Vitamin C (1,000mg)

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in many foods. 

Unlike other mammals, this antioxidant cannot be naturally produced or synthesized by humans because of a mutation in the GULO (gulonolactone oxidase) gene, therefore it needs to be added to our diets through foods and dietary supplements. 

Although it has many uses and benefits, Vitamin C is known best for treating the common cold.

Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium-L-Ascorbate, Potassium-L-Ascorbate, Calcium-L-Ascorbate, and L-Ascorbyl-6-Palmitate.

Vitamin C increases nitric oxide production by stabilizing one of the cofactors (like a helper molecule), BH4 that is necessary to produce nitric oxide. The more stable this cofactor is the higher the potential for nitric oxide to be produced. 

Vitamin C is also vital to the production of bones, teeth, skin, cartilage, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. It facilitates the healing process of wounds and cuts and fights free radicals that cause aging.

Garlic (600mg)

For years, garlic powder has been used all around the world as a way to maintain and boost one's health. 

When most people think of garlic powder, they think of a seasoning used in Italian foods such as spaghetti, pizza, and garlic bread. Today, garlic powder is also commonly taken as a dietary supplement because of the myriad of benefits it offers. 

Let's take a closer look at garlic powder and its relationship to your health.

Garlic powder is made from a garlic bulb, which is the edible bulb of the garlic plant. The cloves are dehydrated and finely ground. Even though garlic powder is made from the garlic bulb, it has a different taste than fresh garlic. It is sweeter and not quite as potent as fresh garlic.

Garlic powder is not only used as a flavor to dishes, but it also provides a variety of health benefits. This dietary supplement is used to combat high blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. 

Studies have shown that cardiovascular health is promoted by inhibiting platelet aggregation (precursor to thrombus).

A different study proved that garlic powder is not only effective as a preventative in plaque regression in the femoral and carotid arteries but may also help in plaque regression as well, helping to get rid of the plaque present.

It is also taken to balance cholesterol levels, relieve symptoms from the common cold, and prevent certain cancers. 

A study conducted by The University of Florida showed that garlic powder has a positive effect on immune function. Those who were given garlic supplements showed a reduced risk of contracting the cold and flu. If they did contract a cold or flu, the symptoms were not as severe as their counterparts who received a placebo.

Garlic is also known for its antioxidant properties which inhibit oxidation and help prevent damage to the body's cells caused by free radicals. 

There are two amino acids that play a role in nitric oxide production: L-arginine and L-Citrulline. Garlic contains a key compound known as quercetin that helps boost L-arginine, which is an amino acid needed to produce nitric oxide. Quercetin also activates an enzyme in your body that allows your body to turn L-arginine into nitric oxide.

Research shows that taking 600-1200 mg split into two doses a day is the most effective. †

Horse Chestnut Extract (500mg)

Historically horse chestnut has been grown in the Balkan Peninsula but is now grown worldwide. Its benefits include being beneficial for fever, leg cramps, joint pain, as well as bladder and digestive problems. 

The most notable benefit, however, is seen with its ability to help alleviate varicose veins and enhance endothelial cell function, which are the cells that make up the blood vessels. 

Horse chestnut extract improves your overall circulatory health when taken in doses of about 400-600mg per day. 

The active ingredient in horse chestnut extract is called aescin. Aescin is a series of triterpenoid glycosides that are responsible for the benefits of horse chestnut extract such as:

• Chronic Venous insufficiency (especially varicose veins)
• Inflammation
• Hemorrhoids 
• Infertility
• Swelling

You should aim to get 100-150mg of aescin to maximize its benefits.  It’s best to spread your dose throughout the day, which is why we recommend taking Redwood in the morning and evening.†

Pine Bark Extract (200mg)

Pine Bark Extract is an increasingly popular supplement that has many different pharmacological benefits. 

Pine bark extract has a long history dating back to 1534 but was awarded a patent in 1987 to Masquelier. 

Pine bark extract is dense in what is known as procyanidins and other phenolic compounds that are responsible for its benefits. 

Some of the benefits that are associated with high pine bark extracts are: 

• Improved circulation 
• Improved nitric oxide production
• Improved glucose control
• Cognitive enhancement

When supplementing with pine bark extract there is the patented form with a 65-75% standardized extract of procyanidins known as pycnogenol.

Redwood uses a 90% + procyanidin containing pine bark extract, making it the most potent on the market. 

Pine bark extract is usually supplemented in the 100-200 mg range for the best results.

Casein Hydrolysate

Many supplements originate from natural sources such as ancient plants and herbs that have been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes since discovery. Casein hydrolysate is one such supplement that originates from one of the most common proteins found in milk.

Another name for casein hydrolysate is IPP-VPP. Caseins are the main protein component found in cow's milk. 

Casein hydrolysate is a casein derivative that has been hydrolyzed. This means that the protein has been broken down into its constituents, which are amino acids. 

Casein hydrolysate is easier to digest and absorb because it's broken down more than casein which, in its natural state, has not been hydrolyzed. 

The Benefits of Casein Hydrolysate include:

Cardiovascular Health

Casein Hydrolysate offers cardiovascular benefits. Studies show that those who have mild hypertension can experience improved vascular endothelial dysfunction. Hypertension can be a very serious health problem and can be managed to a certain extent with diet. The use of IPP-VPP can help ward off and alleviate the symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

Treatment for Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, also known as muscle loss affects 50 million people around the world. It is most prevalent in the elderly, as muscle loss is a common process in the aging process. IPP-VPP can help slow the progression of sarcopenia.

Metabolic Enhancement

Avid cyclists can benefit from IPP-VPP. In fact, one study showed that those who consumed IPP-VPP experienced enhanced metabolic function during moderate to strenuous cycling without altering performance. IPP-VPP has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.

Aid in the Digestion of Dairy

For children who experience sensitivity to cow's milk, it can be difficult to find a formula they can tolerate. One study, in particular, looked at the safety of feeding children formula with casein hydrolysate. The results revealed that feeding children formula with IPP-VPP is generally considered safe. For parents who are interested in feeding their babies milk-based formulas, this is a viable alternative.

IPP-VPP can be used in a couple of different ways. Because it's derived from dairy, IPP-VPP can be added to other foods. In fact, studies show that IPP-VPP is effective as a functional food ingredient. IPP-VPP is also an effective oral dietary supplement that is particularly common for those who avidly engage in strength training.