Mega-Once-A-Day™ is an ultra high potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula that contains not only all essential vitamins and minerals, but also the more recently researched carotenoids and other natural substances that have shown a protective effect against cancer and other degenerative conditions.

This convenient one tablet a day supplement is formulated to release slowly over a period of approximately eight hours. This allows for a steady influx of nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream, circulated throughout the body and deposited into tissues where they are needed. When large quantities of nutrients are absorbed all at one time, more is likely to be eliminated through the urine.

Although it is the most popular, beta carotene is just one of more than 560 carotenoids found in dark green, yellow and dark orange fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene is the one most readily converted by the body to vitamin A; however, unlike preformed vitamin A, beta carotene is relatively non-toxic, even when consumed in large amounts over long periods of time.⁽¹⁾

Although vitamin A and beta carotene are interrelated in many ways, numerous studies have shown that beta carotene has health-enhancing capabilities independent of its vitamin A activity.⁽¹⁾

• Antioxidant. Ample intake of beta carotene protects cells by discouraging abnormal cell formation and inhibiting free radical damage to fatty parts of the cell membranes. Up to 1000 free radicals can be destroyed by just one molecule of beta carotene.⁽¹⁾

• Cancer. Numerous studies report that low blood beta carotene level is a red flag for increased cancer risk. In contrast, higher levels of beta carotene reduce cancer risk. Even smokers are less prone to lung cancer when ample beta carotene is available.⁽¹⁾

• Cell Communication. Beta carotene stimulates cell communication through "gap junctions" or protein pores in cell membranes. Beta carotene increases the synthesis of gap junction proteins which helps prevent the communication shutdown that allows uncontrolled growth of abnormal and cancerous cells.⁽¹⁾

• Immunity. Animal and laboratory studies indicate that beta carotene stimulates the immune system by increasing the number of immune cells such a T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells.⁽¹⁾

Lycopene, the carotenoid that produces the red color in tomatoes, also appears to protect against cancer. Its strongest effect seems to be against cancers of the prostate, lung and stomach; however, research also suggests protection against cancers of the pancreas, colon, rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast and cervix. A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that lycopene is also an important part of the defense against heart disease and that it may significantly decrease lymphocyte DNA damage.⁽²⁾

The effects of these carotenoids are seen in different areas of the body. Lutein, for example, shows a strong protective effect against macular degeneration.

Inulin, a fructo-oligosaccharide, is added to Mega Once-A-Day™ to support growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Fructo-oligosaccharides are dietary fibers that are not hydrolyzed by human digestive enzymes. They are selectively utilized by beneficial intestinal microflora, particularly bifidobacteria, for proliferation and growth. Conversely, they can not be utilized by unfavorable bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, E. coli, salmonella and others. This selective utilization results in an increase of bifidobacteria, followed by production of short chain fatty acids, lower pH in the large intestine and suppression of putrefactive substances.⁽³⁾

Inulin also has a beneficial effect on blood sugar control. Since it is not metabolized, inulin can safely be used by diabetics and obese patients. A study of the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides supplementation on non-insulin dependent diabetics concluded that daily supplementation ameliorated derangements of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, resulting in a reduction in fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.^(4,5)

Beta glucan, an extract of the cell wall of bakers yeast, has been shown to enhance macrophage function dramatically, and to increase resistance to a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.

Mega Once-A-Day™ provides the B-complex vitamins in potencies well above the Reference Daily Value. Because of the water solubility of these important vitamins, any excess is excreted and not stored. Therefore they must be continually replaced and because their functions are so interrelated, they should always be taken together.⁽⁶⁾

The B-complex vitamins are coenzymes involved in energy production through their role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. They are necessary for normal function of the nervous system and may be useful for relieving depression or anxiety. B vitamins are needed to maintain muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver and mouth.^(6,7)

The human body cannot produce bioflavonoids. They must be supplied in the diet. Bioflavonoids, including hesperidin and rutin, act synergistically with vitamin C to protect and preserve the structure of capillaries. In addition, they have antibacterial effect and have been found to promote circulation, stimulate bile production, lower cholesterol levels and help prevent cataracts.⁽⁷⁾

Because the body requires large quantities of the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium, the amount that can be supplied in any multiple vitamin/mineral supplement is generally far below the Reference Daily Value. If sufficient quantities of these essential minerals are not consumed in the diet, they should be supplemented separately.

WARNING:   This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

Each tablet contains: % Daily Value
Vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate and beta carotene) 20,000 I.U. 400%
Vitamin C with Rose Hips 250 mg. 417%
Vitamin D-3 400 I.U. 100%
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) 100 I.U. 333%
Thiamin (vitamin B-1) 100 mg. 6667%
Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) 100 mg. 5882%
Niacin (as niacinamide) 100 mg. 500%
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine HCl) 100 mg. 5000%
Folate (folic acid) 400 mcg. 100%
Vitamin B-12 100 mcg. 1667%
d-Biotin 100 mcg. 33%
Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate) 100 mg. 1000%
Calcium (as calcium carbonate) 80 mg. 8%
Iron (as iron sulfate) 15 mg. 83%
Iodine (from kelp) 150 mcg. 100%
Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 40 mg. 10%
Zinc (as zinc oxide) 20 mg. 133%
Selenium (amino acid chelate) 50 mcg. 71%
Manganese (as manganese carbonate) 7 mg. 350%
Chromium (amino acid chelate) 200 mcg. 167%
Potassium 15 mg. 0.4%
Inulin 200 mg. *
Lycopene (from tomato) 500 mcg. *
Lutein (from marigold extract) 500 mcg. *
Beta Glucan (1/3-Beta, 1/6-Glucan) 1 mg. *
Kelp 150 mg. *
Inositol 50 mg. *
Choline (bitartrate) 25 mg. *
Rutin 30 mg. *
PABA (para aminobenzioic acid) 50 mg. *
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 30 mg. *
Betaine (HCl) 23 mg. *
Hesperidin (citrus bioflavonoid complex) 5 mg. *
Other ingredients: protein hydrosylate, alfalfa, parsley, goldenseal, damiana, hawthorne berry, rice bran, lecithin, natural vanilla flavor, colloidal silica, modified cellulose gum, magnesium silicate, cholesterol free magnesium stearate and stearic acid.

*Daily Value not established.