Discussion: Hawthorne berry has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for nutritional support of the heart. It expands the coronary blood vessels, lowers cholesterol levels, and restores heart muscle. It has been shown to increase the intracellular vitamin C levels. It is useful for anemia, cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, high cholesterol and lowered immunity.

Hawthorn has been shown to increase blood flow and improve the heart's metabolism, which allows it to function with less oxygen. It will dilate blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and this is how it is effective at lowering blood pressure. Studies have shown that hawthorn berries are excellent for both prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease when used on a regular basis.

Hawthorn has the ability to increase oxygen utilization by the heart, it increases enzyme metabolism in the heart muscle, it acts as a very mild dilator of the heart muscles, and it serves as a peripheral vasodilator (dilating the blood vessels out in the arms, head and legs) thereby lowering the blood pressure and reducing the burden placed on the heart. It can actually be used for both high and low blood pressure, because of its strengthening action on the heart.

Hawthorn berries are primarily used as a heart tonic and considered very valuable in improving weak hearts, handling heart pain, valve defects, murmurs, and enlarged hearts. There is evidence that it is effective at facilitating mitral valve regurgitation, easing cardiac pain, regulating both rapid and feeble heart beats, increasing oxygen levels when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, reducing heart strain due to overexertion, and helping a person who is experiencing difficulty with breathing when the difficulty stems from ineffective heart action. It is useful in cholesterol reduction.

It is effective in relieving restlessness, insomnia and tension.

Discussion: A 7:5 ratio of magnesium complex to calcium complex, each chelated in multi-form, plant-derived (aspartate, arginate,citrate, malate, succinate) and micronized for maximum absorption by the body. These are vital bone and muscle minerals. Calcium and Magnesium work synergistically with one another. The amount of calcium included in this formula is equal to that found in the Cal/Mag 50/50 with additional magnesium for enhanced calcium absoption.

Naturopathic doctors usually recommend 6 capsules per day as a maintenance supply for a healthy adult. To reverse a specific condition (i.e. raising pH or building bone density), a N.D often recommends a double dose. To address a chronic condition, a N.D. often recommends a triple dose. No known toxicity level exists. Numerous people take upwards of 20 grams of Mag/Cal per day for many years with only positive reports. As an added benefit, taking our Mag/Cal an hour before bed-time promotes a very restful night's sleep.

Additional Note: Vitamin D May Show Benefit Against Breast and Colorectal Cancers…Review and meta-analysis of several studies led researchers from several institutions to determine that an increased daily intake of vitamin D may significantly correlate with reduced incidences of colorectal and breast cancer. The breast cancer study pooled dose-response data from two earlier studies of 1,760 subjects. Subjects with the highest serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D (50 nanograms per milliliter), had a fifty percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to those with the lowest blood concentrations; less than or equal to 10 nanograms per milliliter. The colorectal cancer meta-analysis looked at five studies of 1,448 Caucasian subjects. The authors estimate a two-thirds reduction in incidence with serum concentrations of 46 nanograms per milliliter, corresponding to a daily intake of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3. The researchers state the best way to achieve these concentrations is a combination of diet, supplements and 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun. (Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.12.007 and American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 32, Number 3, Pages 210-216)

Vitamin E

Discussion: The vitamin E that we provide our customers is a 100% natural form that is extracted (cold process) from soybeans. It contains the d-alpha tocopherols, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta forms that occur naturally in soybeans. These are true natural forms of vitamin E. Vitamin E acetate or dl-alpha- tocopherols are synthetic forms. There are natural forms that contain only the d-alpha form of Vitamin E. The mixed tocopherols are more of a whole food vitamin E containing more of the natural forms present in nature. Our cold extraction process leaves all other naturally occurring constituents in tact including any naturally occurring enzymes.

The manufacturing practices used in the production, extraction and packaging of our vitamin E are among the best in the industry. Our vitamin E has a 25-year track record of producing excellent results for our customers. The only way to get a more natural form of vitamin E is to eat raw wheat germ or some other raw food containing rich quantities of vitamin E.

Further discussion: Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and the primary defense against lipid peroxidation. It helps protect cells from free radical/oxidative damage. These protective benefits are achievable with supplemental intakes higher than what is normally consumed in the average diet.

Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) is an anti-oxidant that is important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer. Only a small amount of vitamin E is needed to meet normal daily requirements. However, research has shown that using vitamin E at far higher doses than the daily requirement has provided preliminary evidence that it may be helpful for preventing or treating various medical conditions. These uses include treating cardiac autonomic neuropathy (a complication of diabetes), low sperm count, restless leg syndrome, and inflammation of eye tissues, Parkinson's and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin E also may improve seniors' immune response. It promotes normal blood clotting and healing, aids in preventing cataracts, improves athletic performance and assists in maintaining cell integrity. It is known to improve circulation and is useful in treating fibrocystic disease of the breast as well as the cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome. Studies suggest that this vitamin may slow the progression of Alzheimer�s disease. Thus far, vitamin E has been shown to protect against approximately eighty diseases.

Natural vs. Synthetic:

Natural vitamin E contains a family of eight different but related molecules that fall into two major groups: the tocopherols and the tocotrienols. Within each group there are alpha, beta, gamma and delta forms but it is the d-alpha-tocopherol that is the most potent. We use the term "mixed " tocopherols when referring to these different types. Synthetic vitamin E (sometimes referred to as dl-alpha-tocopherol) contains both active and inactive forms of alpha-tocopherol and is not used in our Vitamin E.

Discussion: (Formerly Q-Gel Forte) Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound also known as ubiquinone. Essential in cells and required for mitochondria energy production. Research indicates that Co-Q10 supports healthy cardiovascular and immune system functions as well.

The coenzyme is concentrated in the mitochondria - the 'power plants' of the cell - and plays a vital role in the production of chemical energy by participating in the production of adenosince triphosphate (ATP), the body's so-called energy currency.

A role beyond the mitochondria is also acknowledged, with CoQ10 acting as a potent antioxidant by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which results in increased levels of nitric oxide and widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation).

The sphere of use is widening; linking supplements of CoQ10 to benefits for diabetes, cancer (breast, lung and prostate), male infertility, and kidney failure.

The need for CoQ10 appears to be greatest in metabolically-active cells, such as in the heart, gingiva, immune system, and gastric mucosa. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant and appears to recycle vitamin E.