Recovery Support Program

No.  The 9 allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.  While Recovery Support Program does not contain any of these ingredients, the product is produced in a GMP-certified facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Yes.  Recovery Support Program is not formulated with any gluten-containing ingredients; however, the product is manufactured in a facility that processes gluten-containing ingredients.

No.  Some of the ingredients in the Program are derived from animal-based sources.

Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble essential nutrient that must be obtained through diet or supplementation.  Vitamin A is most well-known for its role in eye health, growth and development, reproduction, and immune system function, but is also vital for wound healing by helping to maintain and repair epithelial tissue.  Vitamin A partially reverses immune system depression, which can help to reduce the chance of infection.  The body can obtain vitamin A by converting carotenes into retinol.  Carotenes are a group of fat-soluble compounds are responsible for giving many fruits and vegetables their color.  Many carotenes can be converted into retinol including beta, alpha, and gamma-carotene.  Compared to retinol, the carotenes have significant antioxidant protective benefits.^†

Yes.  Although the amount of vitamin A in Clinical Support Formula is above the Daily Value of 3,000 IUs (900 mcg), the amount is very safe.   When taken as directed, Clinical Support Formula provides 25,000 IUs of vitamin A per day of which 15,000 IUs is from retinyl palmitate and 10,000 IUs is from beta-carotene.  The combination is important, as vitamin A toxicity is associated with retinyl palmitate (preformed) and not beta-carotene (pro vitamin A).  Given that Clinical Support Formula is formulated with both forms of vitamin A and is used for a short duration of time, the safety profile is very good.  For more information, read: Vitamin A and Carotenoids

Recovery Support Program is formulated with 750 mg of vitamin C – significantly more than an average daily multi.  Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an important water-soluble nutrient that provides antioxidant protection.  It also plays a primary role in the formation of collagen and is needed for tissue growth and repair.  This nutrient promotes wound healing, protects against blood clotting and bruising, and enhances immunity.† For more information, read: Vitamin C Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids refer to a group of substances responsible for giving fruits and vegetables their color.  These water-soluble nutrients include citrin, rutin, and hesperidin as well as other flavones and flavonals.  Bioflavonoids have several properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and antiviral. Bioflavonoids also strengthen the walls of capillaries, thereby preventing bruising, and help build resistance to infection.   In addition, bioflavonoids are potent antioxidants that enhance the absorption of vitamin C and prevent this nutrient from being oxidized.^†

The B-complex refers to the water-soluble family of B-vitamins including B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin, niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), folic acid, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), biotin, choline, and inositol.  The B-complex is so named because they are commonly found together in foods.  Because the functions of the B-vitamins are so interrelated, it is best to take them as a complex and not as individual supplements. As a group, the B-complex is important for circulatory, digestive, and nervous system function, energy and adrenal hormone production, and red blood cell formation.  The B-complex, also known as the “anti-stress” vitamins, is indicated during periods of stress including after an operation or surgical procedure.^†

Zinc is an antioxidant essential for protein synthesis and collagen formation.  This mineral also helps to promote the healing of wounds and increases the absorption of vitamin A.† For more information read: Zinc

Copper is a trace mineral that aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cells.  Copper is necessary for the function of an enzyme which is required to cross-link collagen and elastin. ^† For more information read: Copper

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme (breaks down proteins) that is extracted from the pineapple stem.  Bromelain inhibits certain pro-inflammatory, hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins while promoting the development of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.  Bromelain is helpful in resolving hematomas (a collection of blood that can sometimes occur from soft tissue injury) and potentiates the efficacy of antibiotics.^†

Many vitamins and minerals are measured either by weight (micrograms, milligrams, grams) or by potency (International Units, Retinol Units).  As an enzyme, bromelain is measured by GDUs or Gel Dissolving Units.  GDUs are used to measure how quickly the enzyme bromelain can breakdown a protein.  Studies indicate that to be effective as an anti-inflammatory aid, at least 2,400 GDUs of bromelain should be consumed daily, preferably in divided doses.

It is unlikely. Bromelain is concentrated in the stem of the pineapple plant and this part of the fruit is discarded before eating.  Also, you would need to consume a large amount of the fruit or juice (and the associated high sugar content and calories) to obtain an appreciable amount of bromelain.  A supplement standardized to 2,400 GDUs/gram offers a more concentrated source of this natural anti-inflammatory enzyme.

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid (plant pigments that give fruits, vegetables and plants their color) with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.^†

Begin taking Clinical Support Formula up to two weeks prior to anticipated physical stressors and for at least two weeks after.  Begin taking Bromelain with Quercetin three days prior to anticipated physical stress and continue for seven days.

Take three tablets of Clinical Support Morning with breakfast or lunch. Take three tablets of Clinical Support Evening with dinner or before bedtime.  Take two capsules of Bromelain with Quercetin, three times a day in between meals.  Refer to the package insert for detailed instructions on how to take the Program.

No.  Do not eat or drink anything by mouth after midnight prior to surgery.

No.  Following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. If you develop these symptoms, delay taking Recovery Support Program until the symptoms have subsided and you are able to resume a normal pattern of eating.

No.  While beneficial, many daily supplements are contraindicated around the time of surgery as they can cause problems with bleeding.  To ensure safety, any supplements you normally take should be discontinued for 2 weeks prior to surgery, and for 2 weeks following surgery or trauma.  For a list, refer to: 20 Supplements to Avoid Around Surgery

The shelf-life of Recovery Support Program is the shortest date of the three supplements.  The shelf-life of each supplement (Clinical Support Morning, Clinical Support Evening, Bromelain with Quercetin) is two years from the manufactured date (MFD MM/YY).  Each Program and bottle provides information on the lot number and shelf-life dating.