IMUNI Vegan Complete 30 Capsules

Benefits:

ALL-IN-ONE CAPSULE FOR PLANT-BASED DIETS

IMUNI Vegan Complete is a specialised blend of nutraceuticals designed to replenish vital nutrients often at risk of deficiency in plant-based diets. One capsule per day helps prevent dietary deficiencies in iron, zinc, B12, iodine, vitamin D and selenium.

Important nutrients for plant-based diets

Plant-based and vegetarian diets have grown in popularity over the last decade with Vegan Australia estimating 400 to 500 thousand Australians following a strict plant-based lifestyle. Plant-based eating patterns are associated with several beneficial health outcomes. In particular, emerging evidence continues to favour a plant-based diet in conferring multiple health benefits including a reduction in heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers including colon cancer. However, despite several health benefits of going meat-free, a purely plant-based diet is far more likely to leave people deficient in important nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, B12 and iron which are more readily available in fish, poultry, red meat and dairy foods.¹

Vitamin B12 in particular is almost exclusively sourced from meat, which also contains more readily bioavailable iron in the form of haem iron. Levels of iron in the blood, as well as iron stores (in the form of ferritin), have been shown to be lower in vegetarians and vegans, than in people who consume meat. This is in part due to the absorption characteristics of iron derived from haem being significantly more efficient than the non-haem iron found in plant foods. Complementing iron intake from non-animal sources with vitamin C can help overcome its poor absorption characteristics. This is why it is important to take vitamin C in conjunction with dietary iron supplements. Similar to iron, absorption of zinc is not as effective from plant sources as it is from animal sources.^1,2

Supplementation with these nutrients may assist vegans and vegetarians to attain healthy intakes of these essential vitamins and minerals while making the most of the health benefits conferred by a predominantly plant-based diet. The team at IMUNI Health has reviewed the literature to unveil which nutrients are most at risk of insufficient intake when following a plant-based diet. For individuals who don’t meet dietary intake requirements, supplementation with the following nutrients, vitamins and minerals is likely to be beneficial for human health.

IMUNI Vegan Complete 30 is suitable for: 

For adults and children over 12 years of age

Directions:

Adults & children over 12 years of age, take 1 capsule daily with food.

Ingredients:

Each Vegan capsule contains: Iron (as iron (II) glycinate) 8mg, Zinc (as zinc citrate dihydrate) 10mg, Iodine (as potassium iodide) 150μg, Selenium (as selenomethionine) 100μg, Chromium (as chromic picolinate) 50μg, Colecalciferol (VitashineTM Vit D3 1000IU) 25μg, Thiamine hydrochloride (Vit B1) 10mg, Riboflavin sodium phosphate (Vit B2) 10mg, Nicotinamide (Vit B3) 25mg, Calcium pantothenate (Vit B5) 20mg, Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vit B6) 10mg, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (Vit B6) 5mg, Mecobalamin (co-methylcobalamin) (Vit B12) 500μg, Magnesium ascorbate monohydrate 112mg (equiv. ascorbic acid/Vit C) 100mg, Ubidecarenone (CoQ10) 60mg.

Vitashine™ is the world's only Vegan Society & Vegetarian Society registered 100% plant-source Vitamin D3 ingredient.

All ingredients are vegetarian and vegan friendly. This product does not contain animal products, dairy, lactose, gluten, nuts or genetically modified ingredients (GMO-free).

Free from:

• Animal products
• Artificial colours
• Flavours or sweeteners
• Gluten
• Lactose
• Nuts
• Soy
• Sulphites
• Added sugars

Warning and Disclaimers:

This product contains selenium which is toxic in high doses. A daily dose of 150 micrograms for adults of selenium from dietary supplements should not be exceeded. Do not take while on warfarin therapy without medical advice. Not for the treatment of iron deficiency conditions. Vitamin & mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist talk to your healthcare professional. Do not use if tamper evidence seal is broken. Store below 25°C.

FAQ:  

Selenium

Selenium is a nutritionally essential mineral for humans that plays critical roles in thyroid hormone metabolism, reproduction, DNA synthesis and protection from oxidative damage and infection. Selenium plays a role in immune system regulation and is a co-factor for glutathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant enzyme within the immune system. Both animal studies and human trials have demonstrated its ability to improve the activation and proliferation of white blood cells such as B and T lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells.

Besides Brazil nuts which are relatively rich in selenium, the major sources of dietary selenium include seafood and meat, especially organ meats. In general, plant-based foods tend to have lower levels of selenium compared to animal products, and the amount of selenium contained in plant sources tends to vary widely depending on the selenium content of the soil the plants are grown in. Several other factors affect the selenium concentrations in plant-based foods, including soil pH, whether the form of selenium in the soil is amenable to plant uptake, and the amount of organic matter contained in the soil.

Research suggests that people at the highest risk of deficiency are vegetarians who consume their diets in regions with selenium-deficient soil. For instance, the lowest selenium intakes in the world exist in certain regions of China, where large proportions of the population consume primarily vegetarian diets and the selenium content of the soil is very low. In addition, average selenium intakes are low in some European countries, especially among those consuming vegan diets. Historically, New Zealand had relatively low intakes of selenium, until the country increased the importation of foreign wheat with higher levels of selenium.

In terms of bioavailability, studies have demonstrated that selenomethionine tends to have the best absorption characteristics with more than 90% selenomethionine absorbed by the human body, compared to only 50% selenium absorbed from selenite.³

Chromium

Australian foods have been found to contain lower levels of this mineral, suggesting that the average Australian diet is likely to be lower than the minimum suggested adequate daily intake for chromium of 50 mcg/day.

One study assessed the chromium content in Australian foods from 150 different foods selected from across the five main food groups and found that most fruits and vegetables, fats and oils, and refined grains contained low amounts of chromium.

Chromium has been shown to play an important role in glycaemic control and regulation of blood glucose levels as well as having secondary benefits for antioxidant systems. Chromium deficiency may be a precursor to the development of insulin resistance and thus is associated with hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and obesity. For this reason, numerous randomised controlled trials have been conducted, some of which have demonstrated improvements in blood glucose metabolism with supplementation.

One of the most commonly cited intervention studies was a randomised controlled trial conducted in 1997, which examined the effects of chromium supplementation in 180 adults aged 35 to 65 years old with type 2 diabetes. The study participants were given 100mcg or 500mcg of chromium (as sodium picolinate) twice daily for four months, or a placebo. The study found that subjects supplemented with chromium had improved fasting glucose concentrations, as well as improved HbA1c after 4 months, compared to placebo. HbA1c is a robust measure of blood glucose control because it reflects long-term blood glucose levels.

While it is difficult to say what effect chromium supplementation might have in healthy individuals, most evidence seems to support its role in regulating blood glucose and insulin. Importantly, given the lower levels of chromium found in many plant-based foods, there might be a role in supplementing the diet with chromium in people who follow plant-based diets, especially given that dietary supplements tend to have similar bioavailability to food sources of chromium, making them similarly effective at replenishing chromium levels.

Coenzyme Q10 (aka. ubidecarenone or ‘CoQ10’) and the importance of B vitamins

Coenzyme Q10 or ‘CoQ10’ is a vitamin-like compound that acts as a cofactor in many critical metabolic pathways, including the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in oxidative respiration, which is responsible for the production of 95% of the body’s energy. It also serves important roles as an antioxidant and cell membrane stabiliser. As the body is capable of synthesising coenzyme Q10, it is not technically considered a vitamin, despite functioning in a similar way to typical vitamins obtained from dietary sources.

CoQ10 is ingested in small amounts in dietary sources – most notably meat and seafood, with lower amounts consumed from fruits and vegetables. Absorption of coenzyme Q10 from food sources appears to be equivalent to absorption of coenzyme Q10 from supplements. However, the majority of the body’s daily CoQ10 requirement is normally derived via biosynthesis within the body. The biosynthesis of CoQ10 is dependent on a 17-step process involving a myriad of vitamins and trace elements, including vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin) and vitamin C. Because its biosynthesis is dependent on these nutrients, it is important that sufficient quantities are consumed in the human diet, as deficiencies in any of these cofactors can result in suboptimal CoQ10 biosynthesis.^7,8

Vitamin B12 in particular is almost exclusively sourced from animal food products, and B12 deficiency is, therefore, more common in those who consume strict plant-based diets without adequate supplementation. Some vegetarians and vegans are at risk of other B vitamin deficiencies. For example, vegetarian athletes are more susceptible to vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency due to increased demands and insufficient intake due to avoidance of B2-rich animal sources. B vitamin deficiencies uncommonly occur in isolation, with B12 deficiency for example often associated with deficiencies in other B vitamins including vitamin B6.^9-12

Due to plant-based diets having lower quantities of CoQ10 than animal products, and its biosynthesis being dependent on several cofactors which are more prevalent in animal foods, we have incorporated a significant dose of CoQ10 in IMUNI Vegan Complete, to ensure adequate intake of this important energy-producing powerhouse and antioxidant.

Vitamin B12

Humans obtain almost all of their daily vitamin B12 requirements from animal foods, which can leave vegans and vegetarians particularly vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency. Adequate B12 intake is vital for red blood cell production and normal neurological function. It is required for synthesising the fatty acids in myelin which is an important component of normal nerve conduction. In conjunction with folate, it is also necessary for DNA synthesis.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency generally include symptoms relating to anaemia and altered neurological function, including low energy, reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, weakness, and sensory alterations such as paraesthesia (pins and needles or reduced sensation). Symptoms may be absent or subtle and not all symptoms may be experienced.

The recommended dietary intake (RDI) for vitamin B12 is surprisingly low, at only 2.4 micrograms per day for adults. However, higher doses might be required for people who are severely deficient or have issues with absorption or low stomach acidity. Some randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that high dose oral B12 might have similar efficacy to intramuscular injection.^9-12

IMUNI Vegan Complete contains co-methylcobalamin which is one of the active forms of vitamin B12. Interestingly, the bioavailability of vitamin B12 obtained from dietary supplements is about 50% higher than that obtained via food sources.

Iron and Vitamin C

Almost two-thirds of the body’s iron is found in haemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying component of the red blood cell. The synthesis of haemoglobin is dependent on adequate intake of dietary iron from food. The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) ranges from 8mg for men, to 18mg for menstruating females (due to increased blood loss from regular menstruation). Higher amounts may be required during pregnancy. Dietary sources of iron come in one of two forms: haem iron, and non-haem iron. Haem iron is exclusively sourced from animal products such as meat, fish and poultry, and is more highly bioavailable than non-haem iron obtained from plants. Due to the poorer absorption characteristics of non-haem iron, iron deficiency occurs more commonly in vegetarians and vegans, than in omnivores.^13-15 Taking vitamin C alongside iron supplements is important, as vitamin C has been shown to assist in optimising the absorption of non-haem iron.

Zinc

The RDI for zinc ranges from 8 to 14mg per day for adult women and men, respectively. However, strict vegetarians and vegans may require intakes 50% higher than the RDI, corresponding to 12mg per day for women, and 21mg per day for men. This is because zinc absorption is largely dependent on dietary intake of animal protein and the bioavailability of zinc from animal sources is therefore superior to zinc derived from plant sources. Implementation of effective dietary planning can assist vegans and vegetarians in obtaining a sufficient intake of zinc from plant sources. Supplementation is beneficial when dietary planning is inadequate.

Iodine (potassium iodide)

Iodine was one of the first trace elements recognised as being essential for human health. Iodine plays an integral role in the synthesis of thyroid hormone which is required for normal human growth and metabolism. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an Australian Health Survey conducted in 2011-2012 assessed the iodine status of Australians and found that 15% of Australian adults aged 35 to 54 years old had results consistent with moderate clinical iodine deficiency (urinary iodine concentration less than 50mcg/L). This is despite the introduction of a national fortification program in 2009 mandating the fortification of bread with iodine. Certain groups are at higher risk of iodine deficiency, including those who avoid the food groups with the highest levels of iodine (bread, eggs, milk, fish and iodised salt). Like eggs, milk, and fish make up a substantial portion of dietary intake, strict vegetarians may require more careful dietary planning to achieve adequate consumption of iodine-rich foods. Adequate dietary planning incorporating iodine-rich foods such as seaweed can help to ensure vegans and vegetarians meet their dietary requirements. However, supplementation can be beneficial if dietary planning is inadequate.

Vitamin D3

Mushrooms are the richest natural plant source of vitamin D. In fact, they are the only non-animal food product that contains a considerable amount of bioavailable vitamin D, making them the primary source of dietary vitamin D for vegans and vegetarians. However, if mushrooms are grown indoors and not exposed to the sun or UV light they will not contain any vitamin D. Most fresh mushrooms sold in grocery stores in Australia, New Zealand, North America and the UK are grown in atmospherically controlled growing rooms in complete darkness leaving them with little to no vitamin D.²⁰

Despite Australia’s sunny climate vitamin D insufficiency remains highly prevalent. In an Australian study of 11,247 individuals, it was found that 73% had suboptimal vitamin D levels consistent with vitamin D insufficiency (<75nmol/L). The same study also found that 31% of Australian participants had vitamin D levels below 50nmol/L consistent with vitamin D deficiency, and nearly 60% of women were vitamin D deficient by the end of winter.²¹

Many factors contribute to vitamin D insufficiency, including:^22-24

• Inadequate dietary intake and plant-based diets
• Advancing age - efficiency of vitamin D synthesis in the skin declines with age
• Darker skin – higher melanin content of skin reduces vitamin D synthesis
• More time spent working indoors
• Improved adherence to sun protection measures – SPF15+ sunscreen blocks >99% of vitamin D synthesis
• Obesity – vitamin D retained in fat is not bioavailable

Due to the lack of vitamin D in most vegetarian foods, sunlight remains the primary source of vitamin D for vegans and vegetarians. However, too much sunlight exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and several factors (including those described above) can limit vitamin D availability from sunlight alone. In these circumstances where sunlight exposure is insufficient to meet vitamin D requirements supplementation with vitamin D might be beneficial.

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FAQs - IMUNI Vegan Complete

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