The body’s cells and organ systems depend on an adequate supply of energy to function optimally. The mitochondria, known as the power house of the cell, contain nutrients and enzymes that are important for cellular energy metabolism. Some of these enzymes convert food to usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP functions as the key source of energy for all cells. In order to increase mitochondrial output, there must be adequate fuel supply for combustion and abundant antioxidants to scavenge free radical by-products. Preserving our energy reserves and increasing energy output is a critical part of maintaining optimal health.There are many things that can drain our energy reserves. Lack of sleep, too much stress, poor nutrition and prescription medications can draw on our energy reserves, using them up faster than they can be replenished. Even the vital biologic systems we rely on to maintain health can create an energy deficit that needs to be restored.

Some of the most energy demanding systems in the body are:

• Liver detoxification
• Immune protection
• Cardiovascular function
• Neurologic function

This product is scientifically formulated, based on published research, to boost mitochondrial reserves and jumpstart cellular energy production. ^[1] This product includes the powerful antioxidant trio of alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine and acetyl L- carnitine, all shown to increase energy production and recharge the primary cellular antioxidant pools of vitamins E and C and glutathione.

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid that is associated with increased energy production. It has been shown to increase the flow of free fatty acids, the fuel source for mitochondria, resulting in a significant boost in energy production. As we age, free radical production increases oxidative damage to the mitochondria, which can potentially decrease energy production. ALC has been shown to increase cellular energy (ATP) production and has been found, in combination with lipoic acid, to lower oxidative stress. ^[2,3] Studies have also shown that ALC supports the immune response by protecting CD4 and CD8 immune cells and by supporting the reproduction of lymphocytes for the identification and elimination of invading antigens. ^[4,5]

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and promotes liver detoxification. ^[6] NAC has been shown to increase production of glutathione, an important antioxidant found in the body. ^[6] In addition to its antioxidant activity, glutathione boosts the immune system by activating T-cells, helping to maintain immune balance. ^[7]

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant and also plays a synergistic role in recharging other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10 and glutathione. Lipoic acid also plays a key role in detoxification. ^[8] Studies have shown that a combination of ALA and ALC helps minimize oxidative damage. ^[9,10] Oxidative stress causes damage to DNA, RNA, proteins, mitochondrial membranes and lipids, and contributes to the functional decline of mitochondria, cells, tissues and eventually organs such as the brain. ^[9,10]

Resveratrol is a polyphenol molecule found in many plant species, including grapes and cranberries, and is found in high concentrations in wine. Polyphenols act as antioxidants that protect plants from damage that can be caused by bacteria, fungi and radiation. ^[11] Resveratrol is believed to be the dietary factor behind the “French Paradox,” which is the high rate of cardiovascular wellness in the French population, despite their high fat intake. In addition to its antioxidant properties and support for cardiovascular function, resveratrol has been shown to support optimal immune function. ^[11]

Broccoli seed extract contains a high amount of glucoraphanin, a compound that is a precursor to sulphoraphane. Sulphoraphane is a potent antioxidant in the body and also supports detoxification and immune response. Sulphoraphane has been shown to induce Phase II detoxification enzymes and raise intracellular glutathione levels. ^[12]

Green tea polyphenols have demonstrated significant antioxidant- probiotic- and immune- supporting properties.^[13] The hydroxyl group of green tea polyphenols supports antioxidant activity by forming complexes with free radicals and neutralizing them, minimizing oxidative damage throughout the body. Green tea polyphenols also stimulate the activity of liver detoxification enzymes, promoting the detoxification of harmful chemicals out of the body. ^[13]

To increase cellular energy production efficiently, optimal levels of critical nutrients and enzyme cofactors must be achieved. This product is an energy-providing multivitamin with an optimized backbone of vitamins and minerals necessary for increasing energy output and meeting daily nutritional needs.

1. Kaiser JD, Campa AM, Ondercin JP, Leoung GS, Pless RF, Baum MK. Micronutrient supplementation increases CD4 count in HIV-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy: a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2006; 42(5): 523-528.
2. Shigenaga M K, Hagen T M,et al. Oxidative damage and mitochondrial decay in aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1994; 91(23):10771-10778.
3. Hagen, TM, Liu J, et al. Feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid to old rats significantly improves metabolic function while decreasing oxidative stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002; 99(4):1870-1875.
4. Di Marzio L, Moretti S, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine administration increases insulin-like growth factor 1 levels in asymptomatic HIV-1-infected subjects: correlation with its suppressive effect on lymphocyte apoptosis and ceramide generation. Clin Immunol 1999; 92(1):103-110.
5. Deufel, T. Determination of L-carnitine in biological fluids and tissues. J Clin Chem Clin Biochem 1990; 28(5):307-311.
6. N-Acetylcysteine. Altern Med Rev 2000; 5(5):467-471.
7. Patrick, L. Nutrients and HIV: part three – N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, L-glutamine, and L-carnitine. Altern Med Rev 2000; 5(4):290-305.
8. Alpha-lipoic acid. Monograph. Altern Med Rev 2006; 11(3):232-237.
9. Ames, B. N. Optimal micronutrients delay mitochondrial decay and age-associated diseases. Mech Ageing Dev 2010; 131(7-8):473-479.
10. Ames, B. N. and Liu, J. Delaying the mitochondrial decay of aging with acetylcarnitine. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1033:108-116.
11. Resveratrol: Monograph. Altern Med Review 2010; 15(12):152-158.
12. Fahey JW, Talalay P. Antioxidant functions of sulphoraphane: a potent inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes. Food Chem Tox 1999:37:973-979.
13. Green Tea. Altern Med Review 2000; 5(4):372-5.

The GI tract is a finely balanced environment where roughly 500 different strains of bacteria compete for space and nutrients. When there is a healthy balance (eubiosis), few symptoms exist. However, dysbiosis can occur when an overabundance of potentially harmful organisms prevail. The natural microflora balance can be upset by medications (such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.), excessive alcohol consumption, or poor dietary intake.

Probiotics have been extensively studied and are characterized as having broad GI and immune benefits, including (1) increasing the population of healthy bacteria following microflora imbalance; (2) supporting healthy bowel function; (3) increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy to the cells of the intestinal lining; (4) strengthening the gut-immune barrier by promoting a healthy gut mucosa; (5) aiding in the digestion of difficult-to-break- down like lactose and casein; and (6) enhancing detoxification of harmful compounds.

Because probiotics are live organisms, there are many challenges associated with manufacturing and distributing probiotic supplements. For a probiotic to be effective, it must be shelf-stable through the expiration date and precisely delivered to the intestinal tract, where it can have maximum benefit. BioShield® technology is an innovative manufacturing process developed to ensure consistent and reliable results. The microorganisms in this product are protected, sealed and freeze dried away from moisture, heat, light and oxygen. This allows the bacteria to remain dormant until they are exposed to moisture in the GI tract. By utilizing advanced encapsulation technology, the probiotic organisms are preserved and released on-target for maximum benefit.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacterial strain that is normally found in the intestinal tract and mouth and is commercially used in dairy products for the production of acidophilus-type yogurt. L. acidophilus ferments various carbohydrates to produce lactic acid, which increases the absorption and bioavailability of minerals. This includes calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The production of lactic acid also promotes health by creating an inhospitable environment for invading microbes.¹ L. acidophilus has been shown to protect intestinal cells by competing for adhesion space in the gut against harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. The L. acidophilus strain in this product has been specifically chosen because of its strong adherence and survival attributes in the GI tract. It has been demonstrated in vitro to tolerate exposure to gastric acid and bile salts, and has the ability to withstand antibiotics including Ciproflaxin, Polymyxin B and Tetracycline.²

Lactobacillus paracasei has been shown to protect against the harmful effects of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).³ L. paracasei colonizes the intestinal tract by reinforcing defense mechanisms that support an immune response. It does this by supporting T-helper cell production and secreting secretory IgA (sIgA), an antibody critical for supporting intestinal immunity.⁴ L. paracasei Lpc-37 is a gastric acid-resistant strain and has been shown in vitro to withstand antibiotics such as Ciproflaxin and Vancomycin.⁵

Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to effectively compete with harmful bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus and Camplylobacter jejuni, which suggests B. bifidum’s lactic acid and acetic acid production provides an antagonistic action against pathogens to help maintain microflora balance.⁶

Bifidobacterium lactis is predominantly found in the colon. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial on subjects receiving B. lactis or placebo for eight weeks found that B. lactis supported a balanced immune response in individuals hypersensitive to environmental allergens.⁷ immune development and dietary supplementation with B. lactis have shown that it supports GI health by reducing intestinal permeability.⁸

Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacteria commonly found in fermented foods including sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives and sourdough. L. plantarum has been found to compete against strains of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens, due to the production of bacteriocins (lethal proteins) that inhibit bacterial growth.⁹ demonstrated that L. plantarum helps boost the immune response by stimulating Th1-mediated immunity.¹⁰

Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been proven to have remarkable survivability in the acid and bile environments in the GI tract. L. rhamnosus is particularly useful because of its ability to adhere to cells, enhance microflora balance, and inhibit pathogen adherence. L. rhamnosus was also found to positively affect inflammatory and immune gene signaling of over 1,700 genes when administered in high doses.11

1. Lipski E. Digestive Wellness. New Canaan (CT): Keats Publishing; 1996. p. 60-61.
2. Danisco. Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 probiotic identity card.
3. Bendali F, Madi N, Sadoun D. Beneficial effects of a strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei in Staphylococcus aureus-induced intestinal and colonic injury. Int J Infect Dis. 2011 Nov;15(11):e787-94.
4. Chiang SS, Pan TM. Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 and its fermented products. Appl Microbiol Biotechno. 2012 Feb;93(3):903- 16.
5. Danisco. Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 probiotic identity card.
6. Fooks LJ, Gibson GR. Mixed culture fermentation studies on the effects of synbiotics on the human intestinal pathogens Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli. Anaerobe. 2003 Oct;9(5):231-42.
7. Singh A, Hacini-Rachinel F, Gosoniu ML, Bourdeau T, Holvoet S, Doucet-Ladeveze R, Beaumont M, Mercenier A, Nutten S. Immune-modulatory effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen: an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur J Clin Nut. 2013 Feb;67(2):161-7.
8. Lewis MC, Patel DV, Fowler J, Duncker S, Zuercher AW, Mercenier A, Bailey M. Dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 from weaning reduces local immunoglobulin production in lymphoid-associated tissues but increases systemic antibodies in healthy neonates. Br J Nutr. 2013 Oct;110(7):1243-52.
9. Schoster A, Kokotovic B, Permin A, Pedersen PD, Bello FD, Guarabassi L. In vitro inhibition of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens by commercial probiotic strains. Anaerobe. 2013 Apr; 20:36-41.
10. Chytilová M, Mudroňová D, Nemcová R, Gancarčíková S, Buleca V, Koščová J, Tkáčiková L. Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of flax-seed oil and Lactobacillus plantarum – BiocenolTM LP96 in gnotobiotic pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Res Vet Sci. 2013 Aug;95(1):103-9.
11. Evard B, Coudeyras S, Dosgilbert A, Charbonnel N, Alamé J, Tridon A, Forestier C. Dose-dependent immunomodulation of human dendritic cells by the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35. PLoS ONE. 2011 Apr 18;6(4):e18735.

The GI tract is a finely balanced environment where roughly 300 different strains of bacteria compete for space and nutrients. When there is a healthy balance (eubiosis), few symptoms exist. However, dysbiosis can occur when an over-abundance of potentially harmful organisms prevail. The natural flora balance can be upset by medications (such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.), drinking chlorinated water, or eating too many processed foods.

Probiotics have been extensively studied and are characterized as having broad health benefits including (1) increasing populations of healthy bacteria following microflora imbalance; (2) supporting healthy bowel function; (3) increasing the production of important short chain fatty acids that provide energy to the GI lining; (4) creating a strong immune barrier and boosting immune function; (5) aiding in the digestion of difficult to break down compounds like lactose and casein; and (6) increasing detoxification of harmful compounds.

Because probiotics are live organisms, there are many challenges associated with manufacturing and distributing probiotic supplements. For a probiotic to be effective, it must be shelf stabile through the expiration date and shown to survive passage through the harsh GI environment to the intestines for maximum benefit. The microorganisms in this product are first protected, sealed, and then freeze dried away from moisture, heat, light and oxygen. This puts the bacteria into a state of “hibernation,” allowing them to remain dormant, until they are exposed to moisture in the GI tract. This product also contains probiotic strains that have been strategically selected based on research supporting their survivability and adherence to the intestinal tract.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria strain that is normally found in the human intestinal tract and mouth, and is commercially used in dairy products for the production of acidophilus-type yogurt. L. acidophilus ferments various carbohydrates producing lactic acid, a short chain fatty acid that increases the absorption and bioavailability of minerals. This includes calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. ^[1] The production of lactic acid also promotes health by creating an inhospitable environment for invading microbes. ^[1] L. acidophilus has been shown to protect intestinal cells by competing for adhesion space in the GI against harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. ^[2] The L. acidophilus La-14 strain has been specifically chosen for use in this product because of its strong adherence and survival attributes. It has been demonstrated to tolerate exposure to stomach acid, bile salts and the ability to withstand antibiotics including Ciproflaxin, Polymyxin B and Tetracycline. ^[2]

Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial bacteria commonly found in fermented foods including sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives and sourdough. L. plantarum has been found to compete against strains of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens, due to the production of bacteriocins (lethal proteins) that inhibit bacterial growth. ^[3] Studies have also demonstrated that L. plantarum helps boost the immune response by stimulating Th1-mediated immunity. ^[4]

Bifidobacteria lactis is predominantly found in the colon. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial on subjects receiving B. lactis or placebo for 8 weeks found that B. lactis supported a balanced immune response in individuals hypersensitive to environmental allergens. ^[5] Studies examining immune development and dietary supplementation with B. lactis have shown that B. lactis supports GI health by reducing intestinal permeability. ^[6]

Among the lactobacillus species, Lactobacillus salivarus, has been shown to produce bacteriocins that inhibit the growth of H. pylori. ^[7] L. salivarus can withstand high concentrations of acids allowing L. salivarus to adhere and survive in the stomach and bind to gastric epithelial cells, while producing high amounts of pathogen-inhibiting lactic acid. ^[7]

The immune regulating properties of Lactobacillus casei have been reported in several studies. L. casei has been shown to regulate inflammatory pathways and reduce oxidative stress, indicating an antioxidant effect. ^[8] L. casei has also been shown to support immune function by increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity and support healthy inflammatory balance. ^[9]

Bifidiobacterium bifidum is predominantly found in the colon. Bifidobacterium is a normal resident of healthy infant GI tracts and usually colonizes within 4 days of life. ^[10] B. bifidum has been shown to effectively compete with harmful bacteria such E. coli, Staphyolococcus aureus and Camplylobacter jejuni suggesting that B. bifidum’s lactic acid and acetic acid production provides an antagonistic action against pathogens to help maintain microflora balance. ^[11]

1. Lipski E. (1996) Digestive Wellness. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing.
2. Danisco. Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 probiotic identity card.
3. Schoster A, Kokotovic B, Permin A, Pedersen PD, Bello FD, Guarabassi L. In vitro inhibition of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens by commercial probiotic strains. Anarobe 2013; 20:36-41.
4. Chytilová M, Mudroňová D, Nemcová R, Gancarčíková S, Buleca V, Koščová J, Tkáčiková L. Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of flax-seed oil and Lactobacillus plantarum – BiocenolTM LP96 in gnotobiotic pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Res Vet Sci 2013 Feb 25. pii: S0034-5288(13)00056-8.
5. Singh A, Hacini-Rachinel F, Gosoniu M, et al. Immune- modulatory effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen: an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur J Clin Nut 2013 Feb;67(2):161-7.
6. Lewis MC, Patel DV, Fowler J, Duncker S, Zuercher AW, Mercenier A, Bailey M. Dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 from weaning reduces local immunoglobulin production in lymphoid-associated tissues but increases systemic antibodies in healthy neonates. Br J Nutr 2013;11:1-10.
7. Yuji Aiba MT, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Abu M A, Kabir, MD, Atushi Takagi MD, and Yasuhiro Koga. Lactic Acid- Mediated Suppression of Helicobacter pylori by the Oral Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius as a Probiotic in a Gnotobiotic Murine Model. Am J Gastroenterol 1998; 93(11):2097-2101.
8. Amdekar S, Singh V, Kumar A, Sharma P, Singh R. Lactobacillus casei and lactobacillus acidophilus regulate inflammatory pathway and improve antioxidant status in collagen-induced arthritic rats. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2013;33(1):1-8.
9. Dong H, Rowland I, Thomas LV, Yagoob P. Immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota in healthy volunteers. Eur J Nutr 2013; Jan 10.
10. Bezirtzoglou E, Stavropoulou. Immunology and probiotic impact of the newborn and young children intestinal microflora. Anaerobe 2011; Dec;17(6):369-74.
11. Fooks LJ, Gibson GR. Mixed culture fermentation studies on the effects of symbiotics on the human intestinal pathogens Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli. Anaerobe 2003;9(5):231-42.