Vitafood™
FUNCTIONS:
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): The health benefits of vitamin C has been well established. It is
considered an essential nutrient that cannot be synthesized by humans, having
multiple effects related to its ability to donate electrons.1 Vitamin C is important for things like wound healing, tissue repair, is
required for certain enzymes to work, and has immune-modulating effects. Vitamin
C is a potent antioxidant, protecting important biomarkers from free radicals
and exposure to toxins and pollutants.2 Additionally, it also boosts the generation of metabolic energy by
acting as a cofactor in carnitine biosynthesis, a molecule responsible for the
transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria.3 It is also used as a common adjuvant for the treatment of the common
cold, with metanalysis showing its effectiveness in decreasing the severity,
duration4, and incidence of the common cold.5
Spirulina: A type of
cyanobacteria that is found in both fresh and saltwater. Spirulina has been
long used as food supplements because of its high protein (60-70% w/w) and
vitamin content (4%, w/w).6 Research has shown that Spirulina has numerous health benefits,
including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions. Spirulina
has strong antioxidant enzyme activity, able to prevent DNA damage while
scavenging free radicals.7 Additionally, there have been many in vivo studies showing its effects
as a simulator of the immune system. The cyanobacteria increase the phagocytic
activity of macrophages, causing NK cells to accumulate, leading to higher
production of antibodies and cytokines.8,9 This was shown in a study of 40 older people with a history of anemia, that
spirulina supplements not increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells
and had a marked increase in white blood cells, improving the immune system.10
Shilajit: A resinous substance primarily found in the rocks of the Himalayas develops over centuries from the decomposition of plants. It has been used by traditional medicine that has been described to be used for many different pathological conditions. Shilajit has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory activity in both acute and chronic inflammation. Additionally, research has also found that Shilajit contains a potent antiulcerogenic effect, leading to reduced gastric acid and peptide output, decreasing ulcer formation.11 Shilajit, when taken in conjunction with ascorbic acid, demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and demonstrated the ability to recycle ascorbic acid after it had already neutralized free radicals, adding to its antioxidant activities.12 Lastly, this supplement also greatly increased white blood cell activity, as well as inducing phagocytic changes in macrophages, demonstrated its immunomodulatory capabilities.