Hero Ingredients

• Inulin

  Inulin is an element of food, which has prebiotic properties and so is used to support gut health. As a source of dietary fibre it can support bowel function, for example, relieving constipation. It aids the absorption of magnesium, calcium and iron from the diet. Inulin is not absorbed from the bowel, so will not affect blood glucose levels.

• Taurine

  Taurine is an amino acid with antioxidant properties. It has been investigated for its effects in diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as diabetes. Taurine may also reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).

• Citric Acid

  Citric acid alkalinises urine so is used in conventional medicine to reduce the symptoms of cystitis.

• Glucoronolactone

  Glucoronolactone has a role in the metabolism of medicines and toxins we consume. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its protective effects on the liver. Glucoronolactone may increase energy, alertness and performance and so is often added with caffeine to energy drinks.

• L-Phenylalanine

  Phenylalanine is an amino acid that may support mental health, particularly in depression. Phenylalanine has been investigated for use to alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and in pain management, but most studies are now old and were underpowered.

• Debittered Stevia

  Debittered Stevia is a sweetener made from the stevia plant leaf – 300 times sweeter than sucrose. When used as an alternative to sugar, glucose is reduced in the diet, which has wide health benefits including anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects. Stevia has also been shown to reduce blood pressure in those with mild hypertension and may have antioxidant effects.

• Caffeine Anhydrous

  Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can increase wakefulness and alertness.

• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

  Tyrosine is an amino acid produced in the body from phenylalanine. It is a precursor for serotonin and dopamine. It may have beneficial effects on improving cognition.

• Choline Bitartrate

  Choline Bitartrate is a precursor of acetylcholine, choline plays an important role in metabolism. Choline supplementation may improve memory and has been associated with increased muscle strength. Owing to its effect on lipid metabolism, it has also been associated with use for reducing fatty liver disease.

• L-Theanine

  An amino acid that promotes calm focus without sedation and helps reduce feelings of stress. Supports a relaxed but alert mental state and can counter that ‘wired-but-tired’ feeling. Naturally found in green tea leaves.

• Silicon Dioxide

  Silicon Dioxide is used as an excipient to stop the powders clumping together (an anti-caking agent).

• Mucuna Pruriens Extract (4:1)

  Mucuna Pruriens is a herbal medicine traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. It contains levodopa, a precursor to dopamine. It has been investigated for a wide range of medicinal uses based on its anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, anti-neoplastic, anti-epileptic, and anti-microbial activities.

• Betacarotene (natural colouring)

  Betacarotene is used as a natural colouring (yellow). It is also a dietary source of Vitamin A (for example, in sweet potato). Betacarotene has antioxidant properties. In conventional medicine it is used to manage some photosensitivity reactions.

• Beetroot (Natural Colour)

  Beetroot is used as a natural colouring, but it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Abundant in flavanols and polyphenols, has antioxidant properties.

• Copper Chlorophyllin (natural colouring)

  A natural green colouring, found in plants, algae and blue-green algae. It has antioxidant properties too.

• Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)

  Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) has beneficial effects on blood lipid profiles, increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and lowering low density lipoproteins (LDL) (the bad cholesterol). Nicotinic acid also has a positive effect on glucose tolerance. In view of this, it is associated with cardioprotective properties. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Nicotinamide is a precursor for NADH synthesis in the body (see Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydrogen for more information).

• Folate

  Folate plays an important role in the generation of new cells in the body and is an important supplement for fertility and during pregnancy. It has been investigated for its effect on cardiovascular health and cognition. We cannot make folate in the body, so we are entirely dependent on it from our diet.

• Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

  Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) is a co-enzyme important in nucleic acid synthesis. It works with folic acid in several metabolic pathways in the body. It is important for immune function. There is evidence that Vitamin B supplements may be of some benefit in osteoarthritis, improving joint mobility and hand grip.