides, saponins, catechins, tannins, procyanidins, vitexin		 Promotes cardiovascular health.
Horsetail
Equisetum arvense L.		 Herb
silicon		 For healthy nails, hair and skin. Helps support bone health.
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra L.		 Root
glycyrrhizin, flavonoids

Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as an expectorant to help relieve chest complaints, such as catarrhs, coughs and bronchitis. Used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis in adults.
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum		 Leaves & Seeds flavonoids Helps to promote heart health, diuretic.
Prune
Prunus domestica		 Fruit
sorbitol and polyphenols		 Natural laxative, which helps to cleanse the intestines.
Psyllium husk
Plantago ovata		 Husk
fiber		 Fibre supplement to promote & maintain regularity.
Pumpkin seed
Cucurbita pepo		 Seeds
linoleic acid, cucurbitacins, zinc		 Helps relieve urologic symptoms associated with benign
prostatic hyperplasia.
Pygeum
Pygeum africanum		 Bark
phytosterols, terpenoids, ferulic esters		 Helps maintain healthy prostate & relieve urologic symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Rosehips
Fructor rosae canina		 Fruit
bioflavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin B complex		 Source of vitamin C.
Saw palmetto
Serenoa repens		 Berries
saponins; phytosterols; fatty acids;		 Used to help relieve the urologic symptoms (e.g. weak urine flow, incomplete voiding, frequent daytime and night time urination) associated with mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Soy
Glycine max		 Bean
isoflavones		 An excellent source of protein & promotes heart health. Soy isoflavones alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve bone metabolism.
St. John’s wort
Hypericum perforatum		 Flower, aerial parts
essential oil, glycosides, flavonoids		 Traditionally used as a sedative for relief of restlessness or nervousness. Helps to treat symptoms of sleep disorders.
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis		 Root, rhizome
valerinic acid, sesquiterpenes, glycoside, essential oil		 Traditionally used to relieve nervousness (calmative/sedative).
Helps to promote sleep.

SUPPLEMENTS
 SOURCE/MEDICINAL INGREDIENT SUGGESTED USE
Chondroitin Calf trachea
chondroitin		 Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Helps to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
CLA Safflower oil
conjugated linoleic acid		 Aids in reducing body fat.
CoQ10 Bacteria
ubiquinone		 Helps to maintain and support cardiovascular health. Helps to
reduce frequency of migraine headaches and associated nausea
and vomiting when taken as prophylactic. An antioxidant.
Glucosamine Shrimp, prawn & crab exoskeleton
glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride		 Glucosamine sulfate: Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Helps to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Helps to protect against the deterioration of cartilage. A factor in maintaining healthy cartilage and/or joint health. Glucosamine hydrochloride: A factor in maintaining healthy cartilage. A factor in maintaining joint health.
Lecithin Soybean
phospholipids		 Source of phosphatidylcholine to support healthy liver function.
Lutein Marigold flower
carotenoid		 Antioxidant. Promotes overall eye health.
Lycopene Tomato
carotenoid		 Powerful antioxidant to promote prostate health and reduce
risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Promotes heart health. Oils
essential fatty acids		 Promotes heart health.
Probiotics Bacterial culture
lacidophilus rhamnosus, bifidobacterium breve, lactobacillus acidophilus., bifidobacterium longum		 Helps maintain healthy gastro-intestinal tract. Helps protect against gastro-intestinal tract associated in factious diseases. Helps relieve gastro-intestinal disturbances associated with antibiotic therapy.

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