Nutricology - Everything You Need to Know

NutriCology is a company that focuses on a sometimes underserved area of supplement customers - those with multiple sensitivities and allergies. NutriCology is one of the first companies to provide this value to customers which has resulted in them continuing to get positive feedback and reviews from customers for over 40 years.

NutriCology’s goal is creating access to nutritional knowledge for health and happiness. A healthy mind and body starts with addressing what’s going on inside. NutriCology maintains their high standard by creating a strict quality control procedure. They have an in-house quality control department as well as independent labs that test raw materials and finished products. The best part? You can access their testing results for your own use and research. 

BrainAid

The first product that I will be spotlighting is BrainAid. BrainAid uses various natural extracts to enhance your brain’s function and memory. The ingredients in this formula work to support the production of neurotransmitters, blood circulation, and activity of antioxidants. 

Some of the ingredients in this formula include:

Herbal Extracts

Ginkgo

Gingko is an antioxidant that can protect the body from damage from free radicals. Free radicals can be found in processed meats and alcohol, for example. Free radicals can also have their production accelerated when someone smokes or is exposed to pesticides or pollution. 

Eleuthero
Also known as “Siberian Ginseng,” this is an herb known for its abilities to support immune system responses as well as concentration. Additionally, a study in 2016 concluded that the inclusion of this herb reduced edema (swelling of the body caused by excess fluid in bodily tissues). 

Asian Ginseng

While the name might sound familiar to the one listed above, the benefits of Asian Ginseng are indeed different than the Siberian alternative. Asian Ginseng has been reported to be a great option for immune system boosting. The reason behind this added boost is the ginsenosides that stimulate the immune system. A 2022 study looked into the effects of ginsenosides on inflammatory diseases as well and found a possible connection to the prevention and treatment of the diseases. 

Gotu kola

Hailed as the “herb of longevity” in traditional Chinese and Indonesian medicine, gotu kola has been used historically to address energy levels. It has been shown to support circulation, as well, in research within the last two decades. 

Bacopa

This herb has been used for over 3,000 years for addressing memory and cognitive function. Thousands of years ago, this herb was called the “rejuvenatory of the intellect.” We now know that this is because of bacosides - the powerful group of compounds in the herb that are involved in the creation of new neurons. 

Amino Acids

There are three amino acids in this formula. Amino acids are molecules that come together to create proteins. Because each protein has its own sequence of amino acids, and we need 20 amino acids to function properly, these are important ingredients to keep in mind when shopping for a supplement. The three amino acids in this formula are L-Glutamine, L-tyrosine, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine.

L-Glutamine is important for cellular growth and for supporting a healthy immune system. L-Glutamine also acts as a precursor for GABA. L-tyrosine is a precursor for the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, L-dopa and dopamine. Your body needs these neurotransmitters for regulating mood, stress response, and mental function/health.  Acetyl-L-Carnitine supports nerve function, as well as brain function. This amino acid in particular is vital to the energy between cells and the production of acetylcholine (memory, attention, and learning). 

Lipid Factors

Have you ever tried to clean a pan with oil with just water? Takes forever, right? That oil is a lipid. Lipids are insoluble in water (can’t be dissolved), like oils and waxes. In this formula, there are four lipids: Choline, Inositol, Phosphatidylcholine, and Phosphotidylserine. First, choline is a precursor to acetylcholine and can support memory and cognitive function. Inositol is used for addressing mental function. The last two are phospholipids which are important nutrients of each cell’s membrane. 

Mastic Gum

Mastic gum has a long history of use in the Mediterranean.  It is derived from the Pistacia Lentiscus variety of the chia tree.  On the southern end of the island of Chios, mastic gum trees thrive.  Hippocrates recorded the use of mastic gum from Chios back in the 5th century BCE.  The traditional harvesting and production of mastic gum from the island of Chios was recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.   

Mastic gum has several health benefits, most of which support digestion and oral health.  As early as 1984, medical studies validated the use of mastic gum for digestive symptoms.  More recent studies have shown that mastic gum improves microbial balance in the stomach and small intestines.  This makes it an excellent supplement to relieve the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), acid reflux, IBS, and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). 

Mastic gum supplements also help to protect the cells in your small intestine from the damage associated with NSAID use.  I always recommend an anti inflammatory formula with curcumin as a first option before choosing an NSAID.  

In human studies, mastic gum was proven to support healthy levels of lactoferrin, calprotectin, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein.  It can also improve stool consistency and sense of well being.  

Besides your digestive system, studies show that mastic gum can improve your cardiovascular function too.  Using mastic gum can improve diabetes and metabolic syndrome as it supports healthy glucose and cholesterol metabolism.  In animal studies, mastic gum improved kidney function.  In human studies of smokers, mastic gum supported healthy blood vessel function.  

If you are interested in the phytonutrients that hold the health-promoting powers in mastic gum, here is a list:

Isomasticadienolic, masticadienolic and masticadienonic 

Moronic acids support microbial balance

Oleanolic acid provides antioxidant protection and acts as a PPAR-γ agonist.

Poly-beta-myrcene, a natural polymer found in mastic gum, delivers important cytoprotective effects.

If you have a pistachio allergy, don’t worry about this supplement. Although mastic gum comes from a tree of the Pistacia genus, Pistacia lentiscus products do not contain any of the five antigenic proteins associated with pistachio nut allergy.

OcuDyne II

OcuDyne II was originally formulated by world renowned doctors Jonathon Wright and Alan R. Gaby. It includes a powerhouse spectrum of nutrients to support eye health and vision. On top of that, it includes a full set of multivitamins and minerals.  This formula can act as your daily multivitamin and eye support formula.  

Here is a highlight of some of the ingredients:

Lycopene is an antioxidant that has been studied for preventing cataracts.

Vitamin D improves tear function and reduces the risk of glaucoma.  

Alpha Lipoic Acid slows the progress of AMD age-related macular degeneration because of its ability to improve tissues damaged by oxidation. 

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that defends against microbial infections in your eyes. Quercetin’s antioxidant strength is mainly used for issues on the surface of your eye as opposed to the cornea or retina.  It can be used to combat dry eyes, keratoconus, and neovascularization of the cornea.

Lutein is a carotenoid that is found in your eyes.  It filters lights, has anti-inflammatory properties and protects against age-related macular degeneration. 

Zeaxanthin is another carotenoid that is naturally found in your eyes.  It helps protect your eyes from sunlight and oxidation damage.  It is an antioxidant that protects your eyes against cataract and age-related macular degeneration.

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that regulates blood flow. It helps to keep constant intraocular eye pressure low and blood flow consistent. It helps to prevent diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. 

Bilberry extract can reduce ocular inflammation and protect against glaucoma, cataracts, and AMD.  

The recommended dose is 4 capsules per day.  I recommend taking with food to avoid digestive symptoms like nausea or reflux.  

FAQ

Who is NutriCology?

NutriCology was the first professional supplement company to consider the needs of highly sensitive customers. They take great measure to ensure that their supplements are cGMP and free from common allergens:

• Gluten/Wheat
• Dairy
• Soy
• Corn
• Tree nuts/peanuts
• Egg
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Sesame
• Yeast

They use a third party accredited lab to preform ELISA analysis to ensure all finished supplements are allergen free. They strive to produce and provide the highest quality hypoallergenic supplements.  

They have a strict non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) policy which means they employ rigorous testing to ensure none of their raw ingredients contain genetically modified organisms. They use non-GMO sources, as well as PCR tests on finished products. The tests they utilize can determine GMO sources in finished products as well as the raw materials that come from soybeans, corn, canola, papaya, and beets. 

Where is NutriCology made?

NutritiCology is manufactured in the state of Utah in the United States.  They are licensed by the State of Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Certificate of Registration for Food Establishment number 190455 and US FDA registration number 16013952140. NutriCology is certified as a GMP manufacturer by NSF International, certificate number C0550001-DS-1.

Is NutriCology a good brand?

NutriCology is an excellent brand to consider for those who are highly sensitive, have many allergies, or are dealing with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), or with Histamine Intolerance. Oftentimes people who react to supplements are reacting to the preservatives, binders, or capsules instead of an actual nutrient.  NutriCology bypasses this product by providing low allergenic and hypoallergenic supplements. 

How can adults support cognitive development?

The National Institute on Aging recommends a healthy diet to reduce your risks of brain related disorders. A diet high in healthy fats and low in processed carbohydrates helps to reduce high and low blood sugar episodes which lead to diabetes and impair brain function. The NIA also recommends the following as ways to maintain and improve adult cognitive health. 

• Managing high blood pressure
• Being physically active
• Keeping your mind active
• Staying connected with social activities 
• Managing stress
• Reducing risks to cognitive health by getting adequate sleep, avoiding alcohol and nicotine
  

How can you support cognitive skills?

Cognitive skills are a sign of brain and overall health. Many nutrients, herbs, and probiotics can support brain health. Additionally many physical activities, including pickleball and yoga, have medical studies proving their ability to improve brain function.

How do you know if you need probiotics?

Each human has a microbiome that contains over anywhere from 10 to 100 trillion microbes. We all need probiotics whether those come from our food or from a supplement. Common signs that you would benefit from a probiotic are: gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Lesser known signs are mood disturbances, fatigue, and brain fog. I recommend a full spectrum probiotic unless you are working with a particular symptom. For example, if you have diarrhea, I recommend something with sacrommyces bouldardii.  If you have IBS, there are a number of bacteria strains that have been proven useful, including enterococcus faecalis.  I recommend a  fermented whole foods full-spectrum probiotic with multiple strains for decreasing IBS symptoms. 

Concluding Thoughts

90% of food allergies are reactions to the top eight allergens. With food allergies affecting nearly 32 million people in the US, it is important for companies to stay vigilant, strict, and honorable when it comes to their manufacturing processes. By identifying and focusing on a niche market, those with allergies in need of reputable supplements, NutriCology has made a name for themselves. Dealing with allergies to foods or chemicals can be frustrating and time-consuming. NutriCology understands that. If you’re interested in how NutriCology products can integrate into your supplement regime, schedule a consult with me, Carly Neubert BA, NC.