| A review of @unilever product samples gifted to me #freesamples SmartyPants Women’s Multi & Omegas: SmartyPants Women’s Multi & Omegas is formulated with essential nutrients that can help optimize your body to give you the energy you need to get through the day and to support your health. With nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids and COQ10, it can help reduce inflammation in your body and acts as an antioxidant (1, 2). Vitamin D and biotin can help improve bone health and hair growth and B12 and folate help boost energy and heart health (3, 4, 5). Packed with 13 other nutrients, it’s an all-in-one, delicious tasting gummy supplement, to feel your best! References 1. Calder PC. Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms and clinical relevance. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Apr;1851(4):469-84. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.08.010. Epub 2014 Aug 20. PMID: 25149823 2. Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, Arenas-de Larriva AP, Limia-Perez L, Romero-Cabrera JL, Yubero-Serrano EM, López-Miranda J. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for the Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Clinical Implications in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(21):7870. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21217870 3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, August 4). Calcium and vitamin D: Important for Bone Health. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-bone-health 4. Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017). A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin Appendage Disorders, 3(3), 166–169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981 5. Winter, A.D., Tjahjono, E., Beltrán, L.J. et al. Dietary-derived vitamin B12 protects Caenorhabditis elegans from thiol-reducing agents. BMC Biol 20, 228 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-022-01415-y |
| Nutrafol Women: Nutrafol Women is specially formulated to improve hair growth and reduce hair thinning. One of the primary ingredients in Nutrafol is biotin, offering 10,000% of the recommended dietary allowance of biotin in the supplement making it one of the highest available in a supplement on the market. Biotin is an important vitamin in the role of hair growth because it helps with the synthesis of protein for keratin production and has been shown to help with hair growth (1). Nutrafol also contains important antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, E, and selenium which can help neutralize free radicals in the body which helps prevent damage to the hair follicle (2, 3, 4). Zinc is also an important nutrient in Nutrafol that functions as an important cofactor for enzymes that are responsible for hair follicle growth (5). References 1. Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017). A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin Appendage Disorders, 3(3), 166–169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981 2. Blaner WS, Shmarakov IO, Traber MG. Vitamin A and Vitamin E: Will the Real Antioxidant Please Stand Up? Annu Rev Nutr. 2021 Oct 11;41:105-131. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-082018-124228. Epub 2021 Jun 11. PMID: 34115520. 3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements – vitamin C. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20is%20also%20an,vitamin%20E)%20%5B4%5D. 4. Tinggi U. Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health. Environ Health Prev Med. 2008 Mar;13(2):102-8. doi: 10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4. Epub 2008 Feb 28. PMID: 19568888; PMCID: PMC2698273. 5. Plonka, P. M., Handjiski, B., Popik, M., Michalczyk, D., & Paus, R. (2005). Zinc as an ambivalent but potent modulator of murine hair growth in vivo– preliminary observations. Experimental Dermatology, 14(11), 844–853. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2005.00365.x |
| Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier® Sugar-Free: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier® Sugar-Free offers a significant amount of nutrition for enhanced performance, heat protection, and overall wellness – all without added sugar! The product contains key electrolytes like sodium and potassium that help maintain fluid balance, support muscle function, and prevent dehydration during intense exercise or exposure to high temperatures. The B Vitamins boost energy and play essential roles in amino acid metabolism which are crucial for performance and recovery. Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress caused during physical activity and supports wellness during travel. The amino acids included can help support muscle recovery, immune function, and gut health, which are vital during high-stress activities and traveling (1, 2, 3, and 4). Together, these nutrients keep you hydrated and energized, optimizing performance and overall well-being. References: 1. Demling RH. Nutrition, anabolism, and the wound healing process: an overview. Eplasty. 2009;9:e9. Epub 2009 Feb 3. PMID: 19274069; PMCID: PMC2642618. 2. Legault Z, Bagnall N, Kimmerly DS. The Influence of Oral L-Glutamine Supplementation on Muscle Strength Recovery and Soreness Following Unilateral Knee Extension Eccentric Exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2015 Oct;25(5):417-26. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0209. Epub 2015 Mar 26. PMID: 25811544. 3. Rao R, Samak G. Role of Glutamine in Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junctions. J Epithel Biol Pharmacol. 2012 Jan;5(Suppl 1-M7):47-54. doi: 10.2174/1875044301205010047. PMID: 25810794; PMCID: PMC4369670. 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5950, Alanine. Retrieved September 10, 2024 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Alanine. |
| Onnit Alpha BRAIN® If you are having a hard time focusing or getting into the “flow state” as some researchers may call it, then Onnit Alpha BRAIN® may be for you. Onnit Alpha BRAIN® is a caffeine-free nootropic blend designed to optimize cognitive functioning by promoting alpha brain waves, a series of electrical impulses sent through the brain that helps you get into that “flow state”. A key ingredient, L-theanine, works by enhancing focus through increasing alpha brain waves, which relaxes the mind without inducing drowsiness (1). Phosphatidylserine, a fatty substance that protects nerve cells, helps improve memory and communication between neurons, slowing cognitive decline associated with aging (2). Alpha GPC boosts acetylcholine levels, enhancing memory and motivation, while also supporting neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood (3). Huperzia serrata extract protects nerve cells by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, further supporting memory and cognition (4). Lastly, Vitamin B6 aids in energy production and plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters (5). Together, these ingredients help the brain enter that “flow state” that you need to tune out distractions and focus on what you want to accomplish. References 1. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8. PMID: 18296328. 2. Glade MJ, Smith K. Phosphatidylserine and the human brain. Nutrition. 2015 Jun;31(6):781-6. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014. Epub 2014 Nov 4. PMID: 25933483. 3. Tamura Y, Takata K, Matsubara K, Kataoka Y. Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study. Nutrients. 2021 Jun 18;13(6):2091. doi: 10.3390/nu13062091. PMID: 34207484; PMCID: PMC8235064. 4. Callizot N, Campanari ML, Rouvière L, Jacquemot G, Henriques A, Garayev E, Poindron P. Huperzia serrata Extract ‘NSP01’ With Neuroprotective Effects-Potential Synergies of Huperzine A and Polyphenols. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Aug 30;12:681532. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.681532. PMID: 34526893; PMCID: PMC8435632. 5. Casas, C. (2007). Vitamins. Analysis of Cosmetic Products, 364–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-044452260-3/50045-0 |
| OLLY Sleep: OLLY Sleep gummies are an effective and natural sleep aid designed to promote relaxation and a calm mind. Some of the well-studied ingredients include Melatonin and L-theanine which are responsible for regulating the body’s natural sleep cycle while reducing anxiety, helping you ease into a peaceful sleep without causing drowsiness like some other sleep aids (1, 2). It also contains a blend of traditional herbs, such as chamomile and passionflower, which calm the mind and reduce stress by interacting with certain receptors in the brain (3, 4). Lemon balm increases levels of GABA, an important neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system, helping the body enter a restful state (5). What sets OLLY Sleep apart is its mission to prioritize mental health as a part of overall wellness. This product reflects that by not only addressing the physical need for sleep but also helping reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re having a hard time sleeping and you want a product that has scientifically backed ingredients that are natural and taste good, then these gummies are for you! References: 1. Savage, R. A. (2024, February 9). Melatonin. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534823/ 2. Rao, T. P., Ozeki, M., & Juneja, L. R. (2015). In Search of a Safe Natural Sleep Aid. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(5), 436–447. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.926153 3. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2010.377. PMID: 21132119; PMCID: PMC2995283. 4. Jawna-Zboińska, K., Blecharz-Klin, K., Joniec-Maciejak, I., Wawer, A., Pyrzanowska, J., Piechal, A., Mirowska-Guzel, D., & Widy-Tyszkiewicz, E. (2016). Passiflora incarnata L. Improves Spatial Memory, Reduces Stress, and Affects Neurotransmission in Rats. Phytotherapy Research, 30(5), 781–789. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5578 5. Awad, R., Levac, D., Cybulska, P., Merali, Z., Trudeau, V. L., & Arnason, J. T. (2007). Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 85(9), 933–942. https://doi.org/10.1139/Y07-083 |
| OLLY Focused Thinker Brainy Chews: OLLY Focused Thinker Brainy Chews are formulated to boost cognitive performance and taste amazing, making them an excellent addition to your day for focus and productivity. These chews are designed with ingredients and compounds that have been shown to support brain function effectively. One of the key compounds, ginger extract, has various neuroprotective properties that can help improve memory and promote synaptic growth in the brain. Its antioxidative properties also combat oxidative stress, improving memory retention and overall cognitive functioning (1). There are also Vitamins B6 and B12 which help prevent brain atrophy and neurodegeneration and support the maintenance of the myelin sheath which helps support nerves communicating with each other (2). The blend also provides Omega-3 ALA, an anti-inflammatory compound that has various neuroprotective effects and reduces oxidative stress in the body (3). OLLY Focused Thinker Brainy Chews provide an evidence-based blend of ingredients that promote mental alertness and focus making them a valuable addition to your daily routine for enhanced productivity. References: 1. Lim, S., Moon, M., Oh, H., Kim, H. G., Kim, S. Y., & Oh, M. S. (2014). Ginger improves cognitive function via NGF-induced ERK/CREB activation in the hippocampus of the mouse. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 25(10), 1058–1065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.05.009 2. Xu, H., Wang, S., Gao, F., & Li, C. (2022). Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 Intakes and Cognitive Performance in Elders: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 18, 537–553. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S337617 3. Leikin-Frenkel, A., Schnaider Beeri, M., & Cooper, I. (2022). How Alpha Linolenic Acid May Sustain Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Boost Brain Resilience against Alzheimer’s Disease. Nutrients, 14(23), 5091. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235091 |
A Review of Unilever Nutritional Samples
