Beta Plus ™

Description

Beta Plus ™ is a source of bile salts, digestive enzymes and organic beet concentrate, along with SOD and catalase. Consider this product whenever the gallbladder has been removed, or the need for supplemental bile salts is indicated.

Nutritional Support of Bile Formation in Beta Plus
Bile. Bile salts, along with other components, including cholesterol, electrolytes and water are stored in the gallbladder. Bile salts act as an enzyme aide, and serve to enhance the absorption of fatty acids and some fat-soluble vitamins. Bile also serves as a fat emulsifier, thus increasing the surface area of the fat, and allowing it to become water-soluble. Thus bile aids aide in the absorption of fatty acids and cholesterol via the formation of micelles. The micelles, soluble in chime, are then easily absorbed by epithelial cells. Bile also serves in a protective mechanism, functioning to maintain the intestinal barrier against invading microorganisms.

Pancrelipase. (Pancreatic lipase) Pancrelipase functions in the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol in the presence of bile salts, and therefore functions in the absorption of dietary fats and lipids. Accordingly, in the presence of gastric lipase, triacylglycerol is hydrolyzed to monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Pancrelipase preparations have been shown to reduce fecal fat, indicating an improvement in the fat digestive process with the use of Pancrelipase.

Taurine. Taurine is a highly charged cysteine derivative, synthesized in vivo from the essential amino acid methionine. When conjugated to bile acids, an increased polarity of the bile acid results, thus increasing its amphipathic (detergent-like) properties. In one study dietary taurine was demonstrated to enhance the degradation of cholesterol and subsequent excretion via bile acids.(8) In animal studies supplementary taurine was demonstrated to both increase serum HDL, and significantly decrease total cholesterol. Additionally, a significant increase in the concentration of fecal total bile acids has been observed with taurine supplementation. The action of taurine on serum cholesterol was attributed to the facilitation
of hepatic cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase activity.

Vitamin C. The enzyme noted above, cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase, is the enzyme responsible for the initial step in the catabolism of cholesterol to conjugated bile acids. This enzyme is a vitamin C dependent enzyme. In studies supplemental vitamin C was shown to reduce total plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, which was correlated to a marked modification in apolipoprotein patterns. In patients with gallstones, vitamin C was shown to influence the environment of the gallbladder, resulting in a higher concentration of phospholipids, along with a changed ratio of bile acids, indicating an influence of vitamin C on the formation of gallstones. Additionally, in women, an inverse correlation between serum ascorbic acid and the prevalence of both clinical and asymptomatic gallbladder symptomology was observed.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Size: 90/180 Tabs