Unfortunately, we are unable to answer questions concerning medication and a potential for interactions with the USANA products. Your best resource for this type of question is your pharmacist, physician, or other health care professional. These individuals have the training, tools, and expertise to help you make an informed decision.
We further recommend that as a basis for such discussions, you provide copies of labels describing the contents of the USANA products in question.
Iodine is a constituent of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and is an essential mineral in human nutrition. Iodine deficiency results in syndromes known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), and in the case of extreme deficiency, goiter. Deficiencies of the thyroid hormones have many effects, including thyroid gland enlargement, congenital and developmental defects, poor growth, and mental retardation.
Except for rare instances of hypersensitivity to iodine (note that this is not the same as an allergy), humans are remarkably tolerant to high intakes of iodine. However, excessive supplementation (at least 2,000 mcg per day) may cause or exacerbate acne in some individuals. Kelp as a dietary supplement or fast foods containing high levels of iodized salt may deliver sufficient iodine for this adverse effect.
Many people who have had allergic reactions to seafood or x-ray solutions may have been told that it is the iodine component that they are allergic to, which is not very probable. The radiology solutions and foods that contain iodine have many other components (allergens) that are more likely to cause these types of reactions. If dietary iodine were truly the cause, one could not eat any foods containing iodine. Since so many foods contain small amounts of iodine it would be very difficult to avoid it completely. Of course, if you did avoid iodine completely, you would be faced with the deficiency problems discussed previously.
Some of the foods commonly containing dietary iodine and their iodine content per serving are as follows: dried beans -115 mcg, shrimp – 35 mcg, spinach – 56 mcg, vegetables – 30 mcg, milk – 56 mcg, eggs – 24 mcg, whole grain wheat – 9 mcg; smaller amounts are found in other grains, beef, rice, and even fruits.
If you have been told to avoid supplemental iodine because of a medication you are taking or because of a thyroid condition, please discuss the use of dietary supplements containing iodine with your health care provider.
Nutritionals
USANA tablets and capsules do not contain wheat, oats, rye, barley, or gluten. BiOmega Jr, Optomega, and USANA Probiotic are also formulated without gluten.
USANA Foods
Please see the current USANA allergen chart for information regarding gluten in the foods:
https://askthescientists.com/qa/allergen-chart/
Celavive
All Celavive products are gluten-free
Sense
The Sense products are gluten-free except for the following:
USANA’s Natural Whitening Toothpaste does not contain gluten.
USANA does not add sulfite ingredients to any of its products.
Many people who are allergic to sulfa drugs mistakenly assume that sulfa and sulfur are related. Sulfa is an abbreviated name for specific antibiotics called sulfonamides. A person who is allergic to these medications should not use them.
Sulfur, on the other hand, is an essential mineral found in nearly all proteins, vitamin B1, and multiple amino acids. It is not possible to be allergic to sulfur because the body cannot function properly without it.
Sulfate is simply a combination of the elements sulfur and oxygen and is naturally present in relatively high concentrations in human blood.
To summarize: the USANA products do not contain sulfa drugs. Someone with a sulfa allergy can safely take all of USANA’s supplements.
USANA complies with governmental regulations in each country in which it operates. The vast majority of warnings on products labels are there because they are required by law. Additional warnings may be included to help clarify dose, use, and potential concerns while using a product.
Because labels can be updated at any time (due to regulatory and product changes), USANA recommends reviewing all product labeling – including warnings – in detail, even if you use products regularly.
Product safety is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Toxicities of vitamins and minerals have been researched at length, and USANA has considered all available information when formulating its nutritional products.
Most vitamins have low toxicities, and for many no toxicity has ever been observed. Some fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic at high doses, but even when typical dietary intakes are considered, the amounts of vitamins and minerals in USANA supplements – when used as directed – do not come close to harmful levels.
Chronic intakes of vitamins and minerals at levels exceeding the LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) can cause health problems, but the amounts of vitamins and minerals found in USANA’s products have been formulated to remain below these levels. USANA products are designed to enhance health, not be detrimental to it.
A good source of information on general vitamin and mineral safety is “Vitamin and Mineral Safety, 3rd Edition” by John N. Hathcock, Ph.D. Council of Responsible Nutrition. 2014.
USANA’s food products are formulated using ingredients with an extensive history of safe use in humans. In addition, all USANA food products are tested for heavy metal contamination (which includes lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium) and meet or exceed the most stringent standards for safety regarding these metals (e.g. the state of California’s Proposition 65).
The Sensé products have been extensively tested under dermatologist and ophthalmologist-supervised conditions. All ingredients must comply with strict safety standards set by governmental regulations.
Vitamins are molecular compounds necessary for normal health and growth in higher forms of animal life, including humans. Humans must obtain essential vitamins from food or from supplements because the human body cannot produce these compounds on its own. Lack of a particular vitamin in the diet may lead to a deficiency disease. (This is how vitamins were first discovered.)
Aside from the possibility of inadequate nutrient intake from the diet, no side-effects are associated with discontinuation of the USANA supplements.
Support your digestive and immune health with a beneficial blend of proven bacteria strains delivered in a convenient powdered formula.*
Your gut is at the core of good health. Everything you ingest must go through your digestive system to be broken down into the micro- and macronutrients your cells need to function properly. Imbalances in the gut can disrupt this process, starting a vicious cycle that could bring discord to your health and your life. USANA Probiotic can help maintain healthy harmony by bringing balance to your belly.*
By supplying an increase of friendly bacteria to the gut, USANA Probiotic helps create an ideal environment to keep things running smoothly. Taking one stick pack every other day offers important benefits for your daily health and well-being:
Not all probiotic sources are equal. Make sure you get a real, reliable dose of beneficial bacteria every time with USANA Probiotic. Each stick pack contains guaranteed levels of two of the most well-studied probiotic strains. So you can feel confident that you’re getting what you need.
USANA Probiotic is a sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free powder. And, it’s easy to use. The mildly sweet formula mixes with any cold food or beverage. Or you can just take it straight from the package.
When it comes to a quality supplement for your digestive and immune health, trust your gut to USANA® Probiotic.*
Your body’s functions are fueled by the food you eat. So, maintaining digestive health is an important factor in getting the nutrients you need. Because your digestive system is responsible for breaking down and absorbing all the nutrients from the food and supplements you consume.
Digestion is a multi-step process. It begins in your mouth and ends when wastes are eliminated.
Your gastrointestinal (GI) system is central to the process. It hosts trillions of bacteria—also known as microflora. Your body and its microflora adapted to form a mutually beneficial relationship. The bacteria help your digestive process function properly. The bacteria flourish because they feed on the by-products of digestion. This is why—out of your whole body—the highest amount of bacteria is found in your gut microbiome.
Is it “microbiome” or “microbiota”?
You may have heard the term “microbiome” and “microbiota” and wondered what the difference is. It’s generally acceptable to use the terms interchangeably, so we use “microbiome” here at Ask the Scientists. “Microbiome” is well-recognized throughout the scientific community and has become the preferred term. Likely because it’s the most comprehensive. Technically “microbiome” and “microbiota” are slightly different.
Bacteria serve many purposes in the digestion and metabolism process, including:
There are thousands of different species of bacteria in your digestive tract. They can be both beneficial or potentially harmful. Maintaining the right balance of the right bacteria for you is the key.
A number of things can upset the stability of your intestinal environment, including the following:
The normal aging process also impacts the stability of your gut microbiome. Older adults may have differences in their gut caused by changes in their nutritional status and lifestyle.
To keep everything working smoothly, it is vital that you drink plenty of water; exercise; and consume a proper diet that includes plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition to eating a healthful diet, you can also add a probiotic supplement to support a healthy balance.*
What does a probiotic supplement do? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines probiotics as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” That’s a predictably stuffy way for an official agency to say that a probiotic supplement will help replenish beneficial bacteria to help keep you healthy.*
USANA Probiotic delivers goodness to your gut with probiotic bacteria specifically selected for their belly benefits.*
Aid good digestion and support your overall health with USANA Probiotic. It supports harmony in your GI tract by helping to establish a better microbial balance with a boost of friendly bacteria.*
There are many probiotic supplements available on the market today. USANA Probiotic makes an excellent choice for two key reasons: the strains and the amounts used.
Each stick pack of USANA Probiotic contains a unique 50/50 mixture of two of the most studied probiotic bacteria strains: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12®) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®). These bacteria are similar to the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus that are part of a natural gut flora (primarily found in the colon). Dozens of studies on these strains have demonstrated benefits for digestive health and immunity.*
These strains are so effective, in part, because they survive transit through the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach to colonize the intestines. Reaching the intestines alive is essential for getting results from your probiotic. The strength of the strains is boosted by a small amount of inulin fiber in the formula. Inulin acts a prebiotic, which feeds your natural beneficial bacteria and may further support establishment of Bifidobacterium in the intestine.*
What does LGG and BB-12 mean?
Lactobacillus LGG has been replicated from a human intestinal microbiota. It was discovered by Professors Gorbach and Goldin, giving name to the strain.
BB-12 is a lactic-acid producing bacteria that comes from a proprietary dairy culture collection. When it was first classified, it was thought to belong to the species Bifidobacterium bifidum, which is where the “BB” came from. Though the classification has now changed to Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, the name has not.
LGG is a registered trademark of Valio Ltd.
BB-12 is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen
Generally, at least one billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) of total active bacteria are needed daily to provide probiotic effects throughout the GI tract. But most of the yogurts or other foods people rely on to get their beneficial bacteria contain an unspecified or unverified number of viable bacteria.
So, if you’re relying on yogurts to replenish your beneficial bacteria, it certainly won’t hurt your health. But it might not really be helping it either.
Take away the guesswork with a product that you can trust will deliver an amount of bacteria with real belly benefits. USANA Probiotic is guaranteed to contain 12 billion CFU of active bacteria when it’s made—a level shown to be effective in clinical studies.*
And even months after manufacture, USANA’s 12 billion CFU-level is still stable.
Stability can be a challenge with some strains of bacteria—even when refrigerated. So, their shelf-life is short. But USANA’s blend is designed to remain stable at room temperature (25° C) for 18 months. This stability has been verified in independent and in-house tests. And, you can preserve your probiotics even longer by storing them in the refrigerator (which is advised in hot or humid climates).
Occasional mild gas, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea can all be embarrassing and uncomfortable. You can help reduce the chance of physical discomfort by creating an ideal environment for healthy digestion with USANA Probiotic. (If you often have concerns with digestive issues, please talk to your doctor.)*
By maintaining a balanced digestive system, USANA Probiotic helps keep things moving. It has benefits for bowel regularity. It aids consistent waste elimination from the body through the regular passing of stool and normalization of stool consistency. It can also help maintain digestive health and comfort while traveling.*
Occasional stress—from travel, hectic schedules, or other lifestyle disruptions—can also take a toll on your digestion and cause minor GI upsets.
To help ward off any unpleasant side effects during stressful times, make supplements like USANA Probiotic part of your self-care. Taking vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and magnesium supplements for one month has been shown to help reduce levels of psychological stress and fatigue and improve feelings of well-being. A study in marathon runners also found that three months of probiotic supplementation was supportive in restoring normal GI function after race day.*
Supporting a healthy gut with USANA Probiotic can also help you stay well, even when you’re under pressure. Research suggests that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium BB-12 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, may play a role in sustaining healthy immune function.*
More immune cells are found in the gut than in any other region of the body. This makes sense, because a healthy GI tract is a central line of immune defense. Because it serves as a protective barrier.*
USANA Probiotic supports immunity through strength in numbers. Your natural bacteria line the wall of your GI tract to help support a strong barrier and maintain normal function. By delivering more friendly bacteria to your gut with USANA Probiotic, you are helping reinforce this activity. There’ll be even more good bacteria to fill attachment sites on the intestinal wall. So, your gut barrier will be fortified, helping you to stay healthy.*
Adults, add the contents of one stick pack to your favorite cold food or beverage and consume immediately. Take one stick pack every 1–2 days, or as needed to promote digestive health.*
Keep out of reach of children. Consult your physician if you have an autoimmune disorder, are taking immunosuppressant medication, are pregnant or nursing, taking a prescription drug or have a medical condition.
Can USANA Probiotic be mixed with any food or beverage?
The most convenient way to take USANA Probiotic is consuming it straight from the stick pack. USANA Probiotic can be added to cold food and beverages. We do not recommend mixing it with boiling or hot liquids. High temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of the product.
If you decide to mix USANA Probiotic into a separate food or beverage, please consume the mixture within a reasonable timeframe (less than 30 minutes or so). This will help minimize any potential loss of potency.
Why does the USANA Probiotic powder vary in appearance?
It is not uncommon for USANA’s Probiotic powder to vary slightly in color (typically between white and light-pink). This effect is sometimes referred to as “pinking.”
Please note that any variance in coloring is not a quality concern. There is no relationship between “pinking” and viability of the probiotic product. Color changes to the product may be promoted by elevated temperature and humidity, but please understand that changes occur even during ideal storage conditions.
Again, any change in color is unrelated to changes in quality or effectiveness of the product.
Can I give USANA Probiotic to my child or teen?
While USANA Probiotic is labeled for use by healthy adults, there is some research that supports probiotic use in children. We recommend you discuss this with your child’s health care professional to determine if USANA Probiotic is appropriate for them.
Can I use USANA Probiotic while pregnant or breastfeeding?
USANA Probiotic is generally safe to use during pregnancy. And there is some research that shows benefits of probiotic use for a healthy pregnancy and for infant health during breastfeeding.* We recommend you discuss with your health care provider.
References
Kechagia, M, et al. 2013. Health benefits of probiotics: a review. ISRN Nutr [Internet] [accessed 4 June 2018] Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045285/#B3
Jungersen M, et al. 2014. The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp. lactis BB-12®. Microorg 2: 92-110.
Guarner F, Malagelada JR. Gut flora in health and disease. 2003. Lancet 361(9356):512–9.
O’Hara AM, Shanahan F. The gut flora as a forgotten organ. 2006. EMBO Rep 7(7):688–93.
Sears CL. A dynamic partnership: Celebrating our gut flora. 2005. Anaerobe 11(5):247-251.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Get the most out of your meals and relieve digestive discomfort with a blend of plant-based enzymes and artichoke extract.
It’s been said that “all happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast” (by American journalist John Gunther). And while there’s certainly truth to the fact that a good meal is one of the great joys of life, that joy can turn to sadness if your meal ends with you feeling uncomfortable. Help keep your belly happy and your body nourished with USANA Digestive Enzyme.*
Take the supplement with meals to get a broad range of plant-based enzymes plus artichoke extract, which offer two key benefits for your daily well-being:
Your overall health and energy depend on nourishing all of your cells. USANA Digestive Enzyme helps naturally support normal, healthy digestion, so you can get the most nutrition out of your meals. And, it can help calm occasional belly blues you may have after eating. So, you’ll be less likely to experience mild—but potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable—gas or bloating and can simply savor all life has to offer.*
From the moment you see, smell, or taste food, your mouth starts to water and your body’s complex digestive process begins. After chewing and swallowing, food travels through your stomach, intestines, and on down the line. It’s broken down into the many substances your body needs to support your health and fuel your daily activities along the way.
Your digestive enzymes are one part of the digestive process. They’re substances that help break down and convert your food into the compounds your cells are hungry for. Your body naturally produces enzymes throughout the digestive process—including in your saliva, pancreas, and liver—that help break the large molecules of fat, protein, and carbohydrates into smaller pieces.
When you have normal, healthy enzyme function, your body digests meals efficiently, so macronutrients can be absorbed and used by your body. It makes sense, because if your food is broken down fully, you’ll be more likely to get the most nutrition from what you eat.
Your natural digestive enzyme production can slow down as you age. This could cause you to experience occasional episodes of mild bloating, gas, or discomfort after eating certain foods or large meals.
A varied, healthy diet may provide some enzymes to supplement those naturally made by your body. Fruits like raw bananas, mangoes, papaya, and pineapple supply enzymes. So do fermented foods like kefir or sauerkraut. A plant-based supplement can also help bridge any enzyme gaps to provide additional digestive support.*
Plant-based digestive enzymes primarily help support a healthy digestive system by lightening the load on your pancreatic and liver enzymes by helping to “pre-digest” your food. They work along with stomach acid to begin breaking down your meal before the food moves on to your intestines, where your natural pancreatic enzymes take over. Some of the plant-based enzymes may remain active beyond the stomach to support digestion throughout the process.*
Make USANA Digestive Enzyme a part of every meal to bolster your body’s natural enzymes and promote optimal digestive efficiency. The Natural Enzyme Blend supplies a wide range of plant-based enzymes that support normal, healthy digestion and absorption of the different types of macronutrients*:
USANA Digestive Enzyme also offers an extra boost of support for healthy digestion with artichoke extract (Cynara scolymus L.). The active phytonutrient from artichoke leaves has been shown to help relieve digestive complaints, like mild stomach upset, by aiding the digestion of fatty foods, especially after a large meal.*
Your enzyme balance is unique to you. And chances are good that you already know if your digestion could use support every day. Your gut isn’t subtle when it’s unhappy. If you find yourself uncomfortable after consuming lactose, protein, fat—any type of macronutrient—Digestive Enzyme has an enzyme in it that may help.*
And even if you rarely have a rumbly tummy, you might want to keep some Digestive Enzyme on hand. There are a couple of occasions during which you may find yourself in need of a little enzyme assistance*:
Remember: enzymes are only one part of the digestive process. USANA Digestive Enzyme will help support efficient digestion and a calm, comfortable belly. And the bacteria in your belly also play a role in supporting healthy digestion. So, for even more comprehensive digestive support, considering adding USANA Probiotic, too.*
Take one (1) to three (3) tablets with a meal, or as needed.
What is the natural flavor in digestive enzyme?
The natural flavor in USANA Digestive Enzyme is vanilla. It is also used in a couple other products to mask unpleasant flavors of the raw materials. There is nothing hidden in the vanilla flavor, and it does not contain MSG or any ingredient of concern.
References
Janiak C. 2016. Digestive enzymes of human and nonhuman primates. Evol Anthropol 25(5): 253-266.
Raman R. 2018. 12 Foods That Contain Natural Digestive Enzymes. Healthline [Internet] [accessed 22 October 2018] Available at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/natural-digestive-enzymes
Amylase: Enzyme Technical Data Sheet. Enzyme Education Institute. [Internet] [accessed 23 October 2018] Available at https://enzymeeducationinstitute.com/enzymes/amylase/
Lipase from Rhizopus oryzae: Enzyme Technical Data Sheet. Enzyme Education Institute. [Internet] [accessed 23 October 2018] Available at https://enzymeeducationinstitute.com/enzymes/lipase-from-rhizopus-oryzae/
Cummings JH. 1984. Cellulose and the human gut. Gut (25(8): 805-810.
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**Individual results may vary. The 5-Day RESET program lowers your daily caloric intake and recommends moderate exercise for best results.
It is suggested that you take these products to your health care professional and secure their advice if you intend to change your diet, begin an exercise program, are pregnant or lactating, have allergies, are taking medications, or are under the care of a health care professional.
Children under the age of 18 should not participate in the 5-Day RESET program, except on the advice of their health care professional and/or dietician.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
