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Chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have become so common that most people don't remember what it's like to be in perfect health. And if they're not feeling their best, they can't be their best.

In truth, many chronic health conditions are preventable. They're the result of years of poor eatinghabits, lack of exercise, and prolonged exposure to stress. And leading health organizations now tell us that by returning to a healthier lifestyle—by getting the right nutrients, becoming active, and learning to manage the stressors in life—many of these conditions can be managed, prevented, or even reversed.

The solution seems so simple, yet the incidence of chronic illness continues to rise at an alarming rate. At Metagenics, they're aiming to change all that.

Addressing Chronic Illness with Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes
Metagenics' groundbreaking Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) programs have helped tens of thousands of chronic illness sufferers all over the world regain their health so they can once again enjoy their lives to the fullest. No quick, short term fixes; these programs work because they're focused on helping people develop healthy, life-long habits they can easily incorporate into their busy schedules. Metagenics' TLC programs are available only from specially trained, licensed health care professionals—the people qualified to recommend and tailor a regimen that's unique to each individual's needs.

Patient Success Depends on Provider Success
Let's face it. Most doctors' offices have neither the time nor the expertise to provide the individualized lifestyle counseling that's necessary to effect real change. In designing the TLC program, Metagenics asked health care providers to tell them what it would take to implement TLC successfully in their practice. The answer was teamwork—getting support staff involved, enlisting practice extenders, and ensuring smooth office flow. Today, providers who implement Metagenics' TLC programs overwhelmingly report they're busier and more successful than ever in helping patients achieve their desired health outcomes.

Addressing the Root Cause of Illness through Science-Based Nutrition
Back in 1983, Metagenics had a big idea: the right nutrition could help people realize their best health by positively influencing what makes them unique—their genes. They called it realizing "genetic potential" for good health. Today, it's known as the science of nutrigenomics—the study of food as one of the most important environmental modifiers of gene expression in determining health and disease patterns. Through substantial and ongoing commitment to nutrigenomic research, Metagenics has been able to identify natural compounds with powerful therapeutic applications, to be used in their science-based TLC programs, medical foods, and nutraceuticals.

Setting the Standard in Research, Quality & Innovation
Knowing that professionals rely on them to make people feel better isn't something Metagenics takes lightly. It's the reason they lead the industry in research, professional education, and quality manufacturing.

But they're also brave enough to search for the next big thing to make an even greater impact on health. The result? An impressive list of patented formulas and ingredients, and a revolutionary product development process to help make natural approaches even safer and more effective.

Whether you're a patient or a health care provider, be your best with Metagenics.

Patient Health—It's Their Greatest Concern
Metagenics has built a reputation on nutraceuticals and medical foods that meet the high expectations of health care professionals worldwide. But what they care about most is serving the best interests of the patients who use their products and services with a goal of improving health and reversing chronic illness.

The Industry Leader in Quality & Efficacy
Metagenics doesn't compromise on safety, efficacy, or quality—to make sure they deliver the best results possible. Time after time. Bottle after bottle. They carefully monitor all products to assure purity and safety, from formulation and ingredient selection all the way to the final product.

Research & Innovation Ahead of the Curve
Metagenics offers more than just products. Their strong focus on research keeps them on the leading edge of the current evolution in personalized medicine. Their in-house team of highly regarded clinicians and scientists is actively developing breakthroughs in nutrient modulation of gene expression to help them create even more effective health care solutions.

Educational Programs with Renowned Experts
Metagenics offers more educational support for health care professionals than anyone else in the field—keeping them in touch with the latest research and nutritional approaches to help manage today’s most common illnesses. With Metagenics' renowned in-house experts, including Dr. Jeffrey Bland and many other opinion leaders, they provide education through seminars, workshops, webinars, symposiums, and other venues.

Discover the Difference
See why more health care professionals and patients select Metagenics over many other professional brands. You'll be glad you did.

Since their inception in 1983, Metagenics has reached out to individual health care providers to help improve the lives of their patients and combat chronic illness. Along the way, their forward-thinking ideas, efforts, and commitments have had more far-reaching effects—from improving health care to serving the best interests of patients.

Metagenics thinks their dedicated staff of scientists, clinicians, and executives has a lot to be proud of. And they hope their accomplishments contribute to your success.

Protecting Freedom of Health Care Options
While Metagenics strongly supports efforts to regulate natural product safety and integrity, they also strongly support those who challenge regulatory efforts aimed at limiting therapeutic options for patients. Metagenics has been active politically and has provided financial support for a number of the organizations that have worked for free access to health care choices. They're also members of several well-known organizations with honorable health freedom initiatives. Metagenics executives have lobbied and made presentations on state and national levels to help protect patient access to trusted natural approaches.

Empowering Patients with Health Knowledge
Metagenics' mission is patient health. As founder Jeff Katke once stated, "The patient's best interests must be served." It's been Metagenics' guiding light. And a patient-centered approach to improving health or reversing chronic illness works better when the patient is fully informed.

For more than 25 years, Metagenics has been dedicated to developing innovative, science-based, natural approaches to improve health. Today, they're well positioned to meet society’s current—and emerging—most pressing health care needs, through:

• FirstLine Therapy—their turnkey, clinically tested therapeutic lifestyle program that can be implemented in any clinical practice
• One of the largest and most diverse research and development teams in the natural products industry
• Leading-edge nutritional genomics and clinical research facilities
• State-of-the-art biotechnology instrumentation
• A unique product development model assuring predicted safety, efficacy, and bioavailability of natural formulas.

The Best and Brightest Minds and Ideas at Work
The cornerstone of research and development at Metagenics is MetaProteomics, LLC, their wholly-owned biotechnology subsidiary. Established in 2002, MetaProteomics houses state-of-the-art technology and is home to one of the largest and most diverse scientific staffs in the natural products industry.

Clinical Focus Areas
The MetaProteomics team—including top notch phytochemists, biochemists, MDs, RNs, registered dietitians, nutritionists, and other highly respected researchers and clinicians—shares a collective sense of urgency when it comes to finding the most effective natural ingredients/ingredient combinations to be developed into Metagenics' medical food and nutraceutical formulas. Their work has culminated in a line of high quality, science based formulas that effectively address:

• Cardiovascular health
• Blood sugar concerns
• Gastrointestinal health
• Immune health
• Joint issues
• Women's health
• Men's health
• Musculoskeletal health
• Neurological health
• Stress management
• Detoxification
• Foundation Nutrition

So far, MetaProteomics discoveries have resulted in more than 230 domestic and international patents awarded and pending—a feat no other company in the industry niche can boast.

A Unique Product Development Model
The MetaProteomics product development platform is called the ExpresSyn Process. This proprietary process—designed to ensure the effectiveness and predicted safety of Metagenics' nutritional formulas—combines the best of medical, biotechnology, and pharmacological discovery techniques and Metagenics' in-depth knowledge of natural ingredients.

The ExpresSyn Process involves the following processes:

• Ingredient Discovery. The health-supporting properties of hundreds of natural compounds and compound mixtures derived from foods, spices, and herbs with a long history of safe use are identified via in vitro enzyme assays, cell culture models, and other forms of testing.
• Proof of Concept. Additional testing is conducted to provide preliminary confirmation of the desired clinical target. The formulas with acceptable safety profiles at therapeutic doses are evaluated for bioavailability and metabolism in humans.
• Formula development. A source-safe pipeline of natural ingredients is identified, then products are formulated in the form (tablet, soft gel, or bar) that's most appropriate for the therapeutic target.
• Clinical experience. The new formula is evaluated for effectiveness using observational studies and random controlled studies.

A Promising New Therapeutic Agent: Selective Kinase Response Modulators (SKRMs)
A key MetaProteomics discovery is the existence and mechanism of highly specialized bioactive molecules known as selective kinase response modulators, or SKRMs. Metagenics' research identified SKRMs derived from plant-based compounds as having the ability to modulate specific cell signaling pathways, which may play a role in chronic illness. This mechanism of action is exciting in that it's different from any other class of therapeutics.*

SKRMs derived from hops (Humulus lupulus L.), acacia (Acacia nilotica), and other phytocompounds have been successfully incorporated into Metagenics formulas to address:

• Chronic inflammation
• Minor pain
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• Bone remodeling

Research on further therapeutic applications of SKRM technology is underway.

At Metagenics, they take pride in their extensive research efforts. In addition to conducting the most innovative laboratory research in their niche, their clinicians carefully and thoroughly document the effectiveness of their nutraceuticals, medical foods, and therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) programs work in real patients, to improve health and reverse chronic illness. The results of this work are routinely published in peer-reviewed journals.

No other company in this segment can offer this kind of supporting evidence of effective use in a clinical setting.

Clinical studies and individual case management studies are conducted at Metagenics' Functional Medicine Research Center (FMRC)—the clinical research arm of Metagenics. Located on the site of their Gig Harbor, Washington campus and staffed by doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, and other clinicians, the FMRC is responsible for investigating and developing treatment approaches to chronic health conditions using TLC, nutritional products, and other natural therapies. Many of Metagenics' nutritional formulas in development are tested here.

More than 2,000 patient visits take place annually at the FMRC, as part of:

• Clinical studies to assess the impact of specific nutritional and TLC interventions
• Individual case management studies (ICMs) that expand research and understanding

In numerous cases, the clinical outcomes have been life-changing in improving health and even reversing chronic illnesses.

Combined Efforts with Other Renowned Researchers
In addition to FMRC clinical research, Metagenics medical professionals reach out to other organizations and universities for new research opportunities. By combining efforts with other renowned researchers to design and implement clinical studies, Metagenics is able to conduct more leading-edge research than ever before.

You truly are what you eat...and that starts with how food and other natural substances that complement the diet affect your cells and influence your health.

In the past, the main focus was on the nutrients we might be missing. That's still important. However, now scientists realize there's a lot more to consider when planning your daily diets than just avoiding a deficiency. Healthy eating, nutrition, and other modifiable lifestyle factors can help you reverse the disease process and improve health.

Armed with the basic nutritional knowledge provided here, you and your health care provider can work together to develop the dietary and lifestyle prescription that's exactly right for you.

How Lifestyles Affect Your Body's Nutritional Intake
Despite a wide variety of foods, people today generally eat more while actually consuming fewer nutrients. Many common aspects of daily life can deplete the body of the nutrients it needs to function properly:

• Drinking—alcohol, coffee/sodas (caffeine)
• Smoking—nicotine
• Medications—statin drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics
• Eating—junk food, refined carbohydrates
• Stress—work, family
• State of Health—illness, injury, intestinal issues, pregnancy

These things can rob you of nutrients by:

• Increasing your need for certain nutrients
• Causing accelerated nutrient loss
• Impairing the absorption of nutrients from food

What You Eat Affects How You Feel
Processed foods and other unhealthy dietary habits can interfere with the dietary signals sent to cells throughout the body, which can lead to premature aging and disease. Addressing unhealthy eating patterns allows you to manage symptoms and even halt or reverse the progression of illness. Eating plans can also be tailored to specific conditions to maximize healthy signals—to help regulate blood sugar or reduce inflammation, for example.

Eating to Send a Healthy Message
Are three balanced meals a day enough to keep you healthy? Food is the preferred source of nutrients to supply foundational nutrition for basic health maintenance. Knowing how to eat in order to maximize these nutrients will help you stay on a path of reduced disease risk.

As you probably know, the foods you eat can be broken down into three categories: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. They're all essential to health—but not every food supplies them in a "good" way. And too much of anything—even a good thing—is still too much. Work with your health care provider for suggestions on daily calorie intake and serving size suggestions to match your individual needs and activity level.

Some Fat is Good for You
Fat is a vital nutrient your body needs for a wide range of biological processes, including growth, healthy skin, and absorption of nutrients. It's also an important fuel source. Eating the right fats, in moderation, will help you feel full faster, and in turn, decrease your appetite. They can even help lower your risk of heart disease by reducing your levels of total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

• Good: Mono- and poly-unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids (from coldwater fish, nuts, flaxseed oil) are healthy.
• Bad: Saturated fat and trans fat (from animal products and processed foods) can be harmful.
• Disease alert: Saturated and trans fats can increase your risk of heart disease by increasing your total and LDL cholesterol.

Protein is More Than Just Meat
Protein is a key component of practically every tissue in your body, including muscle, skin, hair, and other tissues. Proteins manufacture the enzymes and hormones that power digestion, metabolism, and tissue growth and repair.

Protein can be found in all meats and vegetables. Some are "complete" proteins (typically from animals) because they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to build more protein. Others are "incomplete" proteins (vegetables, nuts) because they lack one or more essential amino acids.

• Good: Lean cuts of meat, white poultry meat, whey protein, soy protein, nuts (in moderation), beans, reduced fat dairy products (or dairy substitutes).
• Bad: Fatty cuts of meat, dark poultry meat, excess cheese or "whole" dairy product consumption, poultry skins.
• Caution: Even lean protein sources can be prepared in unhealthy ways—battered, deep fried, or covered in fatty sauces or cheeses.

Carbohydrates: the Key to Healthy Eating
Carbohydrates are important sources of energy and can be found in most foods. Not all carbohydrates are beneficial, so choosing the right carbohydrates is essential.

• Good: Better sources of carbohydrates are whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. These foods are a good source of energy and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals—as well as phytonutrients that are essential for good health.
• Bad: Refined carbohydrates or sugars (white bread, white rice, pastries, sugary sodas) provide little or no nutritional value.
• Caution: Even the best carbs can be prepared in bad ways. Overcooking can deplete nutrients, or they can be covered in cheese, butter, and fatty/sugary sauces that counteract their benefits.
• Disease Alert: Over time, a steady intake of refined carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance, a harmful condition in which the body can't properly convert blood sugar into energy. Insulin resistance, in turn, can result in weight gain, low energy levels, diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions.

Fiber and Water: Filling You Up and Cleaning You Out
Good sources of fiber include bran, beans, brown rice and nuts, and green vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, spinach). Your health care provider may also recommend a fiber supplement. Dietary fiber helps:

• Promote healthy insulin and blood sugar response by slowing digestion, which helps to prevent a surge of blood sugar.
• Create a feeling of fullness, helping you control the amount of food you eat.
• Increase bowel motility, helping you empty what your body doesn't need more regularly.
• Disease alert: Low fiber diets can increase the risk to insulin resistance, digestive discomfort, and more serious intestinal concerns.

Water helps to transport vital nutrients to, and export waste from, our cells. It's also necessary to moisten the lungs and respiratory tract, lubricate joint surfaces and internal organs, and ensure proper digestion. Like fiber, it can increase the feeling of fullness and aid in toxin removal. So it's important to make sure you're getting enough water every day.

Targeted Nutrients—Extra Help for Improving Health
The growing field of research in nutritional genomics—or nutrigenomics—has demonstrated the effects that nutrients and plant substances can have on modifying the expression of genes in favor of good health. This has led to the development of research-based nutraceuticals and medical foods that complement dietary approaches to address today's top health concerns.

"Boosting" Your Healthy Message with Nutritional Supplements
Even if you eat a nutritious diet, you might benefit from nutritional supplementation. Nutritional supplementation not only helps you maintain adequate nutrient levels. It can also help improve your health or manage chronic health conditions.

Product contains 15 billion live organisms at date of expiration. Based on proper handling (e.g., refrigeration).

NCFM® is a trademark of the North Carolina Dairy Foundation.

Lactobacillus and Streptococcus probiotic strains consume milk-derived nutrients as a food source during one step of the fermentation process. No additional milk-derived nutrients were added outside of this fermentation step.