Viridian Sports Multi
Vitamin and Mineral Formula

A high potency, balanced formula offering nutritional support to the sports enthusiast. Appropriate for those involved in regular strenuous physical activities such as aerobic exercise, weight training, circuit training, body building, running and professional sporting events.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Pantothenic acid is crucial for energy release through the production of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP), two compounds known for their importance in protein, fat, and carbohydrate utilisation. Vitamin B5 is the main nutrient for nourishing the adrenal glands. It is needed by the adrenal glands to make glucocorticoids, which is the reason that B5 is known as the anti-stress vitamin.

Magnesium

Magnesium is critical to many cellular functions, including energy production, protein formation, and cellular replication. Magnesium participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, in particular those processes involved in energy production (i.e. production of ATP). Magnesium is also crucial in regulating the sodium and potassium pump thereby regulating cell hydration.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C works as an antioxidant in aqueous environments in the body – both in and outside human cells. The benefits of vitamin C are applicable in sport and exercise particularly as the body stimulates greater levels of free radicals with higher oxygen consumption. Recent research reveals that vitamin C can reduce the damaging effects of oxidative stress caused by intensive exercise. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the biosynthesis of carnitine, a vital amino acid for fatty acid utilization and cardiovascular function.

Calcium

Calcium is important for achieving and maintaining optimum bone density. Some athletes, especially women with low body weight and/or amenorrhea, are at risk for serious bone loss and fractures. Contributing to this risk are the diets of these athletes, which are frequently deficient in calcium. A recent paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated ‘as long as vitamin D status is ensured, calcium intake levels of more than 800 mg/d may be unnecessary for maintaining calcium metabolism. Vitamin D supplements are necessary for adequate vitamin D status in northern climates.’

Zinc

Exercise increases zinc losses from the human body, and severe zinc deficiency can compromise muscle function. Athletes who do not eat an optimal diet, especially those who are trying to control their weight or use fad diets while exercising strenuously, may become deficient in zinc to the extent that performance or health is compromised.
In order to repair micro tears that can occur as a result of strenuous exercise, serious athletes usually require higher amounts of most vitamins and minerals than sedentary people. Zinc is essential to keeping the immune system strong. For athletes, this is especially important, since being sidelined with a viral infection, or other illness, can result in reduced workout time. Zinc deficiency is problematic as plasma testosterone is regulated in part by zinc. Therefore, a zinc deficiency may adversely affect this hormone, causing muscular mass and strength to suffer. A double-blind study of male athletes with low blood levels of zinc found that 20 mg per day of zinc improved the flexibility of the red blood cells during exercise, which could benefit blood flow to the muscles.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is important to athletes due to its antioxidant effects and may help to prevent some of the oxidative damage that may occur from exercise. This oxidative damage, caused by free radicals, may interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally and is believed to play a role in many different health conditions, including the ageing process, cancer, and heart disease. Vitamin E promotes a healthy immune system and may help to prevent the dip in immune function that may occur right after exercise. Vitamin E may also help to ease muscle cramps. A few studies performed at altitude (>6000 ft) have suggested that vitamin E is beneficial in this environment. Studies have shown that mountain climbers supplemented with vitamin E expired less pentane than those on a placebo. These findings indicate that fewer free radicals were being formed in the supplemented group. A summary of the studies report that supplemented climbers had enhanced performance. These results are likely due to the ability of vitamin E to restore red blood cell deformity that is shown at high altitude. This in turn allows for better oxygen delivery as the RBC can flow more easily through the arterial tree.

Beta Carotene

Beta-carotene is a substance from plants that the body converts into vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant and an immune system booster. Natural beta carotene (D. Salina algae) contains the family of carotenoids inc. lutein and zeaxanthin which support visual integrity. Carotenoids exert greater antioxidant effect than vitamin A and may be even better at protecting the thymus gland, which is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress.

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral needed to regulate water balance, levels of acidity, blood pressure, and neuromuscular function. This mineral also plays a critical role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to maintain muscle tone, blood pressure, water balance, acid/base balance, kidney and adrenal function.

Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)

The body uses the water-soluble vitamin B3 in the process of releasing energy from carbohydrates. It is needed to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. Nicotinamide has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects and can support joint integrity.

Vanadium

Vanadium is an ultra-trace mineral found in the human diet and the human body. Current data suggests that vanadium mimics insulin and therefore supports insulin sensitivity. Inorganic and organic compounds of vanadium have been shown to exhibit a large range of insulinomimetic effects in the cardiovascular system, including stimulation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) translocation and glucose transport in adult cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, administration of vanadium compounds improves cardiac performance and smooth muscle contractility, and modulates blood pressure in various models of hypertension and insulin resistance.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis

Green tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the primary constituents of interest are the polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of green tea’s roles in promoting good health. Research reveals that green tea extract stimulates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis to an extent which is much greater than can be attributed to its caffeine content per se, and that its thermogenic properties could reside primarily in an interaction between its high content in catechin-polyphenols and caffeine with sympathetically released noradrenaline (NA).

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral. It is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Iron-deficient people fatigue easily in part because their bodies are starved for oxygen. Iron is also part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesised. As a result, some iron-deficient people become fatigued even when their hemoglobin levels are normal. A recent paper published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association demonstrated that in 121 physically trained men and women, 8 were iron deficient with anaemia and 36% of female and 6% of male subjects to be iron deficient without anaemia.

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

MCTs are derived from coconut oil and consist of a 6 to 12 carbon chain rather than the 18-24 found in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). This difference in chain length means that they are metabolised differently, not requiring carnitine for transport. Unlike PUFAs, MCTS do not require pancreatic enzymes and bile acids to be absorbed. Rather than via the lymphatic circulation, MCTs are absorbed directly into the veins and pass through membranes easing their transport, metabolism and bioavailability. As CoQ10 is a lipid soluble nutrient MCTs act as a perfect carrier and provide synergistic effects for energy production and metabolic efficiency.
MCTs appear to offer thermogenic effects and instead of being stored are more readily oxidised for energy production and output. This effect is called diet-induced thermogenesis.
Research has shown that the ingestion of medium-chain triacylglycerols in combination with carbohydrate spares muscle carbohydrate stores during 2 h of submaximal (< 70% VO2 peak) cycling exercise, and improves 40 km time-trial performance.

Selenium

Selenium activates an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which may help protect the body from cancer. Selenium is also essential for healthy immune functioning. Selenium is also needed to activate thyroid hormones. Selenium which has been recognised as an essential trace element for mammals and humans is part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and of other selenium-dependent enzymes. GSHPx protects the organism from oxidative damage. Research into selenium requirements and exercise suggests a dampening effect by selenium on mitochondrial changes, both in chronic and acute exercise. The mechanism of this action on mitochondrial turnover is uncertain, but might be related to a higher efficiency of the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

The branched-chain animo acids (BCAAs) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are considered essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet. BCAAs are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and appear to preserve muscle stores of glycogen (a storage form of carbohydrate that can be converted into energy). BCAAs also help prevent muscle protein breakdown during exercise.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form the fuel the body runs on—adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nerve cells require vitamin B1 in order to function normally. Thiamine, as thiamine pyrophosphate, is important for the metabolism of both carbohydrate and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). It is a coenzyme for the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA. Thiamine is also a coenzyme for a-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of succinyl CoA in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and for branched-chain decarboxylase, an enzyme responsible for the catabolism of the BCAA.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for processing amino acids - the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. Vitamin B6 helps to make and take apart many amino acids and is also needed to make the hormones, serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. During exercise, the gluconeogenic process involves the breakdown of amino acids for energy in the muscle and the conversion of lactic acid to glucose in the liver. Another function of vitamin B6 directly related to energy production during exercise is the breakdown of muscle glycogen. Thus, adequate vitamin B6 must be present to release glucose-1-phosphate from muscle glycogen.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into the fuel the body runs on—adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Under some conditions riboflavin can also act as an antioxidant. Riboflavin is necessary for the synthesis of two important coenzymes in the body, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These coenzymes are especially important in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, glycerol, and amino acids for energy.

Choline

Choline is needed for cell membrane integrity and to facilitate the movement of fats in and out of cells. It is also a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is needed for normal brain functioning. Although the human body can synthesize choline, additional amounts from the diet are considered essential under certain circumstances. Choline participates in many functions involving cellular components called phospholipids.

Inositol

Inositol is part of the vitamin B-compelx. It is required for proper formation of cell membranes, nerve transmission and helps in transporting fats within the body.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic (ALA) acid is a sulphur-containing vitamin-like substance playing key roles in the production of ATP and acts uniquely as a potent antioxidant in protecting against both fat and water soluble free radicals. It also extends and enhances the effect of other antioxidants, which are used to defend the body against free radical damage.
There is evidence for an association between oxidative stress and insulin resistance, possibly due to down-regulation of insulin signaling. Current evidence suggests that exercise training coupled with alpha lipoic acid interact at the level of insulin signaling to enhance glucose transport in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle. Lipoic acid has also been shown to have beneficial effects in protecting tissue glutathione (GSH) homeostasis against exercise induced oxidative stress.

Co Enzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring substance and an essential component of the mitochondria – the energy producing unit within our cells. CoQ10 is involved in the production of ATP, the energy molecule. The benefits of CoQ10 centre around energy production and for its benefits as an antioxidant. CoQ10s antioxidant effects reduce lipid peroxidation and assist vitamin E in protecting cell membranes and lipids such as cholesterol from oxidation.
CoQ10 plays a crucial role in the kreb’s cycle - it is essential for energy production, aerobic capacity, and muscular performance. At 60mg/day over 4-8 weeks CoQ10 has been found to work capacity and work load, maximal oxygen consumption, and oxygen transport. CoQ10 has also been shown to be beneficial in cases of muscular dystrophy and myopathy.

Copper

Copper is an essential trace element present in the diet and in the human body. It is needed to absorb and utilize iron. Zinc, copper, and manganese are required for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper is needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the high energy molecule. Synthesis of some hormones requires copper, as does the synthesis of collagen.

Manganese

Manganese functions in many enzyme systems, including enzymes involved in blood sugar control, energy metabolism, and thyroid hormone function. Research has demonstrated that diabetics have only one-half the manganese of normal individuals.
The trace mineral manganese functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD prevents the damaging effects of the super oxide free radical from destroying cellular components.
Manganese is a popular remedy for strains, sprains and inflammation due to its ability to increase the level or activity of SOD thus increasing antioxidant activity. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions often have an increased need for manganese.

Boron

Boron is a trace element nutrient, and recently its supplements have been shown to increase the concentration of plasma steroid hormones. In a single blind cross-over trial, it resulted in a significant increase in plasma 17-B estradiol (E2) concentration and there was a trend for plasma testosterone (T) levels to be increased. The elevation of endogenous steroid hormones as a result of boron supplementation, suggest that boron may be used as an ergogenic (performance enhancing) safe substance for athletes. Evidence also indicates that boron may be essential in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, thus critical in maintaining bone mineral density.

Chromium

Chromium has been found to be effective in cases of both hyper and hypoglycaemia. Chromium works closely with insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Without chromium, insulin’s action is blocked and blood sugar levels are elevated. Chromium deficiency is common in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (type 2 diabetes).
Chromium has been found to lower blood lipids in non-diabetic patients (this effect is most notable in those with sub-optimal chromium status).
Research suggests that chromium picolinate increases fat loss and promotes a gain in lean muscle tissue. Double-blind research has also reported a reduction in body fat and body weight in people given 400 mcg of chromium picolinate per day for three months.

Vitamin D

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones to promote bone mineralisation. Research also suggests that vitamin D may help maintain a healthy immune system and help regulate cell growth and differentiation, the process that determines what a cell is to become. Vitamin D is also needed for adequate blood levels of insulin. Vitamin D receptors have been found in the pancreas where insulin is made, and preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation may increase insulin secretion for some people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.

Biotin

Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Biotin is also required for cell growth, replication, and removing the amine group in the metabolism of amino acids.

Folic Acid

Folic acid plays a key role in protecting the cardiovascular system by regulating body concentrations of homocysteine, an intermediate in the conversion of the amino acid methionine to cysteine. The lower the folic acid intake the higher homocysteine levels rise increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (artery furring). Homocysteine would appear to promote atherosclerosis by directly damaging the artery and reducing the integrity of the vessel wall.
Endurance exercise may induce a considerable homocysteine (Hcy) increase, which varies between different disciplines and is most probably determined by the duration and intensity of exercise. Furthermore, about 25% of recreational endurance athletes exhibit hyperhomocysteinemia in association with low vitamin B12 and folate levels.

Iodine

Iodine is a trace element - only small amounts are needed to maintain good health. In the body, iodine is used to form thyroid hormones (thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine), which regulate metabolic rate. The thyroid gland adds iodine to the amino acid tyrosine to create the thyroid hormones.
Subjects such as athletes or those participating in vigorous exercise can lose a considerable amount of iodine in sweat, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 acts with folic acid and vitamin B6 to control homocysteine levels. Oral application of elevated dosages of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 have been found to improve target shooting in marksmen, recruited from a local pentathlon association, in two different studies. Performance quality in marksmenship closely correlates with the magnitude of physiological tremor. Tremor can also be involved in the regulation quality of sensory-motor control systems. Thus, an improvement in firing accuracy as found in both studies is by the same token an improvement of fine motor control of slow movements, involving, for example, basal ganglia.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed for proper bone formation and blood clotting. In both cases, vitamin K does this by helping the body transport calcium. In female elite athletes strenuous exercise may result in hypoestrogenism and amenorrhoea. As a consequence, a low peak bone mass and rapid bone loss is often seen in relatively young athletes. In postmenopausal women, increased intake of vitamin K may result in an increase of serum markers for bone formation, a decrease of urinary markers for bone resorption, and a decrease in urinary calcium loss. In one study, the low-estrogen group using vitamin K supplementation, induced a 15-20% increase of bone formation markers and a parallel 20-25% decrease of bone resorption markers. This shift is suggestive for an improved balance between bone formation and resorption.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral needed for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes, including the metabolism of iron. Molybdenum occurs as a cofactor in three major enzymes: xanthine oxidase, sulphite oxidase and aldehyde oxidase.

Dosage
Two capsules daily. No restriction on long-term use.

Potential applications
Athletics, sport and general exercise. This formula provides essential micronutrients to support metabolic efficiency required for active individuals or those involved in strenuous physical training regimes.

Known contraindications
None known at suggested dose.

Interactions
None known.

Useful links
Use along side Organic Flax Seed Oil to provide valuable omega 3 fatty acids
Calcium, Magnesium and zinc/boron powder can be selected to help support muscle metabolism and cardiac function
Herbal adaptogens such as Rhodiola rosea can help the body adjust to physical stress, facilitate performance and aid recovery.

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