VitaFlow Performance
VitaFlow Performance provides enhanced support for mental and physical energy production and detoxifcation. The mechanism of action of each of the ingredients unique to VitaFlow Pe rformance is described below, followed by a discussion of the multivitamin and mineral components that provide the foundation for all of the VitaFlow Performance formulations. •N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, which supports antioxidant activity in the body and enhances production of glutathione, a key component of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.*[1] •Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that plays an important role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism and energy production by transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria where beta-oxidation of the fatty acids produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine-5’-triphosphate).*[2,3] •Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is water- and fat-soluble and can be found inside and outside the cells, including inside the mitochondria where it functions naturally as a metabolic coenzyme. ALA also neutralizes free radicals, helps regenerate vitamins C and E, increases tissue levels of glutathione, and helps maintain the proper ratio of reduced-to-oxidized coenzyme Q10 in the mitochondria.*[4,5] •Milk Thistle Extract has a broad history of use in promoting liver health. Silymarin is the active constituent in milk thistle. It supports antioxidant activity, neutralizes toxins, and may have hepatoprotective effects. Its actions in the liver include maintaining healthy levels of fat peroxidation and fibrous tissue formation, supporting a healthy immune and inflammatory response, and promoting protein synthesis and normal regeneration of liver tissue.*[6,7] •Theacrine is a purine alkaloid that is similar in chemical structure to caffeine but with different physiological effects, including no habituation potential. Theacrine is a dopamine receptor agonist, and its actions help increase dopamine signaling, which is associated with enhanced mood, heightened mental focus, and increased energy.*[8] •Green Tea leaves contain polyphenols called catechins, of which the most biologically active is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Its studied effects include powerful antioxidant activity that inhibits DNA damage; induction of detoxifying enzymes; support of gene signaling, which helps regulate cellular growth, development, and apoptosis; and a potential role for encouraging healthy gut bacteria.*[9,10] •Broccoli Seed Extract contains a phytochemical called glucoraphanin that is metabolized to the biologically active sulforaphane. These two compounds have been widely studied for their positive effects on antioxidant activity, detoxification, cellular metabolism, and cell-life regulation. It has been suggested that they are the “missing links” that correlate a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables with good health.*[11,12] •Resveratrol is a phenolic plant compound that has antioxidant activity, which protects the body from oxidative damage and provides protective support against the effects of cognitive decline. It is found in varying amounts in grape skin, some berries, plums, herbs, peanuts, and pine trees.*[13,14] •Huperzine A (HupA) affects ion channels, an activity that has been linked to healthy learning and memory. HupA may influence levels of acetylcholine, one of the chemical messengers used to communicate within the nervous system. This effect has been shown to support healthy cognition in animal models and phase IV human clinical trials.*[15,16] •Shilajit is a mineral-rich phytocomplex with many bioactive components, including fulvic acid. It comprises rock humus, rock minerals, and organic substances that have been compressed by layers of rock mixed with marine organisms and microbial metabolites. In traditional Indian Ayurvedic and siddha medicine, shilajit is known as a rasayana because of its rejuvenating qualities, which include heightening physical performance and easing fatigue. Modern research suggests that shilajit exhibits antioxidant activity, and its humic substances may inhibit heavy metal distribution, metabolism, and absorption.*[17] •Bacopa Monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb that has reported cognitive processing, cytokine-modulating, and anti-stress effects thought to be mediated through its free-radical scavenging capacity and its protective effect on DNA cleavage.*[18,19] VitaFlow Performance—Foundation Formula Discussion Adequate nourishment is the foundation for overall health and wellness, and good nutrition typically translates into a stronger immune system and better health. The human body uses dietary proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, known as macronutrients, to provide the energy (calories) needed to fuel physiological functions. Vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, are needed in much smaller quantities. Unlike their macro counterparts, micronutrients don’t give you energy, but they do participate in converting food to energy; building and repairing tissues and DNA; manufacturing neurotransmitters, hormones, and other modulators in the body; breaking down and detoxifying xenobiotics and medications; and maintaining growth, reproduction, and health.*[20-22] According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 (DGA) and additional data from the USDA and other agencies and organizations, the American diet lacks micronutrients.[23-25] Mass food production, storage techniques, poor food choices, and nutrient-depleting preparation methods may be contributing to this defcit. Furthermore, the percent daily values (%DV) for micronutrients are based on the minimum amount needed to meet the basic need of a healthy person of a specifc age and gender group. The %DV is not always indicative of the amount needed for optimal functioning of all individuals, especially those who are chronically ill.*[22,24,26] When considering where American diets fall short in nutrients, the DGA shows that low intakes of potassium, dietary fber, calcium, and vitamin D are a public health concern.[23] Other nutrients that have notably low intakes or require increased intake subsequent to life stage include vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and folate; the minerals magnesium and iron; and choline.[23,27,28] Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) suggest a pervasive deficiency in A, C, D, E, and zinc—nutrients linked to immune health.[25] Inadequate intake of most of these nutrients is attributable to an overall unhealthy eating pattern due to low intakes of nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy that contain these nutrients.[23] In cases when food is not enough for an individual to get adequate micronutrients, multivitamin/mineral supplements are recognized as being of value to help fill dietary nutritional shortfalls.*[21,25,26,29-31] VitaFlow Performance is designed to meet the foundational nutrition needs for a variety of protocols and life stages. This formula provides: A Balanced Profile Vitamins and minerals work cooperatively when present in sufficient amounts. However, imbalances between micronutrients can disrupt this synergistic relationship, possibly leading to instances of competitive intestinal absorption or displacement at the metabolic/cellular level, which can produce relative excesses and insufficiencies. For this reason, VitaFlow Performance features a balanced nutrient profile that includes calcium and magnesium, vitamins C and E, bioactive folate, bioactive vitamin B12, B vitamin complex, beta-carotene, and trace elements.* Bioavailable Nutrient Forms The micronutrients are provided in bioactive forms so that they can be adequately absorbed and utilized. VitaFlow Performance contains a full complement of Albion® patented mineral chelates and complexes. Albion is arecognized world leader in mineral amino acid chelate nutrition and manufactures highly bioavailable nutritional mineral forms that are validated by third-party research and clinical studies. VitaFlow Performance also contains natural vitamin E, clinicallyshown to be more bioavailable than synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol, as well as mixed tocopherols to more closely approximate how much vitamin E an individual might gain when consuming healthful foods.[32,33] The folate source in VitaFlow Performanceis methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)—the most bioactive form of folate[34]—in the form of Quatrefolic®, which has greater stability, solubility, and bioavailability over calcium salt forms of 5-MTHF. Supplementing with bioactive 5-MTHF facilitates the bypassingof steps in folate metabolism. This may be especially beneficial to individuals with genetic variations in folate metabolism.[35,36] Vitamins B2, B6, and B12 are provided in metabolically active forms.* Support for Energy Production and Stress Response VitaFlow Performance provides generous levels of B vitamins, which serve as prime coenzymes in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation and as cofactors in amino acid and lipid metabolism.[37-39] Sufficient levels of the B vitamins are critical for energy production and cell growth and division, and they have many other essential roles in the body, including support for nervous system function.[40] The balanced presence of B vitamins is essential to their cooperative functioning and are excellent for individuals with stressful lifestyles.* Antioxidant Protection Vitamins E and C, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, and trace elements provide broad-spectrum antioxidant activity.[41,42] Their combined presence supports their ability to regenerate each other and maintain consistent levels of antioxidant activity both intra- and extracellularly.* Detoxification Support Xenobiotics, including environmental pollutants and medications, must undergo biotransformation into molecules that can be easily excreted from the body. Detoxification of xenobiotics is a complex process that requires micronutrients, phytonutrients, energy, and adequate antioxidant support for safe and effective completion.[42-44] There are significant levels of bioavailable riboflavin, niacin, folate, and B12 present in VitaFlow Performance to support phase I detoxification. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, selenium, zinc, and manganese are present to support tissues when reactive intermediates are formedbetween phase I and phase II detoxification.* VitaFlow Performance offers foundational multivitamin and mineral support designed to compensate for dietary nutritional shortfalls and nourish optimal wellness. A select combination of ingredients has been added for enhanced support of mental andphysical energy production and for detoxification.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.