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Healthy Habits
Resolutions for the New Year
By Suzy Feine
A number of nutrients have been shown to have neuroprotective properties and may prevent or slow the progression of neurological diseases. These include alpha lipoic acid (ALA), acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, phosphatidylserine, vitamin E and the B-complex vitamins and standardized ginkgo biloba. People concerned about the stability of their brain function should consider increasing their intake of these nutrients, either through diet or supplementation.
and potency of multivitamins and nutraceuticals can vary widely. Typical multivitamins often contain only the most common, inexpensive nutrients already available in a healthy diet. They often lack the more "exotic" but expensive substances needed for effective disease prevention and health. On the other hand, some manufacturers include "trendy" nutrients, but at levels less than the dose scientifically found to be effective. Even worse, in many cases lab analysis of nutrient supplements has shown the amount present can be drastically higher or lower than that listed on the bottle. And impurities introduced during the manufacturing process can be harmful.
Consumers should be very careful when purchasing supplements – seek a supplier that guarantees the purity and potency of its products. The source should be committed to selling products based on scientific principles, not the latest fads. Ideally, the supplier should be run by, or work directly with, doctors and scientists who ensure its products are in step with current progress in nutraceutical research.
