L-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).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
 

L-arginine (as L-arginine HCl)

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).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
 

L-carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative found in almost all cells of the human body where it is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a form of biological energy. L-carnitine can be synthesized in the liver and kidneys from the essential amino acids L-lysine and L-methionine (1). It can also be consumed in foods of animal origin, such as lamb or beef, or as a dietary supplement. L-carnitine 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:
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate

L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate. Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid found in many proteins in the body (1). Cysteine is incorporated into glutathione, which works with vitamin E to protect cells against free radical oxidative damage.

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

L-glutamic acid

Glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid, is found in many meats, whole grains, and dairy products (1). Glutamic acid is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (21CFR182.1045) and appears to be well tolerated when given orally (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
 

L-lysine (as L-lysine HCl)

Lysine is an essential amino acid (it must be supplied by the diet). Mostly provided by protein intake, it is probably the least abundant amino acid present in foods (1). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lysine can be safely added to foods (21CFR172.320).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
 

Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a disaccharide found in milk, into the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. In humans, lactase is located on the membranes of epithelial cells lining the small intestine. Lactose intolerance is caused by the absence or deficiency of this enzyme in the intestinal system (1). Lactase derived from certain strains of yeast 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-ZYME^® capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
 

Lactic acid

Lactic acid is derived from the fermentation of milk or carbohydrates from nondairy sources. Lactic acid has many functions in cosmetics and personal care products. It can be used as a fragrance component and to adjust pH (the acidity or alkalinity), and as a skin conditioning agent that increases water content of the top layers of the skin by drawing moisture from the surrounding air (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), lactic acid is safe to use in the amounts present in our products (2).

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

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a strain of lactic acid-producing bacteria that is naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is commonly found in fermented milk products, such as yogurt, and can also be consumed as a dietary supplement. Lactobacillus acidophilus is considered a probiotic, beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. Probiotics also assist in nutrient absorption and help control the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut. Orally, Lactobacillus species are usually well-tolerated, the most common side effect being a mild case of flatulence that tends to subside as consumption continues (1).

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

Lactobacillus bulgaricus

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a strain of lactic acid-producing bacteria that is naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is commonly found in fermented milk products, such as yogurt, and can also be consumed as a dietary supplement. Lactobacillus bulgaricus is considered a probiotic, beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. Probiotics also assist in nutrient absorption and help control the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut. Orally, Lactobacillus species are usually well-tolerated, the most common side effect being a mild case of flatulence that tends to subside as consumption continues (1).

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

Lactobacillus casei

Lactobacillus casei is a strain of lactic acid-producing bacteria normally found in the human intestine. It is considered a type of probiotic, beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. Probiotics also assist in nutrient absorption and help control the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut. Probiotics come from food sources, such as yogurt, but they can also be consumed as dietary supplements. Orally, Lactobacillus species are usually well-tolerated, the most common side effect being a mild case of flatulence that tends to subside as consumption continues (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
 

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is a strain of lactic acid-producing bacteria that is naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is commonly found in fermented food products and can be consumed as a probiotic dietary supplement. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also assist in nutrient absorption and help control the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut. Orally, Lactobacillus species are usually well-tolerated, the most common side effect being a mild case of flatulence that tends to subside as consumption continues (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
 

Lactobacillus sporogenes

Lactobacillus sporogenes, also referred to as Bacillus coagulans, is a strain of lactic acid-producing bacteria used as a probiotic in foods and dietary supplements. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also assist in nutrient absorption and help control the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut. Orally, Lactobacillus species are usually well-tolerated, the most common side effect being a mild case of flatulence that tends to subside as consumption continues (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
 

Lactoferrin (from milk)

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in many bodily fluids such as milk, colostrum, saliva, tears and bile. It is a component of the innate immune response, acting as part of the body’s first line of defense against infection (1). For use in supplements, bovine lactoferrin can be purified from milk or milk derivatives, such as whey protein. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been notified that industry considers milk-derived lactoferrin to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as an ingredient in sports and functional foods and has not objected to its use for this purpose (GRN No. 000077).

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

Laminaria ochroleuca extract

Laminaria ochroleuca extract is an extract from the species of brown algae, Laminaria ochroleuca. Algae extracts are commonly used in cosmetics. Laminaria ochroleuca extract is used in skin care products for fragrance and as a skin conditioning agent (1).

Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil

Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil is the oil obtained from the flowering lavender plant, Lavandula angustifolia. It is used for fragrance and as a skin conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care products (1). Botanical and botanically derived ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetics are generally mild and safe.

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

Lecithin

Lecithin is a mixture of naturally occurring phospholipids, fatty substances that are major components of all cell membranes. It is used commercially as a natural way to stabilize liquid mixtures. One of the primary phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine is present in lecithin products at concentrations ranging from 20% - 90%, depending on whether the lecithin is derived from plant or animal sources. For use in dietary supplements, lecithin is produced mainly from plants, such as soybean, which contains around 20% phosphatidylcholine (1). Lecithin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption with the status generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (21CFR184.1400) (2).

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

Leek (aerial parts)

Leek, Allium porrum, is a vegetable closely related to the onion. Leeks have been cultivated in Europe and Central Asia for thousands of years. The edible portions of leeks are the white onion base and the light green stalks, used in foods such as salads, soups and stews (1). They are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K and manganese, as well as a source of vitamin C, vitamin B₆, folate and iron (2). Leeks also contain numerous flavonoid compounds, such as quercetin, that demonstrate antioxidant activities (3).

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

Lemon (fruit)

Lemon. The fruit of the lemon tree, Citrus limon, is native to southern Asia and has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region since around 1000 A.D. The majority of lemons grown in the U.S. are used to make beverages such as lemon juice and lemonade. The peel, pulp and seeds are used to make lemon oil, lemon essence and pectin (1). Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain a number of bioflavonoids, such as quercetin and hesperetin (2), (3). Each of these nutrients demonstrates antioxidant activities.

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

Lemon verbena

Lemon verbena is a perennial herb used as an ingredient in herbal teas and other beverages. It is approved for use as a natural flavoring substance in foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (21CFR172.510) (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
 

Lime (fruit)

Lime. The fruit of the lime tree, Citrus aurantifolia, grows in tropical and subtropical climates. The Key lime variety is strictly cultivated in Florida. Lime juice and zest are used to flavor foods such as fish, pie, puddings, salad dressings and sauces (1). Limes are a good source of vitamin C (2). They also contain the bioflavonoids quercetin and naringenin (3). Each of these nutrients demonstrates antioxidant activities.

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

Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme that digests fat-soluble molecules called lipids. It is found in many plants, milk, dairy products, bacteria, molds and animal tissues. In the human digestive system, lipase is made by the pancreas and secreted into the intestines to help break down dietary fats (1). Lipase derived from animal tissue and certain nontoxic and nonpathogenic fungi 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
 

Lutein

Lutein is a member of a group of plant-produced compounds called carotenoids. It is found in foods such as corn, egg yolks and green leafy vegetables. Lutein is structurally related to another carotenoid called zeaxanthin. Both are the predominant carotenoid pigments naturally found in the macular region of the human retina, and both demonstrate antioxidant activities. Lutein supplementation is likely safe when used orally and appropriately (1).

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

Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid (it must be supplied by the diet). Mostly provided by protein intake, it is probably the least abundant amino acid present in foods (1). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lysine can be safely added to foods (21CFR172.320).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PLUS™ caplets