Douglas Labs Glucoset 60 CapsDESCRIPTION Glucoset™ capsules, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contain a complementary blend of thiamin, biotin, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and standardized extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaf for targeted nutritional support of glucose metabolism. FUNCTIONS Glycation is the non-enzymatic attachment of sugars to major molecules in the body, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Glycation reactions generate advanced glycation end-products (AGE’s) and glycotoxin intermediates. AGE’s can cause abnormal and destructive functioning of body proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. AGE associated damage is suspected in the pathogenesis of many diseases and age-related deteriorations. AGE’s can be created endogenously, often as a consequence of excessive blood glucose levels. AGE’s are also present in browned foods and cured tobacco. As uncontrolled blood glucose levels give rise to the formation of dangerous AGE’s, it is crucial to maintain blood glucose levels within normal, healthy limits to avoid excessive AGE induced damage. Maintenance of normal blood glucose levels is fundamental to preventing AGE formation. Chromium is an integral component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a naturally occurring compound of chromium, nicotinic acid, and amino acids that is essential for proper glucose metabolism. Adequate chromium nutrition is essential for the formation of GTF and subsequent healthy metabolism of normal blood glucose levels. Biotin serves as a cofactor of glucose metabolism and induces glucokinase, an enzyme that encourages cells to retain glucose for energy production rather than release it into the blood stream. Alpha-lipoic acid appears to enhance glucose use by muscles by augmenting muscle protein content. Gymnema sylvestre is an Ayurvedic botanical that may assist in the normal regeneration and repair of healthy pancreatic beta cells. Gymnema may also support healthy intestinal glucose absorption. Select nutrients help to directly arrest glycation reactions. A derivative of thiamin (vitamin B1), called thiamin pyrophosphate, and alpha-lipoic acid have both been shown to prevent in vitro AGE production. Also crucial to controlling AGE formation and subsequent damage is antioxidant protection. Oxidative stress is closely related to AGE production and is a known contributing factor to many of the same health concerns thought to be associated with AGE damage. In vitro studies of N-acetyl-L-cysteine have documented inhibition of glycation induced damage to pancreatic cells. N-acetyl-L-cysteine is a potent antioxidant, serving as an intracellular precursor of glutathione. INDICATIONS Glucoset™ may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to support nutritional control of healthy blood sugar metabolism. SUGGESTED USE Two capsules, three times daily at the start of a meal, or as directed by physician.