Annatto seed extract is a naturally occurring pigment that functions as both an opacifier and a food coloring agent.

Although constipation is an uncommon occurrence for individuals using the USANA products, it is always a potential problem when introducing new foods, tablets, or other materials into the diet.

The most common cause of constipation is a lack of water (dehydration). If constipation persists after drinking plenty of fluids, simply discontinue the products for several days. After symptoms subside, try slowly reintroducing the products one at a time.

Please note: if you experience persistent, chronic constipation, you should discontinue all products and consult your physician.

No predictable or plausible explanation exists for headaches resulting from use of a multivitamin product. Typically, other confounding factors (such as stress, anxiety, infection or food triggers) are a more likely cause. Occasionally, a drastic change in lifestyle, diet, nutritional supplementation or exercise may lead to transient headaches, but these tend to subside as the body adjusts to the change(s) being made.

If you experience headaches that seem to be linked to the nutritional products, there is no recommendation other than to discontinue and restart slowly to find a tolerable level.
Additional information on headaches can be found at the National Headache Foundation’s Homepage. If you experience recurring severe headaches, please consult a medical professional, as these may be indicative of an underlying medical condition.

Many factors can influence liver enzyme levels. For example, minor fluctuations in liver enzyme levels can result from physical exercise, use of certain medications, and even time of day.

Dietary supplements like USANA’s do not normally affect liver enzyme levels to any significant degree. Large supplemental amounts of vitamin A (as retinol) may increase liver enzyme levels, but the dosage of vitamin A USANA provides is moderate and well within safe levels.

So, while it is technically possible that supplements can elevate liver enzymes, it would not be expected and they would not typically fall outside normal variations.

In certain rare circumstances, use of USANA products may lead to diarrhea or other GI discomfort (particularly if use of the products occurs alongside other significant dietary changes). These symptoms are sometimes the result of increased intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, and/or fiber.

If you experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort when first taking USANA products, we recommend discontinuing use of the products for a few days while the symptoms subside, then starting again with a lower dose. Slowly increase the dose to recommended label guidelines over a period of a few weeks.

Most GI discomfort can be remedied by taking dietary supplements with food and ideally with a complete meal. Food acts as a buffer for the stomach, and it may enhance the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients.

Finally, it is very important to keep hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Drinking plenty of fluids will maximize the body’s ability to both absorb and distribute the nutrients found in USANA products.

We strongly suggest that anyone currently on blood thinning medications discuss the use of vitamin K-containing supplements (including the CellSentials and HealthPak) with their physician.

Aspirin and Plavix, which both work by different mechanisms than Coumadin, are not generally affected by normal vitamin K intake.

While using Synthroid, it isn’t the presence of additional nutrients in the system that presents a problem – the main issue is competition for absorption.

In general, as long as the supplements are taken 2-4 hours (4 hours for calcium and iron supplements) after Synthroid medication (which should typically be taken on an empty stomach 1/2 to 1 hour before breakfast), there should not be a problem.

For further information, please check with your pharmacist or physician or see the following link:
http://www.synthroid.com/Prescription/Tips.aspx

USANA’s CellSentials and Optimizers are formulated in a manner that allows consumers to use them in combination. When formulating these products, both safety and efficacy were the primary focus. Even when considering typical dietary intakes, the amounts of vitamins and minerals in USANA supplements do not come close to harmful levels when taken as directed.

With that in mind, it is not possible to guarantee that adding additional dietary supplements to a USANA regimen will be safe or efficacious. If an individual seeks greater amounts of a particular nutrient than can be obtained through the recommended use of USANA products, we recommend consulting with a physician, pharmacist, or other health care professional for further advice.

The USANA CellSentials, Optimizers, and Foods are formulated in a way that allows normally healthy individuals to take them in combination. When formulating these products, safety and efficacy were primary concerns. The amounts of vitamins and minerals in USANA products do not come close to harmful levels when taken as directed (even when typical dietary intakes are considered).

Please note, however, that certain medications or health conditions may affect your supplementation needs. If you are currently taking medications or seeing a doctor for a specific health condition, please consult your physician, pharmacist, or health care specialist to determine which products are most appropriate for you.

Yes, the USANA Nutritionals can be taken with coffee or tea.

Caffeine at typical intakes (~300 mg/day or less) has no known negative impact on vitamin absorption and retention. This means that as long as coffee intake is no more than 2-3 cups per day, nutrient absorption should be largely unaffected. At intakes above this level, caffeine may contribute to disrupted sleep patterns and withdrawl symptoms, which can – along with other factors – negatively impact vitamin absorption.

There is some indication that tannins (polyphenolic compounds) found in coffee and tea can interfere with iron absorption, but as USANA does not currently offer an iron supplement, this is not typically a cause for concern.