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Here Are Some of the Top Benefits of Biotin and Why You Should Take It
In recent years, biotin has become increasingly popular among consumers looking for beauty benefits for their hair and nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or sometimes vitamin H (the H stands for “haar und haut” the German words for hair and skin), stimulates keratin growth, which is responsible for healthy hair, nails, and skin. Yet, biotin isn’t all about beauty. This water-soluble, essential micronutrient acts as a coenzyme, helping the body to release energy from carbohydrates and fat, as well as metabolize proteins and transport oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body. It plays a role in epigenetic regulation, cell signaling, and helps the nervous system function properly. Here’s what you need to know about this B complex vitamin and its purported beauty benefits. Benefits of Biotin Take a look at a shampoo aisle or the supplement section at your local (or online) health or beauty retailer, and you’ll likely see biotin touted as a beauty supplement. It’s true that biotin plays a role in healthy hair and nails, but that doesn’t mean lathering it on your hair or supplementing with it is going to make a difference. A 2021 report from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) on biotin states that there “is only limited evidence that biotin supplementation provides a benefit for hair and nail growth; to date, there are no clinical trials supporting claims that biotin supplementation improves hair and nail growth or quality.” The limited evidence refers to a review study that looked at 18 cases where biotin supplementation was used to counter hair and nail changes. The review found that in each case, “patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth,” yet all cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin. In other words, if you’re biotin deficient, supplementation may offer some beauty benefits. But most people aren’t lacking in biotin. As for topical biotin in haircare products for volume and hair loss, experts say that the products may give more volume and texture, but they will not grow new hairs, or affect hairs at the follicular level. Biotin may have some non-beauty related benefits, too. Some limited evidence suggests that biotin supplementation could be useful in healthy blood sugar control. Biotin also is thought to help with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) because it supports nerve cell metabolism, but more research is needed. Biotin Deficiency Biotin is an essential nutrient; it must come from the diet. Biotin can be found naturally in many foods such as meat (especially organ meat), eggs, fish, bananas, avocados, broccoli, and legumes. For the most part, Americans get plenty of biotin. It’s estimated that adults need 30 mcg of biotin daily. Although there are no statistics for biotin intakes in the U.S., the average intake from foods in other Western countries is about 35–70 mcg/day, which indicates deficiency is highly unusual. If someone does have a biotin deficiency, it’s either congenital or acquired. Some people are born with a rare genetic disorder called biotinidase deficiency. The following are examples of acquired biotin deficiency: Pregnancy Acquired biotin deficiency may occur in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as pregnancy increases the metabolism of biotin, which can require greater intakes of the vitamin. Smoking Smoking has a significant effect on biotin metabolism as well, which can increase the need for greater vitamin B7 intake. Regular Alcohol Consumption Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with marked reductions in plasma biotin levels. Animal studies show that regular alcohol feeding significantly inhibits biotin absorption in the intestines. Raw Eggs Interestingly, people who consume raw eggs on a regular basis can develop a biotin deficiency. Raw egg whites contain avidin, which binds to biotin and prevents absorption. This process can be prevented by simply cooking the eggs, which denatures avidin. Medication Long-term antibiotic use can theoretically cause biotin deficiency because antibiotics may disrupt gut flora, which produce biotin. Renal Failure Biotin is reabsorbed by the kidneys. Patients suffering from renal failure have been studied for potential biotin deficiency. What Are the Signs of Biotin Deficiency? Signs of biotin deficiency develop gradually. Any of the following symptoms could indicate a biotin problem: Hair thinning Brittle nails Dry skin A red, scaly rash, usually around the eyes, nose, and mouth Pink eye Hallucinations Numbness and tingling in extremities Low mood Fatigue If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you love, consult your medical doctor. These symptoms could indicate a number of health conditions. Biotin deficiency can be detected easily with blood work. Biotin Supplementation Regardless of the type of B7 deficiency, dietary increases and/or supplementation are often part of the solution for correcting the low levels of biotin. It’s important to note, however, that biotin supplementation can interfere with the accuracy of other important lab testing. Any biotin supplementation program should be discussed with your medical doctor prior to testing for other medical conditions. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Do You Know If You’re at Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
In our fast-paced society, maintaining a balanced, healthy diet can be a serious challenge. While on the go, it may be tempting to grab fast food, skip meals, purchase processed foods, and snack on sugar-laden treats. Many people subsist on the standard American diet, which is filled with high glycemic, pro-inflammatory, and allergenic foods, many of which are laced with artificial chemicals. Due to the gap in nutrition, most people don’t get enough of the vitamins and minerals needed each day for optimal health and wellness. Some of the essential vitamins you need are the B vitamins. B Vitamin Basics The B vitamin family is made up of eight B vitamins that are water-soluble, which means they’re excreted from the body and must be replenished daily. Though they’re commonly recognized as a group, and often work together in the body, each of the B vitamins performs unique and important functions. Here’s a list of the eight B vitamins: Vitamin B1 – Thiamin is essential for all the cells in our brain and other organs to process proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into energy. The body’s thiamin reserves can be depleted by high-sugar diets, alcohol abuse, and various prescription drugs. Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin is essential for the body to process carbs, fats, and amino acids coming from proteins, and especially for energy production by the mitochondria. Our cells also need riboflavin to repair damage to their DNA and to regulate their gene activity. Vitamin B3 – Niacin helps the digestive system, skin, and nerves to function. In addition, it supports cellular energy production and boosts HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). B3 can be depleted by excessive alcohol intake and by smoking. Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic acid is needed not just for energy but for making amino acids, proteins and hormones, and converting fats into fatty acids used in building cell membranes. B5 deficiency is linked to loss of nerve cell electrical insulation, which can impair brain function. Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine is vital for the major brain transmitters serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and GABA. B6 is required by about 100 enzymes that help the body utilize amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. This vitamin helps with the conversion of homocysteine, a potential toxin, into useful antioxidants. Vitamin B7 – Biotin is vital for healthy gene regulation, and for cell-to-cell communication. Though often referred to as the “Hair, Skin and Nails Vitamin,” biotin is vital for the brain and all the organs. Alcohol intake can deplete this vitamin, as can intestinal absorption problems and anticonvulsant drugs. Vitamin B9 – Folate is a group of chemically complicated substances that supply the body with chemically simple methyl groups. These groups are essential for everything from making our DNA to producing key brain neurotransmitters. One of the lesser-known B vitamins is vitamin B12. What is Vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a team player. Containing the mineral cobalt, B12 works with vitamin B9 to produce red blood cells and helps iron create hemoglobin. Both vitamin B6 and B12 play a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B12 is active mostly in its methyl form and backs up methylfolate. It also helps regulate and maintain a healthy central nervous system. B12 is naturally found in animal products such as chicken, beef, fish, pork, and clams. Since vitamin B12 doesn’t naturally occur in plant foods, vegetarians and vegans might not get enough of it in their diets and may need to take a supplement with B vitamins. Unfortunately, many multiples offer B12 in a cyanide form (cyano-cobalamin). Cyanide is extremely toxic for everyone and shouldn’t be in a dietary supplement. Vitamin B12 Deficiency You might be familiar with vitamin deficiencies such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) and rickets (vitamin D deficiency). Vitamin B12 deficiency also may be a serious problem for some people. Here are a few of the common signs of B12 deficiency: Anemia Heart palpitations Weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness Shortness of breath Constipation, diarrhea, gas Vision loss Tingling, muscle weakness, nerve issues Smooth tongue Pale skin Behavioral, mood, memory changes The proteins along the GI tract that enable the absorption of vitamin B12 can be impaired by over-the-counter digestive aids such as antacids, histamine type 2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and metformin also can deplete B12. Growing children, vegans, vegetarians, pregnant women, the elderly, smokers, and others taking various pharmaceutical medications, all are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Since 10-30 percent of older people don’t properly digest vitamin B12, it’s recommended that anyone over 50 should take a B12 supplement daily. One of the best ways to get sufficient levels of B12 every day is to take a multivitamin. We recommend… NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin BrainMD’s NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin is the first and only daily multivitamin developed through clinical studies to support brain and body health. NeuroVite Plus was formulated with an array of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to provide whole-body wellness, and includes additional brain-healthy nutrients. It offers advanced nutrition in a way that far surpasses big-box store or drugstore multivitamins. B Vitamins in NeuroVite Plus The brain has special transport systems to move B vitamins across the blood-brain barrier and deliver them to the brain cells. A two-year, double-blind trial at the University of Oxford found a B vitamin combination slowed brain decline in elderly people. All our cells need the 8 B vitamins, and they work best when administered together. NeuroVite Plus combines all 8 B vitamins with other nutrients and plant extracts in their most active forms. You can get your daily dose of these important B vitamins, including vitamin B12, with one powerful daily multivitamin…NeuroVite Plus! Vitamin B12, as Methylcobalamin Rather than use cheap and potentially harmful cyanide-laden B12, BrainMD provides vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin (methyl-B12), the best dietary form of vitamin B12. Here’s how our B12 compares to what other brands use: Other Brands: Typically use harmful cyano-cobalamin (8 mcg to 150 mcg on average) NeuroVite Plus: Offers methyl-B12, known to be absorbed when taken by mouth (500 mcg) 5 Benefits of NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin Though the benefits of this dynamic, broad-spectrum multivitamin are numerous, NeuroVite Plus can support your daily health by: Nourishing your body’s cells, tissues, and organs with a wide range of essential and conditionally essential nutrients, all important for energy, health, and survival Going beyond other multiples to further promote optimal brain function with important phytonutrients that help sustain brain cells Supporting the health of all the body’s organ systems with the full range of vitamins, the essential dietary minerals (except iron and copper), lutein and zeaxanthin for the brain and eyes, resveratrol and hesperidin for the brain and circulation, and coenzyme Q10 (“CoQ”) for the heart Shoring up the body’s antioxidant defenses with vitamins C and E, the essential minerals zinc, selenium, and manganese, the conditionally essential alpha lipoic acid, CoQ, lutein and zeaxanthin Including a careful selection of beneficial food concentrates, as well as digestive enzymes to help ensure optimal digestion and absorption But Wait, There’s More… In addition to high doses of core ingredients, NeuroVite Plus rounds out its formulation with two proprietary blends developed by Dr. Daniel Amen: Fruit and Vegetable Blend – promotes antioxidant versatility Digestive Enzyme Blend – supports healthy digestion Scientifically formulated with optimally bioavailable nutrients in their best-utilized and most effective forms, NeuroVite Plus is the only daily multivitamin for men and women that delivers comprehensive brain-boosting benefits. Get the Vitamins and Minerals You Need BrainMD closely follows clinical and scientific research on vitamins and other nutrients. With vitamin B12, the research clearly proves that methyl-vitamin B12 is the best ingredient to use in supplements. We spare no expense in providing a sufficient allowance of methyl-B12 in our supplements to enable its efficient absorption by mouth. The modern diet isn’t providing sufficient daily intakes of various essential nutrients. While failing to get enough of these vitamins and essential nutrients may lead to serious, long-term health issues, feeding your brain and body with healthy foods and high-quality supplements can provide tremendous nutritional health support for you and everyone in your family. Nutritional research makes clear that everyone can benefit from taking a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement that’s concentrated, naturally derived, and made with integrity. For all the above, try NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin today. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Top 5 Most Important Nutrients & Vitamins for Your Memory
Have you ever wondered why some people age more gracefully than others? Is it purely a matter of genetics? Or is it because they favored crossword puzzles over Sudoku? Or is because they were born on a Tuesday…at night…with a full moon out? The longevity code has perplexed scientists and medical practitioners for centuries. Although holistic interventions—consistent exercise and quality sleep—can help to reduce the effects of aging, a cure for severe memory problems has yet to be discovered. One of the best ways to prevent premature aging is with proper nutrition, especially getting nutrients that are specifically designed for your memory to keep your mind sharp and efficient. But even if you eat the healthiest diet, there will always be a gap in nutrition by only eating foods. That’s why supplements are called dietary supplements because they help fill in the gaps in your diet with the nutrients and vitamins you’re missing by eating foods alone, especially vitamins that are specifically designed to improve your memory. But in a market inundated with supplements all claiming to be the best, which ones are the best for your memory? The Best Nutrients & Vitamins for Memory Here are the 5 best concentrated, bioavailable, and naturally derived nutrients that are clinically studied to improve memory: 1. PhosphatidylSerine PhosphatidylSerine (PS) occurs naturally in all cells, being a universal building block for the dynamic membrane systems that make cells work. In double-blind clinical research trials, PS enhanced recall of names, faces, words, and numbers, and improved verbal fluency. PS is better documented for these benefits than any other nutrient. 2. Huperzine A Extracted from Huperzia serrata (club moss), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Huperzine A improves the actions of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system, which plays a central role in improving memory storage and retrieval. 3. Vitamin D3 Sufficiency (5000 IU) of vitamin D3 promotes healthy mood, cognitive function, cardiovascular function, immune response, muscle and bone strength, and other important indicators of overall vitality. Vitamin D3 also benefits numerous other functions that promote healthy aging. 4. EPA and DHA The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are fundamental to the structure and functioning of all your cell membranes and particularly for those of your brain cells. DHA also facilitates nerve cells making functional connections (synapses) and supports healthy memory and overall cognition. 5. Ginkgo Biloba This intensively researched plant extract promotes healthy blood flow, which is crucial for optimal brain function. Ginkgo biloba's unique combination of antioxidants and blood vessel protectants also helps the brain defend against toxins while promoting overall mental sharpness. How to Get All of Your Brain-Healthy Nutrients Each Day? BrainMD offers all of the required brain-directed nutrients to help you feel your very best each day.* With clinical strength supplements that can help improve and preserve your cognition and memory.* Don't like swallowing capsules? Now there’s an easier way to get all of the nutrients you need…try a memory-boosting vitamin drink! BRIGHT MINDS Memory Multivitamin BRIGHT MINDS Memory Multivitamin, a robust formula of 34 effective nutrients, is a highly concentrated, memory-targeting daily supplement system.* With carefully crafted and clinically proven ingredients, BRIGHT MINDS Memory Multivitamin is a tasty, citrus-flavored drink mix that can be added to water, juice or even a fruit smoothie.* BRIGHT MINDS Memory Multivitamin contains all of the best nutrients for memory enhancement.* Why Do Memory Supplements Work? Enhance Blood Delivery The better the brain’s circulation, the more oxygen, and nutrients it can receive to support memory all through life.* Ginkgo, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin, CoQ10, as well as vitamins and minerals in this powder, promote healthy blood flow to the brain.* Boost Energy The brain weighs just 2-3 pounds, yet it uses at least 20 percent of all the body’s energy. PS, ALC, B vitamins, magnesium, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10 and other nutraceuticals in this formula can aid in energizing the memory process.* Promote Brain Connectivity The brain’s trillions of synapses rely on PS for their electrical activity.* The numerous antioxidants in BRIGHT MINDS Memory Multivitamin help protect these synapses against damage.* Additionally, numerous methyl nutrients in the formula support synapse maintenance and protect the brain against damage from homocysteine buildup.* Improve Neurotransmitter Support Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that travel along synapses in the brain. Huperzine A, ALC and choline promote acetylcholine, a key memory transmitter. PS, Vitamin D3, all the B vitamins, magnesium, and other minerals support the production, release, and synapse actions of multiple neurotransmitter systems across the brain.* Best Vitamins for Your Memory Since your memory is what allows you to treasure and revisit the most special moments in your life, be sure to fortify your brain with the nutrients that can strengthen and restore it.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about BRIGHT MINDS Memory Multivitamin and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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How to Naturally Boost Your Immune System During a Pandemic
On a daily basis, we’re being assaulted with frightening news about the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic. One study from researchers in the department of integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin suggests that 70% of all counties in the U.S. will likely have epidemics. Social distancing and hand-washing may help, but ultimately, it will be up to your immune system to fight off the virus in case of exposure. Because of this, it is more critical than ever to boost your immune system and power up your body's natural defenses against infections, such as COVID-19. 7 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System 1. Boost your vitamin D levels. You may think of vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin,” but it could be renamed the “immunity vitamin” considering that a controlled study in a 2009 issue of Brain: The Journal of Neurology shows it possesses immune-modulating potential. Unfortunately, over 75% of American adults have low levels of this vital immune supporter. To optimize your levels, get about 20 minutes of sunshine daily (while following social distancing and facial mask recommendations) or supplement with a high-quality Vitamin D3 nutraceutical. 2. Protect your gut. Did you know that much of your immune system is found in your gut? The lining of your gut protects it from foreign invaders like viruses. Big trouble happens if that lining becomes too porous, allowing nasty invaders to infiltrate the digestive lining and get into the bloodstream. This is one of many reasons why the food you eat matters. If you’re consuming a junk-food diet, it will harm the healthy bacteria in your gut and can weaken your gut lining. In some people, certain foods—such as wheat, dairy, and produce sprayed with pesticides—can damage your gut. To promote better gut health, eat probiotic foods—think sauerkraut or kimchi—and consider supplementing your diet with a high-quality probiotic. 3. Say no to Happy Hour at home. During this pandemic, many people are looking for stress relief in the form of wine, beer, or cocktails. That’s not a good strategy for the immune system. A 2015 issue of Alcohol Research: Current Reviews summarized the scientific evidence on alcohol and the immune system, showing that drinking too much heightens your vulnerability to illnesses, including pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia. According to their findings, the “alcohol-provoked lung damage goes undetected until a second assault, such as a respiratory infection, leads to more severe lung diseases than those seen in nondrinkers.” Part of the problem may lie in the fact that alcohol kills bacteria. That’s why nurses use it as a disinfectant to kill germs before giving you a shot. Drinking alcohol may kill off good-for-you gut bacteria that play a role in immune system function. 4. Manage your stress. During a pandemic, you may be feeling overwhelmed by stress, which impairs immune system function. One of the most effective stress-busting immunity boosters is meditation. Learning to meditate is easy with the simple meditation audios on BrainFitLife. Just click and follow along from the safety of your own home. 5. Get adequate sleep. An eye-opening 2013 trial in PNAS found that a single week of insufficient sleep can alter the expression of over 700 genes, including those involved with the immune and stress response. And according to a 2017 study on identical twins in the journal Sleep, chronic sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night is essential for stronger immunity. Stick to an evening routine that encourages relaxation—don’t watch distressing news right before bedtime, make sure your bedroom isn’t too warm, and don’t have any caffeine after lunchtime. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, consider calming vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, melatonin, and GABA, some of the ingredients found in Put Me To Sleep Naturally and Restful Sleep. 6. Eat more mushrooms, garlic, and onions. These foods all possess unique immune-enhancing properties that help you fight viruses. Add them to your quarantine soups, stews, or omelets to supercharge your immune system. 7. Power up with potent nutrients. News outlets are reporting that hospitals are using high dosages of intravenous vitamin C as part of the treatment for coronavirus patients. Other immune-boosting nutrients—such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc—also help the body defend itself against viruses and bacteria. For an immunity boost, increase your intake of nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that are high in these important vitamins and consume zinc-rich foods like beef, oysters, and pumpkin seeds. These nutrients are just some of the 50-plus vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts found in BrainMD's NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin. The following content was originally presented during a special Facebook Live event by Dr. Daniel Amen. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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What You Need to Know About Iron Supplements
What are the basic ingredients for a brain-healthy life? It all starts with pure and potent nutrients. BrainMD’s supplements are made with high-quality ingredients that can help improve brain health and the functioning of many other organs in the body. One ingredient we’re proud to recommend is Iron. Iron Essentials Iron is a mineral essential for human health. Since the body can’t make iron, we must get it from supplements or foods. Iron is found in a wide range of foods, but plant iron is not as well absorbed as iron from animal sources. The best plant sources are beans, nuts, seeds, peas, and spinach, while the best animal sources are clams, oysters, turkey, lean beef, and lamb. Iron makes a wide range of contributions to our health and survival. Though iron is typically linked to hemoglobin – the protein that transports oxygen around the body – it is also vital for energy production, antioxidant defense, DNA production, gene regulation, and the body’s detoxification process. Despite its many benefits, iron comes with a precaution. The iron atom is highly reactive and has the potential to cause harm unless it’s carefully regulated. Iron’s chemically reactive nature can destroy other ingredients mixed in with it, which is why we don’t include iron in our multivitamins, NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin and Kids’ NeuroVite Multivitamin Chewables. With a priority on safety and quality, BrainMD has formulated iron as a standalone supplement. We offer iron in its most well-tolerated and well-absorbed form: ferrous bisglycinate, Ferrochel®. What’s Ferrochel? Ferrochel is a high-purity ingredient of iron atoms bonded to molecules of the amino acid glycine. Unlike iron sulfate, and many other iron compounds used in iron supplements, this form of iron is very gentle on the stomach. Importance of Taking Iron Iron deficiency afflicts approximately 7 percent of the American population (2 billion people worldwide) and is an issue even in developed countries. Supplementation with a clean and well tolerated form of iron may be necessary for people who have been tested and found deficient, including: people with fatigue, mood and sleep issues, and the elderly. Here are some of the many ways BrainMD’s Iron can benefit the brain and body: Oxygen Delivery – delivers oxygen to the brain and all the other organs Energy Generation – increases energy levels without caffeine Antioxidant Protection – protects against the oxygen “free radicals” all our cells generate while making energy Early Brain Development – instrumental in making DNA for fetal brain growth Brain and Motor Functions – essential to make dopamine, which drives our muscle movements Mental Performance – vital for mental clarity and cognitive function Brain/Body Detox – iron enzymes enable the brain and body to neutralize potential toxins generated in the body as well as pollutants and other toxins entering from outside the body Healthy Sleep – improved sleep length and quality for kids and adults Women and Iron While some men can have low stores of iron, iron deficiency is more common in women, particularly during menstruation. For this reason, many women may need to take an iron supplement to help replenish depleted reserves. Pregnant women may also benefit from an iron supplement. However, too much iron during pregnancy can be harmful. It’s important to get the appropriate lab tests done before taking an iron supplement. Iron FAQ How do I take Iron? BrainMD’s Iron Advanced Ferrochel® has 25 mg of iron per capsule. A dose of 1 capsule per day with food will be sufficient for most individuals. Higher intakes may give more benefit but should be supervised by a nutritionally-informed physician. Is Iron safe for kids to take? Yes. Iron is suitable for kids to take under parental supervision. Children with attention, behavioral, or sleep problems may have lower iron levels, as can children with communication and social interaction challenges, or any child who is in a growth spurt. This bisglycinate form has been proven suitable for children in several clinical trials. Is Iron safe to take for pregnant/lactating women? Absolutely! Iron is important for nerve cell and neurotransmitter system maturation in the developing brain, and its deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to behavioral problems after birth. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant can benefit from this product and may appreciate how well it is tolerated. Can vegans take it? BrainMD’s Iron is suitable for vegans, many of whom can benefit from iron supplementation. High-plant diets can impair iron absorption, and the iron found in plants exists as “non-heme” substances that are not well absorbed compared to the “heme” proteins such as hemoglobin and myoglobin found only in animal foods. People who eat relatively little animal foods, or only plant foods, are vulnerable to iron deficiency. BrainMD’s Iron is free from corn, dairy, egg, gluten, soy, sugar, and yeast. It contains no artificial colorings or flavorings. Note: It is suggested you begin taking an iron supplement only if lab tests have found that you are low in iron. To determine your recommended supplemental iron intake, consult a nutritionally-informed physician. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen. [wc_button type="primary" url="/iron" title="Shop Iron Supplements" target="blank" url_rel="" icon_left="" icon_right="" position="left" class=""]Shop Iron Supplements[/wc_button]
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3 Part Series: How to Identify the Best Quality Supplements
In the previous article (Part 1), we promised that we were going to teach you everything you need to know to buy the best quality supplements. In that first post, we explained some of the most important tips and insights on how to look at labels and claims made by supplement companies including ingredients, cautions and warnings, even marketing messages. In this post, Part 2, we discuss the science of how supplements are formulated and developed and what you should look for. Science-Based vs Fad Supplements If you want safety, efficacy, and reliability in your supplements, it’s important to know who created them — whether expert doctors, scientists, lab formulators or other individuals — and are they reputable? It’s also important (and legally required) that they have the data to back up the products they make. What studies have been done on the ingredients and formulation? Are they real human clinical studies, especially controlled clinical trials, or are they just animal or cell culture studies? If clinical trials were done, were they actually published in reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journals? Does the company use the ingredients that were actually researched in the clinical trials, or just cheap substitutes? Also, it’s important to know how the ingredients in a supplement work together because certain combinations can have positive or negative effects on digestion, absorption, and effectiveness. For instance, studies have shown that betaine (trimethylglycine) can increase the effectiveness of SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine). Look for references to studies done on the specific ingredient combinations. Then there are the fad supplements. Unfortunately you often see them on TV, claiming to have trials, though no such trials have been published. The makers of fad supplements can even stoop to adding drugs (pharmaceuticals) into their products labeled dietary supplements, even though this is expressly prohibited by the FDA and can cause serious harm. If the supplement maker can't show you controlled clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals, proceed with great caution. Formulation Just because a product has a certain ingredient in it, doesn’t mean there is enough of that ingredient in each dose to feel the benefits. If you're interested in a product for some particular need you have, or even if you've already been using it, get yourself educated about its active ingredients and the minimum doses that are recommended by informed experts. These will be - should be - the doses that were effective and safe in the clinical trials. It's an open secret in the dietary supplement industry that many products have smaller-than-recommended amounts of ingredients, especially with ingredients that are expensive; to make it seem like the consumer is getting more for their money than some competing product. Some in the industry call this “dusting” with "Fairy Dust." Take fish oil supplements, for example. Many if not most of them don't provide sufficient omega-3 EPA and DHA for the consumer ever to get to levels in their cells that are going to be truly protective. Good dietary supplements provide safe and clinically effective ingredients in doses that have reasonable probability of creating benefits for people who take them. Reviews Online reviews can be extremely beneficial. When they're honestly done they can help you find out the good and bad experiences of actual customers who have already tried the product. Look for high numbers of reviews that seem to reiterate the claims on the product. This can give you great insight on the efficacy of the product. But do be aware that some websites, including well-regarded ones, pay people to create positive reviews. It can be a good sign to see some average or negative reviews, since one supplement won’t have the same effect for every person. Be aware when looking for independent reviews that there are also many blog sites that pretend to be impartial or even critical of supplements, but sometimes they just make veiled endorsements of supplements for which they get kickbacks. When you’re shopping for supplements, knowing how they are developed is a key factor in knowing if they are quality products and if they will make a difference in your health. Be sure to look out for Part 3 of this blog series, where we will discuss supplement manufacturing programs to help you determine which products have the best quality.
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3 Part Series: How to Identify the Best Quality Supplements
Are you wasting money on low-quality supplements? Or worse, is your supplement routine just not doing anything for you? Did you know that not all supplements are created equal and not all supplement makers can be trusted? It’s true! Americans love vitamins. More than half of all American adults take a vitamin or supplement. It’s a $27 billion-dollar industry in the U.S. With thousands of choices, it can sometimes be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. Plus, how do you know if you’re getting your money's worth or if you’re just getting ripped off? Unless you’re part of the development of a supplement, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to know if you’re getting trusted, quality products or if they’re delivering everything they claim. In this 3-part blog series, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know to identify the best-quality supplements. So you can get the maximum benefits from your supplements and reach your health goals. The 3 parts of this series are: Labels & Claims Supplement Development Manufacturing Programs Now let’s dive right into labels & claims: Claims Some labels make extravagant claims, but all too often the claims are a little hard to swallow. Before you buy a supplement, read the label, especially the Supplement Facts box that by law must list the ingredients. Carefully read the directions for use, and any cautions or warnings that follow them. Read the packaging, and any claims for efficacy and/or safety that are on the label. Be forewarned, supplement claims can be easy to misread and many supplement makers play games with the content of their labels. According to the Food & Drug Association (FDA), supplement makers are not legally allowed to make claims that their products treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases. The FDA does allow claims that a product affects the body's structure and/or function, nutritional status, or general health and wellbeing. But the product's maker is supposed to have proof to support all the claims they make. Ingredient lists The Supplement Facts box is the heart of the dietary supplement label. It's supposed to accurately list all the active ingredients, in specified order and with specified names for the various nutrients, herbals or other ingredients. Read this very carefully. You may notice, for example, that vitamin A is listed as beta-carotene, which many people do not efficiently convert to vitamin A. Or that magnesium is listed as magnesium oxide, which happens to be very poorly absorbed and is an inferior ingredient compared to magnesium malate, citrate or glycinate. Sometimes there'll be ingredients listed that aren't proven for use in humans. If you have doubts, contact the supplement maker, who by law have to provide their contact information on the label. It’s important to understand that outside the Supplement Facts box, companies have a lot of room to make vague claims on their labels. For example, the phrase “natural flavors” still allows for the product to contain sugars and other hidden and potentially harmful additives. At BrainMD, we ensure that our natural flavors are as pure as possible. We refuse flavors that use sugar or other high-glycemic ingredients, or hidden additives that are potentially unsafe. Another challenge for you is to detect and become knowledgeable about undesirable additive ingredients in your supplements, especially in the binders or coatings of tablets such as unnecessary sucrose, titanium dioxide which has questionable safety, hydrogenated oils, heavy metals including lead and mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) or dioxins. Cautions and Warnings While it may seem counter-intuitive, cautions or warnings on products can be a good thing because they show that the company understands their ingredients and how they can affect the body. Cautions and warnings also indicate that the company places concerns about their customer's health and safety above making another sale. The caution or warning both prevents the sale of a product to someone that should not be taking it and allows the product to get into the hands of consumers who can safely take it. Marketing You’ve almost surely heard the saying, “Don’t believe everything you hear.” Well, that rings even more true for the supplement industry. We can start by asking ourselves some common sense questions. Does the supplement company make reasonable promises or do they make claims that are too extreme to believe, for example that a supplement can cure Alzheimer's or cancer? Outlandish claims in marketing materials can be an indication that the company is over-promising to try to gain sales. Look for realistic statements about a product for “supporting”, "promoting" or "enhancing" specific structures or functions. People’s bodies work differently, so supplements are rarely one size fits all. A supplement that works wonders for one person, might not work for another. Therefore it's important to examine the product's label or support documentation for evidence that it's ingredients (some of them, at least) have been put through controlled human clinical trials, which are the highest level of proof that they possibly could work for YOU. That’s also why a company’s return policy is important. If a supplement company allows returns and even guarantees their products or your money back, that is a good sign of trust. Look out for free product trials. The sponsoring company will say this shows their confidence in their product’s effectiveness. But read the fine print and make sure they are being upfront about what kind of arrangement you’re getting into. Most free trial programs automatically turn into a membership program unless you cancel, but some companies don’t put that information upfront and don't take measures to make sure you agree to the deal in advance. To make better buying decisions about dietary supplements, and to have the best chance the products you purchase will improve your health and well-being, you need to know first, that what the company claims on the label is accurate and reasonable; second, that the ingredient list is transparent and clearly understandable; and that they stand behind their products enough to make you feel safe and confident to shop with them.
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What Is A Simple Habit To Boost Brain Function Every Day?
It seems there is an ongoing debate on whether taking a daily multivitamin is beneficial for your health or unnecessary. Finding the real answer to this question would take hours of research, reading articles and studies and determining their validity. Don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you. The answer is that a daily multivitamin is beneficial to your health. Reality Check Not only are you most likely not getting the proper nutrients from your diet to fill your vitamin and mineral void, but your body needs replenishment of those vitamins and minerals every single day, especially when it comes to aiding your body’s immune system. So think about it, do you eat the perfect foods to contribute the ideal amounts of essential vitamins and minerals to your body? Do you do that every single day? Do you even want to have to do the math to figure that out? Do you ever get busy and maybe, possibly, skip a meal? Or worse, cheat on your perfect, brain-healthy diet? Though many skeptics will tell you that you can get all the nutrients you need from your diet, the truth is that just isn’t happening in our society. According to the data from the 2001-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over 40 percent of adults have inadequate intakes of vitamins and minerals that are found in high-quality multivitamins. This large portion of adults was deficient in Vitamin A, C, D, E, and Magnesium. Additionally, a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition determined that multivitamin supplements contributed to adult Americans having sufficient levels of nutrients in their bodies without exceeding tolerated limits. The scary fact is that these vitamins and minerals, of which nearly half adult Americans do not have enough, are what help the body fend off diseases. Here is the function of each of those nutrients in the body. Vitamin A: An essential nutrient with roles in supporting the immune system and brain development. This powerhouse vitamin is crucial for the intestinal tract, the eyes and vision, lungs, healthy fetal development and a strong immune system. Vitamin C: Well known as a potent antioxidant that protects the body against “free radicals” and other toxins, helps the body conserve other antioxidants, and is fundamental to strong immunity. But it is also an essential cofactor for enzymes that make neurotransmitters, conduct detoxification and synthesize collagen for the gums, joints and other connective tissues of the body. Vitamin D: Aids in nutrition, weight, skin, heart, memory, immune system, and sadness or mood issues. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for brain health, mood, memory, and skin. Vitamin E: This is the primary antioxidant protector for cell membranes – where our most dynamic enzyme assemblies are located. This supplement provides the full spectrum of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol vitamin E’s present in a healthy diet. Magnesium: For craving, willpower, weight, focus, and energy. It has been shown to be helpful in calming anxious thoughts and balancing the brain’s pleasure centers, helping in reducing cravings. A deficiency can lead to irritability and nervousness. Supplementing the body can help with mood and muscle weakness. We live in a time where we are picking up meals on the go, skipping meals, have chronic stressors in our lives, and are even being negatively affected by the pollution in the air. This is where multivitamins, like BrainMD’s NeuroVite Plus, can help.
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Struggling with a Vitamin B6 Deficiency?
Do you struggle with a low mood? Are you challenged with irritability? Do you worry frequently? Are you feeling fatigued? If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, it is possible that you are experiencing a vitamin B6 deficiency. Previously thought to be relatively rare in the United States, research conducted at Tufts University has demonstrated that vitamin B6 deficiency is much more common than previously thought. The B vitamin family is made up of eight B vitamins, each of which performs unique and important functions. Additionally, these important vitamins are water-soluble. Since they are eliminated in urine, we require a continuous daily supply in our diet as our bodies cannot store it. Otherwise, it is important to supplement to ensure sufficient intake. Many people are surprised to learn about the critical role that vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays in their health. It is important in the production of such critical neurotransmitters as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GABA – which help improve mood – and melatonin, a hormone that supports your natural body clock. Additionally, vitamin B6 is essential for at least 100 enzymes that help the body utilize amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. It is also vital for early brain development and for supporting the body’s innate antioxidant defenses. B vitamins, including vitamin B6, also help support adrenal function and help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system. Although vitamin B6 is found in a variety of foods – like leafy green vegetables, chickpeas, tuna, beans, beef, liver, and bananas – there is growing evidence which suggests that the systemic inflammation underlying most chronic diseases may impair vitamin B6 metabolism. Therefore, BrainMD Health is proud to utilize the two chemical forms of vitamin B6 that are most fully absorbed and utilized. Two of the products where these special forms of vitamin B6 can be found are Serotonin Mood Support and GABA Calming Support. If you are interested in trying a supplement that promotes a tranquil mind and body while supporting your vitamin B6 levels, give Serotonin Mood Support or GABA Calming Support a try. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!
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Focus on Choline: Improve Focus & Memory
Believe it or not, summer is coming to an end. It is the back-to-school and, for a lot of people, back-to-work, time of year – a time requiring focus, concentration, and memory. Plenty of people struggle with those…and if you are one of those, it is time to pay attention to choline. Choline? Many have never even heard of it before, let alone been aware they needed to pay attention to it. So what is choline? Although not technically a vitamin by strict definition, it is an essential nutrient required for many functions of the body, especially for brain function. It is also involved in healthy liver function, nerve function, and muscle movement, as well as supporting energy levels and maintaining a healthy metabolism. One of the primary functions of choline is helping brain cells in the production of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for mental focus and learning. A choline deficiency can result in poor concentration, poor memory, mood changes and other cognitive impairments, especially as someone ages. Additionally, choline plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes and for cholinergic neurotransmission, which is responsible for memory, mental clarity, focus and concentration. Choline has been shown in research to be helpful in improving cognitive performance in a young, cognitively healthy, community-based population of 1,391 subjects. Furthermore, choline is a major dietary source of methyl groups, which the brain needs for making the neurotransmitter epinephrine, the sleep hormone melatonin, and the myelin insulation of its nerve cells. Our neurons and all our other cells also require methyl to make and maintain their DNA, to manage their healthy gene activity (epigenetics), for growth and maintenance, regulation of potentially toxic homocysteine, and for numerous other life functions. While our bodies are able to make a small amount of choline on their own, we must obtain the rest from food sources. Choline can be found in foods including egg yolks, liver, beef, salmon, cod, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and peanut butter. You may have heard eggs referred to as “brain food” because they are so rich in choline. Research indicates that a large percentage of women, children, and older men are not receiving adequate choline in their diets. Choline is especially present in animal products, so vegetarians and vegans are more prone to experiencing a deficiency in choline. Although eating a varied diet increases the likelihood that you are consuming enough choline, you may want to consider trying a supplement that contains choline – especially if you find yourself struggling with memory, focus, attention, or learning. The nutritional ingredients in our BrainMD products are specifically designed for the health of the organ that controls everything we do, think and feel—the brain. Focus & Energy and Attention Support both contain Choline for improved focus. Read more about these two different products on the BrainMD website to better understand how they may benefit you.
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The Problem With Some Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements
Although often used interchangeably, the words curcumin and turmeric actually describe two different things. Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice, related to ginger, that is found in curry, while curcumin is the naturally occurring chemical compound in turmeric. There are three major curcumins – curcumin, demethoxy-curcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin – which are the substances most responsible for the 4,000-plus years of traditional medicinal use of turmeric root. Modern science has extensively researched these curcumins (technically, curcuminoid polyphenols) and established their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits along with a myriad of other positive actions. It isn't difficult to find research demonstrating the health benefits of curcumin, including benefits to cardiovascular health, cognitive health, and mood. But they have a fatal flaw: they are normally very poorly absorbed when taken by mouth. In fact, conventional curcumin powders and supplements can be so poorly absorbed that NO curcumin is actually found in the bloodstream – which translates to no appreciable benefit to the brain and body. Additionally, there is very little consistency in terms of quality control among curcumin supplements. Research done by ConsumerLab.com found that more than 20% of turmeric and curcumin supplements they selected for review delivered less than 15% of the advertised amount of the compounds. BrainMD Health is very proud to introduce Brain Curcurmins containing LONGVIDA® Optimized Curcumin Extract – a breakthrough formula optimized to deliver curcumin into target tissues through the critical bioavailability requirements of permeability, solubility, and stability. This dramatically improved oral absorption is verified by human trials. Furthermore, a triple-blinded clinical trial revealed important brain benefits of LONGVIDA®: conservation of working memory, improved calmness and "contentedness" (roughly equating to satisfaction) when under mental strain, and less tendency to physical fatigue from such challenges. In this trial the curcumin group also showed cardiovascular benefit, by lowering total and LDL cholesterol statistically better than the placebo group. The Brain Curcumins supplement from the BrainMD Health team supplies 25% more LONGVIDA® per capsule (500 mg) than was used in the clinical trial (400 mg), for additional benefit to mind and body. So if you are looking for a supplement that promotes alertness and calmness, supports working memory while under mental strain, and which is protective to your brain and body through powerful antioxidants, give BrainMD Health’s Brain Curcumins a try – your satisfaction is guaranteed!
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6 Ingredients to a Healthy, Balanced Brain
Do you struggle to stay focused? Are you easily irritated? Do you struggle with your mood? Are you just feeling a bit “off”? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is possible that your brain chemistry needs a tune up. To be your best self, you must have a brain that works at its best. The brain is the supercomputer that runs your life. When your brain works right, you tend to be effective, thoughtful, creative and energetic. But when your brain function is out of balance, you may have problems with mood, stress, work performance, impulsivity, anger, inflexibility, memory, and your relationships. It is estimated that your brain has one hundred billion cells, with each one connected to other cells by up to ten thousand individual connections. This would mean that you have more connections in your brain than there are stars in the universe! These cells communicate through electrical and chemical signals. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers responsible for transmitting information between brain cells. Chemicals such as serotonin‚ dopamine‚ and GABA play key roles in healthy brain functioning‚ which is so essential to healthy behaviors and decision making. Since your brain and life are inseparably linked, when your neurotransmitters are out of balance, you may experience difficulties in school, at work, at home, in relationships, or within yourself. The great news is that the brain is adaptable and able to change how it functions. BrainMD Health’s NeuroLink is exclusively formulated to support balanced brain chemistry... naturally. Watch this short video featuring Dr. Amen and BrainMD Health’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Parris Kidd, to learn more about the ways in which this supplement promotes concentration, focus, positive mood, emotional balance, and a tranquil body and mind. Additionally, you will hear about Dr. Amen’s very personal reason for creating NeuroLink and the entire BrainMD Health line of supplements. Here’s what you get with NeuroLink: Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) - a water-soluble vitamin essential in the production and function of various neurotransmitters. It is also essential for early brain development. Vitamin B6 is also needed by at least 100 enzymes that help the body utilize amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. L-Tyrosine - an amino acid required for the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The adrenal glands work together with the brain to manage stress, and also use tyrosine to make these same three transmitters. Your brain needs tyrosine to promote mental clarity during times of stress. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) - an amino acid that regulates the excitability of nerve circuits in the brain, and is considered the brain’s main “calming” neurotransmitter. GABA tightly regulates the activity of synapses but also remains important for the growth of new nerve cells. Low levels of GABA are associated with brain hyper-excitability, untypical behavior, cognitive difficulties, and mood challenges. L-Glutamine - an amino acid important in the synthesis of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, and the calming transmitter GABA. Glutamate is a near-universal neurotransmitter, present in 80 percent of the brain’s nerve cells. It is an important regulator of learning and memory processes and is involved in healthy mood management. L-Taurine - an amino acid that fulfills important regulatory roles in the brain, the eyes, and the other organs. It helps stabilize our nerve cell electrical activity, and protects against calcium overload that can kill brain cells. Taurine is also essential for healthy mitochondria, the tiny energy generators of all our cells, and promotes optimal performance of the GABA and glutamate transmitter systems. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) - a modified amino acid that, in the brain, is easily converted into serotonin. 5-HTP helps maintain mental and emotional well-being, reduce occasional feelings of anxiety, support behavioral self-control, promote calm and relaxation, and facilitate going to sleep. It’s also a powerful brain antioxidant. When your brain transmitters are balanced you can think more clearly, feel happier, and experience greater well-being. Let BrainMD Health’s Neurolink support and promote balance in YOUR brain! Better brain chemistry = Better quality of life
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