Red Bull – Let’s look at the ingredients in Red Bull first. We see the normal ingredients you would see just about all the energy drinks listed below, but do you know what all the ingredients are, including those in the “other ingredients” list? If not, then let me help you.
-Niacin - a form of B3 and also found in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Considered to be SAFE, but not 100%. One minor side effect is a flushing reaction, may cause burning, tingling, itching and redness of the face, arms, and chest as well as headaches. May also cause stomach upset, intestinal gas, dizziness, pain in the mouth, and other issues. If more than 3 grams daily more serious side effects may happen, such as, liver trouble, gout, ulcers, loss of vision, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, as well as higher risk of stroke. DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING, HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE, OR STOMACH OR INTESTINAL ULCERS.
-Pantothenic Acid – also known as vitamin B5. Found in plants and animals. Safe if taking only 5 mg a day, larger amounts may increase diarrhea. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HEMOPHELIA OR STOMACH BLOCKAGES.
-Sucrose – best known as table sugar. Processed from sugarcane.
-Glucose – a carbohydrate, and is the most important simple sugar in the human metabolism. An important energy source in living organisms.
-Sodium Citrate Taurine – an amino sulfonic acid often referred to as an amino acid. Required as a building block of protrein. Found in large amounts within the brain, retina, heart, and platelets (blood cells). Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
-Glucuronolactone – a chemical that is made naturally by the body in the liver. Has been claimed to detox the body, but there is not sufficient scientific evidence to prove this claim. The only concern for this ingredient is the intake of in high levels, as it is VERY rare for one to be deficient in this.
-Inositol – a vitamin-like substance found in multiple plants and animals. Used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, Autism, Promotes hair growth, psoriasis, and to treat side effects of medical treatment with lithium. Can balance certain chemical within the body to help with panic disorder, depression, OCD, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Is considered POSSIBLY safe for most adults, but may cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. DO NOT INGEST IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE BIPOLAR DISORDER TO BECOME WORSE.
-Niacinamide – a form of B3 and also found in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Considered to be SAFE, but not 100%. One minor side effect is a flushing reaction, may cause burning, tingling, itching and redness of the face, arms, and chest as well as headaches. May also cause stomach upset, intestinal gas, dizziness, pain in the mouth, and other issues. If more than 3 grams daily more serious side effects may happen, such as, liver trouble, gout, ulcers, loss of vision, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, as well as higher risk of stroke. DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING, HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE, OR STOMACH OR INTESTINAL ULCERS.
-Calcium-Pantothenate – is known as vitamin B5 and found in both plants and animals including meat, vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HEMOPHILIA (extends the time it takes to stop bleeding) OR STOMACH BLOCKAGES.
-Pyridoxine HCL – a vitamin found in foods, such as cereals, beans, vegetables, liver, meat, and eggs. Used to prevent and treat pyridoxine deficiency and anemia. All findings state that this is most LIKELY SAFE in small amounts, but may be dangerous in high amounts in pregnant/breast feeding women, no more than 2mg a day.
-Artificial Flavors/Colors – may cause GI irritation, seizures, confusion, dizziness, cancer (in lab animals), respiratory and circulatory depression, and cardiac failure.
-Taurine - an amino sulfonic acid often referred to as an amino acid. Required as a building block of protrein. Found in large amounts within the brain, retina, heart, and platelets (blood cells). Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
-Guarana – is from a plant (Guarani) in the Amazom. Used for weight loss, athletic performance, a stimulant, and to reduce mental and physical fatigue. Possibly UNSAFE when taking in high doses for a long period of time. Doses should NOT be greater than 250-300 mg DAILY. May cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, rapid breathing, tremors, delirium, diuresis, headache, anxiety, agitation, ringing in the ears, pain with urination, stomach cramps, and irregular heartbeats. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY, BLEEDING DISORDERS, DIABETES, DIARRHEA, IBS, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, GLAUCOMA, OR OSTEOPOROSIS.
-Inositol - a vitamin-like substance found in multiple plants and animals. Used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, Autism, Promotes hair growth, psoriasis, and to treat side effects of medical treatment with lithium. Can balance certain chemical within the body to help with panic disorder, depression, OCD, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Is considered POSSIBLY safe for most adults, but may cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. DO NOT INGEST IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE BIPOLAR DISORDER TO BECOME WORSE.
-L-Carnitine – is an amino acid (building block for proteins) that are naturally produced in the body. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HYPOTHYROIDISM, KIDNEY FAILURE, OR SEIZURES. -Eleutherococcus Senticosus – belongs to the same family as panax ginseng (true ginseng). DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM, FEVER, HEART CONDITION, DIABETES, PREGNANT/BREAST FEEDING, OR TAKING MEDICATIONS. May cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, headache, high blood pressure, and pericardial pain in rheumatic heart patients. Has shown blood sugar lowering effects in adults and should not be taking if diabetic.
-Milk Thistle – is a plant where the parts found above ground and the seeds are used to make medicine. Not recommended if you are pregnant or breast feeding as there is not enough scientific evidence showing any benefits or side effects. DO NOT TAKE IF ALLERGIC TO RAGWEED OR RELATED PLANTS, DIABETIC, OR SUFFER FROM HORMONE-SENSITIVE CONDITIONS (breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
-Ginkgo - DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM, FEVER, HEART CONDITION, DIABETES, PREGNANT/BREAST FEEDING, OR TAKING MEDICATIONS. May cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, headache, high blood pressure, and pericardial pain in rheumatic heart patients. Has shown blood sugar lowering effects in adults and should not be taking if diabetic.
-Sucrose - best known as table sugar. Processed from sugarcane. , Glucose – a carbohydrate, and is the most important simple sugar in the human metabolism. An important energy source in living organisms.
-Riboflavin – a B vitamin. Found in food, such as milk, meat, eggs, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables. Those that suffer from hepatitis, cirrhosis, or billary obstruction may have a decrease in the absorption of riboflavin.
-Niacinamide - a form of B3 and also found in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Considered to be SAFE, but not 100%. One minor side effect is a flushing reaction, may cause burning, tingling, itching and redness of the face, arms, and chest as well as headaches. May also cause stomach upset, intestinal gas, dizziness, pain in the mouth, and other issues. If more than 3 grams daily more serious side effects may happen, such as, liver trouble, gout, ulcers, loss of vision, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, as well as higher risk of stroke. DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING, HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE, OR STOMACH OR INTESTINAL ULCERS.
-Calcium Pantothenate - is known as vitamin B5 and found in both plants and animals including meat, vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HEMOPHILIA (extends the time it takes to stop bleeding) OR STOMACH BLOCKAGES.
-Sucralose – an artificial sweetner that is not able to be broken down by the body, which is why it is considered noncaloric. May cause gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, allergic reaction, and blood sugar increase and weight gain. WARNING: AT LEAST 15% OF THIS CHEMICAL DOES NOT EXCRETE FROM YOUR BODY IN A TIMELY MANNER (according to animal studies done).
-Pyridoxine Hydrochloride - a vitamin found in foods, such as cereals, beans, vegetables, liver, meat, and eggs. Used to prevent and treat pyridoxine deficiency and anemia. All findings state that this is most LIKELY SAFE in small amounts, but may be dangerous in high amounts in pregnant/breast feeding women, no more than 2mg a day.
-Cyanocobalamin – a manmade form of B12 used to prevent and treat B12 deficiency. Majority of people get enough B12 from their diet. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM LEBER’S OPTIC NEUROPATHY (an eye disease), PLYCYTHEMIA VERA (a blood disorder), GOUT, IRON OR FOLIC ACID DEFICIENTY ANEMIA, OR HYPOKALEMIA (low potassium levels).
-Glucuronolactone - a chemical that is made naturally by the body in the liver. Has been claimed to detox the body, but there is not sufficient scientific evidence to prove this claim. The only concern for this ingredient is the intake of in high levels, as it is VERY rare for one to be deficient in this. -N-Acetyl – comes from an amino acid L-Cysteine. Is used to counteract acetaminophen (Tylenol) and carbon monoxide poisoning. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE BREAST FEEDING, ALLERGIC TO ACETYL CYSTEINE, HAVE ASTHMA (causes bronchospasms in people asthma), HAVE A BLEEDING DISORDER (slows blood clotting), AND ARE HAVING/HAVE HAD SURGERY.
-L-Tyrosine – an amino acid made by the body from another amino acid (phenylalanine. Is found in dairy products, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, oats, and wheat. Is considered safe when taken short-term and in doses of 150 mg/kg per day for up to 3 months. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM HYPERTHYROIDISM OR GRAVES DISEASE (may increase thyroxine levels making condition worse).
-L-Phenylalanine – an amino acid found in meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and milk. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM PHENYLKETONURIA (causes the body to build up too much phenylalanine, may cause mental retardation, high blood pressure, stroke, and other serious illnesses) OR SCHIZOPHRENIA (may cause a movement disorder).
-Taurine - an amino sulfonic acid often referred to as an amino acid. Required as a building block of protrein. Found in large amounts within the brain, retina, heart, and platelets (blood cells). Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
-Malic Acid – alpha hydroxyl acid found in foods. Side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and general stomach discomfort.
-Protease – an enzyme that breaks down and modifies proteins. Majority of this enzyme is produced through genetically modified microorganisms (GMO).
-Cellulase – an enzymatic splitting of cellulose. Are manufactured with genetically modified microorganisms for use in the food industry.
-Lactase – an enzyme needed for specific biochemical reactions in the body. Breaks down lactose. Safe for most people.
-Glycerin – also known as glycerol. Naturally occurring chemical that is used in medicine. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, bloating, nausea, vomiting, thrist, and diarrhea. May cause damage to red blood cells when injected intravenously.
-Potassium Sorbate – created as a preservative to keep foods from spoiling (mold or fungus). Considered non-toxic, but in large doses can cause diarrhea, nauseas, rashes, or in serious cases, renal or kidney damage.
-Sodium Benzoate – a sodium salt used a chemical preservative. Often found in processed foods. Safe to consume in small doses, but should not be combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). KNOWN TO CAUSE CELL DEATH, DAMAGE TO THE MITOCHONDRIA IN CELLS, DNA DAMAGE, ADHD, OR LEUKEMIA.
-Sucralose - an artificial sweetner that is not able to be broken down by the body, which is why it is considered noncaloric. May cause gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, allergic reaction, and blood sugar increase and weight gain. WARNING: AT LEAST 15% OF THIS CHEMICAL DOES NOT EXCRETE FROM YOUR BODY IN A TIMELY MANNER (according to animal studies done).
-Arginine – is an amino acid. Is necessary for the body to make proteins and is taken in through diet. It is found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Is NOT SAFE for CHILDREN, those with ASTHMA or ALLERGIES, CIRRHOSIS, GUANIDINOACETATE METHYLTRANSFERASE DEFICIENCY, HERPES, LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, HISTORY OF HEART ATTACK, KIDNEY DISEASE, or recent SURGERY.
-Taurine - an amino sulfonic acid often referred to as an amino acid. Required as a building block of protrein. Found in large amounts within the brain, retina, heart, and platelets (blood cells). Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
-Rhodiola Extract – a plant whose root is used for medicinal purposes, although there has not been any scientific proof proving it’s benefit. Due to LACK OF EVIDENCE this product SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING.
-DMAE Bitartrate – a chemical involved in a series of reactions that create acetylcholine, which is found in the brain and is a neurotransmitter that assists nerve cells communicate. Causes constipation, itching, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, excitation, vivid dreams, confusion, depression, increased blood pressure, and increase in schizophrenia symptoms, and unwanted movements of the face and mouth when taken by mouth. DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT/BREAST FEEDING, SUFFER FROM CLONIC-TONIC SEIZURES, DEPRESSION, OR SCHIZOPHRENIA.
-Inositol - a vitamin-like substance found in multiple plants and animals. Used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, Autism, Promotes hair growth, psoriasis, and to treat side effects of medical treatment with lithium. Can balance certain chemical within the body to help with panic disorder, depression, OCD, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Is considered POSSIBLY safe for most adults, but may cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. DO NOT INGEST IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE BIPOLAR DISORDER TO BECOME WORSE. , -Maltodextrin – a white powder (is processed, but made from real food) used in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent and in foods as a thickener or a filler. Is found in canned fruits, snacks, cereal, desserts, instant pudding, sauces, and salad dressing. Has less calories than sugar and is often found in sugar substitutes, such as Splenda and equal. Is used in too small of an amount to give any nutritional value to foods.
-Malic Acid - alpha hydroxyl acid found in foods. Side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and general stomach discomfort.
-Sodium Citrate- referred to as the sodium salts of citric acid.
-Citric Acid – a weak organic acid found in citrus fruit. Used as a natural preservative in foods and soft drinks. Occurs in the metabolism of all living things. Acts of an antioxidant and is found in many fruits and vegetables.
-Silicon Dioxide – a mineral used as a supplement in medicines. WARNING: Kidney stones can occur in people ingesting silicon containing antacids for a long period of time.
-Acesulfame Potassium – also known as Acesulfame K (an artificial sweetener). Does not break down in the body when digested, and is not stored in the body. Is quickly absorbed by the body and rapidly excreted, without change.
-Sucralose - an artificial sweetener that is not able to be broken down by the body, which is why it is considered noncaloric. May cause gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, allergic reaction, and blood sugar increase and weight gain. WARNING: AT LEAST 15% OF THIS CHEMICAL DOES NOT EXCRETE FROM YOUR BODY IN A TIMELY MANNER (according to animal studies done).
-Taurine - - an amino sulfonic acid often referred to as an amino acid. Required as a building block of protrein. Found in large amounts within the brain, retina, heart, and platelets (blood cells). Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
-D-Ribose – a simple sugar that helps the body restore energy, giving the heart and muscles the power needed to recharge and recover from fatigue or muscle pain. Found naturally in the body. -Inositol -- a vitamin-like substance found in multiple plants and animals. Used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, Autism, Promotes hair growth, psoriasis, and to treat side effects of medical treatment with lithium. Can balance certain chemical within the body to help with panic disorder, depression, OCD, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Is considered POSSIBLY safe for most adults, but may cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. DO NOT INGEST IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE BIPOLAR DISORDER TO BECOME WORSE.
-Choline Chloride – similar to B vitamins. Can be made in the liver and is found in foods such as liver, muscle meats, fish, nuts, beans, peas, and spinach, wheat germ, and eggs. High doses taken by mouth may increase risk of side effects.
-Reconstituted Mangosteen Juice – reconstituted juices DO NOT offer high nutritional qualities. Not enough scientific evidence proving any prevention or treatment of diseases due to mangosteen. -Mangosteen Extract - Not enough scientific evidence proving any prevention or treatment of diseases due to mangosteen.
-Potassium Sorbate - created as a preservative to keep foods from spoiling (mold or fungus). Considered non-toxic, but in large doses can cause diarrhea, nauseas, rashes, or in serious cases, renal or kidney damage.
-Xanthan Gum – a sugar-like compound made by mixing (fermented) sugars with a certain type of bacteria. Used in medicine. Safe in use of 15 grams per day. If pregnant or breast feeding it is not recommended to take due to not enough evidence found. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM NAUSEA, VOMITING, APPENDICITIS, HARD STOOLS, OR STOMACH PAIN, OR HAVE HAD RECENT SURGERY.
-Malic Acid - alpha hydroxyl acid found in foods. Side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and general stomach discomfort.
-L-Taurine - an amino sulfonic acid often referred to as an amino acid. Required as a building block of protein. Found in large amounts within the brain, retina, heart, and platelets (blood cells). Excess is excreted by the kidneys.
-Inositol - a vitamin-like substance found in multiple plants and animals. Used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, Autism, Promotes hair growth, psoriasis, and to treat side effects of medical treatment with lithium. Can balance certain chemical within the body to help with panic disorder, depression, OCD, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Is considered POSSIBLY safe for most adults, but may cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. DO NOT INGEST IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE BIPOLAR DISORDER TO BECOME WORSE.
-Corn Syrup Solids – known as dried glucose syrup. Reduces sugar content. Generally known to be safe.
-Microcrystaline Cellulose – is refined wood pulp. A white, free flowing powder. Does NOT degrade during digestions and has not appreciable absorption. May lead to a laxative effect. Used in many processed foods.
-Plyethylene Glycol – Used to treat constipation. Side effects are nausea, abdominal cramping, or gas. MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE BOWEL MOVEMENTS, PERSISTENT DIARRHEA, SEVERE OR PERSISTENT STOMACH/ABDOMINAL PAIN, BLOODY STOOLS, OR RECTAL BLEEDING (contact Dr. if severe side effects)
-Acesulfame – K -– also known as Acesulfame K (an artificial sweetener). Does not break down in the body when digested, and is not stored in the body. Is quickly absorbed by the body and rapidly excreted, without change.
-Pantothenate - is known as vitamin B5 and found in both plants and animals including meat, vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HEMOPHILIA (extends the time it takes to stop bleeding) OR STOMACH BLOCKAGES. , Sucralose – an artificial sweetner that is not able to be broken down by the body, which is why it is considered noncaloric. May cause gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, allergic reaction, and blood sugar increase and weight gain. WARNING: AT LEAST 15% OF THIS CHEMICAL DOES NOT EXCRETE FROM YOUR BODY IN A TIMELY MANNER (according to animal studies done).
-Niacinamide - a form of B3 and also found in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Considered to be SAFE, but not 100%. One minor side effect is a flushing reaction, may cause burning, tingling, itching and redness of the face, arms, and chest as well as headaches. May also cause stomach upset, intestinal gas, dizziness, pain in the mouth, and other issues. If more than 3 grams daily more serious side effects may happen, such as, liver trouble, gout, ulcers, loss of vision, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, as well as higher risk of stroke. DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING, HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE, OR STOMACH OR INTESTINAL ULCERS.
-Sucralose - an artificial sweetner that is not able to be broken down by the body, which is why it is considered noncaloric. May cause gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, allergic reaction, and blood sugar increase and weight gain. WARNING: AT LEAST 15% OF THIS CHEMICAL DOES NOT EXCRETE FROM YOUR BODY IN A TIMELY MANNER (according to animal studies done).
-Pyridoxine Hydrochloride - a vitamin found in foods, such as cereals, beans, vegetables, liver, meat, and eggs. Used to prevent and treat pyridoxine deficiency and anemia. All findings state that this is most LIKELY SAFE in small amounts, but may be dangerous in high amounts in pregnant/breast feeding women, no more than 2mg a day.
-Yellow #6 – has been linked to cancer, hyperactivity, ADHD, and allergic reactions. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) states that food dyes pose a number of risks to the public and is working towards getting the FDA to ban Yellow #6.
-Cyanocobalamin - a man-made form of B12 used to prevent and treat B12 deficiency. Majority of people get enough B12 from their diet. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM LEBER’S OPTIC NEUROPATHY (an eye disease), PLYCYTHEMIA VERA (a blood disorder), GOUT, IRON OR FOLIC ACID DEFICIENT ANEMIA, OR HYPOKALEMIA (low potassium levels).
-Copper – necessary in the human body for normal growth and health. A critical component in the formation of red blood cells. Found in vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts and seeds, mushrooms, shellfish, avocado, and whole grains. Can be toxic if too much is ingested and may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, anemia, and death.
-L – Tyrosine - an amino acid made by the body from another amino acid (phenylalanine. Is found in dairy products, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, oats, and wheat. Is considered safe when taken short-term and in doses of 150 mg/kg per day for up to 3 months. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM HYPERTHYROIDISM OR GRAVES DISEASE (may increase thyroxine levels making condition worse). , reconstituted fruit juice -– reconstituted juices DO NOT offer high nutritional qualities
-Glycine – an amino acid. Considered an essential amino acid because the body can make it from other chemicals. Most people DO NOT experience side effects.
-Gamma-aminobutyric acid – referred to as GABA. Is a chemical made in the brain. Used to relieve anxiety, improve mood, reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and ADHD. Not recommended if Pregnant or breast feeding due to lack of scientific studies.
-L-Carnitine - is an amino acid (building block for proteins) that are naturally produced in the body. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HYPOTHYROIDISM, KIDNEY FAILURE, OR SEIZURES.
-Maltodextrin - a white powder (is processed, but made from real food) used in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent and in foods as a thickener or a filler. Is found in canned fruits, snacks, cereal, desserts, instant pudding, sauces, and salad dressing. Has less calories than sugar and is often found in sugar substitutes, such as Splenda and equal. Is used in too small of an amount to give any nutritional value to foods.
-Artificial Flavor - may cause GI irritation, seizures, confusion, dizziness, cancer (in lab animals), respiratory and circulatory depression, and cardiac failure.
-Sucralose - an artificial sweetner that is not able to be broken down by the body, which is why it is considered noncaloric. May cause gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, allergic reaction, and blood sugar increase and weight gain. WARNING: AT LEAST 15% OF THIS CHEMICAL DOES NOT EXCRETE FROM YOUR BODY IN A TIMELY MANNER (according to animal studies done).
-Silicon Dioxide - a mineral used as a supplement in medicines. WARNING: Kidney stones can occur in people ingesting silicon containing antacids for a long period of time.
-Palatinose – manufactured from beet sugar. Scientists rearranged the chemical bond between the glucose and fructose molecules in beet sugar to create this. May cause lower GI discomfort. Is said to be high on the glycemic index.
-D-ribose - a simple sugar that helps the body restore energy, giving the heart and muscles the power needed to recharge and recover from fatigue or muscle pain. Found naturally in the body. -cha de bugre extract – a tree native to Brazil and found in tropical forests of Paraguay and Argentina. This tree produces red fruits that look like coffee beans. Fruit often roasted and brewed into a tea as a substitute for coffee. Due to lack of scientific evidence, NOT recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women.
-Maca extract – a plant from central Peru in the Andes Mountains. A relative of the radish and has an odor similar to butterscotch. Used in medicine. Due to lack of scientific evidence, NOT recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women and those with hormone sensitivity (breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
-yerba mate – popular in areas of South America and used in black teas. Contains caffeine. Is not harmful for individuals that use occasionally. MAY INCREASE RISK OF CERTAIN TYPES OF CANCER (MOUTH, ESOPHAGUS AND LUNGS) WHEN USED OVER A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME IN LARGE AMOUNTS. WHEN COMBINED WITH SMOKING, GREATLY INCREASES RISK OF CANCER.
-L-tyrosine - an amino acid made by the body from another amino acid (phenylalanine. Is found in dairy products, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, oats, and wheat. Is considered safe when taken short-term and in doses of 150 mg/kg per day for up to 3 months. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM HYPERTHYROIDISM OR GRAVES DISEASE (may increase thyroxine levels making condition worse).
-reconstituted fruit juice -– reconstituted juices DO NOT offer high nutritional qualities
-acerola extract – a fruit rich in vitamin C, contains vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Used in medication. Due to lack of scientific proof, NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING WOMEN, THOSE WITH GOUT OR KIDNEY STONES.
-xantham gum - a sugar-like compound made by mixing (fermented) sugars with a certain type of bacteria. Used in medicine. Safe in use of 15 grams per day. If pregnant or breast feeding it is not recommended to take due to not enough evidence found. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM NAUSEA, VOMITING, APPENDICITIS, HARD STOOLS, OR STOMACH PAIN, OR HAVE HAD RECENT SURGERY.
-pectin – a fiber found in fruits. Used in medicines. May cause diarrhea, gas, and loose stools. -niacinamide - a form of B3 and also found in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Considered to be SAFE, but not 100%. One minor side effect is a flushing reaction, may cause burning, tingling, itching and redness of the face, arms, and chest as well as headaches. May also cause stomach upset, intestinal gas, dizziness, pain in the mouth, and other issues. If more than 3 grams daily more serious side effects may happen, such as, liver trouble, gout, ulcers, loss of vision, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, as well as higher risk of stroke. DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING, HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE, OR STOMACH OR INTESTINAL ULCERS.
-calcium pantothenate - is known as vitamin B5 and found in both plants and animals including meat, vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk. DO NOT TAKE IF SUFFERING FROM HEMOPHILIA (extends the time it takes to stop bleeding) OR STOMACH BLOCKAGES.
-pyridoxine hydrochloride - a vitamin found in foods, such as cereals, beans, vegetables, liver, meat, and eggs. Used to prevent and treat pyridoxine deficiency and anemia. All findings state that this is most LIKELY SAFE in small amounts, but may be dangerous in high amounts in pregnant/breast feeding women, no more than 2mg a day.
-cyanocobalamin - a manmade form of B12 used to prevent and treat B12 deficiency. Majority of people get enough B12 from their diet. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU SUFFER FROM LEBER’S OPTIC NEUROPATHY (an eye disease), PLYCYTHEMIA VERA (a blood disorder), GOUT, IRON OR FOLIC ACID DEFICIENTY ANEMIA, OR HYPOKALEMIA (low potassium levels).