Vitamin Information
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Vitamin B7, also called Biotin , is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins in the B-complex family. Vitamin B7 helps to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails and also plays a role in blood sugar balance. Biotin is needed to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Biotin acts as a coenzyme and is involved in creating fatty acids (which is important for skin and hair health), and synthesizing the amino acids isoleucine and valine, which supports immune health, tissue repair and muscle growth.
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Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) is one of the 8 B Vitamins, in fact, it is the largest vitamin molecule, and is an essential nutrient that helps support the brain and nervous system. Vitamin B-12 plays a role in the production of DNA, assisting with formation of healthy red blood cells, supporting healthy metabolic functioning, nerve function, energy levels, detoxification and mood support.
As we age, it becomes more difficult to absorb this vitamin and levels can become depleted due to excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain medications that interfere with B12 absorption (such as antacids, birth control, PPIs), anemia, lack of B-12 in the diet (especially vegan and vegetarian diets) and inflammation in the GI tract.
Vitamin B12 is involved in energy production in the body, as it helps to produce red blood cells, which deliver oxygen throughout the body. In fact, one of the most common signs of B-12 deficiency is fatigue or low energy for an extended period of time. When the body does not get adequate B12, red blood cells can become enlarged (which makes them harder to move in your bloodstream), which can lead to anemia.
Vitamin B12 supports brain function, and helps maintain your nerves myelin sheath or protective layer that forms around brain and spinal cord nerves. Low levels can negatively affect memory and cognition and can also lead to sensations of tingling and numbing of the nerves.
Vitamin B12 helps with cell production, which includes promoting healthy hair, skin and nails. It also can support healthy metabolic functioning, as it helps to convert food into usable energy forms in the body and plays a role in metabolizing fat, proteins and carbohydrates.
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Calcium is a mineral that supports the central nervous system, bone health, normal heart and muscle function, as well as supporting healthy blood pressure levels already within normal range and regulates normal heart rhythms and nerve function.
The body does not make calcium on its own and calcium deficiency can occur due to hormonal shifts, medications that inhibit absorption and poor calcium intake. Muscle weakness, increased blood pressure and arthritis can all be symptoms of calcium deficiency. Research has found a link between low calcium levels and increased symptoms of PMS, particularly mood disorders associated with PMS.
Calcium is a cofactor for several enzymes in the body, and is responsible for the dilation and contraction of blood vessels and for helping to move blood and nutrients through blood vessels. Calcium helps to regulate muscle contraction by interacting with magnesium, as Mg helps muscles relax and Calcium helps muscle contract, supporting muscle function.
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Magnesium is a mineral that contributes to more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body; in fact, the body has over 3,500 binding sites for magnesium. It is often referred to as your body’s relaxation mineral. It helps support a healthy immune system and central nervous system, helps to maintain nerve and muscle function and can support feelings of relaxation and the body’s stress response. Magnesium also helps support feelings of anxiousness and reduce stress, and has been shown to reduce symptoms of mild and generalized anxiety.
The body utilizes Magnesium during the inflammatory processes and can support the body’s antioxidant systems, which helps improve hangover symptoms, as it is involved in phase 2 detoxification in the liver. Magnesium possesses detoxification properties and can support liver health.
Long periods of stress, heavy drinking, excessive amounts of caffeine, sugar and consumption of OTC medications such as ant-acids and birth control have been shown to deplete magnesium levels in the body. Fatigue, muscle spasms, weakness or stiffness can all be signs of magnesium deficiency, as well as PMS symptoms and migraines can all be symptoms of low magnesium levels.
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MICC can be used to support the metabolism, in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The IV combines several nutrients, such as Methionine, Inositol, Choline, and Cyanocobalamin (B-12), which can play a role in detoxification, liver health, metabolic functioning and glucose metabolism and regulation.
Methionine is a sulfur containing amino acids that aids in the breakdowns of fats and plays a role in detoxification. It is considered an essential amino acid and cannot be made by the body. It can help with the absorption of other nutrients, such as selenium and zinc, and has hepatoprotective benefits. It acts as an antioxidant and can support cellular health and reduce damage from oxidative stress.
Inositol plays a role in metabolic function, balancing hormone health and regulating glucose levels. Inositol is important for liver function, insulin signaling and supporting healthy moods, feelings of relaxation and brain function. Inositol can also improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which plays a role in controlling blood glucose levels in the body.
Choline is an essential nutrient that can support liver and brain health, nervous system functioning. It is involved in the synthesis of carnitine, which helps with energy production and metabolic health, as well as acetylcholine, a main neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system (which helps with relaxation, rest and digestion). Choline is essential for healthy liver function, which plays a role in detoxification, immune function and hormone health. Choline is necessary
Cyanocobalamin (B-12) plays a role in normal functioning of the nervous system, in the formation of blood cells and healthy metabolic functioning. B12 levels can help to regulate sleep, energy, mood and appetite.
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Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is involved in many body functions, including the proper functioning of the immune system, formation of collagen, absorption of iron, wound healing, and supporting a healthy stress response. Your body cannot produce Vitamin C on its own, therefore it is necessary to get vitamin C through the diet or supplementation (such as IV therapy). Fatigue, poor mood, bleeding gums, excessive bruising and bleeding, poor wound healing, and poor immune function are symptoms of low Vitamin C levels.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect your cells against free radical damage. Vitamin C can help to improve the absorption of iron from the diet, which is essential for energy production, healthy red blood cell production and creating hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are proteins that provide oxygen to muscles. Vitamin C is also involved in phase I liver detoxification.
Vitamin C is also essential to the adrenal glands and the body’s ability to deal with stress. Vitamin C is required for making catecholamines (or stress hormones) and your adrenal glands are one of the organs with the highest concentration of Vitamin C.
*Those with a history of kidney stones should be cautious of high levels of Vitamin C.
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Zinc is a trace mineral that is necessary for the activity of over 300 enzyme processes in the body such as digestion, metabolic function, nerve function, immune system regulation, DNA synthetic, skin and gut health and brain health. Signs of zinc deficiency can include decreased sense of smell and taste, poor wound healing, mood issues such as feeling irritable, diarrhea, weakened immune response, and loss of appetite.
Zinc is required for healthy immune system functioning, can modulate inflammatory enzymes and support liver function, particularly in modulating oxidative damage and free radical damage. Zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system such as supporting the innate immune response (non-specific immune system), and the production of natural killer cells, T-cells and neutrophils. Zinc can support hormone health and libido in both men and women.
Zinc plays a role in maintaining the integrity of intestinal tight junctions (sometimes referred to as “leaky gut”) and has been shown to help strengthen the gut lining and can support intestinal health.
Some of the greatest density of zinc ions is found in the hippocampus, which plays a role in learning and memory and mood regulation. Zinc has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and can modulate the activity of the HPA axis, which is involved in the body’s stress response, mood and emotions, energy levels, immune system and digestion.
There are more easily forms of zinc, such as zinc chloride, which can reduce stomach issues associated with zinc consumption and can increase absorption of zinc throughout the body.
NAD
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NAD is a cellular compound called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is found in all of your cells in the body. NAD is another form of Vitamin B3, which plays a role in various biological processes such as supporting your circadian rhythm, repairing damaged DNA, defending against free radical damage and oxidative stress, supporting immune health and supporting healthy inflammatory pathways.
NAD is often called a helper molecule because it binds to other enzymes in the body to activate and generate reactions. Many of the body’s enzyme reactions and gene repair mechanisms are dependent on NAD. As NAD levels go down, the body's ability to support these enzyme reactions also goes down.
NAD supports mitochondrial health, energy production, healthy aging and cognitive function, as well as plays a role in longevity genes by regulating the Sirtuin pathways. Since NAD is essential for mitochondrial function, it can support ATP production, which may have a positive effect on energy levels.
NAD may help protect brain cells, as it can control the production of PGC-1-alpha, a protein that has been found to help protect against oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function.
Vita Complex
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Vitamin B1, also called Thiamine, is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins in the B-complex family. It helps the body convert food into fuel, which helps with energy production. It is essential for glucose metabolism, nerve, muscle and heart health. It can support nervous system health and brain function, and is also involved in the flow of electrolytes into and out of muscle and nerve cells.
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Vitamin B2, also called Riboflavin , is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins in the B-complex family. It plays a role in ATP production and the production of healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B2 is required for phase 1 and phase II liver detoxification. Vitamin B2 helps convert B6 to its active coenzyme form and with the conversion of tryptophan to niacin. B2 has also been shown to help balance and improve respiration and energy production within the mitochondria of brain cells, which might play a role in mitigating migraines.
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Vitamin B3, also called Niacin , is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins in the B-complex family. It plays a role in brain health, cardiovascular health, DNA repair and providing antioxidant support to cells. Vitamin B3 is required for phase 1 and phase II liver detoxification. One of the main roles of B3 in the body is to make the coenzymes NAD and NADP (which are involved in roughly 400 biochemical reactions in the body), which play a role in mitochondrial health, energy production and cellular health and metabolism.
*Some individuals do experience something known as the niacin flush, which is a common side effect of taking niacin as a supplement; and while it may feel uncomfortable and annoying (the skin might feel warm and itchy and appear red), it is generally harmless and a result of increased flow of the blood to the skin’s surface and the expansion of the capillaries.
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Vitamin B5, also called Pantothenic Acid, is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins in the B-complex family. Vitamin B5 is often referred to as the anti-stress vitamin, as it helps to regulate the production of cortisol and can support healthy adrenal gland functioning. Vitamin B5 can support a healthy central nervous system and stress response. It can also promote healthy hair and skin.
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Vitamin B6, also called Pyridoxine , is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins in the B-complex family. It plays a role in over 100 enzyme reactions. Vitamin B6 is required for phase 1 and phase II liver detoxification and is also required to make neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA and dopamine, which regulates mood, cravings and emotions, as well as motivation and pleasure. Vitamin B6 is required for healthy central nervous system functioning, creating blood cells and is important for immune system functioning and brain health. B6 may also help with mild symptoms of nausea.
Mineral Blend
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Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in maintaining oxidative homeostasis.
In conjunction with iron, the mineral copper has an important health function as it’s needed for the body to form red blood cells and iron metabolism. It also helps keep the blood vessels, nerves, immune system and bones healthy. It can help the body form collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in energy production. Copper also possesses antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the production of free radicals.
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see above
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Manganese is a trace mineral that is necessary for the production of several enzymes and antioxidants that fight free radical damage and aid in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Manganese is also needed for a healthy nervous system and brain function. It also supports bone health and liver health and works as a cofactor for energy production, immune support and helping the body utilize other vitamins such as choline and thiamine. Healthy Manganese levels can support SOD levels, an antioxidant that can support liver health and detoxification.
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Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed for overall health. It’s important for reproduction, thyroid gland function and DNA production. Selenium is an essential component of enzymes and proteins known as selenoproteins, which help to make DNA and protect against infections and cell damage.
Selenium is required for the activity of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, which plays a role in detoxification, immune health and cellular health. As a component of the glutathione cycle, it protects the liver from reactive oxygen metabolites and free radical damage.
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see above
Amino Acids
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Arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in cardiovascular health, as well as muscle and tissue repair. Arginine releases nitric oxide into the blood, which helps to widen blood vessels in the bloodstream. This is important for heart health, libido, energy production, and enhancing exercise recovery. Arginine may enhance exercise performance through increasing nitric oxide in the body, which improves blood flow and oxygenation to muscles.
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Carnitine is a conditionally essential amino acid that has been studied for its role in supporting energy production. It plays a role in producing energy by transporting fatty acids into the cell's mitochondria. Since Carnitine can help move fatty acids into the cells, which can later be burned for energy, some research suggests that it can support healthy metabolic functioning. Your body can produce Carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine however, your body also requires Vitamin C to produce sufficient amounts of Carnitine.
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Citrulline is an amino acid that plays an important role in the urea cycle, which helps the body get rid of ammonia. It also can help with vasodilation and increasing blood flow. Some research has shown that Citrulline is converted to arginine, which is then converted into nitric oxide. Citrulline may improve athletic performance by increasing the amount of oxygen in the muscle tissue.
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Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a role in supporting immune health and intestinal health. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and other body fluids and is considered a conditionally essential amino acid. Glutamine is important for immune cells, such as white blood cells, macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes.
Glutamine actually acts as a fuel source for the cells that line the intestines, which also contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects. It can support intestinal cells and may help support the integrity of the intestinal lining. It is important for the normal growth and maintenance of the cells of the intestines and may help maintain the barrier between the inside of your intestines and the rest of the body, helping to protect against “leaky gut.”
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Glutathione is an antioxidant that is produced in the cells that plays a role in immune health, detoxification, tissue repair, and protecting your cells from free radical damage. It is made up of three amino acids, glutamine, glycine and cysteine. It is often referred to as your body’s “master antioxidant.”
Glutathione has been shown to reduce the levels of oxidative stress in the body, as well as improve antioxidant status within the body and cells, as it helps to recycle other antioxidants such as Vitamins C, E, ALA and CoQ10. Glutathione can support mitochondrial health, which plays a role in healthy aging and ATP production. It is involved in protecting mitochondria from free radical damage, which when accumulated over time, can lead to low energy.
One of the main roles of Glutathione is supporting healthy detoxification pathways, as well as neutralizing oxidative molecules that can be damaging to the cells. Glutathione is helpful in phase II detoxification, as phase II enzymes need glutathione, particularly GST, which helps to neutralize toxic substances from phase I detoxification.
Glutathione can also support healthy inflammatory pathways and support the balance of immune white cells. Research has shown that Glutathione can support the production of Natural Killer Cells, T-Cells and anti-inflammatory substances such as interleukins 2 and 12, which control bacterial and viral infections.
Oral ingestion of glutathione may not be as effective as IV delivery, as it is a larger molecule and there may be issues with absorption.
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Lysine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot make on its own. It plays a role in immune system functioning, a healthy stress response, supporting blood glucose levels and wound healing. Lysine is important for carnitine production, the formation of collagen and for protein synthesis. Lysine plays an important role in collage production, which is important for bones, connective tissues, skin and hair. Lysine has also been shown to help increase the absorption of calcium, iron and zinc.
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Ornithine is an amino acid that has been researched for its role in potentially improving athletic performance and exercise recovery. The body uses Ornithine to make polyamines, which play a role in cell growth and proliferation, as well as the amino acid proline, which is used to make collagen. Some evidence suggests that it may improve athletic performance by reducing elevated levels of ammonia. Blood ammonia increases during exercise and some research suggests that this increase can lead to fatigue. Ornithine is involved in the process that converts ammonia into urea, which can be eliminated through the urine.