Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid considered to be nutritionally essential to maintain optimal health. There are a number of known health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acid intake, with most current research focusing on the n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). In the body, EPA is an important component of cell membranes where it can be used to generate signaling molecules called eicosanoids or can be converted into DHA. However, the human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so these nutrients must be provided by the diet. By consuming the n-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from sources such as flax seed, the body can convert ALA into EPA, but the low rate of conversion supports direct dietary intake of EPA from foods and dietary supplements (1). The major food sources of EPA, as well as DHA, are algae and cold-water oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (2). Dietery supplements containing significant amounts of EPA and DHA are typically fish oils derived from these fish. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the use of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids as dietary supplements is safe, provided that the daily intakes of EPA and DHA do not exceed 2 grams per day from dietary supplement sources such as fish oil (3). A major safety concern is the possible presence of heavy metals and toxins, which can be found in relatively high levels in fresh fish and unpurified fish oils. When considering omega-3 EPA and DHA dietary supplements, it is important to look for fish oils that have been purified to reduce the levels of these contaminants.
This ingredient can be found in the following products:
• Essential Source™ omega-3
References
References
1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005.
2. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995.
3. U.S.Food and Drug Administration. FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004/ucm108351.htm. 9-8-2004. 8-18-2009. Last updated September, 2009 Print This Ingredient
Emu oil (Dromiceius)Emu oil (Dromiceius) is the oil obtained from the fat of the emu, Domaius novaehollandiae, a bird native to Australia. Emu oil is use in cosmetics and personal care products as a skin conditioning agent that slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface (1).
This ingredient can be found in the following products:
• FIRM with Ambrotose® cream
References
References
1. International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. Washington, D.C.: The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, 2006. Last updated March, 2009 Print This Ingredient
ErgocalciferolErgocalciferol (vitamin D2) is a form of vitamin D used in dietary supplements. Ergocalciferol is derived from plant sources and is commonly added to fortified foods, such as milk and breakfast cereals (1).
This ingredient can be found in the following products:
• Optimal Support Packets
• PhytoBurst® nutritional chews
• PhytoMatrix® caplets
References
References
1. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Physicians' Desk Reference, Inc, 2008. Last updated April, 2009 Print This Ingredient
ErythritolErythritol is a natural sugar alcohol found in several foods, including wine, mushrooms, watermelon, pears and grapes. It is often used as a sweetener substitute, since it contains fewer calories per gram than sucrose or other carbohydrates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been notified that industry considers erythritol to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a flavor enhancer, formulation aid, humectant, nutritive sweetener, stabilizer, thickener, sequestrant and texturizer, and has not objected to its use for these purposes (GRN No. 000076).
This ingredient can be found in the following products:
• Simply Delicious™ snack bars cherry pie
• Simply Delicious™ snack bars chocolate raspberry truffle
References
Ethyl celluloseEthyl cellulose is an organic compound related to cellulose. As an excipient, it is used as a filler and a binder. Ethyl cellulose is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1).
This ingredient can be found in the following products:
• Optimal Support Packets
• PhytoMatrix® caplets
References
References
1. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008. Last updated March, 2009 Print This Ingredient
Evaporated cane juiceEvaporated cane juice, sometimes called raw sugar, is believed to be a healthier substitute for white, refined sugar, the most commonly used food sweetener. Obtained by crushing sugarcane, evaporated cane juice does not go through the same degree of processing as refined sugar. Refined sugar, or sucrose, is simply a concentrated form of energy, contributing only calories to the diet (1). Evaporated cane juice is available in a number of forms that vary in color, size, taste and molasses content.
This ingredient can be found in the following products:
• MannaBears™ supplement
References
References
1. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, Robson JRK. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1995. Last updated March, 2009 Print This Ingredient
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