Manufacturer:
The acetyl derivative of L-carnitine. Like L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine is involved in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as the conversion of fats into energy and triglyceride metabolism. Acetyl-L-carnitine crosses the blood brain barrier more readily than L-carnitine, has antioxidant properties, and because it has an affinity for nerve cells, may especially provide antioxidant protection for neuronal integrity.* Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation has been shown to support glutathione and CoQ10 levels.* It mimics acetylcholine and therefore may positively affect the brain chemistry involved with memory and moods, as well as energy production in the brain.* Free form amino acid, high purity, well tolerated.

The Environmental Illness Resource:
L-carnitine has a range of actions that may be of particular benefit to environmental illness sufferers. The acetyl form is seen as the most bioactive and hence potent form. A major benefit of L-carnitine supplementation may be increased energy levels due to its involvement with the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate and especially fats. Something we're sure all those with environmental illness would be glad of! Another major benefit is the fact that this amino acid supports the action of glutathione, the body's primary anti-oxidant. Glutathione has consistently been shown to be low in the whole range of environmental illnesses. Furthermore, L-carnitine may improve mood and memory through its action within the brain, reducing feelings of brain fog and those embarrassing and frustrating occassions when you can't remember the simplest things.

The Environmental Illness Resource:
Oxidative stress and low glutathione levels have been shown in multiple studies to play a role in environmental illnesses. Glutathione levels are dependant upon L-cysteine and N-Acetyl-Cysteine is known to raise glutathione levels more than L-cysteine and even glutathione itself when taken orally. Maintaining glutathione levels and reducing oxidative stress are very important in the treatment of environmental illnesses and NAC has proven itself as a powerful anti-oxidant.

Manufacturer:
Originally discovered in 1827, taurine has been greatly under-appreciated. Its full potential as a dietary supplement has only recently been recognized. A major sulfur amino acid, taurine’s role as a protector of the cell membrane from oxidative attack is just becoming known. "Natural Killer" (NK) white cells are reinvigorated by taurine, as are macrophages, which in the presence of taurine, release interleukin-1 (IL-1). Taruine can benefit nervous system function, including random electrical activity. It can be beneficial to the heartbeat, retina, and immune system. (1 ml. = 75 mg.)

The Environmental Illness Resource:
As with other sulfur containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, taurine is important for detoxification and acts as an anti-oxidant. As such, it has been shown to protect cell membranes from free-radicals. Since oxidative stress (an excess of free radicals) is commonly seen in environmental illnesses and seen as a major part of the pathology, taurine supplements may help to reduce the damage from free radicals and lessen symptoms that may be occuring as a result. Taurine can not be made in the body so must be aquired from the diet, making supplementation even more important. This sublingual form is arguably the best absorbed form.

Manufacturer:
SAMe is an amino acid derivative that has been clinically proven to benefit brain, joint and liver function. Found in all living cells, SAMe is also called activated methionine (an essential amino acid) since it is formed by the combining of ATP with methionine. SAMe has undergone dozens of trials involving thousands of patients. Researchers studying the beneficial effects of SAMe have identified the following benefits of SAMe:

• Join Strength - supports production of healthy connective tissue.
• Brain Metabolism - SAMe methylation reactions are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
• Longevity - Proper methylation through substances such as SAMe positively influences longevity.
• Liver Function - SAMe metabolism supports the synthesis of glutathione.

The Environmental Illness Resource:
Of most immediate benefit to environmental illness sufferers are the actions of SAMe on liver and brain function. Low glutathione levels and resulting oxidant stress are commonplace in environmental illnesses. SAMe, being a key component in it's production, has been shown to raise glutathione levels and reduce oxidative stress. Cognitive and mood symptoms are also invariably present to one degree or another in envionmental illnesses. SAMe acts to help these problems through a process called methylation which results in the production of important brain chemicals. It can thus relieve depression and other mental/emotional problems. Many, many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of SAMe supplements for both liver and brain problems.

Manufacturer:
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid and a precursor to adrenaline, norepinepherine, dopamine and L-dopa. These neurotransmitters are involved with mental function, mood, satiety and response to stress.* L-tyrosine is also involved in the production of thyroid hormone and the skin pigment melanin.* Free form amino acid, high purity, well tolerated.

The Environmental Illness Resource:
There is a general concensus among integrative physicians treating environmental illnesses that patients commonly have signs of both neurotransmitter and thyroid hormone deficiency. Both of which can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, stress and other distressing symptoms. Amino acid therapy with l-tyrosine can help to resolve these symptoms by providing the building blocks for production of neurotransmitters and thyroid hormones. Reports suggest l-tyrosine is most effective when used in conjunction with 5-HTP.

Manufacturer:
L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which can be converted to L-tyrosine by a complex biochemical process which takes place in the liver. L-tyrosine can be converted by neurons in the brain to dopamine and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), hormones which are depleted by stress, overwork and certain drugs. By replenishing norepinephrine in the brain, mental energy levels are enhanced and a feeling of contentment often occurs. Because of the liver conversion necessary for L-phenylalanine to have these effects, L-tyrosine is often faster acting. In addition, the conversion step from L-tyrosine to norepinephrine may be enhanced if the cofactors (vitamins B6 and C) are included.

The Environmental Illness Resource:
L-phenylalanine is the starting point for a number of important brain chemicals. It is converted into l-tyrosine and then into the catecholamine nuerotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. L-phenylalanine however is also converted into phenylethylamine (PEA) by a different pathway. This chemical is naturally occuring in the brain and is similar to amphetamines in structure and action but without the side-effects of amphetamine drugs. As such, PEA can elevate mood and increase alertness. The D form of phenylalanine is converted to PEA much more readily than the L form which makes DL-phenylalanine supplements much more effective for depression and associated states.