Gelatin is a highly scrutinized ingredient. It is deemed safe by the FDA, and is research verified to support and promote joint health (particularly cartilage health and collagen development) because of it's amino acid profile. The fears associated with gelatin are related to animal gelatin, thought to sometimes be contaminated with animal diseases. Optimal is 100% vegan -- so these trepidations are a non-factor. We use plant-based "gelatin" purely for it's texture, helping us create health-conscious gummies!

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There are over 10,000 studies associating the health benefits of boron with improved brain function, bone and joint health, and increased magnesium absorption. Boron also helps the body metabolize other key nutrients, most notably, calcium.

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Chondrolitin Sulfafe (CS) is indicated to support and promote joint health, most notably joint mobility and healing.

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CoQ10 is active in the mitochondria of all living cells. Mitochondria create chemical energy in the cells, called ATP. The heart, liver, and kidney cells are most notably potent with CoQ10. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant, and therefore key to resisting oxidative related health problems and diseases.

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As an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), the word "essential" cannot be overlooked. Like all EFAs, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) cannot be synthesized by the body. Research has substantiated DHA as a vital contributor to joint mobility, as well as skin vitality, brain health, and heart health. DHA deficiencies are the leading cause of infertility in men, linking DHA to sperm health and mobility.

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EFAs

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Movements within joints are supposed to be effortless. However, the wear and tear of life (especially high impact exercise) eventually breaks down the cushion (known as cartilage) between the bones -- creating a grinding and deterioration. Here's the good news: your body is not destined to fail with age. Joint health can thrive if you give the body what it needs to sustain itself. Glucosamine is well known to promote cartilage repair and overall longeveity.

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When you think of nutritional iodine, think thyroid health, although it is also indicated for proper cognitive function. There are some myths about iodine -- most notably, that people who are allergic to shelfish are allergic because of the iodine; but this misconception has been debunked... a classic case of "correlation does not equal causation." The body depends on iodine. It is one of the most important micronutrients out there -- especially during pregnancy.

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The importance of non-essential amino acids, like L-Alanine, are often downplayed because of those two words: non-essential. But this is nutritional jargon. The words "essential" vs. "non-essential" should not be misinterpreted to mean required by the body. All non-essential amino acids are 100% required by the body. In nutritional science, "non-essential" simply means the body has the capacity to manufacture it -- whereas essential amino acids must be consumed. L-Alanine is prudent to have in significant doses, however, as it aids in metabolic efficiency and the health of many bodily tissues -- i.e. brain and muscle tissue.

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The anatomical hierarchy receives very little debate. At the top is the brain, and just below it is our GI Tract; namely, our small intestine (in fact, many naturopathic physcians actually believe the GI Tract to be above the brain). L-Glutamine is one of the most important nutrients for a healthy digestive system and for repairing what is called "leaky gut syndrome" (damaged intestinal walls) because it is the preferred energy source by the cells that mantain intestinal wall integrity.

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With its unique structure, L-Serine is required for lipid metabsolism and cell membrane physiology. L-Serine is sometimes classified as a conditional essential amino acid, meaning that although the body can create L-Serine, it cannot produce the amount necessary to meet the cellular demands. Therefore, L-Serine should be a part of our daily consumption.

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Lysine has an invaluable role in wound healing. As one of the 3 amino acids used in the formation of collagen (connective tissue), studies have clearly demonstrated impaired wound healing in individuals deficient of this essential amino acid. Seeing as the body cannot synthesize lysine, it is important to have a regular presence of it in your nutritional regimen. Moreover, lysine is a transport molecule -- used by the mitochondria to move fatty acids across the cell membrane to be used as energy.

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Let's start by saying Methionine is an essential amino acid -- so the body cannot make it. Possessing a sulfur component, methionine provides a structural ingredient for other sulfur containing molecules; like creatine, glutathione, and a DNA sequencing component called SAM (for short). Ultimately, this makes methionine a contributor to DNA proliferation. Methionine is also implicated for skin health, as well as hair and fingernail growth.

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As an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), the word "essential" cannot be overlooked. Like all EFAs, alpha Oleic Acid cannot be synthesized by the body. Research has substantiated Oleic Acid most notably with the circulatory system -- with the FDA supporting evidence of sufficient Oleic Acid levels reducing risk of cororany heart disease.

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Carrots are most commonly celebrated for their Vitamin K content. Also called phylloquinone, Vitamin K is a necessary ingredient for the making of prothrombin -- a blood clotting protein that is also implicated for bone health. Rich in a precursor for Vitamin A, carrots promote overall growth, as well as development of the nervous system -- specifically, the eyes (and therefore, vision).

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Ginger is purported to offer both theraputic and preventative health benefits, most notably related to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties it possesses. Shown to reduce symptoms of nausea and indigestion, ginger is, minimally speaking, well known for aiding in digestion. Additionally, ginger may be implicated for anti-diabetic properties (related to blood sugar regulation), and even osteoarthrisis as well (related to it's status as an anti-inflammatory agent).

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Spirulina is another one of these superfoods (a pet-peeve, but meritorious in this case). Spirulina is most highly regarded as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Additinally, it has significant benefits on blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, and also satisfies the entire amino acid requirement of the body.

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Phosphorus is the second most prevelant mineral in the body. In simple terms, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) equals energy. Well, the "P" in ATP is for phosphorus -- a literal requirement to our body's energy molecule. The list of health problems stemming from phosphorus deficiency is vast, but includes anatomical fragility, general weakness, and irregular breathing. Implicated in perhaps every organ system of the body, phosphorus is worth prioritizing in your nutritional regimen.

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Strontium practically spells the word strong; which would be particularly relevant seeing as though Strontium bolsters bone formation and longevity, improved calcium absorption, the removal of old bone (termed bone remodeling), resistance to fracture, and is hypothesized to even curb bone pain.

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As an essential building block of several neurotransmitters (hormones of the brain), Tyrosine helps nerve cells communicate -- which greatly influences mood. Tyrosine also helps produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair and skin color. Additionally, Tyrosine helps optimize the functionality of our organs responsible for hormone regulation -- including the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. As an amino acid, Tyrosine serves as a structural component of almost every classification of protein in the body.

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Vitamin B1, formally known as Thiamine, is needed to turn food into usuable energy. We would say that's pretty darn important!

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Vitamin B3, formally referred to as Niacin, is physiologically necessary for over 400 biochemical and enzymatic reactions in the body. Although the list of applicable funciton is therefore too long to list, Vitamin B3 is particularly vital to genome integrity, control of gene expression, and cellular communication (according to the NIH). Niacin also facilitates anabolic reactions (aka, building of larger molecules), such as cholesterol and fatty acids -- both of which are immensely important to the body and serve a multitude of functions.

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Vitamin B7, formally known as Biotin, has some key properties that are quite complex. Biotin is a co-enzyme, meaning it's presence is required for certain enzymes to function properly (molecules that bring about chemical reactions). By virtue, this makes Vitamin B7 paramount for synthesis of fatty acids, proper gene expression, gluconeogenesis (production of glucose), metabolism of leucine (an amino acid), and the metabolism of cholesterol.

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The body values Vitamin C for more than just the immune system. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues -- as well as the absorption of iron (another essential nutrient).

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Also called phylloquinone, Vitamin K is a necessary ingredient for the making of prothrombin -- a blood clotting protein that is also implicated for bone health.

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As an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), the word "essential" cannot be overlooked. Like all EFAs, alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) cannot be synthesized by the body. Research has substantiated ALA most notably with the circulatory system, offering benefits like blood vessel elasticity and heart health.

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The body has many organ systems (circulatory, skeletal, nervous, digestive, etc.), and calcium plays a significant role in the health of most of them. Although calcium is primarily known for bone and joint health, the body also depends on calcium for blood circulation, muscle contractions, and hormone stability. Calcium is so vital, if you don't have enough in your eating regimen, your body will syphon it from your bones.

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Although Chromium is a trace mineral (meaning the body needs very little), it is still considered an essential nutrient. The body cannot synthesize chromium, so it must be consumed. Studies associate chromium with improved insulin sensitivity, while also being widely known to enhance protien, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism.

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Copper is an underappreciated yet essential mineral. The body depends on copper for iron absorption, and by virtue, red blood cell formation. Indicated throughout many organ systems (mostly notably the immune, nervous, and skeletal systems), deficiencies in copper have been linked to low bone density and low white blood cell count. Copper is also required for proper connective tissue development and sustainability.

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As an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), the word "essential" cannot be overlooked. Like all EFAs, Eicosapentacnoic Acid (EPA) cannot be synthesized by the body. Research has substantiated EPA as a vital contributor to joint mobility, as well as skin vitality, brain health, and heart health. Research also correlates EPA with mood stability, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

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Antioxidants, like those found within Grape Seed Extract, are hypothesized to offer an impressive list of benefits to the body, i.e. brain health, improved blood circulation, and even kidney and liver protection. What we know with certainty, however, is that antioxidants counteract the inevitable corrosion of the body in the form of what are called "free radicals," which studies have linked specifically with increased cancer risk.

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Think of it like this: iron carries oxygen. Red blood cells contain what are called hemoglobin -- the "oxygen carrying" protein -- and iron is a central component of it. Also important to the immune system and temperature regulation, iron deficiencies can be very significant.

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There are two forms of Aspartic Acid; D-Aspartic Acid and L-Aspartic Acid. This non-essential amino-acid has been popularized by the fitness industry for it's implications on muscle repair -- but that is D-Aspartic Acid. Optimal Nutrients offers you L-Aspartic Acid; critical for immune system function and cell waste removal.

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Glycine is an immensely important amino acid. Glycine is the main structural component of creatine, the main structural component of collagen (connective tissue), and one of 3 amino acids used in the formation of glutathione -- perhaps the most potent antioxidant in the body. Creatine is potentially the most comprehensively researched molecule in the entire body, known to provide muscles with explosive energy during times of intense physical activity, and to increase muscle tone by aiding in muscle repair and time of recovery. Additionally, glycine is implicated throughout many other organ systems; including the central nervous system, the circulatory system, and the digestive system.

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Ever heard a gym buff refer to their BCAAs (branched chain amino acids)? Well, Leucine is one of those. Leucine is mostly relagated to the musculoskeletal system -- offering energy during intense exercise, aiding in muscle tissue repair, and increasing lean body mass (assuming proper workout protocols). Leucine may also assist in healing of the skin and bones.

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Magnesium is usually packaged as a duo with calcium, due to their complimentary functions in the body. As such, magnesium has a significant role to play in blood pressure regulation, maintaining of bone density, and even regulating levels of calcium and vitamin D. Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body, magnesium is implicated for blood sugar stability as well -- proving to be a requirement for the metabolic process, glycolysis (meaning, breakdown of glucose).

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Molybdenum is a trace mineral, meaning the body needs very little. However, as a result of farming for quantity, not quality, we have nutrient depleted soil and foods normally known for molybdenum aren't as abundant anymore. Molybdenum is part of the body's HAZMAT team -- helping to remove toxic materials from the body. In addition to helping the kidneys process waste, molybdenum assists in the release and distribution of iron in the body -- another essential mineral with a multitude of health implications.

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Paula's favorite! Rigidity is lethal to our blood vessels -- and beets have extraordinary properties of vasodilation; facilitating greater blood circulation and, therefore, positively impacting blood pressure. Beets help combat inflammation, are a potent source of micronutrients (i.e. iron, manganese, B-Vitamins, naturally occurring nitrates, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and more), and are definitely under-appreciated in western society.

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Too much of anything isn't good for you. Minerals are of utmost importance, but some heavy metals (i.e. cadmium, lead, etc.), although essential in small doses, become hazardous to the body in excessive quantities. Chlorella is an exciting food because it has a way of binding to these heavy metals and, by virtue, assists in their removal from the body. Chlorella is a potent source of many different micronutrients, giving it the possibility of boosting immune system function, and has high antioxidant content as well.

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The word superfood is not science; it's marketing. However, Kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet (and yes, it popularized the term superfood). Also loaded with antioxidants, Kale is like spinach -- you may not like it, but it loves you!

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Tumeric is the precursor to a molecule called curcumin, which boosts a brain hormone called Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF, for short). BDNF is shown to increase the growth of new neurons, as well as combat various degenerative processes in the brain -- making Tumeric arguably the most widely utilized medicinal supplement in the world. Tumeric also enhances endothelial function (cells lining blood vessels), which helps regulate blood pressure stability, blood clotting, and overall circulation.

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Potassium is misunderstood. With deficiencies infamously being thought to cause muscle cramps (even though cramps are more commonly caused by deficiencies in calcium), potassium is actually one of the most important minerals in the body. We need potassium to maintain electrochemical balance across all cell membranes, and we rely on potassium for every muscle contraction in the body (via what are called sodium-potassium pumps). By virtue of these remarkable properties, potassium helps regulate fluid balance, hormone release, and nerve signals as well.

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As an essential amino acid, the only way our bodies are going to get the Threonine it needs is if we eat it. Threonine supports and promotes the health of our connective tissues; notably our tooth enamel, and is even found in the heart in signficant amounts -- suggesting Threonine aids in elasticity and vitality of our cardiac tissues. Threonine also assists the liver in fat metabolism.

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Ever heard a gym buff refer to their BCAAs (branched chain amino acids)? Well, Valine is one of those. Valine is mostly relagated to the musculoskeletal system -- offering energy during intense exercise, aiding in muscle tissue repair, and increasing lean body mass (assuming proper workout protocols).

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Vitamin B12 is involved in the cellular metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids -- and is also an intricate part of DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is indispensible for red blood cell formation in bone marrow, and helps facilitate myelin sheath formation -- making B12 requisite for proper neurological function as well.

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Vitamin B5 is more formally known as Pantothenic Acid. B5 is used by the body to help manufacture other essential molecules needed for life; including: Coenzyme A, amino acids, fatty acids, ketone bodies, cholesterol, phospholipids, steroid hormones, neurotransmitters (such as acetylcholine), and antibodies. Keeping it simple, you can think of Vitamin B5 as a really impressive building block!

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Though often referred to as Vitamin B8, inositol is not a vitamin at all -- rather, it is a type of sugar. Nevertheless, inositol offers several key implications. Inositol plays a structural role in your cell lining, aiding in lipid transfer across cell membranes. It also influences the action of insulin, a hormone essential for blood sugar control -- as well as critical neurotransmitters, i.e. serotonin (a strong mood regulating hormone).

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*Often referred to as Vitamin B8, although there is no such thing as B8.

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Vitamin D is widely known for increasing the body's capacity to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Well known to be bolstered by sunlight (specifically, when UV rays stimulate skin cells), Vitamin D is an essential component in new bone creation and old bone elimination (termed remodeling). The NIH also links Vitamin D to digestive health, immune system health, and reduction of inflammation.

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Zinc is most commonly referenced in regards to it's known immune system benefits, but with well over 100,000 scientific studies conducted, zinc is also proven necessary for DNA synthesis, wound healing, and overall growth (especially in children). Zinc deficiency is strongly linked to delayed reproductive maturation and stunted growth.

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This amino acid bolsters Nitric Oxide levels in the body. Nitric Oxide is a known vasodilator that helps relax blood vessels and improves circulation.

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Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound relied on by the body for cell structure and DNA synthesis, but is most widely studied for it's neurological benefits related to memory and mood regulation.

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L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body does have a capacity to manufacture citrulline on it's own. However, injesting citrulline is quite prudent, as citrulline increases the production of Nitric Oxide -- a vasodilator responsible for blood pressure regulation.

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Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid, and by virtue a building block of proteins. Studies proclaim DMG as particularly beneficial during times of stress, aiding in hormone regulation and system homeostasis. DMG supports and promotes immune system health, as well as cardiovascular and brain function.

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As an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), the word "essential" cannot be overlooked. Like all EFAs, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) cannot be synthesized by the body. Research has substantiated GLA as a vital contributor to joint mobility, as well as brain and heart health. GLA is also indicated with hair vitality and reproductive health, particularly in females -- and is most notably associated with skin health (elasticity, moisturizing, and structure).

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pH is a measuring system used to depict acidity levels. It is a 14 point scale, from 1-14, where a score of 1 is as acidic as can be, and a score of 14 represents the opposite -- basicity. Well, the human body requires very specific pH levels. The stomach, for example, requires a pH level of ~ 2 (meaning highly acidic), whereas the blood requires a pH level of 7 (essentially, neutral). Many cells in the body require various other pH levels, and ultimately, Histidine (an essential amino acid, meaning the body can't produce it) acts as a pH buffer -- helping regulate the proper acidity/ basicity levels throughout the body. Histidine is critical for anatomical growth, formation of blood cells, and quite notably -- tissue repair. It also helps maintain the special protective covering of nerve cells and nerve cell connections -- called the myelin sheath -- which assists in movement and stability.

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L-Isoleucine has been made famous by the body building industry, as L-Isoleucine plays an integral part in muscle tissue repair and endurance. As an essential amino acid, the body cannot synthesize L-Isoleucine -- it must be injested.

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Think of L-Cysteine as part of the body's fire-department. Everyone has heard of the body's police force (the immune system), but often overlooked is the body's fire-department -- responsible for putting out inflammation and overall detoxification. The National Institute of Health recognizes L-Cysteine as an integral part of this fire-department, crediting this non-essential amino acid as a required ingredient of perhaps our most potent antioxidant, glutathione. The main structural component of L-Cysteine is literally encoded within the human genome over 200,000 times -- so although the body can manufacture non-essential amino acids, an abundance of L-Cysteine is important for Optimal structure and function.

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L-Proline has been specifically linked with liver cell proliferation, making L-Proline of particular importance to one of your most sophisticated vital organs. As an amino acid, L-Proline is implicated for proper joint function, tendons health, and skin vitality.

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As an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), the word "essential" cannot be overlooked. Like all EFAs, Linoleic Acid cannot be synthesized by the body. This Omega-6 fatty acid serves two primary roles: as structural components of cell membranes (which also influence membrane function), and promoting vascular health (i.e. reducing inflammation). Linoleic Acid is also critical for the production of certain hormones and skin vitality.

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Manganese is a known vasodilator, meaning it facilitates improved blood circulation. Moreover, as an essential cofactor for many enzymes, manganese is an integral part of many sophisticated biochemical reactions in the body -- notably, the production of thyroxine hormone (critical for thyroid health). Manganese is a potent antioxidant, is thought to contribute to blood sugar regulation, and appears to be linked with proper brain function in some meaninful way (as a significant amount of the body's manganese is found in the brain).

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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) can be thought of as an anti-inflammatory. With inflammation being a common cause of joint pain, MSM has been shown to reduce skeletal pain against a true placebo. Additionally, containing a sulfur element, MSM is thought to faciliate vitality of the skin, hair, and nails by bolstering levels of the protein keratin.

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Along with their anti-inflammatory properties, blueberries are famous for being powerful antioxidants. Bonus intel: if you can't always afford to buy organically, we get it -- but berries have a tendency to absorb harmful chemicals used throughout the fertilization process. So, blueberries (along with strawberries) are one of those foods you want to prioritize buying organically.

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Flaxseed encourages peristalsis -- aka, intestinal movement -- which is implicated for both prevention and treatment of constipation. Furthermore, the FDA certifies flaxseed as possessing health benefits that include reduced risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms.

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Research is conclusive in that mushroom powder bolsters immune system functionality; namely increased efficiency of white blood cells. It is also purported to reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue -- but despite these associations, greater research is required to nail down the precise mechanisms for why these may be.

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L-Phenylalanine is another essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot synthesize it. Therefore, it must be injested -- and our wellbeing depends on it. As a critical component of dopamine (correlated with our feelings of achievement and situational happiness), Phenylalanine also enables the production of two other mood-boosting neurotransmitters -- epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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Among many other beneficial attributes, research suggests that Selenium reduces DNA damage from oxidative stress, effectively mitigating caner proliferation. As a potent antioxidant, selenium neutralizes excess free radicals -- and is also implicated to descrease risk of heart disease through it's anti-inflammatory properties.

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Naturally occurring tryptophan helps produce serotonin -- a key neurotransmitter (messenger of the nervous system) with a vast set of functions relating to the brain physiology. Serotonin is our confidence hormone; providing relief from anxiety and depression, and bolstering overall feelings of emotional wellbeing. Serotonin is the precursor to our sleep hormone, melatonin -- which means a deficiency in serotonin will correlate strongly with a deficiency in melatonin (aka, bad sleep).

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Vitamin A is immensely important during all stages of life, and is of particular importance during early stages of development (fetal, infant, and youth). This is because Vitamin A goes beyond simply promoting growth -- it actually plays a critical role in the normal formation of our organs (i.e. the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.). Vitamin A is also implicated for the proper development of the nervous system -- specifically, the eyes.

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Vitamin B2, formally referred to as Riboflavin, is predominately known for helping convert carbohydrates into ATP (energy production). Riboflavin function is vast with functions not commonly referenced, including: maintaining of mucous membranes in the digestive system, absorption of many other micronutrients, liver health, and hormone production.

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Facilitating over 100 biochemical reactions in the body, Vitamin B6 (also known as Pyridoxine) is best known for protein metabolism. As another builder in the body, B6 stimulates the production of neurotransmitters (brain hormones), glucose (brain food), and hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying molecule). Also implicated in immune system physiology, Vitamin B6 has anti-inflammatory properties as well.

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Folate, commonly referred to as Vitamin B9, is critically important for everyday life. Your body is comprised of trillions of cells, and occasionally, these cells must rejuvinate themselves through a process called Cell Division. In essence, old cells die, and newer replicas take their place. This happens in the tens of millions every single minute of your life, and Folate plays a significant role in this process -- especially during pregnancy and infancy (times of rapid growth). Additionally, Folate is implicated for proper brain health and DNA synthesis -- specifically, a process called DNA methylation.

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Ever seen rust on your bike or car? This corrosion occurs naturally over time through a process called oxidation, and unfortunately, a similar process of oxidation occurs in the body. When our cells are exposed to molecules called free radicals, the cells break down, cannot always replicate properly (linking oxidation with cancer), and the aging process becomes accelerated. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant -- combating these negative health consequences.

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