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Ingredients

Aloe vera (inner leaf gel powder)

Aloe vera (inner leaf gel powder)

Aloe vera inner leaf gel powder  is the powder obtained from the freeze-dried gel from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, Aloe barbadensis.

For centuries, the plant aloe vera 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. Aloe gel is rich in nutrients and contains an abundant supply of glycoproteins and mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides. Monosaccharide constituents include glucose, mannose, galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, fucose, glucosamine, fructose, rhamnose and xylose (2).

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 (3). 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 (4).

 

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^®
   •  MannaBears™ supplement
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  NutriVerus™ powder
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PhytoBurst^® Nutritional Chews
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

 

 

References

References

1.  The Merck Index. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., 1996.

2.  Duncan, C., Ramberg, J., and Sinnott, R. Striking differences in Aloe vera gel carbohydrate composition, molecular weight and particle size distributions following processing will not be addressed by dietary supplement GMPs. Poster Presentation at the 5th Annual Natural Supplements Conference, January 17-20, 2008, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, San Diego, California.

3.  Gjerstad G, Riner TD. Current status of aloe as a cure-all. Am J Pharm Sci Support Public Health 1968;140:58-64.

4.  Ni Y, Turner D, Yates KM, Tizard I. Isolation and characterization of structural components of Aloe vera L. leaf pulp. Int J Immunopharmacol. 2004;4:1745-55.

Last updated March, 2013

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Arabinogalactan (from Larix spp. wood)

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. Their monosaccharide constituents include galactose, arabinose, glucose and mannose (1). 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 (2). 

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 (3),(4). 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^®
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  NutriVerus™ powder
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

 

     1.    Luta G, Duncan C, Sinnott R. Chemical characterization of polysaccharide-rich ingredients from Aloe vera, Larix laricina and Larix occidentalis, and Undaria pinnatifida. Presented at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine's 6th Annual Natural Supplements Conference, San Diego, California.January 22-25, 2009. 2009.

     2.    Cui SW. Polysaccharide Gums from Agricultural Products: Processing, Structures & Functionality. Lancaster, Pa.: Technomic Publishing Co., Inc., 2001.

     3.    Crociani F, Alessandrini A, Mucci MM, Biavati B. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol 1994;24:199-210.

     4.    Kelly GS. 'Larch arabinogalactan: clinical relevance of a novel immune-enhancing polysaccharide. Altern.Med Rev 1999;4:96-103.

Last updated March, 2013

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Calcium citrate

Calcium citrate

Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid used as a source of the essential mineral calcium in dietary supplements. Calcium citrate is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
 

References

References

1. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

Last updated April, 2009

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Calcium pyruvate

Calcium pyruvate

Calcium pyruvate is the calcium salt of pyruvic acid used in dietary supplements as a source of pyruvate and the essential mineral calcium. Pyruvate, or pyruvic acid, is involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism in the body (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
 

References

References

1. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.

Last updated April, 2009

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Choline bitartrate

Choline bitartrate

Choline bitartrate is a salt of the nutrient choline. It is commonly used as a source of choline in dietary supplements (1). Choline bitartrate is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (21CFR182.8250) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

References

References

1. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Physicians' Desk Reference, Inc, 2008.

2. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

Last updated March, 2013

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Citric acid

Citric acid

Citric acid occurs naturally in a number of plant species, including lemons and pineapples. It is also found naturally in the human body, mainly in the bones. In food products, citric acid is used as a flavor enhancer for its tart, acidic taste. As an excipient, it is used primarily to adjust the pH (the acidity or alkalinity) of a product (1). It is also used in skin care products for fragrance (2). Citric acid is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (3). It is also included in the U.S. FDA Inactive Ingredients Guide as safe to use in the amounts present in our products (4).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  FiberSlim™ capsules
   •  MannaBears™ supplement
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PhytoBurst^® Nutritional Chews
 

References

References

1. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Washington, DC: Pharmaceutical Press and American Pharmacists Assn, 2006.

2. International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. Washington, D.C.: The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, 2006.

3. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

4. FDA Inactive Ingredients Guide. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/iig/index.cfm. 2007.

Last updated March, 2013

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Fructose

Fructose

Fructose, also known as levulose, is a monosaccharide sugar that occurs naturally in honey and a number of fruits. It is used as a flavoring and sweetening agent in foods. Fructose is the sweetest sugar, sweeter than the other monosaccharide sugars glucose and sucrose (1). It is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoSlim^® chocolate meal replacement
   •  GlycoSlim^® vanilla meal replacement
 

References

References

1. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Washington, DC: Pharmaceutical Press and American Pharmacists Assn, 2006.

2. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

Last updated March, 2013

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Ghatti gum

Ghatti gum

 

Ghatti gum, a mixture of complex polysaccharides, comes from the bark of Anogeissus latifolia, a large tree native to India and Sri Lanka. Monosaccharide constituents include arabinose, galactose, mannose, xylose and glucuronic acid. Ghatti gum is used in supplements, foods, drugs and cosmetics. It contains as much as 80% soluble dietary fiber (1).

 

Most gums are believed to be largely degraded in the colon (2). Test tube studies have demonstrated the fermentation of ghatti gum by the beneficial human bacteria species Bifidobacterium (3),(4). Ghatti gum is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is permitted for use as a food (21CFR184.1333).

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

References

References

1. Glicksman M. Gum Ghatti (Indian gum). In: Glicksman M, ed. Food Hydrocolloids. Boca Raton: CRC Press 1983:31-7.

2. Hill MJ. Bacterial fermentation of complex carbohydrate in the human colon. Eur J Cancer Prev 1995;4:353-8.

3. Crociani F, Alessandrini A, Mucci MM, Biavati B. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol 1994;24:199-210.

4. Salyers AA, West SE, Vercellotti JR, Wilkins TD. Fermentation of mucins and plant polysaccharides by anaerobic bacteria from the human colon. Appl Environ Microbiol 1977;34:529-33.

Last updated March, 2013

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Gum tragacanth

Gum tragacanth

Gum tragacanth comes from the stems and branches of the flowering plant Astragalus gummifer. The raw gum is made up of a mixture of two polysaccharides. Monosaccharide constituents include galactose, arabinose, xylose, fucose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid (1). Gum tragacanth has been approved for use in pharmaceuticals in the U.S. since 1820 and in foods since 1925 (2). Most gums are believed to be largely degraded in the colon (3). Test tube studies have demonstrated that gum tragacanth can be digested by a number of bacteria that inhabit the human colon, including the beneficial Bifidobacteria species (4),(5). Gum tragacanth is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is commonly added to foods (21CFR184.1351).

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

References

References

1. Anderson DM, Howlett JF, McNab CG. The amino acid composition of the proteinaceous component of gum tragacanth (Asiatic Astragalus spp.). Food Addit Contam 1985;2:231-5.

2.  Anderson DM. Evidence for the safety of gum tragacanth (Asiatic Astragalus spp.) and modern criteria for the evaluation of food additives. Food Addit Contam 1989;6:1-12.

3.  Hill MJ. Bacterial fermentation of complex carbohydrate in the human colon. Eur J Cancer Prev 1995;4:353-8.

4.  Crociani F, Alessandrini A, Mucci MM, Biavati B. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol 1994;24:199-210.

5.  Salyers AA, West SE, Vercellotti JR, Wilkins TD. Fermentation of mucins and plant polysaccharides by anaerobic bacteria from the human colon. Appl Environ Microbiol 1977;34:529-33.

Last updated March, 2013

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Magnesium aspartate

Magnesium aspartate

Magnesium aspartate is the magnesium salt of aspartic acid. It is used as a source of the essential mineral magnesium in dietary supplements.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

References

References

   

Last updated April, 2009

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Magnesium succinate

Magnesium succinate

Magnesium succinate is the magnesium salt of succinic acid used as a source of the essential mineral magnesium in dietary supplements.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

References

References

   

Last updated April, 2009

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Medium chain triglycerides

Medium chain triglycerides

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are medium-chain fatty acid esters of glycerol. For commercial purposes, MCTs are derived from coconut or palm kernel oils. Once ingested, they are rapidly absorbed from the small intestine and then transported to the liver where they are broken down to produce energy for the body (1). MCTs are used as dietary supplements as well as formulation ingredients, acting as fillers or lubricants, to stabilize mixtures and to aid in absorption (2). MCTs are likely safe when used orally and appropriately (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

References

References

1. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Physicians' Desk Reference, Inc, 2008.

2. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Washington, DC: Pharmaceutical Press and American Pharmacists Assn, 2006.

3. Natural Medicines. Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2003.

Last updated April, 2009

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Potassium aspartate

Potassium aspartate

Potassium aspartate is the potassium salt of aspartic acid used as a source of potassium in dietary supplements.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

References

References

  

Last updated April, 2009

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Potassium succinate

Potassium succinate

Potassium succinate is the potassium salt of succinic acid. It is used as a source of potassium in dietary supplements.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
 

References

References

  

Last updated April, 2009

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Soy lecithin

Soy lecithin

Soy lecithin is a combination of naturally occurring phospholipids extracted during the processing of soybean oil. It consists of three types of phospholipids- phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphotidylinositol. Soy lecithin is used commercially in substances as a natural way to stabilize liquid mixtures. 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).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  OsoLean^® powder
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
 

References

References

   

Last updated April, 2013

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Stevia extract (leaf)

Stevia extract (leaf)

Stevia extract is derived from the leaves of the plant, Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia extracts are used as natural sweeteners and as dietary supplements in a number of countries, including the United States (1). Much of the sweetness of stevia leaves is attributed to the presence of the glycoside stevioside, which is about 300 times sweeter than sucrose (sugar). Stevia also contains tannins and phytosterols, such as beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  NutriVerus™ powder
 

References

References

1. Natural Standard Database. www.naturalstandard.com. 2009.

2. Leung A, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. New York, NY: John Wiley, 1996.

Last updated April, 2012

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Vitamin A (100% as beta-carotene)

Vitamin A (100% as beta-carotene)

Vitamin A, also called retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for humans. Adequate intake is important for normal vision and immune function. Dietary vitamin A can be provided as both preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids that serve as precursors to vitamin A (1). Preformed vitamin A is abundant in animal-derived foods like liver, kidney, eggs, and dairy products. Carotenoids, like beta-carotene, are found in darkly colored fruits and vegetables.
     Dietary preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids have vitamin A activity that can be expressed as retinol activity equivalents (RAEs) or international units (IU). In the U.S., 1 RAE is equal to 3.33 IU vitamin A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of 5,000 IUs vitamin A 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.
     Beta-carotene is a member of the plant-produced compounds called carotenoids. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant. The ultimate source of all vitamin A is from the carotenes, and beta-carotene has the highest vitamin A activity (2). Beta-carotene is particularly abundant in orange vegetables and fruit, and may be directly added to foods as a vitamin supplement (3).
     Carotenoids may either be absorbed through the intestines intact, or be cleaved to form vitamin A prior to absorption. The proportion of beta-carotene converted to vitamin A decreases as beta-carotene intake increases, limiting the risk of vitamin A toxicity (1). Beta-carotene supplementation in humans is likely safe over long periods of time.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
 

References

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 2002.

2. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.

3. Food and Drugs. Title 21, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. 1999. 21CFR. Ref Type: Bill/Resolution

Last updated March, 2009

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Formulation Ingredients

Modified food starch

Modified food starch

Modified food starch refers to a type of food starch (i.e. corn, wheat, rice, potato or tapioca) that is modified by treatment with certain acids, enzymes or compounds that bleach or alter its chemical properties. It is used to thicken, to improve texture and to maintain the water content of foods. Modified food starch is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (21CFR172.892) (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GI-ProBalance™ slimsticks
 

References

References

1. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

Last updated March, 2011

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Natural flavor(s)

Natural flavor(s)

Natural flavors are oils or extracts containing the flavoring constituents derived from a variety of sources. The natural flavors in Mannatech's products may be derived from spices, fruits or fruit juices, vegetables or vegetable juices, herbs, bark, buds, roots, leaves or similar plant materials, or dairy products. The significant function of such ingredients in foods or supplements is for flavor rather than nutrition (21CFR501.22).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoSlim^® chocolate meal replacement
   •  GlycoSlim^® vanilla meal replacement
   •  ImmunoSTART^® tablets
   •  MannaBears™ supplement
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  NutriVerus™ powder
 

References

References

   

Last updated March, 2013

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Silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is added to capsule and tablet formulations to reduce clumping (1). Silica is found in many foods, particularly whole grains (oats and barley), sugar beets, sugar cane, soybeans, turnips, green beans (2). The average intake of silica in adults is 14-21 mg/day (3). The bioavailability of silicate additives is low (4). Silica that occurs in food and water has not been shown to cause any adverse effects (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  BounceBack^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  FiberSlim™ capsules
   •  GI-ProBalance™ slimsticks
   •  GlycoSlim^® chocolate meal replacement
   •  GlycoSlim^® vanilla meal replacement
   •  ImmunoSTART^® tablets
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. The Merck Index. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., 2006.

2. Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism. New York, New York: Elsevier, 1991.

3. Natural Medicines: Comprehensive Database. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2000.

4. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 2002.

Last updated April, 2013

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