LIBRACTOL

L-arginine is a semi-essential (conditionally essential) amino acid. The body can produce small amounts of it from other amino acids, but the basic building blocks for this must be obtained from food. In physically stressful situations—such as serious injuries, extreme sports, or infections—L-arginine becomes essential, i.e., absolutely necessary for healing or coping with the situation. Newborns also depend on L-arginine in the first days of life. L-arginine relaxes the blood vessels, improves the oxygen supply to the muscles, and has a positive effect on wound healing (including micro-tears in the muscle fibers, which are the expression of simple “muscle soreness”). Although L-arginine is found in many foods—e.g., meat and fish, dairy products, nuts, whole grains, and peas—physical exertion or a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle can quickly lead to a deficiency. The NOBUSAN sports supplement LIBRACTOL therefore contains L-arginine in addition to other essential and semi-essential amino acids.

The amino acid L-ornithine is closely related to L-arginine; it is produced when urea is split off from arginine. Put simply, the two work together to gain growth energy and muscle mass from fat, accelerate the detoxification of the body, and are therefore indispensable companions for any diet or competitive sport. Because L-ornithine stimulates the formation of various hormones and strengthens the immune system in many ways, supplementation with a good product is beneficial in almost every situation.

While most other mammals can produce vitamin C from glucose themselves, humans are dependent on an external supply. However, since the antioxidant cell-protecting vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is mainly found in fruit and vegetables, it is easy to become deficient in it during a hectic working day. Often, there is simply not enough time to cook a vegetable dish every day and always have fresh fruit in stock – not to mention the fact that many of us are simply not used to vitamin-rich foods and are more likely to reach for a quick pasta dish or snacks than apples, peppers, etc. Vitamin C performs essential tasks in the body, such as immune defense and detoxification, the formation of bones, connective tissue, and dentin (the “hard” part of the tooth under the enamel), and the utilization of other vital substances in the body, such as iron and carnitine. Smoking, stress, and chronic illnesses increase the need for vitamin C many times over.

Vitamin C is found in fruits and fruit preparations that are particularly rich in vitamin C (especially sea buckthorn, acerola, berries and citrus fruits, local apples, elderberries) as well as fresh vegetables (especially peppers, Brussels sprouts, sauerkraut). Anything that is not served raw should be prepared gently, e.g., steamed briefly with a little water. The produce should come from organic farming if possible, should not have been stored for long periods, and should not have traveled long distances. This ensures that their vitamin content is at its highest. If, for whatever reason, it is difficult to maintain a diet with a high proportion of fresh foods, be sure to supplement any vitamin C deficiency with appropriate dietary supplements, e.g., from NOBUSAN.

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include frequent infections, bleeding gums and loose teeth, fatigue, poor wound healing, and a tendency toward mood swings and even depression. *The scientific name for vitamin C – “ascorbic acid” – actually derives from the notorious sailors' disease scurvy, which was caused by vitamin C deficiency on long voyages and manifested itself in hair and tooth loss.

As an important antioxidant, vitamin E (tocopherol) protects cells from premature aging and damage caused by environmental influences. Aggressive oxygen molecules, known as “free radicals,” are everywhere and constantly attack proteins, lipids, and cell membranes. This is not a problem as long as antioxidant vitamins from our food maintain protection – but as soon as, for example, the vitamin E level in the blood falls below a critical concentration, cell aging begins. The need for vitamin E is increased when trying to conceive, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for smokers, those with joint and rheumatic complaints, premenstrual syndrome, and frequent inflammation. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is not a problem as most foods that are rich in it are also high in fat. For all others, a dash of oil or butter should always be added during preparation. Since an overdose of vitamin E is almost impossible, but a deficiency is harmful in the long term, an additional dose in the form of a dietary supplement is always advisable – for example, with the high-quality preparations from NOBUSAN.

Vitamin E is found in hazelnuts, wheat germ, flaxseed, milk, avocado, vegetable oils, cabbage, peppers, and black salsify.

Symptoms of a genuine (rare) vitamin E deficiency include unexplained fertility problems, poor wound healing, sagging skin, age spots, and muscle weakness.

Biotin is probably the best-known “beauty vitamin” and is also known as vitamin H or B7. If it is lacking in the diet, the deficiency usually manifests itself initially in hair loss, brittle nails, and skin diseases (dermatitis) because important functions in the conversion of carbohydrates and fatty acids are slowed down. It also supplies blood cells and the nervous system. Research has shown that frequent consumption of raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency, even though egg yolks contain large amounts of the substance. This paradoxical fact is due to another ingredient in raw eggs (avidin), which blocks biotin absorption. When supplemented with products such as NOBUSAN, the results are quickly apparent in the form of improved hair growth, stronger nails, and smoother skin. Biotin is found in soy, liver, legumes, spinach, mushrooms, whole grains, yeast, and nuts.

Symptoms of biotin deficiency include brittle fingernails, hair loss, skin problems, nervousness, and fatigue, and even depression.

Most people know folic acid or vitamin B9 as the typical “fertility and pregnancy vitamin” – but it is important for much more than just cell division processes. To be precise, it is not even a vitamin, but a coenzyme and, as such, is involved in a variety of biochemical reactions such as blood formation; It also protects against arteriosclerosis. Folic acid deficiency is one of the most widespread deficiency symptoms, which is probably due, among other things, to the fact that it loses much of its effectiveness through exposure to light, heat, and long storage of our food. Supplementation with vital substance preparations such as those from NOBUSAN is therefore advisable for almost everyone, but especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when taking certain medications (laxatives, antiepileptics, cytostatics, antimalarials), with high alcohol consumption, and gastrointestinal diseases.

Folic acid is found in whole grain products, egg yolks, vegetables (cabbage, spinach, fennel, pumpkin, mushrooms, avocado), legumes, wheat germ, yeast (flakes), and nuts.

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency include changes in the mucous membranes in the mouth (e.g., burning sensation on the tongue), diarrhea, seemingly unexplained loss of appetite, and nausea, and can even lead to pathological changes in the blood count. If a woman does not consume enough folic acid during pregnancy, this can lead to malformations in the unborn child (neural tube defect).

Green tea has been considered an elixir of life and fountain of youth in Asia for centuries. Studies in recent years have confirmed its great life-prolonging, health-promoting, and preventive potential: green tea strengthens the coronary arteries and keeps the circulation young, prevents tooth decay through fluoride, and helps with obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory processes. Its effects against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases and the progression of the neurological disorder Huntington's chorea are currently being discussed. There is also growing evidence that certain types of cancer are less common in regions where green tea is widely consumed. In any case, its polyphenol content makes green tea an excellent radical scavenger and inflammation healer. Other ingredients include the stimulant theine or caffeine, catechins, valuable amino acids, vitamins A, B, and B2, as well as calcium, potassium, phosphoric acid, magnesium, copper, zinc, nickel, and carotene. Its healthy tannins have a mild constipating effect and soothe the gastrointestinal tract. All in all, these are valuable power ingredients that NOBUSAN uses in numerous products, especially in the anti-aging sector.

Depleted, unilaterally farmed, and overfertilized soils are the reason why our domestic grains and vegetables now contain only a fraction of the selenium they provided 100 years ago. This trace element is the “fuel” for an important enzyme that controls the body's detoxification reactions, is important for iodine metabolism and thus for the thyroid gland, and is essential for the immune system. Because vegetarians and vegans do not eat meat, which contains quite a lot of selenium, they need to pay even more attention to their intake than other groups. Since it is difficult to consume sufficient quantities of foods that contain significant amounts of selenium, supplementation in the form of dietary supplements such as those from NOBUSAN is recommended for almost everyone.

Selenium is found in meat and fish, nuts, molasses, whole grains, and garlic.

Symptoms of a prolonged selenium deficiency include certain heart and thyroid diseases, growth disorders, reduced fertility in men, immune deficiency, and anemia.

Pine bark is one of the most remarkable sources of the valuable antioxidant OPC, which NOBUSAN Nutrition uses in several products. OPC performs valuable functions in terms of health, protecting cells and strengthening the immune system in general. Pine bark extract can therefore be described as an “anti-aging power substance” and, on top of that, as an ideal supplement to vitamin C because it increases its effect up to tenfold!

Acai provides the highest antioxidant protection of all known natural substances with an ORAC value *1 (Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity) of over 100,000. Compared to acai, the ORAC values for mangosteen juice, for example, are 17,000 and for pomegranates only 3,100.

*1 (1 ORAC describes the antioxidant efficiency)

Vitamin B12 is probably the most underrated vitamin of our time. It has a major impact on our nervous system, metabolism, detoxification, and blood formation. In addition to vegetarians and vegans, diabetics, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women taking birth control pills, and chemotherapy patients also have a significantly increased need for vitamin B12. To ensure that our customers receive a comprehensive supply, many NOBUSAN products contain this essential vitamin in various dosages.

Vitamin B12 is found in dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, liver, and brewer's yeast.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include nerve disorders such as coldness or tingling in the fingers and feet, sores on the oral mucosa, balance disorders, anemia, smell and taste disorders, concentration disorders, exhaustion, and low mental resilience.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is extremely important for blood formation, the nervous system, immune defense, and the utilization of amino acids. It also provides valuable assistance in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and nourishes the skin. In high doses, it is also used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness in the fingers and toes) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. The need for vitamin B6 increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in diabetics, and when taking the “pill” or medications for tuberculosis or epilepsy. People who eat an extremely protein-rich diet (e.g., competitive athletes or those on a low-carb diet) also need to be careful, as in this case the vitamin B6 intake must also be adjusted. If these “risk factors” are not present, a diet rich in vitamin B is actually sufficient to meet your needs. Because an increased intake of the vitamin is almost always beneficial and an overdose through diet or over-the-counter supplements is hardly possible, it is included in good multi-nutrient formulas such as those from NOBUSAN alongside other B vitamins.

Vitamin B6 is found in whole grains, potatoes, soy, carrots, bananas, cauliflower, wheat germ, nuts, yeast, meat, and fish.

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include skin changes around the eyes, nose, and mouth (chapped corners of the mouth!), certain forms of anemia, nervous disorders, and insomnia.

Anyone who frequently suffers from cracked corners of the mouth, migraine attacks, brittle fingernails, flaky skin around the eyes and nose, or inflamed tongue mucosa should consider the possibility that they may be consuming too little vitamin B2 (riboflavin). It is a component of many enzymes that regulate energy production and protein metabolism and is important for tissue growth. Although it is found in small amounts in many foods, a diet with very few animal products can cause a vitamin B2 deficiency. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, during convalescence after surgery (with tissue regeneration), and in cases of chronic alcohol abuse, the need for vitamin B2 increases significantly and should ideally be supplemented with good supplements such as those from >NOBUSAN. People undergoing treatment for depression should pay particular attention to this vitamin: their medication increases their vitamin B2 requirements, while at the same time a balanced vitamin B2 level in the blood can reduce the necessary dosage of medication!

Vitamin B2 is found in all dairy products, eggs, yeast, wheat germ, sea fish, meat, and (whole grain) cereals.

Symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency include flaky skin around the eyes and mouth, cracked corners of the mouth (rhagades), changes in the mucous membranes of the nose and tongue, dull and brittle fingernails, and in severe cases, anemia, growth disorders, and degeneration of nerve tissue.

Zinc is a trace element that influences nearly every bodily function as a component of more than 100 enzymes. It has a particularly pronounced effect on cell and tissue growth, insulin storage, immune defense, male fertility, heavy metal excretion, and the utilization of the essential vitamin A. Externally, we know zinc as an ingredient in numerous wound and healing ointments. Zinc requirements increase with heavy sweating (heat, sports), injuries (surgery, burns), when taking certain medications (diuretics, cortisone, antibiotics, ACTH, and others), and during pregnancy. When the body is fighting an infection, it also needs a lot of zinc; therefore, increased doses are almost always beneficial during the cold season. In our latitudes, zinc deficiency is widespread due to depleted soils and the high degree of processing of our food (e.g., polished rice contains only one-fifth of the zinc content of brown rice!). Nevertheless, it is often only noticed when it manifests itself in the form of wound healing disorders, recurring infections, diabetes, or liver disease. A varied, wholesome diet provides a good foundation, but it must also be maintained because the body does not have large zinc stores.

Zinc is found in oysters (more than 100 mg/kg!), whole grain products, fish and meat (including offal), eggs, carrots, potatoes, and dairy products.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include poorly healing wounds, frequent colds and other infections, and inflamed skin.

In the past, the elderberry bush (Sambucus nigra) was considered sacred, a refuge for the protective goddess Holda, and even a lightning rod. Among the Germanic tribes, the bush was therefore a must-have in every hut, especially since it has been used for thousands of years as a diaphoretic remedy for colds and, thanks to its mild diuretic effect, helps minor urinary tract infections heal faster. In legends, the shrub sometimes symbolizes eternal life, even though people at that time could not have known how valuable the ingredients of elderberry are: the beguilingly fragrant flowers contain essential oils and up to 3.5 percent flavonoids, including the valuable rutin and organic acids. The berries also contain rutin and hyperoside, large amounts of vitamin C, B vitamins, and folic acid. Their black-blue color comes from two powerful antioxidant anthocyanins that strengthen cells and slow down the aging process: sambucyanin and sambucyanin. They also support the eyes in cases of night blindness, stimulate blood circulation, and have an overall antiviral and antibacterial effect. NOBUSAN also trusts in the scientifically proven effects of elderflowers and berries, which have been handed down for many generations.

L-glutamine is a component of L-glutathione and is important for muscle and skin formation as well as energy supply.