VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

Try Ester-C For Gentler, More Absorbable Immunity-Boosting Power

Vitamin C (otherwise known as ascorbic acid) has been taken by many people for years to help promote immunity, maintain healthier skin, assist in wound healing, etc. However, many people are now turning to the Ester-C form of Vitamin C, because it has been shown to be gentler on the system: You see, Ester-C is non-acidic, so it will not upset your stomach. And, Ester-C may stay in your system longer, so it can offer more benefits over a period of time.

Since we cannot make Vitamin C ourselves, it must come from our diets or proper supplementation. Ester-C is an ideal way to get Vitamin C because it:

• Contains calcium
• Is patented
• Is free of genetically-modified organisms
• Is free of chemicals and artificial ingredients
• Is manufactured with Kosher ingredients

We use the patented form of Ester-C made by Zila Nutraceuticals in all our Ester-C products for the highest quality and purity.

Jet-Lag Got You Down? NADH May Help Pick You Back up

Traveling is fun, but the effects of jet-lag aren’t. Exhaustion and lack of energy cuts into your vacation time and interrupts everything. Well, NADH might be your answer. A German medical journal published the results of a study1 where researchers actually flew 35 people from the west coast of the United States to the east coast. When they got to the east coast, half were given NADH and then tested. The NADH group was quicker on cognitive skills, and had improved sleeping patterns with no side-effects.

So what gives NADH its energy-enhancing properties? Well, it’s a co-enzyme that is derived from niacin, and it plays a critical role in certain enzymatic reactions in all living cells: NADH helps stimulate the production of ATP, which are energy molecules that power our cells.

NADH may also help stimulate production of key neurotransmitters in the brain; this could also help with energy and overall mood levels. And, NADH is available in many formulations, including enteric-coated and sublingual tablets—which provide for longer-lasting effects.

Wobenzym May Provide Inflammation Relief Naturally

Wobenzym is a formula made up of different enzymes; many of you are familiar with digestive enzymes, but the enzymes in wobenzym are systemic. They help break down certain proteins that may cause inflammation and other health issues in organs, tissues and joints: The main culprit is C-reactive protein (CRP).

The scientific community has long been studying CRP and its effects. The Sept. 2005 Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs, states “CRP is considered to be the prototype marker of inflammation. There is also evolving evidence that CRP may be directly involved in the pathological disease process itself.” What better way to fight the effects of this inflammation than with wobenzym.

Generally, wobenzym contains bromelain, papain and pancreatic enzymes to provide full anti-inflammation support. And, wobenzym in tablet form is enteric-coated (which means the wobenzym is more resistant to breaking down in the stomach), so its effects directly reach the bloodstream.

Pack a Powerful Punch to Your Workout & Weight Goals With DHEA

DHEA is a very important hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is usually referred to as the "mother of all hormones." DHEA is a precursor hormone, meaning it produces either androgen (testosterone) or estrogen.

In a study published in the November 2004 Journal of American Medical Association, 50 mg of DHEA daily appeared to decrease abdominal fat. Fifty-six elderly individuals participated in the study, taking the DHEA or a placebo for six months. At the end of the study, those in the treatment lost an average of 6% of abdominal fat, which amounted to about 2.2 pounds of weight loss per individual. You need to keep in mind, though, that the authors cautioned against DHEA supplementation for people with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer.

DHEA also offers cardiovascular protection; and a healthier heart means healthier workouts: DHEA appears to decrease platelet aggregation and inhibits differentiation and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Atherosclerosis (August 2005) published results from a study involving 206 men between 36 and 94 with type II diabetes mellitus. Men with diabetes mellitus tend to have lower plasma concentrations of DHEA than non-diabetic men; low concentrations of DHEA are also associated with the development of central obesity. It was found that those individuals with the lowest levels of the serum DHEA-S concentration had the highest extent of carotid atherosclerosis.

Maca May Promote Healthier Sexual Function…For Both of You

The maca root grows at extremely high elevations in the Andean Mountains of Peru and is beneficial for energy and stamina. Maca extract is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids and vitamins and minerals. Maca, which can help balance hormone levels, is an ideal sexual supplement for both sexes.

For men, maca may be beneficial regarding erectile dysfunction. In the March 2004 edition of Alternative Medicine Review, researchers found maca to offer “some degree of evidence” for helping erectile dysfunction. And just recently, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found (Jan. 2005) that red maca supplementation reduced prostate size in rats. The same journal published a study in May 2005 that found maca helped increase litter size in normal female mice…a possible fertility boon for women.

Keep in mind that maca is considered an adaptogen, which means it works through the body’s adrenal glands. Maca offers greater benefits if taken over a period of time rather than occasionally.