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Chromium Picolinate is an essential trace element that has been used to treat chromium deficiency, improve depression in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lower cholesterol, or to aid in weight loss.

Chromium Picolinate is found in meats, whole grains, fruits, & veggies like broccoli, grapes, potatoes, garlic, basil, & more...

Common Symptoms of Chromium Deficiency are:

• poor blood glucose control
• worsened levels of weak bones and bone loss
• low energy, fatigue
• poor skin health
• higher risk for high cholesterol and heart complications
• low concentration and poor memory
• worsened eye health
• mood changes, like increases in anxiety
• changes in appetite
• changes in weight
• stunted growth and development
• delayed time in healing wounds or recovering from surgery

Manganese – A naturally occurring nutrient found in various plants and foods such as raspberries, beetroot, garlic, leeks, bananas, coconut, and almonds, manganese is crucial for bone health and thyroid function as well as a component of the powerful antioxidant manganese superoxide dismutase which scours the body, neutralizing cell damaging free radicals. It helps control the level of sugar in human blood by normalizing insulin synthesis and secretion; is an essential component of thyroxine (a hormone in the thyroid that is crucial to its health); displays significant anti-inflammatory benefits; and it plays a part in the regulation of the metabolism – activating enzymes that help metabolize cholesterol, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Manganese also helps with vitamin absorption in the body – vitamins like Vitamin B and E as well as minerals like magnesium rely on Manganese for the enzymatic reactions that are required to absorb and utilize the vitamins found in food.

Resveratrol is Classified as a polyphenol, a compound that acts like an antioxidant and found primarily in the skin of red grapes/red wine, resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory and protective benefits may be important to preserving and restoring good health.

Its effects on the sirtuin family of enzymes are a key component of resveratrol's reputation as a powerful agent in the fight against aging and oxidative damage. Sirtuin enzymes play multiple roles in processes that are key to a cell’s survival: facilitating DNA repair, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. The lifespan increasing benefits of a calorie-restricted diet are in large part due to sirtuins. Calorie restriction switches on the genes that activate these enzymes – ensuring survival during times of famine and food deprivation.

A particular study performed in 2006 at Harvard University tested the effects of resveratrol on middle-aged mice with high-calorie diets. While all of the mice in the study gained weight, the resveratrol group lived about 30% longer, had enhanced Insulin sensitivity, fewer fatty deposits in the arteries and liver, lower levels of inflammation, and better balance and coordination. The ability of Resveratrol to counteract the damaging effects of a poor diet, aging, and obesity can be important for anyone looking to optimize their health – but who don’t always happen to live or eat perfectly.

Found in many sources in nature, such as red grapes, peanut butter, and blueberries.

Nutrient-rich brown algae is high in potassium, calcium, B-Vitamins, and as Iodine – an essential nutrient that helps balance hormones and protects against thyroid issues. Studies have shown that brown algae can help regulate carbohydrate metabolism. It helps manage appetite in a manner similar to Fiber, since it works by keeping your body feeling full. The Fucoidan content in brown algae also makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Berberine, touted as one of the most potent weight loss supplements currently on the market, is one of the few compounds known to activate AMPK (resveratrol is another one). One of the other ways to activate AMPK is with the hormones leptin and adiponective – hormones that are positively stimulated and increased during moderate to intense exercise, and one of the reasons behind exercise-related weight loss. In other words,  stimulating AMPK can produce some of the same weight regulating benefits as exercise and dieting. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme known as the “metabolic master switch” due to its important role in regulating metabolism (1) AMPK increases insulin sensitivity by stimulating glucose uptake by muscles – inhibiting excess insulin secretion.

The importance of berberine’s influence has a direct influence on weight management. Indeed, several studies confirm that berberine intake does result in weight loss – one in particular found that treatment with berberine resulted in the loss of 5 pounds on average, compared to placebo groups. There are a number of reasons for this – number one levels can prevent weight gain. It can result in fatigue and cravings for sugar and carbs; too high and the surge of insulin is a sign that plenty of energy is readily available and that the body should stop burning fat and start storing it. Steady sugar levels result in the continuous burning of fat for an energy source as well as reduced cravings.

Berberine’s anti-inflammatory benefits also prove beneficial to cardiovascular health – encouraging healthy lining  of the blood vessels and decreasing cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.

Berberine also has potential as an agent in the next wave of defense against the threat of increasing antibiotic resistance. It has a long history of use in treating infections – including some cases of MRSA. It destroys bacteria by accumulating in its cells and damaging its DNA – halting growth and ultimately causing its death.

(1) 1, 3, 20, 21, 22 Natural Medicine Journal December 2012 Vol. 4 Issue 12