Coenzymated B Complex

The B vitamins are water soluble vitamins that work together in maintaining the metabolism, blood sugar, nervous system, immune system, muscles, skin, cell growth and division. It is important to consider a product of B-Complex vitamins that has biologically active coenzyme forms for maximum absorption and improved utilization of the nutrients as the sufferers of adrenal exhaustion might be missing needed coenzymes for proper utilization of these vitamins. Solgar’s Megasorb B-Complex “50″ comes close to meeting these needs of the adrenal fatigue sufferers.

Pantethine

Pantethine is the biologically active coenzymated form of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B-5) which is a component of Coenzyme A, which is involved in the metabolism of protein, fat, carbohydrates and aids in the production adrenal hormones as well. Adrenal fatigue recovery time is greatly reduced if proper amounts of pantethine is available as it enhances the production of adrenal hormones without stressing them further. Vitacost’s NSI and Jarrow Formulas have Pantethine product that is based on Pantesin, a quality controlled Pantethine from Daiichi Fine Chemicals.

Vitamin B12 Sublingual Methylcobalamin

Deficiency of vitamin B12 causes fatigue and adrenal fatigue sufferers might be having compromized enzyme system that may not be helping them to absorb, transport vitamin B12 appropriately. A sublingual methylcobalamin form is the best absorbable form. Most of the vitamin B12 comes in the form of cynocobalamin and this is not the desired form for adrenal fatigue sufferers as the liver has to convert this to the more usable form of methylcobalamin. So, it is better to opt for methylcobalamin. Source Naturals and Jarrow Formulas have a decent sublingual methylcobalamin product.

Magnesium Malate

Magnesium is an essential mineral that participates in over 300 enzyme reactions and is a key factor in Krebs cycle, energy transport and storage, activation of B vitamins, nerve functioning and neurotransmitter activity, formation and maintenance of protein and bone. Magnesium is involved in the generation of ATP, the cell’s energy currency. Malic acid is is an important component of numerous enzymes and is also involved in ATP generation. Thus Magnesium Malate plays a key role in the production of energy in the mitochondria and is invaluable in addressing adrenal fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome. About 500 mg is the preferred amount. Source Naturals has a decent Magnesium Malate product.

Calcium Citrate Malate

Calcium and Magnesium should be taken in the 2:1 ratio for proper mineral balance. Calcium should be taken around bed time which makes it easy to sleep as well. Magnesium should be taken at a separate time to avoid competition for absorption. Calcium Citrate Malate is the best absorbable form. Vitacost’s NSI or GNC’s product meets this requirement.

Vitamin C

The highest concentrations of the vitamin C occurs in the adrenal glands along with pituitary and thymus glands in the human body. Vitamin C is mobilized rapidly to adrenal glands when the body is stressed. Normal functioning of the adrenal glands requires sufficient vitamin C to withstand daily stressors. Vitamin C may be supplemented to the bowl’s tolerance limit with consultation from physician for proper maintenance of health and is a crucial factor in adrenal fatigue recovery. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may be a better option as they enhance the action of vitamin c. Any good reputed manufacturer should be able to offer a decent Vitamin C product with bioflavonoids at a competitive price.

Omega-3s or Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3s improve cell membrane fluidity, protect the cells by forming part of the cell membrane and control inflammation. As our health is the aggregate of cellular health, we can see that these fatty acids indeed play an important role in our health.

Fish oil is the best source of omega-3s. Your second best bet is Flax seeds. But, two thirds of the population have difficulty converting flax oil to the actual omega-3s that the body needs. Also, it is important to consider the mercury, PCBs and other harmful pollutants in fish oil. Your best bet is wild salmon, as salmon body oils are low in these toxins. Also, it is important to select a product that is tested by independent bodies to be free of these toxins.

Carlson brand of Norwegian Salmon Oil comes close to meeting these exacting requirements of purity as it is routinely tested by independent bodies for impurities and find them to be of good quality. Two to four capsules of fish oil may be of help. Work with your physician for details.

Chromium Polynicotinate

Chromium is important for blood sugar balance both hypoglcemia and hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia where blood sugar drops too low calls adrenal glands into action to balance blood sugar. When this happens too often, adrenal glands will be exhuasted quite fast and ultimately fail to support the balancing of blood glucose. This leads to several symptoms associated with low blood sugar, which in fact is treated as an emergency situation by the body. These symptoms are akin to a roller coaster ride of high and low. Chromium Polynicotinate comes to the rescue in balancing these highs and lows of blood sugar swings, thereby relieving excessive stress put on the glands. Chromium Polynicotinate is the preferred form as it is a combination of niacin and chromium and is the form of glucose tolerance factor. 200 micro grams (mcg) may be enough for the condition. Seek the advice of the physician. Source Naturals has a decent product of Chromium Polynicotinate but any other reputed manufacturer should also be fine.

Opti Zinc

Zinc participates in numerous enzyme reactions. Zinc and Copper need to be balanced for proper health. Zinc and Copper are also involved in blood sugar balance. It is prudent not to over do any one of them. It may be useful to have 15 mg of Zinc and about 1 to 2 mg of copper if done over extended period. Opti Zinc from Vitacost’s NSI is a decent product. Twinlab or Source Naturals have a decent chelated copper product.

Vitamin A and Vitamin D

Vitamin A and Vitamin D are important in building proper immunity. Carlson’s Norwegian cod liver oil is a good source of both the vitamins along with omega-3s without the contaminants of PCBs and other heavy metals.