Frequently Asked Questions

Calcium

Q. Why “citrate” minerals?: A. The citrate form of calcium contributes to optimal calcium absorptionand demonstrates superior absorption over calcium carbonate. Stomach acid is an important factor in optimal calcium absorption, but the citrate form of calcium is able to compensate for diminished stomach acid, unlike the carbonate form.

To give some perspective on acid deficiency, in general approximately 45% of calcium is absorbed from calcium citrate in people with reduced stomach acid, compared to approximately 4% absorption for calcium carbonate (Murray, Michael T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996). The acid factor is extremely pertinent if one is fighting a battle with declining bone density.
Q. Why is Vitamin D important?: A. Vitamin D is important to facilitate calcium absorption from the intestinal tract. Obviously absorption is a central factor. A consistent deficiency of vitamin D leads to a condition of inadequate calcification referred to as osteomalacia or “soft bones”, revealing just how important vitamin D is.

Those who are regularly exposed to sunlight are not generally regarded as being at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency however, recommendations are changing and much higher levels of vitamin D are being offered to help prevent these deficiencies.

Those suffering from diagnosed osteoporosis, should consider up to 1000 IU (international units) per day to aggressively maximize calcium absorption.
Q. I heard magnesium is good for the heart, is this true?: A. Yes. Magnesium is second to potassium as the most abundant mineral found in concentration is the body’s cells in the body and the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. About half of magnesium in your body is found in your bones while the rest is found in tissues, organs and a small amount in blood. Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, strengthens bones and keeps heart rhythm steady. It has also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes normal blood pressure. A deficiency in magnesium has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Q. What is the source of calcium in this product?: A. Calcium in dietary supplements can be sourced from oyster shells or taken from limestone. Like all of our products, calcium is tested to make sure there are no heavy metals and other contaminates.
Q. What does Krebs Cycle sources mean?: A. Krebs Cycle is essential to the production of energy molecules (ATP) and takes place in every cell of the body. Minerals bound to Krebs Cycle intermediates are readily absorbed and utilized by the body.

CoQ10

Q. Does Coenzyme Q10 need to be taken with meals?: A. Yes. Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble molecule and should therefore be taken with meals.
Q. Why is it important to take CoQ10 while taking Statin (cholesterol lowering) medication?: A. Patients being treated for elevated cholesterol with Statin drugs are ironically at risk for developing adverse effects in the cardiovascular system. Statin drugs significantly reduce the levels of CoQ10 in the blood. The most common adverse effect is myalgia, which is tenderness or pain in the muscles, and less frequently, muscle destruction. Statin drugs deplete the cells’ natural energy stores. It is therefore very important to replenish cellular energy levels with CoQ10.
Q. What is the best dose of CoQ10 to take if using Statin drugs?: A. People on Statin drugs should supplement between 100 to 200mg CoQ10 per day. Higher values are required to offset the significant CoQ10 depleting effect of Statins.

Joint Care

Q. What is the source of Celadrin?: A. Celadrin is made from a proprietary blend of esterified fatty acids derived from bovine tallow oil.
Q. Is Celadrin safe?: A. Yes, Celadrin is a very safe mix of fatty acids with no known or reported adverse side effects or reactions.
Q. Are Celadrin softgels or cream better?: A. Both oral and topical applications of Celadrin are equally effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Q. Why mix Celadrin and Glucosamine?: A. Celadrin provides anti-inflammatory support and Glucosamine speeds cartilage building. The combination is promising for anyone with joint pain and immobility.
Q. What is the source of Glucosamine Sulfate?: A. Glucosamine sulfate is traditionally sourced from the hard shells of shellfish.

Allergic reaction to Glucosamine has not been reported as a practical concern, most likely because the allergens are found in the meat or protein of the fish and the extraction process is able to denature any extraneous flesh protein. However, it must be recognized that those allergic to shellfish may sometimes display profound sensitivity where it is not expected.

If there is concern over possible allergic reaction, especially if anaphylactic reactions are possible, please consult with your health care provider before commencing use.
Q. Do Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate contain sodium?: A. Glucosamine Sulfate contains sodium salt as a stabilizer to prevent problematic moisture absorption at the initial stage of production.
Q. How long does it take for Glucosamine & Chondroitin to work?: A. The cartilage rebuilding process is slow and gradual and a minimum of 8 weeks supplementation is required before beneficial effects are seen.
Q. What does MSM stand for and what is it?: A. MSM stands for Methyl-sulfonyl-methane. It is a naturally occurring, sulfur containing organic compound that is found primarily in fresh fruits and vegetables and in every cell of the human body.
Q. Is the sulfur in MSM the same as sulfa drugs and sulfites?: A. No. Organic sulfur is a nutrient and a necessary part of natural chemical processes in the body. It should not be confused with sulfa drugs or sulfites, which are forms of inorganic sulfur. There is no need to worry of sensitivities to MSM if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs and sulfites.

Multivitamins

Q. How do I pick a multi that is right for me?: A. MultiPure multivitamin/multimineral formulas from holista provide unique nutrient combinations that are age and gender specific. Their capsule format is also unique and is suitable for those with sensitive stomachs, or for anyone who doesn't like swallowing pills.
Q. What is the difference between the MultiPure line of supplements and other national brand multivitamins?: A. MultiPure products from holista, are made with great care because we know how important your health is. MultiPure multis are health store quality products formulated by the WN Pharmaceuticals team of medical and nutritional experts. All holista products are made to meet or exceed the highest standards for purity, efficacy and safety.
Q. How do I know if I need a multivitamin?: A. Dietary guidelines set out by the federal government provide daily requirements for key food groups. Fresh fruits and raw or lightly cooked vegetables provide high amounts of vitamins and minerals, and five servings per day is the recommended amount for optimal health. Most people fall short of this and may choose "prepared" and fast foods rather than nutritious whole foods. A high quality multivitamin provides a good foundation of nutrients to help fill the gap between mediocre and optimum nutritional intake. MultiPure gives the body essential nutrients that are the building blocks it needs for energy and vitality.

Omega-3

Q. What is enteric coating?: A. Enteric coating is a barrier applied to softgels that controls the location in the digestive system where it is absorbed. This is used to prevent the aftertaste or "fish burps" by releasing the contents in the large intestine rather than in the stomach.
Q. Should I use flaxseed oil or fish oil?: A. Flaxseed oil and fish oils are the two richest sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Flaxseed oil is a source of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) which is an Omega-3 fatty acid in raw material form. Once consumed, the liver converts the ALA into two other key Omega-3 compounds: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Flaxseed oil is an excellent plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially suitable to those who do not consume fish products.

Fish oil provides Omega-3 fatty acids in readily available forms of EPA and DHA. The body does not have to convert these oils in order to able able to utilize them.
Q. What is Borage Oil?: A. Borage oil is taken from the seed of the Borago officinalis plant and it contains naturally high levels of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Borage seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory actions and immunological actions.
Q. Are there any side effects or contraindications with taking essential fatty acids?: A. Essential fatty acids are from food sources so generally there are no side effects. Burping and fish aftertaste can occur in some people who use fish oils. If you experience this, try the holista Omega-3 Double Strength Enteric Coated product; it will help alleviate this effect.

Should you have any specific health concerns, consult your health care practitioner or physician before changing your dietary habits.
Q. Are essential fatty acids important for children?: A. Children require the omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA for healthy physical and mental development. Many children today suffer from health conditions related to EPA and DHA deficits. Examples include ADD/ADHA, aggressive/hostile behavior, and bronchial asthma. Also, adequate levels of EPA and DHA contribute to visual and cognitive development and reduce risk of childhood Type 2 diabetes. Supplementation with EPA and DHA over 3 to 12 months may improve the quality of life for children with cystic fibrosis, and lessen hyperactivity that may accompany autism.

The holista Omega-3 Kids is ultra-purified by molecular distillation, to ensure the highest quality, child-friendly fish oil product.

Probiotics

Q. Don’t probiotics need to be refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive?: A. The holista Complete Probiotic and Women's Probiotic are shelf stable and do not need to be refrigerated after opening. In fact, holista guarantees that each capsule in both the Complete Probiotic and the Women's Probiotic, contain 5 billion active cells up to the time of expiry and the probiotic bacteria are microencapsulated to maintain optimum potency.
Q. Why do I need to take bacteria for good digestion?: A. The intestines have many naturally occurring bacteria in them, some are beneficial and others are not. In some digestive disturbances, such as, irritable bowel, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and yeast overgrowth, there is an insufficient amount of beneficial bacteria to fight the destructive bacteria and aid in digestive processes. Replenishing beneficial bacterial stores, by supplementing with holista Complete Probiotic or Women's Probiotic, helps the body digest foods more readily and supports immunity.
Q. How does Cranberry Extract help the urinary system?: A. Cranberry Extract has anti-adhesion properties; this means that compounds in cranberry can prevent harmful bacteria, that cause urinary tract infections, from attaching to the walls of the urinary system. When the bacteria are unable to stick to the walls, they pass through and are expelled in the urine.
Q. Why is "Women’s Probiotic with Cranberry Extract" special for women?: A. Unfortunately, many women experience an overgrowth in yeast (candida) and many experience urinary tract infections. Probiotics are useful in controlling or prohibiting yeast overgrowth in the digestive and reproductive systems, as well as for helping with other digestive complaints such as diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and irritable bowel. The addition of cranberry extract helps inhibit urinary tract infections by preventing bacterial overgrowth in the urinary system.

Tea Tree Oil

Q. Is it safe to use Tea Tree Oil on my cat or dog?: A. We do not recommend using Tea Tree Oil on cats and dogs. These animals appear to poorly tolerate Tea Tree Oil, leading to possible serious toxicity. Oral use in pets should also be avoided.
Q. Can I use Tea Tree Oil on my children?: A. We do not recommend using Tea Tree Oil full strength on children under 18 months of age – dilute to ½ strength.

Vitamin B

Q. Are there any safety issues with Sleep Calm?: A. Sleep Calm uses natural ingredients that are safe for most people. However, we recommend if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking prescription medication, to please review with your doctor before using. Also consult a physician prior to use if you have a hormonal disorder, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, migraine, depression, and/or hypertension. Not recommended to those taking blood pressure medications. If symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, consult with your physician.
Q. My urine turned bright yellow after I took a B Complex, is this normal?: A. Yes, and it’s not harmful. The vitamin B that causes urine to turn a bright yellow/green color is Riboflavin but this doesn’t mean the body isn’t using it. Foods, beverages and certain medications also have influence on the color of urine.
Q. Should people on vegetarian and vegan diets use a B12 supplement?: A. Probably. Vitamin B12 is found in significant quantities only in animal foods which include all varieties of meat, organ meat, fish and dairy products. Fermented foods like tempeh, common in vegetarian diets, claim to contain B12 however scientists aren’t convinced that these foods have a useable form of vitamin B12. People on vegetarian and vegan diets should consider supplementing with vitamin B12 and/or a vitamin B complex product.
Q. What is homocysteine?: A. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood (plasma) is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Other evidence suggests that homocysteine may have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots. However, a direct causal link hasn’t been established.

Plasma homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by diet, as well as by genetic factors. The dietary components with the greatest effects are folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. Folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body. Several studies have found that higher blood levels of B vitamins are related, at least partly, to lower concentrations of homocysteine. Other recent evidence shows that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke.

For more information visit http://www.americanheart.org

Weight Loss

Q. Do I take both "Fat Melt Complex" and "Phase 2® Carb Blocker" at the same time?: A. Yes. The Fat Melt Complex helps you achieve a healthy weight by boosting energy and metabolism. Phase 2 Carb Blocker inhibits digestion of dietary starches and fats.
Q. How does Phase 2® block starchy foods?: A. During digestion, the body converts carbohydrates in starchy foods into sugar. The body breaks down starchy foods with the help of an enzyme called alpha amylase produced in the pancreas. Sugar calories are either burned through exercise or stored in fat cells for future use. Phase 2 neutralizes alpha amylase before it can convert starch into sugar and then fat. This allows the starch to pass through the system undigested.