What is the Mega Antioxidant (Mega AO)?

The Mega Antioxidant offers advanced levels of all 13 essential vitamins in a high quality, highly bioavailable formulation. It also contains a full range of antioxidants for comprehensive, "full-body protection" from oxidative stress.
 
In addition to comprehensive antioxidant protection, the ingredients in the Mega Antioxidant offer nutritional support for sound cardiovascular function, healthy pregnancies, optimal vision, a sound immune system, and efficient energy metabolism.
 
*This information applies to U.S. products only.

What is the Chelated Mineral?

The Chelated Mineral product provides a balanced amount of important minerals. Minerals and trace elements represent less than one-half of one percent of the total nutrients we consume every day, yet without them, our bodies would be unable to efficiently use the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in our diet.
 
Minerals play a variety of essential roles in the body. Many vitamins and enzymes need a mineral cofactor for proper function, and this is part of what makes the Chelated Mineral and Mega Antioxidant products such an excellent combination.
*This information applies to U.S. products only.

What is Olivol?

Olivol is USANA's patented extract containing potent antioxidant polyphenols derived exclusively from the fruit of olives. USANA patented a process to recover olive phenols from the by-products of olive oil production to formulate a proprietary antioxidant exclusive to USANA.

What are the benefits of Olivol?

Olivol contains polyphenols derived exclusively from the fruit of the olive. The polyphenolic antioxidants found in olives are not present in other common dietary sources. They are structurally distinct from the vitamins, carotenoids, bioflavanoids, proanthocyanidins, and other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols from olives and olive oil are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants may be one of the components of the Mediterranean diet associated with health and longevity.
*This information applies to U.S. products only.

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Do the Essentials contain gluten?

No, the Essentials do not contain gluten.

Why was glutathione removed from the Essentials?

Glutathione is a compound involved in one of the body's most important antioxidant systems. However, glutathione itself is not absorbed intact very efficiently. One of the best ways to increase glutathione levels is to provide the building blocks and precursors needed to manufacture it within the body.
 
N-acteyl L-cysteine (NAC) is an effective precursor to glutathione and more efficiently raises levels in the body than taking glutathione itself. Thus, we have increased the NAC levels significantly and removed the glutathione compound. We also provide substantial amounts of other important nutrients associated with glutathione production, including selenium and vitamin E.

What are the Essentials?

The Essentials are USANA's flagship product: a supplement combining both the Mega Antioxidant and Chelated Mineral products.
 
Formulated to not only prevent deficiency diseases, the Essentials provide the necessary micronutrients to retain optimal health and energy levels that everyone, at every age, needs every day. The Essentials also contain trace minerals, mixed carotenoids, bioflavonoids, and other phytochemicals and antioxidants to provide a full arsenal of compounds to help protect against daily exposure to free radicals.
 
*This information applies to U.S. products only.

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Why are you using a mixture of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate in the Essentials?

Calcium carbonate contains more calcium by weight than calcium citrate; by adding calcium carbonate to the formula we were able to make the tablets smaller while still keeping the same amount of elemental calcium. This mixture has been used in USANA's Active Calcium for several years.

If I am allergic to iodine, can I take the Essentials?

Iodine is a constituent of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and is an essential mineral in human nutrition. Iodine deficiency results in syndromes known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), and in the case of extreme deficiency, goiter. Deficiency of the thyroid hormones has many effects, including thyroid gland enlargement, congenital and developmental defects, poor growth, and mental retardation.
 
Except for rare instances of hypersensitivity to iodine (note that this is not the same as an allergy), humans are remarkably tolerant to high intakes of iodine. However, excessive supplementation (at least 2,000 mcg per day) of iodine may cause or exacerbate acne in some individuals. Kelp as a dietary supplement or fast foods containing high levels of iodized salt may deliver sufficient iodine for this adverse effect.
 
Many people who have had allergic reactions to seafood or x-ray solutions may have been told that it is the iodine component that they are allergic to, which is not very probable. The radiology solutions and foods that contain iodine have many other components (or allergens) that are more likely to cause these types of reactions. If dietary iodine were truly the cause, one could not eat any foods containing iodine. Since so many foods contain small amounts of iodine it would be very difficult to avoid it completely. Of course, if you did avoid iodine completely, you would be faced with the deficiency problems discussed previously.
 
Some of the foods commonly containing dietary iodine and their iodine content per serving are as follows: dried beans -115 mcg, seafood - 66 mcg, spinach - 56 mcg, vegetables - 30 mcg, milk - 14 mcg, eggs - 13 mcg, whole grain wheat - 9 mcg, smaller amounts are founds in other grains, beef, rice, and even fruits.
 
If you have been told to avoid supplemental iodine because of a medication you are taking or because of a thyroid condition, please discuss the use of the Chelated Minerals with your health care provider.
 
A daily dose of the U.S. Chelated Mineral product provides 225 mcg of iodine.

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What are Essentials?

To maintain health, we need a diversity of vitamins, minerals, bioflavonoids, and other nutrients. Although we receive many of these nutrients from our diets, its impractical and virtually impossible to obtain an optimal dose through diet alone.

USANA understands the importance of providing the right ingredients - in the correct amounts, in the right balance, and in the correct forms - for all age groups. For this reason, USANA has created Essentials to provide the most well-rounded supplementation possible - a must for everyone interested in true health.

The Right Ingredients

The "essential" vitamins and minerals, as defined by U.S. government and nutrition authorities, include the 13 organic compounds and 19 inorganic elements the body needs for proper cell function. Our bodies cannot manufacture these essential ingredients; so we must obtain them from our diets.

USANA has expanded the meaning of "essential" to include several nutrients that recent research has shown help to maintain optimal health. The USANA Essentials also contain a combination of antioxidant compounds to counteract free-radical damage in the cells.*

The Correct Amounts

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) lists essential vitamins and minerals in amounts necessary to ensure a continuation of life and to address nutritional deficits that may cause acute deficiency diseases. The USANA Essentials are formulated to do more than defend against deficiency diseases; they are designed to promote optimal health.* The Essentials contain greater amounts of almost all the necessary vitamins and minerals than are prescribed by the RDA.

The Precise Balance

There is still much we don't know about the ways nutrients work together. A healthy body is an extremely complex system, and each functional area requires a diverse mix of nutrients. For many reasons, nutritional supplementation should provide nutrients that are both balanced and in adequate doses. For example, certain vitamins supplied in isolation can result in other nutritional deficiencies, and many micronutrients can be toxic at excessive or imbalanced levels. USANA painstakingly designed the Essentials to allow components to work together both safely and effectively.

The Optimal Form

To be useful, all nutrients must be of high quality and be bioavailable; in other words, in a form the body can absorb and use. USANA makes every effort to obtain the highest quality ingredients; and it tests those ingredients for quality and potency. In addition, USANA imposes rigorous quality control standards at every step of the manufacturing process.

Why the USANA Essentials?

USANA Essentials are advanced daily nutritional supplements that supply optimal nutrition for every age group. To help meet the "essential" nutrient needs of children and teens during the years of development, when good nutrition is most important, USANA offers:

• Usanimals, a great-tasting formulation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, in an easy-to-take chewable tablet. For children 13 months to 12 years old.
• BodyRox, a nutritional supplement containing 31 essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and cofactors for adolescents 12 to 18 years old, who need optimal nutrition to support the demands of growth and active teenage lifestyles.

USANA Essentials for adults is a combination of two products:

• Mega Antioxidant, a balanced, high-potency blend of 30 vitamins, antioxidants, and other important nutrients to support cellular metabolism* and to counteract free-radical damage.
  
• Chelated Mineral, a complete spectrum of essential minerals, in balanced, highly bioavailable forms.
  

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Vitamin E plays a critical role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage,* but from diet alone it is difficult to obtain the amounts needed for optimal health. Now you can support your body in its fight against free-radical damage with USANA's E-Prime, a full-spectrum formulation of the most biologically active form of vitamin E available.* USANA is proud to offer E-Prime, the premier vitamin E product on the market today!

• Provides a broad spectrum vitamin E supplement with tocopherols and tocotrienols from natural sources
• Comes in a 200 IU liquid soft gelatin capsules for enhanced bioavailability
• Complements the USANA® Essentials™ and provides optimal levels of vitamin E

What is E-Prime?

E-Prime is a broad-spectrum vitamin E supplement containing mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols. E-prime complements the Essentials and provides additional levels of vitamin E for those who desire increased amounts of tocopherol and tocotrienol antioxidants.

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USANA - CoQuinone® 30

The energy that every cell needs to function is produced through a complex process in the mitochondria, an organelle within the cell often called the cellular powerhouse. Cells store energy in a molecule called adenosine-5-triphosphate or ATP. CoQ10 is an essential part of the electron transport chain used to make ATP which is synthesized and used by every cell in the body. CoQuinone 30 contains advanced levels of CoQ10. Cells with the highest energy demands, such as in the heart, contain the highest levels of CoQ10. CoQ10 has been studied for years in the U.S., Europe, and Japan for its role in producing cellular energy and re-energizing the heart and other muscles.*

Promotes a strong and healthy cardiovascular system*
Supports energy metabolism in muscles
Patent Priority Protected formula
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What is CoQuinone 30?

CoQuinone 30 contains advanced levels of Coenzyme Q10 (an essential part of the electron transport chain used to make ATP), which is synthesized and used by every cell in the body.
CoQuinone 30:

Includes Coenzyme Q10, which promotes a strong and healthy cardiovascular system and also provides superior antioxidant protection.
Contains both Coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid in a highly bioavailable formula.

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USANA Body Rox

What is Body Rox?

Body Rox supplies a comprehensive and convenient single-tablet formula of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal health in the teenage years. It was specifically designed to provide a mix of nutrients capable of meeting the unique demands of growing adolescent bodies and active teenage lifestyles.

At what ages can a child use the Body Rox?

Body Rox is generally recommended for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years.

Why do the label directions for the Canadian Body Rox and Usanimals say recommended for ages 12 and over?

The levels of vitamins and minerals present in Body Rox and Usanimals are higher than amounts allowable in Canada for products intended for teenagers and children. This places them in the "therapeutic use only" category. The labeling laws for this category restrict targeting children or teens; in fact, Canadian regulations prohibit targeting therapeutic products to any population segment. Thus, we must label this product for general use by adults (which in Canada means all individuals over the age of 12 years).

What are the differences between the Canadian and U.S. versions of Body Rox?

At present, the only difference between the two is the inclusion of vitamin K and boron in the U.S. version. Current governmental regulations do not allow us to include either vitamin K or boron in the Canadian version.

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Technical Background

Fatty acids (FAs) are long chain carbon compounds that the body needs for a wide variety of functions. Free fatty acids are almost never found in the body; instead, they are constantly utilized either as fats (triglycerides) or phospholipids.

Human bodies accumulate triglycerides in fat deposits as a source of stored energy.

Phospholipids are very similar to triglycerides and form a double-layered membrane that surrounds every cell in the body. The health and function of each cell is highly dependent on the structure of this phospholipid bilayer, which becomes rigid when essential fatty acids are depleted.

The essential fatty acids (EFAs) are two fatty acids that humans cannot produce, meaning they must be obtained from dietary sources. These two acids are Linoleic Acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and -linolenic acid (LNA), an omega-3 fatty acid.

In the human body, essential fatty acids are converted into leukotrienes and prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that influence an enormous number of metabolic processes.

LNA is a precursor for the synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), each of which is an omega-3 polyunsaturated FA beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 FAs are known to be anti-inflammatory and capable of lowering high blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels, reducing overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 FAs may also help reduce damage to the blood vessels from abnormal blood clotting (thrombosis) and fatty deposits (atherosclerosis).

An increase in omega-3 FAs may be cardioprotective for diabetics by helping the body control insulin sensitivity.

Omega-3 FAs are also important for those subject to inflammatory stress. Diets high in omega acids produce high levels of compounds that have pro-inflammatory activity.
Addition of LNA to such diets drives the metabolism of compounds having a much lower inflammatory potential.

Omega-3 FAs are also essential to nerve cell function, and consequently essential to brain development and mental function. There is a growing body of literature positively linking omega-3 intake and mental health. Levels of omega-3 FAs in blood cells are low in both bipolar and depressed patients, and studies have found that both groups experience a lessening of symptoms when diets are supplemented with omega-3’s,6 with similar results in schizophrenic patients and children with ADHD

Recent evidence indicates that EFAs may play an important role in the immune system. One study found that unborn babies who received fish oil supplements had fewer inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Due to their importance in development, a diet deficient in EFAs can lead to poor growth. A lack of LA can lead to dry, scaly skin, and a lack of LNA can lead to neurological
abnormalities, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and psychological disorders.

Sources and Recommended Intake

Most of us consume excessive amounts of omega-6 FAs, which are mostly found in corn and vegetable oils. This can increase the risk of heart disease and incite inflammatory response. A healthy diet would include a more even balance of omega-6 and omega-3 FAs

The main sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish and green leafy vegetables (cabbage, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, etc.). Unprocessed vegetable oils, especially flax and linseed oil, are also rich sources of EFAs.

Many commercial oils (including corn, soybean, and canola) contain very low amounts of omega-3 FAs due to refining and hydrogenation processes. Long-term use of these and other hydrogenated oils (margarine and shortenings) is largely responsible for the sharp decrease in omega-3 fatty acids in the average American diet.

The Food and Nutrition Board has set the adequate intake level of linoleic acid for adult men at 14-17 g/day and 11-12 g/day for women. Girls 9-18 should consume 10-11 g/day, boys 12-16 g/day. Pregnant and lactating women should consume 13 g/day. Adequate intake of ALA is set at 1.1 g/day for adult women, 1.6 g/day for adult men, 0.7-0.9 g/day for children, and 1.0-1.6 g/day for teens.12 Consumption of larger amounts of omega-3 FAs, however, are advised for improving cardiovascular and mental health.

Abstracts

Holub DJ, Holub BJ. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils and cardiovascular disease. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 Aug;263(1-2):217-25. Fish and fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relation between the dietary
consumption of fish containing EPA/DHA and mortality from coronary heart disease. These relationships have been substantiated from blood measures of omega-3 fatty acids including DHA as a physiological biomarker for omega-3 fatty acid status. Controlled intervention trials with fish oil supplements enriched in EPA/DHA have shown their
potential to reduce mortality in post-myocardial infarction patients with a substantial reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death. The cardioprotective effects of EPA/DHA are widespread, appear to act independently of blood cholesterol reduction, and are mediated by diverse mechanisms. Their overall effects include anti-arrhythmic, blood
triglyceride-lowering, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, endothelial relaxation, plus others. Current dietary intakes of EPA/DHA in North America and elsewhere are well below those recommended by the American Heart Association for the management of patients with coronary heart disease.

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Fatty acids are long chain carbon compounds that have a non-polar carbon tail and a polar head. Our bodies can produce most fatty acids from the carbohydrates that we eat. However, there are two fatty acids, called essential fatty acids, that we cannot produce and must be obtained from dietary sources. These two acids are Linoleic Acid (LA) an omega-6 fatty acid, and a -linolenic acid (LNA) an omega-3 fatty acid.
 
LNA is the starting material for the biosynthesis of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two important polyunsaturated fatty acids. LNA, EPA and DHA are the main members of the omega-3 family of fatty acids. The essential fatty acids are also converted in our bodies into two important classes of eicosanoids: leukotrienes and prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that influence a huge number of metabolic processes.
 
EPA is the precursor for the series-3 prostaglandins, which support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels (providing they are normal to begin with), healthy kidney function, inflammatory response, and healthy immune function. Several prospective cohort studies have found an inverse association between fish consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease. Other studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of fish oil supplements, to be effective in supporting healthy joints.
 
Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, are the dominant fats in the nerve cells of fetal and infant brains. Some health authorities have even recommended fortifying commercially prepared infant formulas with DHA to support health and nervous system development.
 
DHA is also an important structural component of the retina, and is likely essential for eye development and growth.

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The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers to apply a healthy dose of caution before buying products advertised as having "miracle" ingredients or techniques and guaranteed results. Many of these "quick cures" are unproven, fraudulently marketed, useless, and in some cases even dangerous.
 
Coral Calcium is promoted mostly on late night infomercials or early Sunday morning. The marketing practices of coral calcium exploit and exaggerate the known importance and function of calcium and attempt to tie those benefits to their "miraculous" product and "miraculous" cures. The fact of the matter is that there really isn't any good or thorough scientific research on coral calcium - and certainly not enough to support these "miraculous" claims.
 
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the planet's surface, yet they are homes to over 25% of all marine life (over 4,000 different species of fish, 700 species of coral, and many other plants and animals). Coral reefs are among the world's most fragile and endangered ecosystems, and strict laws are enforced to preserve them. Since it is illegal to mine "live" coral reefs, coral calcium must come from a different source. Marketers of coral calcium say that it is mined from old seabeds buried in the so-called "pristine" desert; or, mined from "fossilized coral sands that accumulated on the sea floor;" or, harvested from "only coral that washes up on the shore." The calcium content of coral calcium ranges from 24% to 38% and is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. This is often called "aragonite" or "calcite" to confuse and mislead the consumer into thinking it is something different than the other forms of calcium available to consumers.
 
The bottom line: coral calcium is simply a source of calcium carbonate.
 
Coral calcium is also touted as having a superior absorption rate. In reality, as long as it is tableted correctly and taken with a meal, calcium has a pretty standard absorption rate no matter what form it comes in. The RDAs for calcium are based on average absorption rates, so the recommended intakes already take into account the absorption rate in average persons.
 
Robert Heaney, M.D., a leading expert on calcium and a professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska has stated, "the advertising claims I've seen for coral calcium are outlandish. In the first place, all forms of calcium are poorly absorbed - and for good reason, to prevent dangerous "calcium intoxication." The idea that any calcium is 100 percent absorbed by the body is ridiculous and if true, would be potentially hazardous."
Here's what you need to know: your body handles coral calcium just as it would any other calcium supplement. More importantly, there is usually more to a calcium supplement than just the source of calcium. Does the product contain adequate amounts of the other necessary nutrients for optimal bone health (i.e. vitamin D, silicon, boron, magnesium, vitamin K, etc.) or is it just a stand-alone calcium product? Does it list elemental weights or the complex weights? What is the delivery system?

USANA's Active Calcium represents USANA's commitment to provide you with the very best supplement for bone health. Each tablet contains 200 mg of elemental calcium, 100 IU of vitamin D, 100 mg of magnesium, 15 mcg of vitamin K (not available in Canada), silicon, and boron (not available in Canada), each of which is an important nutrient in building and maintaining bone health.

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USANA - What is Active Calcium?
 
Active Calcium is designed to provide adequate supplemental amounts of the nutrients essential for good bone health. It contains a balanced formula of calcium, magnesium, boron, silicon, and vitamin D.
 
Additionally, the U.S. version now contains vitamin K.
 
Why was vitamin K added to the Active Calcium?
 
Vitamin K influences the level of osteocalcin in bone-forming cells, and may play a role in preventing loss of bone mass in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
 
Why is calcium carbonate used in Active Calcium?
 
The absorption and utilization of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are bioequivalent when taken with food and adequate vitamin D. The amount of elemental calcium in the Active Calcium has increased from 135 mg to 200 mg per tablet. It is not possible to provide this increased amount of calcium from calcium citrate alone because calcium citrate contains less elemental calcium (by weight).
 
Thus, to reach a more advanced amount of elemental calcium, a mixture of citrate and carbonate was necessary.
 
Can children take the Active Calcium tablets?

Children 1 - 6 years: Not recommended
Children 7 - 10 years: 1 Active Calcium
Children 11 - 12 years: 2 Active Calcium

It is important to provide children with a healthy, well-balanced diet high in calcium-rich foods. Teaching children to make wise food choices instead of simply eating poorly and taking a nutritional supplement is imperative to their future health and wellness.
 
If, for some reason, it is not possible to supply adequate calcium from dietary sources, Active Calcium may provide a beneficial alternative calcium source for children.
 
What are the differences between the Active Calcium tablets and the Active Calcium Chewables?
 
A daily dose of the Active Calcium tablets (4 tablets) contains the following:
Calcium - 800 mg
Vitamin D - 400 IU
Vitamin K - 60 mcg
Magnesium - 400 mg
Boron - 1.32 mg
Silicon - 9.0 mg

An equal does of the Active Calcium Chewables (4 chewables) contains the following:

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USANA NUTRITIONALS

"In a world filled with fad diets that offer little more than short-term solutions for long-term problems, RESET is the first step in beginning a new, healthier lifestyle."

–Dr. Ray Strand, a leading authority on nutritional medicine

In 1994, Collette Larsen, a single mother of five, faced a mountain of medical bills and needed to work at home to care for her children. Her two youngest daughters, Lexi and Sharlie, were critically ill with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). With her attention on her daughters, Collette needed to look at sources of extra income. “That is the day I decided to do USANA as a business,” she recalls.

Zachary Ross was in South America when his mother got involved with USANA. But upon returning to the States, he decided to concentrate on his education and become a Spanish teacher. Zachary’s plans changed, however, after he made a trip to Australia with his mother. USANA had just opened in that country, and Collette and her children spent six months there. “I kind of got a crash-course training from my mom,” he remembers.

Although he is still passionate about teaching, Zachary turned to USANA as a means to give his family the quality lifestyle he desired. He and his wife, Kelli, live in Southern California, where she is able to be at home with their three children.

Coincidentally, the country in which this mother and son created their business relationship has almost become a second home to Collette. She often travels throughout Australia. In fact, last year, she and her adoring husband, Richard Mazey, spent their honeymoon touring Australia and New Zealand, stopping to speak at USANA ANZ Fun in the Sun events.

Business and family are not Collette’s only motivations, however. She swims, takes classes in gourmet cooking and flower arranging, spends time at the beach, and is an avid reader. She is also extremely grateful for the time she can dedicate to volunteer work and charities. A couple years ago Collette had the “life-altering” opportunity of traveling to Uganda where she was able to work with AIDS orphanages.

But fundraising as a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the interest closest to Collette’s heart. After losing her daughter Lexi to CF in 1995, Collette remains hopeful that more advanced treatment options will be discovered and that someday CF will stand for “Cure Found.” In 2005, Collette served as the chairperson for the primary fundraising event held in San Diego—The Breath of Spring Gala—where records were set with the amount of money raised. “It was so wonderful to see how much people really care about finding a cure for CF,” Collette proudly states.

Both Zachary and Collette are thrilled with where their USANA business has taken them, especially where family is concerned. As they continue to create priceless memories with their growing family, they never stop working hard and dreaming big. As Collette has often said, “A dream that’s too big is just the right size.”

 

 

Nutritious Creme Masque

Back by popular demand, Nutritious Creme Masque is a luscious treatment rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to detoxify pores and intensely nourish the complexion. It leaves skin feeling wonderfully soothed, softened, and restored. This popular item is available to purchase individually or as part of the Deluxe Pack.

Beautinutrients were originally designed as a bridge from the Sense product line to the USANA Nutritionals and Dr. Wentz' nutritional philosophy. This product played the supplement role of Sense's Inner & Outer Nutrition" story. However, we are discontinuing this product for two important reasons:

 
0. We want to align Sense more closely to USANA, and promote our flagship product, the Essentials, as the "Inner" component. Many Associates expressed confusion about how to promote Beautinutrients vs. the USANA Nutritionals; and
0. Sales of Beautinutrients were so low that inventory was approaching the expiration date by the time it reached customers. We are unable to produce this product in quantities small enough to match demand.

"Inner and Outer Nutrition" will continue to be the core Sense message, but the "Inner" portion will focus on USANA Nutritionals in accordance with Dr. Wentz' statement below:

"Sense was developed with the knowledge that skin is healthiest and looks its best when all cells in the skin's layers are properly nourished and hydrated. The skin, however, also reflects the state of health of the body. Therefore, true health and beauty require a synergy of internal and external nutrition, as well as protection from oxidative damage.

The marriage of Sense and USANA Nutritionals, especially the Essentials and the polyunsaturated fatty acids in OptOmega or BiOmega-3, along with Fibergy, are my personal recommendations for those who want to achieve the most dramatic results."

 

Why does USANA use sugar alcohol in the Nutrition Bars?



Sugar alcohols - also know as polyols - are neither sugars nor alcohols. They are carbohydrates with a chemical structure that partially resembles sugar and partially resembles alcohol, but they do not contain ethanol (as alcoholic beverages do). They are incompletely absorbed and metabolized by the body, and consequently contribute fewer calories. Their calorie content ranges from 1.5-3 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for sucrose or other sugars. Some of the more commonly used sugar alcohols include sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, and maltitol syrup. They occur naturally in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but are also commercially produced from other carbohydrates. Along with adding a sweet taste, they may perform a variety of functions in foods. Due to their incomplete absorption, sugar alcohols produce a lower glycemic response than sucrose or glucose and therefore may be useful in diabetic diets. Also, sugar alcohols do not contribute to tooth decay.

Why do the Peanut Butter Crunch Bars contain palm kernel oil?



To understand why palm kernel oil is used, we must first go over some background information on fats. Unsaturated fats (such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, trans fats and Omega-3 fatty acids) are liquid at room temperature. To make a solid product that includes any of these fats, it is necessary to add a small amount of saturated fats (which are solid at room temperature). Some saturated fat in the Peanut Crunch Bars - in the form of palm kernel oil - is used to stabilize the unsaturated oils in the product. This is a necessity for maintaining both consistency and quality. The percentage of saturated fat present in the bar is less than what one would find in native soybean oil, and palm kernel oil was used instead of soy/cottonseed oil because it is more stable and does not contain any trans fat. As with anything in nutrition, dosage is the key. Whereas using saturated fats as a primary source of fats in the diet would be unhealthy, small amounts from a variety of sources can be used properly as a healthy blend of overall fat intake.

What are the Nutrition Bars?

The Nutrition Bars were designed as a convenient source of energy and nutrition in the form of a low-glycemic snack. Nutrition Bars contain a healthy ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and are available in both Peanut Butter Crunch and Oatmeal Raisin flavors.



Why does USANA use high fructose corn syrup in the Peanut Butter Crunch bars?

Some customers have expressed concerns about the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) used in the bars. Contrary to some of the alarmist articles, HFCS is almost identical in composition to sucrose (approx. 50% fructose and 50% glucose). Yes, it is cheaper than sucrose and also has a better mouthfeel and texture which makes it a valuable product in appropriate uses. But, as always in nutrition, it is a matter of context. Like sugar, there is nothing inherently unhealthy or evil about HFCS itself. It is a matter of total diet and the context in which it is used. One reason it is often demonized is because it is now the sweetener used in sodas and fruit drinks (if we were still using sugar as we were in the 1970's, we would be having this conversation about the evils of sucrose). One of the reasons we are having diffulty with obesity and our excess calorie consumption may be due to the popularity of super-sized sodas and fruit-drinks. In this context, HFCS is a problem in the same way it would be if we were still using sucrose. But it isn't so much the fault of the ingredient as it is the way we are using it. The bottom line: 8-10 grams of HFCS in the context of an otherwise nutrient dense food product is not the same issue as 220 grams of extra calories in a couple of non-nutritive "Big Gulps." Also, it is not necessarily valid to use research about fructose and HFCS in the same breath. As stated before, HFCS is similar to sucrose in structure and metabolism, and much of this research has been confused and taken out of context. As with anything in nutrition, dosage is the key. Whereas using saturated fats as a primary source of fats in the diet would be unhealthy, small amounts from a variety of sources can be used properly as a healthy blend of overall fat intake. We continue to advocate common sense and variety and moderation in the diet. It is easy to use statistics and numbers to misinterpret the value of foods and ingredients. But, if people simply got more activity, ate less, and ate a balanced and varied diet, many of our current health concerns would be resolved.