Spectrum Vibrance By Vibrant Health Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods, including vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is also available as a dietary supplement and is often added to skincare products. Vitamin E has many roles in the body, including protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting immune function.

Apricots are a type of fruit native to China and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are typically small and orange in color, and have a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are also a source of antioxidants, which may help to protect the body from damage by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Apricot is used in dietary supplements as both the whole fruit and seeds (i.e., kernels). Apricot kernels have a separate monograph.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a type of fruit native to China that grows on the goji (Lycium barbarum) shrub. Goji berries have a sweet, slightly sour taste and are often used in dried form as a snack or added to cereals, yogurt, and other dishes. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are purported to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-aging properties. They are also a good source of protein and fiber. Dietary supplements containing goji are sometimes standardized for their polysaccharide content.

Acaí berries are a type of fruit native to the Amazon region of Brazil and grow on the açaí palm tree (Euterpe oleracea). Açaí berries are small, round, and dark purple in color and have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. Açaí berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Açaí berries are often marketed as a superfood due to their high antioxidant content, which may help to reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases. Acai dietary supplements are consumed for their purported health effects and have been marketed to help improve energy levels, boost the immune system, and promote weight loss.

Cranberries are a type of small, tart berry native to North America. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which are substances that help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. Cranberry dietary supplements contain concentrated cranberry extract or powdered cranberry fruit. They are often used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), as cranberries are thought to have certain compounds that may help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.

Cabbage is a leafy, green vegetable that belongs to the Cruciferae family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. There are several different varieties of cabbage, including green, red, and Napa (Chinese) cabbage, which vary in size, shape, and color. Cabbage is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants. It is consumed as a low-calorie health food. It has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory effects and for certain conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders and breast engorgement.

Moringa, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a plant native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It is cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. The leaves of the moringa plant are highly nutritious and are used to combat malnutrition. Moringa is versatile, with edible parts including leaves, seeds, immature seed pods, and seed oil. The plant is also valued for its medicinal properties, traditionally used as an antiseptic and astringent for various skin conditions. Moringa offers a range of benefits, from nutrition to medicinal applications, making it a valuable plant with diverse uses.

Papaya, scientifically known as Carica papaya, is a tropical fruit celebrated for its vibrant orange flesh, sweet flavor, and numerous health benefits. Originating in Central America, papaya is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as enzymes like papain, papaya is recognized for its digestive and immune-boosting properties. Its versatile use ranges from consumption as a fresh fruit to the production of dietary supplements, skincare products, and even meat tenderizers due to its enzymatic content.

Parsley is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its leaves, which are used as a spice in cooking. In traditional medicine, parsley is believed to have a number of health benefits and is often used as a natural diuretic, increasing urine production. This property may make parsley useful in the treatment of certain conditions, such as bloating and water retention. It is also commonly used for gastrointestinal problems.

Acaí berries are a type of fruit native to the Amazon region of Brazil and grow on the açaí palm tree (Euterpe oleracea). Açaí berries are small, round, and dark purple in color and have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. Açaí berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Açaí berries are often marketed as a superfood due to their high antioxidant content, which may help to reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases. Acai dietary supplements are consumed for their purported health effects and have been marketed to help improve energy levels, boost the immune system, and promote weight loss.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice and a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to India and other parts of South Asia and is known for its bright orange-yellow color and its warm, slightly bitter flavor. In traditional medicine, turmeric is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other compounds, such as curcumin. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain, digestive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory infections. Most dietary supplements that utilize turmeric standardize their products based on a specific amount of curcumin (curcuminoids) per dose. Additionally, turmeric supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine) to improve oral absorption.

Pomegranate is a fruit that is native to parts of the Middle East and South Asia and is currently cultivated around the world. It is known for its bright red, edible seeds and its tart, slightly sweet flavor. It is It is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and widely consumed as either the fresh fruit, or in different preparations (e.g., as a beverage). Pomegranate is believed to have a number of health benefits. In traditional medicine, it is most often used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a plant native to China and is known as "Southern Ginseng" or "Five-Leaf Gynostemma," due to its close resemblance to ginseng and the five leaflets on its leaves. It has also been called 'Miracle Plant'. It is a climbing vine that grows in warm, humid regions and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fatigue, stress, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. It is also believed to have anti-aging and immune-boosting properties. Hundreds of different compounds have been found in Jiaogulan, some of which have found to be somewhat similar, or even identical, to those found in other plants, such as Panax ginseng.

Bilberry is a small, perennial shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family and is native to Europe, the northern United States, and Canada. It is known for its small, dark purple berries, which are similar in appearance to blueberries. The name bilberry is derived from the Danish word 'bollebar', meaning "dark berry". Bilberry is high in antioxidants, including flavonoids, and are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and manganese. Bilberry has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is claimed to have a number of potential health benefits, including improving vision, reducing inflammation, and treating diarrhea.

Cranberries are a type of small, tart berry native to North America. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which are substances that help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. Cranberry dietary supplements contain concentrated cranberry extract or powdered cranberry fruit. They are often used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), as cranberries are thought to have certain compounds that may help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a type of fruit native to China that grows on the goji (Lycium barbarum) shrub. Goji berries have a sweet, slightly sour taste and are often used in dried form as a snack or added to cereals, yogurt, and other dishes. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are purported to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-aging properties. They are also a good source of protein and fiber. Dietary supplements containing goji are sometimes standardized for their polysaccharide content.

Grapes are widely grown and cultivated for a variety of uses such as for food and beverage making (e.g., wine). They also have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The fruit and skin of grapes contain various compounds that are believed to have health benefits, including antioxidants such as resveratrol and flavonoids. These compounds may help to protect cells from damage and are purported to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Grapes and grape products may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body and potentially improve symptoms of certain conditions. Grape seed extracts are also commonly used as a dietary supplement and are often standardized according to the content of polyphenols or proanthocyanidins.

Lycopene is a natural red pigment and powerful antioxidant found in various fruits and vegetables, notably in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, and grapefruit. It belongs to the carotenoid family and is responsible for the vibrant red color in these foods. Studies suggest that lycopene may have health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer, due to its antioxidant properties. It is best absorbed by the body when consumed with fats or oils.

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid, a class of pigments found in a variety of plants and microorganisms. It is known for its strong antioxidant properties and for giving certain seafood and other organisms their pink or red color. Astaxanthin is commonly used as a dietary supplement and can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, and soft gels. It is promoted for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving skin health, and reducing inflammation. Astaxanthin is a common component in dietary supplements for the eye, marketed to reduce the effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).