PRODUCT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Intra     Cookies & Cakes     Nutria and Vitamins&Minerals
Harper Products    

Product Knowledge

Our product line is quite simple, therefore, we will make no attempt to complicate the process. In order to better understand the product line we have listed below some of the most common questions about LifeStyles products.

NUTRIA PHYTONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT

QUESTION:
WHAT IS NUTRIA?
Nutria is a highly concentrated phytonutrient supplement. Each serving of Nutria provides the equivalent lycopene value of one complete serving of tomato and the equivalent sulphoraphane value of one complete serving of broccoli. In addition each serving of Nutria also contains the antioxidant vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients from 20 sources of fresh fruits and vegetables. Each Nutria capsule is made from fresh, carefully sourced fruits and vegetables which are then concentrated and extracted under strict quality control measures.

QUESTION:
WHAT ARE "PHYTONUTRIENTS"?
Phytonutrients are newly discovered class of nutrients found in plants. (Phyto is derived from the Greek word for plant.) These nutrients protect the plant from damage due to sunlight and other environmental stresses. Recent research suggests that phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables may play an important role in protecting the cells of the human body from damage as well. Certain phytonutrients may also have strong antioxidant properties which can help the body fight the harmful effects of free-radical cell damager. Free radicals are molecules with an extra electrical charge that seek out and damage healthy cells in the body. Free radicals are found in food additives, air pollution, cigarette smoke, chlorinated drinking water and are also a part of normal metabolism. It is clear that every one of us is exposed to free radicals every day and that we should do all we can to minimize their potential damaging effects.

QUESTION:
WHY ARE LYCOPENE AND SULPHORAPHANE IMPORTANT PHYTONUTRIENTS?
These two phytonutrients are being carefully studied for their apparent ability to protect the body from major disease. Lycopene and sulphoraphane seem to have extra disease fighting and health prevention abilities.

QUESTION:
CAN YOU GET TOO MANY PHYTONUTRIENTS?
No. In fact the more phytonutrients your diet contains the healthier your diet is. Many studies have confirmed that people with diets high in plant nutrients tend to have fewer incidences of major illness and disease.

QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE NUTRIA?
Nutria capsules should always be taken with a meal as lycopene and sulphoraphane are better absorbed by the body when a small amount of fat is present.

QUESTION:
IS THERE ANY SUGAR IN NUTRIA?
No, Nutria capsules do not contain sugar.

QUESTION:
DOES NUTRIA CONTAIN VITAMINS AND MINERALS?
Yes, Nutria contains vitamins and minerals found naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables. However, a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement such as the Lifecycles line is still recommended as there are many vitamin and minerals your body needs that are not found in Nutria.

QUESTION:
DO I STILL NEED TO EAT FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?
Absolutely! Nutria is not intended to replace fresh fruits and vegetables but to help supplement the important nutrients provided in them. It is well recognized that the majority of people do not consume the suggested servings of these foods on a daily basis. Fresh fruits and vegetables also provide dietary fibre and water, two important elements to good health.

QUESTION:
WILL NUTRIA "WORK TOGETHER WITH INTRA AND LIFECYCLES" VITAMINS AND MINERALS?
The human body is a very complex machine that requires many nutrients in order to perform at its best. The nutrients contained in intra, Nutria "and the different Lifecycles" nutritional supplements have different roles in the body but work in harmony with one another to help provide better health.

QUESTION:
CAN I STILL TAKE THE PRODUCT IF I DON'T LIKE TAKING CAPSULES?
Yes. Nutria capsules can be pulled apart and the contents can be sprinkled over your meal or into a beverage, such as a Lifestyles Dream Shake or fruit juice.

QUESTION:
CAN I TAKE MORE THAN TWO CAPSULES DAILY?
Because Nutria capsules are derived from natural sources it is quite safe to consume more than two capsules a day if you wish. However, as with any dietary supplement, you should exercise common sense.

QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GREEN TEA EXTRACT IN THE FORMULA?
Green Tea contains a potent family of antioxidants called polyphenols. Research indicates that polyphenols may have an ability to protect the cells of the body from harmful substances such as free radicals. Because of this potential protective factor, Green Tea extract was included in the formula.

QUESTION:
WHY DID YOU PUT BOTH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE EXTRACTS IN THE NUTRIA CAPSULES? I HEARD THAT YOU SHOULD NOT EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AT THE SAME TIME.
Fruit and vegetable extracts were blended together in one capsule to provide the goodness from a wide variety of different fruit and vegetable sources. Each fruit and vegetable provides our bodies with specific nutrients. Other reasons include convenience (you only need to take two capsules per day, not four) and a more economical retail cost for the product.

There is no valid biochemical reason why you cannot consume fruits and vegetables together. The body has the enzymes that are fully capable of breaking these foods down to their basic end products which is basically sugar, fibre, water, and vitamins and minerals. QUESTION:
WHAT ARE THE CAPSULES THEMSELVES MADE FROM?
The capsules used for Nutria and intra capsules are made from gelatin (a type of protein) and water.

QUESTION:
I READ IN A HEALTH MAGAZINE ABOUT A SPECIAL TYPE OF SELENIUM CALLED SELENOEXCELL. CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT IT?
SelenoExcell is an organically bound selenium that has been chosen by the National cancer Institute in the United States for several studies regarding the ability of Selenium to prevent certain types of cancer. SelenoExcell also has the highest level of bioavailability of any selenium on the market. Bioavailability is a measure of the amount of a food or supplement the body actually absorbs. This is a key element in any supplement as the body only benfits from nutrients it can absorb and utilize.

QUESTION:
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING THE STUDIES CURRENTLY UNDERWAY WITH SELENOEXCELL?
You may view the website about SelenoExcell.

QUESTION:
HOW MUCH SELENIUM IS IT SAFE TO TAKE DAILY?
The upper safe limit of selenium has been estimated at well over 800 mcg per day. It would be impossible to get anywhere near this level from food alone. The suggested daily intake for selenium is 200 to 400 mcg per day. The scientific trials currently underway use SelenoExcell at a minimum level of 200 mcg per day. This exact level can be found in Lifestyles unique antioxidant supplement called Nutria.



LIFECYCLES VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS

QUESTION:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFECYCLES VITMAINS AND MORE COMMON RETAIL STORE BRANDS?
LifeCycles vitamins and mineral supplements are made from all-natural sources. This is a very important fact because vitamins and minerals from natural sources are better absorbed and utilized by the body. For example, vitamin E in the natural form is 20% to 30% more effective than the artificial form of vitamin E. The LifeCycles supplements are very well balanced formulations that contain many additional co-nutrients that appear naturally in foods and help to increase the effectiveness of the product. (See below). LifeCycles are also different because of what they do not contain, namely artificial colours, flavours, starches, wheat, yeast or dairy.

QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MATURE FORMULAS AND THE REGULAR FORMULAS?
As people age their nutritional requirements change. The need for certain vitamins and minerals increases while the requirements for others actually decreases. The Mature Men's and Mature Women's Formulas have been formulated for age 50-plus. The Mature Men's Formula has higher amounts of vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium, digestive enzymes as well as the addition of vitamin A. The Mature Women's formula has higher amounts of calcium, magnesium, additional vitamin A, selenium and digestive enzymes. The Mature Women's Formula is also much lower in iron - this is very important as women do not require high amounts of iron after menopause.

QUESTION:
IF I AM TAKING INTRA, LIFECYCLES VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS AND THE NUTRIA CAPSULES, AM I GETTING TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING?
Absolutely not. Each one of the nutritional supplements provides different nutrients. Intra is a source of botanical extracts, LifeCycles vitamin and mineral supplements provide a balanced source of vitamins and minerals, and Fruit and Vegetable Capsules provide important nutrients found naturally in fresh fruit and vegetables. LifeStyles products include these nutritionally balanced food supplements that are formulated to be taken safely every day.

QUESTION:
WHAT ARE EACH OF THE NON-MEDICIANL INGREDIENTS IN THE LIFECYCLES VITMAIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS?
Lipotropic Factors: Lipotropic factors are substances that help prevent excess buildup of fat in the liver. Lipotropic factors also help increase the liver's production of Lecithin, a substance which aids in cholesterol regulation.
Lemon Bioflavonoids: Sometimes referred to as Vitamin P, bioflavonoids are necessary for the proper absorption and function of Vitamin C. They occur naturally in many citrus fruits.
Para Amino Benzoic Acid: Commonly referred to as PABA and is a member of the B-Complex family of vitamins.
Rutin: Another type of bioflavonoid.
Quercetin: A phytonutrient commonly found in yellow and green vegetables.
Apple Pectin: A type of fibre found naturally in apples.
Glutamic Acid: An important amino acid. Amino acids are the small molecules that make up protein. Amino acids serve many important nutritional functions in the body.
Betaine (Hydrochloride), Bromelain, and Pepsin: These are the digestive enzymes whose main function is to help digest proteins in the stomach by breaking them down into smaller amino acid chains. The stomach is the primary are of protein digestion while digestion of carbohydrates and fats take place primarily in the upper small intestine.

QUESTION: DO I REALLY NEED TO TAKE A VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENT?
Studies have shown that many people routinely do not meet the recommended daily allowance for certain vitamins and minerals. Women are especially susceptible to deficiencies in folic acid (a G Vitamin), calcium and iron. These deficiencies occur because many people rely on processed food or do not have the time to prepare nutritious food every day. Processed foods have most of the nutrition "processed" right out of them, including almost all of the vital trace minerals and high percentages of certain vitamins. In order to ensure your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs, take a Lifecycles Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplement daily.

QUESTION: WHAT MAKES THE LIFECYCLES MULTI-VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS UNIQUE?
These supplements contain the complete range of vitamins and minerals required by the body. We have also included important co-factors such as bioflavonoids and lipotropic factors to maximize the absorption and effectiveness of vitamins and minerals. In addition, we have included a complete range of digestive enzymes to aid the digestion of food (remember to take this supplement with a meal) and several other beneficial nutrients.

QUESTION: ARE THE LIFESTYLES VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS NATURAL?
All Lifecycles supplements are from natural sources and contain no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours, starches, yeast or dairy products.

QUESTION: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE MY VITAMINS?
Vitamin and mineral supplements should always be taken with a meal. This is because vitamins and minerals must have the protein, carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients found in food to be properly absorbed by the body's cells. Vitamins and minerals alone do not provide energy but when taken with food they help release the energy stored in that food.

QUESTION: IS IT SAFE FOR CHILDREN TO TAKE VITAMINS AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS?
It is very safe for children to take a vitamin and mineral supplement on a daily basis. During this phase of rapid growth and development it is vital to supply the body with all the nutrients needed on a daily basis. It is important, however, to follow the recommendations on the bottle to consume only one tablet per day as that is the recommended safe level. Lifestyles has also included a child-proof cap on the bottle to ensure further safety.

QUESTION: WHAT MAKES LIFECYCLES CHILDREN'S CHEWABLE SUPPLEMENTS UNIQUE?
Lifecycles Children's Chewable is a complete and balanced source of vitamins and minerals. Each chewable tablet is naturally sweetened and contains only natural fruit flavours.

QUESTION: DO I STILL NEED TO TAKE A VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENT IF I TAKE INTRA AND THE NUTRIA CAPSULES?
Nutria contains a number of important nutrients and intra provides many botanical extracts however neither product contains a complete source of vitamins and minerals. To provide your body with all the nutrients it needs daily, we suggest a daily supplement program consisting of intra, two Nutria capsules and one multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

QUESTION: WHY IS THE CALPLUS SO UNIQUE?
Cal-Plus is unique because it is much more than just another calcium supplement - it is a bone support formula. The "Plus" in CalPlus means we have included a broad range of nutrients essential for calcium absorption as well as bone strengthening. These nutrients include magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, copper and silicon. We have also added the herbs horsetail, coix seed and feverfew, all known to assist in calcium absorption and help maintain bone strength. As well, CalPlus includes a digestive enzyme called betaine hydrochloride which helps produce an acidic environment in the stomach which is essential for calcium absorption.

QUESTION: WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones due in part to long term calcium deficiency in the diet as well as a lack of regular exercise. The body requires a certain amount of calcium every day to perform necessary functions. If this calcium is not provided in the diet the body will get this necessary calcium from its "calcium storage bank" - the bones. Over time the bones become weak and brittle as more and more calcium is removed from them. Eventually the bones can become so weak that people with osteoporosis can break a rib simply by sneezing.

QUESTION: HOW MUCH CALCIUM DO I REALLY NEED?
The requirements for calcium have recently been increased as its importance in maintaining bone health is further studied. The Recommended Daily Intake for people over age 50 has been increased to 1200 mg per day while the recommended intake for pre-teens and teenagers, when bone mass is being built, has been increased to 1300 mg per day.

QUESTION: CAN I GET THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF CALCIUM FROM MY DIET ALONE?
For the vast majority of people the answer is no. Recent surveys have shown that only 20% of the people survey were getting the recommended amount of calcium in their diet alone. That means 80% of the population are putting the eventual health and strength of their bones at risk.

QUESTION: WHY SHOULD CALPLUS ALWAYS BE TAKEN WITH A MEAL?
In order for calcium to be properly absorbed by the body protein is required. As a result CalPlus should always be taken with a meal that includes a source of protein. Dream Bars and Shakes will provide the necessary protein required.

QUESTION:
ARE ALL CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS THE SAME?
No, there are significant differences in the absorption rates of calcium products. A supplement is only of value to you if your body can absorb the nutrients it contains. Lifestyles Cal-Plus calcium supplement contains high-quality calcium as well as co-factors and enzymes to ensure maximum absorption.