vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid) is an endogenous, potent antioxidant that is purported to be useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, dementia secondary to Alzheimer's disease or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, glaucoma, amanita mushroom poisoning, and alcoholic liver disease. Current evidence indicates that alpha lipoic acid may have a role in improving insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as improving symptoms in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Injection | Empower Pharmacy | Outsourcing Facility
Amino Blend
Tri-Amino injection is a combination of three conditional, non-essential amino acids: L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, and L-Ornithine that can play a critical role in:
Cardiovascular health
Vasodilation (blood flow)
Erectile function
General health and longevity
Amino acids are separated into three categories: essential, nonessential, and conditional.
Essential Amino Acids: Essential amino acids are the amino acids that are present in foods - since the body cannot produce them endogenously.
Nine out of the twenty amino acids necessary for health are essential, but adults need get only eight of them from dietary sources: valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and tryptophan. The 9th amino acid is histidine and it is only essential in infants. The body cannot store amino acids, so a regular daily supply of these essential building blocks of protein is needed.
Non-essential and Conditional Amino Acids: Nonessential is a misnomer because these amino acids do fill essential roles. They are considered non-essential because the body can synthesize them, not because they are not essential to health.
Of these eleven non-essential amino acids, eight are referred to as conditional amino acids because when the body is ill or under stress, it may not be capable of producing enough of these amino acids to meet its needs.
The conditional amino acids include; arginine, ornithine, glutamine, tyrosine, cysteine, glycine, proline, and serine.
Amino acids can be used by the body to produce energy, but their primary function is to build proteins. Certain amino acids may also fill non-protein-building functions; such as in the formation of neurotransmitters or hormones.
B12
Methylcobalamin, also known as vitamin b12, is an important vitamin needed for the brain, nerves, and production of red blood cells in the body. Methylcobalamin is made both in the body and created within a laboratory for supplemental purposes. Methylcobalamin can also be found in foods, such as clams, mollusks, liver, fish, lamb, veal, beef, and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare in healthy individuals; it is more commonly found in the elderly and those with strict diets or gastrointestinal conditions. Prolonged B12 deficiency can impair red blood cell production, leading to anemia, along with possible gastrointestinal issues and nerve damage.
Methylcobalamin is used to treat not only vitamin B12 deficiency but also other conditions, such as pernicious anemia and diabetes. It also helps increase metabolic energy and improve mood regulation. Some clinical trials are also testing its use in people with dementia as well.
Methylcobalamin vs. Cyanocobalamin:
Most vitamin B12 supplements contain cyanocobalamin, which is another form of B12 not found naturally. Cyanocobalamin is popular as it’s both a stable and cost-effective form of B12. However, in order for the B12 to be utilized in the body, the liver must convert the cyanocobalamin to a biologically active and tissue-ready form, either by converting it to adenosylcobalamin or attaching it to a methyl group to form methylcobalamin. By choosing to supplement with methylcobalamin, one can circumvent this detox process. Research shows that methylcobalamin is more efficiently used and retained in the body than cyanocobalamin.
Methylcobalamin is indicated in those with vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, diabetes, neuropathy, heart disease, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, memory loss, depression, fatigue, AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Lyme disease, osteoporosis, tendonitis, psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, liver and kidney disease, and asthma. It also helps in improving concentration, maintaining fertility, anti-aging, boosting energy levels, and mood elevation.
B-complex
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
It plays an important role in energy metabolism, immunity boosting and functioning of nervous system. It can help avoid type 2 diabetes, several cardiovascular diseases, some vision and kidney disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
It is a powerful antioxidant and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood cells and boosts metabolism.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin plays a critical role in proper functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. Like other vitamins from the family it is necessary for energy production and metabolism of fatty acids. It also provides healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid is essential for healthy development of the central nervous system. It is involved in energy production and through different metabolic and anabolic cycles in development of amino acids, blood cells, vitamin D3 and other fatty acids.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 has a very influential role in synthesis of neurotransmitters and is essential for good mental health. It also has a direct effect on immune function. It plays a role in metabolism of amino acids and is a necessary co-factor in the folate cycle, lack of which can lead to anemia.
Epidemiological evidence in some cases hints that the accepted dosages of vitamin B helps only to avoid their marginal deficiency and further benefits could accrue from higher dosages than those provided by RDA.
B complex deficiency is normally caused due to four possible reasons; high consumption of processed and refined food, with lack of dairy and meat-based food in diet, excessive consumption of alcohol, impaired absorption from the gastrointestinal tract or impaired storage and use by liver.
Vitamin B-Complex Injection | Empower Pharmacy | Outsourcing Facility
Biotin
Biotin, also known as B7, is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods such as eggs, milk, and bananas. Biotin is commonly supplemented for multiple conditions, such as hair loss, brittle nails, and nerve damage.
Biotin is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes primarily related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It also influences cell growth and may help in maintaining blood sugar levels. Biotin is also thought to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol.
While oral biotin supplements are a popular option for those looking to strengthen hair and nails, biotin injections are preferable in cases of acute deficiency. For maximum vitamin absorption, injections are much more efficient and reliable than oral supplements. Biotin IV or injection treatments allow the body to absorb the compounds directly, while the bioavailability of oral supplements is affected and reduced by one’s metabolism when passing through the digestive system.
Biotin | Biotin Deficiency | Olympia Compounding Pharmacy (olympiapharmacy.com)
Calcium gluconate
Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement and medication derived from calcium salt of gluconic acid. Calcium is the most common cation and the fifth most abundant inorganic element in the human body. It is essential for the maintenance of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems, and for cell membrane and capillary permeability. Calcium’s role in building bones and supporting their health is well known, but it is also important for nerve conduction, blood coagulation, and electrical conduction in the muscular tissue of the heart.
Generally, calcium salts are used to treat or prevent calcium loss. Calcium is used for the temporary control of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), while parenteral calcium is recommended for the treatment of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias when associated with hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, and hypocalcemia. It can also be used in the event of cardiac arrest.
Calcium gluconate is usually not the preferred salt form for treating hypocalcemia, particularly in emergent situations. Usually, calcium gluconate is favored for moderate or mild asymptomatic hypocalcemia due to the lower risk for reactions at the fusion site. Calcium plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is not practical as a dietary supplement due to the small concentration of elemental calcium contained in the tablets.
Calcium Gluconate Injection | Empower Pharmacy | Compounding
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is an antioxidant that plays an important role in the body. It not only protects the body’s cells from damage, but it is also needed to maintain the health of skin, teeth, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. Some studies have shown that it also helps improve brain function in people with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most people gain the essential amount of ascorbic acid needed from their diet. Others may require supplementation. Without the proper amount of vitamin C, people are at risk for cardiovascular illness, compromised immune systems, premature aging, increased stress response, and poor energy production. Extreme vitamin C deficiency can lead to a condition called scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include rash or brown spots on the skin, muscle weakness, pale skin, joint pain, tiredness, depression, or tooth loss.
Ascorbic acid is available and sold inexpensively over-the-counter. It is also found in foods, such as citrus fruits, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, leafy vegetables, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, raw bell peppers, and strawberries. It is said that prolonged storage or cooking of these foods may reduce the content of vitamin C. It is generally well tolerated, but in large doses can cause stomach upset, headache, insomnia, and flushing of the skin.
Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin C | Olympia Compounding Pharmacy (olympiapharmacy.com)
Glutathione
Glutathione (GSH) is composed of three amino acids combined to produce a peptide that is both a powerful antioxidant and performs several critical roles in the body. According to researchers this peptide is so essential to optimum health that the level of Glutathione in cells could possibly be used to predict how long an organism lives.
Glutathione catalyzes glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione peroxidases (GPx). Thus, playing a role in detoxification by eliminating toxic electrophilic molecules and reactive peroxides. Glutathione plays a crucial role in a detoxification system that is fundamental in plants, mammals, and fungi.
Aside from its detoxification role it is important for a variety of essential cellular reactions. Its presence in the glyoxalase system, is fundamental to DNA and RNA nucleotide reduction. Glutathione is also a constituent in the regulation of protein and gene expression, exchange reactions including thiol to disulfide ratios involve glutathione.
Glutathione can exist intracellularly in either an oxidized (glutathione disulfide) or reduced (glutathione) molecular state. The ratio of reduced glutathione to glutathione disulfide has been shown to be critical in cell survival, this system is very tightly regulated.
Deficiency of glutathione puts the cell at risk for oxidative damage. An imbalance of glutathione is present in many pathologies including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cystic fibrosis (CF), HIV and aging.
While Glutathione is vitally essential to maintaining a healthy immune system, it isn’t classified as an essential nutrient; this is because the body does create its own supply from the amino acids:
L-cysteine
L-glutamic acid
Glycine
One of the reasons why Glutathione is so important for optimum health is that it’s present in every cell in the body. One way antioxidants like glutathione help maintain good physical health is by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause cellular damage through oxidation. Since glutathione is naturally present within all types of cells, it is in a prime position to do this. It’s considered one of the most important antioxidants in the human body.
Glutathione Injection | Empower Pharmacy | Outsourcing Facility
Magnesium chloride
Magnesium chloride, or magnesium, is a mineral that is important to almost all bodily functions, key in maintaining the function of our nerves, cells, bones, muscles, and heart. It plays an integral role in synthesizing energy within cells, creating DNA and supporting bone density.
Most people get enough magnesium in their normal diet, but sometimes supplementation is needed. Foods that are high in fiber generally contain high amounts of magnesium as well. Some of these foods include nuts, dark chocolate, avocados, fatty fish, seeds, and whole grains. Magnesium salts are administered in the case of a magnesium deficiency, with magnesium chloride being one of the most common magnesium salts used medically.
Magnesium supplementation may be needed in the event of a deficiency. Magnesium deficiency is most common in women, African Americans, and the elderly. Conditions, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and stroke, have been linked to low blood levels of magnesium. Other situations, such as alcoholism, poor diet, poorly controlled diabetes, or those taking diuretics also cause magnesium deficiency, requiring treatment. In addition to these, magnesium chloride is also used to treat high stomach acid in the body, preventing stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion.
Indications for magnesium chloride include magnesium deficiency, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, poor diet, alcoholism, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and acid indigestion.
Magnesium Chloride | Magnesium Deficiency | Olympia Pharmacy
NAD
NAD is a universal cellular electron transporter, coenzyme, and signaling molecule present in all cells of the body and is essential for cell function and viability. As we age, NAD declines.
Low NAD+ levels have been linked to a number of age-related conditions and illnesses associated with increased oxidative/free radical damage, including diabetes, heart disease, vascular dysfunction, ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and vision loss.
NAD+-replacement therapy may promote mitochondrial health and homeostasis, genome stability, neuroprotection, healthy aging, and longevity and may aid in treating addiction. Clinical trials evaluating these effects in humans treated with NAD+ injection have not yet been published; however, numerous clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of NAD+-replacement therapy or augmentation in the context of human disease and aging have recently been completed, and many others are ongoing.
Taurine
Studies strongly suggest that taurine supplementation, even when taken short-term; may support better physical function, mitigate the cardiovascular risks that can be present after exercising, and improve issues associated with heart failure.
Taurine may accomplish this by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Some research suggests that taurine may calm the nervous system and even improve the function of the left ventricle of the heart.
Although more studies must be conducted to confirm these benefits; the research already conducted is promising for anyone concerned with cardiac health or suffering from heart disease.
A meta-analysis review published in the journal Food & Function found, after analyzing animal and human studies; that taurine has an effective action against the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
The study found that Taurine may reduce triglycerides, prevent obesity, improving insulin resistance, regulate glucose metabolism, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure.
Taurine might also help heal the damage from periodontal disease. Patients with chronic periodontitis were observed to determine if taurine could help the healing process. It was determined that taurine significantly improved the healing process. According to this research, it may have done so by enhancing levels of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzymes.
A study conducted at the University of Stirling evaluated athletes who ran middle distance races before and after they consumed supplemental taurine. The test-subjects consumed 1,000 milligrams of taurine two hours before running, and they were checked to confirm that there was no effect on the athlete’s respiratory system, heart rate or blood lactate levels. Afterward, 90% of the runners showed faster times. According to this research; there is a 99.3% chance that taurine was responsible for the improved performance of the athletes during the time trial.
Other studies indicate that taurine may have a powerful mood-boosting effect when combined with caffeine. Scientists have found strong evidence that a combination of taurine and caffeine may improve mood and possibly boost cognitive performance.
Taurine is one of the most copious amino acids in the human eye; where it exceeds the concentration of any other amino acid. Consequently, recent studies have found that maintaining high levels of taurine is crucial to prevent the degeneration of cells in the eye.
