Health Glossary V-Z ... Natures Sunshine Products

Super Supplements - Ingredients and Properties of Vitamins and Natural Remedies - NSP

Vanadyl Sulfate

• An essential trace mineral
• May improve glucose tolerance by improving insulin sensitivity
• Found in very small amounts in cereals, seafood, mushrooms, parsley, corn, and soy, black pepper, and dill

Vitamin A

• A fat soluble vitamin the body synthesizes from beta-carotene, a nutrient found in certain fruits and vegetables with brightly colored pigments
• Helps maintain healthy skin, vision and the membranes lining the nose, sinuses and mouth. The liver’s stores of vitamin A become depleted when a person is sick or fighting an infection. Vitamin A has been shown to support the body’s infection fighting mechanisms by stimulating the function of antibodies (proteins that neutralize microorganisms and toxins) and white blood cells to fight infections
• Scientifically proven as critical for a properly functioning immune system
• Found in fish liver oils, chicken liver, eggs, beef, and whole milk products
• Beta-carotene is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, squash, pumpkin, apricots, peaches, mangoes, and dark green leafy vegetables
• Vitamin A is found in Natures Sunshine Vitamin A & D, Bowel Detox, Mega-Chel, Super Trio, Milk Thistle Combination, Multiple Vitamins & Minerals T/R, Red Raspberry, Nature’s Prenatal, Sunshine Heroes Whole Food Antioxidant, PS II, Solstic Twenty-Four, Vitamin E, and Caprylimune.

Vitamin B1

• Also known as Thiamine it is found naturally in green peas, spinach, liver, beef, pork, beans, nuts, bananas, soybeans, goji berries, whole-grains and breads
• The body uses Thiamine to metabolize carbohydrates and fat to produce energy
• It is essential for normal growth and development and helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems
• Vitamin B1 is found in Nature’s Sunshine Solstic Energy, Spirulina, SAM-e, Cardio Assurance, Target Endurance, Solstic Twenty-Four, Cellular Energy, Barley Juice Powder Conc., Sunshine Heroes Multiple Vitamin & Mineral, Mega-Chel, Super Trio, Multiple Vitamins & Minerals T/R, Love and Peas, Solstic Revive, Nature’s Prenatal, Nervous System Pack, Nutri-Burn Vanilla, Multiple Vitamins & Minerals SynerPro, VitaWave, Natural Changes, Nutri-Burn Chocolate, Glandular System Pack, Structural System Pack, Vita Lemon, and Nutri-Calm.

Vitamin B2

• Also known as Riboflavin it is found naturally in asparagus, bananas, okra, chard, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs and fish.
• Like the other B vitamins, Riboflavin plays a key role in energy metabolism, and is required for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
• Vitamin B2 is found in Natures Sunshine Cellular Energy, Super Trio, Multiple Vitamins & Minerals T/R, Solstic Revive, Nature’s Prenatal, Nervous System Pack, Multiple Vitamins & Minerals SynerPro, VitaWave Liquid Vitamin & Mineral, Natural Changes, Glandular System Pack, Vita Lemon, and Nutri-Calm.

Vitamin B3

• Also known as Niacin it is found in meats, dairy products, leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds
• Niacin assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy
• Vitamin B3 is found in Nature’s Sunshine Niacin.

Vitamin B5 Pantothenic acid

• One of the eight water-soluble B vitamins
• All B vitamins are essential in the break down of fats and protein the body uses to produce energy
• Pantothenic acid plays a critical role in the manufacturing of red blood cells and stress- related hormones produced in the adrenal glands
• Has been called the anti-stress vitamin because it is believed to improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions and boost the immune system
• Vitamin B5 is found in all living cells thus the name Pantothenic acid derived from the Greek root, pantos, meaning everywhere
• Found in many meats, vegetables and whole grains. Found in high concentrations in brewer’s yeast, corn, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, avocados, beans, egg yolks, and sunflower seeds
• Vitamin B5 is found in Natures Sunshine Pantothenic Acid.

Vitamin B6-Pyridoxine

• One of the eight water-soluble B vitamins
• All B vitamins are essential in the break down of fats and protein the body uses to produce energy
• These vitamins promote the health of the nervous system as well as maintain gastrointestinal, skin, and liver health
• B6 is important in the development and function of the brain as well as the manufacturing of neurotransmitters
• Used in the treatment of heart disease, B6 along with folic acid and B12 help keep homocysteine levels under control, elevated levels of this amino acid are associated with increased risk of stroke and heart disease
• Also used for depression ( a correlation between elevated homocysteine levels and depression has been found)
• Other conditions helped by B6 include PMS, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Found in chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, avocados, soybeans, bananas, carrots, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and whole grains
• Vitamin B6 is found in Nature’s Sunshine Vitamin B6, Solstic Energy, 5-HTP Power, Cardio Assurance, Target Endurance, Solstic Twenty-Four, Sunshine Heroes Multiple Vitamin & Mineral, Mega-Chel, Super Trio, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral T/R, Love and Peas, Solstic Revive, Nature’s Prenatal, Nervous System Pack, Nutri-Burn Vanilla, Heavy Metal Detox, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral SynerPro, VitaWave Liquid Vitamin & Mineral, Natural Changes, Nutri-Burn Chocolate, Glandular System Pack, Structural System Pack, and Nutri-Calm.

Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid

• One of the most important vitamins to take for the health of the immune system and has been used historically to reduce symptoms of the common cold
• The most abundant water-soluble antioxidant in the body acting in our cellular fluid
• Supports our body’s vital functions acting as a powerful antioxidant and providing collagen protection, wound healing and immune system support
• Protects smokers and people exposed to second hand smoke because smoking has been shown to destroy the collagen in our lungs and Vitamin C can potentially regenerate this collagen
• Reduces the effects of sun exposure
• The body does not make Vitamin C on it own and it does not store it therefore it is essential that we supplement it into our diets
• Found in citrus fruits, papayas, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, berries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, green and red peppers, potatoes, cauliflower, and cabbage among other fruits and vegetables
• Vitamin C is found in Natures Sunshine Vitamin C T/R, Vitamin C, Vitamin C Ascorbates, Vitamin C Citrus Bioflav, Nutri-Calm, Thai-Go, Adrenal Support, Bowel Detox, Mega-Chel, Magnesium, Stress-J, Milk Thistle Combination, Sunshine Heroes Elderberry Immune, Energ-V, Rose Hips, Stress Relief (Chinese), HS II, Sunshine Heroes Whole Food Antioxidant, Folic Acid Plus, Iron Chelated, Target Endurance, Solstic Twenty-Four, Super Antioxidant, Solstic Immune, Grapine with Protectors SynerPro, Barley Juice Powder Conc., Caprylimune, Fizz Active-Immune, Skeletal Strength, Super Supplemental Vitamin & Mineral without Iron, Super Supplemental Vitamin & Mineral, Sunshine Heroes Multiple Vitamin & Mineral, SmartMeal Vanilla, SmartMeal Chai, Super Trio, Vari-Gone, SmartMeal Chocolate, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral T/R, Love and Peas, Solstic Revive, Dieter’s Cleanse, Nature’s Prenatal, Nervous System Pack, Nutri-Burn Vanilla, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral SynerPro, Natural Changes, Nutri-Burn Chocolate, Hepatic System Pack, Glandular System Pack, Structural System Pack, Intestinal System Pack, Nature’s Cortisol Formula, Sea Salt, and Defense Maintenance.

Vitamin B12

• One of the eight water-soluble B vitamins
• Also known as cobalamin it is found naturally in liver, fish, eggs, cheese, and brewer's yeast.
• Like the other B vitamins, Vitamin B12 plays a key role in energy metabolism, and is required for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
• Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in maintaining healthy nerve cells and is often used to treat neuropathies and other diseases involving nerves
• Vitamin B12 also works with folate to regulate the formation of red blood cells and iron assimilation thus is an important nutrient for treating certain types of anemia
• Used in the treatment of heart disease, B12 along with folic acid and B6 help keep homocysteine levels under control, elevated levels of this amino acid are associated with increased risk of stroke and heart disease
• People who experience depression, anxiety, fatigue, and weak immune systems often benefit from Vitamin B12 supplementation
• Vitamin B12 is found in Nature’s Sunshine Vitamin B12 Complete Liquid, Solstic Energy, Spirulina, SAM-e, Cardio Assurance, Target Endurance, Solstic Twenty-Four, Sunshine Heroes Multiple Vitamin & Mineral, Mega-Chel, Super Trio, Multiple Vitamins & Minerals T/R, Love and Peas, Solstic Revive, Nature’s Prenatal, Nervous System Pack, Nutri-Burn Vanilla, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral SynerPro, VitaWave Liquid Vitamin & Mineral, Natural Changes, Nutri-Burn Chocolate, Structural System Pack, Vita Lemon, and Nutri-Calm.

Vitamin D3

• A fat soluble vitamin formed in the skin as a result of direct sun exposure
• Essential to maintain healthy levels of calcium in the body supporting the building and maintaining of strong bones
• Found in cod liver oil, eggs, fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring)and vitamin D fortified milk and cereals
• Used in the treatment of osteoporosis, thyroid disease, cancer, high blood pressure, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), diabetes, depression, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis
• Deficiency of Vitamin D is attributable to things that obstruct exposure to sunlight (smog, clothing, sunscreen, window glass). Individuals living in northern climates are most deficient in vitamin D
• Vitamin D3 is found in Natures Sunshine Vitamin D3, Elderberry D3fense, Sunshine Heroes Elderberry Immune, Sunshine Heroes Calcium Plus D3, Solstic Cardio, Solstic Twenty-Four, Solstic Immune, Super Supplemental Vitamin & Mineral without Iron, Super Supplemental Vitamin & Mineral, and Sunshine Heroes Multiple Vitamin & Mineral.

Vitamin E

• A fat soluble vitamin
• A powerful antioxidant. Due to its fat soluble properties it has a role in preventing the damage caused by free radicals in cell membranes
• May help to prevent cancer and slow the aging process
• It has been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing the harmful effects of LDL (bad) cholesterol and by preventing blood clots
• Vitamin E can protect lungs from air pollution
• Found in wheat germ, nuts (especially walnuts), seeds, eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole grains
• Vitamin E is found in Nature’s Sunshine Vitamin E Complete with Selenium, Bowel Detox, Mega-Chel, Blood Pressurex, Melatonin Extra, Black Cohosh, Sunshine Heroes Whole Food Antioxidant, X-Action (Women), Evening Primrose Oil, Golden Salve, Solstic Twenty-Four, Black Ointment, Caprylimune, Massage Oil, Super Supplemental Vitamin & Mineral without Iron, Super Supplemental Vitamin & Mineral, Sunshine Heroes Multiple Vitamin & Mineral, SmartMeal Vanilla, SmartMeal Chai, Super Trio, SmartMeal Chocolate, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral T/R, Master Gland, Solstic Revive, Dieter’s Cleanse, Nature’s Prenatal, Nutri-Burn Vanilla, Multiple Vitamin & Mineral SynerPro, VitaWave Liquid Vitamin & Mineral, Nutri-Burn Chocolate, Glandular System Pack, Intestinal System Pack, Cellular Energy, Herbal Shampoo, Defense Maintenance, Pro-G-Yam Cream, and Vita Lemon.

Zinc

• The second most abundant essential trace mineral found in the body (essential means it must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot make enough of it). Plays an important role for a properly functioning immune system and is often used to fight colds and infections
• Zinc also acts as an antioxidant and helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, hair, nails, and sense of taste and smell. A zinc mineral deficiency is common, particularly in the elderly, alcoholics, and people on weight loss programs
• Zinc is very important for prostate health. Low levels of zinc have been associated with inflammation of the prostate
• Found in oysters, red meat, poultry, shellfish, cheese, legumes, whole grains, soy, brewer’s yeast, cooked leafy greens, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds
• Long term use of zinc must be accompanied by copper supplementation because an excess of one mineral can cause a deficiency of the other. For every 15mg of zinc one requires 1 mg of copper
• Zinc is found in Natures Sunshine Zinc, and Zinc Cold & Flu Fastmelt Lozenge.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytrytophan)

• Supplemental 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia
• The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan which is an essential amino acid found in dietary protein
• 5-HTP can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and behavior
• 5-HTP helps raise the serotonin levels in the brain therefore taking 5-HTP may play an important role in improving sleep, emotional moods, pain, appetite, anxiety, and inflammation
• 5-HTP has been used to treat depression, insomnia, migraines, fibromyalgia, and obesity
• Eating foods high in tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP to high enough levels to have a physiological effect
• 5-HTP is found in Nature’s Sunshine 5-HTP Power.

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