Magnesium and potassium are electrolyte minerals that have many important functions, including maintaining the activity of nerves and muscles, regulating water retention and supporting a healthy acid-base balance. Studies suggest that 50-90% of the population is deficient in magnesium, and deficiencies in potassium often occur along with magnesium deficiencies since the minerals are closely related in function. Taurine is the most abundant free amino acid within the heart muscle and shares many of the same functions as magnesium, making it an ideal complement to the mineral.

Magnesium, potassium and taurine are essential for healthy cardiovascular function. The heart health benefits of magnesium and potassium are mostly due to their electrolyte effects on cells and nerves, supporting the ability of nerves to transmit signals and the ability of muscles to contract, both of which are important to regulate heart rhythm. A deficiency in either magnesium or potassium can result in high blood pressure, and many studies have found supplementation with either mineral to be effective for lowering blood pressure. Even mild deficiencies in potassium may result in nervous disorders, insomnia, and irregular heartbeat. Nutritional research has also proven taurine’s ability to lower blood pressure, stabilize membranes and regulate the heartbeat. In repeated studies, taurine has been shown effective for regulating heartbeat, as well as for minimizing the damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart tissues.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the health of the brain and nervous system, forming red blood cells and DNA, and is also an important part of the crucial biological pathways known as methylation cycles. However, deficiencies are quite common, particularly among vegetarians, adults over age 50, people with malabsorption or gastrointestinal disorders such as Celiac, Crohn’s, Colitis, IBS and those with pernicious anemia. A deficiency can be profoundly detrimental to overall health. Some of the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, cognitive changes and dementia, depression and mood disturbances, susceptibility to infection, poor balance and peripheral neuropathy which can manifest as numbness tingling, tremors.

Many vitamins, including B12, are not biologically active in the form in which they are normally found in food or supplements. In these cases, the body must convert a vitamin into its coenzyme form for the vitamin to exert its biological function. The conventional form of supplemental B12 is cyanocobalamin, but this form requires a multi-step process in order to be converted to the active forms, adenosylcobalamin or methylcobalamin. Hydroxocobalamin is a unique form of vitamin B12 which is more readily converted into adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin than conventional cyanocobalamin. Both active forms (adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin) serve different but important functions in the body. By supplementing with the hydroxy form, individuals can ensure to cover their needs for both adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin.

AOR Advantage

AOR’s Hydroxy B12 delivers the essential functions of standard vitamin B12 while at the same time binding and eliminating excess cyanide in a convenient and reliable lozenge form.