LifeSpa’s Sugar Balance HP features significant quantities of key ingredients that support insulin utilization and glucose metabolism. CinSulin® is a safe, patented, 100% water-soluble, 10:1 concentrated form of cinnamon that provides polyphenol polymers. Standardized American ginseng, green tea, gymnema, and alpha-lipoic acid help protect pancreatic cells, support insulin sensitivity, and provide antioxidant activity. Chromium is added for its role in enhancing insulin activity.
Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules twice daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Bottle Contains: 120 Capsules
Ingredients: Chromium (as TRAACS chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate) 200mcg, American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) 375mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid 200mg, Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis) 200 mg, Gymnema Leaf Extract (Gymnema sylvestre) 200mg, CinSulin (Cinnamomum cassia) 200 mg
The Science
Sugar Balance HP is a clinically proven, patented water extract of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) shown to powerfully influence glucose metabolism. The unique, proprietary extraction and dehydration process for manufacturing CinSulin results in a concentrated (10:1) extract that minimizes undesirable substances, while retaining those that are health-promoting, such as type-A polyphenolic polymers.
Cinnamon has been studied extensively for its roles in glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, insulin action, and support for healthy blood lipids.[1,2] Anderson et al. demonstrated a 20-fold increase in glucose uptake in fat cells treated with water-soluble type-A polymers.[3] American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) exhibits activities that support blood sugar levels already in the normal range.[4,5] The American ginseng in Sugar Balance HP is a standardized 12% (ginsenosides) extract.
Gymnema Leaf Extract (Gymnema sylvestre) is a water-soluble extract made from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre and standardized to 25% gymnemic acid. This form does not decrease iron absorption as other forms may.[6] Gymnema can enhance the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents by reducing glucose absorption in the intestine, stimulating pancreatic beta cell growth, and possibly supporting endogenous insulin secretion. Gymnema may also support serum lipid levels already in the normal range.[7]
Green Tea Polyphenols (Camellia sinesis) protect erythrocytes from oxidative stress, possibly supporting the health of tissues that could otherwise be affected by too high levels of blood glucose.[8] In research studies, EGCG enhanced insulin activity,[9] protected the pancreatic cells by reducing undesirable cytokines (e.g. IL-1beta), and reduced IFN-gamma-induced nitric oxide production. It affected genes that inhibit activation of NF-kappaB[10] and reduced the level of messenger RNA for the hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes.[11]
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that acts by multiple mechanisms, both physiologically and pharmacologically, to support healthy peripheral nerves and maintain blood pressure already in the normal range.[12,13] In higher doses, alpha lipoic acid supports blood sugar levels already in the normal range.
Chromium: The Albion® TRAACS® patented process that combines chromium with glycinate and niacin increases its bioavailability and supports healthy glucose metabolism.[14] Individuals with poor glucose metabolism tend to have lower blood chromium levels. Chromium enhances the metabolic action of insulin and may support heart health, especially in overweight individuals.
References:
1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20195835
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18500972
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14709014
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15234774
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12571655
6. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com.[accessed 1.29.07]
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2259216
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15730438
9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12428980
10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15549673
11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12754418
12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15532308
13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15702613
14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12074977
