Alphabetical Reference of Nutritional Support

Formula Catch Phrase

Key Benefits

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Antioxidant Support

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an important intracellular antioxidant for the management and prevention of diabetes and diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. ALA regenerates glutathione and supports mitochondrial energy production, whilst improving insulin sensitivity and heavy metal clearance.

Enhanced Bioavailability Ubiquinol for Energy and Cardiovascular Health

Ubiquinol is the active form of coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant and mitochondrial stimulant. Efficient conversion of inactive ubiquinone to ubiquinol is reported to decrease with aging and in conditions with high oxidative stress, thus making active ubiquinol best suited for patients whose ability to convert is compromised.

High Bioavailability Zinc with Vitamin C

Zinc and vitamin C are amongst the most critical nutrients for healthy immunity and skin, involved in wound healing, and resistance to infection.

Highly Bioavailable Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) With Endocannabinoid Action

PEA is a bioactive lipid that directly modulates endocannabinoid signalling, indirectly increasing cannabinoid receptor activity throughout the nervous system, including microglial cells and astrocytes, as well as receptor activity in immune cells. PEA’s actions enhance anti-neuroinflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective pathways, benefiting chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, in addition to neurodegenerative conditions.

High Potency Taurine, Glycine and Magnesium for Cardiovascular Health

Magnesium is essential to vascular health to prevent endothelial changes and atherosclerosis. Low magnesium is pro-thrombotic and promotes advanced plaque rupture and acute cardiovascular events. Cholesterol synthesis is regulated by magnesium-dependant enzymes, and magnesium deficiency is associated with cholesterol and triglyceride dyslipidaemia. Magnesium has been compared favourably to statin therapy for lowering cholesterol. Important enzymes involved in the conversion and activity of vitamin D are also magnesium dependant, therefore magnesium supplementation may be required for vitamin D activity and restoration.

Indian Barberry and Milk Thistle for Blood Glucose Metabolism and Liver Function Support

Mixed Tocopherols & Tocotrienols for Free Radical Defence

A mixed-form vitamin E supplement of the highest potency, including all 8 isoforms of vitamin E for broadest range of activity with cardio-protective benefits. Shown to reduce cholesterol synthesis and LDL oxidation, reduce ApoB, increase ApoA1, as well as being antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory. Safe for long term cardiovascular protection.

Phytonutrients for Eye Health

Clinically trialled blackcurrant and marigold extracts, plus nutrients help to reduce eye strain and reduce the risk of age related eye disease.

Resveratrol Age Well

Resveratrol and quercetin activate sirtuins to increase cellular defence status and enhance neuronal and cellular survival. Also shown to regulate post-prandial lipaemia and inflammation, this antioxidant combination supports cardiovascular system, immune function and normal blood sugar levels due to supporting cellular resilience and insulin sensitivity.

Specialised Pro-Resolving Mediators

SPMs are lipid mediators that promote resolution, reduce pain, encourage clearance of pathogens and mitigate pathological inflammation, without immunosuppression. SPMs regulate macrophage polarisation; triggering the switch from M1 (proinflammatory) to the M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype, therefore promoting resolution.

Vitamin D3 Capsules or Liquid

Suboptimal vitamin D intake &/or sun exposure is associated with increased risk of developing insulin resistance with increased risk of infection and cardiovascular disease. Supplementation supports healthy vitamin D levels.

Supportive Lifestyle Programs

Shake It Practitioner Weight Management Program

There is growing evidence that obesity is a disorder of energy homeostasis, and that the set-point for obese individuals is set to a higher level. The Shake It Practitioner Weight Management Program is a novel 3 phase program structure to prevent metabolic adaptation, reset the patient’s metabolic set point, and provide regular psychological breaks from active dieting in order to achieve sustained weight loss. The program as collection of supportive materials in order to implement behaviour change techniques and two diet options: Ketogenic (low carbohydrate, higher fat), or Low fat (lower fat, liberal carbohydrate). For Metabolic syndrome patient’s carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet is the diet with the most supporting evidence for those with insulin resistance. Reducing dietary glycaemic load will reduce insulin release and help patients lose fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue, thus helping to minimise the risk of many chronic illnesses.

Wellness and Healthy Ageing Program

This program recommends a low glycaemic load diet with lifestyle recommendations for exercise, relaxation, intellectual stimulation and effective stress management – all factors associated with healthy ageing and chronic disease prevention.

Metagenics Clinical Detoxification Program

Dysbiosis and gut-derived inflammation, as well as environmental toxicity (persistent organic pollutants) are all recognised drivers of insulin resistance and metabolic inflexibility. The Metagenics Clinical Detoxification Programs are designed to address the primary source of toxicity in patients, and encourage elimination of and protection against these toxins. A questionnaire is available for patients to complete which assist the Practitioner in determining the most appropriate program. There are three programs available:

• Health Reset
• Gut Pathogen Elimination
• Liver Chemical Clearance

Aetiology and Risk factors

Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to the incidence of metabolic dysfunction include the following:

• High calorie diet, high glycaemic load diet
• Lack of exercise
• Chronic stress
• Digestive dysbiosis causing low-grade gut derived inflammation
• Environmental toxicity
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic inflammation

Signs and Symptoms

Clinical indicators of type 2 diabetes include:

Cardiovascular:

• Hypertension
• Vascular disease
• Angina
• Previous heart attack/stroke
• Intermittent claudication

Skin:

• Acne
• Skin tags (cutaneous papillomas, acrochordon)
• Skin cancers
• Male pattern (vertex) balding
• Acanthosis nigricans

Reproductive (Female):

• Early puberty
• Amenorrhoea
• Oligomenorrhoea
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Infertility
• Low SHBG

Appetite:

• High calorie and carbohydrate cravings

Metabolic:

• Overweight
• Weight accumulates over the stomach
• History of failed weight loss attempts
• Diabetes

Sleep:

• Sleep apnoea
• Snoring
• Day time fatigue/sleepiness

Reproductive (Male):

• Erectile dysfunction
• Impotence
• Prostate cancer

Neurological/Pain

• Depression
• Tinnitus
• Migraines
• Headaches/Dizziness
• Myopia (short-sightedness)

Diet and Lifestyle

Dietary and lifestyle guidelines may assist in the management of type 2 diabetes include:

• Weight reduction where appropriate is essential. The Shake It Practitioner Weight Management Program is a safe fat loss program that sensitises insulin signalling, burns fat and helps to lower blood triglycerides and support healthy cholesterol levels.
• For normal weight individuals, the diet should ideally be managed around regular blood sugar monitoring, and insulin intake. Following the principles of a balanced healthy regime to include at least 5 servings of vegetables, quality protein, reducing high glycaemic load foods, and to consume essential fatty acids (via nuts, seeds and fish) are all detailed in the Wellness and Healthy Ageing Program.
• The Mediterranean Diet has been found to be beneficial in managing dyslipidaemia. This is comprised of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil and garlic. This diet is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol plasma levels and reduce susceptibility to LDL oxidation. The principals of this diet are found in the Wellness and Healthy Ageing Program.
• Lifestyle modifications that are beneficial include increased physical activity, stress reduction and smoking cessation.

Pathology Tests

Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Management

Fasting glucose

Normal reference range:

At risk (monitor):

Diabetes:

3.9 - 5.5 mmol/L

5.5 - 6.9 mmol/L

> 7.0mmol/L

Fasting insulin

Normal reference range:

At risk (monitor):

Diabetes:

4 - 9 mU/L mmol/L

10 - 14 mU/L (mild I.R.)

14 mU/L (mod to severe I.R.)

Homeostasis Model Assessment Index of insulin resistance

(HOMA-IR)

A refinement of fasting serum insulin; HOMA-IR Index = [mean of three fasting insulin (mU/L)] x fasting glucose (mmol/L) divided by 22.5.

Normal reference range:

At risk (monitor):

Diabetes:

< 2.0

2.0 – 2.2

2.2 – 3.0 (mod to severe)

>3.0 (severe)

Glucose tolerance test (GTT) – plasma values two hours after 75 g glucose load

Normal reference range:

At risk (monitor):

Diabetes:

<7.9 mmol/L

7.9 – 11.0 mmol/L

>11.0 mmol/L

HbA1c

Normal reference range:

At risk (monitor):

Diabetes:

4 – 5.6%

5.7 – 6.4 %

> 6.5%

TESTING

INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES

Homocysteine

Raised serum levels of this amino acid have been associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and stroke, particularly in patients with dyslipidaemia. Ideally, homocysteine levels should be less than 10 nmol/L.

C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

Indicator of inflammatory processes. Normal range is 0.2–3mg/L, but ideally levels should be < 1mg/L.

Liver Function Test (LFT)

This is a blood test that measures serum levels of any of several liver enzymes. An elevated liver function test is a sign of possible liver damage.

Normal Values:

Albumin: 32-45g/L

Total bilirubin: <20mmol/L

AP (Alkaline Phosphatase): 25-100U/L
GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase): <30U/L
LD (Lactate Dehydrogenase): 110-230U/L
AST (Aspartate aminotransferase): <40U/L
ALT (Alanine aminotransferase): <35U/L