INGREDIENTS - It’s What’s Inside that Counts!

The protein used in Absorb Plus is of the highest quality, composed of cold-extracted whey protein isolate only (no casein or egg albumin) and 99.8% of the lactose has been removed. Protein is vitally important for a myriad of functions within the body. Aside from water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, enzymes, hormones and genes are all composed of protein.

The protein component of Absorb Plus is a top quality whey protein isolate derived from a cold cross-flow membrane extraction method. This means the protein is not denatured (by heat or chemicals) but the di-sulphide bonds remain intact and the protein can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Other components of whey protein isolate provide the following beneficial actions in the body:

Helps build and repair body tissues and build antibodies.*

• A source of essential and non-essential amino acids involved in muscle protein synthesis.*
• A source of all essential amino acids (i.e. histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine) for the maintenance of good health.*
• A source of branched chain amino acids for the maintenance of good health.*

With a Biological Value (BV) of 159, the BV of the protein contained in Absorb Plus is one of the highest available. By comparison, an egg, long considered by scientists to be an ideal source of easily digested protein, has a BV of 100. In addition, because the whey protein is isolated from the rest of the milk components, it is lactose-free, casein-free and easily tolerated. When people have a ‘dairy allergy’ they are often allergic to either lactose or the milk protein casein – both have been removed.

The amount of protein per serving contained in Absorb Plus (27 grams) was selected because research on bodybuilders has shown the maximum amount of protein that can be absorbed at any one time is 30-50 grams – the rest is flushed out in urine. Since Absorb Plus consumers are unlikely to be bodybuilders, we set the protein content (including amino acids) a few grams lower to ensure maximum utilization.

The protein component in some other formulas consists solely of free-form amino acids so as to avoid any potential allergic reactions. However, amino acids on their own are virtually useless for building muscle – i.e. putting meat on your bones. The only way amino acids can be used to maintain or gain weight is by ‘piggybacking’ on a di-peptide or tri-peptide bond protein (like whey protein). Absorb Plus’ whey protein also has a far superior BV to soy (74) or rice protein (59) – and frankly, as most people agree, it tastes a lot better. However, as mentioned above, the whey protein in Absorb Plus has also had the commonly allergenic milk protein and lactose components removed and so may be safe for people with a ‘milk allergy’.

**Please test a small amount first to be sure and if your allergy is severe, then don’t consume, or only do so under the supervision of your physician.

*These statements have been provided by Health Canada as part of the official NPN approval for Absorb Plus.

The carbohydrate mix is composed mostly of tapioca maltodextrin (from cassava root), which has a slower uptake into the bloodstream than glucose or fructose. This helps you avoid getting a ‘sugar rush’ with the resultant high-low mood cycle. This also reduces osmotic pressure and provides for variable absorption rates of glucose.

If a large amount of glucose hits the bloodstream all at once, it produces a spike in blood sugar, which results in an energy ‘high’ followed by a crash. Having the highest proportion of carbohydrate as tapioca maltodextrin helps avoid this problem.

The next highest carbohydrate component is dextrose or fructose, which is the natural sugar derived from fruit and some vegetables. Dextrose is a monosaccharide used in IV electrolyte solutions and natural fructose is also a monosaccharide (single sugar molecule) and therefore should be safe for those with a sugar allergy or sensitivity. The amount of natural fructose per serving is equivalent to the amount found in a medium-sized apple.

There is no oil in Absorb Plus. We recommend adding organic, cold-pressed flax oil (good fat) or Udo’s Choice Oil Bend – between 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon per shake.

We encourage you to add organic, unrefined, cold-pressed, flax seed oil or Udo’s Oil to your Absorb Plus shakes, to increase Omega 3 and ‘good fat’ (Essential Fatty Acid) levels in your body, if you wish.

We haven’t included any flax oil in Absorb Plus for two reasons:

Firstly, any cold-pressed oil needs to be kept refrigerated and in a dark container at all times, or the fat denatures and becomes rancid. This would pose serious problems in shipping the product to you, so we chose instead to keep the product fat-free and encourage you to add your own from a bottle of flax oil you can buy refrigerated at the grocery store and then keep in your fridge.

Secondly, as different people can tolerate different levels, we felt it best to allow you to add the level of oil that’s right for you.
We suggest you start with 1 teaspoon of organic, cold-pressed flax oil or Udo’s oil per shake (whip on low speed with Absorb Plus and water in the blender, or shake in a Blender Bottle) and gradually increase to 1 tablespoon of oil per shake. Flax oil is a very delicate, unstable oil, so make sure you only buy an organic, cold-pressed brand that’s been kept in the refrigerator. Be sure to buy a small bottle and keep it refrigerated, use it up within 4-6 weeks of opening so it doesn’t start to oxidize (become rancid) and irritate your gut.

If you are very sensitive to oil, you may want to keep your bottle of flax oil or Udo’s oil in the freezer (it doesn’t solidify completely) and squeeze it out as needed – this reduces the oxidation by 95%. If you find you’re still sensitive to flax oil, then try the Udo’s Oil – you may find it better tolerated.

Depending on your body, you’ll be able to consume more or less oil. So let your body be your guide and find the level of supplementation that’s right for your body. You can also use hemp oil, but the taste is quite strong so you may not like it. You may want to use flax oil in one shake, then Udo’s in the next, and so on throughout the day. The Udo’s is more expensive though, so if cost is an issue, then just use the flax oil.

You can also use other cold-pressed oils as desired (preferably organic) like coconut, avocado, sunflower, almond, etc.

Absorb Plus contains an extensive array of free-form amino acids. Amino acids are crucial to virtually every function of the body and our profile contains many which help maintain good health. Amino acids help build and repair body tissues and build antibodies.*

The amino acids specially added to Absorb Plus have been selected for the specific functions and benefits they provide the body and immune function. Absorb Plus is a source of all essential amino acids (i.e. histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine) and branched chain amino acids for the maintenance of good health.* It also contains non-essential amino acids that are involved in muscle protein synthesis.*

Absorb Plus also supports hormone health and gland functioning due to its extensive array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Hormone pathways require certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids at key points to facilitate their synthesis. Absorb Plus supports the function of the thyroid gland and helps maintain normal production of thyroid hormones.*

*These statements have been provided by Health Canada as part of the official NPN approval for Absorb Plus

Our vitamin/mineral profile contained in each serving of Absorb Plus is one of the most extensive available. Absorb Plus provides vitamins and minerals that help:

• In the development and maintenance of bones, teeth, cartilage, gums, connective tissue and mucous membranes.*
• In the formation of collagen, tissue and red blood cells.*
• To maintain immune function, energy production and metabolism, and the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus.*
• To maintain proper muscle function (including heart muscle), liver function, normal acid-base metabolism and normal electrolyte balance.*
• In glucose metabolism and maintenance of blood glucose levels.*
• In the function of the thyroid gland and to help maintain normal production of thyroid hormones.*
• To build strong teeth and bones.*
• In wound healing and to produce and repair connective tissue.*
• To maintain normal iron transport and metabolism in the body.*
• Source of amino acids involved in muscle protein synthesis.*

What most people don’t know is that vitamins and minerals are so integral to the proper functioning of our bodies that deficiencies can often be mistaken for a disorder or disease. Vitamin D3, K2 and potassium iodide are critical substances included in Absorb Plus. Usually, multi-vitamins only contain the major, common minerals (like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.) and you have to purchase a separate formula to get a supply of trace minerals (vanadium, chromium, molybdenum, copper, manganese, etc.). Absorb Plus contains both the major and trace minerals together in one formula. You can see that Absorb Plus’ commitment to superior quality is also evident in our vitamin and mineral profile.