GI Max Caps

GI Max Caps features L-glutamine, zinc and pantothenic acid to nutritionally support the gastrointestinal mucosa and the prebiotic inulin to provide nourishment of the gastrointestinal mucosa cells. It also features aloe leaf extract, which has traditionally been used for optimal GI function.*

Pantothenic Acid (as calcium d-pantothenate), a component of Coenzyme A, has various essential roles that sustain life. Among these is maintenance of muscle tone of the gastrointestinal tract. Pantothenic acid supports the synthesis of serotonin and acetylcholine and therefore, may be beneficial in combating stress, often a component of gastrointestinal disorders.*

Zinc (as bis-glycinate chelate) has so many important roles in the body, including the quenching of free radicals possibly present in gastrointestinal disorders. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disorders or any diarrhea-related condition are at risk for zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency may potentiate the effect of toxins produced by E.coli. A deficiency may also impair the absorption of water and electrolytes and perpetuate the diarrhea. Chronic low zinc impairs nitric oxide production, a substance that plays an important part in triggering diarrheal disease.*[1] Inulin is a prebiotic fermented by intestinal flora to produce short chain fatty acids, including butyrate.

Butyrate acts as “fuel” for colonocytes and enhances expression of biotransformation genes that induce glutathione Stransferase, protecting colonocytes from carcinogens.*[2]

L-Glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid, is most important for intestinal energy supply; regeneration of the gastrointestinal mucosa is dependent upon its utilization. Supplementation has been shown to decrease inflammatory tissue damage in patients with conditions that generally result in low glutamine levels.[3] L- Glutamine is considered an immunonutrient and is particularly important for the body under stress-related conditions.*

Aloe (Leaf Extract), used for thousands of years, is perhaps most well-known for healing of damaged epithelial tissue, including the bowel lining. Despite the lack of scientific published studies there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that aloe vera helps inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. In some individuals it may increase G.I. transit time, improve protein digestion and absorption, increase stool bulk and normalize stool bacteria where high levels of yeasts previously existed.*[4

Probiotics Daily

Probiotics Daily is a vegetarian, dairy- and gluten-free, four-strain probiotic totaling 100 billion CFU† per capsule. Each vegetarian capsule is sealed in nitrogen-purged aluminum blister packs to serve as protection from factors proven to compromise the stability of probiotics such as heat, moisture, and oxygen. ProbioMax DF provides four researched strains of beneficial bacteria, including the extensively studied HN019® strain of Bifidobacterium lactis. These live microorganisms have proven health benefits and well-established safety, and have been tested for epithelial cell adhesion and/or resistance to low pH.* To further support resistance to low pH and the delivery of microorganisms to the small intestines, Pro Recovery RX employs DRcaps™ gastro-resistant capsules. These specially designed, innovative capsules help slow exposure of actives ProbioMax to stomach acid and ensure more targeted release.*

Supplementation with probiotics has many mechanisms of action that benefit health, including but not limited to: (1) supporting metabolic activity, such as the production of short-chain fatty acids and vitamins, nutrient absorption, and digestion of lactose; (2) adhering to intestinal epithelial cells to help maintain a healthy balance of organisms in the intestinal tract; (3) helping to establish populations of good bacteria after disruption in balance; (4) supporting immune function; (5) promoting intestinal epithelial cell survival; (6) supporting healthy bowel function; and (7) degrading oxalates.*[1-8]

Common challenges associated with probiotic supplementation are maintaining stability of the organisms during distribution and shelf life and, once taken by a consumer, survival of the organisms as they travel through the digestive tract so that they reach the target tissue (intestines) alive. To help ensure stability, Pro Recovery RX packages the ProbioMax capsules in sealed, nitrogen-purged aluminum blister packs to serve as protection from factors proven to compromise the stability of probiotics, such as heat, moisture, and oxygen. Careful selection of organisms is another way Pro Recovery RX helps ensure stability. Careful organism selection, as performed for ProbioMax, is also a critical aspect of supporting digestive survival. To further support resistance to low pH and the delivery of microorganisms to the small intestines, Pro Recovery RX employs DRcaps™ gastro-resistant capsules. These specially designed, innovative capsules help slow exposure of actives to stomach acid to promote a more targeted release.* HOWARU™ (Bifidobacterium lactis HN019®)

Discovered in 1899, B lactis play a key role in the human microflora throughout a person’s life. Researchers have identified strain HN019® as having excellent probiotic potential based upon its ability to survive the transit through the human gastrointestinal tract, adhere to epithelial cells, and proliferate.[6] B lactis HN019® has been extensively studied, and its safety and effectiveness is well accepted.[7,8] To assess the impact of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019® supplementation on whole-gut transit time in adults, 100 subjects were given daily doses for 14 days of 17.2 billion colony-forming units (CFU), 1.8 billion CFU, or placebo. Decreases in mean whole-gut transit time over the 14-day study period were statistically significant in the high-dose group and the low-dose group, but not in the placebo group.[8]

This level of dosing also supported other parameters of healthy GI function, as were self-reported by patient survey.[8] In another study of preschool-age children, supplementing milk for one year with 1.9 x 10 CFU per day B lactis HN019® and 2.4 g/day of prebiotic oligosaccharides supported both healthy iron status and weight gain.[9] In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human dietary intervention study in elderly subjects (>60 yrs.), supplementary B lactis HN019® resulted in statistically significant increases in the beneficial organisms bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.*[10]

Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14) This common inhabitant of the human mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina, is also found in some traditional fermented milks (e.g., kefir) and is widely used in probiotic foods and supplements. It has a history of safe human consumption.

The L acidophilus La-14 strain is of human origin and has been identified as a type A1 L acidophilus. L acidophilus shows excellent adhesion to human epithelial cell-lines.*[11,12] Lactobacillus plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115) This bacteria was isolated from plant material and is abundantly present in lactic acid-fermented foods, such as olives and sauerkraut. In vitro studies have shown that L plantarum strain Lp-115 has excellent adhesion to epithelial cell lines.[13] In addition,

L plantarum is resistant to low pH conditions and survives the presence of bile at duodenal concentrations.*[13,14] Bifidobacterium longum (Bifidobacterium longum Bl-05) The B longum Bl-05 strain is well accepted as safe for human consumption. B longum is resistant to low pH and bile salts and is well suited to the intestinal environment.*[14]

HCL Digest Balance

HCL Digest Balance provides a variety of health-supportive factors. L-glutamic acid, betaine HCl, and pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme, which assist in protein digestion. Gentian root, an herbal bitter, promotes normal secretion of saliva and gastric acid for digestive support. HCl (hydrochloric acid) supports nutrient absorption and helps maintain a healthy gastric pH, which, in turn, supports healthy gastric ecology.*

HCL Digest Balance  is designed to support the gastric phase of digestion directly and provide stimulus for the excretion of pancreatic digestive juices in the small intestine. Adequate hydrochloric acid is fundamental to healthy protein digestion, nutrient availability, and the maintenance of normal gastric flora.[1-3] There is a natural decline in the ability to produce hydrochloric acid, especially after the age of 60.[1]

There appears to be an even greater decline in pepsin production related to normal aging.[4] Support of natural gastric secretions and acidity helps support normal digestion, absorption, and immune health.[5] Maintaining an acidic pH in the stomach helps support normal gastric and intestinal flora as well.*[6-8]

L- Glutamic Acid This amino acid can be obtained from dietary protein or synthesized endogenously from other amino acids, such as glutamine. L- glutamic acid is used in HCL Digest Balance as an acidifying agent.*

Betaine Hydrochloride (HCl) Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine) is a natural substance found in foods such as beets, spinach, and grains. Research suggests that betaine supports cell health by acting as a methyl donor, and this, in turn, supports healthy methionine, homocysteine, and hepatic fat metabolism. Betaine also functions as an osmolyte, which supports the integrity of cells and proteins during fluctuations in hydration, salinity, and temperature. Betaine HCl, the acidic form of betaine, has traditionally been used to support digestion and absorption due to its ability to lower gastric pH.*[9,10]

Pepsin One of the first enzymes to initiate protein digestion, pepsin is first synthesized in the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa and secreted as the inactive zymogen precursor pepsinogen. Hydrochloric acid activates pepsinogen to convert it to pepsin once it is outside the cell. This activation sets up a chain reaction leading to the production of still more pepsin. Porcine pepsin, in addition to betaine HCl, is provided in HCL Digest Balance with the goal of promoting more endogenous pepsin production.*[4,6]

Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea) Used for centuries to support healthy digestion, gentian contains the bitter glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin. Gentian’s bitter taste can be detected even at a dilution level of 50,000:1. Gentian root appears to support digestion by stimulating secretion of saliva in the mouth, hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and digestive juices from the pancreas. Due to the stimulant effect that gentian root has on endogenous production of HCl, individuals may be able to discontinue HCL Digest Balance after a period of use.*[11-14] HCL Digest Balance is formulated with a variety of compounds and is designed to support gastric acidity, digestion, and normal gastrointestinal flora. HCL Digest Balance should be taken with, or immediately following a meal. Do not use if there is a prior history of, or a current complaint of, a peptic or duodenal ulcer.*

References

Probiotics Daily

1. Vanderpool C, Yan F, Polk DB. Mechanisms of probiotic action: Implications for therapeutic applications in inflammatory bowel diseases. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008 Nov;14(11):1585-96. [PMID: 18623173]

2. Abratt VR, Reid SJ. Oxalate-degrading bacteria of the human gut as probiotics in the management of kidney stone disease. Adv Appl Microbiol. 2010;72:63- 87. [PMID: 20602988]

3. Masood MI, Qadir MI, Shirazi JH, et al. Beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria on human beings. Crit Rev Microbiol. 2011 Feb;37(1):91-98. [PMID: 21162695]

4. Turroni S, Vitali B, Bendazzoli C, et al. Oxalate consumption by lactobacilli: evaluation of oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase and formyl-CoA transferase activity in Lactobacillus acidophilus. J Appl Microbiol. 2007 Nov;103(5):1600-09. [PMID: 17953571]

5. Shu Q, Lin H, Rutherfurd KJ, et al. Dietary Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019) enhances resistance to oral Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice. Microbiol Immunol. 2000;44(4):213-22. [PMID: 10832963]

6. Gopal P, et al. Effects of the consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (DR10TM) and galacto-oligosaccharides on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract in human subjects. Nutr. Res. 2003;23:1313-28. http://www. daniscosupplements.com/clinical-study-bibliography.html. Accessed June 24, 2011.

7. Danisco. Clinical study bibliography & abstracts. HOWARU Bifido – Bif. lactis HN019. http://www.daniscosupplements.com/clinical-study-bibliography.html. Accessed June 24, 2011.

8. Waller PA, Gopal PK, Leyer GJ, et al. Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep;46(9):1057-64. [PMID: 21663486]

9. Sazawal S, Dhingra U, Hiremath G, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and prebiotic oligosaccharide added to milk on iron status, anemia, and growth among children 1 to 4 years old. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 Sep;51(3):341-46. [PMID: 20601905]

10. Ahmed M, Prasad J, Gill H, et al. Impact of consumption of different levels of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on the intestinal microflora of elderly human subjects. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007 Jan-Feb;11(1):26-31. [ 17315077]

11. Greene JD, Klaenhammer TR. Factors involved in adherence of lactobacilli to human Caco-2 cells. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1994 Dec;60(12):4487-94. [PMID: 7811085]

12. Kleeman EG, Klaenhammer TR. Adherence of Lactobacillus species to human fetal intestinal cells. J Dairy Sci. 1982 Nov;65(11):2063-69. [PMID: 7153393].

13. Collado MC, Meriluoto J, Salminen S. Role of commercial probiotic strains against human pathogen adhesion to intestinal mucus. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2007 Oct;45(4):454-60. [PMID: 17897389]

14. Ding WK, Shah NP. Acid, bile, and heat tolerance of free and microencapsulated probiotic bacteria. J Food Sci. 2007 Nov;72(9):M446-50. [PMID: 18034741]

GI Max Caps

1. Wapnir RA. J Nutr. 2000 May; 130 (5S Suppl): 1388S-92S Zinc deficiency, malnutrition and the gastrointestinal tract. [PMID: 10801949]

2. Sauer J, Richter KK, Pool-Zobel BL. Products formed during fermentation of the prebiotic inulin with human gut flora enhance expression of biotransformation genes in human primary colon cells. Br J Nutr. 2007 Mar 7;:1-11 [PMID: 17381985]

3. Sido B. Low intestinal glutamine level and low glutaminase activity in Crohn’s disease: a rationale for glutamine supplementation? Dig Dis Sci. 2006 Dec;51(12):2170-9. [PMID: 17078002]

4. Davis K, et. al. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Sep;60(9):1080-6 [PMID: 16749917]

5. Bland, J. Ph.D. (1985), Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, Palo Alto, C.A., Prevention Magazine, Effect of Orally Consumed Aloe Vera Juice in Gastrointestinal Fun

HCL Digest Balance

1. 1. Bland J, Liska D, Jones DS, et al. Clinical Nutrition A Functional Approach. 2nd ed. Gig Harbor, WA: The Institute for Functional Medicine. 2004.

   2. Giannella RA, Broitman SA, Zamcheck N. Gastric acid barrier to ingested microorganisms in man: studies in vivo and in vitro. Gut. 1972 Apr;13(4):251-6. [PMID: 4556018]

   3. Lovat LB. Age related changes in gut physiology and nutritional status. Gut. 1996 Mar;38(3):306-9. [PMID: 8675079]

   4. Feldman M, Cryer B, McArthur KE, et al. Effects of aging and gastritis on gastric acid and pepsin secretion in humans: a prospective study. Gastroenterology. 1996 Apr;110(4):1043-52. [PMID: 8612992]

   5. Untersmayr E, Jensen-Jarolim E. The effect of gastric digestion on food allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jun;6(3):214-9. Review. [PMID: 16670517]

   6. Smolin LA, Grosvenor MB. Nutrition: Science and Applications. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2010.

   7. Canani RB, Terrin G. Gastric acidity inhibitors and the risk of intestinal infections. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2010 Jan;26(1):31-5. Review. [PMID: 19907324]

   8. Kanno T, Matsuki T, Oka M, et al. Gastric acid reduction leads to an alteration in lower intestinal microflora. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Apr 17;381(4):666-70. [PMID: 19248769]

   9. Craig SA. Betaine in human nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Sep;80(3):539-49. Review. [PMID: 15321791]

   10. New York University Langone Medical Center. Betaine Hydrochloride. http:// www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21560. Last Reviewed 2011. Accessed March 23, 2012.

   11. Mowrey D. Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, CT: McGrawHill. 1999.

   12. Monterey Bay Spice Company. Gentian Root. http://www.herbco.com/p-763- gentian-root-cs-wild-crafted.aspx. Accessed March 25, 2012.

   13. Vilkin A, Levi Z, Morgenstern S, et al. Higher gastric mucin secretion and lower gastric acid output in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2008 Jan;42(1):36-41. [PMID: 18097287]

   14. Behrens M, Brockhoff A, Batram C, et al. The human bitter taste receptor hTAS2R50 is activated by the two natural bitter terpenoids andrographolide and amarogentin. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Nov 11;57(21):9860-6. [PMID: 19817411]