Acerola extract (fruit)

Acerola extract is obtained from the fruit of the small tree, Malpighia glabra or Malpighia punicifolia. Acerola is grown in tropical regions of the Americas. The fruit is known for being one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and polyphenols, such as anthocyanins. Acerola fruit extract acts as an antioxidant, likely due to the presence of some of these nutrients (1). Most acerola fruit is processed into fruit products, such as jams, jellies and juices, or added to dietary supplements as a source of vitamin C (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
    •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
    •  Catalyst™ caplets
 

Agave

Agave. There are over 200 known species of the succulent plant Agave, mainly grown in Mexico and southern areas of the United States. The flowers, leaves, stalks and sap are all edible. Agave syrup or nectar, made from agave sap, is used as a sweetener substitute, with a lower glycemic index than that of table sugar (sucrose) due to its high fructose content. Agave is likely safe to consume in the amounts usually found in foods and beverages (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
    •  Simply Delicious™ Snack Bars cherry pie flavor
    •  Simply Delicious™ Snack Bars chocolate raspberry truffle flavor
 

Allantoin

Allantoin is an organic compound used in cosmetics and personal care products as a skin conditioning agent (1). According to the Cosmetic Ingredients Review (an independent committee established by the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade association that thoroughly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), allantoin is safe to use in the amounts present in our products (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
    •  Emprizone^® gel
 

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract. For centuries, the Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis planthas been used by cultures for its beneficial effects on human health (1). Today aloe vera leaf extract continues to be used in cosmetics and personal care products as a skin conditioning agent, which acts both to lubricate the skin surface and to increase water content of the top layers of the skin by drawing moisture from the surrounding air (2). According to the Cosmetic Ingredients Review (an independent committee established by the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade association that thoroughly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), Aloe barbadensis leaf extract is safe to use in the amounts present in our products (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
    •  Emprizone^® gel
    •  FIRM with Ambrotose^® cream
 

Aloe vera (inner leaf gel powder)

Aloe vera gel. For centuries, the aloe vera plant, Aloe barbadensis, has been used by cultures for its beneficial effects on human health (1). Today aloe vera gel continues to be used in supplements, foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Aloe leaves consist of two major parts, the outer leaf epidermis and the inner leaf gel, which are very different in their chemical composition and properties. Aloe gel is obtained from the inner portion of the leaves. Much of the health benefits observed by the use of aloe vera gel may be attributed to its high molecular weight polysaccharides. Before a process was developed to stabilize aloe vera gel or extracts, fresh preparations were regarded as being required for any therapeutic efficacy (2). It has now been shown that careful drying of aloe vera gel can retain the polysaccharide content important for producing many of its health benefits (3).
     There are very few studies exploring what happens to aloe vera gel once ingested. It has been demonstrated that the human gut bacteria can digest polysaccharides from aloe vera (4). Aloe has a long history of safe use, dating back thousands of years.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® capsules
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® powder
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  MannaBears™ supplement
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PhytoBurst^® Nutritional Chews
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

Aloe vera extract (inner leaf gel)

Aloe vera gel. For centuries, the aloe vera plant, Aloe barbadensis, has been used by cultures for its beneficial effects on human health (1). Today aloe vera gel continues to be used in supplements, foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Aloe leaves consist of two major parts, the outer leaf epidermis and the inner leaf gel, which are very different in their chemical composition and properties. Aloe gel is obtained from the inner portion of the leaves. Much of the health benefits observed by the use of aloe vera gel may be attributed to its high molecular weight polysaccharides. Before a process was developed to stabilize aloe vera gel or extracts, fresh preparations were regarded as being required for any therapeutic efficacy (2). It has now been shown that careful drying of aloe vera gel can retain the polysaccharide content important for producing many of its health benefits (3).
     There are very few studies exploring what happens to aloe vera gel once ingested. It has been demonstrated that the human gut bacteria can digest polysaccharides from aloe vera (4). Aloe has a long history of safe use, dating back thousands of years.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
    •  Ambrotose^® Complex powder
 

Alpha-carotene

Alpha-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid, similar to beta-carotene, which serves as a source of vitamin A for the body. Like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene is particularly abundant in orange vegetables and fruit (1). They differ in that alpha-carotene has only half of the vitamin A activity of beta-carotene.
     Dietary carotenoids may either be absorbed through the intestines intact, or be cleaved to form vitamin A prior to absorption. There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for beta-carotene or other provitamin A carotenoids. However, dietary provitamin A carotenoids have vitamin A activity that can be expressed as retinol activity equivalents (RAEs) to be included as part of the RDI for vitamin A (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
    •  Catalyst™ caplets
    •  GlycoBears^® tablets
 

Alpha-galactosidase

Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the terminal galactose monosaccharide from oligosaccharides, glycolipids and glycoproteins. Plant-derived oligo- and polysaccharides consumed in high-fiber diets normally pass through the small intestine intact to be fermented by colonic bacteria, a process that produces gas that can lead to flatulence. Alpha-galactosidase, derived from the fungus Aspergillus niger, has been consumed as a digestive aid for over 15 years (1). It is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  GI-ZYME^® capsules
 

Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an organic compound made naturally in the body. It functions as a coenzyme in chemical reactions that generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It also demonstrates antioxidant activity. Food sources of ALA include red meat, spinach, broccoli and yeast (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
 

Alumina

Alumina, also called aluminum oxide, is a white-colored mineral made up of aluminum and oxygen. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products to improve the consistency and color of the product (1).Alumina is generally recognized as relatively nontoxic and nonirritating when used in cosmetics and personal care products (1). It is included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Inactive Ingredients Guide as safe to use in the amounts present in our products (2).

Aminoethanesulfinic acid

Aminoethanesulfinic Acid, also called hypotaurine, is an amino acid with antioxidant activities (1).

Aminomethyl propanol

Aminomethyl propanol is a chemical compound used to adjust the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of skin care products (1). According to the Cosmetic Ingredients Review (an independent committee established by the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade association that thoroughly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), aminomethyl propanol is safe to use in the amounts present in our products (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Emprizone^® gel
   •  FIRM with Ambrotose^® cream
 

Amylase

Amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands and the pancreas that can break down starch, glycogen and related polysaccharides into simple sugars (1). Amylase derived from widely utilized fungi and bacteria, such as Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis, is approved for use as a food enzyme by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  GI-PRO^® capsules
   •  GI-ZYME^® capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
 

Apple (fruit)

Apple. The fruit of the apple tree, Malus pumila, is the third leading fruit crop in the world. Apples were grown as early as the 4^th century B.C. by the Greeks. Today, there are around 7,500 varieties of apples grown worldwide, with one third of those being grown in the United States (1). Apples are a source of dietary fiber and vitamin C (2). They also contain flavonoid compounds, such as quercetin, that demonstrate antioxidant activities (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
 

Arabinogalactan (from Larix spp. wood)

Arabinogalactans are a class of long, densely branched high-molecular weight polysaccharides extracted for commercial uses from the bark of the Eastern and Western Larch trees, Larix larcinia and Larix occidentalis. Larch arabinogalactans are considered a good source of soluble dietary fiber. Arabinogalactans are common in many food plants, including corn, carrots, tomatoes, pears, wheat and red wine (1). 
     The amount of arabinogalactan absorbed through the intestine after an oral dose is unclear. Non-absorbed arabinogalactan is fermented by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (2), (3). Larch arabinogalactans are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (21CFR172.610).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® capsules
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® powder
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex powder
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

Arachis hypogaea (peanut) oil

Arachis hypogaea (peanut) oil. Purified peanut oil is obtained from the seeds of Arachis hypogaea, the common peanut. Widely used as an edible oil, it functions to assist in mixing of ingredients (1). Peanut oil is also used as a skin conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care products (2).According to the Cosmetic Ingredients Review (an independent committee established by the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade association, that thoroughly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), peanut oil is safe to use in the amounts present in our products (3).

Arginine

Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, is particularly abundant in meats, whole grains, and dairy products (1). Under normal conditions the body can synthesize sufficient arginine to meet physiological needs. Stress conditions put an increased demand on the body for arginine and, under these conditions, dietary arginine becomes essential (2), (3). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), arginine can be safely added to foods (21CFR172.320).
     Arginine can also be used as a skin conditioning agent in cosmetics and skin care products (4).

Artemia extract

Artemia extract is obtained from small shellfish inhabiting salt waters throughout the world. Artemia extracts have water-binding capacities, antioxidant activities that protect against cell damage from free radicals, and may also protect the skin from UV stress and reduce the appearance of wrinkles (1).

Ascophyllum nodosum

Ascophyllum nodosum is a type of brown algae that grows in the North Atlantic basin (1). It contains many nutrients, including amino acids, polysaccharides and a number of vitamins and minerals (2). Ascophyllum nodosum is used as a source of the essential mineral iodine in dietary supplements.

Ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is an essential water-soluble vitamin found mainly in fruits and vegetables, particularly in citrus fruits such as oranges. Vitamin C functions as a reducing agent and thereby demonstrates potent antioxidant activity. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to the disease scurvy, which involves the deterioration of elastic tissue, demonstrating the important role of ascorbic acid in the synthesis of connective tissues such as collagen in bones (1). Dietary vitamin C is efficiently absorbed through the intestine.
     Vitamin C is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (21CFR182.8013). The U.S. FDA has established a Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of 60 mgs vitamin C for adults and children 4 or more years of age (21CFR101.9). RDIs are a set of dietary references for essential vitamins and minerals that are considered amounts sufficient to meet the daily requirements of healthy individuals. RDIs serve as the basis for calculating the percent daily value (%DV) amounts found on dietary supplement and food labels.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  GlycoSlim^® chocolate meal replacement
   •  GlycoSlim^® vanilla meal replacement
 

Ascorbyl palmitate

Ascorbyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin C and palmitic acid. It functions as an antioxidant in oral preparations. Ascorbyl palmitate is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (21CFR182.3149).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  BounceBack^® capsules
 

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is an organic compound synthesized from ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and palmitic acid, which occurs naturally in all animal fats and in olive oil (1). It is used as an antioxidant in skin creams (2).

Asian ginseng extract (root)

Asian ginseng extract is obtained from the roots of the Asian ginseng plant, Panax ginseng. Asian ginseng has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. The major active components of ginseng, ginsenosides, are found in every part of the plant, with the roots having the highest content. Ginseng also contains polysaccharides, essential amino acids, B vitamins and various flavonoids. In the United States, ginseng is a popular component of various dietary supplements. Overall, Asian ginseng appears to be well-tolerated in healthy individuals (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Accelerator 3™ capsules
 

Aspergillus melleus

Aspergillus melleus. Certain species of Aspergillus fungi, including Aspergillus melleus, are used by the food and dietary supplement industries to safely produce digestive enzymes, such as protease, amylase and lipase.

Aspergillus oryzae

Aspergillus oryzae. Certain species of Aspergillus fungi, including Aspergillus oryzae, are used by the food and dietary supplement industries to safely produce digestive enzymes, such as protease, amylase and lipase. These enzymes, when derived from Aspergillus oryzae, are approved for use as food additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1).

Astragalus gummifer gum

Astragalus gummifer gum comes from the stems and branches of the flowering plant Astragalus gummifer. The raw gum is made up of a mixture of two polysaccharides. It is used to increase the thickness of skin care products, for fragrance and to stabilize oil-in-water mixtures (1). According to the Cosmetic Ingredients Review (an independent committee established by the Personal Care Products Council, an industry trade association that thoroughly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), Astragalus gummifer gum is safe to use in the amounts present in our products (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Emprizone^® gel
   •  FIRM with Ambrotose^® cream
 

Australian bush plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) (fruit)

Australian bush plum, or Kakadu plum, is the fruit of a small deciduous tree, Terminalia ferdinandiana, found in northwestern Australia. Kakadu plums have been a food and medicinal source for aboriginal people for thousands of years (1). With an average vitamin C content of 3.0%–3.5% (range = 0.2%–5.9%), the bush plum is believed to be the single natural food source with the highest vitamin C content in the world (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  Optimal Support Packets
 

Avocado/soy unsaponifiables

Avocado/soy unsaponifiables (ASUs). Unsaponifiables are components of an oil, fat, wax, etc. that are not soluble in water. They include sterols, squalene, carotenoids and the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) (1). Soybean oil unsaponifiables include β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, carotenoids and vitamins A, E and K (2). Avocado oil unsaponifiables include sterols (3), carotenoids, and vitamins E and K (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  BounceBack^® capsules