Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral and potent antioxidant. It works synergistically with Vitamin E to protect cells from free radicals; this team may support immune and cardiovascular health. Selenium is an important part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which works with Vitamin E to help prevent free radical damage to cell membranes. Selenium also protects the body form heavy metal toxicity. It is important to note that Selenium is toxic at doses of more than one milligram per day.

L-Cysteine

Cysteine is a sulfur-containing non-essential amino acid that is closely related to cystine. Cystine actually contains two cysteine molecules that are joined together. Being a non-essential amino acid means that sufficient amounts of Cysteine are formed from L-Methionine (an essential amino acid) and L-Serine via a transsulfuration reaction in the body. However, for preterm infants Cysteine is considered to be a conditionally essential amino acid. L-Cysteine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of proteins, Taurine, Coenzyme A, Biotin, inorganic sulfate, and also serves as a major precursor for the synthesis of the potent antioxidant Glutathione. Without adequate amounts of Glutathione in the liver, the tissues of the body can be exposed to significant oxidative stress resulting in widespread cellular damage.

L-Methionine

L-Methionine is an essential amino acid that is crucial for a variety of chemical interactions in the body including controlling the level of beneficial sulfur-containing compounds in the body. It also helps maintain functions that rid the body of toxins, provide for absorption of nutrients, and support healthy immune response. Food sources of L-Methionine include sunflower seeds, beef, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, fish, pork, liver, sardines, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and lentils.

Borage Oil

Borage Oil is derived from the seeds of the borage (Borago officinalis) plant. It is native to Europe and North Africa, but is also cultivated in North America. It is the richest source of the omega-6 essential fatty acid, Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), containing 20-26% GLA. GLA is derived from Linoleic Acid which is present in many common vegetable oils like safflower and sunflower. GLA is the precursor for many important prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that may affect blood thickness, skin and joint health, cholesterol levels, dilation and constriction of blood vessels, inflammation, and more. While omega-6 is readily available in the diet and consumed in large quantities in the American diet, many people are still deficient in GLA. Scientists think this is explained by the fact many oils containing omega-6 are hydrogenated, which can inhibit the conversion of omega-6 to GLA. Other than Borage, the primary dietary sources of GLA are Black Currant Seed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil. GLA can also be produced in the body from omega-6 fatty acids.

Flax Seed Oil

Flax Seed Oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is one of the best vegetarian sources of essential fatty acids. It contains approximately 50-60% of the omega-3 essential fatty acid, known as Linolenic Acid or Alpha Linolenic Acid, and roughly 18-20% of the omega-6 essential fatty acid known as Linoleic Acid. Flaxs Sed Oil is nature’s richest source of Linolenic Acid, which is frequently deficient in American diets. The essential fatty acids have several important functions. They are a necessary component of cell walls and cellular membranes throughout the body, they help in energy production, and they help regulate the breakdown of cholesterol and triglycerides. Most Americans consume diets that contain too much of the omega-6 fatty acids and not enough of omega-3 fatty acids. Flax Seed Oil is a very important nutritional supplement because it is nature’s best vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Silica (from Horsetail Extract)

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a plant found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America. Horsetails therapeutic uses date back to ancient Rome and Greece where it was used as a remedy to stop bleeding and treat a variety of skin disorders. Horsetail contains silica and silicic acid, of which a portion contains elemental silicon, a vital element for healthy tissues and organs of the body including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It is commonly an ingredient in many types of skin-care products.

Collagen Type II (Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Complex)

Hyaluronic Acid’s, also known as HA, importance cannot be underestimated as it is present in every tissue of the body. It is believed to help maintain healthy water balance while also providing nutrients and removing waste from cells that do not have a direct blood supply, such as cartilage cells. Without adequates amount of hyaluronic acid, nutrients cannot be moved into these cells and waste cannot be eliminated from cells. Hyaluronic acid is found in the synovial joint fluid, the vitreous humor of the eye, the cartilage, blood vessels, extracellular matrix, skin, and the umbilical cord.

Red Clover

Red Clover, just as Soy, is a member of the legume family. The unique point of difference between isoflavones derived from Red Clover and those extracted from soybeans is that Red Clover extracts contain all 4 different isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, biochanin, and formononetin), while soybeans contain only 2 (genistein and daidzein). Red Clover also contains flavonoid compounds called coumestans, which some studies suggest have six times more estrogen like activity than Soy Isoflavones.
 

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a long chain of specialized polysaccharides (or sugars). It is used in the body as a building block to form connective tissues such as cartilage; it is also present in the walls of blood vessels. It keeps cartilage fluid and elastic. Researchers believe that Chondroitin Sulfate works in two different ways: it provides the raw material needed to repair cartilage and it may block enzyme activity that breaks down cartilage. Recent studies indicate that Chondroitin Sulfate may be as effective at relief of joint pain as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without the gastrointestinal problems.

Zinc

Zinc is considered an essential trace mineral and is thought to perform over 300 enzymatic functions in the body. It is primarily stored in the muscles, bones, and skin, with high concentrations also appearing in the retina of the eye, liver, kidneys, pancreas and the prostate gland in men. It plays a role in virtually all biochemical pathways and physiological processes of the human body. Elderly people and vegetarians have a greater risk of deficiency as common dietary sources include meat. One of the first signs of Zinc deficiency is a lost of taste and smell. The body does not manufacture Zinc therefore it is necessary to obtain it from external dietary sources.

MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur-containing compound that is produced in the human body. Although MSM occurs naturally in foods, even moderate food processing destroys most of it. MSM is a source of biological sulfur, which is a major component in many of the body’s proteins, tissues, hormones, and enzymes. Plants, animals, and humans also need biological sulfur for a wide variety of physiologic processes including detoxification of the liver. Because MSM may inhibit pain impulses, support healthy blood flow and reduce inflammation of tissues, it has also been researched for use as a pain reliever and to support healthy inflammatory response.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid that acts as a powerful biological antioxidant. Astaxanthin exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity and protects against lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol, cell membranes, cells, and tissues. Astaxanthin has been the focus of a large and growing number of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

74 Trace Mineral Blend & Proprietary Blend

Our 74 Trace Mineral Blend and Proprietary Blend containing White Tea Extract, Oat, Milk Thistle Seed,  and Bioperine have been added to this formula to maximize the benefits and absorption of the other nutrients in the blend. They provide key minerals, healthy liver support, and help to ensure the best possible assimilation of the many important nutrients unique to Hair, Skin & Nails.

Recommended Dosage  For best results, take 2 capsules daily, preferably with a meal. Do not exceed 4 capsules daily.

Cautions

• If you are pregnant or lactating, consult your health care practitioner prior using this product