Hero Ingredient in: FOCUS

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid that fuels energy production in cells and supports nerve function. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows for improved mental function and cognition, and it has been shown to help reverse cognitive decline and improve working memory. 

What is it? 
Acetyl-L-carnitine is the acetylated and bioavailable form of L-carnitine, an amino acid naturally produced in your body to generate energy. 

How does it work? 
Acetyl-L-carnitine enhances your body’s mitochondrial function (mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells) and cognition by creating more energy for your muscles and brain. It can pass the brain-blood barrier getting straight to the mitochondria in your brain. 

What are the benefits? 
Increased mental and physical energy: Acetyl-L- Carnitine has been shown in those who took the supplement daily to significantly boost both mental and physical energy and improve overall cognitive ability. 1 

Improve cognition: Lower Acetyl-L-Carnitine levels lead to major decreases in brain function. A 2010 study showed that 8 out of 14 participants reversed a diagnosis of dementia and returned to their full cognitive abilities after taking acetyl-L-carnitine daily. 2 

Lower inflammation: Acetyl-L-Carnitine increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and improves the total antioxidant capacity in healthy subjects. It can reduce inflammation in healthy adults as it is able to increase glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. 3 

Boost circulation: Strong blood flow is an essential part of muscle and brain function, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine can increase circulation and nutrient rich blood flow after a high-fat meal. 4 

Improve focus: Acetyl-L-Carnitine improves attention in kids with ADHD (particularly attention problems and aggressive behaviour in boys with ADHD) and adults with mental fatigue. 5, 6 

REFERENCES 
1 Vermeulen, R. C., & Scholte, H. R. (2004). Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosomatic medicine, 66(2), 276–282. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000116249.60477.e9 
2 Cuturic, M., Abramson, R. K., Moran, R. R., & Hardin, J. W. (2010). Clinical outcomes and low dose levocarnitine supplementation in psychiatric inpatients with documented hypocarnitinemia: a retrospective chart review. Journal of psychiatric practice, 16(1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.pra.0000367773.03636.d1 
3 Cao, Y., Qu, H. J., Li, P., Wang, C. B., Wang, L. X., & Han, Z. W. (2011). Single dose administration of L-carnitine improves antioxidant activities in healthy subjects. The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine, 224(3), 209–213. https://doi.org/10.1620/tjem.224.209 
4 Volek, J. S., Judelson, D. A., Silvestre, R., Yamamoto, L. M., Spiering, B. A., Hatfield, D. L., Vingren, J. L., Quann, E. E., Anderson, J. M., Maresh, C. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2008). Effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat meal in healthy young adults. The American journal of cardiology, 102(10), 1413–1417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.07.022 
5 Van Oudheusden, L. J., & Scholte, H. R. (2002). Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 67(1), 33–38. https://doi.org/10.1054/plef.2002.0378 
6 Vermeulen, R. C., & Scholte, H. R. (2004). Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosomatic medicine, 66(2), 276–282. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000116249.60477.e9

Hero Ingredient in: NAD+

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular energy, nerve health, and healthy inflammation levels. It helps recycle other antioxidants in the body and plays a protective role against oxidative stress that can impact the brain, metabolism, and immune function.

What is it?

A naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the body, also present in small amounts in foods like spinach, broccoli and organ meats.

How does it work?

Alpha Lipoic Acid is both fat- and water-soluble, allowing it to work throughout the body and cross the blood–brain barrier. It helps neutralise free radicals and regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione. It also supports glucose metabolism and mitochondrial energy production.

What are the benefits?

Neuroprotection: Shown to support cognitive function and reduce oxidative damage in the brain.

Healthy inflammation levels: May help reduce inflammatory markers associated with ageing and chronic stress.

Metabolic support: Contributes to improved insulin sensitivity and balanced glucose metabolism.

References:

1. Shay, K. P. et al. (2009). Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. J Nutr Biochem, 20(11), 843–854. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2009.04.002
2. Zhang, W. J. et al. (2007). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of lipoic acid in endothelial cells. Free Radic Biol Med, 42(3), 389–397. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2006.10.040
3. Jacob, S. et al. (1999). Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Free Radic Biol Med, 27(3-4), 309–314. doi:10.1016/S0891-5849(99)00089-4

Hero Ingredient in: IRON

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant derived from microalgae and seafood such as salmon and shrimp. Known as the "king of carotenoids," it provides unparalleled protection against oxidative stress.

What is it?
Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant properties, naturally found in certain algae and marine animals.

How does it work?
Astaxanthin neutralises free radicals, reduces inflammation, and protects cellular membranes from oxidative damage.

What are the benefits?

• Skin health: Protects skin from UV damage, reduces wrinkles, and promotes elasticity.
• Eye health: Supports retinal function and reduces eye fatigue, especially in screen users.
• Joint and muscle recovery: Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, aiding in recovery after physical activity.
• Heart health: Improves blood lipid profiles and supports cardiovascular function by reducing oxidative damage to blood vessels.

References:

1. Fassett, R. G., & Coombes, J. S. (2011). Astaxanthin: A potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease. Marine Drugs, 9(3), 447-465. https://doi.org/10.3390/md9030447
2. Naguib, Y. M. (2000). Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(4), 1150-1154. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf991106k