Nutrition Dictionary

Acetyl-L-Carnitine - is a Carnitine derivative and an ammonium compound derived from the amino acid Lysine. It supports healthy cardiac enzyme levels, heart contractions, circulation, and exercise tolerance, by assisting with the transport of fatty acids into the cell for energy production.       

Antioxidant - An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation produces free radicals which damage and destroy cells throughout the body.       

Astaxanthin - is a red carotenoid and a potent antioxidant that is over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 – 20 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene. While found in plants and animals, it is most prevalent in the marine environment and in algae and phytoplankton.       

Beta Carotene - a carotenoid, supports skin, eyes and the immune system. A safe source of vitamin A.       

Bilberry - a close relative of blueberry, has a long history of medicinal use for a variety of eye disorders, including poor night vision, eyestrain, and myopia. Shown to improve night vision and may inhibit or reverse degenerative eye disorders. Bilberries contain high levels of anthocyanin pigments, which have been linked experimentally to lowered risk for several diseases, such as those of the heart and cardiovascular system, and eyes.       

Boswellia Serrata Extract - has a long history in Ayurvedic Medicine as a pain reducing agent       

Borage Oil – a source of GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), it enhances and supports skin health, studies suggest that it eases common PMS symptoms.       

Carotenoids - a widespread group of naturally occurring pigments. These compounds are largely responsible for the red, yellow, and orange color of fruits and vegetables i.e. carrots (beta carotene), corn (zeaxanthin), tomato (lycopene) and egg yolk (lutein). Many are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. They are also believed to enhance the function of the immune system.       

CoQ10 (ubiquinone) - found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in the making of an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source. Apart from its important function of providing energy, CoQ10 also stabilizes cell membranes, and as an antioxidant, it destroys free radicals in the body. These unstable molecules can cause damage to normal cells.       

Eyebright Extract - a wild plant native to Europe. The name eyebright is thought to come from its use as a traditional folk remedy for eye irritation. The active ingredients appear to be the tannins, which are thought to decrease inflammation.  

Free Radical – molecules responsible for damaging tissue and healthy cells.       

Gamma Linolenic Acid GLA - one of the two main types of essential fatty acids (EFA). These are "good" fats that are as necessary for your health as vitamins. Although essential to human health, EFA’s cannot be made in the body. For this reason, they must be obtained from food. EFAs are needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes.       

GMP Certified – Products are produced using current Good Manufacturing Practices certified by the Natural Products Association. Founded in 1936, the NPA represents the interests of manufacturers and retailers of a wide variety of natural products including organic and health foods, natural ingredient cosmetics, sports nutrition products and vitamins, herbs and other dietary supplements. 

GRAS – Generally Recognized As Safe by the US Food and Drug Administration for all food, beverage and supplement applications      

Haematococcus Pluvialis – a microalgae cultivated to extract BioAstin®, 100% pure Hawaiian Astaxanthin.       

Iron - essential in the formation of red blood cells and transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Iron assists the memory and helps build resistance to infection, stress and disease       

Lutein - A yellow carotenoid pigment, found in certain fruits and vegetables as well as egg yolks, lutein is a nutrient with a number of potentially beneficial effects. In people, lutein and zeaxanthin make up most of the pigment in the center of the retina, where vision sensitivity is greatest. Studies suggest that it may play an important role in maintaining healthy vision and preventing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts by neutralizing free radicals and increasing the density of eye pigment. Lutein may also shield the eyes from the destructive effects of sunlight.       

Lycopene – a red carotenoid, a fat-soluble pigment found in vegetables, and most commonly found in tomatoes. A number of studies have indicated that a lycopene rich diet lowers the risk of certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.      

N-Acetyl-Cysteine - is a form of the amino acid cysteine, which is commonly found in food and synthesized by the body. It may be beneficial for an inflammatory condition of the inner eyelid, and other eye disorders.       

Manganese – a trace mineral responsible for activating enzymes responsible for the utilization of several key nutrients including biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid, and choline. It is a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, facilitates protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and may also participate in the production of sex hormones and maintaining reproductive health.       

Organic Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed is the seed from the plant Linum usitatissimum. Oil from the seed is used to make medicine. Flaxseed oil/linseed oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)       

Organic Olive Oil - the beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances called polyphenols. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels.       

Oleoresin – non-solvent oil which helps preserve the stability of Astaxanthin over time.       

Omega Fatty Acids - reduce inflammation throughout the body, a key factor in the symptoms associated with aging. Scientific research has shown Omega Fatty Acids help relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, support lower blood pressure and can help reduce depression.       

Phytochemicals - are plant substances with high levels of antioxidants such as Phycocyanin, Zeaxanthin, Beta-Carotene and Chlorophyll. It is the high levels of these Phytochemicals and Phycocyanin in particular that sets Spirulina Pacifica® apart from all other Superfoods.       

Phycocyanin - a photosynthetic pigment, for liver, kidney and brain health, with immune enhancing and anti-viral properties. Only found in blue-green microalgae like Spirulina.       

Rice Bran Oil – Oryzan (High Oryzanol) - rich in vitamin E, γ-oryzanol, an antioxidant that may help prevent heart attacks, and phytosterols, compounds believed to help lower cholesterol absorption. Oryzanol may reduce plasma cholesterol, reduce cholesterol absorption, decrease early atherosclerosis, and inhibit platelet aggregation.       

Spirulina - is a blue-green algae found in high alkaline lakes in Africa and Central America. It is approximately 60% complete, highly digestible protein with the highest levels of beta-carotene found naturally. It has high levels of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, B Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.       

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) - an enzyme that acts as an antioxidant in the body, neutralizing free radicals and helping to repair cells       

Tocopherols - is the name given to vitamin E by its discoverer, but now a generic term for vitamin E and compounds chemically related to it. Tocopherols are fat-soluble antioxidants, protecting cells from damage, but also seem to have many other functions in the body.       

Vitamin A – necessary for cell growth, bone growth, good vision, and a healthy immune system.       

Vitamin K1 & Vitamin K2 – essential vitamins known to promote blood clotting and support bone health. Recent studies have confirmed that Vitamin K2 may help osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.       

Vitamin B12 - an essential vitamin that is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.       

Zeaxanthin – a carotenoid and powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage with specific benefits for eye and cellular health.  Studies support the view that supplemental lutein and/or zeaxanthin help protect against age related eye problems. There is also epidemiological evidence that increasing lutein and zeaxanthin intake lowers the risk of cataract development.