Gaia: Integrative Medicine - Supplements

Re: Choosing the right supplements

http://redrose13.gaia.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:47:59 GMT

Top Of The Line Nutritional Supplements

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At Physician Formulas our aim is to provide formulas of the highest quality and effectiveness. All the products under the Advance Physician Formulas label are made in the USA. Our scientific research team is highly specialized to review the latest research on various supplements and herbs. We are proud to carry high quality products from several respected supplement manufacturers and by respected doctors and herbalists including world-renowned medical doctor and best selling author Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., who formulated several products for us. According to Wikipedia, Dr. Sahelian is one of the most famous medical doctors in the United States. Dr. Sahelian is one of the top respected doctors in the world when it comes to nutritional knowledge. He maintains a highly-praised and widely-visited web site on natural healing and dietary supplements. Dr. Sahelian writes a newsletter for us and we consult with him regarding the latest nutritional and herbal research. He is an independent contractor and not an officer or director of PF.
Beginning in February 2008 an independent lab is testing by HPLC every herb and supplement batch that we purchase to determine accuracy and purity. We are now using this double check method of testing for purity to ensure that the ingredients on the label are exactly what is inside each capsule. We no longer rely solely on the certificates of analysis provided by the raw material suppliers.

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Some of Our Most Popular Products Include:
Diet Rx for appetite suppression
Eyesight Rx for healthy vision
Good Night Rx for a good night's sleep
Joint Power Rx for joint health
Mind Power Rx for mental enhancment
MultiVit Rx for more energy and vitality
Passion Rx for improved sexual pleasure and stamina
Prostate Power Rx for prostate health
Veg Rx - supplies the missing nutrients in a vegetarian diet
5-HTP - 50 mg
Acai - 500 mg
Acetyl-l-Carnitine - 300 mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid - R -- 50 mg
Ashwagandha 500 mg
Beta Sitosterol complex 350 mg
Choline - 500 mg
CMO - 400 mg
CoQ10 - 30 mg
CoQ10 - 50 mg
CoQ10 - 100 mg
DMAE - 350 mg
Fish Oils, Wild
Graviola - 500 mg
Horny Goat Weed - 400 mg
Kava 300 mg
LJ100 Tongkat Ali extract - 25 mg
Maca - 500 mg
Mangosteen - 500 mg
Mucuna Pruriens - 400 mg
Saw Palmetto extract - 320 mg
Serrapeptase - 20,000 units
Tongkat Ali - 200 mg
Tribulus terrestris - 400 mg

Choosing the right supplements

http://menopause.gaia.com — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:45:13 GMT

My main question with supplements is if they are regulated by the FDA. Both Integrative Therapeutics and Shaklee are, which means they have much greater quality control than other supplements. Supplements are otherwise sold a "food" and do not necessarily have in each capsule what they claim. Anyone with experience with Shaklee or Integrative Therapeutics? The latter line includes Tyler, Phytophamica and Vitaline. Sara

NOSG.org

http://therese-qi.gaia.com — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:39:47 GMT

Check out this website to find Supplements that come from Naturally occurring foods, not synthetics.

Re: Juice Plus+

http://therese-qi.gaia.com — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:38:06 GMT

Juice Plus does their best to use organic Fruits and Veggies, but the truth is that the products are not Certifed Organic. Until a company takes the step to do this, they are not fully committed to this organic standard. MiVitality , from Australia, has a fully Certified Organic green and probiotic product. Pure Synergy, I think, is also Certifed Organic.

Juice Plus+

http://mangelic.gaia.com — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 02:27:21 GMT

Does anyone have any info on these supplements? They seem good, but I am worried they are not organic. I seem to get different answers from the sales rep & customer service.

Mood Cure by Julia Ross

http://menopause.gaia.com — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 05:07:42 GMT

I just had the pleasure of meeting Julia earlier this week and wonder if we have any podsters familiar with her work in nutritional psychology or anyone taking amino acids for mood? Or anyone curious about it? Let's learn together. I'm happy to do my part but need some engaged participants. yogini Sara

Re: Data on supplements (botanicals) for sexual support

http://hakeon.gaia.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:27:04 GMT

wow... comprehensive to say the least. thanks again for your generous provision of information. this is a printed keeper - and something with which i can further my search for an effective yet affordable supplement.

again, thanks

hak/brad

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://hakeon.gaia.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:05:26 GMT

hey yogini (sara) - thanks for the info. it seems to me that somewhere i read that ashwagandha takes a while to be effective - but i can't be certain - but 6-8 weeks before impact seems to ring a distant memory bell.
i have not tried it yet - but being a middle-aged guy working full-time and going to school all while raising and increasing my family, i am looking into broad application energy/vitality supplements. there are so many out there, with such a variety of reputations and primary purposes, it's tough to get down to what will work best for my situation.
energy/vitality/sexual support all seem to be very close relatives, so i'll check out your new pod for more info - and maybe others have some experience to share as well.
you are always helpful & generous

namaste
hak (brad)

Data on supplements (botanicals) for sexual support

http://menopause.gaia.com — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:26:35 GMT

This is a bit technical, but I wanted to post data on Maca ("Peruvian ginseng"), ayurvedic therapies (Withania somnifera), and Rhodiola ("Siberian ginseng"). Anyone with experience with these? I'll post more practical information as soon as I have time. 1. Effect of a lipidic extract from lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of oral administration of a purified lipidic extract from Lepidium meyenii (MacaPure M-01 and M-02) on the number of complete intromissions and mating in normal mice, and on the latent period of erection (LPE) in rats with erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Mice and rats were randomly divided into several experimental and control groups. A 10% ethanol suspension of M-01 and M-02 was orally administered for 22 days to the experimental groups according to the dosage specified by the experimental design. On day 22, 30 minutes after the dose was administered to the male mice, 2 virgin female mice were placed with 1 male mouse. The number of complete intromissions of each male mouse in 3 hours was recorded. In an assessment of 1 day of mating, each male mouse was cohabited with 5 estrous female mice overnight. The number of sperm-positive females was recorded. The LPE was measured to assess the sexual function in rats with erectile dysfunction. By using a YSD-4G multifunction instrument, an electric pulse at 20 V was applied to stimulate the rat's penis, and the duration from the start of the stimulus to full erection was measured in seconds as the LPE. RESULTS: In the normal male mice, the number of complete intromissions during the 3-hour period was 16.33 +/- 1.78, 46.67 +/- 2.39, and 67.01 +/- 2.55 for the control group, M-01 group, and M-02 group, respectively. In the assessment of mating, the number of sperm-positive females increased from 0.6 +/- 0.7 in the control group to 1.5 +/- 0.5 in the M-01 experimental group. The LPE of male rats with erectile dysfunction was 112 +/- 13 seconds with a regular diet (control group). The oral administration of M-01 at a dose of 180 or 1800 mg/kg body weight and M-02 at a dose of 45, 180, or 1800 mg/kg body weight reduced the LPE to 54 +/- 12 seconds, 54 +/- 13 seconds, 71 +/- 12 seconds, 73 +/- 12 seconds, and 41 +/- 13 seconds, respectively. The LPE of the surgical rats treated with M-01 at the lowest dose (45 mg/kg) was 121 +/- 12 seconds; thus, the change was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of M-01 and M-02 enhanced the sexual function of the mice and rats, as evidenced by an increase in the number of complete intromissions and the number of sperm-positive females in normal mice, and a decrease in the LPE in male rats with erectile dysfunction. The present study reveals for the first time an aphrodisiac activity of L. meyenii, an Andean Mountain herb. Source: Zheng BL, He K, Kim CH, Rogers L, Shao Y, Huang ZY, Lu Y, Yan SJ, Qien LC, Zheng QY. Urology. 2000 Apr;55(4):598-602. 2. Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Withania somnifera (WS) Dunal is classified in Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicine, as a rasayana, a group of plant-derived drugs reputed to promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalise the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. These attributes are remarkably similar to the properties ascribed to adaptogens like Panax ginseng (PG) in contemporary medicine. As such, the adaptogenic activity of a standardised extract of WS roots was investigated against a rat model of chronic stress (CS). The stress procedure was mild, unpredictable footshock, administered once daily for 21 days to adult male Wistar rats. CS induced significant hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, increase in plasma corticosterone levels, gastric ulcerations, male sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficits, immunosuppression and mental depression. These CS induced perturbations were attenuated by WS (25 and 50 mg/kg po) and by PG (100 mg/kg po), administered 1 h before footshock for 21 days. The results indicate that WS, like PG, has significant antistress adaptogenic activity, confirming the clinical use of the plant in Ayurveda. Source: Bhattacharya SK, Muruganandam AV. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jun;75(3):547-55. 3. Antistressor effect of Withania somnifera. Withania somnifera is an Indian medicinal plant used widely in the treatment of many clinical conditions in India. Its antistressor properties have been investigated in this study using adult Wistar strain albino rats and cold water swimming stress test. The results indicate that the drug treated animals show better stress tolerance. Source: Archana R, Namasivayam A. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Jan;64(1):91-3. 4. Plasma beta-endorphin and stress hormones in stress and adaptation] The experiments on white rats have shown that the induction of 4 hour stress produces an acute increase in beta-endorphin level, as well as characteristic changes in ACTH, cortisol, insulin, thyroxin and triiodothyronine concentrations. Different types of adaptation (training with short stress periods or injection of rhodiola rosea extract) promote a moderate increase in the amount of serum immunoreactive beta-endorphin, preventing its subsequent stress-induced elevation. Adaptation is characterized by a decrease or total prevention of hormonal changes peculiar to stress. The role of opioid neuropeptides in enhancing stress tolerance and the effect of adaptation factors are discussed. Source: Lishmanov IuB, Trifonova ZhV, Tsibin AN, Maslova LV, Dement'eva LA. Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1987 Apr;103(4):422-4. [Article in Russian] 5. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. The objective was to investigate the stimulating and normalizing effect of the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea extract SHR-5 in foreign students during a stressful examination period. The study was performed as a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled with low repeated dose regime. The study drug and the placebo were taken for 20 days by the students during an examination period. The physical and mental performance were assessed before and after the period, based on objective as well as on subjective evaluation. The most significant improvement in the SHR-5 group was seen in physical fitness, mental fatigue and neuro-motoric tests (p <0.01). The self-assessment of the general well-being was also significantly (p < 0.05) better in the verum group. No significance was seen in the correction of text tests or a neuro-muscular tapping test. The overall conclusion is that the study drug gave significant results compared to the placebo group but that the dose level probably was suboptimal. Source: Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9. 6. Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice. The cortex of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. has been used extensively in Russia, China, Korea and Japan as an adaptogen whose properties are the ability to increase as non-specific body resistance to stress and fatigue. Although it has been reported that Eleutherococcus senticosus has anti-fatigue and anti-stress actions, their actions are still unclear on the relationship between immune system, especially natural killer (NK) activity and endocrine system (corticosterone level). We compared the effects of the water extracts (A, B, C, D and E) of five Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on the swimming time, NK activity and blood corticosterone level using forced swimming stressed mice. Among five kinds, C, D and E extracts significantly prolonged the swimming time. C and D extracts inhibited the reduction of NK activity and the corticosterone elevation induced by forced swimming. The contents of eleutheroside E, isoflaxidin and eleutherosides B plus E were in the order C>D>E>B>A and C>E>D>A>B extracts, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that eleutheroside E may be contributed to the anti-fatigue action, the recovery of the reduction of NK activity and the inhibition of corticosterone elevation induced by swimming stress. Source: Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Dec;95(2-3):447-53. 7. The effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng on steroidal hormone indices of stress and lymphocyte subset numbers in endurance athletes. A clinical trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) and Panax ginseng (PG) on competitive club-level endurance athletes engaged in their normal in-season training. Participants were matched for training stress and received a 33% ethanolic extract (8 mL/day) containing either ES, PG (equivalent to 4 g and 2 g/day of dried root, respectively), or a placebo. A pre-test and post-test were used to evaluate the effects of six weeks of supplementation on cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone to cortisol ratio (TCR) as well as circulating numbers of total T-cells, T-helper cells (CD4), T-suppressor cells (CD8), CD4 to CD8 ratio, natural killer cells, and B lymphocytes. None of the immune system variables changed significantly nor showed any clear trend from pre to post test in any of the treatment groups. No significant change in testosterone, cortisol or TCR was observed in the PG group. In the ES group, however, TCR decreased by 28.7% from 0.0464 to 0.0331 (P=0.03). The main contribution to this decrease appeared to be a non-significant (P= 0.07) 31% trend towards increased cortisol rather than a very small non-significant (P = 0.36) 7% decrease in the calculated mean for testosterone. This result suggested that contrary to initial expectation, ES increased rather than decreased hormonal indices of stress, which may be consistent with animal research suggesting a threshold of stress below which ES increases the stress response and above which ES decreases the stress response. Source: Gaffney BT, Hugel HM, Rich PA. Life Sci. 2001 Dec 14;70(4):431-42. 8. Effects of Catuaba extracts on microbial and HIV infection. Pretreatment of mice with hot water and alkaline extracts of Catuaba casca (Erythroxylum catuaba Arr. Cam.) effectively protected them from lethal infection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts significantly inhibited both the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced cytopathic effect and the expression of HIV antigen in HIV-1HTLV-IIIB or HIV-2ROD infected human lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) positive MT-4 cells. The 50% effective concentrations of the active fractions (21-263 micrograms/ml) were 1/4 - 1/43 of their 50% cytotoxic concentrations. Their anti-HIV activity was shown to be induced, at least in part, via the inhibition of HIV adsorption to the cells. The data suggest a medicinal potential of Catuaba extracts against opportunistic infection in HIV patients. Source: Manabe H, Sakagami H, Ishizone H, Kusano H, Fujimaki M, Wada C, Komatsu N, Nakashima H, Murakami T, Yamamoto N. In Vivo. 1992 Mar-Apr;6(2):161-5.

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://menopause.gaia.com — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:21:29 GMT

Since you mentioned Ashwagandha, I thought I'd go over some data for it. Indian ginseng Ayurvedic therapy Restorative tonic & Aphrodisiac Relieves stress Cardiovascular support Anti-inflammatory activity Stimulates thyroid to produce thyroxine Dose: 250 mg, standardized to contain 4% withanolides I am currently reviewing the data on "sexual support" botanicals and will start a new thread and blog on this. Hak, what are your reasons for trying it? I'd love to hear your experience on it. I take it too but haven't noticed much change in the past 4 weeks. Namaste, Yogini/Sara

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://hakeon.gaia.com — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 17:53:46 GMT

wonderful - thanks!

I've been reading about ashwagandha and thinking of trying it as i head into a tough clinical schedule - i'll let ya know how it goes if i do.
hak

Re: Best data for a supplement: Omega 3s - vegan brand?

http://joybringer.gaia.com — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 04:06:20 GMT

Thank You Sara,

That is the one I've been looking for. I sent Water4Life an enquiry about any vendors in the US and will let you know as soon as I know it.

And what a great pod and practice you have. delighted to see it grow and bring so much joy and wellness to all of us in zaadz and beyond!

Darina :)

Re: Best data for a supplement: Omega 3s - vegan brand?

http://menopause.gaia.com — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 00:57:55 GMT

Dear Darina, Welcome to the discussion and thanks for your post. There are a couple of vegetarian choices for Omega 3s which contain both EPA & DHA. Here's the first vegan organic source to hit the market: V-Pure Suggested daily dose: 2 capsules per day provides 75mg EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) 270mg DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) As usual with these things, there's another competitor hitting the market now as well. Here's a link to info on it: http://www.nutrispeak.com/omega_3s__epa___dha.htm Here's where to buy it (in the UK): http://www.water4.net/ I have both kids with me at the moment so I cannot search comprehensively for where to get it in the US. Let us know if you find a closer vendor. Warmest wishes, Sara/yogini

Re: Best data for a supplement: Omega 3s - vegan brand?

http://joybringer.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:29:19 GMT

Thank you Sara, Jamie and Hakeon for this great discussion and useful information.

I also can attest to the amazing benefits of fish oil esp. the Carlson
brand with lemon flavor for anti-inflammatory reasons. And it really seems that balance is key both in the Omega-3 and 6 ratio as well as the sources of them - grains, nuts and seeds are best, but for anti-inflammatory purposes fish oils are still essential until the vegan ones from seaweed become more available and widespread. My favorites are flax, wallnuts and sesame at present.

What I am looking for is a brand of Omega-3 from vegetarian sources that contains BOTH EPA & DHA which are much stronger in their anti-inflammatory effect than the ALA
found in the flax Omega-3 EFAs. I am aware of the neuromins which lack EPA, but I am certain that there is a brand I believe from the Nordic countries that is producing supplements from seaweed directly that contains both of these EFAs - EPA & DHA which is usually found in fish oil so far.

So if anyone of you knows about it please let me know - even via email directly

Thank you and stay well, healthy and joy-filled!

D a r i n a :)

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://menopause.gaia.com — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:00:26 GMT

I think liquid supplements are generally better. I really like the eskimo-3 fish oil which comes either liquid or in a soft gel. I was just reading about pathologists finding on autopsy (sorry for the gruesomeness) tons of undigested supplements in the bowels of people. I can't help but think of that when I swallow my 30+ pills per day. I like some of the multis that you can get in liquid form, especially if they have trace minerals like selenium, magnesium and manganese. I favor Integrative Therapeutics in general because they have good evidence to support their use. I also like their greens formula. Yogini

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://hakeon.gaia.com — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 15:39:35 GMT

well to give credit where due, I thank you for passing it on. right now, i am only supplementing with basic tablet calcium 600mg, salmon oil 1g, and a daily multi. as i look into it more, i suspect that these are neither the best forms of supplementation nor the ideal method of ingestion. hopefully our discussions here will yield some good leads to better products in better form. as for fatigue, i have not noticed anything yet - but i doubt my involvement is extensive enough to generate much. shall i switch to liquid supplements? do you have any recommendations? ohm, hak

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://menopause.gaia.com — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 01:06:26 GMT

hak, thanks but i think the comprehensive credit goes to andy weil. so now i must ask: what do you take? what do you find especially helpful? do you get supplement fatigue like i do, once i start taking about 10 supplements? peace, yogini

Re: Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://hakeon.gaia.com — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 23:37:15 GMT

Ask and ye shall receive - another helpfully comprehensive post from Yogini - thanks one more time. This also has been printed for my reference and the link followed to the good Doctor's site... the research for my supplement answers begins there.

hak

Re: Best data for a supplement: Omega 3s

http://hakeon.gaia.com — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 23:21:50 GMT

Makes all kinds of sense - thanks! I've printed your information for my reference and I'll look into the originating book you recommended. I'd be very interested in recommendations for good O3 supplements so hopefully we'll get some feedback in the string from some happy users. Actually, I am needing information on basic supplements - both what is typically needed by a 46 yo american male and good leads on quality products - but maybe that is fodder another thread so I'll dig around.

Thanks again - your comprehensive sharing of information is very generous,

hak

Dr. Andy Weil's supplement advice

http://menopause.gaia.com — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:13:02 GMT

Hi, podsters. This is sage advice from Dr. Weil on supplement recommendations (from www.drweil.com). The field of nutritional science is constantly evolving, and with that comes updated nutrition recommendations on diet and supplementation. Here is an explanation about Dr. Weil's new vitamin and mineral recommendations. Vitamin C - Dr. Weil now recommends taking only 250 mg of vitamin C each day. His previous recommendation was more than 1,000mg of vitamin C a day, but we now know that the body cannot use more than about 250mg a day. However, higher doses of this antioxidant, greater than 1000mg/day, may provide additional protection against the oxidative effects of air polution. Vitamin E - Dr Weil used to recommend taking 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E, (the lower dose if you are under 40, the higher one if you're over 40). Now his standard recommendation is for 400 IU of vitamin E. Recent studies demonstrate that tocotrienols are more potent antioxidants than their tocopherol cousins. He now recommends using tocotrienols, (from palm oil), along with mixed tocopherols as a supplement form of vitamin E. Selenium - Dr. Weil continues to recommend taking 200 - 300 mcg of selenium per day. Mixed Carotenoids - Dr. Weil recommends taking 15,000 IU of beta-carotene, along with related compounds like alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin and lycopene. Folic acid - Dr. Weil recommends 400 mcg per day. Calcium - In light of this ongoing research, I have lowered my calcium recommendations for both men and women. I now advise that women supplement with 500-700 mg daily, for a total daily intake of 1,000-1,200 mg from all sources. Men should get no more than 500-600 mg daily from all sources, and probably do not need to supplement. These nutrient values are found in the Daily Multi and Daily Antioxidant formulas. The remaining nutrients are now given to those based on each person's individual nutritional needs. If you stated on the Vitamin Advisor questionnaire that you have certain health concerns or a family history of these, are exposed to certain environmental factors, or are taking particular medications, then these nutrients may be recommended to help support your conditions. For example, if you stated you feel under a lot of stress no matter how you try to manage it, you would be recommended 2 B-50 complex supplements. Why should I take supplements? If your diet is consistently "ideal" or "optimal" you may not benefit from supplements, but recent research shows that many people do benefit greatly from supplementing their diet with vitamins, minerals, other nutrients and herbs. Nutritional supplements especially benefit people who: Are over 55 years of age Are following weight loss diets Have "hit or miss" diets, lacking generous amounts of vegetables, fruits and whole grains Have specific health problems like heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis or high blood pressure Are taking medications that may deplete or inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients Our Philosophy The Vitamin Advisor is offered as a free service. Your personalized recommendation can be used to guide you in making prudent choices in supplementing your diet, or to modify your existing supplement regime. There is no obligation to purchase the products developed to meet these recommendations. We encourage you to take the questionnaire whenever there is a change in your diet, medications, or lifestyle, and consider it our contribution to your optimal health. My personalized recommendation talks about formulas. What is a formula? A formula is a combination of supplements that we recommend to help support a specific health concern or condition. They are designed to be used with our Antioxidant and Multivitamin Formula, which is recommended for everyone. The formulas are based on evidence from nutritional and medical research. Our formula recommendations are reviewed continually by physicians, nutritionists and researchers. The logic behind our formula recommendations is also reviewed regularly by physicians, nutritionists and researchers. Can I add or delete pills from a formula? The Weil Lifestyle formulas are designed to provide you with the most effective doses of many nutrients and herbs. We do not allow for additional pills not included in the formula as they may result in doses that might exceed what we feel is safe. Similarly, deleting pills from a formula may reduce the effectiveness of the formula. If you experience adverse affects from taking our supplements, please call to speak with our staff nutritionists at 800-585-5055 with regard to your personal program. Do you have any recommendations for pregnant or breastfeeding women? If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, we recommend that you ask your physician about your particular nutritional needs. Can my children go on this program? Our recommendations are designed for adults. Children have unique nutritional needs different from those of adults. If you feel that your child requires nutritional help, we recommend that you ask your child's pediatrician for advice. Why aren't other types of cancers listed in the Questionnaire? Understanding of links between nutrition and cancer is rapidly advancing. At this time, three cancers -- colon, breast and prostate -- are clearly related to diet and lifestyle. What if my medical condition or medications change? Changes in your health or your medications may cause your nutritional needs to change. We recommend that you retake the Vitamin Advisor Questionnaire annually, or anytime you have a change in your lifestyle, your health or your medications. Resubmitting the results of the Vitamin Advisor Questionnaire will override previous recommendations. Can I let someone else try my supplements? Each person has unique nutritional needs. Your supplement program is designed specifically for you. Encourage your family members and friends to take the Vitamin Advisor Questionnaire to receive their own personalized recommendations. I'm not good at remembering to take pills. Can I combine more than one packet at a time? Ideally, you should take your supplements at the recommended times as certain nutrients, such as calcium, are best absorbed in smaller doses. If you find that you are constantly forgetting to take a specific packet, combining packets is better than not taking those supplements at all. One exception to this is the "NIGHT" packet which may contain a combination of herbs designed to help you relax for sleep. Those should only be taken at night. Do I still have to eat healthy and exercise in order to gain any benefit from your supplement program? Our supplements are meant to help enhance your nutritional status and well-being. They should be used in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity in order to obtain maximum benefits. I am seeing a doctor for diabetes (or other health condition.) Should I inform him or her that I am starting this program? Be sure to check with your health care provider before starting our supplement program, particularly if you are being monitored for a specific medical condition. What happens if a new study comes out and says that something I am taking is bad for my health, or something I am not taking might help my condition? If you have any questions or concerns about a recent study you read or heard about that might have an impact on your supplement program, please feel free to call and speak with our staff nutritionists. Otherwise, discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Additionally, if changes are made to our protocols due to a decision by Dr. Weil, we notify all of his customers immediately and change their program automatically. I need to stop taking my supplements for a few weeks. How do I put my program on hold? Give us a call at 800.585.5055 and we will suspend your program until you are ready to receive your next Weil Lifestyle CustomPak. How do I cancel my program? Simply give us a call at 800.585.5055 and we will cancel your program immediately. Can I return my supplements if I am not satisfied? Yes, we offer a 100% money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with our products simply return the unused portion within 30 days for a full refund. Upon receipt of your supplements, we will credit your account in full. Do you charge sales tax? Custom vitamin packs that are shipped to Arizona customers are subject to tax at the appropriate state and local rate. In Arizona, the total sales price includes sales tax, shipping and handling charges, as well as discounts. How were the protocols developed? The protocols are based on scientific research that is: Current - most studies conducted within the past 10 years, Valid - published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals, and Reviewed by a team of physicians and researchers who are experts in the field of nutrition supplementation. MEDICATION FAQs Why do you ask about medications? Certain medications may deplete your body of some nutrients or interfere with its absorption. In addition, medications can also interact negatively with particular nutrients or herbs. In order to avoid this from happening, we make sure to eliminate pills that contain ingredients that might cause an adverse reaction with your medication, or recommend a specific supplement to ensure you body does not become deficient in this nutrient. I am taking other medications than what is listed on your questionnaire. Where do I add this information? Please contact our Nutritionist at Nutritionist@DrWeilVitaminAdvisor.com or 800.585.5055 for assistance in regards to this issue. We also encourage you to discuss your questions with your health care provider for advice. SUPPLEMENT FAQs Is it okay to take these supplements with the ones I already take? Your recommendations are based on the assumption that you are not taking any other dietary supplements. Your supplement needs should be met through our program alone. In order to prevent overdosing or nutrient-nutrient interactions, we recommend that you do not take any other nutrition/herbal supplements in conjunction with our program. What is the quality of your supplements? All of our products are made by manufacturers who must meet our strict guidelines for quality control, as well as Good Manufacturing Practices in all aspects of production, testing and packaging. All product ingredients are tested both prior to and after manufacturing to ensure that the ingredients and doses are correct. Additionally, our products are free of any preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings. Which products may NOT be appropriate for vegetarians? • Glucosamine - crab shell • Any "gel" or softgel capsules - may contain gelatin. However, the multivitamin/antioxidant does NOT contain gelatin and is appropriate for vegetarians. Please contact our Nutritionist at Nutritionist@DrWeilVitaminAdvisor.com for a comprehensive list and assistance in regards to this issue. I am allergic to shellfish. Are there any supplements that might be a problem for me? Yes, Glucosamine is manufactured from a natural seafood extract derived from crab shell. Do the supplements need to be refrigerated? No. Store your supplements in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Do not refrigerate. Do you have tips on how I can remember to take my supplements? A good practice to remind you to take the supplements is to tear off your daily packets each day and place them on the kitchen counter. This way you will see them and be near something to drink. Most everyone spends time in the kitchen throughout the day. Also, if you take a noon packet - keep the box at work with you. Our convenient Custompak™ supplements are also easy to take with you when traveling. Why do I have a "night" packet? The pills provided in the night packet should be taken no earlier than one hour before bedtime as they are used to help induce sleep. Do not take this packet earlier in the day. Dr. Weil does not recommend fish oil supplements in his books. Why is he using them in the Vitamin Advisor? Fish oils are high in the omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to possess a multitude of health benefits such as improving memory, and supporting the immune and cardiovascular systems. It is true that Dr. Weil prefers that people should try to obtain omega-3s from the diet in the form of fish, and we actually have a question on the Vitamin Advisor that addresses this. However, many people do not make a conscious effort to eat fish every day (or may not enjoy the taste of fish). Dr. Weil believes that a deficiency in this fatty acid can cause a variety of health problems, therefore he feels that the use of supplementation is justified for those who suffer from certain health conditions or display a genetic propensity towards them. Dr. Weil is concerned about the possibility of toxic contamination, and fortunately we have been able to find a manufacturer that undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that their fish oil product is of the highest quality and purity on the market today. Remember that fish itself can also contain toxins.