HealthPak 100 FAQ's

Can someone on Coumadin (Warfarin) use the HEALTHPAK 100 or the ESSENTIALS with vitamin K?
Since Coumadin works primarily by blocking the action of vitamin K in normal blood clotting, taking excessive or inconsistent amounts of vitamin K can impact the effectiveness of the medication. We strongly suggest that anyone on Coumadin therapy discuss the use of these supplements with their physician before starting the ESSENTIALS or HEALTHPAK 100.

Why did USANA change the HEALTHPAK 100™?
Nutritional science is a rapidly growing, exciting field of research. As new research is published, adjustments in products are often necessary to remain current. Formulations, ingredients, technologies and labels are periodically updated and improved to reflect new research, customer feedback, and changes in government regulations. USANA is keenly aware that regardless of quality, products must also be convenient and easy to use. These new formulations have been adjusted to better represent current nutritional research and reduced in size to improve convenience.

The HEALTHPAK 100 now provides uniform AM/PM packets. Each packet contains two (2) MEGA ANTIOXIDANT™ tablets, two (2) MULTIMINERAL PLUS tablets, one (1) ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER™, and one (1) ACTIVE CALCIUM PLUS™ tablet per packet.

What are the directions for taking the new HEALTHPAK 100?
Take one packet in the morning and one packet in the evening, preferably with meals.

Why do I have to take four (4) MEGA ANTIOXIDANT and four (4) MULTIMINERAL PLUS tablets a day instead of three (3)?
In order to make the tablets easier to swallow, the tablet sizes decreased slightly. However, because the tablets are now smaller, the nutrient content per tablet also decreased, making it necessary to increase the number of tablets required.

Will I notice any difference when I take the new HEALTHPAK 100 compared to the old HEALTHPAK 100?
The new HEALTHPAK 100 provides an overall improvement in the nutritional content. However, there should be no noticeable difference in the way you feel when you take the new HEALTHPAK 100 formulation as compared to the old formulation.

Can I take the new HEALTHPAK 100 with my current medications?
Unfortunately, we are unable to answer any questions concerning your medications. Please check with your pharmacist, physician, or other health care professional.

Are there any precautions I should be aware of before I start taking the new HEALTHPAK 100?
When taking the USANA nutritional supplements, it is always important to take them with food, preferably a complete meal. Food buffers the stomach, reducing the chance of G.I. upset and enhancing the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients. It is also very important to keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids every day. Fluids help to facilitate the distribution of nutrients throughout the cells in your body.

Are there any artificial colours or preservatives used in the HEALTHPAK 100?
The HEALTHPAK 100 does not contain any artificial colours or preservatives.

When is the best time to take the HEALTHPAK 100 packets?
It is always best to take the packets with a complete meal.

Does the new HEALTHPAK 100 contain gluten?
The tablets do not contain gluten.

Why did the amount of vitamin D increase?
Numerous research studies have been published within the last few years indicating that vitamin D deficiency is more widespread than previously thought. In addition, new research has suggested that to overcome these deficiencies and problems associated with a lack of vitamin D, recommended intakes should be increased significantly. Although vitamin D can be toxic in excess, new information shows that the upper limit is more than 4,000 IU per day in a person with normal vitamin D levels to begin with. This is in sharp contrast to old information published in the early 1970s on which the previous upper limit was established (2,000 IU). The new level of 800 IU (600 IU from the MEGA ANTIOXIDANT tablets and 200 IU from the ACTIVE CALCIUM PLUS tablets) included in the HEALTHPAK 100 will help to better establish and maintain healthy levels of vitamin D when added to typical dietary intakes and sunlight. Adequate vitamin D is very important in the promotion of optimal health.

Why did the amount of vitamin B12 increase?
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), folic acid, and vitamin B6 have been shown to be important nutrients in the maintenance of normal homocysteine levels. Abnormal homocysteine levels are considered to be a risk factor for heart disease. Vitamin B12 requires a protein secreted by the stomach for proper absorption and utilization. However, due to increased intakes of certain medications (ie. antacids, acid blockers), an increasingly elderly population and other factors, actual requirements for vitamin B12 may be higher for many people than can be achieved through diet and typical supplement dosages. Since vitamin B12 is virtually non-toxic at any level, the amount provided was increased substantially to account for a greater percentage of the typical population who may not be getting enough.

Why was glutathione removed?
Glutathione is a compound that is part of one of the body’s most important antioxidant systems. However, glutathione itself is not absorbed intact very efficiently. One of the best ways to increase glutathione levels in the body is to provide the building blocks and precursors needed to manufacture it within the body. N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is an effective precursor to glutathione and more efficiently raises levels in the body than taking glutathione itself. Thus, we have increased the NAC levels significantly and removed the glutathione compound. We also provide substantial amounts of other important nutrients associated with glutathione such as selenium and vitamin E.

Why did the amount of copper decrease?
The copper level was decreased from 3 mg per day to 2 mg per day. This was done mainly to provide a better ratio to the existing level of zinc and to be more in line with newer dietary recommendations.

Why does the formula contain vanadium citrate instead of vanadyl sulfate?
There is no significant difference between vanadyl sulfate and vanadium citrate as far as quality is concerned. Whenever possible we try to make our product formulations as uniform as possible for all countries. Vanadium citrate is an accepted form in more markets, so it is used for reasons of consistency.

Is the ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER still included in the HEALTHPAK 100?
The HEALTHPAK 100 still contains an ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER, but instead of comprising one tablet in the PM packet, it is now divided equally between two packets. The ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER contains a blend of beneficial bioflavonoids including turmeric extract, rosemary extract, resveratrol, green-tea extract, and after taking both packets, the full daily dose of the grape-seed extract found in one PROFLAVANOL® 90 tablet. Each ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER tablet also contains alpha-lipoic acid and soy isoflavones for additional antioxidant protection.

Why did the amount of vitamin E decrease in the HEALTHPAK 100?
The HEALTHPAK 100 now provides both D-alpha tocopherol and mixed tocopherols to provide a broad spectrum of antioxidant support. The overall content of vitamin E has decreased in the HEALTHPAK 100 because it is no longer included in the ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER.

What are cinnamon and pomegranate extracts and why were they added to the bioflavonoid complex?
Bioflavonoids are a diverse group of naturally occurring plant compounds that exhibit a host of biological activities, most notably for their powerful antioxidant properties that complement, extend, and synergize the antioxidant activities of other nutrients, making them an important nutritional component in the HEALTHPAK 100.

Pomegranates are a good source of antioxidants. The type of antioxidant in pomegranate is somewhat different than the compounds already in the complex, and, as such, adds to the biodiversity of the complex.

Cinnamon extract contains bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins that are very similar to the proanthocyanidins from grape seed. Again, this is a new type of antioxidant in the complex. Cinnamon has been studied for its health-maintaining effects.

Why did the amount of alpha-lipoic acid increase?The amount of alpha-lipoic acid in the MEGA ANTIOXIDANT tablets has remained at 5 mg per tablet. Because the daily dosage has increased to 4 tablets per day, the amount of alpha-lipoic acid has increased by 5 mg. In addition, 60 mg of alpha-lipoic has been added to the daily dosage of the ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER.

Why are you using a mixture of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate?
Calcium carbonate contains more calcium by weight than calcium citrate; by adding calcium carbonate to the formula we were able to make the tablets smaller while still keeping the same amount of elemental calcium. The same mixture has been used in USANA's ACTIVE CALCIUM PLUS formula for several years.

What happened to the PROFLAVANOL® 90 tablet?
The PROFLAVANOL® 90 tablet has been combined with the ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER to provide two identical tablets, both containing 45 mg of grape-seed extract. Each packet now contains one (1) ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER tablet.

The Canadian HEALTHPAK 100 and ESSENTIALS now contain vitamin K. Why was it added?
Vitamin K is not only essential for the maintenance of normal blood clotting, it is also an enzymatic factor in many proteins and is important for bone mineralization and vascular health. New regulations in Canada have now made the addition of vitamin K possible. It was added to provide a nutrient that was previously missing and improve the completeness and overall balance of the ESSENTIALS vitamin formula. The United States’ formula has always contained vitamin K.

*Keep out of reach of children. Consult your physician if you are pregnant, nursing, taking a prescription drug, or have a medical condition.