NATUROPATHIC
NUTRITION
Non-vitamin / mineral
supplements
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SPIRULINA & CHLORELLA
DESCRIPTION: Micro-algae.
ACTIONS: Detoxifying, alkalising, stabilises BSL,
& highly nutritious (ie: chlorophyll, lots protein, b-
carotene, all B vitamins (not B12), C, E, most
minerals, most trace elements, linoleic acid)
USES: Vegan diets, detox diets, GIT disorders,
general health maintenance, anaemia, malnutrition,
appetite reduction, hypoglycaemia.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 5g day
2
COENZYME Q10
DESCRIPTION: Naturally occurring antioxidant also
known as ubiquinone.
Made from tyrosine, requiring coenzymes including B2, B6,
B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid and vit C.
Absorption: Fat soluble so better absorbed with fats.
Absorption tends to be poor.
Food Sources: Meat and fish. Small quantities in broccoli,
cauliflower, nuts, spinach and soy.
Deficiency: From cholesterol lowering medications;
increased requirements in illness and excess exercise;
impaired or reduced synthesis.
Therapeutic Dosage: 50-200mg/day
3
COENZYME Q10
Actions:
Antioxidant -
Supports ATP synthesis in mitochondrial inner membrane
Reconstitutes vitamin E
Stabilises cell membranes
Cardioprotective –
Improves ATP generation after ischaemia and reperfusion
Increases myocardial function and coronary flow
Antihypertensive
Immunostimulant
Endothelial function in arteries
Neuroprotective
Protective against oxidative stress and neuronal damage from ischaemia,
atherosclerosis and toxic injury.
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COENZYME Q10
Deficiencies: Associated with -
Congestive heart failure
Cardiomyopathy
Hypertension
Ischaemic heart disease
Hyperthyroidism
Breast cancer
Pancreatic insufficiency
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COENZYME Q10
Therapeutic Use:
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension and cholesterol lowering
To prepare for cardiac surgery
Angina
Statin drug use
Statin use appears to cause CoQ10 deficiency
Supplementation may reduce risk of impaired cardiac function
Headaches are associated with statin use
CoQ10 supplementation improves headaches associated with
deficiency
May reduce fatigue associated with statin use
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COENZYME Q10
Therapeutic Use:
Arrhythmias
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cystic fibrosis (reduces oxidative stress)
Chronic periodontal disease
Parkinson’s disease (mitochondrial dysfunction and
oxidative damage)
Alzheimer’s disease (mitochondrial dysfunction and
oxidative damage)
Migraine
Possibly cancer based on case reports
Age related macular degeneration (with omega-3 fatty acids
and acetyl-L-carnitine)
Tinnitus 7
COENZYME Q10
Adverse Reactions: Relatively safe and non-toxic.
Over 200mg per day may cause some GIT
problems or dizziness.
Concurrent use with statin medication: no
known risks and some evidence of benefit –
possible beneficial interaction.
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ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
DESCRIPTION: Acetylated derivative of carnitine.
ACTIONS: Used primarily in brain & NS to produce energy from fatty acids &
facilitate smooth flow of information between different parts of the brain.
Reputedly stimulates neuronal growth.
USES:
Diabetic neuropathy (rejuvenates nerve fibres and reduces pain (1000mg)
Probably ADHD but further studies needed.
Alzheimer's and mental impairment but further studies needed (2000mg)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (500mg 3x daily)
Depression, Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, poor memory, poor concentration,
ADD, mood disorders, irritability, insomnia, poor sleep quality, reduced co-
ordination, poor stress response.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 200-2000mg/day depending on use.
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GLUTATHIONE
DESCRIPTION: Protein produced in liver from cysteine, glutamic
acid + glycine.
ACTIONS: Powerful antioxidant that inhibits formation of free
radicals & protects all body cells against oxidative damage.
Combines with Se to form glutathione peroxidase. Combines with
methionine to form glutathione-S-transferase (liver detox enzyme).
USES: Smokers, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, alcoholics,
detoxification of heavy metals & drugs, blood cleanser, liver
cleanser.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 100-500mg/day – but better obtained
from amino acids / food in food as supplements have limited
bioavailability.
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YEAST
DESCRIPTION: Single-celled organisms that ferment
sugars. Taken as the inactive (dead) form.
ACTIONS: Highly nutritive (protein, most minerals, B
vitamins).
USES: General health, malnutrition.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 2-5g/day
COMMENT:
Nutritional or brewer’s yeast is yeast grown on hops (tastes
slightly bitter) & is good.
Torula yeast is grown on molasses & is good.
Avoid activated or baker’s yeast as these are not as
nutritionally beneficial.
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COLOSTRUM
DESCRIPTION: component of mother’s milk in all
mammals (bovine sourced as a supplement).
ACTIONS: High in all antibodies, cytokines,
lactoferrin & lactohedrin to supplement infant’s
immune defenses. Contains growth factors.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 5-10g/day
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COLOSTRUM
Actions:
Imparts passive immunity and stimulates growth of GIT
Immunomodulatory
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Improves gut permeability
Reduces NSAID induced intestinal damage
Antioxidant
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COLOSTRUM
Therapeutic Use:
Prevention and treatment of infection
Infectious diarrhoea
HIV induced diarrhoea
Reducing URTI
Influenza prophylactic
NSAID use
Diabetes management
• Reduces BGL and ketones
Usually contain lactose
Ensure quality of supplement
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CHONDROITIN
DESCRIPTION: Naturally occurring mucopoly-
saccharide.
ACTIONS: Found in all connective tissues to
provide structure & form.
USES: Treatment of osteoarthritis. Rebuilds joints
while reducing inflammation.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 5-10g/day. Use
Chondroitin sulphate in association with
Glucosamine sulphate.
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GLUCOSAMINE SULPHATE
DESCRIPTION: Naturally occurring molecule
synthesised by body from glucose.
ACTIONS:
Chondroprotective – protects and stimulates synthesis of joint
tissue.
Antiinflammatory
Gastrointestinal protection
May have some anti-HIV activity
Clinical Use: Osteoarthritis, IBD, degenerative joint disease.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 1500mg/day (500mg
three times daily).
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GRAPESEED EXTRACT
DESCRIPTION: Extract from seeds of grapes containing
olgiometric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s).
ACTIONS: Antioxidant, platelet aggregation inhibition,
stabilises capillary walls, wound healing, anticarcinogenic,
antimutagenic, antiinflammatory, cardioprotective, cognition
enhancing / neuroprotective.
USES: Fluid retention, peripheral venous insufficiency and
capillary resistance, diabetes, dyd strain, hyperlipidaemia /
atherosclerosis, wound healing, chloasma, pancreatitis,
reperfusion injury, reducing sunburn, protection against
chemical toxicity.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 150-300mg of OPC’s/day
(standardised) or 20-40ml fluid extract 1:1.
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GREEN TEA
DESCRIPTION: Tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves are pan-fried
then rolled or dried (but not fermented).
ACTIONS: Powerful antioxidant that inhibits formation of
free radicals & protects all body cells against oxidative
damage. Neuroprotective, cardioprotective, chemoprotective
& detoxifying with antimicrobial properties.
USES: Prevention of CVD, oxidative damage, raises
metabolic rate, increases thermogenesis, speeds fat oxidation,
improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Cognitive
impairment.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 1-5g/day
18
SAMe
DESCRIPTION: S-adenosylmethionine is an endogenous
biochemical intermediary molecule.
ACTIONS: Antidepressant, Antiinflammatory,
Hepatoprotective. Critical in the maintenance of cartilage and
in the manufacture of important neurotransmitters (Dopamine,
5-HTP & Melatonin). SAMe plays a role in the immune
system, maintains cell membranes. Low amounts of folate in
the body may lead to reduced levels of SAMe.
USES: depression, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, liver
disorders, schizophrenia.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 200-1600mg/day
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M.S.M.
DESCRIPTION: Methylsulphonylmethane is the major sulphurous
biochemical intermediary molecule in body.
ACTIONS:
Important precursor for bile formation
Liver detoxification of chemicals
Used to make glucosamine sulphate.
Chelation & elimination of heavy metals.
Insulin production, IgG production
USES: liver congestion, detoxification, osteoarthritis, BSL disorders, hypo
immunity, infections.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 1000-3000mg/day
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LECITHEN
DESCRIPTION: Is a phospholipid supplement high
in choline, inositol, linoleic acid.
ACTIONS: emulsifies fats, keeps cholesterol
soluble, components of cell membranes, liver
detoxification, ACh synthesis, .
USES: CVD, Gall bladder disease, NS function,
muscular responsiveness, liver disorders.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 2-5g/day
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PHOSPHITIDYLSERINE
DESCRIPTION: phospholipid found in CNS, made
from other lipids, PO4, SAMe, B9, + B12.
ACTIONS:
Maintenance of CNS neuronal strength,
elasticity & permeability.
Increases activity of cholinergic neurons
Stimulates DA production
Protects myelin sheaths throughout NS
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PHOSPHITIDYLSERINE
USES: Memory, concentration, ADD, ADHD, anxiety,
depression, stress, reduced mental capacity.
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 100-300mg/day
COMMENTS:
Ensure is sourced from non-GM soy lecithen
Contraindicated for anyone on anticoagulant
medication
23
BROMELAIN
DESCRIPTION: Enzyme from pineapples
ACTIONS: Acts as an anti-inflammatory by
modulating bradykinin release & inhibiting release of
“alarm” cytokines PGE2.
USES: For acute treatment of any inflammatory
disorders of the musculoskeletal system (eg: sprains,
strains, arthritis, rheumatism, RA, athletic injuries)
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 150-400mg/day
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HYDROCHLORIC ACID
DESCRIPTION: Digestive acid from stomach
(usually as Betaine Hydrochloride with pepsin).
ACTIONS: Digestion (catabolism) of macronutrients.
USES: To supplement insufficient endogenous
production of HCl in cases of achlorhydria, antacid
abuse, dysbiosis, allergies, food intolerances, stress.
(NOTE: This supplements deficient HCl – it will not
stimulate stomach to make its own.)
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 1500-2000mg/day
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PANCRAETIC ENZYMES
DESCRIPTION: Enzymes from pancreas (porcine). Includes
trypsin, chymotripsin, carboxypeptidase, amalyase, lipase &
phospholipase.
ACTIONS: Digestion (catabolism) of macronutrients.
USES: To supplement insufficient endogenous production of
these enzymes in cases of dysbiosis, allergies, food intolerances,
stress, pancreatitis, etc. (NOTE: This merely supplements
deficient enzymes)
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 600-1000mg/day
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CREATINE
DESCRIPTION: Creatine monohydrate is a synthetic form of the
naturally occurring creatine molecule.
ACTIONS: Used in all muscles to make creatine phosphate (CP), a
storage form of PO4 that muscles can draw from for prolonged energy
& endurance.
USES: Muscle energy, stamina, endurance & cardiac insufficiency.
Taken before and/or after exercise to boost/replenish muscle CP
levels. Users must cycle its use & must be aware of potential side
effects (eg: stomach ulcers, generalised oedema)
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE: 1-3g/day
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