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DHA
DHA - Docosahexaenoic acid, as well as EPA and other long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, is an important structural component of cell membranes. DHA is selectively incorporated into retinal cell membranes in very high concentrations, and scientific data indicates it is required for normal development and function of the retina. Phospholipids of the brain's gray matter also contain high proportions of DHA indicating its importance to central nervous system function. Animal studies have shown that depletion of DHA in the brain can result in learning deficits. Studies have also indicated that some fatty acids including omega-3s, can modulate the expression of genes involved with fatty acid metabolism and inflammation.

Digestive Enzymes
Include pancreatic enzymes, plant-derived enzymes, and fungal-derived enzymes, which comprise three classes of enzymes: proteolytic enzymes needed to digest protein, lipases needed to digest fat, and amylases needed to digest carbohydrates. Digestive enzymes improve absorption of food and facilitate digestive processes. Examples of plant based digestive enzymes include:

• Papain: An enzyme extracted from the unripe fruit of the papaya ( Carica papaya) that catalyzes the lysis of proteins, and is used as a digestive aid.
• Bromelain: Found most commonly in the stem of the pineapple plant ( Ananas comosus). It is a mixture of sulfur-containing proteolytic enzymes or proteases. It also contains several other substances in smaller quantities, including perioxidase, acid phosphatase, protease inhibitors, and calcium.
• d-Limonene: A naturally occurring terpene found in orange peel and citrus fruits. It is a major aroma component of essential oils obtained from orange, grape fruit, lemon, dried fruits of black pepper, and white and black pepper. It is considered to possess relaxation effects based on experimental animal studies. It inhibits the production of cholesterol and improves immune response in experimental animals. d-Limonene has been shown in clinical studies to possess antineoplastic activity.

Dong quai extract (root - Angelica polymorpha)
An aromatic, perennial flowering plant found growing at high altitudes in the mountains of Japan, Korea and China. It has been used in Asia for thousands of years to help with a woman’s overall health and feeling of well-being. Shown to support urinary tract health, as well as easing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Dry bean extract – Standardized to phaseolamin. (seed – Phaseolus vulgaris)
A source of the pancreatic alpha-amylase inhibitor, alpha AI found in many types of beans such as the Great White Northern Kidney Bean. Alpha amylase is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of starch. This product is therefore useful in slowing the metabolism of starch to glucose and thus helps moderate blood sugar levels in the normal range.

Echinacea extract – Standardized to phenols. (aerial - Echinacea purpurea)
A member of the sunflower family (Compositae or Asteraceae). Nine species are found exclusively in the U.S. and Canada. The genus name is derived from the Greek echinos (hedgehog or sea urchin), referring to the prickly scales of the dried seed head. Echinaecea has a long history of medicinal use, both in the United States and Europe. Much of the research has focused on the use of Echinacea as a non-specific stimulant to the immune defense system. Active constituents include high molecular weight polysaccharides such as hetroxylan and arabinoglactan as well as the lower molecular weight compounds chicoric acid and echinacosides.

Eleuthero extract – Standardized to eleutherosides. (root - Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Also known as Siberian ginseng. A plant indigenous to China, Japan, Korea, and Siberia. One of the first plants known as adaptogens to be studied by the Russian scientist
Dr. I. I. Brekhman for its restorative properties. ( See Adaptogens)

Elderberry
This berry is the small blue-black berry of a deciduous tree, Sambucus nigra L., native to Europe, Northern Africa and Western and Central Asia. Elderberry has a long history of traditional use among Native Americans and in traditional European medicine, with antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions among the reported historical and traditional benefits. Elderberries are rich in flavonoids, vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6, lectins and anthocyanins, and the berries are also incorporated into food and condiments for coloring and flavor.

Enzyme hydrolyzed whey proteins
Whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids needed on a daily basis by the body. Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for individuals of all ages. It provides a number of benefits in areas including sports nutrition, weight management, immune support, bone health, and general wellness. Whey protein provides an excellent source of glutamine and amino acids that are essential for muscle building, enhancing endurance and supporting the immune system. Enzyme hydrolyzed whey proteins have had their molecular chains partially disassembled by enzyme actions as a part of the manufacturing process prior to use as an ingredient. This added manufacturing step greatly facilitates digestion of the whey proteins after consumption, speeding up their availability to the body’s metabolic processes.

EpiCor^®
EpiCor is a complex, natural fermentation product comprised of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. EpiCor supports immune health by promoting efficient activity of humoral responses and by suppressing inappropriate adaptive responses, thereby helping balance the immune system and maintain wellness. Research demonstrates that EpiCor increases levels of secretory IgA which supports the mucosal barrier, and activates the immune components, natural killer cells and B cells. EpiCor has also demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fiber
Basically the portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains that the human digestive system cannot break down so they pass through the system. Chemically, fibers are non-digestible carbohydrate and carbohydrate-related substances. Fiber by itself provides no nutrients, but its passage through the digestive tract is greatly beneficial because it helps push along other waste and helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining. Fiber aids regularity, promotes weight management, helps slow glucose absorption from the small intestine, inhibits absorption of cholesterol and bile acid from the small intestine, and is believed to play a role in lowering risk of heart disease.

Fiber blend
Gums (gum arabic & guar gum) – mostly soluble fiber
Celluloses (cellulose powder & oat bran) – mostly insoluble fiber
Fruit pectins (apple & citrus pectin) – mostly soluble fiber
Psyllium seed – mostly soluble fiber

Figs (fruit - Ficus carica)
Any of several trees or shrubs of the genus Ficus native to the Mediterranean region and widely cultivated around the world for its edible fruit.

Flaxseed (seed – Linum usitatissimum)
The seed of flax, the source of linseed oil and emollient medicinal preparations. Though the most universal function of flax seed is to produce linseed oil (commonly used in paints, varnishes, linoleums and inks), this tiny seed contains several essential nutrients including calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus and vitamin E. It's also a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. It has a mild nutty flavor and is often used simply sprinkled over hot dishes such as cooked cereal or stir-fries.

Folic acid
Is a B complex vitamin, which is necessary to optimize physiological function and health. Folic acid is important in the utilization of proteins (amino acids). It is also involved in one carbon metabolism including the methylation of homocysteine to L-methionine and DNA synthesis. Folic acid also plays an important role in pregnancy.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Refer to short-chain oligosaccharides comprised of D-fructose and D-glucose, containing from three to five monosaccharide units. FOS are resistant to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. They act to stimulate the growth of Bifidobacterium species in the large intestine and thereby facilitate digestion and intestinal function. FOS are marketed in the United States in combination with probiotic bacteria and in some functional food products. They are also referred to as prebiotics.

Fructose
A simple sugar found in honey and in the fruit and other parts of plants. It is much sweeter than sucrose (cane sugar). Chemically it is a monosaccharide (see carbohydrate) with the empirical formula C6H12O6. It has the same formula as glucose but differs from it in structure (see isomer). Fructose is often recommended for, and consumed by, people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia because it has a very low Glycemic Index (GI 32) relative to sucrose. The low GI is due to the unique and lengthy metabolic pathway of fructose, which involves phosphorylation and a multi-step enzymatic process in the liver.