Todd Whitthorne, President and CEO of Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements, discusses the basics of calcium and how it's beneficial to your health.
For more information on Cooper Complete Nutrition Supplements, visit coopercomplete.com or call 972.560.2707.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Let's Talk Krill
We’ve recently had several inquiries about krill oil supplements. Is it safe, what does it contain and where does it come from?
Krill are small shrimp-like marine crustaceans, similar in size to a large paperclip, that live in the ocean and feed on algae and plankton. Krill play an important role in overall marine life, as they feed directly on algae and plankton, which is then converted into a form of energy (krill) that can be consumed by other sea life. Probably best known as the food of choice for giant blue whales, seals, squid, and cold water fish also consume a diet rich in krill. In addition to turning algae and plankton into energy, because krill eat carbon-rich food near the ocean surface (and then excrete it in lower, colder waters), some believe they play an important role in removing greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
While Japanese sometimes eat krill, the vast majority of krill is used in aquaculture and livestock feed, for fish bait and pet foods, and the pharmaceutical industry. Using ‘suction’ harvesting, krill is gathered from the ocean. Most commercial fishing of Krill is in Antarctica and off the coast of Japan, and off Canada’s Pacific coast. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (here in the United States) does not allow krill fishing off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, or California as krill serve as the basis of the marine food chain. Scientists believe krill have declined by 80 per cent since the 1970s, and the most likely cause is global warming. Because of sustainability concerns, Whole Foods discontinued sale of krill products last year, and recommends that consumers choose fish oil supplements instead.
While there is an astounding amount of marketing information available online touting the advantages of krill oil, there is limited science based fact. Neptune Technologies produces virtually all of the krill oil on the market, and they have been conducting research on krill oil, but so far there are very few studies. An amazing number of web sites reviewed referenced two small cholesterol studies (one containing 113 subjects and another containing 120, and both with very different outcomes), a study that compared krill oil against fish oil for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps, and a study (acknowledged as badly designed) for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were mentioned on umpteen sites.
Krill oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), carotenoids and phospholipids. Carotenoids are found in many foods, particularly the yellow, orange and dark green vegetables and fruits. Krill oil proponents claim that krill oil is better absorbed than traditional fish oil supplements, because it is in the phospholipids- rather than triglyceride- form. And, because it is better absorbed, the amount EPA and DHA is significantly lower. (One wildly popular brand contains 140 mg EPA/DHA in two capsules, whereas Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 1,200 mg EPA/DHA in two softgels.) Opponents say this argument is nonsense as phospholipids are non-essential to the body, and since time began we have been consuming EPA and DHA in the triglyceride form from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.
While krill oil appears to be perfectly safe, the data seems to contain a lot more hype then hard scientific fact. With more than 18,000 studies on EPA and DHA in fish oil form to date, it makes sense to stick with the proven, and less expensive, original.
The Cooper Complete store is here.
References
Tiny Krill: Giants in Marine Food Chain
Pacific Fishery Management Council
Krill Oil
What is Phytoplankton?
Krill
Whole Foods discontinues krill, citing ‘sustainability issues’
Neptune Technologies & Resources
Krill are small shrimp-like marine crustaceans, similar in size to a large paperclip, that live in the ocean and feed on algae and plankton. Krill play an important role in overall marine life, as they feed directly on algae and plankton, which is then converted into a form of energy (krill) that can be consumed by other sea life. Probably best known as the food of choice for giant blue whales, seals, squid, and cold water fish also consume a diet rich in krill. In addition to turning algae and plankton into energy, because krill eat carbon-rich food near the ocean surface (and then excrete it in lower, colder waters), some believe they play an important role in removing greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
While Japanese sometimes eat krill, the vast majority of krill is used in aquaculture and livestock feed, for fish bait and pet foods, and the pharmaceutical industry. Using ‘suction’ harvesting, krill is gathered from the ocean. Most commercial fishing of Krill is in Antarctica and off the coast of Japan, and off Canada’s Pacific coast. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (here in the United States) does not allow krill fishing off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, or California as krill serve as the basis of the marine food chain. Scientists believe krill have declined by 80 per cent since the 1970s, and the most likely cause is global warming. Because of sustainability concerns, Whole Foods discontinued sale of krill products last year, and recommends that consumers choose fish oil supplements instead.
While there is an astounding amount of marketing information available online touting the advantages of krill oil, there is limited science based fact. Neptune Technologies produces virtually all of the krill oil on the market, and they have been conducting research on krill oil, but so far there are very few studies. An amazing number of web sites reviewed referenced two small cholesterol studies (one containing 113 subjects and another containing 120, and both with very different outcomes), a study that compared krill oil against fish oil for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps, and a study (acknowledged as badly designed) for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were mentioned on umpteen sites.
Krill oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), carotenoids and phospholipids. Carotenoids are found in many foods, particularly the yellow, orange and dark green vegetables and fruits. Krill oil proponents claim that krill oil is better absorbed than traditional fish oil supplements, because it is in the phospholipids- rather than triglyceride- form. And, because it is better absorbed, the amount EPA and DHA is significantly lower. (One wildly popular brand contains 140 mg EPA/DHA in two capsules, whereas Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 1,200 mg EPA/DHA in two softgels.) Opponents say this argument is nonsense as phospholipids are non-essential to the body, and since time began we have been consuming EPA and DHA in the triglyceride form from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.
While krill oil appears to be perfectly safe, the data seems to contain a lot more hype then hard scientific fact. With more than 18,000 studies on EPA and DHA in fish oil form to date, it makes sense to stick with the proven, and less expensive, original.
The Cooper Complete store is here.
References
Tiny Krill: Giants in Marine Food Chain
Pacific Fishery Management Council
Krill Oil
What is Phytoplankton?
Krill
Whole Foods discontinues krill, citing ‘sustainability issues’
Neptune Technologies & Resources
Monday, July 18, 2011
Getting to Know Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9, or Folate, is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells and is especially important during periods of high growth, such as infancy, adolescence and pregnancy. As almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unexpected or unplanned (see New England Journal of Medicine article below), women in their childbearing years are routinely encouraged to take a multivitamin containing vitamin B9 to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). Folate also plays an important role in reducing the risk of heart disease, and is known to reduce homocysteine levels in our blood. Epidemiologic data also links low levels of folic acid with some cancers.
Sources of Folate
Folate and folic acid are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B9. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, while folate is the form of vitamin B9 found in food. Folate is naturally found in dark leafy vegetables, asparagus, okra, fruits (including bananas, lemons, oranges, and melons), mushrooms, legumes, soybeans, brewer’s yeast and orange and tomato juices. Breads, cereals, bars and flour are commonly fortified with folic acid.
Recommendations
The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for adults is 500 micrograms (mcg) daily (600 mcg daily for pregnant women), with the tolerable upper intake level (UL) set at 1,000 mcg.
There is concern in the scientific community that large populations within the United States have folic acid levels that are too high. Between fortification of foods and consumption of supplements, researchers estimate that a third of our population has folic acid levels at twice the recommended level. Vitamin B-12 deficiency, fairly common in seniors, can be masked in individuals with excessive folic acid levels.
Cooper Complete
The formulations of all Cooper Complete nutritional supplements are overseen by a team of researchers and physicians, and all of our products are reviewed and adjusted to ensure that the formulations contain levels of ingredients scientifically proven to be beneficial for optimal health. We are in the process of revising all of the Cooper Complete multivitamins (adult formulations) from 400- to 200 mcg of folic acid. During this formulation change, we are also transitioning to Metafolin, a brand name for a patented form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) made by Merck. Metafolin is a form of folate that is more body-ready and usable by the body compared to the typical folic acid that is contained in supplements. 5-MTHF is the predominant form of folate that is found in nature and may have benefits over synthetic folic acid. A percentage of the population has a mutation in one of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of folic acid, and 5-MTHF circumvents this mutation and allows the body to be better able to get the benefits from supplementation. We expect to transition all adult formulations to the new level and form by early next year.
To purchase Cooper Complete multivitamins and supplements, visit the Cooper Store
References
Family Planning as a Cost-Saving Preventive Health Service
Unmetabololized Folic Acid in Plasma is associated with Reduced Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity among Postmenopausal Women
Sources of Folate
Folate and folic acid are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B9. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, while folate is the form of vitamin B9 found in food. Folate is naturally found in dark leafy vegetables, asparagus, okra, fruits (including bananas, lemons, oranges, and melons), mushrooms, legumes, soybeans, brewer’s yeast and orange and tomato juices. Breads, cereals, bars and flour are commonly fortified with folic acid.
Recommendations
The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for adults is 500 micrograms (mcg) daily (600 mcg daily for pregnant women), with the tolerable upper intake level (UL) set at 1,000 mcg.
There is concern in the scientific community that large populations within the United States have folic acid levels that are too high. Between fortification of foods and consumption of supplements, researchers estimate that a third of our population has folic acid levels at twice the recommended level. Vitamin B-12 deficiency, fairly common in seniors, can be masked in individuals with excessive folic acid levels.
Cooper Complete
The formulations of all Cooper Complete nutritional supplements are overseen by a team of researchers and physicians, and all of our products are reviewed and adjusted to ensure that the formulations contain levels of ingredients scientifically proven to be beneficial for optimal health. We are in the process of revising all of the Cooper Complete multivitamins (adult formulations) from 400- to 200 mcg of folic acid. During this formulation change, we are also transitioning to Metafolin, a brand name for a patented form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) made by Merck. Metafolin is a form of folate that is more body-ready and usable by the body compared to the typical folic acid that is contained in supplements. 5-MTHF is the predominant form of folate that is found in nature and may have benefits over synthetic folic acid. A percentage of the population has a mutation in one of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of folic acid, and 5-MTHF circumvents this mutation and allows the body to be better able to get the benefits from supplementation. We expect to transition all adult formulations to the new level and form by early next year.
To purchase Cooper Complete multivitamins and supplements, visit the Cooper Store
References
Family Planning as a Cost-Saving Preventive Health Service
Unmetabololized Folic Acid in Plasma is associated with Reduced Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity among Postmenopausal Women
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Decoding Your Supplement Labels
In June, the New England Journal of Medicine published their perspective on front-of-package nutrition labeling. The authors (Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, and Jeffrey P. Koplan, MD, MPH) expressed their frustration that the sample front-of-package label system developed by the Grocery Manufacturers of America and the Food Marketing Institute (see sample) is much more confusing than the simple traffic-light system (green, yellow, red light) labeling concept used in Britain (see sample).
Reading the perspective, I started thinking about vitamin and supplement labels, and how confusing they are too! For starters, FDA guidelines, in place for our protection as consumers, don’t allow supplement companies to simply “list” on the bottle the benefits of a particular ingredient or formula. Some retailers make the process a little bit easier by organizing supplements by problem (i.e., joint health; digestion; cholesterol), but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. For example, the bottles of omega-3s you find on the shelf aren’t going to tell you how good they are for heart and brain health, as well as being overall inflammation fighters. And, once you’ve figured out that omega-3’s are beneficial, they aren’t going to tell you how much science says we need to consume.
Here are our steps for decoding the front package of a bottle of Omega-3:
• Do not assume that the “1,000 mg” or “1 gram” notation on the front label is relevant – this notation is a marketing notation, and typically means that the capsule size is 1,000 mg – not that the product provides 1,000 mg EPA, DHA and/or ALA. It’s entirely possible that a 1,000 mg capsule may contain as few as 300 mg EPA and DHA, combined.
• Omega-3 fatty acids encompass EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA are marine based, while ALA is plant based. ALA can’t be directly used by the body, so it is converted into EPA and DHA.
The vast majority of research has been conducted studying the impact of EPA and DHA.
• To compare products and brands, refer to the ingredient panel and add together the amount of EPA, DHA and ALA documented on the ingredient panel. The “ingredient panel” (or nutrition facts panel) is regulated by the FDA – so these are the only numbers that count. This instruction applies to both nutritional supplements and fortified foods. For example, some egg brands with omega-3 simply say there are omega-3’s in the egg, while others will list a specific level for EPA/DHA provided.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult women consume 1,100 mg of EPA/DHA (total combined) per day, while men should consume 1,600 mg EPA/DHA. Because ALA doesn’t convert in the body easily, women consuming omega-3 fatty acids in the plant-based ALA form should consume 1,300 mg daily, while men should consume 2,700 mg.
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 1,200 mg EPA/DHA in each two softgel serving.
To purchase Cooper Complete multivitamins and supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
References
Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling – An Abuse of Trust by the Food Industry?
Sample front-of-package label from the traffic-light system used in Britain
Sample front-of-package label adhering to the Nutrition Keys System Developed by the Grocery Manufacturers of America and the Food Marketing Institute
Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Good Fat, Bad Fat: The Facts about Omega-3
#533 The Lambert Report for 06/23/2011
Reading the perspective, I started thinking about vitamin and supplement labels, and how confusing they are too! For starters, FDA guidelines, in place for our protection as consumers, don’t allow supplement companies to simply “list” on the bottle the benefits of a particular ingredient or formula. Some retailers make the process a little bit easier by organizing supplements by problem (i.e., joint health; digestion; cholesterol), but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. For example, the bottles of omega-3s you find on the shelf aren’t going to tell you how good they are for heart and brain health, as well as being overall inflammation fighters. And, once you’ve figured out that omega-3’s are beneficial, they aren’t going to tell you how much science says we need to consume.
Here are our steps for decoding the front package of a bottle of Omega-3:
• Do not assume that the “1,000 mg” or “1 gram” notation on the front label is relevant – this notation is a marketing notation, and typically means that the capsule size is 1,000 mg – not that the product provides 1,000 mg EPA, DHA and/or ALA. It’s entirely possible that a 1,000 mg capsule may contain as few as 300 mg EPA and DHA, combined.
• Omega-3 fatty acids encompass EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA are marine based, while ALA is plant based. ALA can’t be directly used by the body, so it is converted into EPA and DHA.
The vast majority of research has been conducted studying the impact of EPA and DHA.
• To compare products and brands, refer to the ingredient panel and add together the amount of EPA, DHA and ALA documented on the ingredient panel. The “ingredient panel” (or nutrition facts panel) is regulated by the FDA – so these are the only numbers that count. This instruction applies to both nutritional supplements and fortified foods. For example, some egg brands with omega-3 simply say there are omega-3’s in the egg, while others will list a specific level for EPA/DHA provided.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult women consume 1,100 mg of EPA/DHA (total combined) per day, while men should consume 1,600 mg EPA/DHA. Because ALA doesn’t convert in the body easily, women consuming omega-3 fatty acids in the plant-based ALA form should consume 1,300 mg daily, while men should consume 2,700 mg.
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 1,200 mg EPA/DHA in each two softgel serving.
To purchase Cooper Complete multivitamins and supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
References
Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling – An Abuse of Trust by the Food Industry?
Sample front-of-package label from the traffic-light system used in Britain
Sample front-of-package label adhering to the Nutrition Keys System Developed by the Grocery Manufacturers of America and the Food Marketing Institute
Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Good Fat, Bad Fat: The Facts about Omega-3
#533 The Lambert Report for 06/23/2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Are you getting the most out of your Flexible Spending Account Plan?
Did you know that Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) funds can be used to purchase multivitamins and dietary supplements? Beginning January 1, 2011, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and drugs, including multivitamins and supplements, now require a prescription to be reimbursed by a FSA. (Other OTC medicines and drugs that now require a prescription include allergy prevention and treatment, analgesics, antacids, cold and flu remedies, migraine relief, skin care and sleeping aids.) In previous years, the prescription from the physician was simply mailed to the FSA plan administrator. Beginning this year, the prescription must be filled by a pharmacy and contain the same information as a prescription for a prescription-only medicine. Here’s how the process works:
1. Prior to the purchase of the multivitamin and/or supplements, the prescription for the item must be presented to the pharmacist.
2. The multivitamin and/or supplement must be dispensed by the pharmacist in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.
3. An Rx number must be assigned.
In Texas and Louisiana, the entire line of Cooper Complete® nutritional supplements is available in all Albertson’s stores, and can be found directly in front of the pharmacy.
For Cooper Complete customers who don’t live near an Albertson’s, we also have a relationship set-up with the independent pharmacy Dougherty’s to fill the prescription and ship the items to you. To make the process as easy as possible, once you have the prescription from your physician please contact me at 800.980.6311 or jsturner@cooperwellness.com and I will coordinate the details of getting the prescription filled. If you are a Cooper Clinic patient, you can also use the coupon you receive during your physical for the purchase.
Thank you.
Jill Turner
VP of Operations
Cooper Concepts, Inc.
800.980.6311 - direct
972.560.3267 - fax
jsturner@cooperwellness.com
Reference
Dougherty’s Pharmacy
Albertson’s LLC
Texas Stores
Louisiana Stores
1. Prior to the purchase of the multivitamin and/or supplements, the prescription for the item must be presented to the pharmacist.
2. The multivitamin and/or supplement must be dispensed by the pharmacist in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.
3. An Rx number must be assigned.
In Texas and Louisiana, the entire line of Cooper Complete® nutritional supplements is available in all Albertson’s stores, and can be found directly in front of the pharmacy.
For Cooper Complete customers who don’t live near an Albertson’s, we also have a relationship set-up with the independent pharmacy Dougherty’s to fill the prescription and ship the items to you. To make the process as easy as possible, once you have the prescription from your physician please contact me at 800.980.6311 or jsturner@cooperwellness.com and I will coordinate the details of getting the prescription filled. If you are a Cooper Clinic patient, you can also use the coupon you receive during your physical for the purchase.
Thank you.
Jill Turner
VP of Operations
Cooper Concepts, Inc.
800.980.6311 - direct
972.560.3267 - fax
jsturner@cooperwellness.com
Reference
Dougherty’s Pharmacy
Albertson’s LLC
Texas Stores
Louisiana Stores
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Cooper Complete Chewable Calcium: This Chewable Is for Adults, Not Children
Calcium is needed by the body to maintain strong bones, along with a healthy heart, muscles and central nervous system. Calcium-rich foods include canned salmon, anchovies, dairy products, broccoli, spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts. Juices, bread, breakfast cereal and tofu are often fortified with calcium.
But most people, especially older adults, require supplements to ensure that they consume enough calcium. And for anyone with reduced stomach acid, taking chewable calcium with meals is recommended.
“Calcium carbonate, a calcium salt, is not well absorbed by people with reduced levels of stomach acid,” said Todd Whitthorne, President of Cooper Concepts, parent of Cooper Complete® in Dallas. “Taking this supplement in chewable form at mealtimes improves absorption because of the stomach acid that's generated to digest food.”
Calcium requirements depend on an individual's gender and age, Whitthorne says. For example, adult women under age 50 are advised to consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, while women 50 to 65 require 1,200 to 1,500 mg per day. Women 50 to 65 who are taking estrogen need 1,200 mg of calcium, and those not using estrogen need 1,500 mg. All women 65 and older should consume 1,500 mg calcium on a daily basis.
Many people drink milk for its calcium, but since one 8-ounce glass typically contains about 300 mg of calcium, you would need to drink three to five cups daily to meet basic calcium requirements, Whitthorne states.
Cooper Complete Chewable Calcium with Vitamin D provides 333 mg calcium – from calcium carbonate – and 133 IU of vitamin D-3 or cholecalciferol. This orange-and-vanilla flavored, chewable tablet is designed to be taken in conjunction with Cooper Complete multivitamin formulations.
As a dietary supplement, adults are advised to take one tablet of Chewable Calcium with a meal or as directed by a physician. “But remember to chew it, rather than swallowing it whole, to ensure the tablet is absorbed,” Whitthorne says.
Chewable calcium carbonate also works as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion and upset stomach.
Cooper Complete offers an alternative product that can be taken on an empty stomach. Two tablets of Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate has 500 mg of calcium citrate.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
But most people, especially older adults, require supplements to ensure that they consume enough calcium. And for anyone with reduced stomach acid, taking chewable calcium with meals is recommended.
“Calcium carbonate, a calcium salt, is not well absorbed by people with reduced levels of stomach acid,” said Todd Whitthorne, President of Cooper Concepts, parent of Cooper Complete® in Dallas. “Taking this supplement in chewable form at mealtimes improves absorption because of the stomach acid that's generated to digest food.”
Calcium requirements depend on an individual's gender and age, Whitthorne says. For example, adult women under age 50 are advised to consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, while women 50 to 65 require 1,200 to 1,500 mg per day. Women 50 to 65 who are taking estrogen need 1,200 mg of calcium, and those not using estrogen need 1,500 mg. All women 65 and older should consume 1,500 mg calcium on a daily basis.
Many people drink milk for its calcium, but since one 8-ounce glass typically contains about 300 mg of calcium, you would need to drink three to five cups daily to meet basic calcium requirements, Whitthorne states.
Cooper Complete Chewable Calcium with Vitamin D provides 333 mg calcium – from calcium carbonate – and 133 IU of vitamin D-3 or cholecalciferol. This orange-and-vanilla flavored, chewable tablet is designed to be taken in conjunction with Cooper Complete multivitamin formulations.
As a dietary supplement, adults are advised to take one tablet of Chewable Calcium with a meal or as directed by a physician. “But remember to chew it, rather than swallowing it whole, to ensure the tablet is absorbed,” Whitthorne says.
Chewable calcium carbonate also works as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion and upset stomach.
Cooper Complete offers an alternative product that can be taken on an empty stomach. Two tablets of Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate has 500 mg of calcium citrate.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Getting your Vitamin D with Todd Whitthorne
Todd Whitthorne, President and CEO of Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements discusses the health benefits of Vitamin D.
For more information on Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements, visit coopercomplete.com or call 972.560.2707.
For more information on Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements, visit coopercomplete.com or call 972.560.2707.
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