Monograph

With a rich supply of nutrients, NUTRA Power Drink supports insulin and energy levels, while it sustains your appetite. It contains an antioxidant-fruit blend, essential vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and liver-supportive compounds to benefit metabolic, muscle, and immune function. NUTRA Power Drink is an excellent nutritional source for overall health and vitality.
 

Description

NUTRA Power Drink contains a blend of antioxidant-rich fruits, including PomActivâ (pomegranate – 70% ellagic acid) and BerrySelect^TM. Yellow pea protein is included to provide restorative amino acids. An essential combination of vitamins and minerals are added to increase the micronutrient value. Milk Thistle, Green Tea, Pine Bark, Amla, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, and Citrus Bioflavonoids are also supplied to support detoxification and liver health.

Overview

As an essential supply of protein, fiber, and nutrients, pea protein can support insulin and energy levels, while it sustains your appetite. NUTRAscriptives® Protein Power Drink contains a pure yellow pea protein that is rich in restorative amino acids. With an antioxidant fruit blend, essential vitamins and minerals, and liver supporting nutrients, NUTRAscriptives® Power Drink is an excellent nutritional source for maintaining your health and vitality.

Research

Pea Protein

Pea protein is an easily digestible protein that has sustainable nutrient value and essential amino acids.1 Researchers have suggested that phytochemicals, nutrients, and fiber found in pea protein may improve the quality of the American diet. Individuals that consume dried legumes have a higher intake of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron and magnesium, which are naturally found in peas. Consuming dried legumes also decreases saturated and total fat intake.2 Furthermore, pea protein is valuable for individuals with food allergies, as pea protein has negligible allergic reactions.
Pea protein provides greater satiety, by delaying gastric emptying and lowering ghrelin levels, an appetite-stimulating hormone.3 A mix of 30 grams of pea protein was given to subjects finding protein components in pea are effectively absorbed and used in the body.4 Another study compared levels of hunger among subjects consuming a pea protein, whey protein, or combined pea/whey protein powder. Researchers found that both pea protein and whey protein powder increased the level of satiety for participants, but pea protein powder offered more prolonged increments of satiety.2

Amino Acid Blend

Amino acids are essential building blocks for the body. There are 22 amino acids (8 essential) that are obtained through protein and other food sources. They are essential to building cells and tissue. Amino deficiencies are often found among individuals that limit meat or protein consumption. Amino acids are crucial to repair muscle, maintain energy, and support cardiovascular and cognitive function. 5,,,678 Amino acids aid glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by sustaining blood sugar levels.9

Vitamin Blend

Vitamins are essential to overall health, whereas dietary imbalances lead to illness and degenerative ailments. Studies indicate that underweight and overweight individuals have lower micronutrient levels, when compared to normal weight individuals that take vitamin supplements. This suggests vitamins can help sustain a healthy weight.10,11

Furthermore, vitamin deficiencies affect immunity, as a one-year study recruited 130 individuals with blood sugar ailments to take a daily multiple or a placebo. Researchers reported a multivitamin reduced the incidence of infection and increased nutrient values among subjects in the treatment group.12

Muscles deteriorate with age, but fortunately researchers have found a healthy diet, vitamin supplementation, and regular physical activity can inhibit the loss of muscle mass and strength in older individuals.13

One study recruited athletes to take a vitamin and mineral supplement or a placebo prior to and during an extreme running competition. Researchers found that athletes taking the multivitamin had greater nutrient values in their blood serum and lower levels of lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress) that is associated with intense athletic training.14

Fruit Blend

Fruit contains a high-level of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Chokeberry, bilberry, and elderberry are anthocyanins that have strong antioxidant properties.15 Anthocyanin extracts can aid normal cellular function16, and protect the body from oxidative damage. 17 A one-month study recruited athletes to take chokeberry juice or a placebo to review the effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Researchers found that antioxidant activity increased among athletes consuming chokeberry juice, which decreased exercise-induced oxidative damage.50

Antioxidant properties contained in bilberry extract have been shown to decrease oxidative stress, while increasing protective glutathione and vitamin C activity in the liver.18 Furthermore, elderberry has been shown to protect the liver from chemical and immunological injuries.19

Researchers examined the vascular protective properties of these three anthocyanin-rich extracts finding chokeberry, elderberry, and bilberry significantly aided endothelium function to promote vascular health.20

The high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value contained in this fruit blend meet the recommended daily intake of 4,000 to 5,000 ORAC units.

Pomegranate

With a high-antioxidant capacity and rich source of polyphenols, specifically ellagic acid, pomegranate can reduce the formation of free radicals to support overall health. Extensive research has indicated pomegranate aids cardiovascular health and promotes normal cellular growth.21,,2223

Furthermore, pomegranate does not elevate insulin levels. Researchers gave pomegranate juice to 10 healthy subjects and 10 subjects with blood sugar ailments. Pomegranate juice did not affect glucose or cholesterol levels. Additionally, it increased glutathione levels and antioxidant activity.24 Pomegranate can also lessen inflammation and modify blood pressure levels to provide more cardioprotective benefits.25

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenol, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has strong antioxidant values to prevent oxidative stress.26 Green tea’s potent properties can prevent the generation of highly reactive oxide compounds that cause cardiovascular ailments. An animal study gave rats a water/green tea mixture for 13 days, finding blood pressure and endothelial function (interior blood vessel cells) was maintained in the rats that consumed green tea.27

The proliferation of abnormal cell growth is significantly inhibited in individuals that drink green tea.28 Furthermore, studies indicate green tea polyphenols can reduce the formation of abnormal cells in several tissues, including the stomach, colon, pancreas, bladder, breast and prostate.3,,,,,2930313233

Green tea can reduce oxidative damage caused by exercise. A study recruited 14 young men participating in weight-training activity to take green tea (2 g 3x/day) finding it may protect the body from oxidative damage that accrues with resistance training.34

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin that is extracted from milk thistle seeds. Silymarin increases production of glutathione (essential amino acid) in the liver, intestines, and stomach.

A meta-analysis found milk thistle can be an effective therapy to reduce liver inflammation and restore normal liver function.35 Individuals with chronic liver inflammation often use herbal remedies. A survey with 1,145 participants reported that of individuals using herbs for liver inflammation, milk thistle was the most common herb of choice (72%).36

Milk thistle has been reported to protect the liver from various toxins, including carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen, ethanol, and iron toxicity.37,38 Milk thistle lessens the development of oxidative stress in the liver. A three-year study observed alcohol-induced baboons that were given milk thistle or a placebo. Milk thistle reduced the liver damaging effects of alcohol by reducing oxidative stress and other liver damaging components.39

Amla

Amla, or Emblica officinalis L., is an herb that contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidant activity. Studies have indicated Amla reduces inflammation in the liver by stimulating antioxidant activity to prevent tissue damage.40,41 Amla reduced the formation of oxidative stress in rats after they were exposed to environmental toxins.
Researchers concluded that Amla stimulated antioxidant activity in the liver and reduced toxic compounds.42

Amla protected the liver from ethanol-induced injuries by improving liver cell production and preventing liver damage in rats.43 Furthermore, Amla is effective in reducing oxidative stress in the kidneys to restore essential nutrient absorption and rid the body of toxins.44

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), also known as L-Cysteine, is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is vital to glutathione production (essential amino acid produced in the liver). Through glutathione production, NAC is important to reducing oxidative stress and cleansing the liver from environmental toxins. One study reviewed the effects of NAC on human liver cells after they were exposed to lead toxins. Findings suggested NAC reduced oxidative stress in the cells making it a possible therapy to treat lead toxicity.45 Another study that addressed environmental toxins found NAC protected the liver from oxidative stress caused by electric field exposure.46 NAC’s effects on liver cell injuries caused by environmental toxins may be due to this amino acid’s ability to improve glutathione production.47

OptiMSM®

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural sulfur-containing compound that benefits energy metabolism and glutathione production (essential amino acid). Sulfur-based amino acids offer necessary support to liver health and detoxification. A ninety-day study reviewed the effects of MSM on rats, finding no adverse symptoms and that MSM was well-tolerated to rid the body of infections and allergies.48 A thirty-day study recruited 55 subjects with allergies to take MSM finding supplementation was well-tolerated and reduced allergy symptoms.49

Pine Bark

Pine bark is rich in procyanidin oligomers, which protect cells from oxidative stress. It enhances antioxidant activity, as it protects glutathione levels from oxidative intruders.50 A research review on pine bark extract indicated pine bark can regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E. Furthermore, pine bark’s antioxidant properties lessen inflammation to improve various organ functions.51

Pine bark can decrease excessive fat accumulation in the liver, as it can reduce circulating LDL cholesterol.52 One study gave 25 healthy subjects pine bark (150 mg/d) and measured oxidative stress levels to evaluate the antioxidant effects on lipid peroxidation and cholesterol. Results indicated antioxidant activity significantly increased with pine bark supplementation.53

Pine bark is rich in procyanidin oligomers that protect cells from oxidative stress. It enhances antioxidant activity to improve cardiovascular function by protecting glutathione levels (antioxidant found in every cell) from oxidative intruders.54

One study gave 25 healthy subjects pine bark (150 mg/d) and measured oxidative stress levels to evaluate the antioxidant effects on lipid peroxidation and cholesterol. Results indicated antioxidant activity significantly increased with pine bark supplementation.55

A research review on pine bark indicated the extract can regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E. Furthermore, pine bark’s antioxidant properties lessen inflammation to improve various organ functions.56

Citrus Bioflavonoids

Citrus bioflavonoids have a direct antioxidant effect that can decrease the formation of oxidative stress in the brain, liver, and kidney tissue. 57,, 5859The antioxidant properties stabilize cellular membranes and scavenge free radicals to inhibit oxidative stress throughout the body.60

Citrus bioflavonoids contain apigenin, a bioflavonoid that aids central nervous system function. An animal study administered apigenin to rats and mice with stress-related mood ailments, finding the bioflavonoid improved cognitive mechanisms related to normal stress levels.61

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from Stevia plants found in Paraguay and Brazil. Stevia does not affect blood glucose levels and may aid individuals with mild blood pressure imbalances.62 Stevia has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by improving the process of glucose transport in skeletal muscle.63 It is also seen as an immunomodulator (substance that regulates the immune system), as researchers found that stevia may increase cellular immunity by stimulating specific antibody-producing cells.64

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the supplements in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or for individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Green Tea - Excessive amounts of caffeine (300 mg or more) can lead to restlessness, tremors, etc.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Individuals with asthma should consult a physician prior to taking supplements with NAC.

OptiMSM® - May cause nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

Milk Thistle - A research review of Milk Thistle indicated the herb is a safe therapy for treating liver ailments. In very rare cases, Milk Thistle caused gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic skin rashes.65

BerrySelectTM (Chokeberry, Elderberry, Bilberry) - Stomach upset due to tannin content have been reported. Drug Interactions
Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Power Drink, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Green Tea - Blood thinners, alkaline medications

N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Nitrates, Carbamazepine

Milk Thistle - Medicines used to treat infections – metronidazole (Flagyl)

BerrySelectTM (Chokeberry, Elderberry, Bilberry) - Blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.); Tannin content in Elderberry may interact with Iron absorption. To avoid this interaction separate iron and Elderberry administration time by two hours.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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65 Saller, R, Brignoli, R, Melzer, J, Meier, R. An updated systematic review with meta-analysis for the clinical evidence of silymarin. Forsch Komplement Med. 2008 Feb; 15(1): 9-20.