Supporting Good Nutrition

Our bodies are composed of trillions of tiny building blocks – living cells which grow, die and are replaced many times over during our lifetimes. As all nutrition is absorbed at this level, our bodies need good nutrition for them to perform their vital functions of metabolism: growth, repair, detoxification and reproduction.

A daily intake of Vitamins, minerals and nutrients are essential for good health and vitality. In an ideal world, we would obtain a correct balance of Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the food we eat. But with today’s hectic lifestyle and poor eating habits, this is often impractical, resulting in a lower level of nutrition than is needed.

Weight problems and nutritional deficiencies are widespread in our society, mainly due to bad eating habits such as overeating, skipping meals and “yo-yo” dieting. Stress, medication, smoking, alcohol and poor eating habits all lead to decreased nutrient absorbtion.

If your diet provides you with less than optimum nutrition, it is very likely that you need to supplement your diet with Vitamins, minerals and other nutritional factors.
Arkworld's Micro Nutrition Programme delivers nutrition to the cells in an easily digestible form. This enables the cells to absorb the nutrition even when there has been a history of poor eating, excessive dieting or illness.

The key difference with Arkworld products is the inclusion of certain botanical factors and micro nutrients which support optimum nutrition, for those who need such support, to further assist their overall health and vitality.

The results speak for themselves!

Amino Acids

L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body and is a natural growth hormone releaser that aids brain function. L-Glutamine is beneficial to brain function because it converts quickly into glucose, the only source of energy to the brain.

L-Glutamine is used by the body as a neurotransmitter and is responsible for proper immune function. It also elevates mood and is responsible for muscle protein synthesis.

L-Glutamine is a derivative of Glutamic Acid which is synthesised from the amino acids L-Arginine, Ornithine and Proline. L-Glutamine is also a precursor of GABA and an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

BCAA
L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine are part of the branch chain amino acids called BCAAs. BCAAs are essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet.

Muscle tissue is largely composed of BCAAs which are used for energy production and protein synthesis. BCAAs are also involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, natural chemicals in the brain which influence mood and mental functions. BCAAs also help prevent muscle protein breakdown during exercise.

This amino acid also enhances cellular energy in the brain and improves mental function. Acetyl L-Carnitine is used to support all bodily functions that have a high energy demand.

L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is required to detoxify the liver from ammonia, which is a waste product of the body from oxidation. L-Citrulline promotes energy and assists with the immune system. L-Citrulline metabolises to L-Arginine and stimulates the immune system.

L-Cysteine
L-Cysteine is a sulphur containing amino acid that detoxifies many harmful chemicals including those from cigarette smoke, pollution, radiation and alcohol. L-Cysteine is also an important structural component of hair. The growth and health of hair depends on an adequate L-Cysteine intake. Cysteine is one of the few amino acids that contain sulphur. This allows Cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structure of proteins in the body. Cysteine is a component of the Antioxidant Glutathione. The body also uses Cysteine to produce Taurine, another amino acid.

Betaine
Betaine is a nutrient that plays an important role in the health of the cardiovascular system. Studies have suggested that Betaine, along with other nutrients, helps to reduce potentially toxic levels of Homocystiene (Hcy), a naturally occurring amino acid that can be harmful to blood vessels thereby contributing to the development of heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow to the legs and feet). Betaine is also used to support proper liver function, it plays a role in the manufacturing of Carnitine and protects the kidneys from damage.

B Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B1 is essential for energy production, brain function and digestion. Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble Vitamin needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Every cell of the body requires Vitamin B1 to form the fuel the body runs on—adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nerve cells require Vitamin B1 in order to function normally.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 helps turn fats, sugars and protein into energy. Vitamin B2 is needed to repair and maintain healthy skin, inside and out, it helps to regulate body acidity and is important for optimun health of hair nails and eyes. Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble Vitamin needed to process amino acids and fats, activate Vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into the fuel that the body runs on—adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
The body uses the water-soluble Vitamin B3 in the process of releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Niacin is essential for energy production, brain function and the skin. Niacin helps remove unwanted LDL (bad) cholesterol therefore lowering cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol, HDL.

Niacin plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 (otherwise known as Pantothenic Acid) occurs in all living cells, both plant and animals. It is also produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. The body uses Vitamin B5, to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy.

Nutritionists categorise Vitamins by the materials that a Vitamin will dissolve in.

The two categories are: water-soluble and fat-soluble Vitamins. Water-soluble Vitamins, (which include the B-complex group and Vitamin C), travel through the bloodstream. Whatever water-soluble Vitamins are not used by the body are eliminated in urine, which means you need a continuous supply of them in your food. Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble Vitamin.

In addition to playing a role in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates for energy, Vitamin B5 is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells, as well as sex and stress-related hormones produced in the adrenal glands (small glands that sit atop of the kidneys).

Vitamin B5 is also very important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and it helps the body utilise other Vitamins, particularly Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) more effectively. It is sometimes referred to as the "anti-stress" Vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL)
Vitamin B6 is water soluble and is necessary for a healthy nervous system. It helps the body process the essential fatty acid 'Linoleic Acid'. Vitamin B6 also assists with the release of Glycogen for energy from the liver, it helps the body convert the amino acid 'Tryptophan to Niacin and enables the body to manufacture and convert amino acids and metabolise proteins.

Vitamin B6 is an essential Vitamin as it processes amino acids. It makes, and takes apart, many amino acids and is also used to make the hormones Serotonin, Melatonin and Dopamine. Vitamin B6 helps to form neurotransmitters and is therefore essential in the regulation of mental processes.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is used to make Adrenaline and is needed for making use of protein, it helps the blood carry oxygen therefore is essential for energy. It is needed for the synthesis of DNA and is essential for normal nerve cell activity.

Vitamin B12 acts with Folic Acid and Vitamin B6 to control Homocysteine levels, (too much Homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.)

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D helps maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. Deficiency signs are joint pain or stiffness, backache, tooth decay, muscle cramps and hair loss. Vitamin D plays a role in immunity and blood cell formation and also helps cells "differentiate"; a process that may reduce the risk of cancer. In animal and human studies, researchers have hypothesised that Vitamin D could also protect people from multiple sclerosis, autoimmune arthritis and juvenile diabetes.

Vitamin D is also needed for adequate blood levels of insulin. Vitamin D receptors have been found in the pancreas where insulin is made. Preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation may increase insulin secretion for some people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.

Vitamin K (Phytonadione)
Vitamin K is a fat soluble Vitamin. Vitamin K Improves bone density, serving as the biological "glue" that helps plug calcium into your bone matrix. It helps you prevent and fight osteoporosis, a disease that affects more than 25 million Americans, mostly post-menopausal women. Vitamin K aids in preventing hardening of the arteries or arterial calcification. It also helps prevent atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease) and heart failure.

Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)
Beta Carotene is a substance from plants that the body converts into Vitamin A. It also acts as an Antioxidant and an immune system booster.

Beta Carotene is the molecule that gives carrots their orange colour. It is part of a family of chemicals called the carotenoids, which are found in many fruit and vegetables, as well as some animal products such as egg yolks.

Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin and protecting against infections and against many forms of cancer.

Vitamin H (Biotin)
Biotin is a water-soluble member of the B-complex group of Vitamins and is commonly referred to as Vitamin H.

Vitamin H not only assists in various metabolic chemical conversions, but also helps with the transfer of carbon dioxide. Biotin is also helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level.

Biotin is particularly important in childhood and helps your body use essential fats, assisting in promoting healthy skin, hair and nerves.

Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a B Vitamin and is essential for all cell replication and growth and because of this, it is essential for the development of the brain and nerves. Itforms the building blocks of DNA and RNA (which is needed for red blood cell formation and protein synthesis in all the cells). Rapidly developing tissues need Folic Acid, which is why it is so essential in the development of a foetus.

Folic Acid can also stop Homocysteine rising in the blood (an amino acid by product in which high levels have been associated with heart disease).

Low levels of Folic Acid have also been associated with pre-cancerous polyps in the colon. This suggests that Folic Acid may prevent the development of colon cancer.

Calcium
Calcium is needed to provide the rigidness of the skeleton. Calcium is critical in development and also in the elderly because, with age, comes an impaired ability to absorb.

3Ib of your body weight is made up of Calcium and 99% is in your bones and teeth.Tthe remaining 1% is in your nerves, muscle and blood. Calcium assists the blood to clot and helps maintain the right acid / alkaline balance.

Calcium promotes a healthy heart and nerves, it improves skin, bone and teeth health, it relieves aching muscles and bones, and reduces menstrual cramps and tremors.

Magnesium
Magnesium works with Calcium and maintains bone density and nerve and muscle impulses. Both minerals are present in green, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll which gives plants their green colour.

Magnesium is essential for many enzymes in the body and works with Vitamins B1 and B6. As Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of protein it is vital in producing some hormones – because of this role it has a therapeutic effect on pre-menstrual problems.
A deficiency in Magnesium is associated with cardiovascular disease, a deficiency that can cause the muscles in the heart to cramp and spasm, therefore the heart is deprived of oxygen which causes a heart attack.

Inositol
Inositol is essential for cell growth and is required by the spinal cord, brain and helps form the nerve sheath. It maintains healthy hair and reduces blood cholesterol.

Iron
Iron is a component of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from cells. Without enough Iron, the fuel the body runs on cannot be properly synthesised. Iron deficiency can be diagnosed by symptoms of pale skin, sore tongue, fatigue and nausea. Anaemia is diagnosed by checking haemoglobin levels in the blood.

Zinc
A deficiency in Zinc plays a role in nearly all major diseases including diabetes and cancer. Zinc is required to make prostaglandins (hormone like substances that help to balance hormones and control inflammation). Zinc is used to make insulin and to boost the immune system.

Zinc repairs and protects DNA, whilst stress, smoking and alcohol will destroy it.
Symptoms of deficiency are white marks on the nails, lack of appetite control, pallor, infertility, poor growth, poor skin and mental and emotional problems.

Copper
Copper is needed to make Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the energy the body runs on. Copper is used to absorb and utilise Iron. The synthesis of collagen (the glue that holds tissue together) also requires Copper, as does the synthesis of some hormones.

Phosphorous
Phosphorous forms and maintains bone and teeth. Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is also an important component of cell membranes such as LDL and HDL (good and bad) cholesterol.

Phosphorous contributes to maintaining the pH of the body and aids with metabolism and energy production.

Iodine
Iodine is a trace mineral and is needed to make thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining normal energy metabolism in all cells of the body. Iodine enhances weight loss, increases energy levels and balances thyroid hormone levels.

Manganese
Manganese is involved in more than twenty enzymes in the body. One of the most important is SOD which acts as an Antioxidant., disarming free-radicals and carcinogens. Manganese has been shown to be deficient in diabetics and therefore supplementation can help to balance blood-sugar levels. Manganese is needed for healthy skin, bone, and cartilage formation.

Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral. Chromium forms part of glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which balances blood-sugar levels. It helps to normalise hunger, it improves lifespan and it helps protect DNA and RNA, which is essential for heart function. Chromium may also play a role in increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, whilst lowering total cholesterol levels.

Molybdenum
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. Molybdenum helps the body discard protein breakdown products such as uric acid; it detoxifies the body from free-radicals.

Molybdenum is needed for the proper metabolism of Iron.

Antioxidants

Oxygen is our most essential nutrient. We need it to breathe and survive. Oxygen is what drives our bodies and gives us the power to release energy from food.

Oxygen is what could be seen as a double sided coin because on one hand it is essential and on the other, chemically reactive and extremely dangerous. In normal bio–chemical reactions, oxygen can be lethal, destroying cells.

This then leads to cellular damage which is one of the triggers for cancer. The body equivalent of nuclear waste is known as free-radicals. Free radicals are created in all combustion processes e.g. burning petrol, smoking, radiation, burnt and barbecued food, and normal body processes.

The body’s defence system needs help to disarm these free-radicals from chemicals called Antioxidants and the most commonly known are Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The Vitamin we are going to explain is Vitamin E.

Antioxidants. nutrients and sources of free oxidising radicals

GP is the Antioxidant enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase, SOD is the Antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It protects Vitamin A and essential fatty-acids from oxidation in the cells and prevents the breakdown of body tissue. Vitamin E belongs to a group of compounds called Tocopherols.
d-Alpha Tocopherol (not DL Alpha Tocopherol, which is the synthetic version of Vitamin E) is the most common and potent form of Vitamin E, and requires only a small amount of dietary fat in order to be absorbed by the body.

Vitamin E functions as an Antioxidant.

1. Protects cellular and sub-cellular membranes in the body.
2. Protects fats and Vitamin A from free-radicals.
3. Controls blood pressure
4. Protects white blood cells
5. Aids normal nerve development.
6. May prevent cancer growth.
7. May lower blood-sugar levels in diabetic patients.
8. Inhibits platelet formation, which is associated with atherosclerosis.

Vitamin E also protects LDL cholesterol from damage (Only when LDL cholesterol is damaged does cholesterol appear to lead to heart disease.)(5)

Vitamin E has also been proven to lower blood pressure by thinning the blood. According to Professor Morris Brown who implemented a double-blind control of Vitamin E at Cambridge University Medical School, the study showed a 75 % reduction in the risk of high blood pressure.(1)

These studies are consistent with 2 recent studies, both performed in 1993. The first study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, where 87,200 nurses were given 100 IUs of Vitamin E daily for more than 2 years and a 40% drop in fatal and non-fatal heart attacks was reported compared to those taking no Vitamin E.(3)

In the second: 39,000 male, health industry professionals where given 100 IUs of Vitamin E for 2 years and there was a reported 39% reduction in heart attacks.(2)

A ten year study on 11,000 people which was completed in 1996, found that those individuals who supplemented both Vitamin C and Vitamin E, halved their risk from all cancers and heart disease.(4).

In the last ten years, the functions of Vitamin E in the cells have been further clarified.
In addition to its Antioxidant functions, Vitamin E is now known to act through other mechanisms including direct effects on inflammation, blood cell regulation, connective tissue growth and genetic control of cell division.(6)

Vitamin E 'inhibits the formation of Nitrosamines (carcinogenic and inflammatory substances) and decreases inappropriate blood clot formation.' Joseph Pizzorno,
Total Wellness.

According to Vicki Peterson in 'The Natural Food Catalogue' quoting Dr Wilfred Shute:
"The epidemic in heart disease in this century can be traced back to the new milling process introduced in 1879 which removed the wheat germ and the Vitamin E from the bread. When the steel mills began to separate the germ from the wheat kernel, all the Vitamin E and other essential nutrients were lost from the staple food. The western diet was thus deprived of its major source of Vitamin E"

Low Vitamin E status has been associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and major depression. Women with pre-eclampsia have been found to have lower blood levels of Vitamin E than women without the condition.

Patrick Holford says: 'Vitamin E deficiency has been found to induce sterility in both sexes by causing damage to the reproductive tissues'.

Deficiencies in Vitamin E

• Lack of sex drive
• Exhaustion after a little exercise
• Easy bruising
• Slow wound healing
• Varicose veins
• Loss of muscle tone
• Infertility

(Ref (11) for all of the above)

References:
(1) Stephens N et al “Randomised controlled trial of Vitamin E n patients with coronary disease: Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study (CHAOS)” Lancet, p347, (March 23, 1996)
(2) New England J Med, pp1444-1449 (May 20th 1993)
(3) New England J Med, pp1450-1455(May 20th 1993)
(4) Am J Chin Nutr vol 64 : 190 -196
(5) Balz F. Antioxidant Vitamins and heart disease. Presented at the 60th Annual Biolog Colloquium, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, February 25, 1999.
(6) Azzi A, Breyer I, Feher M, et al. Specific cellular responses to a-tocopherol. J Nutr 2000;130:1649–52.
(7). Knekt P, Heliovaara M, Aho K, et al. Serum selenium, serum alpha-tocopherol, and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Epidemiology 2000;11:402–5.
(8). Maes M, De Vos N, Pioli R, et al. Lower serum Vitamin E concentrations in major depression. Another marker of lowered Antioxidant defenses in that illness. J Affect Disord 2000;58:241–6.
(9). Kharb S. Total free radical trapping Antioxidant potential in pre-eclampsia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2000;69:23–6.
(10) Salomen JT. Med J vol 209:417 -420 (Feb 9 1985)
(11) Patrick Holford. Optimun Nutrition; pg 307 part 8

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluble Vitamin that has a number of biological functions.

Acting as an Antioxidant, one of Vitamin C’s important functions is to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage (only when LDL is damaged does cholesterol appear to lead to heart disease) and Vitamin C may be one of the most important Antioxidant protectors of LDL.(1) Vitamin C may also protect against heart disease by reducing the stiffness of arteries and the tendency of platelets to clump together.

Vitamin C is needed to make Collagen, the “glue” that strengthens many parts of the body, such as muscles and blood vessels. Vitamin C also plays important roles in wound healing and as a natural antihistamine.

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, fights infections and makes Collagen which keeps bones, skin and joints firm and strong. It's Antioxidant properties detoxify pollutants and protect against cancer and heart disease. It also helps to make anti-stress hormones and turns food into energy.

Nobel Laureate, Dr Linus Pauling and cancer expert Dr Ewan Cameron, first demonstrated Vitamin C’s amazing anticancer properties in the 1960’s. Terminally ill cancer patients given 10 grams a day showed that they lived 4 times longer than patients not on Vitamin C.(2)

As well as being an Antioxidant able to disarm free-radicals, Vitamin C can also disarm a number of other Carcinogens (cancer causing agents) such as Nitrosamines. These occur when chemicals called nitrates occur with amines.

Nitrate levels are high in vegetables grown with nitrate based fertilisers as well as in water due to soil residues leaking into water sources. Nitrates are also added to some cured meats such as ham, sausages, bacon and pies, 70% of our intake comes from vegetables grown with artificial fertilisers, 21% from water and 6% from meat.
Vitamin C is the master immune-boosting nutrient. It helps immune cells to mature and improves the performance of antibodies and macrophages, is anti-viral and antibacterial, as well as destroying toxins produced by bacteria.

Signs of deficiency are characterised by anaemia, bleeding gums, breaks in capillary walls, emotional disturbances, heart attacks and stroke caused by clot formation in capillaries, impaired digestion, loose teeth, lowered resistance to infections, nose bleeds, poor lactation, scurvy, shortness of breath, slow healing of wounds or fractures, swollen and painful joints, tendency to bruise and weakened enamel or dentine.

Citrus Bioflavanoids
Citrus Bioflavanoids are a group of potent Antioxidants found in citrus fruit. They can bind to toxic metals and rid them from the body.

They have an antibiotic effect and are also anti-carcinogenic. Bioflavanoids help Vitamin C to work and speed up the healing of wounds, sprains and muscle injuries.

References:
1. (5) Balz F. Antioxidant Vitamins and heart disease. Presented at the 60th Annual Biology Colloquium, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, February 25, 1999
2. Cameron E and Pauling L 'Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of cancer. Prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer' Proc Nat Academy Sci, vol73:3685-3689, (1976) and Cameron E and Pauling L 'Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatmenet of cancer: A re-evaluation of prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer' Proc Nat. Academy Sci vol 75 p4538-4542 (1978).

Co Q10, due to the involvement of ATP (Cellular energy) synthesis, affects the function of all the cells in the body, making it essential for the health of all human tissues and organs. Without Co Q10 we would not have enough energy to fuel the physiological reactions we need to survive. A 75% deficiency of Co Q10 in heart cells can cause the human heart to cease functioning.

Co Q10 was discovered in 1957 by Fred Crane MD, from the University of Wisconsin, who isolated it in beef hearts. The research was carried out by Dr Karl Folkers, who became interested when his next door neighbour, with metastatic lung cancer, started taking Co Q10 and had a complete remission. (source : BC Cancer Agency)

Numerous therapeutic effects of Co Q10 have been reported, especially in areas where oxygen transport is critical e.g. heart disease, ageing and periodontal disease.
In addition to being associated with energy production, CO Q10 is a powerful Antioxidant. It has the ability to decrease the amount of harmful free-radical activity in the body. Since a good supply of oxygen is necessary for tissue repair and immune function, many applications have been reported in these areas.

The deficiency signs of Co Q10 are; lack of energy, heart disease, poor exercise tolerance and poor immune function. One study has shown that people on a balanced diet doubled their weight loss when they supplemented with Co Q10 and Co Q10 has also been proven useful in controlling blood-sugar levels.

Co Q10 has demonstrated excellent results in clinical trials on periodontal disease. The studies have shown a speedup of healing time, reduced pockets and improvements in other factors associated with gum disease.

Co Q10's ability to increase oxygen delivery and energy supply has shown in clinical trials to improve conditions such as; mitral valve prolapse, angina, cardiomyopathy, hypertension and congestive heart failure. As Co Q10 carries oxygen to the glands it increases oxygen levels in the heart muscles (people who suffer heart attacks have a low amount of Co Q10).

The American Journal of Cardiology reported that Co Q10 increased exercise tolerance and demised the frequency of angina attacks in the patients with angina pectoris (chest pains due to coronary artery disease).

There are so many aspects of importance in Co Q10, that many people believe it should be included in the category of essential nutrients. It is definitely a nutrient of choice when looking to support oxygen delivery and energy production.

References:
Grieb, P Antioxidant systems – physiology and pharmacotherapy trends. Mater MEd Pol 1992 24(4): 217 – 222)
Folkers K and Wolaniuk A., Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1985; 11(8):539-45) Clinical Investigation 1993; 71 (8supp):S137-39)
Mayell M, The Natural Health First-Aid Guide 1994, Poket Books, NY, NY (p 298)
Van Gall L et al, Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Co Q10 vol 4 (1984) p 369
Shigeta Y et al, Effect of Co Q10 treatment on blood sugar and ketone bodies of diabetics, Journal of Vitaminology vol 12 (1966) p 293