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FORMULATION - STAY WELL WITH REFERENCES Here is the evidence for our Stay Well Formulation, which is designed for adults experiencing symptoms of cold, flu, fatigue, stress, to help reduce the likelihood of becoming ill, to reduce the symptoms and duration if you are becoming ill. After investigating medical and scientific reports as well as popular media sources, this formulation includes only those micronutrients likely to improve your health, and clearly safe to be taken for 1 week only [for instance, the zinc dosage exceeds the UL and would be hazardous if taken long term-ZINC HAZARD: Science 303 (20 Feb 2004) STKE: "Excessive nitric oxide and the release of zinc from intracellular stores have been linked to neuronal death associated with stroke and some neurodegenerative diseases..." ] . First is the protocol that I find most justified based on my reading. Below that are notes when I studied this extensively, a formulation not available conveniently in a single product.

Vitamin C and E dosages are recommended by the Linus Pauling Institute at the University of Oregon, and the zinc dosage has been shown to reduce cold duration and symptoms 42% in peer-reviewed studies. YOU ARE WELCOME TO STOP READING HERE, UNLESS YOU ARE DOING RESEARCH.

Below I note many other vitamins, minerals and herbs that I have investigated that many people consider. You will note that under the ingredients, the daily dosage for many is "none". These are ingredients that other sources recommend for colds, flu, or fever, for which no persuasive evidence could be found that the substance was safe and proven likely to be effective. It is a fascinating area for study. For instance, a credible review indicates that, contrary to the numerous advertisements, zinc lozenges "are ineffective", while another recent distinguished review indicates that, contrary to most medical and scientific experts, vitamin C actually may help reduce symptoms of the common cold.

BASIS FOR STAY WELL FORMULATIONS

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR STAY WELL FORMULATION:

Are there nutrients (including vitamins, minerals and herbs) which when taken for a short period of time are likely to either prevent the onset, shorten the duration, or lessen the symptoms of short term ill health such as colds, flu, fatigue, or depression? It is well established and documented by scientific and medical studies that high doses of vitamin E taken over many months can enhance the immune function of people(1). There is substantial credible evidence that taking high doses of vitamin C on a regular basis can decrease illness and may lessen the duration of colds(2). The answers provided in this formulation and document reflect what is known about the benefit of short-term supplementation during periods of potential or actual short term illness, stress, or fatigue. Several terms may help outline the consideration of ingredients.

1. PROVEN - The first consideration is whether the ingredient has been shown to be effective in carefully controlled clinical trials. This includes evaluation of the study design, the significance of the data, the authors involved in the study (for instance, was the study done by those actually marketing the product used in the study?), and the number of studies completed using the ingredient. Many natural products are advocated for various medical conditions, but rarely is there medical evidence cited to demonstrate that the material is actually useful.

2. SAFE - As the tablets designed here are intended for use only short term, safety is evaluated in terms of evidence available relative to short term use, relative potential for hazard based on chemical properties and historical use.

REFERENCES BY NUTRIENT WITH NOTES RELEVANT TO DOSAGE

Unless otherwise footnoted by more recent or more accurate data, for RDAs, toxicity levels, and average intakes by people, see Daily Values. Remainder of this file is huge, available by special request. Stored in Davis file R&D