Green Vibrance Ingredients Brief (alphabetically arranged)

Certified organic ACEROLA berry juice powder:
Acerola berry juice powder is a rich source of natural highly bioavailable vitamin C with a pleasant, fruity taste. The gentle processing of our unique material endows the powder with 25% truly natural vitamin C.

Certified organic ALFALFA sprout powder:
Alfalfa is a nutritional powerhouse. Its deep roots bring many minerals into the plant, a fact that has brought alfalfa renown as a food supplement for the support of joint health. However, its B and C -vitamin content plus its full complement of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, ultimately supply nutrients that support bone health, digestive function, cardiovascular health, tissue integrity, healing, healthy cholesterol levels, fight the inflammatory response, and support normal hormonal levels - among other things.* Sprouts concentrate the nutritional strength of alfalfa in a smaller package. (Note: Dr. Andrew Weil's concern about the toxicity of the protein canavanine in alfalfa is unfounded. Although canavanine is present in alfalfa seeds, it is destroyed during sprouting and has been reduced to sub-trace amounts, having been converted to tyrosine, by the time the sprouts' tiny leaves have turned green.)

Certified organic whole APPLE powder:
Certified organic whole apple powder provides a generous quantity of pectins to bind cholesterol and heavy metals in the gut, preventing their absorption. Water-soluble pectins from the apple also enter the blood stream to bind heavy metals there for elimination through the kidneys. Our unique, made to order organic apple powder helps clear waste from the intestinal tract, and provides oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC) in addition to a long list of essential trace nutrients from vitamin A and beta carotene through zinc.*

Larex FiberAid™ Larex FiberAid™ ARABINOGALACTAN:
This form of arabinogalactan from larch trees is a significant pre-biotic and, to a lesser degree, a valuable immune enhancer.* Human studies have demonstrated its ability to increase the population of anaerobic bacteria in the colon by anywhere from 40% to 1000% depending on lifestyle factors.* Increased anaerobes in the colon are beneficial because additional fermentation lowers colon pH and increases the production of short chain fatty acids (butyric and propionic.)* Lower pH is known to protect against colon cancer and disorders of the bowel.* Short chain fatty acids nourish colonocytes (cells lining the colon) and are the major food source for hepatocytes (liver cells) in the liver.*

FiberAid™ also increases populations of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria by 47% to 300% elsewhere in the gut.* At the same time, pathogenic bacteria are reduced by 15.5 to 18.5%.*

These strong pre-biotic effects are synergistic with the FOS in Green Vibrance and further support its heavy dose of probiotic bacteria. Addition of FiberAid™ to Green Vibrance demonstrates once again Vibrant Health's commitment to the health of the consumer. This is especially true in light of the secondary application of Fiber-Aid™ as an immune enhancer. It can stimulate natural killer cell cytotoxicity (ability to kill cells), and generally help build a more responsive immune system.*

ASTRALAGUS membranaceus standardized extract, 70% polysaccharides:
Stress depresses immunity, slowing your inborn system's response time. Astragalus helps restore the immune system to a higher level of efficiency and assist us in dealing with our modern, more contaminated, more stressful environment. Astragalus achieves these goals by stimulating the production of white blood cells (leucocytes).* Less well known is the fact that astragalus is as effective at stimulating production of red blood cells as the leading pharmaceutical drug prescribed for that effect.* Astragalus will, therefore, not only help support immunity, but will also help resist anemia and support energy production (and, hence, immunity) by supporting production of an adequate supply of red blood cells needed to deliver necessary oxygen to cells.*

Certified organic BEET juice powder:
There are beet juice powders and then is our beet juice powder. Others are commonly spray dried on malto-dextrins, meaning the finished material is something like 50% beet and 50% starch. Green Vibrance uses pure, organic, lyophilized (freeze-dried) beet juice powder. We don't like empty-calorie starch; we do like full nutrition from the beet with its ability to support hemoglobin production, red cell building and detoxification of the blood.* We put such an abundance of nutrients in Green Vibrance in order to support a healthy army of red blood cells that will be able to carry oxygen and nutrients out to every cell of the body.

Larex ImmunEnhancer™ AG and BETA 1,3, - `1.6 GLUCANS:
30 mg. of Larex ImmunEnhancer™ arabinogalactans and 30 mg. of beta 1,3-1,6 glucans join forces to support natural killer cell function.* The former comes from larch trees and the latter from yeast cell walls.

ImmunEnhancer™ arabinogalactan extract differs slightly in molecular weight, polydispersity and polyphenol content from its sister product, FiberAid™ with the net effect that ImmunEnhancer™ is 50% to 100% more effective as an immune boosting material depending on which aspect of the immune response is measured. For example, at equal dosages, immune cell proliferation caused by ImmunEnhancer™ was twice that of FiberAid™ and white blood cell and monocyte counts were increased by 50%.* (Monocytes are large white blood cells (leucocytes) that leave circulation at a site of injury to travel within tissues as large scavenger cells called macrophages, seeking bacteria, viruses and other debris that must be eliminated.)

ImmunEnhancer™ arabinogalactans from larch are even more effective than Echinacea at stimulating macrophages and natural killer cell activity while also increasing the number of NK cells.* Most notably, while the effectiveness of Echinacea decreases as dosages are increased, larch arabinogalactans evidenced no decline in performance as dosages increase, and, in fact, were four times more effective than Echinacea at equal dosages.* Arabinogalactans also increase the release of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta.* Beta glucans have similar effects at dosages lower than 25 mg.* A dose of Green Vibrance contains 30 mg.

Certified organic BROCCOLI sprout powder:
Broccoli sprouts have been chosen for similar reasons to alfalfa. Although they lack the nutrient diversity of alfalfa, they complement alfalfa sprouts by bringing sulforaphane into Green Vibrance.

Certified organic CEREAL grass juice powders:
In the industry at large, juice powders do not really exist. Nearly all "juice powders" are 1.) Just finely milled, dry cereal grasses or 2.) Juice that has been spray dried onto either a malto-dextrin /starch carrier (not so good) or a grass powder carrier. This latter version - dried on grass powder - results in a material that is quite good, yet 14% to 15% of the material is still cellulose. That weight and density contributed by the cellulose is necessary, for true cereal grass juice powder, produced in a freeze-dryer, is so light and fluffy and voluminous that a product made entirely from it would call for positively huge packaging and equally huge doses (in size, not weight.)

So, Vibrant Health is forced to yield a little to reality. Our cereal grass juice powders are composed thus: 85% is material with 14% cellulose content and 15% is pure, lyophilized (freeze-dried) cereal grass juice. Both components are certified organic.

We use 5 cereal grasses. They are: alfalfa, barley, oat, wheat and Kamut® cereal grass juice powders.

Cereal grasses are known for their general, broad-range nutrition, and peptide growth factors. Animals fed cereal grasses grow faster, larger and stronger, with a more robust immune system.* The identity of the growth factor or factors remains elusive, however, even after more than 60 years of searching. It may never actually be found, for the healthy growth of young animals, and the maintenance of sound health in humans, could very likely be the result of each cell receiving more complete nutrition, allowing it to run at greater efficiency.

The differences in nutrient content among cereal grasses is considered insignificant before the plants grow to the stage of jointing, the point of peak nutrient content and the moment of harvest. After jointing, nutrient levels drop and begin to differentiate themselves among the various plants. Still, in order to take advantage of the minute fluctuations among the plants, we chose to use five different cereal grasses.

Japanese pharmaceutical-grade soft-cell CHLORELLA:
Chlorella makes many of the same claims as spirulina, for it is a high protein (58%) food with all B-vitamins, C, E, and important trace minerals. The problem with most species of Chlorella lies in their tough cell walls that must be shattered in order for our digestive enzymes to gain access to its nutritional bounty. The Chlorella used in Green Vibrance is a special species grown in closed, spherical containers under pharmaceutical controls (GMPs). Its unique soft cell wals are fully digestible without any additional treatment (i.e. “cracking”).

Certified organic Nova Scotia DULSE, certified organic Rockweed and wild harvested Bladderwrack: Dulse is a relatively weak commercial source of natural iodine, the trace nutrient required for efficient thyroid function. But dulse is a wonderful source of trace minerals from the sea. Rockweed and Bladderwrack are richer sources of iodine with equally impressive but differing ratios of trace minerals.

The three sea vegetables were selected from among many because the combination of all three in correct proportions gives a richly balanced mix of minerals that support a proper trace mineral balance in the human body. Adequate supplies of trace minerals (too often lacking in today's commercial food supply) help control blood sugar, tissue repair, skeletal integrity, cognition, and metabolism.*

Iodine, for example, is commonly found in soils along ocean coastlines and in all seafood. Diets of persons living inland have historically carried the risk of iodine deficiency unless iodized salt was used or unless transported seafood were readily available. Low iodine can compromise the ability of the thyroid gland to synthesize adequate thyroid hormones, which are known to regulate metabolism.* Decreased production of those hormones can result in a slowed metabolism that may manifest itself first in elevated serum cholesterol, and then as lethargy, suppressed immune function, mental confusion, and unwanted weight gain through retention of stored body fat.* Correct iodine nutrition helps assure a balanced output of thyroid hormones, and efficient metabolism.*

VITAMIN E (Covitol 700 WD - water dispersible d-alpha tocopheryl succinate):
It's true: Vitamin E is lost in even the gentlest forms of processing. Even with our careful, modern techniques, vitamin E is greatly reduced when plants are extracted, dried and concentrated. So we add it back - from soybean sources - in a special, water dispersible form manufactured in the U.S. by Cognis Group (formerly Henkel Fine Chemicals.)

ENZYMES:
Enzymes suffer the same fate as vitamin E - almost. An enzymatic analysis of earlier batches of Green Vibrance showed that Green Vibrance did indeed contain natural enzymes from the original plants. The levels of those enzymes, however, were reduced from what is found in and on living, fresh plants. In order to correct the situation, Green Vibrance now has a gentle dose of fungal (some call them "plant") enzymes added to it, sufficient to assure the full digestion of the proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the formula.

Certified organic FLAX seed concentrate:
The volatility of unsaturated lipids in flax seeds has always proved to be the "downside" of whole flax. Oxidation of oils in flax begins almost immediately after harvesting, threatening to contribute pro-oxidants and pro-carcinogens along with every dose of healthful fibers and trace nutrients otherwise available from flax.

In order to deliver the benefits of flax without the dangers, Green Vibrance incorporates a certified organic de-oiled flax powder from Canada. That material is combined with the other ingredients of Green Vibrance that includes over 534 mg of antioxidants packaged in airtight, sealed containers. Inside the containers, along with the Green Vibrance powder, are two protective desiccant packets. One absorbs moisture. The other absorbs any remaining oxygen that may be present inside the jar. Both packets are designed to protect the contents of a 40 oz jar. We purposefully use oxygen and moisture desiccant packets that are more powerful than required to clear an EMPTY jar. When we consider that the jars are filled with powder, we estimate that our packets exceed requirements by 10 fold in the 30-day supply and 5 fold in the 60-serving, Family size Green Vibrance.

FRUCTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (FOS):
FOS has gained notoriety in the scientific literature as a marvelous food for friendly intestinal bacteria and as an indirect inhibitor of unhealthful bacteria and candida albicans in the intestines.* Fructo-oligosaccharides are virtually indigestible in humans, and therefore, do not affect blood sugar levels. Instead they provide valuable food for the good bacteria. FOS are widely distributed in vegetables such as Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, and others. The500 mg. of FOS in each serving of Green Vibrance adds a strong synergist for the implantation and growth of each serving's 18 billion friendly bacteria.

We choose to use the purest FOS (4% or less simple sugars) whose benefits are supported by human clinical studies. While some other FOS materials of far lower cost could have saved us some expense, their higher content of simple sugars might provide food for the wrong inhabitants of your gastrointestinal tract. We did not want to take that risk.

Certified Organic GINGER and Cayenne:
Ginger and Cayenne warm up the formula just a bit without changing the flavor of the finished product. These ingredients enhance digestive activity and circulation, further improving delivery of nutrients across the intestinal mucosa.*

GINKGO biloba standardized extract, 24% flavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones: According to the British medical journal "Lancet," Ginkgo keeps brain function and circulation clear and in top shape. The Ginkgo extract we use is the most potent available, just like our Milk Thistle, Green Tea Catechins and Grape Seed extract. Ginkgo is not only renowned for its ability to improve circulation to the brain, but also improves circulation throughout the cardiovascular system, assuring (along with the other extracts mentioned above) that nutrients in Green Vibrance will indeed reach every cell.*

GRAPE SEED extract, standardized to 95% polyphenols, 85-90% OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins): Our grape seed extract is produced by the world's largest manufacturer of such material (Indena), and is used in the most widely sold grape seed extract products in Europe. It provides ubiquitous antioxidant protection.* This material is the world's first commercial proanthocyanidin concentrate and still one of the most effective. It reduces inflammation, repairs connective tissue, and directly quells free radicals.* In France, it is sold as an OTC drug for the improvement of circulation and to stave off varicose veins.* At doses of several hundred milligrams, larger than those demonstrated to provide circulatory and anti-oxidante benefits, grape seed extracts have been shown to support cardiovascular health and chemoprotection.*

GREEN TEA Catechins, 95% polyphenols, 80% catechins, 45% EGCG:
The antioxidants in Green Tea Catechins include some of the same polyphenol and proanthocyanidins in grape and pine extracts plus additional polyphenol-based antioxidants. We have selected the highest potency green tea extract, standardized to 80% or more catechins with a minimum 40% Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) and virtually no caffeine (less than 0.5%). This extract provides added dimension to the antioxidant power of Green Vibrance, for EGCG has been identified as a potent chemoprotective agent. Whereas EGCG is present in grape seed extract (and not in pine bark extract), its richest source is green tea.

POMEGRANATE extract, 40% Ellagic acid:
Pomegranate is renowned for its rich content of condensed tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, and polyphenols of all sorts. It further enriches and deepens the antioxidant power of Green Vibrance, and brings along a key polyphenols in the form of ellagic acid, a significant chemoprotectant.

Wild crafted HYDRILLA verticillata:
Hydrilla verticillata is a fresh water plant of supreme nutrient density and bland taste. Cultivated in protected ponds in north central Florida, Hydrilla brings additional, stunningly concentrated nutrition to Green Vibrance. In one month's use of Green Vibrance (30 doses), a consumer will benefit from 15 grams of Hydrilla verticillata and 10.5 grams of Chlorella, a well-known and respected green super-food. Here is how they compare at equal doses of 10.5 grams.

Hydrilla is especially valuable to true vegetarians. Vitamin B-12, Iron and Calcium are commonly supplied by animal foods (e.g. milk, cheese, meats) in an omnivorous diet, and are quite difficult to obtain in vegan diets. Among other functions, the three nutrients are responsible for maintaining mental health (cognition, attention span, neuronal life), for delivery of oxygen to cells, and for the maintenance of strong bones and resilient connective tissue. Green Vibrance, with its complement of Hydrilla, delivers significant potencies of these "animal factor" nutrients from a true vegetable source. Green Vibrance is a guardian of optimal health for vegans and omnivores alike.

Hydrilla also boosts the beta-carotene content of Green Vibrance, strengthening the anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-pollution protection of the formula.* The naturally high content of B-vitamins will fuel and protect neurological tissue and support metabolism.*

LECITHIN:
Provides precursors to essential brain neurotransmitters. As little as 35 mg a day of phosphatidylcholine was shown by brain researcher Dr. Richard Wurtman to enhance mental acuity. 750 mg. of lecithin in Green Vibrance will supply more than 172.5 mg. phosphatidylcholine, 150 mg. phosphatidylethanolamine, and 105 mg. phosphatidylinositol. Lecithin is also renowned as a nutrient to lower blood fats, serum cholesterol, and to control homocysteine levels.* In this latter role, lecithin contributes dietary choline that is altered into betaine inside the body. Betaine is required for the conversion of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease, back into the essential amino acid, methionine. Folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 are also required for this task.* Finally, we want to remember that lecithin supports the integrity of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers and is a major structural component of every cell of the human body.* Lecithin is certainly NOT a filler ingredient, but rather a foundational nutrient important to all healthy cells.

MANGO:
Green Vibrance is full of good foods. Whether everyone will like the natural taste of the super mix is a matter of preference. We try to tip the scales in toward a pleasant taste by adding just a touch (100 mg.) of freeze dried Mango powder.

More VEGETABLES:
One of the stated goals of Green Vibrance is to deliver as much nutrition as possible (maximum nutrition density). We compared the nutritional analyses of numerous common vegetables side-by-side to see just who the most nutrient dense foods might be. Parsley was the champ by far. Kale and collards, two we expected to be rich sources of nutrients did not make the final cut. Okra is very strong, but its mucilage turned Green Vibrance into a floating island of slime if left to sit for just a short time after mixing. So we settled on this group of vegetables, specially selected to deliver excellent nutrient density. Their strengths complement each other to deliver real nutritional value: A.) Certified organic freeze dried Parsley, B.) Freeze dried Zucchini, C.) Freeze dried Green bean, D.) Certified organic Carrot root powder.

VITAMIN D3:
Plant foods are renowned for their healthful trace nutrients. Vitamin D, however, is one seldom found in plants. It is critical to bone health, and new research indicates the nutrient’s roles in upholding our resistance to many diseases including cancer. The old, recommended dosage of 400 i.u. per day has at the same time been proved to be too low. So we have added a full 1,000 i.u. of vitamin D3 in our special organic alfalfa base to Green Vibrance to improve the stated purposes of Green Vibrance to support bone health and immunity.

PHYTO-BORON (patented, from calcium fructo borate):
For several decades now, daily intake of boron in the U.S. has ranged from 1 to 1.3 mg. per day. Analysis of earlier versions of Green Vibrance showed that even Green Vibrance only delivered 143 mcg. of boron. This is not good news, for recent studies indicate that 3 to 6 mg. daily provide striking health benefits. Therefore, a clinically proven boron that duplicates forms of the mineral found in nature has been added to Green Vibrance in order to bring the boron content of each serving above 3 mg.

A six-nation comparison of dietary boron for the World Health Organization showed that US adults consume about 1 mg of boron per day, a very low level by world standards. Populations with high boron diets (6+ mg./day) have an average of 3% arthritis. When diets run at low boron levels similar to those in the U.S., incidence of arthritis increases to 20%.

The benefits of supplemental boron appear to derive from its functions in the regulation of normal hormonal levels and the balance among them. In fewer words, boron works to establish and maintain homeostasis among hormones. This means boron impacts life at the very foundations of biochemistry, for the power of hormones to control chemistry and health are unsurpassed. This hormonal connection makes boron one of the most effective trace nutrients we can take for the betterment of health.

For example, we know that below 3 mg. per day, the lack of boron leads to the loss of more calcium through urine than is absorbed from the diet. This negative calcium balance cannot be overcome even if more calcium is taken in, but will only cease when boron is adequate. In our opinion, it may be that chronic sub-clinical boron deficiency is largely to blame for the startling increase in the incidence of osteoporosis.

Boron's ability to balance hormonal vitamin D (i.e.: 1, 25(OH)2 Vitamin D-3), DHEA, testosterone and estrogen yields anti-aging and chemoprotective benefits as well.* Sufficient boron improves 1, 25(OH)2 Vitamin D-3 homeostasis, most dramatically in humans with vitamin D deficiency, thereby strengthening bones and resisting tumorogenesis.* In males, boron may increase testosterone, raising levels as much as 50% if needed in 60 days and it may increase DHEA and Vitamin-D-3 levels if needed in men and women.*

The latest research seems to indicate that boron may help late postmenopausal vitamin D-3 deficient women by increasing and normalizing the balance of 1, 25(OH)2 Vitamin D-3, testosterone, estradiol and DHEA.* This should prove again the value of boron in maintaining strong bones and connective tissue, fighting osteoporosis and arthritis as well as the pain of arthritis.*

Finally, boron's hormonal corrections help maintain lean body mass and reduce body fat.* The mineral proves to be anti-aging by supporting vigorous antioxidant enzyme activity, inhibiting collagenase enzymes and supporting healthful hormone balance.*

PHYTO-CHROMIUM & PHYTO-SELENIUM (from Indian mustard, hydroponically grown): Phyto-extraction, the process of employing plants to accumulate minerals from soil and water, provides the basis for the hyper-accumulation technology used in growing Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) based phytominerals. The scientists at NuCycle Technology recognized that phyto-extraction processes could be applied to beneficial minerals such as chromium, selenium and others. The result brings us highly concentrated, highly bioavailable minerals in a stable, edible vegetable. Five United States patents protect the phyto-extraction/hyper-accumulation technology used to make Phyto-Chromium and Phyto-Selenium, (i.e. 5,853,576; 5,809,695; 5,785,735; 5,728,300, and 5,364,451) with five additional patents pending.

Both minerals are spottily distributed in soils, and, as a consequence, are just as unevenly distributed in the diet. Green Vibrance provides a level and meaningful dose of 80 mcg. Chromium and 50 mcg. Selenium per serving in order to support healthy blood sugar levels, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.

POLICOSANOL (60% Octacosanol plus other "cosanols"):
Octacosanol may support endurance, brain and nerve activity and possibly fertility. It is now known that this substance and its close relatives (e.g. tetracosanol, pentacosanol, septacosanol etc.) in combination can also help maintain healthy serum cholesterol levels and help prevent oxidation of "bad" LDL cholesterol.

PROBIOTICS, 25 billion per serving from 12 strains:
The probiotics in Green Vibrance are the single most expensive ingredient in the formula. This fact demonstrates a very important point about the way Vibrant Health approaches the marketplace: We continually strive to do what is best for the consumer.

As DNA fingerprinting has come of age, probiotic manufacturers have been able to accurately identify the genetic differences between species of probiotics, and have been able to now identify many new strains within those species. As a consequence, Vibrant Health has chosen some very specific strains for Green Vibrance, based on their verified attributes.

Harmonium, our manufacturer of probiotic bacteria from Mirabel, Quebec, just outside of Montreal are one of the very few companies worldwide who can produce specific probiotic blends to order. Vibrant Health is their ONLY customer who demands (and receives) pure cultures. What this means is that we buy only “the bugs” without any diluting agent (e.g. lactose, malto-dextrins, etc.) added to the final product. Nor is there any residual growth medium or bacterial waste left over in the final product. That is removed before drying by a special proprietary process extant only at Harmonium.

Harmonium established industry leading processes to develop strains of friendly human intestinal bacteria with strong, viable characteristics. Each one is thoroughly categorized by its unique genetic make up, and was selected because it possesses superb

1. Gastric resistance
2. Enzymatic activity
3. Bowel tolerance
4. Immune support
5. Colonizing capabilities.

Harmonium’s bacteria lead the industry in these categories. Their competitors wonder how they do it. In general, these five points mean Vibrant Health has the best probiotics on the planet. Specifically defined:

1. Gastric resistance refers to a bacteria’s ability to survive the acidic environment of the stomach. Harmonium’s strains will remain alive and well in a gastric pH as low as 3. During a meal and for abut an hour afterward, gastric pH sits around 5 to 6. Remember, the lower the pH, the higher the acidity. If one takes Green Vibrance during or after a meal, you have the best chance of passing the highest number of probiotic colony forming units (CFUs) along into the intestines. If one has not eaten, then the best carrier to use would be mineral water.
2. Enzymatic activity refers to the bacteria’s ability to break down lactose and other sugars as well as proteins through the activity of enzymes generated by the bacteria.
3. Bowel tolerance refers to a bacteria’s ability to survive degradation by bile secreted into the intestine by the gall bladder in response to the presence of fat. Bile can do a lot to destroy probiotic bacteria. Harmonium’s species of probiotics are not affected.
4. Immune support refers to the output by probiotic bacteria of natural anti-pathogenic substances. These are commonly called natural antibiotics,” and are a primary benefit derived from supplemental probiotics. By killing off or reducing the number of harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract, probiotics may impede potential infection.*. The anti-biotic potential of all Harmonium bacteria species have been thoroughly tested, and categorized. This data eliminates guesswork when seeking species that can most effectively support immunity.
5. Colonizing capabilities refers to how quickly one colony becomes two, or 25 billion become 50 billion. Harmonium’s double every 15 minutes once they reach the intestinal environment.* Therefore, someone using Green Vibrance swallows 25 billion “bacteria,” which are actually colony forming units, or CFUs, in a single dose of Green Vibrance. Let’s imagine that, for some reason, only 20 billion exit the stomach. Maybe the meal contained a lot of fresh garlic, a vegetable that can indeed kill probiotic bacteria. Well, within 15 minutes of the bacteria reaching its native environment in the intestine, there are now 40 billion bacteria, or CFUs. One hour after that, the count is up to 640 billion bacteria.

How has Vibrant Health taken advantage of the above positive attributes of Harmonium in Green Vibrance? We have included 12 strains delivering 25 billion bacteria (CFUs) per dose, One very important new bacterium, Propionibacterium shermanii is in Green Vibrance. Here’s why:

Propionibacterium shermanii "optimizes the growth environment" for Bifido bacteria in the lower bowel, and in that way, significantly boosts the effectiveness of supplemental Bifido bacteria.* This is important because, beginning about age 50, after many years of remaining steady, those helpful bacteria that live in the large intestine, the Bifido bacteria, begin to lose active colonies. That die-off leads to an increase in harmful bacteria in the colon, and directly correlates with an increase in colon cancer, other cancers, and the overall increase in disorders commonly associated with aging.*

For example, colonies of the pathogen Clostridium difficile take advantage of Bifido shrinkage, and enlarge. Clostridium difficile is resistant to antibiotics, and has become a serious problem in hospitals where it has resulted in the death of several post surgical elderly patients in Canada.

Natural Bifidobacteria breve, bifidum, and longum supplementation with added Propionibacterium shermanii may provide an excellent means of keeping Clostridium difficile at less dangerous levels as we age.* P. shermanii supports the colonization of the colon by supplemental Bifido bacteria.* We consider it so valuable that we have employed it to boost the effectiveness of the Bifido bacteria in our probiotic blend. The Bifido bacteria in Green Vibrance make up 25% of the blend, by the way, and that is considered potent even without the boosting effect of P. shermanii.

It has been well established that regular use of supplemental lactic bacteria inhibits the development of allergic disorders. Lactobacillus plantarum, a member of the Green Vibrance probiotics blend, suppresses production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), the direct cause of allergic reactions.* The route is indirect through action on spleen cells, intestinal macrophages, and their interleukin 12 (IL12) production, but is nevertheless an established attribute of the bacterium.*

L. plantarum is also remarkably resistant to many (though not all) commonly used antibiotics. Use of antibiotics following some medical procedures has been known to worsen or create new allergic responses in the patient. We believe Green Vibrance has be enhanced through the inclusion of L. plantarum.

Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus enhance the immune boosting benefits of Green Vibrance, while simultaneously improving its capacity to break down proteins associated with dairy allergy.* The enzymes produced by these two bacteria are complementary, and handle the breakdown of quite a few proteins. Improved cholesterol control, and reduced incidence of infectious disease as well as helping control diarrhea are all hallmarks of supplementation by these two bacteria.* Harmonium’s strains of both Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophillus, proved additional immune support. They generate natural substances that can be lethal to certain harmful bacteria that may try to take up residence in the gastrointestinal tract.* The three strains in Green Vibrance were selected not only for their pathogen-inhibiting effect, but also because they boost production of immunoglobulins.*

Acidophilus strains included in Green Vibrance have further demonstrated ability to support healthy cholesterol levels, and the rhamnosus strains inhibit inflammatory and tumorogenic biochemicals.* Healthy colonies of our three Bifido bacteria: breve (lactis), bifidum and longum are known to inhibit Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes ulcers, and are associated with a reduced incidence of cancer of the colon.* Indeed, a drop in bifido-bacteria in the G.I. tract is associated with increased risk of several cancers.* There is a correlation between the documented age related decrease of bifido-bacteria from middle age onward and the increase in cancer incidence during that same period.* Supplementation with bifido-bacteria may be an important health-protective practice. In addition, Bifidobacterium bifidum inhibits E. coli in the large intestine and longum boosts a number of immunoglobulins among other immune support functions.

Lactobacillus paracasei is an additional immune enhancer while assisting lactis in setting up conditions in the colon to prevent diarrhea. In other words, they break down lactose and reduce colonies of unfreindly bacteria.

The eighth probiotic, Lactobacillus helveticus, is renowned for its ability to break down protein and cholesterol, thereby aiding digestion and helping manage serum cholesterol levels.* It is also known to generate peptides (bio-active proteins) that can function to help maintain normal blood pressure. Lactobacillus helveticus helps support cardiovascular health.

Naturally, the probiotics in Green Vibrance do all the expected things that probiotics are supposed to do: protect against digestive disorders, break down proteins fats and carbohydrates (e.g. lactose), generate B-vitamins, crowd out candida and create an inhospitable atmosphere for unhealthful, unfriendly organisms - or kill them outright.* But the high potencies, especially hardy strains selected, and full disclosure labeling of probiotics in Green Vibrance are unique in our industry.

We challenge our competitors in super green foods by listing each strain AND potency on our label. Whereas they have fewer probiotics, or even fail to list potency in favor of listing just a weight of probiotics, our label spells out exactly what we have. The consumer and retailer should know what they are buying.

Stabilized RICE BRAN:
Stabilized Rice Bran is about 30% dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and only about 8% sugars, 14% protein and 20% rice bran oil, a source of tocotrienols. Most importantly, the material is stabilized. This means the rice bran has been stabilized to prevent rancidity by inactivating its natural lipase enzymes. Lipase enzymes in rice bran can render the material unfit for human consumption within 12 hours of milling and unfit for even animal consumption within 48 hours. Stabilized Rice Bran has significant amounts of carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols, phytosterols, B-vitamins, and some very important minerals. In short, Stabilized Rice Bran is a good, nutrient dense whole food that is rich it fiber too.

SCHIZANDRA berry extract [2% schizandrin], SIBERIAN GINSENG (Eleutherococcus senticosus) extract [0.8% eleutherosides], and Suma powder (