Micronutrients are the trace vitamins and minerals present in foods. Micronutrients are different from macronutrients (like carbohydrates, protein and fat) because they are necessary only in very tiny amounts. Nevertheless, micronutrients play a pivotal role in supporting the healthy functioning of all your body’s systems, from bone growth to brain function. When the body is trying to heal itself in any way, it is especially important to be sure to absorb an adequate amount of micronutrients.

Bioavailability refers to the degree and rate at which an ingredient is absorbed through the digestive process into the body’s circulatory system. If nutritional supplements are produced without prioritizing bioavailability, the key nutrients can pass right through the digestive system (making for expensive urine). Choosing high-quality ingredients, and matching, or binding, them with synergistic ingredients, helps improve the benefits from a nutritional supplement.

Is a prescription necessary?
No.

Any tips for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules?
Some people have said they find it easier to swallow the capsules if they tilt their head back and place the capsules all the way on the back of their tongue before taking a large gulp of water. Splitting dosages and taking them throughout the day may also be easier for some individuals.

Do OrthoNourish supplements replace the need for a multivitamin?
The ingredients in OrthoNourish products are specifically designed to support the musculoskeletal system and a healthy inflammation response, combined with other aspects of the program provided by your OrthoNOW® practitioner. They can be taken alongside a multivitamin, as well as a healthy, nutritious diet, to provide a strong nutritional foundation that supports a balanced immune response and physical mobility.

Are the OrthoNourish supplements safe for pregnant/nursing women and children?
It is generally not advised for pregnant women to start on new supplements once pregnant. If  already taking OrthoNourish supplements when you become pregnant, please speak to your doctor about what he or she recommends. Likewise, please do not give children any supplements without first consulting a pediatrician.

Are there any side-effects to taking OrthoNourish supplements?
Generally, people respond well to OrthoNourish products without side-effects, particularly when the daily amount is increased gradually. However, those with a more sensitive stomach may experience some digestive upset or nausea.

Should OrthoNourish supplements be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
We recommend taking the following supplements with food to support absorption:

• OrthoNourish INFLAMMATION SUPPORT
• OrthoNourish JOINT SUPPORT

We recommend taking the following supplements between meals to maximize efficacy:

• OrthoNourish ACUTE CARE KIT

Do OrthoNourish products contain gluten, GMOs, and artificial preservatives?

• OrthoNourish products are non-GMO.
• OrthoNourish products are gluten free.
• OrthoNourish supplements contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Are OrthoNourish capsules vegetarian?
All of the OrthoNourish products are encapsulated in gelatin-free capsules, but please check individual labels for other non-vegan/vegetarian ingredients, as some products do contain animal-based products, such as milk, pork and shellfish. These ingredients will always be included on the label.

Can OrthoNourish be taken with medications, such as NSAIDs? 
OrthoNourish are nutrient products that are unlikely to interfere with many medications, such as NSAIDs, but always check with your doctor and pharmacist for contra-indications and interactions before embarking on any new supplement program.

Which of the “major food allergens” do OrthoNourish supplements contain?
OrthoNourish tries to minimize using ingredients from major food allergens, to prioritize purity. However, they are sometimes necessary to create a more effective product, including as follows:

• ACUTE CARE KIT: The Proteolytic Enzymes (which are the ivory supplements in the handy packets) contain milk. They also contain pork protein.
• INFLAMMATION SUPPORT: Contains soy
• JOINT SUPPORT: Contains shellfish.

What are “major food allergens”?
While more than 160 foods can cause allergenic reactions, there are eight common allergenic foods that are included on labels, as these foods account for 90 percent of food allergenic reactions. These eight foods, and any ingredient that contains protein derived from one or more of them, are designated as “major food allergens” by FALCPA (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act):
1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)
4. Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp)
5. Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
6. Peanuts
7. Wheat
8. Soybeans

Can the ACUTE CARE KIT be taken for longer than 72 hours?
Yes. The ACUTE CARE KIT contains three advanced nutritional formulas that support musculoskeletal health and a balanced inflammation response. Each of these supplements can be taken for longer periods of time to support musculoskeletal health.

Are the formulas in the ACUTE CARE KIT available to buy separately?
The formulas are not yet supplied in separate bottles, but they may become available with time, so please check back and let us know if you’d be interested in buying them separately.
 
Does the whole pack have to be taken at one time for it to work?
No. the supplements can be taken separately and they will work just as effectively. We do recommend you take them between meals for maximum support.

Does the ACUTE CARE KIT contain any “Major Food Allergens”?
The Proteolytic Enzymes (the ivory supplement in the packs) contain the “major food allergen” milk. They also contain pork protein.

Who should be careful taking the ACUTE CARE KIT?
As always, please check with your doctor and pharmacist whether the ingredients in the ACUTE CARE KIT are right for you and do not interact with any of your existing medications.

CAUTION: OrthoNourish Muscle Calm supports a relaxation response in the body. Use with caution when driving or operating machinery.
Warning: Do not use if there is a prior or current history of peptic or duodenal ulcers.

Can OrthoNourish INFLAMMATION SUPPORT be taken with anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs?
OrthoNourish are nutrient products that are unlikely to interfere with most medications, such as NSAIDs, but always check with your doctor and pharmacist for contra-indications and interactions before embarking on any new supplement program.

Does INFLAMMATION SUPPORT contain any “Major Food Allergens”?
Yes. The Phosphatidylcholine used to increase curcumin availability is derived from Soy.

Where can I find the research about the patented curcumin phytosome technology?
See OrthoNourish Meriva‡ Summary Sheet, or go to http://www.meriva.info/en/
‡Meriva® bioavailable curcumin. Meriva® is a registered trademark of Indena S.p.A., Italy.

Does JOINT SUPPORT contain any “Major Food Allergens”?
Yes. The Glucosamine in OrthoNourish Joint Support comes from shellfish.

Doctor-endorsed and recommended: OrthoNourish nutritional supplement line was developed in partnership with the orthopedic specialists at OrthoNOW®, making the formulas and ingredients specifically targeted to support the musculoskeletal system. This doctor-recommended line is manufactured to high-level specifications, providing ingredients and products that patients can trust. 

High-quality ingredients, for maximum absorption: Some nutrients are hard for the body to absorb, particularly if they are a cheap or inferior form of the ingredient, or are blended with nutrients that ‘compete’ for absorption through the digestive process. In producing the OrthoNourish formulas, the highest quality versions of each nutrient are used, and the ingredients are blended in a way that maximizes absorption and bioavailability.

Are OrthoNourish supplements tested for safety?
OrthoNourish products are formulated in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Every ingredient has been tested prior to and after being blended into the formulas, according to GMP standards. (see FAQs on Manufacturing for further information). 

What else is special about OrthoNourish Manufacturing?
OrthoNourish is produced in facilities certified for Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) via the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), along with other health and safety certifications that support practitioner-recommended products. The ingredients are all tested for toxic elements and microbial compounds before being included in the products, and the final product is tested and given a unique Certificate of Analysis per batch before being shipped.

What is GMP Certification?
GMPs provide specific standards for the manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution of dietary supplements consistent with standards proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Find out more here: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/Manufacturing/ucm169105.htm

What is NSF Certification?
Choosing a product certified by NSF lets you know the company complies with strict standards and procedures imposed by NSF. From extensive product testing and material analyses to unannounced plant inspections, every aspect of a product’s development is thoroughly evaluated before it can earn the NSF certification.
Most importantly, NSF certification is not a one-time event, but involves regular on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities and regular re-testing of products to ensure that they continue to meet the same high standards required to maintain certification over time. If for any reason a product fails to meet one or more certification criteria, NSF will take enforcement actions to protect you, including product recall, public notification or de-certification.
Products that earn NSF certification are said to be “NSF certified” or “NSF listed” and display the applicable NSF certification mark to show that they have been tested by one of today’s most respected independent product testing organizations.
Find out more here: http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/what-is-nsf-certification