100 CAPSULES

Certified European Bilberry Extract (25% Anthocyanidins) 100 mg

100 capsules. Diabetes related problems common to the eyes are often caused by a breakdown of the circulatory system of the eye. 

Studies of diabetic rats show that bilberry decreases vascular permeability (Cohen-Boulakia F et al 2000). Studies of diabetic mice receiving an herbal extract containing bilberry demonstrated significantly decreased blood glucose levels (Petlevski R et al 2001; Petlevski R et al 2003).

Caution:

• Consult your doctor before taking Bilberry if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Bilberry has blood-thinning properties.
• Bilberry can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

100 CAPSULES

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate 100 capsules.

Carnitine lowers blood glucose and HbA1c levels, increases insulin sensitivity and glucose storage, and optimizes fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Carnitine deficiency is common in type 2 diabetes. In a large human trial, acetyl-L-carnitine helped prevent or slow cardiac autonomic neuropathy in people with diabetes (Turpeinen AK et al 2005).

Caution:

• Acetyl-L-carnitine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
• Consult your doctor before taking GLA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking GLA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Discontinue using GLA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
• GLA can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Super Carnosine 500 mg, 90 capsules. Carnosine is a glycation inhibitor that has been shown to exhibit protective effects against diabetic nephropathy and reduce the formation of AGEs. Carnosine is a multifunctional dipeptide made up of a chemical combination of the amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine. It is found both in food and in the human body.

Chromium Ultra 100 capsules.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays a significant role in sugar metabolism. Chromium supplementation helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and improves metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Caution:

• Consult your doctor before taking chromium if you have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes. See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take chromium and have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes.

Enhanced Cinnulin PF® with Glucose Management Proprietary Blend 90 vegetarian capsules. Unregulated and elevated blood sugar can present future problems if not taken seriously and managed vigorously through diet and exercise. Studies reveal that even active, health-conscious adults can experience higher than desired blood sugar levels as they age. In addition to a proper diet and regular exercise, certain minerals and plant-based nutrients, such as the extracts from cinnamon, coffee berry, green tea, and banaba leaf, and water-soluble quercetin, can help support healthy blood sugar levels in aging adults.

Caution:

• Cinnulin can lower plasma glucose levels.
• Consult your doctor before taking cinnulin if you have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes. See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take cinnulin and have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes.

Super Ubiquinol CoQ10 100 mg, 60 softgels.  improves blood sugar control, lowers blood pressure, and prevents oxidative damage caused by disease. In a controlled human trial, type 2 diabetics given 100 mg CoQ10 twice daily experienced improved glycemic control as measured by lower HbA1c levels and blood pressure (Hodgson JM et al 2002). In a separate study, CoQ10 improved blood flow in type 2 diabetics, an outcome attributed to CoQ10’s ability to lower vascular oxidative stress (Watts GF et al 2002). 

Caution:

• See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
• Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone, Free Base) 25 mg, 100 capsules. Recent studies have yielded very encouraging results supporting DHEA supplementation in diabetics. DHEA has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and obesity in human and animal models (Yamashita R et al 2005). 

In humans, DHEA levels are sensitive to elevated glucose: higher glucose levels tend to be associated with decreased DHEA levels (Boudou P et al 2006). One proposed mechanism of action in humans is linked to DHEA’s metabolism into testosterone. DHEA is an adrenal hormone that can be converted into either testosterone or estrogen. Studies have shown that testosterone improves insulin sensitivity in men, suggesting that DHEA’s conversion into testosterone may be responsible for its beneficial effects in improving insulin sensitivity (Kapoor D et al 2005).

Caution:

• Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
• DHEA can cause androgenic effects in woman such as acne, deepening of the voice, facial hair growth and hair loss.

120 SOFTGELS

Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract (Molecularly Distilled) 120 softgels. In human experiments, omega-3 fatty acids lowered blood pressure and triglyceride levels, thereby relieving many of the complications associated with diabetes. There are two types of essential fatty acids:

• Omega-3. Marine oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. The research on omega-3 fatty acids stems from studies of the Inuit (Eskimo) people, who seldom suffer from heart attacks even though their diets contain an enormous amount of fat from fish, seals, and whales, presumably because those sources of fat are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. 
• Omega-6. Diabetic neuropathy is a gradual degeneration of peripheral nerve tissue. There is some evidence that GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, can be helpful if given long enough to work. There is also evidence that GLA is more effective for diabetic neuropathy when it is combined with lipoic acid (Hounsom L et al 1998).

Caution:

• Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.

480 GRAMS

Enhanced Fiber Food Powder 480 grams. It is difficult to overstate the benefits from fiber in regard to blood glucose control. Eating a diet rich in high-fiber foods prevents and reduces the harm caused by chronically elevated blood glucose.

One study reported the results of diabetic individuals consuming a diet supplying 25 g soluble fiber and 25 g insoluble fiber (about double the amount currently recommended by the American Diabetes Association). The fiber was derived from foodstuffs, with no emphasis placed on special or unusual fiber-fortified foods or fiber supplements. A high-fiber diet reduced blood glucose levels by an average of 10% (Chandalia et al 2000).

Fiber should be added slowly, gradually replacing low-fiber foods, for the following reasons: (1) insulin and prescription drugs may have to be adjusted to accommodate lower blood glucose levels, and (2) without a gradual introduction of the new material, intestinal distress could occur, including bloating, flatulence, and cramps.

Caution:

• Take fiber supplements with a full 8-ounce glass of water.
• Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily while taking fiber.

200 CAPSULES

Pure-Gar with EDTA 800 mg Garlic 100 mg EDTA, 200 capsules. Allium is the active component in garlic and onions. Allium compounds are sulfur-donating compounds that help reconstitute glutathione, a major internal antioxidant. This mechanism is probably responsible for allium’s positive effects. Allium has a number of positive effects that may help reduce the risk of diabetic complications, including the following:

• Decreasing oxidative stress (Dhawan V et al 2004)
• Promoting weight loss and insulin sensitivity in animal models of diabetes (Elkayam A et al 2003)

Caution:

• Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
• Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
• Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo, watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
• Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.

365 CAPSULES

Ginkgo Biloba Certified Extract™ 120 mg, 365 capsules.

Animal studies demonstrate that ginkgo improves glucose metabolism in muscle fibers and prevents atrophy (Punkt K et al 1999). Animal studies also show that Ginkgo biloba extracts significantly inhibit post-meal sugar levels and act as anti-hyperglycemic agents (Tanaka S et al 2004).

Ginkgo has also been observed to lower blood glucose levels. Ginkgo supplementation produced an increase in liver metabolism of insulin and oral hypoglycemic medications, which corresponded to a reduction in plasma glucose levels (Kudolo GB 2001). 

Caution:

• Individuals with a known risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage, systematic arterial hypertension, diabetes, or seizures should avoid ginkgo.
• Do not use prior to or after surgery.
• Avoid concomitant use of ginkgo with NSAIDS, blood thinners, diuretics, or SSRI’s.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhea) may occur.
• Allergic skin reactions may occur.
• Elevations in blood pressure may occur.

60 SOFTGELS

Mega GLA with Sesame Lignans 60 softgels. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil is an important fatty acid that plays a beneficial role in healthy prostaglandin formation.

GLA is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family that is found primarily in plant-based oils. In the body, GLA is broken down to arachidonic acid (AA) and/or another substance called dihomogamma-liolenic acid (DGLA). Much of the GLA taken from the oils or as a supplement is not converted to AA, but rather to DGLA. DGLA competes with AA and prevents the negative inflammatory effects that AA would otherwise cause in the body. 

DECAFFINATED 98% POLYPHENOLS 100 CT

Mega Green Tea Extract (Decaffeinated) 100 vegetarian capsules.

Animal studies have shown that epigallocatechins, in particular, may have a role in preventing diabetes (Crespy V et al 2004). This process could help slow the progression of type 1 diabetes. In vitro studies have also shown that green tea suppresses diet-induced obesity (Murase T et al 2002), a key risk factor in developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Hung PF et al 2005).

Caution:

• Consult your doctor before taking green tea extract if you take aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking green tea extract and aspirin or warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Discontinue using green tea extract 2 weeks before any surgical procedure. Green tea extract may decrease platelet aggregation.
• Green tea extract contains caffeine, which may produce a variety of symptoms including restlessness, nausea, headache, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and rapid heartbeat.

100 CAPSULES

Magnesium Citrate 160 mg, 100 capsules. People with diabetes are often deficient in magnesium, which is depleted both by medications and by the disease process (Eibl NL et al 1995; Elamin A et al 1990; Tosiello L 1996). One double-blind study suggested that magnesium supplementation enhanced blood sugar control (Rodriguez-Moran M et al 2003).

Caution:

• Do not take magnesium if you have kidney failure or myasthenia gravis.

60 CAPSULES

N-Acetyl Cysteine 600 mg, 60 capsules. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that is used to treat acetaminophen overdose. Among diabetic rats, it has also demonstrated the ability to protect the heart against endothelial damage and oxidative stress that is associated with heart attacks among diabetics. 

Caution:

• NAC clearance is reduced in people who have chronic liver disease.
• Do not take NAC if you have a history of kidney stones (particularly cystine stones).
• NAC can produce a false-positive result in the nitroprusside test for ketone bodies used to detect diabetes.
• Consult your doctor before taking NAC if you have a history of peptic ulcer disease. Mucolytic agents may disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier.
• NAC can cause headache (especially when used along with nitrates) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

100 CAPSULES JARROW

Quercetin 500 mg, 100 capsules. Quercetin is the most abundant of the flavonoid molecules, and found to be the most active of the flavonoids in studies.

Flavonoids are antioxidants that help reduce damage associated with diabetes. In animal studies, quercetin decreases levels of blood glucose and oxidants. Quercetin also normalizes levels of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase, vitamin C, and vitamin E. 

Caution:

• Quercetin can cause headache, mild tingling of the extremities, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea.

60 SOFTGELS

R-Dihydro-Lipoic Acid 150 mg, 60 softgels.

As a powerful antioxidant, lipoic acid positively affects important aspects of diabetes, including blood sugar control and the development of long-term complications such as disease of the heart, kidneys, and small blood vessels (Jacob S et al 1995, 1999; Kawabata T et al 1994; Melhem MF et al 2002; Nagamatsu M et al 1995; Song KH et al 2005; Suzuki YJ et al 1992).

Lipoic acid plays a role in preventing diabetes by reducing fat accumulation. In animal studies, lipoic acid reduced body weight, protected pancreatic beta cells from destruction, and reduced triglyceride accumulation in skeletal muscle and pancreatic islets (Doggrell SA 2004; Song KH et al 2005).

Lipoic acid has been approved for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy in Germany for nearly 30 years. Intravenous and oral lipoic acid reduces symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Ametov AS et al 2003). Animal studies have suggested that lipoic acid is more effective when taken with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (Cameron NE et al 1998; Hounsom L et al 1998).

Caution:

• Consult your doctor before taking lipoic acid if you have diabetes and glucose intolerance. Monitor your blood glucose level frequently. Lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels.

100 CAPS

Mega Silymarin with Isosilybin B 100 capsules. The liver is a large glandular organ, whose functions include storage and filtration of blood, secretion of bile, detoxification of various substances, and conversion of sugars into glycogen.

In animal studies, silymarin was shown to improve insulin levels among induced cases of diabetes (Soto C et al 2004). A small, controlled clinical study evaluated type 2 diabetics with alcohol-induced liver failure (Velussi M et al 1997). Those receiving 600 mg silymarin daily experienced a significant reduction in fasting blood and urine glucose levels. Fasting glucose levels rose slightly during the first month of supplementation but declined thereafter from an average of 190 mg/dL to 174 mg/dL. As daily glucose levels dropped (from an average of 202 mg/dL to 172 mg/dL), HbA1c also substantially decreased. Throughout the course of treatment, fasting insulin levels declined by almost one-half, and daily insulin requirements decreased by about 24 percent. Liver function improved. A lack of hypoglycemic episodes suggests silymarin not only lowered blood glucose levels but also stabilized them.

180 CAPSULES

Complete B-Complex 180 capsules. The entire B family, including biotin and niacin. Niacin is required for the proper function of more than 50 enzymes. Without it, the body is not able to release energy or make fats from carbohydrates. Vitamin B3 is also used to make sex hormones and other important chemical signal molecules.

In the past, the use of niacin was discouraged in diabetic individuals because it was found to increase insulin resistance and degrade glycemic control, particularly at high doses (Sancetta SM et al 1951). However, emerging clinical evidence shows that niacin is both safe and effective for diabetics (Meyers CD et al 2004).

There is evidence that niacin reduces the risk of developing type 1 diabetes (Pocoit F et al 1993; Pozzilli P et al 1993). Niacinamide helps restore beta cells, or at least slow their destruction. Because niacin can disrupt blood sugar control in diabetics, individuals taking any form of niacin, including inositol hexaniacinate, must closely monitor blood sugar levels and discontinue treatment in the event of worsening of diabetic control. Inositol hexaniacinate has long been used in Europe to lower cholesterol levels and also to improve blood flow in individuals with intermittent claudication.

Caution:

• Do not take high doses of nicotinic acid (1.5 to 5 grams daily or more) if you have liver dysfunction, an unexplained elevation in your serum aminotransferase (transaminase) level, active peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, or if you consume large amounts of alcohol.
• Consult your doctor before taking high doses of nicotinic acid if you have a history of jaundice, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, disease of the liver or bile ducts, gout, kidney dysfunction, or cardiovascular disease (especially acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina).
• Consult your doctor before taking high doses of nicotinic acid if you have diabetes. High doses of nicotinic acid can negatively affect glucose tolerance. Monitor your serum glucose level frequently if you take nicotinic acid and have diabetes.
• Have your doctor monitor your serum aminotransferase level if you take high-doses of nicotinic acid.
• Nicotinic acid may cause flushing, principally of the face, neck, and chest. This flushing is thought to be prostaglandin-prostacyclin mediated. Histamine may also play a role in the flushing.
• Nicotinic acid can cause dizziness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.
• High doses of nicotinic acid can cause blurred vision, macular edema, toxic amblyopia, and cystic maculopathy.
• Do not take Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) if you have Leber’s optic atrophy.
• Consult your doctor before taking vitamin B1 for a thiamin deficiency, lactic acidosis secondary to thiamin deficiency, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, or Korsakoff’s psychosis.
• High doses of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may interfere with the Abbott TDx drugs-of-abuse assay.
• Riboflavin absorption is increased in hypothyroidism and decreased in hyperthyroidism.
• If you are taking nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, even a mild riboflavin deficiency can increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
• Do not take 5 milligrams or more of vitamin B6 daily if you are being treated with levodopa, unless you are taking carbidopa at the same time.
• Consult your doctor before taking folic acid if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Daily doses of more than 1 milligram of folic acid can precipitate or exacerbate the neurological damage caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.

250 CAPSULES

Several preclinical studies evaluated vitamin C’s role during mild oxidative stress. The aqueous humor of the eye provides surrounding tissues with a source of vitamin C. Since animal studies have shown that glucose inhibits vitamin C uptake, this protective mechanism may be impaired in diabetes (Corti A et al 2004). Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins C and E plays an important role in improving eye health (Peponis V et al 2004). High vitamin C intake depresses glycation, which has important implications for slowing diabetes progression and aging (Krone CA et al 2004).

Vitamin C, through its relationship to sorbitol, also helps prevent ocular complications in diabetes. Sorbitol, a sugar-like substance that tends to accumulate in the cells of people with diabetes, tends to reduce the antioxidant capacity of the eye, with a number of possible complications. Vitamin C appears to help reduce sorbitol buildup (Will JC et al 1996).

Vitamin C also has a role in reducing the risk of other diabetic complications. In one clinical study, vitamin C significantly increased blood flow and decreased inflammation in patients with both diabetes and coronary artery disease (Antoniades C et al 2004). Three studies suggest that vitamin C, along with a combination of vitamins and minerals (Farvid MS et al 2004), reduces blood pressure in people with diabetes (Mullan BA et al 2002) and increases blood vessel elasticity and blood flow (Mullan BA et al 2004).

Caution:

• Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
• Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.

100 CAPSULES (NATURAL)

Vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Montonen J et al 2004). One double-blind trial found a reduction in the risk of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, or damage to the nerves that supply the heart, which is a complication of diabetes (Manzella D et al 2001). Additional evidence documented benefits for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Tutuncu NB et al 1998), blood sugar control (Kahler W et al 1993; Paolisso G et al 1993a,b, Paolisso G et al 1994), and cataract prevention (Paolisso G et al 1993a,b; Paolisso G et al 1994; Seddon JM et al 1994). In addition, vitamin E enhances sensitivity to insulin in type 2 diabetics (Paolisso G et al 1993a,b).

Caution:

• Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
• Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
• Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic stroke, or hemophilia.
• Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.