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Frequently Asked Questions

The information in this website is meant to help you make informed choices in selecting our products, but neither the information contained herein nor our products are intended as a substitute for any treatment that may be prescribed or recommended by your doctor or healthcare practitioner. If you suspect that you suffer from a medical condition or if pregnant or lactating, you should seek competent medical care without delay. Moreover, individuals with medical concerns should check with their physicians before using these or any dietary supplements.

Amino Acids

Amino Acid contains ingredients derived from Milk.

What are they and why do I need them?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein molecules. They are the foundation of certain hormones such as insulin. Some are essential or required in our diet, while some are produced in the body but often in less than ideal amounts. In dealing with certain health conditions, the need for amino acids increases dramatically. Our hair, skin, muscles and organs, such as the heart and liver, and their associated enzymes, are all manufactured from amino acids. People with imbalanced digestion or absorption may need extra amino acids. For them, required amounts may increase during periods of growth, during pregnancy, lactation, and in conjunction with activities such as strength training.  Amino Acids may also be helpful for people who are on reduced calorie diets or who may be limiting their protein intake due to sensitivities.

Are they safe?
People with liver or kidney disorders should check with their doctor or health care provider prior to taking amino acids. Too much protein may create nitrogen overload on the liver and kidneys and it may be necessary to reduce protein intake before adding amino acid supplements.

Antioxidant

If I take Solu-C®, do I need to take the antioxidants too?
Vitamin C is one of many Antioxidants. Vitamins A and E are both antioxidants and there are also mineral antioxidants such as zinc, chromium, and selenium and the herb Echinacea. In addition, ginkgo biloba and grapeseed are components of our Antioxidant formulation. This is a powerful mixture of antioxidants all rolled into one great product.

Borage Oil

What is borage oil and what are the nutritional benefits of taking it?
Borage is a plant often used in gardens as a border plant. Some unsaturated fats are required in the diet. These fats are essential for many reasons and are known as "Essential Fatty Acids" or EFAs. Some EFAs are identified as Omega 3 and some are Omega 6. Each is made up of different types of fats or acids, such as, linoleic, gamma-linolenic, alpha-linolenic or oleic acids. Borage oil is part of the Omega 6 group. A deficiency of Omega 6 may result in skin conditions such as eczema, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), inflammation, hypertension, autoimmune disorders and hyperactivity in children. Because oils such as EFAs need to be converted into a substance called prostaglandins that regulate many metabolic functions in the body, and many people have problems with this conversion due to conditions such as allergies, high cholesterol, diabetes, chemical exposure or specific nutritional deficiencies, these metabolic blockages may be bypassed by taking supplements of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Borage oil has the highest concentration of EFA gamma-linolenic acid, higher than evening primrose oil, black current, walnut oil or other oils. Maximum Living's® Borage Oil also contains two other EFA'sin addition to the gamma-linolenic acid. They are linoleic acid and oleic acid.

CoQ10

CoQ10 contains ingredients derived from Milk.

What is CoQ10? Who should take it?
CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant nutrient normally produced by the body. Both age and illness can reduce one's natural production of CoQ10. After the age of forty, tissue levels of CoQ10 are typically lowered. This supplement may assist in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, and rheumatic valvular disease. It may also help reduce angina (heart pain) and increase exercise tolerance. One of the earliest described therapeutic uses of CoQ10 was to help regulate the inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). In addition to the foregoing benefits, CoQ10 is known for a number of other health enhancing attributes.  Some of these include assisting with the ease of chronic fatigue and other immune disorders, as well as allergies and environmental illnesses.

E-400

Is the Vitamin E in E-400 natural or synthetic and where does it come from?
The Vitamin E in E-400 is all natural and is derived from soy.

Flaxseed Oil

What are flaxseeds and why take it in capsule form?
Flaxseeds are a potent source of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). These are fats and oils, the body cannot produce on its own, that are critical to our overall health.  One particular EFA, alpha-linolenic acid is known as an Omega-3 fatty acid. It is found in flaxseeds. Also found in flaxseeds are Omega-6 (in the form of linoleic acid) and Omega-9 EFAs. A well-known health benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids is protection against heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also are helpful in combating many other ailments. In addition, flaxseeds provide substances called lignans, which may have beneficial effects on various hormones and may help fight cancer, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Words of caution: Flaxseed oil capsules are generally a safer way to get the benefits provided by flaxseeds. Ground up flaxseeds, unless taken in conjunction with plenty (at least a large glass per tablespoon) of water, can swell up causing blockage in the throat and digestive tract.

Folic Acid

What is folic acid and what does it do?
Folic acid is a water-soluble B-vitamin, also called folacin or folate. Because the body can't store for long periods, you need to replenish your supply on a daily basis. In the body, folic acid is utilized thousands of times a day and can assist with blood cell production, healing and can help build muscle. In fact, folic acid is necessary for every function that requires cell division.

Folic acid has shown to be critical to DNA and RNA formation and helps to assure that cells duplicate normally. It is especially important in fetal development and can help produce key chemicals for the brain and nervous system. Some studies show folic acid may help treat depression by assisting in the reduction of homocysteine levels which have been found to be higher in people who suffer from depression.

A word of caution; folic acid supplements may mask a type of anemia caused by a vitamin B-12 deficiency. If you take folic acid supplements, be sure to take extra vitamin B-12 as well.

Maximum Living's Folic Acid contains vitamin B-12.

Garlic

What are the benefits of garlic when taken as a supplement? Is garlic safe for everyone to take?
Garlic contains many sulfur compounds, which lend to its healing properties. Garlic can help to detoxify the body and by enhancing immune function, and may protect against infection. Some studies have shown that garlic may assist in lowering blood pressure.  

Recent studies examined garlic's effect on cholesterol. Although the results are not clear-cut, most nutritionally oriented physicians believe that garlic, perhaps in combination with other cholesterol-lowering supplements, is worth a try. The belief is, garlic may interfere with the metabolism of cholesterol in the liver. As a result, less cholesterol is released into the blood.

Caution: Consult your doctor if you are taking medications to prevent blood clots or to reduce high blood pressure as garlic may intensify the effects of these drugs.

Garlic is generally considered safe for most people. However, when consuming high doses of garlic some people do develop heartburn, intestinal gas and diarrhea, and, in addition, there have been reported cases of skin rash.

*If you suffer from any medical condition, always talk to your doctor before taking garlic or other supplements.

Ginkgo Biloba

What does ginkgo do?
Ginkgo biloba is perhaps best known for the substances it contains such as terpene, which helps to increase the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain by improving circulation, which in turn, may help to maintain the blood flow to the central nervous system. It also is a good source of bioflavonoids.

Hyaluronic Acid

What is Hyaluronic Acid? Why does it have BioCell Collagen type II in it and how is the product best utilized?
Hyaluronic Acid is a joint nourishing element that is essential in assisting in the reduction of joint friction caused by degradation of the joint's natural lubrication. Bio-Cell Collagen II is a patented type II collagen ingredient that provides a naturally occurring matrix of bioavailable Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate and Collagen type II.

In addition to the beneficial aspects derived from Hyaluronic Acid in dealing with joint issues, HA and Chondroitin Sulfate work together to help restore elasticity to the skin which, in turn, can help to reduce sun-induced wrinkles and protect connective tissues. Together they can also assist in healing wounds and have been shown to improve the over-all appearance of the skin. In both oral and topical applications, it is widely believed and accepted that Bio-Cell Collagen II may be the missing link in many glucosamine and chondroitin formulations.  Maximum Living's comprehensive formulation, incorporating both glucosamine and MSM, renders Maximum Living's "Hyaluronic Acid" product as one of the best on the market.

Hyssop Cleanse™

Hyssop Cleanse™ contains ingredients derived from Milk.

What are the benefits of Hyssop Cleanse™?
Hyssop has long been recognized for its superb cleansing properties. You will find it in skin care products, shampoo, teas, and even toothpaste. Maximum Living's® Hyssop Cleanse™ helps keep the intestinal tract and areas around the colon cleansed. Food tends to cling to the walls of our intestinal tract and in time can become putrefied and toxic. This creates a breeding place for bacteria that can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of our system. In diets lacking in fiber, movement of waste is slowed and often we lack enough good bacteria to properly digest food and, as a result, the intestines are not maintained in a healthy state. The hyssop, acidophilus and the many herbs and minerals in this product are formulated to help keep our systems clean and in good working order.

JointAssure® Plus

JointAssure® Plus contains ingredients derived from Shrimp and Crab Shell.

What are the differences in the original JointAssure® and the newer JointAssure® Plus?
The differences are the addition of Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM in JointAssure® Plus. New research extols the benefits of both Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). Chondroitin Sulfate can promote hydration, which has been shown to assist with joint mobility. It is the major constituent of cartilage providing structure, holding water and nutrients, which allows other molecules to move through cartilage. In degenerative joint disease where there is a loss of Chondroitin Sulfate, the cartilage begins to erode. By supplementing with it, healing can be  promoted in the bones as well as in the cartilage. MSM has been reported to promote healthy bones, teeth and collagen (the protein in connective tissue) and has a positive role in the treatment of inflammatory joint disease. It is a naturally occurring nutrient and sulfur compound. The mineral sulfur is needed for the manufacture of many proteins, including those forming hair, muscles and skin. MSM fulfills a good portion of the body's need for sulfur. According to Dr. Stanley W. Jacobs, M.D., Oregon Health Sciences University, it is an important nutritional supplement that is both safe and useful.

 

Little Angels® Chewable and Angel-C® Chewable Sugar-Free Supplements

Should parents be concerned about possible damage to the enamel on children's teeth caused by the sugars in these two products?
It's never too early to teach children the importance of drinking good clean water. It is also a good idea to follow the ingestion of sugar containing foods, including juices and supplements with water. If you can get them to rinse out, all the better. Your child's dentist is probably keeping a close watch for enamel problems in their teeth during check-ups. Or, you might ask for a special inspection from time to time.

MineralRich®

Can Diabetics take MineralRich®?
MineralRich® is easily tolerated by diabetics. The fructose and sorbitol have different chemical and biological properties and neither has been shown to raise blood sugar levels.

Do I get enough calcium from MineralRich®, or should I take a separate calcium supplement?
Minerals in liquid form are more absorbable and the calcium in MineralRich® should be adequate at the suggested dosage. Remember calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and about 99% of calcium in the body is found in the bones, where it gives strength to bone tissue. However, if certain health considerations require a larger intake of "free calcium", that is, not counting the calcium in our bones, then taking 3 to 4 ounces of MineralRich® may be better. If you are going to begin a regimen in which you exceed the standard recommended serving, begin with the recommended 1 ounce, wait a few days and add a second ounce and so on, until your body has adjusted to the larger dose.

What is the difference in the original MineralRich® and MineralRich® plus Aloe?
Basically, the formulation is the same. We wanted to provide a choice to those that requested Aloe Vera and, at the same time continue to offer the often preferred original formula to our customer base. According to research Aloe Vera confers many beneficial effects on the body. These include constituents that may assist with blood circulation which in turn can regulate blood pressure and coagulation issues. One of Aloe's most popular usages (that makes it attractive to people that prefer it in the original MineralRich®) is its role in confronting digestive problems. Aloe Vera has been reported to benefit bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcers and many other types of stomach inflammation. Its healing and soothing properties make it a valuable component worth incorporating as a part of any regimen dealing with digestive complaints.

MoodAssure®

What is in it and what does it do?
St. John's Wort and all the other herbs and nutrients in MoodAssure® may help to smooth out or enhance our mood changes. If you are currently taking prescription medications, this product should not be used without first consulting with your doctor or health care provider.

m-u Boost®

Everyone wants a healthy immune system so what is the best approach to ensuring that goal?
The immune system can work, as it should, only if it is cared for properly. A diet consisting of the right nutrients and learning to avoid things that depress immunity are the first steps we need to take in order to build a healthy immune system. When in a weakened state, the immune system is highly susceptible and cannot provide protection against the many types of illnesses that invade our bodies. These illnesses may include fatigue, repeated infections, inflammations, allergic reactions, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea, yeast infections, colds and flu viruses and many other health problems. Reducing stress, getting proper rest and exercise and selecting foods and supplements known for boosting the immune system are the key to maintaining a healthy one. Try starting each day with a glass of fresh carrot juice. Drink herbal teas and only purified water when you can. Maintaining a proper Ph balance is important and in order to do this, choose foods from both alkaline and acid groups. Alkaline foods include fruits, vegetables, berries and dairy. Acid foods include meat, fish, grains, legumes and nuts.

What is Lipoic Acid?
Lipoic Acid is probably best described as a potent and versatile antioxidant. Unlike the antioxidants Vitamin E and Vitamin C, that, respectively, work in fat and water exclusively, it has the ability to work as an antioxidant in both fat and water soluable tissue.  It's versatility is being constantly studied, and in the future we can expect to see it used in many formulations for the treatment of a variety of conditions.

Does m-u Boost® provide other nutrients?
Yes, we invite you to look at the list of ingredients and are certain you will be impressed with the product.

Multi-Enzyme and Enzyme Ease®

What are their differences and do I need to take both?
There are enzymes derived from plant sources and there are enzymes from animal sources. Plant enzymes help predigest food in the stomach before it reaches the intestines. Since cooking foods can destroy important plant enzymes, it is important to eat whole and raw foods and to replace the destroyed plant enzymes by supplementing with a good multi-enzyme formula.

The enzymes in Maximum Living's® Multi-Enzyme are all plant derived. Essential for proper digestion of food, they should be taken with meals. The enzymes in Maximum Living's® Enzyme Ease® are primarily proteolytic enzymes that include both plant and animal derived enzymes, sometimes referred to as pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are best taken between meals so they will not be used for digesting food and will go directly into the bloodstream. They have the ability to digest foreign proteins and have been shown to clear out infecting organisms such as viruses, scar tissue and the products of inflammation. Since the source of the enzymes are different in the two products, there should be no problem taking both as recommended above.

OptiMax®

Do the ingredients in OptiMax® correct vision problems?
The ingredients in OptiMax® help support healthy eye function. In this formulation there are powerful antioxidants specifically known for their beneficial impact on eye function. Antioxidants also help fight free radical damage often caused by environmental "insults" that are known to cause damage to our eyes. OptiMax® helps to nutritionally support the health of the lens and retina and may assist in nighttime visual acuity and responsiveness to glare.

Probiotics

What are probiotics and why are they beneficial to our health and well-being?
There are some 500 species of bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract. Of these, the most beneficial are two strains of Lactobacilli bacteria; acidophilus and bifidus. Both are probiotics, meaning they help provide a proper balance of health-promoting bacteria in the intestine. They also manufacture natural antibiotics that kill dangerous microbes. Acidophilus may be especially useful for anyone taking antibiotics to treat an infection. It helps create an inhospitable environment for harmful types of E. coli, as well as for salmonella, streptococcus, and many other strains of bacteria that can be dangerous or even life threatening.

ProstaBlend™

Is it true that most men can expect to develop prostate problems at some point in their lives?
Unfortunately, according to research statistics, four out of five American men are likely to develop prostate problems in their lifetime.

What is the most common diagnosis of prostate problems?
The most common diagnosis is BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Benign means "non-malignant," Prostatic means "prostate" and Hyperplasia means "excessive formation of cells."

What is known to cause the excessive formation of cells?
It is generally agreed in the medical and scientific communities that the primary cause of Hyperplasia or BPH is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone or DHT. When DHT produces an overgrowth of cells in the prostate, the result is an enlarged prostate gland that constricts the urethra and interferes with normal urinary functioning.

What are some of the vitamins, minerals and herbs best known to assist with prostate problems?
The three most notable herbs are Pygeum Africanum extract, Saw Palmetto Extract and Stinging Nettle. As for minerals, zinc and selenium are at the top of the list. Vitamins and other nutrients that help include Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid and Amino Acids. It is always a smart idea to review all your supplements to make sure you are getting all vitamins and minerals and other nutrients to ensure your good health.

Does diet have an influence on potential prostate problems?
It does. There are several studies that confirm high fat intake, especially meat, raises circulating testosterone. Eating more vegetables especially those containing beta carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, squash and leafy green vegetables) helps lower the risk of prostate problems, especially prostate cancer. Include seeds and seed oils in your diet. For instance, pumpkin seeds are a healthy addition to any diet. Men who suffer from an enlarged prostate or want to prevent possible problems should adopt a well planned diet that includes a balanced herbal and nutritional formula such as is found in ProstaBlend™.

Nutrition Bites

Why is there so much controversy over benefits and dangers of soy?
All soy starts out as three plain beans in a pod. It can be eaten raw, soaked, boiled, roasted, fermented, its isoflavones and proteins isolated, its oil extracted, its hulls processed and its seeds ground into flour. Soy is high in nutritional value, a non-animal protein that contains eight essential amino acids, making it the only complete plant protein.

Much of the controversy, or anti-soy research and argument is centered around certain chemical compounds in soy, called isoflavones. They are a branch of a family of chemical compounds called phytochemicals, found in all plants and legumes, including beans, green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange vegetables, and whole grains. A diet rich in a range of phytochemicals is the foundation of a healthy diet. Soy is one of the richest sources of isoflavones.

The isoflavones in soy, plants and legumes, are also, structurally and in appearance, similar to human estrogens. Because the isoflavones in soy have been determined to be effective for many women, some companies have gone to a great deal of effort to optimize soybean isoflavone content. They have done so by genetically engineering the soybean, thus increasing the amounts of isoflavone to a level that far exceeds what a person would normally eat. This has resulted in a number of negative studies on soy isoflavones. Much of the testing has been done with mice, which metabolize soy very differently than do humans. This has yielded dubious, if not erroneous, conclusions about the dangers of soy.

Is the soy in Nutrition Bites GMO or Non-GMO?
Scientific data is conflicting on the long-term health effects of eating GMO (genetically-modified organisms) foods. It is our preference to use only Non-GMO soy in our Nutrition Bites.

Are Nutrition Bites gluten-free?
While the Nutrition Bites themselves may not be classified as a gluten product, you should note that we have added a caution on our packages advising the products are manufactured on equipment used to process dairy, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, nutmeg, wheat and shrimp (glucosamine) products. People with allergies, including gluten allergies, should not eat the Nutrition Bites unless they have first sought advice and received a clearance from their primary caregivers.

How are the Nutrition Bites sweetened?
Honey is the primary sweetener. Brown Rice Syrup is added because it absorbs slowly and steadily in the bloodstream. It adds subtle sweetness and a rich flavor some liken to butterscotch. The other sweetener, in a lesser amount, is honey powder.

Are the Nutrition Bites safe for diabetics?
If diabetics count them as a sugar allowance, they should be safe, however, not without limitations. As with all foods, diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels.

Are they safe for children?
Yes, and much healthier than a candy bar. They should be limited to 2 or 3 bites daily.

Are the Nutrition Bites considered to be a low glycemic product?
Nutrition Bites were formulated to have a less-than-high glycemic value. However, the glycemic index has not been tested. True low glycemic index products usually require the addition of non-natural ingredients, especially sweeteners/sugars and other synthetics and would not be as nutritious as our Nutrition Bites.

Solu-C®

Why are there three types of Solu-C® Vitamin C products?
All three products differ somewhat in their formulations. The Solu-C® capsules have green tea and rutin (from buckwheat). Solu-C® chewable has quercetin (from rutin) and proanthocyanidins (from red grape seeds), and the Solu-C® powder has rutin. All have the wonderful bioflavonoids derived from lemon, grapefruit, orange or other citrus fruits.

Is one better than the other?
Not really. The Vitamin C sources are varied, and the three forms offer choices or preferences according to how one prefers to take their Vitamin C. Of course, the Solu-C® powder allows one to take Vitamin C in liquid form which is more quickly absorbed. This helps if a person is taking larger doses because of health conditions that benefit from bowel tolerance dosages of Vitamin C. The Solu-C® capsules are popular because of the green tea and the Solu-C® chewable provides convenience as well as a tasty way to take Vitamin C and, they are sugar-free.

SweetSleep®

Is it addictive?
Supplements of melatonin taken at night often help with insomnia. It is not addictive.

Where does melatonin come from?
Melatonin is a hormone that is manufactured in the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. Supplements of melatonin are almost always synthetically produced; however, the synthetic molecules are identical to the natural human melatonin.

To date, there have been no long-term studies showing the effects of extended use of melatonin. For this reason, we recommend consulting your physician or primary care person before long term use. Likewise, we do not recommend Sweet Sleep for children without prior discussion with your child's physician.

Vita-Sprout®

I am concerned about the amount of Vitamin A in Vita-Sprout®. Should I be?
The amount of Vitamin A (retinyl) palmitate in Vita-Sprout® is 5000 IU per four capsules. The remaining 5,000 IU Vitamin A activity is derived from beta carotene, which is non-toxic.

What level of palmitate is considered toxic?
The Daily Value (DV) of Vitamin A palmitate for a normal adult is 5000 IU. Chronic toxicity of Vitamin A has been reported following ingestion of 50,000 IU daily for three months. In general, 5 times the recommended Daily Value of 5000 IU or 25,000 IU would be the upper limit of Vitamin A palmitate, with the following exceptions; (1) pregnant women should not take Vitamin A to exceed 8000 IU daily. More reasonable would be dosages of not more than 2500 IU of Vitamin A palmitate as there have been reported cases of birth defects at the higher dosages; and (2) for infants and patients with renal failure, as little a 4000 IU of Vitamin A palmitate can cause substantial liver damage.

So the Vitamin A (from beta carotene) is considered safe?
"The body has a feed back mechanism that protects it from excess conversion of beta carotene into Vitamin A, so that you should have no worries about toxicity from carotenes." --From "The Vitamin Revolution In Health Care" by Michael Janson, MD.

 

*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is not intended to replace the advice and counsel of your physician.