Initials are used to protect identities.

Buddy Ojeda: Dir. of Education for Pure Essence Labs

Dear Buddy:

I met you at Naturally Yours in Celebration and was impressed with your product and with some interesting facts you brought to the discussion.

I was interested in changing my multiple to the one-n-only women's formula, however I have some questions that maybe you can answer:

First, the high content of Vitamin A . According to many recent studies, beta-carotene has been proven detrimental to anyone with lung disease, smokers or former smokers. My current multiple, which is for women over 50, only has 2000 IU of Vitamin A. What is your opinion on this?

Answer:   Unfortunately, those studies used SYNTHETIC Vit A (Beta Carotene), which has about one 9th the effectiveness of natural Beta Carotene. They also used it as a SINGLE antioxidant nutrient. There is much evidence to suggest that ANTIOXIDANTS work much better as a group vs taking one or two individually. When it comes to vegetables (which we know are beneficial to health), we wouldn't think of just consuming tomatoes, or just broccoli, or just carrots, or just spinach. Intuitively we know that consuming ALL of them on a regular basis is the best way to promote good health. The same applies to ANTIOXIDANTS (as well as VITAMINS or MINERALS). The 3rd major flaw of the studies is that they were used on a segment of the population that had a pre-existing condition. It's much like placing a lock on the barn door AFTER the horse has escaped and coming to the conclusion that door locks aren't effective. In some cases supplementation can help reverse a condition, but in many other situations the condition has progressed too far for supplementation to be of benefit. The 4th and final issue I have with the studies is that there was no mention of a change in diet or lifestyle habits by the participants who were given the SYNTHETIC Vit A. Nutritional supplements don't work in a vacuum and must be supported by a modification in diet and lifestyle to promote good health.

Second, do women over 50 need Iron?

Answer:  If the woman is in or has gone thru menopause, she usually does not require "supplemental" iron. We have re-examined our LONGEVITY WOMEN'S FORMULA and looked at whether or not it should continue to have 18 mg's of iron. Since many women in their 40's, 50's and beyond want the benefits of the LONGEVITY ANTI AGING MULTIPLE w/out the additional iron, we have decided to take it out of the product. This should become effective in about 30 to 60 days.

I also take "Osteoporosis Naturally" a physician formulated supplement to support bone health. I remove the calcium and magnesium tablets from my multiple so as not to duplicate them.

Answer:  The form and amount of any Calcium/Magnesium formula is important. Equally important is the RATIO of Calcium to Magnesium. It should contain higher levels of Magnesium than Calcium. At the very least there should be an EQUAL amount of Ca to Mg. Well documented studies point to the conclusion that if you consume considerably more Ca than Mg throughout your day, you are NOT promoting bone density. Countries with a higher Ca to Mg ratio (ie; 3:1 or higher) actually have a higher incidence of osteoporosis. You can Google this info by typing in "Guy E. Abraham" plus "minerals" at Google.com

Thank you,

L M-C

Dear Buddy:

Thank you so much for your answers.

If I am understanding you correctly, natural beta-carotene is safe and that's what is in your vitamin?

Also, I am happy to hear about removing the iron. You have made me a believer in Pure Essence Labs (and that's not easy to do).

A few testimonials:

That evening, you gave each of us a gift. I brought my daughter and my 19 year old niece with me. I specifically wanted my niece to hear a little more about nutrition (other than from me). Her gift was Energy Plus. She started taking it the next day and I can't tell (you) what a difference it has made in her.  She noticed that she was "clearer and more focused" and didn't feel "draggy" as usual. We at home have noticed a significant difference in her attitude and mood.

My step-son (18) started taking the men's multiple and again, we noticed a huge difference in his attitude and mood. He has also reported feeling better.

I sent Energy Plus to my niece in New Jersey . She is a 45 year old mother of three, extremely worn out, type A personality and caretaker of all. She started taking them the day they came in the mail and told me they made all the difference in the world. She was accomplishing a lot more and still feeling energized. Everyone in her house (her mother, husband and aunt) told her that they wanted her to share her Energy Plus with them. Her husband (who is still recovering from a car accident last August) took them and said he hasn't felt that much clarity and focus since college. Also, his extremities were less painful. They are now both taking them.

Sorry to be so wordy, but I thought you might be interested. I do a lot of research on supplements and natural alternatives and my family and friends usually turns to me because they trust that I have done my homework.

Hats off to you and Pure Essence Labs.

Thank you so much for your help.

L MC