We offer 3 complexes (Iodine, ADK and Immune Support) with a total of 21 unique active ingredients. After considering nutrition from food, drinks and these 3 complex supplements there are still some other supplements I use on a regular basis.

These include:

• • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  • Melatonin
  • Lion’s Mane
  • Collagen
  • Magnesium*

In this 2-part blog we discuss each of these supplements briefly and with the aim of being clear on why these are beneficial, why they are not included in current formulas and how they are complementary to Zen Haus offers.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is vital to your body’s healing process. Your body needs it to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen. It is also an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. My view on Vitamin C is that taking lots of it on a regular basis is very good for you. Maybe I would use more if I were not tracking and testing other nutrients. Usually, I add Vitamin C powder to juices and smoothies. If I sense an illness coming on I will increase the dosage and frequency.

Since we recommend high amounts of Vitamin C and that it is inexpensive, we felt that consumers would be better off purchasing their own Vitamin C. A limiting factor for Zen Haus is capsule size. Large amounts of Vitamin C would not be good use of our precious real-estate.

Vitamin C is a perfect complement to the Zen Haus Iodine, ADK and Immune Support products.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Niacin is important for the body’s metabolism. It helps keep the nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. It is used in many functions in the body and is an excellent companion to both Vitamin C and Iodine. Niacin supports proper cognition and is even used to help treat mental disorders including bi-polar disorder.

Niacin can have a flush-effect if enough is taken. The harmless flush results from the dilation of small blood vessels in your skin. Your skin may become red, warm, and itchy. This usually doesn’t last more than 20-30 minutes however with a high dosage or high sensitivity the sensations can be uncomfortable. As you continue taking niacin the flush-effect will be less likely and less severe. No-flush niacin is available however it is harder on the liver and so we do not recommend it.

Like Vitamin C, niacin is also a fairly standardized product, is inexpensive and widely available. We chose to exclude it from our formulas because the flush-effect can be distracting or disruptive, and everyone has a different tolerance level.

Niacin is a great complement to the Zen Haus Iodine and ADK supplements.

Melatonin

Melatonin is considered the body’s main antioxidant. Yes, even more than glutathione. Melatonin triggers other antioxidants including glutathione and is twice as powerful as Vitamin E. It is potent against viruses, supports the heart and kidneys, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

There are two types in the body. Circulatory melatonin is made in the pineal gland and can be thought of as a backup supply for melatonin. Subcellular melatonin, which makes up the majority of melatonin, is in the mitochondria and important for both protection and repair. Melatonin is also an important input for energy production in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

Melatonin is well-known as a sleep aid or to correct issues with the circadian rhythm. It causes drowsiness (in sufficient amounts). This is the main reason we do not include it in our formulas. It is also inexpensive and widely available. For these reasons we feel it is best for individuals to have control over the doss used.

Melatonin is a perfect complement for the Zen Haus ADK (D3 Complex) formula because of its antioxidant and longevity qualities. It goes well with the Immune and Respiratory formula for its virus fighting abilities. Finally, it can be useful for Iodine users, especially new users, who have trouble sleeping when starting on iodine.

—

Vitamin C, Niacin, and Melatonin are all inexpensive and widely available.  We could not offer comparable value for these products on their own. But who knows? Maybe there will be an opportunity for a night time rest and repair formula.  I keep these nutrients handy and try to incorporate them into my diet on a regular basis. All three supplements complement the Zen Haus formulas and further increment the great coverage we already get from our three complexes.

In Part-2 we continue the discussion with Lion’s Mane, Collagen and Magnesium*.

.