Why is taking a vitamin supplement important?
A vitamin may be broadly defined as a substance that is essential for the maintenance of normal metabolic function, but which may not be produced in the body and therefore must be consumed from a source outside the body.
They are necessary elements in the process of converting food to energy and in the growth and repair of body tissue. Reduction of vitamin levels over extended periods can result in vitamin deficiency.
These shortages may lead to symptoms which can include loss of appetite, loss of body weight, increased irritability and sleeplessness or constant drowsiness. Deficiencies of this nature can be easily avoided by adequate vitamin intake.
What is Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is the registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. for a standardised extract of bark of the French maritime pine tree. Pycnogenol is particularly renowned for its extensive clinical research with more than 120 studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
The flavonoids in Pycnogenol not only act as beneficial antioxidants, they also appear to promote the normal generation of nitric oxide, which plays a key role in regulating cardiovascular health. Nitric oxide promotes the normal relaxation of arteries, supports normal diameter of blood vessels and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation.
Nitric oxide promotes normal platelet activity allowing the blood to maintain a normal, fluid viscosity. Pycnogenol has been awarded various patents for its ability to support healthy platelet activity.
What is the difference in taking an isotonic formula as compared to taking traditional tablets?
Isotonic solutions offer the fastest and most efficient delivery of all oral forms of supplementation. The nutrients in the solutions are quickly and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream, and do not linger in the stomach causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Isotonix products are not encapsulated, so there is no need for them to contain fillers, binders, coatings, disintegrators or artificial colouring like there can be in traditional nutrient supplements.
What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants act as cell protectors by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are harmful byproducts that can cause cellular damage that can lead to serious health problems. Free radicals cause oxidative damage to the body, meaning pre-mature ageing, hardening of the arteries, stiffened joints, and wrinkling of the skin. Air pollution, heavy exercise, stress and smoking can all contribute to creating harmful free radicals.
How do enzymes function in the body?
Enzymes are the workhorses of our cells. They are proteins that catalyse many thousands of biochemical reactions in the body. While most enzymes work inside our cells, digestive enzymes operate outside the cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
The start of digestion begins with digestive enzymes secreted by salivary gland cells into our mouths. Cells lining the gastrointestinal tract also contribute enzymes such as pepsin in the stomach. In addition, digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas and are emptied into the upper part of the small intestine.
These enzymes help to break apart proteins, starch, lactose and fats, allowing the body to optimise its effort to digest food. The result is a more complete digestive process, resulting in better nutritional absorption.