Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a group of compounds occurring naturally in many of nature’s most beneficial foods. Bone health, reproduction, cell health and the immune system are just a few of the body’s needs that depend on a steady supply of Vitamin A compounds for optimum function and disease resistance.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a highly-effective antioxidant and is a necessary cofactor in the creation of critical human biochemical functions essential to the healthy maintenance of cartilage, blood vessels, scar tissue and bones. Unlike most organisms, the human body does not manufacture or store Vitamin C. It is reliant on dietary sources and supplements such as those in BRIO TM for optimum health.
Thiamine
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is a key nutritional element which plays an important role in helping the body metabolize fat and carbohydrates to produce energy. In addition to burning fat and sugar, thiamine is essential to the normal function of the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is another of the B vitamins that metabolizes the proteins, fats and carbohydrates that energize the body. A biochemical component of two key cofactors, riboflavin is essential to a wide variety of vital human health processes including red blood cell maintenance and cell reproduction. A powerful antioxidant, riboflavin supports a strong immune system and prevents free-radical damage. Riboflavin is also believed to enhance thinking and memory processes and is gaining notice as a nutrient essential to treating and preventing migraine headaches.
Niacin
Niacin (Vitamin B3), in addition to playing an essential role in the metabolic production of energy, this B vitamin not only aids in the repair of DNA but also helps expel toxins from the body. A proper level of niacin is necessary to the healthy function of the adrenal gland.
Vitamin B6
In addition to its metabolic functions, Vitamin B6 is used to make hemoglobin, the component in red blood cells which carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. Vitamin B is also critical to the optimum health of the immune system, including the lymphoid organs – the source of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies.
Folic Acid
Folic acid (also known as Vitamin B9 and folate) is essential to the synthesis, repair, and function of DNA – the genetic blueprint of the body’s cells. Because it is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, folate is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth that occurs during pregnancy and in the development of young children.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin) is necessary to the development and maintenance of healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is critical to optimum cell function in every organ and tissue of the body. A key biochemical in the synthesis and regulation of DNA, vitamin B12 is also one of the nutritional elements used by the body to synthesize essential fatty acids and produce energy.
Biotin
Biotin (also known as Vitamin B7) is another link in the chain of B vitamins essential to the metabolic production of energy. Known also as “Vitamin H” for its well-known contribution to the growth and health of hair and nails, it is an oft used ingredient in cosmetic formulations as well as dietary supplements. This is because the body does not store biotin. It is replenished by dietary and/or supplemental nutritional intake.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid (also known as Vitamin B5) is vital to virtually every function of the human organism. Its critical role in the healthy function of the adrenal gland helps the enables the body respond to stress, hence its reputation as the "Anti-Stress" vitamin. B5 also contributes to the manufacture of hemoglobin, the red blood cell component that delivers oxygen to the cells. Researchers attribute a host of important health benefits to this critical nutrient, including detoxification, optimum connective tissue and joint function as well as strong antioxidant properties. Pantothenic acid is replenished by dietary and/or supplemental nutritional intake.
Sodium
Sodium (salt) is the primary electrolyte that regulates the extracellular (outside of the cell wall) fluid levels in the body. Because this important mineral pumps water into the cells, it is essential to maintaining proper hydration. The body is also dependant on a healthy intake of sodium to regulate acid-base balance, plasma volume, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. A single serving of BRIO TM contains just 8 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowances, making it safe for those with high blood pressure concerns to enjoy the health benefits of BRIO TM in conjunction with a low-sodium diet.
Potassium
Potassium is the primary electrolyte that regulates intracellular (inside of the cell wall) fluid levels in the body. Its chemical interaction with sodium regulates the passage of fluids in and out of the cells and accounts for as much as 40 percent of the body’s resting energy expenditure. Potassium is essential to optimum muscle function, nerve impulse transmission and bone health and is a critical nutritional requirement for the prevention of dehydration, muscle cramps, and calcium loss. Potassium is believed to serve as a key nutritional component in maintaining normal blood pressure.
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body. It is conditionally essential, meaning that the body makes use of it in times of stress, injury and disease. Present in the blood and the skeletal muscle cells, it secreted during times of physical stress such as weight training workouts, injury recovery and dieting. Glutamine protects the muscles from the catabolic activities of the hormone cortisol, optimizing stamina and muscle mass retention. Its medically recognized properties as a natural healing agent make it an important dietary supplement for maintaining overall good health and wellness.
Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid which serves as a natural building block of muscle tissue. In addition to contributing to the development of healthy DNA and RNA strands, it builds and maintains skeletal muscle mass by elevating the natural level of the creatine in the body. Additionally, glycine improves glycogen storage, freeing up glucose for energy needs. Researchers have found that the natural healing properties of glycine contribute to maintaining prostate health, improved central nervous system and immune system function, as well as better recovery from injury and illness.
L-Phenylalanine
L-Phenylalanine (also known as LPA) is a building block for proteins produced by the body. A nine-carbon amino acid, it is a precursor to tyrosine, an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It is also converted to phenylethylamine, a compound that occurs naturally in the brain and is believed to elevate mood. Because the body does not produce LPA, it must be gained through dietary and supplemental intake.
Taurine
Taurine is an important amino sulfonic acid found in abundant quantities in the heart, the skeletal muscles and the central nervous system. Extended physical exertion can deplete the body’s store of taurine, a condition which has been linked to muscle fatigue and diminished exercise capacity. Nutritional research has concluded that taurine acts as a metabolic transmitter and exhibits a detoxifying effect while strengthening cardiac contractility. Taurine is popular, all-natural ingredient of energy beverages, a credit to its invigorating benefits.
Caffeine
Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee and tea, has long been a healthful, trusted stimulant of both mind and body. It is credited with having a host of beneficial properties; ranging from appetite suppression and alleviation of fatigue to improving athletic performance and boosting metabolism. Recent clinical studies have shown caffeine to actively decrease fat redeposit and aid in thermo genesis through fat oxidation.
Theobromine
Theobromine is a mild alkaloid stimulant much like caffeine but does not act upon the central nervous system. Best known as the active ingredient in chocolate, it stimulates the heart, dilates the bronchial passages and blood vessels and helps the body eliminate excess fluids. Chocolate lovers know theobromine for its relaxing effects and are often surprised to learn that it is an effective appetite suppressant.
Octopamine
Octopamine has been shown to increase the body’s metabolic rate by activating the body’s beta-3 receptors, a process that stimulates the body’s natural ability to convert stored fat to energy resulting in healthful weight loss that does not compromising muscle mass. Research reports that octopamine may also increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a benefit which may prevent diabetes and unhealthy levels of cholesterol.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble quinone with a structure similar to that of vitamin K. It is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. CoQ10 is vital to the body’s energy production (ATP) cycle, where it aids in converting food energy to cell energy. CoQ10 is found throughout the body and is particularly abundant in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands. It is believed to play a major role in a diverse range of wellness indicators, including cardiac health, cognitive brain function, immune system health and metabolic efficiency.
L-Glutathione
Glutathione is a valuable antioxidant enzyme that also metabolizes harmful toxins and carcinogens so that they can be safely expelled from the body. As an antioxidant, L-glutathione aids in the prevention of oxidative cell damage while helping to maintain the function of other antioxidants. It is a key element in the synthesis and repair of DNA, protein synthesis and amino acid transport. Researchers are finding that L-Glutathione supplements may be particularly useful in combating age-related diseases, including macular degeneration, Parkinson’s, immune system deficiencies and some forms of cancer.