provides essential vitamins and minerals that support adrenal gland function.
The cumulative effect of stress may lead to fatigue and lack of energy (sometimes called “adrenal fatigue” or “adrenal burnout”). This supplement features a combination of key nutrients including vitamins C and B6, L-tyrosine and adrenal polypeptide fractions to help revitalize the adrenal gland.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals that support adrenal gland function.†
- Highly absorbable form of adrenal extract
Supports healthy adrenal gland function to help avoid adrenal burnout and fatigue†
- High potency formula
How Does It Work?
The adrenal glands, triangle-shaped organs just above the kidneys, produce hormones, including cortisol.1 Commonly known as the "stress hormone", cortisol plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure, the conversion of protein into glucose, the inhibition of inflammation, and in the regulation of the immune system. The release of cortisol from the adrenal glands is regulated by the pituitary gland. Low cortisol levels trigger the pituitary to release the stimulating hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which in turn prompts the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol.
Consistent exposure to cortisol (related to chronic stress) may impair the immune system, as cortisol suppresses cellular immune activation.1
However, while having high cortisol levels is not associated with health benefits, having low cortisol levels is also not desirable. If an individual has insufficient cortisol, the immune cells won't be signaled to "turn off" once they have been activated, possibly leading to autoimmune conditions and inflammation. Optimal health is achieved through maintaining balanced hormone levels, that both support the body during stressful events, and promote immune system health.†1
At a basal rate, human adrenal glands normally produce about 20 mg of cortisol each day, but with sustained stimulation, that output increases dramatically.2 A constant state of stress depletes the body's coping mechanisms, one of them being support of the adrenal glands and cortisol production. Given the pace of modern life, it's not surprising that many individuals feel fatigued and worn out.
Why glandular extracts?
Glandulars have been used safely for years to support various functions in the body. For instance, thymus glandular extracts are used for supporting the thymus gland, pancreatic enzymes for actions of the pancreas (digestion, etc.) and of course, adrenal polypeptide and adrenal cortex extracts to help support healthy adrenal gland function.†
Fatigue to Fantastic!® Adrenal Stress-End™† contains a highly absorbable predigested form of adrenal extract. Predigesting uses plant and animal enzymes to partially digest or hydrolyze the glandular material. The partially digested material is then filtered and freeze-dried. This method of extraction is ideal for glandulars where the polypeptide (small proteins) and other water-soluble fractions are the compounds desired. Once in this state, these glandular extracts need little or no further digestion; the body can assimilate their natural factors quickly and easily.
The glandular extracts are freeze-dried to preserve vital nutrients. Freeze-drying produces a higher concentration of unaltered protein and enzymes, and the material remains frozen until all moisture is removed. This is a gentle process that allows all vitamins, co-factors, and enzymes to remain intact.
Proteins and polypeptides have been shown to exert effects in target tissues. In addition to thyroid hormone and cortisone, several peptide hormones have been shown to be biologically active when administered orally.3,4 Even numerous whole proteins, including plant and animal enzymes, have been shown in human and animal studies to be absorbed intact into the bloodstream following oral administration, to help support many body systems, including thyroid
function.†5-10
Vitamin C
Possibly the best-known of all of the vitamins, vitamin C is present in a variety of foods, including oranges, lettuce and other greens, broccoli, and strawberries. Fish and milk also contain small levels of vitamin C.
Since it is not stored in the body, it is essential to have some vitamin C intake each day. It has been shown to help maintain connective tissue and boost the immune system, which may need extra support during periods of chronic stress.†11
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 supports the absorption of fats and protein; healthy red blood cell formation, healthy nervous system function and the healthy synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic instructions for the reproduction of all cells and for healthy cellular growth.†12-14
Vitimin B6 is considered the key vitamin in processing amino acids, (such as L-tyrosine) which are the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. Vitamin B6 is required to make serotonin, melatonin and dopamine¡Xall vital in maintaining energy levels.† It aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters and therefore is an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly even moods¡Xquite important when dealing with stress-filled lifestyles.†15
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is an essential component in the production of coenzyme A, a vital catalyst that is required for the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and protein into energy.†16-18 It is a water-soluble nutrient, so it must by replenished each day.19 Pantothenic acid is also necessary in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.† Cholesterol, while not healthy in excess, is still required for the proper functioning of cell membranes, particularly in the brain.19 Under times of stress, it's important to be able to rely on the body's ability to properly use available energy in the most efficient and healthiest way, and pantothenic acid is part of that support system.
Betaine
Works with B vitamins to synthesize amino acids, precursor to SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-Methionine).†20,21 SAM-e is a biological agent in the human body that participates in the manufacture of brain chemicals and appears to raise levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in mood regulation.22 Normally, SAM-e is produced in the liver from the amino acid methionine, but suboptimal levels of SAM-e have been noted in people experiencing chronic stress.
L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine (also known simply as ¡§tyrosine¡¨) is an amino acid that supports healthy nerve transmission and healthy functioning of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands.†23
L-tyrosine converts to epinephrine and norepinepherine.24 Epinephrine is a brain neurotransmitter secreted from the adrenal medulla in response to exercise, low blood sugar and acute stress.25 Norepenephrine is the primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system and controls the "fight or flight" response. It is also found in the brain.25
Because of its effect on neurotransmitters, L-tyrosine may have an effect on mood and environmental stress.†26 Thyroid hormones, which play a role in almost every process in the human body, contain tyrosine as part of their structure.26 Vitamin B6, included as one of the ingredients in Fatigue to Fantastic! Adrenal Stress-End† helps convert tyrosine into neurotransmitters.†26
Licorice
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of traditional use.27 Licorice ranks as the 10th most important herb for Western herbalists.27
One of the most important constituents of licorice is glycyrrhizin, which breaks down into glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhetinic acid.† This compound inhibits the breakdown of cortisol produced by the body, helping support a balanced level of this important hormone.†28
Glycyrrhizic acid's mechanism of action is through the inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of cortisol to cortisone. It also inhibits the metabolism of corticol, and minimizes the binding of cortisol to mineralcorticoid receptors.†27
Recommendations
Two capsules daily with meals.
How Is It Supplied?
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
References
- Wein H, Phd. “Stress and Disease: New Perspectives.” From the NIH Word on Health, October, 2000. Available at: http://www.nih.gov/news/WordonHealth/oct2000/story01.htm. Accessed April 15, 2004.
- Goodman, MH. Adrenal Glands. In: Essential Medical Physiology, 2nd edition. Johnson L., editor. Lippincott-Raven Publishing, Philadelphia. 1998; 537-565.
- Gardner ML. Gastrointestinal absorption of intact proteins. Ann Rev Nutr. 1988; 8:329-50.
- Gardner ML. Intestinal assimilation of intact peptides and proteins from the diet—a neglected field? Biol Rev. 1984; 59:289-331.
- Udall JN and Walker WA. The physiologic and pathologic basis for the transport of macromolecules across the intestinal tract. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1982; 1:295-301.
- Hemmings WA and Williams EW. Transport of large breakdown products of dietary protein through the gut wall. Gut. 1978; 19(8):715-23.
- Ambrus JL, et al. Absorption of exogenous and endogenous proteolytic enzymes. Clin Pharmacol Therap. 1967; 8(3):362-8.
- Kabacoff BB, et al. Absorption of chymotrypsin from the intestinal tract. Nature. 1963; 199:815-17.
- Ormiston BJ. Clinical effects of TRH and TSH after iv and oral administration in normal volunteers and patients with thyroid disease. In: Thytropin Releasing Homone (Frontiers of Hormone Research, vol. 1) Hal R, et al. (eds.), Karger, Basel, Switzerland. 1972; 42-52.
- Amoss M, et al. Release of gonadotrophins by oral administration of synthetic LRF or tripeptide fragment of LRF. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972; 35:175-7.
- “Vitamin C.” MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm. Accessed on April 14, 2004.
- Friso S, Jacques PF, Wilson PW, Rosenberg IH, Selhub J. Low circulating vitamin B(6) is associated with elevation of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein independently of plasma homocysteine levels. Circulation. 2001;103:2788-91.
- Hartman TJ, Woodson K, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, et al. Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), B(12), and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. Am J Epidemiol. 2001;153:688-94.
- Leklem JE. Vitamin B6. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shine M, Ross AC, Eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999:412-421.
- Lininger SW, Jr. et al. “Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine).” In: The Natural Pharmacy, rev. ed. Roseville, CA. Prima Publishing. 1999; 340-341.
- Tahiliani AG, Beinlich CJ. Pantothenic acid in health and disease. Vitam Horm. 1991;46:165-228.
- Plesofsky-Vig N, Brambl R. Pantothenic acid and coenzyme A in cellular modification of proteins. Annu Rev Nutr. 1988;8:461-82.
- Plesofsky-Vig N. Pantothenic acid. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shine M, Ross AC, Eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999: 423-432.
- “Pantothenic acid and biotin.” In: MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002410.htm. Accessed on April 14, 2004.
- Woodlaw G, Insel P. Proteins. In: Perspectives in Nutrition 2nd ed. Mosby; St. Louis Mo., 1993; 139-147.
- Barak AJ, Beckenhauser HC, Tuma DJ. Betaine, ethanol, and the liver: a review. Alcohol. 1996;13(4):395-8.
- Lininger SW Jr., et al. “SAM-e.” In: The Natural Pharmacy, rev. ed. Prima Publishing, 1999. Roseville, CA. 330-331.
- Matthews DE. Proteins and amino acids. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shine M, Ross AC, Eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;1999:11-48.
- Rodwell, VW, PhD. Conversion of amino acids to specialized products. In: Harper's Biochemistry, 23rd ed. Murray RK, et al, eds. Appleton & Lange, East Norwalk CT. 1993. P. 334.
- “Catecholamines-blood.” In: MedlinesPlus Medical Encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003561.htm. Accessed on April 14, 2004.
- Lininger SW, Jr. et al. Tyrosine. In: The Natural Pharmacy, rev. ed. Prima Publishing, Roseville CA. 1999; 335.
- Licorice. In: The American Botanical Council (ABC) Clinical Guide to Herbs, 1st ed. Mark Blumenthal, senior editor. Thieme, New York, NY. 2003, pp.276-277.
- Lininger SW, Jr. et al. Licorice. In: The Natural Pharmacy, rev. ed. Prima Publishing, Roseville CA. 1999; Pp. 440-441.