VITALITY

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) – traditional root for vitality

Maca is a root vegetable grown at high altitude in the Peruvian Andes and used locally for centuries as both a food and a traditional medicine. It is naturally rich in micronutrients like calcium, copper, B2, zinc, iron and secondary plant compounds.

• Helps to maintain physical and mental performance and vitality
• Helps to support stamina and general well-being

In VITALITY, maca is included as part of the overall botanical and adaptogen blend that complements the micronutrient base.

Phytonutrients – powerful plant compounds for daily support

VITALITY provides a blend of phytonutrient-rich botanicals. Phytonutrients are found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. They are known for their antioxidant and cell protective properties. These compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin and polyphenols like OPC support overall wellbeing. Incorporating phytonutrients into your diet through supplements and preferably whole foods can significantly enhance overall wellbeing.

The European Food and Safety Agency (EFSA) discusses that such botanicals are typically associated with traditional uses like:

• helping to protect cells from oxidative stress
• supporting physical and mental vitality
• supporting general well-being in the context of a healthy lifestyle

In our communication we treat these as background information on traditional use. To learn more about OPC and phytonutrients, we can recommend the following literature:

• Watzl B, 2012, Influence of phytochemicals on health. In: German Society for Nutrition)
• Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC): An Updated Review of Their Natural Sources, Synthesis, and Potentials [Nie et al, 2023]

B-vitamins & zinc together – energy, hormone balance and anti-fatigue angle

When B-vitamins and zinc are provided together in adequate amounts, their authorised functions complement each other:

• B-vitamins support energy-yielding metabolism, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, nervous system function and psychological function.
• Zinc supports normal protein and macronutrient metabolism, immune function and hormonal balance (including the maintenance of normal testosterone levels).

From a scientific perspective, this combination supports the biochemical background needed for:

• turning dietary carbohydrates, fats and proteins into usable cellular energy,
• maintaining normal hormone-related functions that influence metabolism and performance,
• and supporting mental and physical functioning in everyday life.

In our communication, we stay within these EU-authorised health claims for B-vitamins and zinc and do not attribute any additional, unapproved effects to the combination.

Selenium – immune, thyroid and antioxidant protection

Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a pivotal role in antioxidant defense and immune function. It supports thyroid health and helps reduce oxidative stress, making it essential for maintaining overall health and longevity. Its effects on DNA repair, apoptosis, and the endocrine and immune systems as well as other mechanisms, including its antioxidant properties have been widely studied. As such, selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and normal thyroid function.

Coenzyme Q10 – mitochondrial and antioxidant background

CoQ10 is a molecule found in mitochondria that is involved in producing energy for the body. It also plays an important role in the endogenous antioxidant system. Tissues with a high energy requirement, such as the heart, kidneys, liver and muscles, have particularly high levels of coenzyme Q10 (bfr.bund.de).

To learn more about Q10, we can recommend the following literature:

• Coenzyme Q10 a global review of over 50 studies [examine.com]
• Coenzyme Q10 is involved in electron transport in the mitochondria [Quinzii and Hirano, 2011 ].

Astaxanthin – carotenoid from microalgae

Astaxanthin is a red, oxygenated carotenoid naturally produced by certain microalgae (for example Haematococcus pluvialis) and accumulated in fish and crustaceans such as salmon and shrimp. It is fat-soluble and can be measured and standardised in foods and supplements.

In experimental and clinical research, astaxanthin has been investigated mainly for its role in:

• acting as an antioxidant carotenoid in cell and animal models,
• supporting normal responses to oxidative and physical stress in human studies,
• and possible contributions to skin and eye physiology.

However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has no proposed health claims for astaxanthin. In VITALITY, astaxanthin is used as a scientifically interesting carotenoid within the antioxidant part of the formula. We do not attribute specific, stand-alone health effects to astaxanthin and base our health communication on authorised vitamin and mineral claims.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – traditional root for vitality

Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, widely used as a culinary spice and traditional remedy in many cultures. It contains characteristic pungent compounds (such as gingerols and shogaols) that have been the subject of extensive pharmacological and clinical research.

In traditional use, and in the EU botanicals on-hold framework, ginger is typically associated with functions such as:

• Tonus and vitality – ginger is used as a tonic plant to support physical vitality.
• Mobility of joints – ginger extract has been traditionally used to help maintain joint mobility.

In VITALITY, ginger extract is included as part of the botanical and polyphenol blend.

Piperine – black pepper extract with a bioavailability background

Piperine is a phytonutrient alkaloid found in black pepper (Piper nigrum). It has been studied for its ability to interact with certain digestive enzymes and transporters in the intestinal wall, and in several experimental and human studies piperine has been shown to positively influence the absorption and metabolism of various nutrients and plant compounds. Because of this, piperine is often described in the scientific literature as a natural “bioavailability enhancer”. In VITALITY, a standardised black pepper extract providing piperine is included in a low dose as part of the overall bioavailability concept.

Our nutrient complex is a first-class natural supplement. Below is a summary of some of the 65 health claims for our selected nutrients according to EU Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006:

• Vitamin C and D support of the normal immune system function.***
• Vitamin D supports the normal muscle function.**
• Zinc supports fertility and reproductive capacity.*
• Vitamin D3 and K2 promote the maintenance of normal bones.**
• Selenium protects cells against oxidative stress.***
• Vitamin C and B12 are effective for prevention of fatigue.*
• Vitamin B2 supports the normal energy metabolism.**
• Zinc supports normal cell division***
• Selenium contributes to normal sperm formation.***
• Vitamin B12 and B12 support the normal function of the nervous system.*
• Vitamin B12 supports normal red blood cell formation**
• Maca may help to maintain natural sexual activity and energy.* ****
• Maca may help to maintain physical and mental performance and vitality. ****
• Maca may help to support stamina and general well-being. ****
• Ginger may contribute to overall vitality and energy.* ****

Beyond Vitality supports a variety of your body functions and metabolic processes for energy, focus and cell protection in everyday life. All of the health benefits mentioned are recognized throughout Europe and scientifically proven in accordance with the European " Health Claims" regulation. ****The health claims on phytonutrients refer to the EFSA "Botanicals On-hold" list which is tolerated in several EU countries.

Nutrition and health science is constantly evolving, and new studies on nutrients and plant substances are published regularly.

In our product communication we use the health claims that are either authorised or on-hold for botanicals under EU regulations and neutral scientific background information. You are free to consult online public research databases or consult with a specialized doctor or certified nutritionist for additional insights and latest findings.