Pete's Place Nutritional Supplement Blog

Green Tea (EgCG) May Reduce Functional Disability Risk?

2012-01-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

"The objective was to determine the association between green tea consumption and incident functional disability in elderly individuals."

"Conclusion: Green Tea (EgCG) consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident functional disability, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors."

The full green tea EgCG report is available free, in PDF format at this link: http://www.ajcn.org/content/early/2012/01/24/ajcn.111.023200.abstract

The World Has Gone Nuts!

2011-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

We are living through some historic times- government credit downgrades, bailouts, wild speculation and manipulation of financial markets. And world-wide wholesale competitive currency devaluations.

High unemployment, lower home prices, increased inflation in the things we need, deflation in things we want.

It's enough to freak-out the most stalwart among us.

Buried amongst the turmoil one thing remains rock-solid and true: how I do business and the value provided to you by my business, RelentlessImprovement LLC. Same world-class documented pharmaceutical quality. Same fast shipping world-wide. Same value for the dollar (Euro/CAD/AUS etc). Same high fill rate and quantity discounts.

So many people choose the race to the bottom. Our various governments certainly do eh? :-) But that is not a race I want to run or win!

My business has been impacted over the past year by the turmoil, but thankfully, not so much. I want to say "Thank You!" to the regular customers that support this business with their trust and repeat orders. And to welcome potential customers to a different supplement company. One that cares about quality and service. Give us a try! (shop online by clicking here)...I think you will be pleased.

Pete Hitesman
Owner- RelentlessImprovement LLC

Turmeric Supplementation in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetic Neuropathy

2011-06-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

Great news here about turmeric (curcumin) and neuropathy. You already know R-lipoic acid supports healthy glucose levels. Geronova has been onto this for a long time and we offer their combination R-lipoic acid curcumin product. In stock now.

Summary# 48724 Topic: Turmeric Supplementation in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetic Neuropathy

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NEUROPATHY - Turmeric, Curcumin Reference: "Oral supplementation of turmeric attenuates proteinuria, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-8 levels in patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy: A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study," Khajehdehi P, Pakfetrat M, et al, Scand J Urol Nephrol, 2011 May 31; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: P. Khajehdehi, Department of Medicinehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif, Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. E-mail: khajehdp@hotmail.com ). Summary: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 40 patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy, supplementation with turmeric (500 mg per capsule, each containing 22.1 mg curcumin, taken 3 times/day, with each meal), for a period of 2 months, was found to be associated with significant decreases in TGF-beta and IL-8 and urinary protein excretion, suggesting that, "Short-term turmeric supplementation can attenuate proteinuria, TGF-beta and IL-8 in patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy and can be administered as a safe adjuvant therapy for these patients."

Damaging effects of radiation: Is there any evidence that R-lipoic acid can protect us?

2011-03-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

(This informative discussion is original material from Geronova Research, world leader in lipoic technology. Copyrighted, all rights reserved, may not be republished in whole or in part without express permission of GeroNova Research)

Question: Is there any evidence that R-lipoic acid can protect us from the damaging effects of radiation?

If so, what doses would you recommend?

We have seen sharp increases in sales of R-Lipoic Acid products and requests for potassium iodide and other iodine compounds since the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and failure of the cooling systems of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant reactors. Although the radiation levels are fluctuating widely, some estimates indicate the exposure at the plant is equal to receiving 10,000 x-rays per hour* and that the pilots dropping water from helicopters know they are potentially flying suicide missions!

Many people have been calling and asking us if R-Lipoic Acid is protective against radiation. This depends on the levels of exposure and when it is taken. Early studies showed protection in experimental animals if the treatment was given prior to exposure and very little benefit if given later. A recent study suggests that maybe these previous studies were of limited success because single antioxidants were used or that they waited too long before treatment.

The recent studies demonstrated better survival rates if an antioxidant mixture was given 24 hrs after exposure. The effective mixture included lipoic acid, CoQ10, selenomethionine, vitamin E, sodium ascorbate (water soluble) and N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] (1). The same group reported earlier success with the formula containing 2000 mg/day vitamin C, 1000 mg/day vitamin E succinate and 400 g/day selenium, representing the upper limits of the RDA. Although there is no published RDA for NAC or alpha-lipoic acid, these thiol supplements were formulated according to effective doses determined previously for humans, 2400 mg/day and 1200 mg/day, respectively (2,3).

The Human Equivalent Radio-protective Dose of Antioxidant Mixture

Lipoic acid 1200 mg

CoQ10 2400 mg

Vitamin E succinate 1000 mg

Sodium ascorbate 2000 mg

N-acetyl cysteine 2400 mg

Selenomethionine 400 ug (microgram )

Recent studies have shown lipoic acid could protect astronauts from space radiation (3) and protect red blood cells from gamma rays (4). All these studies used only the racemic form.

I just reviewed the study of lipoic acid and vitamin E in treatment of radiation from the Chernobyl disaster (5). Many people have heard of this groundbreaking study but few know the details. The study was conducted by Korkina & Afanas'ev. The test subjects were children (8-14 yrs old) living near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Fifty-six children were exposed to radiation in the range of 15-40 Ci/km2 likely from 137Cs (which is one of the isotopes being leaked from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant reactors) and divided into 4 groups. All of the children had enhanced levels of spontaneous chemiluminescence (CL) in isolated leukocytes, an indicator of sub-lethal but tissue damaging radiation exposure. The subjects were randomized into 4 groups. The best results were obtained with the group receiving 400 mg lipoic acid (provided by the former Asta Medica) and 200 mg Vitamin E over 28 days. The results were significant and better for the combination than either lipoic acid or vitamin E alone. Our chief medical advisor, Dr Heinz Ulrich was the head of gastroenterology at Asta Medica at the time and recalled to me the excitement they all felt when the results of the study were released. After the study they distributed lipoic acid to people living around Chernobyl. As far as I know there have been no long term follow ups on these people who would be 33-39 years old today.

After studying the mechanisms and signal transduction pathways of radiation damage, I believe R-Lipoic Acid in the form as NaRLA could be more beneficial prior to exposure (explained below) due to the higher blood levels achieved and its ability to increase endogenous defenses. Lipoic acid has been shown to be effective at preventing all of the major mediators of the genetic damage from radiation exposure. Leukocytes and bone marrow are particularly vulnerable to radiation. I’ll post all the lipoic acid-radiation references later but wanted to get this posted since we have received so many requests in the last few days.

I can offer a plausible explanation for the apparent inconsistencies in the results of the radio-protective effects of lipoic acid mentioned above and my advice for using NaRLA ALONE prior to exposure. It is known that lipoic acid can act as a pro-oxidant, inducing free radical reactions or an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals. Lipoic acid reacts in the body in a different manner depending on the redox status (the overall balance of oxidation and reduction) it encounters. Recently, Hagen’s group has shown that R-lipoic acid (S-lipoic acid was not effective) can induce the naturally protective cellular defense systems, IF taken prior to exposure of greater free radical (ROS) assaults and that this likely occurs via a pro-oxidant mechanism. They have called this phenomena “redox priming”. In other words, a minor ROS assault prior to a higher level exposure causes an adaptive response in the cell lasting up to 48 hours, paradoxically improving the overall antioxidant status and cytoprotective capacity of the cell. If this protective formula is given prior to ROS exposure the free radical scavenging effects of the other antioxidants will cancel out the benefits of R-lipoic acid by neutralizing lipoic acid induced radicals. If, on the other hand, the formula is administered after the ROS assault, it will now contribute to the free radical scavenging system. Based on this, I would suggest R-lipoic acid be taken alone up to 1200 mg (as NaRLA or K-RALA, depending on tolerability) prior to exposure and then combined with the other antioxidants subsequent to exposure.

I was just researching content for this blog and watching the CNN report on the radiation leaks from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Anderson Cooper was interviewing an expert who said that people on the US West coast were in no danger even if there was a complete meltdown of the reactors. Then I went online and saw the news posted in the LA times claiming low level radiation could reach California by Friday March18, 2011.

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-japan-nuclear-usa-20110317,0,1431467.story

The fact that so many Americans are ordering lipoic acid, potassium iodide products indicates (at least to me) they do not believe the official reports, claiming we are in no danger. When it comes down to it, we can only be responsible for ourselves and our families. I will suggest to my family and friends that they might want to increase their uptake of R-lipoic acid products over the next few days until we know we are safe from radiation.

(1) Brown SL, Kolozsvary A, Liu J, Jenrow KA, Ryu S, Kim JH. Antioxidant diet supplementation starting 24 hours after exposure reduces radiation lethality. Radiat Res. 2010 Apr;173(4):462-8.

(2) Wambi C, Sanzari J, Wan XS, Nuth M, Davis J, Ko YH, Sayers CM, Baran M, Ware JH, Kennedy AR. Dietary antioxidants protect hematopoietic cells and improve animal survival after total-body irradiation. Radiat Res. 2008 Apr;169(4):384-96.

(3) Guan J, Stewart J, Ware JH, Zhou Z, Donahue JJ, Kennedy AR. Effects of dietary supplements on the space radiation-induced reduction in total antioxidant status in CBA mice. Radiat Res. 2006 Apr;165(4):373-8.

(4) Selim NS, Desouky OS, Elbakrawy EM, Rezk RA. Electrical behavior of stored erythrocytes after exposure to gamma radiation and the role of alpha-lipoic acid as radioprotector. Appl Radiat Isot. 2010 Jun;68(6): 1018-24.

(5) Korkina LG & Afanas’ev IB. Effect of Preventive Treatment with alpha Lipoic Acid with Vitamin E on Free Radical Status of Children Exposed to Low Level Irradiation Due to Chernobyl Accident (Pilot Study). New Strategies in Prevention and Therapy. The Evolution of Antioxidanrs in Modern Medicine. Edited by Karheinz Schmidt, Anthony T. Diplock and Heinz Ulrich. Pages 43-51. Hippokrates Verlag Stuttgart (1994).

* SI unit of radiation dose equivalent is the sievert (S). CNN just reported our yearly exposure from natural radiation=~3 mS/yr. US nuclear powerplant worker receive ~45 mS/yr. Yesterday, the single day levels rose to 400 mS/day at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Short term exposure to 1000mS can cause radiation sickness.

Oxiracetam

2010-10-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Relentless Improvement brand documented quality Oxiracetam is in stock for immediate shipping while current supply lasts.

Oxiracetam is much more potent and effective analog of the nutritional supplement Piracetam. Oxiracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA (the neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid). It is chemically related to the amino acid Pyroglutamic Acid (Pyrrolidine Carboxylic Acid), which occurs in cerebrospinal fluid and plays an important role in cognitive functioning.

Oxiracetam benefits include a dose 75% lower than piracetam (much more potent) while having an excellent safety profile (it is simply not possible to ingest enough to cause any harm).

I anticipate discontinuing Oxiracetam when current on-hand supply is exhausted. Stock up now and avoid regret. This is a very stable material that will maintain potency for years after the printed expiry if kept in a cool dark place.

Galantamine

2010-10-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Galantamine is in stock. Very interesting information from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and Pubmed Health on Galantamine:

"Galantamine may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities in people"

"Galantamine is in a class of medications called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain that is needed for memory and thought."

When derived naturally, as ours is from a Leucojun Aestivum extract, galantamine is sold as a nutritional supplement without prescription necessary.

Galantamine, Iodine/Iodide Supplement Sale Pricing

2010-04-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Some great sale pricing while supplies last:

Galantamine (galantamine hydrobromide)8mg, 10/2010 expiry.

Galantamine is a naturally occurring plant extract that has been shown to support and maintain cognitive function, particularly among seniors.*

Galantamine helps sustain balanced levels and healthy functioning of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter, which is important for optimal memory and cognitive functioning.*

Found in nature in the flowering snowflake plant (closely related to the daffodil) the research on galantamine has much positive and compelling research.

Iodine/Iodide Supplement with Iodine 5 mg, Iodide (as potassium salt) 7.5 mg. Expiry 9/2010

To prevent gastric irritation, Relentless Improvement's iodine/iodide preparation is absorbed into a colloidal silica excipient.

To eliminate the unpleasant taste of iodine, our tablets are coated with a thin film of pharmaceutical glaze.

This product is a cost-effective alternative for those seeking and using other brands Iodine/Iodide complex.

New Biomedical Search - BioMedSearch.com

2010-03-22T05:35:00.001-07:00

Very interesting alternative to PubMed. Site publisher claims "BioMedSearch contains all PubMed/MedLine publications, additional journals, and a collection of theses and dissertations that are not in the PubMed database."

I tried a the search on few of the nutritional supplements I carry and found an assortment of articles and publications. Thought you might enjoy this new tool?

"About Us

The goal of BioMedSearch.com is to provide free access to a massive collection of authoritative documents relating to the biomedical field. Our mission is to make these important works available to the community in a way that is fast and easy, while still offering the advanced features demanded by power users such as portfolios, collaboration features, bibliographical citation export, alerts, and more.

Our search engine contains all the data in PubMed/MedLine, including some data not normally shown in the PubMed listings, plus additional data from other sources including proprietary full-text documents, and a large database of theses and dissertations, making it the most comprehensive biomedical search engine available. All completely free!

Besides free-form search, users can search based on Author, Journal Title, Publication Date, the Language in which the article was published (many non-English articles have English language abstracts), MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) and more.

Whether you are doctor, scientist, or someone interested in researching a medical topic out of personal interest, BioMedSearch aggregates a vast number of authoritative documents in one place to make finding medical information easy, fast and free."

Pete

SociaTropin for Anxiety/Stress Support. You Should Try It

2010-03-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

Had a contact from the maker of a very interesting product. I thought the combination of ingredients was inspired and while I decided to not add to my inventory and stock it, I think some folks with anxiety and stress issues might want to look at buying some.

I make no money and receive no benefit from any sales of this product, just giving a "heads-up".

"Some people are looking for the best anxiety medication - the developers of SociaTropin believe it is the most effective anti-anxiety and stress relief product available without a prescription. Their patent pending formula utilizes clinically-proven ingredients that can be safely combined to create a synergistic product that delivers superior results at a lower cost compared to buying the individual ingredients and taking them separately."

If you are a Relentless Improvement customer of record and want to email me with your experience with this product, I welcome it.

Pete Hitesman- Owner
Relentless Improvement LLC

EgCG For Eye Health? You Bet!

2010-02-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

In the Washington Time article titled "Scientists add to menu of health foods" the following is reported:

"Green tea, long a favorite of the health conscious, has newly realized benefits, according to new findings released Wednesday.

The mild beverage, in fact, could protect the eye against glaucoma and other eye disease, says research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

"Scientists have confirmed that the healthful substances found in green tea — renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — do penetrate into tissues of the eye. Their new report, the first documenting how the lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances, raises the possibility that green tea may protect against glaucoma and other common eye diseases," the publication said.

A team from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of the Chinese University of Hong Kong confirmed "beyond a doubt" that eye structures absorbed catechins, or antioxidants, reducing harmful "oxidative stress" in the eye for up to 20 hours."

That is some very good news. Want to experience the benefits? Be sure you choose a fully documented, pharmaceutical grade EgCG Green Tea extract.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T05:53:00.000-08:00

2010, What a nice round number, yes? I am personally excited and looking forward to the new year and the opportunity to serve my customers in the timely and efficient manner you have come to expect. Quality remains the number one focus, followed by fast order fulfillment.

The year past was, no sugarcoating it, one of challenges! The economic mess affected most everyone. My business was affected, but because of its small size and niche focus, is in a position to capitalize on the less than efficient companies that have, and will, fail as the mess drags on.

The Relentless Improvement business model and financial position is strong. The business will be around for many more years!

I want to make a point to thank the loyal customers of Relentless Improvement LLC for your trust and support. Without you, this business does not exist.

Happy New Year and best wishes to all!

Pete Hitesman
Owner
Relentless Improvement LLC

R-PLUS Lipoic Acid w/BioCurcumin 400mg- Now in Stock

2009-12-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

R-PLUS Lipoic Acid w/BioCurcumin 400mg- Now in Stock

Newly reformulated with 400mg curcumin, this new product is a detoxing dream. Quantity discounts with purchase of 3 or more.

From Geronova:

"Why Take Curcumin with
Bio-Enhanced® R-Lipoic Acid?

* Both RLA and Curcumin have been shown to protect and strengthen the colon, bowel, liver, heart and joint functions.
* RLA and Curcumin have been shown to promote cardiovascular health.
* RLA and Curcumin has shown to protect against damaging free radicals by inhibiting their formation and scavenging them once formed.
* Each dose of R-PLUS-Curcumin® with 400 mg of Curcumin is equivalent to 2,772 mg of a typical 95% curcumin extract."

"Support your body’s natural detoxification processes

R-PLUS-Curcumin R Lipoic AcidToxins are unfortunately common in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink. Toxins are also products of our metabolism. The human body is equipped with a complex detoxification system that neutralizes and disposes of these toxins so that they don’t negatively affect our health.

Phase-one detoxification is the body’s first defense against foreign compounds. Through an enzymatic reaction, phase-one detoxification typically involves either an oxidation reaction (where an electron is lost) or a reduction reaction (where an electron is gained), which prepares the toxin for phase-two detoxification. During phase-two detoxification, the toxin is made water-soluble through the addition of chemical groups, which allows it to be excreted through the kidneys.

Some natural substances, such as R-Lipoic Acid and Curcumin, have the ability to increase our body’s ability to excrete toxins by inducing phase-two detoxification.* R-PLUS® Curcumin vegcaps from GeroNova combine R-Lipoic Acid with high-bioavailability Bio-Curcumin to support your body’s natural detoxification processes.* Derived from the Indian herb turmeric, Curcumin is a potent antioxidant first used in India over 3000 years ago in traditional Ayurvedic medicine."

Form matters

Buyer beware: Without special processing, Lipoic Acid and Curcumin are difficult for the body to absorb and utilize. R-PLUS® Curcumin vegcaps feature only:

Bio-Enhanced® R-Lipoic Acid

* The natural form of Lipoic Acid — the exact type the body makes and requires
* Formulated using a unique stabilization process that ensures maximum stability
* Has 40x the absorption rate of unstabilized R Lipoic Acid

Delta -Tocotrienol Fights Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer???

2009-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Very interesting and provocative article:

"Vitamin E in the form of delta-tocotrienol can lower cholesterol by an astonishing 15-22%, and markedly improve LDL/HDL ratios"

"Tocotrienol from annatto has a far greater L-ORAC (Oxygen radical absorption capacity) value than alpha-tocopherol, and is more potent than resveratrol and green tea catechins. It is up to 60-fold more potent and 70-fold more bioavailable than alpha-tocopherol."

"Tocotrienols have repeatedly been shown to inhibit proliferation and induce cell death in cancer cells. They may be doing so in multiple ways: by inhibiting angiogenesis, through free-radical quenching, by interfering with tumor pathways"

"“Our study has shown for the first time that lovastatin and delta-tocotrienol, two suppressors of HMG-CoA reductase, synergistically suppress tumor growth in vivo,” they conclude. "

Look, we must be careful in what materials we ingest so as to obtain the best results. But if you want to begin using this unique form of Vitaman E I recommend Mito-GOLD from Geronova Research, a unique and powerful combination of lipoic acid and this rare, specific form of Vitamin E called delta-tocotrienol sourced naturally from the annatto bean.

Why not order some right now?

Hearing Loss, Lipoic Acid and CoQ10

2009-11-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Very interesting research in this article: "One of the most surprising findings was that these two — alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 — were very specific in their protection against apoptosis and hearing loss,"

"Becoming "hard of hearing" is a standard but unfortunate part of aging: A syndrome called age-related hearing loss affects about 40 percent of people over 65 in the United States, and will afflict an estimated 28 million Americans by 2030.

"Age-related hearing loss is a very common symptom of aging in humans, and also is universal among mammal species, and it's one of the earliest detectable sensory changes in aging," says Tomas Prolla, a professor of genetics and medical genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "

Geronova Research offers a unique R-lipoic Acid (much more effective than alpha-lipoic) and CoQ10 combination in one convenient, easy to swallow capsule.

Along with all the other benefits lipoic and coQ10 provide, you should be thinking of daily lipoic therapy as a nutritional supplement insurance policy.

Pete

Lipoic Acid and Homocysteine

2009-11-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

David Carlson of Geronova with some interesting information (see the Geronova blog for more of David's comments):

Lipoic Acid and Homocysteine

Question: A recent rat study in Free Radical Biology & Medicine indicated lipoic acid increased plasma homocysteine and S-adenosyl homocysteine levels and suggested this could be a previously unreported adverse effect of lipoic acid consumption. Could you please comment as this could be relevant to regular users of lipoic acid products?

(DAC) I saw the full text of the Stabler et al study the day it was posted online and we have been working on clearing up this issue for the last two months. Like you I was particularly concerned after reading the study due to the strong warning language used and the fact they used our PK paper to justify their conclusions.

I will write to Stabler et al and FRB&M since I believe the peer reviewers and journal should have made them tone down the language or prove this preliminary rat study has any relevance to humans prior to publication. I don’t think fear based language belongs in a scientific journal without significant data to support the contentions. Stabler et al failed on this point but probably gained interest in getting funding for the next study.

When I first saw the Stabler et al study, I wrote Dr Anthony Smith for his opinion. He also felt the language was unwarranted since Stabler et al could show no statistical correlation between lipoic acid concentration and HCy and SAH (despite the doubling of HCy concentrations) and since they only looked at a single time point. Even if the same pattern occurs in humans, the effect of a transient spike in HCy and SAH is unknown. Many factors may transiently alter HCy output and metabolism that may not correlate to normal/average baseline levels or pose any additional risk to the consumer.

The newest member of our team, Dr Anthony Sanchez has been working on an HPLC method to measure blood levels of R-lipoic acid (RLA) as well as Homocysteine (HCy) and other amino thiols such as cysteine, glutathione and cysteinylglycine simultaneously. This way we can see if the HCy levels are altered overall in humans (higher or lower) or if it only occurs when RLA is transiently present in blood, which we suspect. Remember RLA/NaRLA reaches high blood levels fast and clears quickly (most within 0.5 hr and almost all in <1 hr). We plan to run another NaRLA PK study with simultaneous measurements of Hcy at each time point and even after RLA has cleared from the blood.

I do believe patients receiving blood panels should advise their doctors as to whether or not they recently ate lipoic acid since it can give artificially high Hcy levels. When we first started testing lipoic acid in the blood 5 years ago I did see a transient spike in my HCy from the average of ~7 uM up to to ~15 uM (a doubling effect similar to Stabler's model) but I didn’t know if it was an artifact or a real effect since red blood cells (RBCs) can export significant amounts of Hcy if the sample is not processed quickly and properly. The elevation in HCy occurred only at Cmax for RLA (1 gram of K-RALA was consumed). When I later tested my Hcy it was back to the normal level of ~7uM where it has stayed for years despite the fact I consume 1-2 grams of our R-lipoic acid products/day with loads of methyl donors. When I get my Hcy measured now I make sure the RLA content of my blood is low by waiting at least 24 hrs after the last consumption.

I do not think any LA/RLA products in the normally used dosages (50-600 mg/day) will cause any long term health problems due to "methylation stress" particularly if consumed with methyl donors (betaine, phosphatydyl choline, carnitine, acetyl carnitine, methylcobalamin etc as well as B6 and B12) which most lipoic acid users take concurrently or as a regular part of their supplement programs.

Lipoic acid consumers with genetic variations (SNPs) in the 5-MTHFR gene might be at greater risk than the normal population but I believe even this can be easily compensated for by increased consumption of methyl factors. I have 2 SNPs in the 5-MTHFR gene which can reduce methylation by 50% of normal and yet my HCy levels are "normal".

Another issue not considered by Stabler is that although 1 lipoic acid molecule acquires in theory up to two methyl groups during metabolism, these methylated metabolites might themselves provide methyl groups to further downstream targets (even HCy) and thus negate any net methyl group depletion. This is supported by the Schupke study that showed only 12.4% of the methylated metabolites appeared in the 24 hr urine.

Thanks for you question and interest in our products. Keep checking my lipoic acid research blog since I will have a lot more to say on this topic in the weeks and months ahead.

Phenibut and Alpha-GPC Deep Discounts

2009-10-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Short expiry blow-out pricing. Get 'em now while supply lasts. Fully potent through the December expiration.

Purchase Phenibut

Purchase Alpha-GPC

Stock up and take advantage of compelling cost savings!

Alpha-GPC (Choline Alfoscerate) Sale Pricing

2009-08-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Relentless Improvement brand Alpha-GPC, the best choline donor out there, is at special pricing, allowing you to stock-up on a material that is normally much more expensive.

Alpha-GPC is suggested to use by anyone seeking brain/cognitive support or when using cognitive enhancers such as Oxiracetam or Piracetam.

600mg per capsule providing 300mg elemental is a full-strength, generous dose.

Cataracts and Carnosine Eye Drops

2009-07-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Very interesting new research "Protective Effects of l- and d-Carnosine on α-Crystallin Amyloid Fibril Formation: Implications for Cataract Disease" published in the July 28 issue of the journal Biochemistry regarding the use of carnosine to prevent or reverse cataract formation. This research holds forth the promise of greater acceptance of the use of carnosine eye drops in order to maintain eye health.

Some excepts:

"In conclusion, in this study, we observed that considering α-crystallin alone or the more complex model of lens organ culture, the presence of carnosine prevents fibril formation, maintains chaperone activity, and disassembles already formed fibrils, restoring almost completely lens transparency. Moreover, because of its resistance to carnosinases, d-carnosine can be a valuable therapeutic tool."

"Carnosine is also present in the eye lenses at a high level, therefore, our result supports the hypothesis that a possible decrease during aging, as it is known in the muscle, could contribute to age-related cataractogenesis,"

Carnosine eye drops are available without a prescription, however it is critical to only use documented products, tested for purity by independent laboratories.

Please note- the research above involved the bathing of the eye lenses in a liquid solution containing carnosine. Oral ingestion of carnosine capsules has never shown a beneficial result against cataracts.

Did You Know? R-PLUS Curcumin Features BCM-95

2009-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

What is BCM-95 and who cares? you might ask...

""Six-month, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Pilot Clinical Trial of Curcumin in Patients with Alzheimer Disease," Baum L, Wai Kei Lam C, et al, Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2008; 28: 110-13. (Address: Larry Baum, Dept of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. E-mail: lwbaum@cuhk.edu.hk ).

Summary: In a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial involving 22 patients with Alzheimer's disease, supplementation with a particular curcumin supplement (BCM-95 capsules) was found to have significantly greater bioavailability, as compared to conventional curcumin powder, suggesting it may provide better clinical benefits. Subjects (aged 50 years of age or older) with progressive decline in memory or cognitive function, diagnosed with probable or possible Alzheimer's disease were given: 1.0 g/d curcumin, 4.0 g/d curcumin, or placebo, taken after a meal (capsules) or mixed with food (powder), for a period of 6 months. Supplementation with curcumin was found to increase levels of serum Abeta, possibly reflecting the ability of curcumin to disaggregate Abeta deposits in the brain. Significant increases in vitamin E were found as well, with greater increases found among subjects who took the BCM-95 capsulses. In addition, BMC-95 was absorbed 7.8 times more than conventional curcumin; this bioavailability may confer greater clinical benefits. The authors recommend that BCM-95 be used in future clinical trials. A larger trial of a longer duration is warranted."

Geronova Research R-PLUS Curcumin uses the highly bioavailable BCM-95 material. Oh and don't forget, it is on sale now.

Quality matters!
Pete

The Buzz on Bing

2009-06-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

Go check out Bing.com - Microsoft's alternative to Google search.

Yes Microsoft is the company we love and hate. And yes a lot of their products may not live up to expectation. BUT. Bing is an internet search engine that is fast, looks good and returns relevant results.

I am impressed and have been using it the past week with satisfaction. See what you think?

My Emails and Phone Calls...

2009-06-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Do you sell powders???
Why is the price different from the last time I ordered???
Will you send me free samples????
Can you give me free shipping???
I am broke (old/in school/sick/bankrupt) and need to buy some stuff, can you help me out??
Here are my health problems, what would you prescribe???
Will you take my $9.95 phone order? And oh yeah, I need to ask you questions for two hours...

Oh.. and- "where is my (international) package sent via First Class Mail?" (NO tracking and dirt cheap cost)

and... "why did you bill my credit card 2/3/6/gazillion times???""Don't f' with me! I will report you!!" (some customers keep trying to submit orders with incorrect cc info. Over, and over. I finally built a credit card tutorial page just to explain this)

I think I will stop answering the phone and reading emails :-)

Seriously, all in all I have a fantastic customer base. But man oh man the same old crap (from a precious few) sure gets tiresome (and provokes an occasional rant like this).

Had to post this. Enjoy.

Curcumin and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

2009-06-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Interesting study (and particularly timely with our Geronova Research R-PLUS with Curcumin on sale):

"Chronic fatigue syndrome affects millions of people in the United States, making it virtually impossible for many of them to hold a full-time or even part-time job, go to school, enjoy their families, or participate in routine or leisure activities. Estimates of the actual number of people who have the disease vary widely, from 500,000 to more than 4 million.

Study of curcumin and chronic fatigue
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in chronic fatigue syndrome, and so ways to reduce it theoretically should also improve symptoms of this complex condition. A study published in the January 2009 issue of Immunobiology reports on mice who were challenged with a stress test for 10 minutes daily for 19 days. Half of the mice were given curcumin and the other half acted as controls.

The control mice showed signs of significant fatigue and had hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), another common symptom of the syndrome. The mice who were given curcumin showed a significant reduction in fatigue, oxidative stress, and hyperalgesia. The investigators suggest that curcumin may be a valuble option in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Curcumin in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
Along with an increase in oxidative stress, research shows that chronic fatigue syndrome is accompanied by activation of the inflammatory response system, and that a natural agent called nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkappabeta) is the main intracellular mechanism that regulates inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators.

In a Belgian study, researchers studied the possible impact of inhibiting the production of NFkappabeta in patients who had chronic fatigue syndrome. They found that there were significant correlations between the production of NFkappabeta and symptoms typically associated with the syndrome, including muscular tension, fatigue, irritability, depression, a subjective feeling of infection, and aches and pain.

They also discovered that the increase in oxidative stress and inflammation reported in previous studies of chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by increased production of NFkappabeta. Given these results, the study’s authors suggest that people with chronic fatigue syndrome should be treated with antioxidants that are known to inhibit the production of NFkappabeta, including curcumin, quercetin, lipoic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Curcumin for chronic fatigue syndrome
Curcumin is one of several curcuminoids, the natural pigments that give the spice turmeric its yellow color. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and as such it is also used to treat arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system."

Relentless Improvement Resveratrol Sale

2009-05-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

The existing supply of RI brand 300mg, 98% documented purity Resveratrol is nearly sold out. Order NOW to stock up on top-quality resveratrol extract at short-expiry (July 2009) fire sale blow out pricing.

Public interest in resveratrol has especially skyrocketed ever since the 60 Minutes special on David Sinclair and Sirtris pharmaceuticals. Who doesn't want a purported fountain of youth in pill form?

We have to be skeptical until more research is completed, but the early indications are very intriguing. And perhaps, depending upon your viewpoint, worth beginning a daily regimen of high purity, high-quality resveratrol.

Get it while the 'gettin is good!

Cheers,
Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement LLC

Green Tea Extract (EgCG) Shows Promise In Leukemia (CLL)Trials

2009-05-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Wow. This is some good news regarding EgCG Green Tea Extract:

"ScienceDaily (May 27, 2009) — Mayo Clinic researchers are reporting positive results in early leukemia clinical trials using the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active ingredient in green tea."

"In the first clinical trial, 33 patients received variations of eight different oral doses of Polyphenon E, a proprietary compound whose primary active ingredient is EGCG. Doses ranged from 400 milligrams (mg) to 2,000 mg administered twice a day. Researchers determined that they had not reached a maximum tolerated dose, even at 2,000 mg twice per day."

I just updated our EgCG high-potency, high-purity green tea extract to offer 393mg EgCG per dose. Capsules are smaller and easier to swallow. Our documented purity product assures no worries from mold/microbial/heavy metal contamination that could be risky with cheap low-quality, low-potency brands.

Pete

Idebenone

2009-05-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Folks have discovered what a good value we offer with our 150mg Idebenone capsules.

I see a lot of Google advertisers are offering low milligram capsules at very high prices. Relentless has several levels of compelling discounts when our customers order in quantity.

Idebenone is a very interesting analog of CoQ10 and indeed thought by many to be superior to CoQ10. People seeking cognition support often pair Idebenone with other cognitive enhancement materials such as Piracetam and Oxiracetam.

RevGenetics Resveratrol Now In Stock

2009-04-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Woo-Hoo, RevGenetics has been doing some very cool things with resveratrol formulations over the past few years. Relentless Improvement now stocks their x1000, 1000mg resveratrol 99% product and new 250mg micronized resveratrol LiCaps.

I have always admired what the owner, Anthony Loera, has done to build RevGenetics as a business and the integrity which he brings to the supplement business. Like Relentless Improvement brand products, his products also carry independent Certificates of Analysis to fully document their purity and claimed content.

Now you have several new choices when shopping for a true pharmaceutical grade resveratrol extract.

New: Neurvana MoodBrightener and Neurvana Tranquil

2009-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Neurvana is a new company with some very innovative formulations. Some of the very best I have ever seen.

New, and in stock.

NEURVANA™ MoodBrightener is a synergistic combination of neurotransmitter precursors and activators that synthesize biogenic catecholamines during the day. They can quickly boost depressive moods, ease-away tension, block stressful feelings, increase attention, stabilize moods, and make you feel good.

NEURVANA MoodBrightener:

NEURVANA™ Tranquil is a combination of neural inhibitors and indoleamine transmitter activators of the Nighttime Sleep & Repair Cycle for relaxation, calmness, stress-relief and restful sleep for occasional sleeplesness.

NEURVANA Tranquil:

As always, there is a lot more info on the respective product pages. An exclusive bonus for you for being a loyal blog reader- links to Dr. Richard Kaufman's fantastic technical treatise on his theory of "Chronobiology". Linked here Part 1 and Part .

This is amazing reading and I urge you to click the links above.

Full line of Neurvana products at the following link
NEURVANA

As always, thank you for your trust and support!
Pete Hitesman-Owner

New: Mito-Charger with Benagene from Advanced Orthomolecular Research

2009-04-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

This MitoCharger Information link offers a sneak-peek at the forthcoming full write-up.

Mito Charger was formulated to attack a central theory of aging at its source.

Enhances mitochondrial activity on six different levels.

Supports the health of mitochondria.

"The ingredient BenaGene ® contains a key intermediate in the Kreb's Cycle. Studies demonstrate that benaGene mimics a caloric restriction diet, which has been shown to increase the expression of beneficial genes associated with increased life span, health span, weight management and blood glucose reduction."

Other ingredients include Benfotiamine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CoQ10 and D-Uridine.

In stock and shipping now.

K2 Menatetrenone and Picamilon Back in Stock.

2009-03-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

K2 Menatetrenone and Picamilon Back in Stock.

Picamilon is now vegi-caps too!

California Customers: No Sales Tax

2009-03-17T08:46:00.001-07:00

Whew, busy times but good for one of our largest customer areas: California.

Why? I just moved our shipping to Nevada! So my CA friends now will "save" 8.5%-10.5% in sales tax. A beautiful thing as we had to charge CA tax until a few days ago.

Thanks as always for your trust and support!

Pete

Good Changes!

2009-03-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

A surprise come Monday. In the meantime, expect to not have any orders shipped after 12 noon on Thursday. All good ;-)

New- NEURVANA Body Slim

2009-02-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

New and in stock today: NEURVANA Body Slim.

I have resisted offering a "Weight Loss Supplement" since the beginning of Relentless Improvement. But not only do I not have any reservation to introducing NEURVANA Body Slim, I am endorsing it as a superbly crafted formulation with meaningful doses of effective ingredients.

No need to rehash the information on the product web page here, just follow the link, soak up the information, and try a bottle today.

Pete

Neurvana (Phenylethylamine) Personal Feedback

2009-01-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

Wow!

I have been using Neurvana (phenylethylamine) now for several days and I can report...

1. Huge energy boost.
2. Appetite/hunger suppression
3. Very much increased mental alertness and sharpness.

Bottom line, good stuff!

Try Neurvana and see what you think? There will be a price adjustment on Feb 1 to $34.99 per bottle so stock up if you like it.

Pete

New Product: Neurvana (betaphenylethylamine)

2009-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

I can now, without reservation, offer you Neurvana! (beta-phenylethylamine)

The problem with all PEA (phenylethylamine) supplements currently on the market is bioavailability and delivering it in an active form without being immediately metabolized by endogenously produced MAO-B.

NEURVANA® " is formulated with a patent-pending “Self-emulsifying Nanosphere Delivery System.” It uses natural phospholipids and medium-chain triglycerides to form a nanoemulsion (covering) in the intestinal tract, enhancing bioavailability (delivery) of PEA."

And...

"is manufactured in protective coated tablets that safe-guard phenylethylamine from degradation in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and carry PEA to the intestinal tract. PEA is rapidly released for phenylethylamine intestinal absorption, enhanced delivery to the bloodstream and transport to the brain."

So, now the promise of supplementing with PEA can finally be realized!

In stock, available for shipping worldwide, now.

There is some superb detailed information on NEURVANA and beta-phenylethylamine from Dr. Richard C. Kaufman available at this link.

"NEURVANA® amplifies key neurotransmitters in your brain for extending longevity, slower aging, peak body-and-brain performance and a renewed youthful functioning body. It has unique, rapid uplifting effects on mood, mental activity, attention, motivation, alertness, energy, stamina, physical activity, sexuality, sensory awareness and more.

NEURVANA contains beta-phenylethylamine (PEA), a naturally occurring neurohormone/neurotransmitter in our brain. PEA increases the activity of the major neurotransmitters (chemical signal messengers between nerves) to improve your life functions.

PEA increases the actions of dopamine (for feeling pleasure and well-being), norepinephrine (the brain’s stimulant for wakefulness and higher-performance), acetylcholine (for improving memory and mental activity), and serotonin (for better moods, healthy emotions and impulse control).

PEA signals the brain structures that produce human emotions to enhance your sense of well being, pleasurable feelings, motivation, physical drive, social behavior, sexuality, creativity, and sensory perceptions."

Phenibut, R-Lipoic Acid Customer Feedback

2009-01-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Hitesman,

As you know, I have been ordering various products from you since I found you in the very early days of your business inception. I've always enjoyed the benefits of several of the highest quality products that you offer but never had or took the time to provide you the appropriate feedback. I simply could no longer delay providing the feedback that your products and services deserve.

I have used or recommended so many products to many of my friends and family that it would take a novel to describe each and every one, so I decided to choose a couple of my favorites to highlight. Here it goes:

1. Anything you offer with R-Lipoic Acid should be in every medicine cabinet in America. I have been taking several versions of R-Plus over the past 4 years and simply can't live without it. I have been diagnosed with condra malisia of the patella, scoliosis, and suffered from daily headaches mostly due to eye strain working in front of a computer all day. Since I began taking the R-Lipoic Acid products, I no longer experience ANY knee pain, rarely any back pain, and headaches only occur from extreme stress once or twice a month. In addition to living without constant pain, I also enjoy the anti-aging properties and anti-oxidants. I only get sick with the common cold once a year at best, and most folks guess my age is 30-31 - I will be 40 in 7 months. I exercise weekly by playing full-court basketball for 2 hours twice a week with men mostly my age. On those days, I double up on the daily dosage, then proceed to run circles around the guys my age and even the younger ones. It also keeps me focused and sharp during my working hours enabling me to enjoy award-winning production. I can't imagine life without an R-Plus product.

2. I also strategically use Phenibut as a mood elevator, cognitive enhancer, mild muscle relaxer, and sleep agent. I normally take 2 Phenibuts on weekend nights or evenings when I need to decompress from anxiety or common circumstances we all feel that lead to elevated stress. I'm able to enjoy an engaging evening of a great movie or sporting event, then experience deep REM sleep throughout the night while waking up feeling refreshed and enthusiastic about the new day. This is simply a terrific product.

I will continue to be a die-hard advocate of these and other products and wish your business continued success. The quality and consistency of your products makes me a lifelong customer. You couldn't have picked a more perfect name for how your products impact the lives of your customers.

Best Regards,

W.P.R."

Thank you W.P.R. for taking the time and making the effort to send this feedback!

2009 - What's in Store?

2009-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and welcome to more good changes from Relentless Improvement.

2008 saw new products added, some old favorites discontinued or no longer available, and our highest order fill rate ever. Over 99% of orders shipped in full, and on time (in 24 hours or less). Not many businesses can do that.

We remain AOR and Geronova's key distributor and have the freshest, deepest inventory of any distributor in the world.

2009 is beginning with some of our documented, specialty products in the process of becoming sold out "forever". The raw materials are simply no longer allowed to be imported into the USA for the purpose of manufacturing nutritional supplements.

There is nothing that can be done about this for now.

It is frustrating, and I hate it as much as you do. And (eventually) all USA distributors will be in the same situation we are. Who knows what changes might be seen under the new political administration, but I don't have any great hopes for positive news. Big pharma and the nanny state seem to be large and in charge.

There will be at least one big surprise, sooner than later. More details after I lock down the loose ends. Some customers will be very happy :-)

Thanks to our loyal customer base, RI ended the year with our fourth consecutive sales increase since opening our virtual doors in Jan 2005. Thank you!

With your ongoing trust and repeat business I will continue to bring you a satisfying purchase experience and unique selection of products. With quality second to none!

Pete Hitesman - Owner
Relentless Improvement LLC

More Feedback!

2008-12-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

It is just so good, I love to post it. We have an incredible group of loyal core customers, earning and keeping their business is what Relentless Improvement is all about.

"Hi Pete,

Thank you for your reply. I want to say first that I'm incredibly grateful for your work with Relentless Improvement. Its always a pleasure to do business with you; the combination of great care, knowledge and attentiveness to your customers needs are unmatched. I look forward to being a customer for as long as your doors are open.

...

And thanks again for all your help. When I suggested [a supplement] to my mother after doing some months of research on its known mechanisms, neither one of us were looking for any major improvement, but an hour after she took it, she was walking around her kitchen and making lunch for the first time in *years*. I'll never forget that day. ... she's had a couple of years of incredibly high quality living, and you had a big role in that. Thank you."

Wow- what greater joy is there than running a business that helps people so much? Very rewarding indeed.

Pete Hitesman - Owner
Relentless Improvement

(yet more) Customer Feedback (One Bad!)

2008-12-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Two for one today!:

Upon me sending a link to our shipping policy for an International order delivery question, one customer was not happy and commented:

"Hello Pete,

Thank you for your very personal response. Not what you would expect after reading all your testimonials.

I've been a good customer over the years, but if this is the extend of your assistance then I and my other friends, who I've referred to your site, shall not order from you again in the future.

Sincerely,
N.S."

And I say- help me to help you? Please read the basic information (our Simple Shipping Policy) that I took the time to create so that your expectations match up to what I can provide. I want you to be happy with your experience as an International customer. If you choose the one shipping option that does not provide tracking, then neither of us can have any idea where your order may be delayed.

It would be great to have the luxury of enough time in the day (week after week, month after month) to type out a detailed, personal email recapping the (same) in's and out's of International shipping but I don't have that time (unless you want me to raise prices to pay for hiring another employee?), and I instead will usually offer you a response with a link to the information that you seek. It is not a personal affront, it is just time management :-)

(Hey, lots of companies don't even bother with any reply to your emails, you do at least get some kind of personal reply from me!)

And another comment:

"Pete, I just read over a recent blog entry of yours (I didn't
realize you had a blog until my last "racetam" purchase where I saw
the blog link, maybe I missed it before) with feedback and figured
I'd send you some as well.

I have made several purchases of nootropics from you, and not only
do you ship promptly and rapidly, but the quality of your products
is excellent. Also, your selection is great. I can't find any of
the nootropics I purchased from you from any other retailer at the
prices you offer.

Keep up the great work, and now that I have read some of your blog
entries, I'm even more excited about purchasing from you in the
future as it seems quite evident that you are a socially conscious
business that is not just trying to make a fast buck.

-S. in MD"

Another week in paradise! Thanks to all my customers for your ongoing trust and support.

Relentless Improvement is on track to have another (record) sales year in 2008. The growth, given the economic problems worldwide, has surprised me and is a testament to peoples desire for high quality, unique, documented-quality supplements and fast shipping.

With your continued and ongoing support I promise you I will work my tail off in 2009 to provide you great overall value.

Pete Hitesman - Owner
Relentless Improvement LLC

Customer Feedback

2008-12-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

"I have to let you guys know how impressed I am with how you run your company. I came across your site while looking for a hard-to-find supplement, and have been amazed at how quickly and efficiently orders are processed and shipped. I get the name, and have borrowed the concept. Relentless improvement makes much more sense than "continual" improvement. Keep up the good work. J. from Charleston, SC"

It is feedback like this that makes it all worthwhile!
Thanks-
Pete Hitesman - Owner, Relentless Improvement

Customer Feedback

2008-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

"Dear Sir,

You have the best service of anyone I have ever done business with. Thank you for your consistent perfect performance. I thought you should know that some of your customers deeply appreciate what you do, and the extra efforts you make. I particularly appreciate your focus on quality control.

There are very few people who even try to do what you do. None of them do it very well compared to you.

Sincerely,
D.L."

Thank you D.L., feedback such as yours is what makes it a joy to come to work each day. We work very hard to stock what you want, document our quality, maintain a secure and informative website, and insure your order is shipped quickly and accurately.

Executing on this consistently is easier said than done :-) But we must do it to earn and keep your trust, and separate us from the rest of the pack.

Happy Holidays-
Pete Hitesman (aka The Bulldog) - Owner
Relentless Improvement LLC

Customer Feedback

2008-11-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

"Pete,

I’ve been intending to email you for a while now as I want to let you know personally just how much I value Relentless Improvement.

As far as I am concerned, you have got things right in about every way, to the extent that I find it a real pleasure to order via your website.

Supplements have been a growing interest for me for fifteen years now and RI allow me to experiment with complete confidence. I have a chronic pain condition that I have now managed to get under much greater control and I feel better than I have for many years – that is at least in part down to you.

Your own knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements comes clearly across in the excellent products you select for your range.

Let me tell you that a sense of energy and enthusiasm transmits itself from RI in California to the UK, and I can only guess the hard work you put in!

Thanks and best wishes,
C.B."

Feedback like this is what makes coming to "work" so enjoyable. Thank You!

Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement LLC

New LEF Products Now In Stock: Berry Complete, Pomegranate Extract with CocoaGold and Pyridoxamine

2008-11-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

New LEF Products Now In Stock: Berry Complete, Pomegranate Extract with CocoaGold and Pyridoxamine.

Order today, enjoy a healthier lifestyle tomorrow.

Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement LLC

R-PLUS W/CoQ10. New Formulation, Back In Stock.

2008-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

Geronova's R-PLUS Q is a very popular combo of R-Plus lipoic acid and naturally fermented, Japanese manufactured, CoQ10 in a single capsule. Now includes three lipids for increased bioavailability and to aid in dissolving the CoQ10.

Nifty cool!
Pete

Piracetam- YES, It Is In Stock

2008-10-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Piracetam is in stock, as well as limited supplies of Oxiracetam. I do not expect to be able to obtain new supplies.

Order early and in quantity to avoid future disappointment.

Remember, only Relentless Improvement provides you Certificates of Analysis of all of our brand products. Performed by FDA registered, USA based analytical laboratories. Each CoA tied by lot number to the products currently shipping to you.

Your only, and ultimate, assurance of purity and claimed label content.

Cheers,
Pete

Wall Street Bailout

2008-10-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

A bit off the usual topic here but very important. I rang my various representatives phones off the hook to voice my opposition the Wall Street bailout bill currently being considered.

The bottom line is singular and simple: If you made bad decisions you must be allowed to fail.

Our financial markets and some individuals went on a wild binge, drunk on easy and cheap credit. Now it is time for them to pay the piper. Not for the US Taxpayer to pay!

I URGE you to call or fax your political representatives NOW and voice your opposition to this economic travesty. To burden the children and grandchildren for the excesses of the parents is unforgivable.

Creative destruction is scary and necessary and will deliver a new financial system, built on a more sturdy foundation. Let nature take its course...

Cheers,
Pete

New Research: L-Carnitine Exerts Blood Pressure Lowering Effects

2008-09-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

This new study is very interesting:

"In a study involving rats induced with hypertension (with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), simultaneous administration of L-carnitine was found to significantly reduce blood pressure. Rats induced with hypertension were found to have increases in plasma levels and heart expression of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, all of which were reversed by treatment with L-carnitine. In addition, rats induced with hypertension were found to have increases in protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the heart; L-carnitine reversed these values. The authors conclude, "The chronic administration of L-carnitine reduces blood pressure and attenuates the inflammatory process associated with arterial hypertension." The authors hypothesize that L-carnitine may partially inactivate the rennin-angiotensin system, "resulting in a reduction in the production and effects of angiotensin II." Additional research is warranted."

Good stuff...

Take 3 Minutes NOW (Before Sept 1!)- You Can Make a Difference in Anti-Aging Research. (NOT a Plea for $$)

2008-08-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Your (quick, easy, free) vote can direct American Express to contribute scholarship money to "Undergrads Fighting Age Related Disease" for research projects aimed and removing the cellular and molecular damage of aging.

But you must act NOW as the vote ends on Sept 1st! You do NOT have to be an AmEx cardholder to vote.

Let me turn you over to Michael Rae for details:

"Please vote now to get American Express to contribute scholarship money for research projects aimed and removing the cellular and molecular damage of aging!

http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/BVVE2C

An undergrad student named Kelsey Moody was trying to find a way to get working directly on the SENS platform of age-reversing biotechnologies (see the outline here:

http://www.mfoundation.org/index.php?pagename=sens_index

... and for more detail, the popular science book I cowrote with Aubrey de Grey:

http://tinyurl.com/22anhb

Inquiring around, he was alerted to the existence of established programs ("Independent Studies" and "Advanced Honors" Programs) through which the American university system allows undergrads to get together with faculty and design and execute their own research projects, for which the university provides basic resources (lab space, access to equipment, limited expenses for anything they need that isn't available), usually a small scholarship, and (upon successful
completion) academic credit.

Showing astounding initiative, Kelsey switched majors from psychology to biochem, and got himself set up on a project related to breaking down neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), an intracellular aggregate that is one of the hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases, and appears to be the main pathological factor in neuron death in those diseases:

http://www.answers.com/topic/neurofibrillary-tangles

de Grey AD, Alvarez PJ, Brady RO, Cuervo AM, Jerome WG, McCarty PL, Nixon RA, Rittmann BE, Sparrow JR.

Medical bioremediation: prospects for the application of microbial catabolic diversity to aging and several major age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev. 2005 Aug;4(3):315-38. Review. PMID: 16040282 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.mfoundation.org/files/sens/medbioremPP.pdf de Grey AD.

Appropriating microbial catabolism: a proposal to treat and prevent neurodegeneration.

Neurobiol Aging. 2006 Apr;27(4):589-95. Epub 2005 Oct 3. Review. PMID: 16207503 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.mfoundation.org/files/sens/NBA-PP.pdf

Their removal could be expected to arrest neural death and play a major role in an ultimate cure for Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases, along with the 'normal' degeneration of the aging brain.

This was already an impressive self-started action on Kelsey's part, but then he initiated a project -- first on his own, and then with the Methuselah Foundation -- to facilitate getting students across the country signed up for these programs to do undergraduate work on SENS: the Methuselah Foundation Undergraduate Research Initiative:

http://www.mfuri.org/

This remarkable initiative absolutely thrilled me and other folks at the Foundation, which is now intending to start supplementing the available bare-bones funding for such projects with scholarships for the best ones.

And now, we've become aware that American Express has a program called the "Members Project," through which they donate money in support of a range of philanthropic projects, which are nominated by cardholders and whose ultimate award is decided by vote:

http://www.membersproject.com/

And voting is open to ANYONE -- not just cardholders!

Kelsey and others got MURFI set up just a few days ago, and astonishingly, it's already climbed up to being in the top 25! If they win, it would be hundreds of dollars freed up to support undergraduate scientists-in-formation in pursuing their mission of developing interventions against the biological aging process.

Right now, the deck is stacked against these students: biomedical gerontology is WOEFULLY underfunded, few schools even have specialized biogerontology departments, and too much of the focus remains on descriptive studies looking at all of the nasty things that go wrong in aging bodies instead of projects actually aimed at DOING something about it. This is a real opportunity to get good research done, and launch the careers of young people as scientists who will tackle the cellular and molecular damage of aging, contributing to the cure of age-related disease and ultimately of aging itself.

To mobilize AmEx's dollars, we need your votes by Sept 1, 2008. Yesterday, the first week of our efforts had yielded just over 1000 votes; but then the Foundation launched a wide email and blog promotion in communities friendly to curing aging, and ever since we've been ROCKETING ahead, and are looking to hit 1700 votes soon, with 3 days to go!

I *am* concerned that we've probably reached 'the usual suspects' and that we may suddenly, frustratingly plateau at any time, so your votes, and those of anyone you can drag along, are precious. It's easy to do:

1. Go to: http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/BVVE2C

2. Log in either as an Amex Card Member or as a Guest Member on the top right side (ANYone can vote as a Guest)

3. Complete the Registration Form, which will give you your login ID

4. Click the Nominate button at: http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/BVVE2C

You can then also post a supportive comment, to encourage others to cast their vote in favor of this exciting project in the advancement of real anti-aging medicine as they browse the many laudable causes.

Please sign up and vote now, and support a long and healthy life for all of us!

-Michael"

Pete comment: Aubrey and Michael's book "Ending Aging" is superb and I can recommend it wholeheartedly. Learn more and order their book at this link.

Now, PLEASE go vote at the AmEx site!

Cheers,
Pete

Friday Feedback

2008-08-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Thanks- you run an amazing business. Fast, clear and good information about the products you sell (and no one else does) I just wanted to tell you that I have been impressed throughout the 3 years I have shopped from your site.
Thanks!

U.B."

Thanks to all of our ongoing, regular customers for your support over the years. More improvements coming soon. I appreciate your trust and confidence!

Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement LLC

Another Intriguing Lipoic Acid Study. Calorie Restriction Benefits Extension?

2008-08-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Very interesting information on Alpha Lipoic Acid from a UK researcher in this story:

"A pill has been shown to stop the natural tendency to pile the pounds back on after a diet.

Researchers found alpha-lipoic acid, a dietary supplement widely sold in health food shops, also had an anti-ageing effect.

When taken with a normal diet it has no obvious benefit. But scientists say it can 'lock in' the benefits of a six-month weight loss programme if it is taken afterwards."

Relentless Improvement offers a wide selection of pharmaceutical quality fully stabilized lipoic acids, in the form of highly bio-available r-lipoic acid (the enantiomer of alpha-lipoic acid natural to humans. Alpha lipoic is a racemic molecule and only 50% is a match to the human body's receptors).

More of the article: "Dr Goyns, director of Immorgene Concepts, a scientific research firm in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough, said: 'It seems that alphalipoic-acid fools the body into behaving as if it was still on whatever diet it was following before the supplement was added. We found there was an antiobesity effect."

Lipoic acid is no magic bullet, let's be clear. But, it offers more promise than just about any other material out there today. here is a link to our full line up of lipoic acid products.

Happy Friday!
Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement

Lipoic Acid As An Anti-inflammatory And Neuroprotective Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease

2008-07-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

New Lipoic Acid research in this study:

Lipoic acid as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Maczurek A (b,c), Hager K (a), Kenlies M (a), Sharman M (d), Martins R (a), Engel J (e), Carlson DA (f), Münch G (b,c). accepted for publication (2008) Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews.

a. Klinik für Medizinische Rehabilitation und Geriatrie der Henriettenstiftung, Hannover, Germany
b. Dept. of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Australia
c. Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville
d. Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, Edith Cowan University, Australia
e. Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
f. GeroNova Research, Inc., Richmond, CA, USA

Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys patient memory and cognition, communication ability with the social environment and the ability to carry out daily activities. Despite extensive research into the pathogenesis of AD, a neuroprotective treatment - particularly for the early stages of disease - remains unavailable for clinical use. In this review, we advance the suggestion that lipoic acid (LA) may fulfil this therapeutic need. A naturally occurring cofactor for the mitochondrial enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, LA (lipoic acid) has been shown to have a variety of properties which can interfere with the pathogenesis or progression of AD. For example, LA increases acetylcholine (ACh) production by activation of choline acetyltransferase and increases glucose uptake, thus supplying more acetyl-CoA for the production of ACh. Lipoic Acid chelates redox-active transition metals, thus inhibiting the formation of hydroxyl radicals and also scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby increasing the levels of reduced glutathione. In addition, LA down-regulates the expression of redox-sensitive pro-inflammatory proteins including TNF and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, Lipoic Acid can scavenge lipid peroxidation products such as hydroxynonenal and acrolein. In human plasma, Lipoic Acid exists in an equilibrium of free and plasma protein bound form. Up to 150 muM, it is bound completely, most likely binding to high affinity fatty acid sites on human serum albumin, suggesting that one large dose rather than continuous low doses (as provided by "slow release" Lipoic Acid) will be beneficial for delivery of Lipoic Acid to the brain. Evidence for a clinical benefit for LA in dementia is yet limited. There are only two published studies, in which 600 mg Lipoic Acid was given daily to 43 patients with AD (receiving a standard treatment with choline-esterase inhibitors) in an open-label study over an observation period of up to 48 months. Whereas the improvement in patients with moderate dementia was not significant, the disease progressed extremely slowly (change in ADAScog: 1.2 points=year, MMSE: -0.6 points=year) in patients with mild dementia (ADAScog<15). Data from cell culture and animal models suggest that Lipoic Acid could be combined with nutraceuticals such as curcumin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EgCG) (from green tea) and docosahexaenoic acid (from fish oil) to synergistically decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, Abeta levels and Abeta plaque load and thus provide a combined benefit in the treatment of AD."

Previous Research:
"The reduced form of LA, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), is the active compound responsible for most of these beneficial effects. R-alpha-Lipoic Acid can be applied instead of DHLA, as it is reduced by mitochondrial lipoamide dehydrogenase, a part of the PDH complex. In this review, the properties of LA are explored with particular emphasis on how this agent, particularly the R-enantiomer, may be effective to treat AD and related dementias.

More good information about the many benefits of lipoic acid and particularly r-lipoic acid.

Customer Feedback, Strontium Citrate and K2 Menatetrenone

2008-07-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

"Hello Peter,

I wanted to tell you that after getting off Fosamax and taking your Strontium and K2 Menatetrenone for 2yrs, my bone density has improved 5.8%. My doctor 's very impressed! Though this is only an anecdotal report, I thought you might be interested.

Thank you so much for your products and great service,
M. L."

Lots of great customer feedback and research regarding the bone support provided by Strontium Citrate and Vitamin K2.

Pete

Combined R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine Preventative Effects in Parkinson's disease?

2008-07-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Really interesting new study regarding the acetyl-l-carnitine and r-lipoic acid combination in regards to Parkinson's disease:

"The present study examined the preventative effects of two mitochondrial antioxidant/nutrients, R-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC)..."

and

"Most notably, we found that when combined, Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Caritine worked at 100 to 1000 fold lower concentrations than they did individually."(emphasis mine)

and

"This study provides important evidence that combining mitochondrial antioxidant/nutrients at optimal doses might be an effective and safe prevention strategy for PD."

Awesome stuff and more scientific based evidence for the wide ranging benefits of r-lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine.

Sulforaphane - NYT Article

2008-07-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed a brief article in the NYT today titled: "The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating"

The #2 suggestion caught my eye as it mentions Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring nutrient found in cabbage. "Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes."

AOR, one of my suppliers, offers this valuable nutrient in supplement form. While fresh vegetables are usually preferred, this sulforaphane supplement is a superb source.

Take Care of Your Internal Probiotic Culture

2008-07-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

Jeff over at Therabiotics (Theralac probiotic, Enzalase digestive enzymes and the new TruFiber fiber supplement) is writing a great new blog.

My IPC - My Internal Probiotic Culture and how to take care of it.

Informative and full of interesting intestinal health questions and answers. Go check it out and see if you learn something that surprises you!

(Be sure to click the Healthy Mary Recipe link)

Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement

Barrons Article- Polyphenols and Resveratrol Get More Publicity

2008-06-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

An article (subscription access) in Barrons this weekend:

"Healthy Returns – How to Live Longer"
"Special Report: Retirement -- Eight things to do to live longer and minimize the aches and pains of aging." By MARY PINKOWISH

Touches on the usual things: Exercise, eat right, lose visceral fat, and then what caught my eye- "Your Choice: Eat or Drink Your Polyphenols"

Ha! I have posted many times in many places how friendly I am towards polyphenol supplements. Especially Resveratrol (and EgCG).

From her article: "Evidence has been building for 20 years that at least in some animals, extreme caloric deprivation triggers a process that curbs degenerative aging. Most people would find the amount of required caloric restriction (about 30%) too hard to maintain. But scientists have found that a chemical called resveratrol, famously present in red wine, may mimic the effects of caloric restriction.

Earlier this month, Richard Weindruch, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Institute on Aging, and colleagues published a study in the online journal PLoS One showing that resveratrol may delay aging in mice at lower doses than previously thought. "No other nutrients that I'm aware of have the ability to increase maximum life expectancy in mice. It's striking," says Weindruch. The findings, he adds, suggest that resveratrol and other polyphenol compounds "have the ability to oppose multiple aspects of aging."

Good stuff.

As always, if you choose to supplement, you must be very careful to read your labels. Purity and potency are critical. Low quality resveratrol (50% or less) contains a lot of (a byproduct of manufacture) called emodin, a powerful laxative! Relentless Improvement brand Resveratrol is a 98% extract. The emodin level is nearly undetectable.

Low quality EgCG supplements are standardized to a low percent of polyphenols. Relentless Improvement brand EgCG Green Tea Superpotent Extract is standardized to an astounding 99.31% polyphenols. And free of residual processing solvents (yuck).

Be a smart shopper and understand that quality is the most important aspect of your buying decision.

Happy Weekend-
Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement

Resveratrol In the News

2008-06-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

More Resveratrol in the news. First this article:

"He described how his research found that mice given large doses of resveratrol "live longer, they're almost immune to the effects of obesity. They don't get diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's as frequently. We delay the diseases of aging."

and in this study: New hints seen that red wine may slow aging

"The study is based on dosing mice with resveratrol, an ingredient of some red wines. Some scientists are already taking resveratrol in capsule form..."

Look, definitive answers on life extension (longevity) supplements are not yet available. But the fact that scientists feel confident enough that resveratrol is doing something good in their bodies to personally use it- is compelling. Personally, I use our Relentless Improvement brand high-dose high-purity 300mg per capsule resveratrol supplement at 3-5 capsules daily.

The absolute key when using a high-dose resveratrol product is low emodin (a byproduct of manufacturing, and a powerful laxative!). Relentless Improvement resveratrol is documented to be 98%+ purity and extremely low in emodin.

Bottom line: if you choose to use resveratrol as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle of good diet and exercise, it is critical to go for quality!

Invest in an ultra-pure (98%+), very low emodin, documented (very few suppliers do independent analysis as we do) resveratrol supplement.

To your health and long life!
Pete Hitesman

Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Lipoic Acid: the New Nootropics?

2008-06-02T10:48:00.001-07:00

Brand new study out:

"Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid: possible neurotherapeutic agents for mood disorders?"

"CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are pleiotropic agents capable of offering neuroprotective and possibly cognitive-enhancing effects for neuropsychiatric disorders in which cognitive deficits are an integral feature."

"Preliminary controlled trials in depressed geriatric populations also suggest an antidepressant effect with acetyl-L-carnitine."

This does not surprise me at all. There is so much good research out their on the benefits of lipoic acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, I think you would be crazy not to incorporate both as part of a smart daily regimen.

Remember, r-lipoic acid is key, and it must be a stabilized version of the material if you want high bioavailability!

Pete

Look Behind the Curtain

2008-05-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Business is always interesting, especially when it involves the internet, but I am sometimes amazed at the level to which some people will stoop.

I had lunch with an associate Monday at a fantastic restaurant in downtown San Francisco, with a view of the Bay Bridge. The food was excellent, service was superb, and it was a tremendous value. But if you believed the comments of some (anonymous) posters on an internet forum, you would think it was the worst restaurant on earth!

How to explain the disconnect? Easy. Competitors of this restaurant posted lies to an internet message board in an attempt to discredit the new kid on the block. They felt threatened by the new competitor and rather than step up their game by increasing the value they offer their customers, they instead chose to lie and deceive.

In the long run, the truth always comes out. Frauds are exposed and the business that provides the best value to their customers will succeed. Badmouthing your competition, and especially libel and defamation, are guaranteed to come back and bite you in the ass (think Pit Bull).

As a careful shopper, consumer and web user, you must ALWAYS consider the author of any internet posts. Who is really behind those words? What hidden motives do they have?

Relentless Improvement, and me personally, have sometimes come under attack by anonymous posters in internet forums. In particular, one poster impersonates a medical doctor (demands for proof are met with obfuscation and stonewalling) and is co-owner of a competing supplement business. In reality, him/they/whatever were discovered and exposed several years ago after posting on a very reputable forum while trying to hide their true identity and financial interests of their posts (they own a supplement business). See this Edward Younan/Unique Nutrition thread.

As you Look Behind the Curtain, you find a pattern of deceit, lies and outright fraud.

Now, let's look at facts:

RI owns 271 domains at last count. Descriptive names such as:
BestQualityVitaminsAndSupplements.com
NootropicSupplements.com
TestedPure.com
HighQualityNootropics.com
WorldWideSupplementStore.com

Also keywords such as:
Piracetam.org
EgcgGreenTeaExtract.com
LipoicAcid.net

Does Relentless Improvement market aggressively on the internet? You bet.

Our domains are always acquired on the open market. Any person that considered them to be of value could have purchased them before we did. The US Patent and Trademark public database is carefully examined before a domain is acquired. If there is no record, or a filing was previously attempted and abandoned, then that word or combination of words is available for use.

An abandoned trademark filing is established precedent that the original filer did not consider it of sufficient value to complete. A declination due to the generic nature of the name, again, is precedent that the words are free for use by all.

Any domain close to questionable is carefully reviewed by our legal counsel, who specializes in Intellectual Property rights issues, and Internet Law. Upon the "all clear" we then use that domain as we see fit.

Our live domains are clearly identified in a WHOIS look-up as belonging to Relentless Improvement/Pete Hitesman. We don't hide our interest in the domain as some people do (why do they hide?). Our domains are always clearly associated with Relentless Improvement, with our header on the pages. This is clear, honest disclosure.

We have never been served with any legal papers/suits in regards to our website verbiage or domains that we own. Anybody claiming otherwise is a liar.

The bottom line is clear: we operate aggressively, legally, and with full public disclosure of product quality, sponsorships, and internet presence. If you, as a customer, or potential customer, have any concerns, or desire additional facts regarding this post I welcome, and urge you, to contact me directly via phone or email.

Oh, the moral of the restaurant story? I went home and submitted my own online review, presenting the opinion of a real diner and patron. Not the fabrications of someone with hidden conflicts of interest. I set the truth free, and it was exhilarating.

Caveat Emptor my friends.

Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement

Carnitine Protective of Oxidative Eye Damage

2008-05-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Good news on the research front, see this link:

Researchers in Saudi Arabia looked at the ability of L-carnitine to protect the eyes from oxidative damage. They concluded “ L-carnitine is capable of protecting the retinal pigment epithelium cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage, implying that micronutrients can have a positive effect and can play an important role in the treatment of oxidation-induced ocular disorders." Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of LC-induced protection to the RPE cells.

If you like the idea of Carnitine supplementation, we offer two Geronova Research products, a Carnitine Liquid and Carnitine Plus. Both are high quality sources of carnitine.

Pete

Warning. Shopper Beware. Na-RALA R-lipoic Acid Label Games.

2008-05-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Recently I have become aware of some consumer unfriendly label games being played. When you shop for a R-lipoic acid product, and it is formulated with the new Na-RALA...

READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Na-RALA is approx 70% active, so 100 mg of Na-RALA equals 70 mg r-lipoic acid. Example. Putting 100 mg on the front label is deceptive. While it may be 100 mg Na-RALA, it is 70 mg of r-lipoic acid, not 100 mg.

Or...

300 mg or Na-RALA equals 210 mg of r-lipoic. (example) Putting 300 mg on the front label is in my opinion, deceptive.

Another example. The product provides 210 mg of r-lipoic acid. Not 300 mg.

The labels on these products mislead the consumer. Do the math, cost per mg of active material, to determine your true, accurate cost, and you find what appeared to be an attractive price is actually not such a good deal.

Milligrams of active r-lipoic is what you care about, not the mg of sodium bicarbonate it takes to stabilize the material!

Geronova brand K-RALA 100mg, and K-RALA 300mg list the r-lipoic acid content per capsule accurately, honestly, truthfully. 100 mg and 300 mg. Not the total Na-RALA mg.

Is what the other vendors are doing legal? Probably, they disclose the mg of ingredient (not active) material. Is it intentionally misleading, so that they can appear to sell more for less $$? You bet it is.

Be a careful shopper. Read your labels carefully. When something appears too good of a deal in price, don't be a blind sheep. Quality is not free, when a price is seemingly too good, ask yourself, "what is wrong here?"

Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement

Customer Feedback

2008-05-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have an interesting and diverse group of customers. Probably more than a fair share of hackers and coders. Gareth, a customer in Wales (UK), wrote about his nootropic use on his Litesim blog and was kind enough to mention his experience with Relentless Improvement.

Gareth's business, Litesim, "is a virtual world simulator and hosting service which allows you to build on your own virtual land, customize your avatar, add innovative website integration and 3D presence."

Back when I was putting in the 18 hour days, 7 days a week, every month for a couple years to get Relentless Improvement off the ground I frequently found creativity fuel in the form of Sulbutiamine, Piracetam and Oxiracetam.

For those times when I sought a relaxing cognitive boost, Phenibut was the answer.

Proper, healthy nutrition and regular exercise are a critical foundation for any supplement regimen, and I can't stress that enough. Racetams also seem to exhibit a wide individual variability of action, some folks experience strong benefits, others no. We all have our unique biochemistry, so keep that in mind.

Cheers,
Pete Hitesman

New Product: TruFiber Prebiotic Fiber

2008-05-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

New from Therabiotics the manufacturer of our Theralac probiotic and Enzalase digestive enzyme, the natural, complementary next step:

TruFiber Prebiotic Fiber powder. I just tried some in water and the good news is that it is not gritty, not thick and viscous (unlike many fiber powders). Simple, tasteless, quick, healthy.

Click here (4.7 MB)(or right click and save to your computer) to enjoy a professional powerpoint presentation on the unique benefits of TruFiber.

Look, intestinal health is critical for overall health and well-being. Having the right bugs in your gut is key for proper absorption of nutrients and vitamins. Without healthy gut bacteria, you leave yourself open to all manner of health problems.

Therabiotics is focused on gut health, and nothing else. Their products are well researched, science based, and in my opinion the very best money can buy.

Invest in your gut today, reap the rewards for a lifetime.

TruFiber is in stock TODAY at Relentless Improvement supplements, even before you can buy it anywhere else!

Pete

Mito-GOLD R-Lipoic Acid Limited Time Sale

2008-04-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

Incredible pricing on 3 or more Mito-GOLD r-lipoic acid from Geronova Research. Expiration date 10/2008.

Offer good while supplies last, so stock up NOW to avoid regret.

Pete

Outlook For 2008. International Orders, Inflation.

2008-03-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

2008 is proving to be a very interesting year. Here is my opinion of what you can expect going forward:

1. International customers, thank you for your trust and your business. If the currency where you live is anything BUT the US Dollar, you are looking good and currently buying at the lowest prices EVER after currency translation is considered.

I expect the US $ to continue to lose value as our government continues to debase our currency.

Relentless Improvement supplements remain a compelling value as they are documented pure and potent by independent testing at FDA registered laboratories.

If you are buying from outside the country, this documented quality assurance is priceless for your safety and peace of mind. Label claims are useless without proof!

2. As we sell out of existing inventory, and do new bottling runs, the flip side of a weak US dollar will manifest in the form of much higher raw material prices. As you know, the US is now manufacturing very little and most raw material have for years come from various countries outside the US.

So- a weak dollar means that going forward we will be importing inflation. This will, as the year progresses, force us to raise prices. Ergo, we are in a short-term transitionary "sweet-spot" for pricing which will not last.

Bottom line, your will be well served to load up the wagon now. Depending on the degree to which we will have to adjust our selling prices, you probably will come out ahead even if you to borrow money to buy now.

The US experienced a once in a generation confluence of events over the past decade that allowed us high growth and low inflation, but that is now over with as China, Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, Korea and many other countries currencies rapidly appreciate (and economies grow and place demand upon existing supplies and resources).

Relentless Improvement will do all we can to keep adding value to our unique products and give you a compelling reason to buy from us.

Thanks as always for your trust and support.
Pete Hitesman
Relentless Improvement - Owner

Life Extension Foundation Products Sale

2008-03-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

All LEF items on sale while supplies last!

4/12/2008 Edit: Sale over now :-(

Curcumin - Prevents and Reverses Heart Conditions?

2008-03-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is a mouse study so not a direct correlation to humans of course, but very promising results from curcumin:

"Our results indicate that curcumin has the potential to protect against cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis through suppression of p300-HAT activity and downstream GATA4, NF-kappaB, and TGF-beta-Smad signaling pathways."

You already know the benefits of R-Lipoic Acid, so why not take advantage of the benefits and convenience of an R-Lipoic / Curcumin combination? From, who else, Geronova Research, the world leader in r-lipoic technology.

Life Extension Products - "Secret" 10% Discount

2008-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

There IS a free lunch.

Life Extension Products - "Secret" 10% Discount.

Simply order at least two LEF brand products and earn an easy 10% discount on all the LEF items that you order. Limited time offer for my blog readers. Use the link above to access our LEF selection. Only good for currently cataloged items. No special orders.

Grab it and growl!

Pete

International Customers - You Are Crazy!

2008-02-26T13:44:00.001-08:00

You are crazy if you do not buy now and take advantage of the US Dollar weakness!

Seriously, the Euro hit a new all time high of 1.4967 today. NOW is the time to stock up on Relentless Improvement supplements. Load up the wagon at (currency translation induced) SALE prices.

Our shopping cart offers you the option to price your order in many different currencies. We ship international every day. Quality is never a concern, all Relentless Improvement brand products are documented with Certificates of Analysis from FDA registered analytical laboratories.

Relentless Improvement is the most trusted name in unique supplements. Why risk buying anywhere else?

Carnosine Eye Drops Glaucoma, Cataract Feedback

2008-02-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

"Sir,

Wanted to let you know of the great results I have had lowering my eye pressure with your Carnosine Eye Drops.

I have a terrible family history of high eye pressure, glaucoma and
blindness. I have been on prescription eye drops for about eight years. During that time my pressures stayed around 19 to 20.

I tried your Carnosine Eye Drops for about six months. I went on them for slight cataracts in both eyes. I don’t think the cataracts are affecting my eye sight. But, having seen my wife under go surgery for them, I wanted to try Carnosine. I was also interested in the fact that
Carnosine was also used to treat glaucoma in Russia.

At thirty days on the Carnosine drops my readings were only slightly
lower but at my next three month exam they had dropped to 16 in both eyes. Three months later they were still 16. Three months later I was off the Carnosine Eye Drops and my readings were 19 one eye and 21 the other
eye.

I went back on the Carnosine Drops for one month before an exam and the readings were slightly better. But, today after being back on the drops four months my readings were 12 one eye and 13 the other eye.

I think I may be getting even better results this time because I am
keeping even the open bottle of drops in the refrigerator.

I would like to thank you for making this product available. Also
appreciate your dependable service.

Thanks again, and wishing you much success and health."

No sir, thank you for your feedback and comments. These kind of emails really highlight my day. Being able to help people, every day, that I don't even know, is a wonderful feeling.

Pete

Piracetam and Phenibut Now Shipping In Vegi-Caps

2008-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

You sought our Piracetam and Phenibut because it was fully documented. Now, more good news: I have updated the products to vegi-caps. Relentless Improvement is not just a name it is also my business philosophy.

Phenibut and Piracetam are in stock and shipping quickly and securely from USA, now in vegi-caps.

Phenibut is one of my all time favorite supplements, offering a wonderfully relaxing effect while, at the same time, supporting cognition and full mental function.

Customers tell me they experience the best sleep of their lives when using phenibut before bed. Yet it does not make you drowsy or give you a "hangover" the next day.

For best results, use phenibut at the lowest daily dose that is effective for you. Continuous daily high-dose use can result in a tolerance build-up, not nearly as apparent as when dosed conservatively.

Oh, I almost forgot, Phenibut is on a special sale with deep, automatic, quantity discounts available on our website. Stock up now!

Documented quality, fast shipping, secure, professional ecommerce platform. Why would you even consider any other source for your supplements? Talk is cheap, performance is everything.

Thanks for your trust and support.
Pete

Lipoic Acid And Carnitine Combo Show Diabetes Potential

2008-02-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

The headline from this new lipoic acid/acetyl-l-carnitine study says it all.

"A combination of lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine may boost the function of mitochondria - the cell's power stations - suggests research with implications for diabetes and obesity."

This is awesome stuff! Yet more compelling evidence of the benefits of lipoic acid and acetyl carnitine.

Please take note of the reference at the page bottom of the study: "R-alpha-Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine complementarily promote mitochondrial biogenesis in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes".

These are exactly the kind of products that Relentless Improvement and Geronova Research specialize in. When you seek the highest quality and greatest bioavailability product we are your first choice.

"Liu and co-workers report that the combination of LA and LCAR increased the mass, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial DNA expression, and fatty acid oxidation in the fat cells."

Follow this direct link to our Geronova Research Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-l-Carnitine products. (Mito-Gold is still on sale!)

What are you waiting for? Order today and feel better tomorrow.

New MultiVitamin: AOR's Multi-Basics 3 Now In Stock

2008-02-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

I am expanding Relentless Improvement's vitamin selection with AOR's new Multi-Basics 3 90 count or Multi-Basics 3 180 count. Compare to Ortho-Core and see which one makes sense for you. Multi Basics is a 3 capsule per day suggested dose.

Multi-Basics 3 from AOR is now in stock.

Those seeking the "kitchen sink" approach to a multi-vitamin, still have the option of Life Extension Foundations LEF Mix tablets in both the old formulation LEF Mix Tablets (while supplies last) and new LEF Mix Tablets version.

If you are going to use a multivitamin, and all of us can benefit, then why not choose the very best formulations and highest quality available?

Piracetam Sale.

2008-02-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

Special 3 day "secret" sale for blog readers: Piracetam: grab it and growl while this is in effect.

Ends Monday morning. Be sure to see the quantity discounts as well. To buy a fully documented piracetam at this pricing is a tremendous value.

Happy Friday!
Pete

Piracetam, Aniracetam and Oxiracetam - Documented Product in Stock

2008-01-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

Relentless Improvement is known for its Piracetam. You like that our site is professional, our prices and especially the quantity discounts are a good value and that we offer a documented quality product.

As you know, purity claims are best backed up with proof.

Relentless Improvement brand Piracetam is top quality and our public certificates of analysis from USA based analytical laboratories prove it.

Of course some people prefer the increased effectiveness offered by aniracetam or even oxiracetam. The results are very much variable by individual and my suggestion is to try each and see which one works best for your individual biochemistry.

Many people tell me that receive better results when cognitive support supplements such as piracetam are used in combination with a choline donor. By far the most popular is Alpha-GPC. Alpha-GPC acts as a precursor of acetylcholine and which may improve memory and brain function, balance and coordination, and increase growth hormone secretion.

We ship worldwide, orders placed by 1 PM pacific time ship same day.

New International Shipping Option- Lower Cost

2008-01-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

Live outside the USA, don't care about tracking, and want the lowest possible shipping cost? Ok, you got it! Earlier today I enabled a third international shipping option: "First-Class Mail International".

This joins our tried and true "Priority" and "Express" options.

There are weight restrictions with the new service level; item weight max of a bit over 3 lbs (NOT kg). Don't worry, our shopping cart automatically knows your order weight and will only offer available options.

Like anything in life there are trade-offs, NO tracking, and delivery time/customs clearance is currently an unknown (but have heard it is not bad).

The price is right though, place an order in our system and see for yourself.

Full details can be found in our Simple Shipping Policy.

If you are the anxious type, the previous option for "Express" is the way to go, with full point to point tracking.

Pete

Lipoic Acid Could Reduce Atherosclerosis, Weight Gain

2008-01-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

New research paper out on Lipoic Acid.

The results "strongly suggest that lipoic acid supplementation may be useful as an inexpensive but effective intervention strategy . . . reducing known risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory vascular diseases in humans."

"Also of considerable interest, Frei said, is the apparent role of lipoic acid supplementation in reducing weight gain. It appears to have this effect both through appetite suppression, an enhanced metabolic rate, and – at least in laboratory animals – has been shown to stimulate higher levels of physical activity, which again would increase caloric expenditure and further reduce weight."

There is a lot more information at the link and you owe it to yourself to read up on this.

As you know Relentless Improvement has long offered the most technically advanced lipoic acids in the world from Geronova Research. This is a direct link to to our full line up: Lipoic Acid

Limited Time Mito-Gold R-Lipoic Acid Sale

2008-01-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

You know how rare it is for Geronova Research R-Lipoic Acid products to go on sale. here you go: Mito-Gold with 75 mg R-lipoic acid, 75 mg R-Dihydrolipoic acid and 42 mg tocotrienol (for lipid profile benefits) is now on sale.

Regular $64.00

While supplies last:
1 for $49.50 ea.
2-3 for $46.49 ea.
4 or more for $41.99 ea.

This is the latest Mito-Gold formulation from Geronova in sealed, leak proof gel-caps. Mito-Gold has always been their top of the line lipoic product and one of our best selling lipoic acids.

Carnitine Plus is a perfect and synergistic pairing with r lipoic acid for its cellular rejuvenation benefits. It is well known and documented by years of research that carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine are critical for support of youthful mitochondrial metabolism.

Carnitine Plus is a unique carnitine supplement in that it combines both carnitine, in the form of carnitine-orotate, a bio-available and stable carnitine salt, and acetyl-L-carnitine in one capsule.

World Transhumanist Association

2008-01-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

You need to become a member of the World Transhumanist Association today. Then, contribute to the cause and your donation will earn matching dollars from two sponsoring organizations.

In other words, for every dollar you contribute in support, it will be matched dollar for dollar.

I have had the pleasure of meeting the WTA's Executive Director, James Clement, and enjoyed a multi-hour conversation with him in my office. Enthusiasm, honesty and integrity are words that come to mind when describing my impressions of him and the WTA.

What is Transhumanism?

"(1) The intellectual and cultural movement that affirms the possibility and desirability of fundamentally improving the human condition through applied reason, especially by developing and making widely available technologies to eliminate aging and to greatly enhance human intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities.

(2) The study of the ramifications, promises, and potential dangers of technologies that will enable us to overcome fundamental human limitations, and the related study of the ethical matters involved in developing and using such technologies. "

I made my contribution today on behalf of Relentless Improvement. Please join with me and make your show of support right now?

Customer Feedback

2008-01-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

"Hi Pete,

I just received my second order from RI and just wanted to thank you for your prompt handling, fast delivery, and great selection. These factors, in combination with the available certificates of analysis, distinguish RI as the finest supplement company currently catering to the educated consumer.

Once again, thank you for your excellent service and products; when the time approaches to place another supplement order, I will be sure to return with the utmost confidence.

Best Regards,
P.A."

Carnitine: New Study Shows Fat Loss, Energy and Cognitive Gain

2008-01-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

This L-Carnitine study is some really great news or those of us using Carnitine:

"The dietary supplement L-carnitine can lessen fatigue and boost mental function in very old people, Italian researchers report.

Study participants given L-carnitine also experienced significant increases in muscle mass and reductions in fat mass, Dr. Mariano Malaguarnera and colleagues from the University of Catania report in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical nutrition."

"Cholesterol levels fell significantly among the individuals taking the supplement, they report. L-carnitine takers also gained 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds) of muscle mass, on average, and lost 1.8 kg (4 pounds) of fat mass. People given L-carnitine were also able to walk 4 meters (13 feet) further during a 6-minute walking test after treatment than those given placebo.

Study participants in the L-carnitine group also reported significant reductions in mental, physical and overall fatigue, while placebo treatment had no effect on fatigue. The individuals who took the supplement also scored higher on a test of mental function after treatment, while there was no change in the placebo group.

The supplement was well tolerated by study participants, the researchers report, with no serious side effects."

WOW!

Want to enjoy the benefits of a true pharmaceutical grade Carnitine? Want a "supercharged" effect?

Geronova's unique Carnitine Liquid and Carnitine Plus capsules. In stock, automatic quantity discounts.

Liquid Carnitine with Carnitine Orotate is a very convenient and popular way to obtain highly bioavailable carnitine.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T13:16:00.001-08:00

Hopefully you had a healthy and prosperous 2007, and I wish you all an awesome 2008.

Here at Relentless Improvement I am looking forward to keeping you happy with industry leading quality documentation, high order fill rate and the widest selection of unique and effective supplements.

As always, I have some surprises in store for 2008 that will wow you (my customer) and stun the competition.

Thank you for your trust and support. With your continued business in 2008, we will keep reinventing the nutritional supplements business for the better!

Kind Regards,
Pete Hitesman - Owner
Relentless Improvement LLC
Livermore, CA

Controlled Release Lipoic Acid - No Evidence for Efficacy

2007-12-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

(1/14/2008: Note that the CRLA referred to in this paper are NOT Geronova's natural sustained release lipoics such as R-PLUS, Mito GOLD and R-PLUS with CoQ10.)

Brand new research released from Geronova Research, and associates, examines the science behind controlled release lipoic acid ("CRLA") and finds no evidence of benefits, safety or efficacy.

"The case against controlled release lipoic acid: A pharmacokinetic-mechanistic argument (part 1)"

Geronova and associates position is that CRLA proponent's marketing materials "fail to demonstrate superiority of CRLA" and that "It is important to distinguish marketing literature from science".

The Geronova paper clearly documents, with referenced research that "it is evident that rapid uptake and clearance of LA (Lipoic Acid) from the plasma is a beneficial attribute, not a shortcoming".

"All PK (pharmacokinetic) studies over the last 57 years provide irrefutable evidence that QRLA (quick release lipoic acid) is safe and efficacious. Recent attempts to market CRLA as a superior form of LA are without technical merit."

The new research paper was authored by:

David Carlson: Geronova director of R&D, specializing in R-lipoic and R-dihydrolipoic laboratory and industrial research.

Dr. Anthony Smith Ph.D: Linus Pauling Institute, author of multiple published, peer reviewed lipoic papers.

Dr. Heinz Ulrich, M.D.: Considered one of the worlds leading experts on lipoic acid and its use in clinical medicine. Dr. Ulrich has 44 patents and 15 peer reviewed articles on lipoic acid.

There is a ton of excellent information in this new paper, it will be worth your while to dig in. Those with a less technical interest can simply rest assured that Geronova Research r-lipoic acid supplements are the worlds best documented products, carefully researched and formulated for maximum possible benefits.

Your purchase of Geronova lipoic acid supplements supports continued groundbreaking research. I say, support those that support you! Want to chat about it? Discuss at the Relentless Improvement lipoic acid forum.

R-Lipoic Acid Pharmacokinetics in Humans.

2007-12-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Remember my previous blog post with pictures from Aug 9th about participating in a R-lipoic pk study at Geronova? Well the results are now published. Here is the PDF of the Human R-Lipoic Pharmacokinetic Study. (Also available on PubMed at this link: PK Study)

It is important to note this paper is co-authored by the "father" of modern lipoic and antioxidant research, Dr. Lester Packer - Dept of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of S. California and by Dr. Anthony R Smith of the Linus Pauling Institute, an expert in the use of RLA for vascular disease and author of seven peer reviewed papers.

Highlights:

Unstabilized (pure) r-lipoic (as found in most r-lipoic supplements) barely registered plasma levels above baseline(!), and "is not suitable for use in pharmaceutical or nutraceutical supplements".

Geronova's NaRLA provides a quick, high plasma peak. Much more so than than an unstabilized r-lipoic (anything other than manufactured by Geronova) or an alpha-lipoic acid. This is a good thing and thought to trigger the metabolic switches the same as exercise does.

Lipoic Acid is now being considered much more as a "stressor" (stimulation of Phase II and antioxidant response elements, not "stress" like emotional stress) than as an antioxidant. Provoking this cellular stressing is thought to offer anti-aging benefits.

"RESULTS: As anticipated from the preliminary study, NaRLA is less prone to polymerization, completely soluble in water, and displays significantly higher Cmax and AUC values and decreased time to maximum concentration (Tmax) and T1/2 values than RLA or rac-LA."

NaRLA is used in the formulation of Geronova's:

K-RALA (100 mg capsules) and K-RALA 300 mg capsules.
R-PLUS Curcumin
R-PLUS N-Acetyl-Cysteine

In case you were wondering, Geronova natural sustained release lipoic acid products work synergistically and with a somewhat different mechanism than the quick release products above. The natural sustained release products are:

Mito-Gold
R-PLUS and R-PLUS 120 count
R-PLUS CoQ10

The researcher's current opinion (when I asked them) is that it is preferable to combine both a quick release r-lipoic with a natural sustained release product in your supplement regimen to achieve maximum benefits.

Your purchase of these products supports and enables the kind of research usually only done by pharmaceutical companies. Geronova is the world leader in lipoic technology.

Closing anecdote: I was subject number 6 in the pk study. Of note, my lipoic plasma peak (Cmax) was 2-3 times as high as the other participants. More testing is planned in 2008.

Oops, late edit: Want to discuss this post? Log in to the Relentless Improvement Lipoic Acid Forum!

EgCG Green Tea Colon Cancer Protection?

2007-12-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

New EgCG study released today with intriguing findins:

"According to research reported at the Sixth International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention, sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research, a standardized green tea polyphenol (EgCG) preparation (Polyphenon E) limits the growth of colorectal tumors in rats treated with a substance that causes the cancer."

EgCG has a multitude of exciting health benefits. No matter your age or situation, you need to take a pure EgCG green tea extract daily in my opinion. Check out my previous post here on EgCG.

"The researchers believe these findings will pave the way for clinical trials with green tea polyphenols in humans."

And I for one cannot wait to see the results!

Carnsine Eye Drops For Cataracts

2007-12-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

Customer Feedback:

"Hi Pete

Just a note to let you how impressed I've been by the Carnosine Eye Drops which you supplied so quickly a few weeks ago. I only ordered them as an "add-on" having read a comment in your blog about how effective they'd been for an older dog. I can't believe the difference they'd made to my own dog's eyes. He is an 8 year old bullmastiff who has suffered with entropion since birth. He's been slowly developing cataracts in both eyes and has also previously caused damage to both of them via either debris or by simply walking into things!

I started by giving him one drop in each eye four times a day and within a week his eyes were clear, bright and shiny - I can't recall the last time they looked like that. I've now reduced the dose to a drop a.m. and again before bed and will continue that for the next month when he is due for a regular check-up - with any luck the vet will confirm that his cataracts have either reduced or been cleared completely. Thanks a million!

I'll definitely be shopping with you again!(I'm also passing on the info about the carnosine eye drops to my vets both here in Switzerland and also in the UK)

D.B.
Switzerland"

Pete comment: Wow, gotta love that feedback. Note of caution: it usually takes months of use to obtain the results you seek. While this was a fast, happy, result, I think the carnosine eye drop speed of action in this example was exceptional.

Phenibut - Ready to Relax?

2007-12-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Phenibut is an amazing material. Find yourself stressed out with a tough day? Case of nerves? Just a higher level of vigilance than you really want? Phenibut is your friend.

I prefer to use a low dose, 1 capsule usually is quite noticeable. This way, the tolerance effect that can occur with Phenibut after several weeks use may be reduced or avoided.

Phenibut is also unique and amazing in that is supports cognition as it lends mood support! Unlike benzodiazepines for example, that relax and dumb you down and kill short term memory, phenibut supports memory.

A so called "Smart-Supplement" and relaxing mood support, that is Phenibut. A mighty fine combination for those crazy days that require peak mental fitness and mood support. Try phenibut today and see what you think.

PS- no nasty addiction potential like that found in prescription drugs! Safe, effective and almost too good to be true.

Centrophenoxine In Stock. Resveratrol Double-Talk

2007-12-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

Centrophenoxine must be kept cool or it will degrade over time. We always keep our entire stock refrigerated until ready for shipment to you. No other supplier I know of does this. Quality does matter if you seek real results.

Our new 300mg trans-resveratrol supplement is a hit. Our customers love it for its purity and cost-effectiveness per milligram of trans-resveratrol.

However, sadly, you as a careful consumer MUST carefully examine the labels of other products on the market. You are looking for milligrams of "trans-resveratrol".

Many weasel suppliers are trying to fool you by hiding the true resveratrol content in jibber jabber about "Red wine extract" or "proprietary extracts", or disclosing the actual trans resveratrol content as a percentage of the overall extract content (hoping you won't do the math). It may be legal, but that doesn't make it right.

It is a shameful game, played to fool and deceive you.

High quality, low-emodin trans-resveratrol is expensive. The front of the Relentless Improvement label is crystal clear in big, bold letters: "Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract, Providing 300mg trans Resveratrol".

The Relentless Improvement resveratrol Supplement Facts Panel is equally straighforward: "Amount per serving:
Polygonum cuspidatum extract: 307 mg * [standardized to 98% purity, providing 300 mg transresveratrol]."

No hiding the facts, no trying to fool you. I am proud of this product!

One supplier is selling a 325mg resveratrol product derived from 650mg total resveratrol. That is a 50% purity extract! A 50% purity extract is so chock-full of emodin, you will never leave the bathroom after taking it! (emodin is a powerful laxative)

Compare to a high-potency resveratrol extract such as from Relentless Improvement with an emodin content documented by HPLC testing to be so low it is less than 0.02% per capsule.

You must read your labels, you must be a careful shopper. Relentless Improvement will always strive to offer you the overall best supplement value in the world.

Special Limited-Time Quantity Discount Prices

2007-12-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

I did some price adjusting to nearly all of the Relentless Improvement brand supplements. Added some new quantity discount levels, and adjusted existing levels.

Worth your while to check it out, the deeper discounts are compelling. Stock up now and save.

These discounts are for a limited time only, while existing supplies last. Grab 'em and growl!

Pete

Customer Feedback

2007-11-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

"Thanks for all your help. I'm always impressed with not only the quality of the supplements but also the friendly and professional service you provide. Before I discovered your site, I'd ordered supplements from a few other companies in the past, and they never provided anything even remotely close to that level of service. Now I refer people to your site whenever they ask about the supplements I'm taking.

Regards,
K.C."

Piracetam

2007-11-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Piracetam in stock and shipping same day.

As usual, oxiracetam and aniracetam also available. Documented by USA based, FDA certified, analytical laboratory for purity, lack of heavy metals, and lack of yeast/mold/microbial contamination. If you choose to supplement with piracetam, wouldn't you be more confident if you saw an independent Certificate of Analysis?

Of course.

Relentless Improvement is your world-wide quality assured headquarters for piracetam for good reason.

Fast, same day shipping.
Professional, international service.
Secure and convenient ecommerce shopping.
Documented purity.

With your support, you can expect more interesting and unique products in 2008.

Relentless Improvement Carnosine Eye Drops and Pet Cataracts. Customer Comment

2007-11-19T08:11:00.001-08:00

"Pete:

Just a quick note to thank you for a fabulous product. (The N-Acetyl
L-Carnosine Eye drops) I researched for quite a while and through HSI
(Health Science Institute) in Baltimore, discovered the (carnosine) eye drops.

Although I use them on myself sporadically as a preventive measure, I
really got them for our fourteen year old dog who developed cataracts
and was unable to see clearly anymore. After literally a week of
usage (twice a day) I could actually see the clouds in her eyes
shrinking and watched her climb the steps again without tripping on
them because of a misstep from her clouded vision.

I have given your website with kudos to your product to everyone I
know who has vision problems themselves or who have pets with vision problems.

Again, thank you so much for giving us a solution to an otherwise
helpless situation.

Sincerely,
C.D."

Very nice email to start off the week with. Our Relentless Improvement Lubricating Eye Drops w/ 1% Acetyl-l-Carnosine are in stock and ship same day for orders received by 1 PM Pacific.

Pete

Mera Pharmaceuticals Astaxanthin Overstock Sale.

2007-11-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, huge price saving on Mera Pharmaceuticals Astaxanthin products. The quantity discounts are compelling and make sense for you to stock up.

I made a mistake and accidentally over ordered so my loss is your gain. Pricing good only while supplies last.

AstaFactor Rejuvenating Formula with Astaxanthin 5 mg per serving.
AstaFactor Sport Formula 10mg Astaxanthin 10 mg per serving.

Grab it and growl!

Price Increases, Inflation.

2007-11-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Just got another email this morning from a raw materials supplier: "Prices are going up". What is going on? Well, cast your first glance at the US Federal Reserve and their policy of interest rate cuts at the drop of a hat.

What? you ask?

Interest rate cuts, and focus on a Wall Street bailout policy, the policy that the FED is currently embracing, is killing the value of the US dollar against nearly every single currency on the face of the planet. Just last night China said it was looking at diversifying it humongous currency reserves out of mainly US dollars, and into other currencies.

Oil, a commodity we all use in our lives is at record highs per barrel. Gold, a true store of value is hitting new multi-decade highs. The CRB commodity index composed of a variety of commodities we all use, is hitting record highs.

All of this feeds into higher prices for the US consumer. Inflation is here and growing, thanks to cost of raw materials going up up up.

The more the FED debases our currency by cutting interest rates, the worse it is going to get.

Bottom line? If you are in the US, expect even more inflation in goods and services. Higher prices.

Bottom line for Relentless Improvement customers? If you are buying from us in a currency other than the US Dollar, our products are on sale, and cheaper than they have ever been! If you are spending dollars though, sorry, blame the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department under Hank Paulson, we have had to adjust some prices and more adjustments are in the pipeline and on the way.

If your finances allow you to stock up, this is the time. Right now, it is looking like prices adjustments will be increasing in amount and frequency.

Know this as well: We will not compromise our core business philosophy of assured quality, fast shipping and responsive customer service. I am a firm believer in the old aphorism:

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price has been forgotten."

In these inflationary times, you must question competitors pricing that seems too good to be true- what are they leaving out, not doing, that allows a low price? There is no free lunch, and plenty of businesses are willing to sacrifice quality for profit.

Pete

Customer Feedback. Sulbutiamine and Galantamine.

2007-11-06T08:24:00.001-08:00

"Pete,

Just wanted to comment on the excellent products you supply. My orders were delivered very promptly and the quality is unparalleled. I'm getting particularly noticeable results with the sulbutiamine, even at just 200-400 mgs/day. About an hour after just one capsule it feels as though I've woken up from the best sleep of my life. Vigilance and antiasthenia are maintained for 9-12 hrs afterwards with no afternoon or evening slump.

I had tried your recommended 600 mg once daily dosage but that made me feel anxious, restless, and jittery, so I reduced the dosage and have been well-rewarded. Since I'm combining the sulbutiamine with low-dosage galantamine (ala donepezil and the airline pilots), I'm probably experiencing a synergistic effect that permits, even requires, lower dosages of each. Moreover, they further complement one another in that galantamine also stimulates nicotinic receptors and sulbutiamine modulates dopaminergic and glutaminergic transmission.

My mood has been sensational, and my memory, which was already above average, is becoming phenomenal (noticeably easier time remembering my pathology, virology, and pharmacology). I highly recommended this potent combo (8-16 mg galantamine with 200-600 mgs sulbutiamine daily). I will soon be incorporating piracetam into the mix, albeit titered to my specific needs.

Thanks again for excellent service and quality,
B."

Pete note: No statements on this site have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Customer Feedback

2007-11-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

"Dear Pete,

Your service, professionalism, commitment to product purity, and product innovation has been impeccable and because of this you are my exclusive supplement provider. I wish you continued success and want you to know that you have a customer for life.

Best Regards,
K.A."

"Aging Therapeutics Initiative" - Another Front in the War Against the Disease of Human Aging

2007-11-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Copied below is the text of press release dated October 30, 2007. This is intriguing stuff and worthy of your attention and support.

"SAN FRANCISCO AUTHOR PROPOSES RADICAL PRIVATELY-FUNDED RESEARCH EFFORT TO REVERSE HUMAN AGING FOR BABY BOOMER GENERATION

OCTOBER 30, 2007 - DUBLIN, CA - Author Dan Baker published one of the first novels on the topic of gene-based aging reversal in 2007. FOREVER AND EVER was developed with an eminent molecular biologist and featured aging reversal technology so accurate and plausible it ignited a fierce debate in the biotech community, and prompted calls for a privately funded biotech research effort to defeat human aging.

In the novel, biotech researchers team up with a billionaire to develop a revolutionary gene-based stem cell treatment that reverses aging. Freed from corporate and academic constraints, the scientists leap decades ahead in their research.

Mr. Baker’s book prompted University of Chicago longevity researcher, Dr. Leonid Gavrilov, to comment: “We will hear about this book soon from many people, leading to a loud public demand to start a serious biotech war on aging.” Dr. Stanley Shostak, a retired stem cell biologist, lauded the book’s scientific accuracy. “The most important feature of the novel is that Baker got the science right. He understands genomics, bio-informatics, and stem-cell therapy.”

“The small group of visionaries in this field have asked me to propose a privately-funded biotechnology research effort similar to that in my book. I believe this could deliver effective gene-based anti-aging therapeutics within the lifespan of the baby boomer generation,” Baker said. “We decided to call it the AGING THERAPEUTICS INITIATIVE.”

THE AGING THERAPEUTICS INITIATIVE will be the largest privately funded scientific effort in history. Princeton Professor Lee M. Silver said, “The ability to overcome the aging process and to achieve immortality will be the most significant medical breakthrough that will ever be made.”

Mr. Baker is mounting an effort to bring his book and the AGING THERAPEUTICS INITIATIVE to the attention of the world’s elite for private investment. “My book and the movie adaptation will popularize the idea of gene-based aging therapeutics. Once you popularize an idea, like Walt Disney did for space exploration, interest and funding usually follow, making it all possible,” Baker said.

Dr. Michael Fossel agrees. “What Mr. Baker is proposing -- a highly focused, privately-funded research effort to prevent, mitigate, or reverse human aging -- is plausible and viable. The baby boomers may become the first generation to be healthy well into their second century, if research is dramatically accelerated.”

“The AGING THERAPEUTICS INITIATIVE will identify, integrate, and fund key driver technologies including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering, artificial organs, regenerative medicine, and proteomics,” Baker said. “Cost will probably exceed ten billion dollars and development time will be in the twenty to thirty-year range.”

Dan Bakers book, FOREVER and EVER is the first fiction title on the topic of gene-based aging reversal and engineered human immortality. FOREVER and EVER is an incredible read, and I promise that you will come away at the end with an entirely new view on conquering human aging and lengthening healthy lifespans. Buy a copy today and see what the buzz is about.

You will also enjoy this YouTube video short entitled "The Immortalists" featuring Dan Baker, Ray Kurtzweil, Dr. Michael Fossel and others.

Pete

Relentless Improvement News Update. 2007 Recap, Thoughts for 2008

2007-10-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you are busy, and November is about to be upon us. Given that 2007 is nearly over, I wanted to update you on Relentless Improvement's ability to serve you today and in the future.

You are seeking: 1. Availability 2. Unique supplements 3. Highest quality 4. Intelligent dosing per capsule 5. Fast shipping and 6. Simple, dependable and secure ecommerce platform.

And we delivered:

We introduced eight (!) new Relentless Improvement brand products in 2007. Each targeting a unique niche market.

1. Ultra high potency and quality EgCG Green Tea Extract. 357 mg EgCG per capsule derived from a unique chloroform-free extraction method.

2. Low emodin, 98% Resveratrol Extract. A huge 300mg per capsule for those seeking the high dose resveratrol lifestyle.

3. Convenient high-dose Strontium Citrate capsules offering 340 mg elemental strontium per capsule. Combined with k2, Strontium Citrate is the ultimate in bone building support.

4. Cost effective Vitamin K2 Menatetrenone. A full 15 mg per capsule, the dose shown in most studies to offer the highest level of bone building support. K2 Menatetrenone is best used in combination with Strontium Citrate.

5. Galantamine in a cost effective, easy dosing 8 mg scored tablet.

6. Lithium Orotate for life extension and mood support. 5 mg elemental Lithium Orotate per vegi-capsule.

7. Iodine/Iodide High Potency supplement. Compare to Iodoral. Glazed, enteric coated vegi-tablets prevent stomach upset and bad taste on the tongue from this iodine supplement.

8. Picamilon in a perfectly dosed 100 mg capsule. Picamilon has different effects in small doses than it does in larger doses.

We provided you a 100% fill rate on Relentless Improvement brand products. Do you hate backorders? You will love Relentless Improvement.

We always publicly document the quality of our finished products. Certificates of Analysis by well respected, FDA credentialed analytical laboratories are posted to our site shortly after product introduction. The CoA's are tied by lot number to the actual product we ship to you. Our competitors still refuse to follow our leadership. Why?

Simply put, an independent CoA by a credentialed laboratory is your ultimate assurance of quality, purity and claimed label content. Why would you accept less?

Smart, interesting, dosing of products: We carefully study the latest research when formulating a new Relentless Improvement product. Our intention is to offer you a dose and purity per capsule that allows you to conveniently, safely and cost effectively reach your supplementation goals.

We ship fast. We ship on Saturday. We ship same day for orders received before 1 PM pacific time. You want instant gratification? You got it.

Ecommerce is no game, and doing it well is no easy task. Our customers are provided with online ordering that is 100% up and available. Offering real time international shipping rates based on order size, ship to location and method. We are hosted on the most secure servers available. You can view your order process in the currency of your choice.

We are the clear choice for international customers. Especially with the US dollar being turned into confetti by our Federal Reserve. The weakness of the US dollar is allowing you to source our high-quality products at deep discounts.

We are international shipping specialists, and your orders usually pass your customs with no problems. Many suppliers are blacklisted by customs officials due to prior customs fraud (false invoices, etc). Relentless Improvement is in good standing with all customs authorities.

2007 was another year of huge growth, and truth be told, my single biggest challenge is scaling up all of our processes to keep up. A good problem to have. Relentless Improvement has certainly earned the world-wide reputation as a trusted source for high-quality supplements.

Of note, we came under repeated attack in several online forums from a person soon unmasked as a competitor hiding behind false online identities, even impersonating a doctor! Documentation of the poster's past subterfuge is found when Googling their screen name. Chronicles of their deception go back many years: Unique Nutrition for example (email me if you want more links).

2008 is a year you can look forward to. More new, unique products. Web site refinements. And more of the same great service that you have become accustomed to. With your continued orders we will continue to grow and serve your needs.

Thanks for your trust and support.

Pete Hitesman

Customer Comments

2007-10-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

"Holy hell your order system is a total nightmare!"

"Every time I place an order, I pull my hair out screaming because your system is such a bad hack, buggy, and poorly designed. It never remembers my password, and so i always have to order as a new customer. Checking "This is my preferred billing address" does then later give me a chance to type in a preferred shipping address. Failure. I always have to remember to uncheck that little "Send me spam" box, a.k.a. your mailings or whatever. That's so cheap. Instead, the better web sites have this default to unchecked. And then, after filling in all my info there's no "checkout" button, I need to hit other buttons before the checkout button finally comes out from hiding.

Sheesh.

I bet we won't be seeing this letter on your site or in your blog. ;-)"

Pete comment: This was likely the most acidic customer email I have ever received. I can say that ad blocking software will interfere with full functionality of our shopping cart. Be sure you "whitelist" nexternal.com and RelentlessImprovement.com. Also, cookies must be enabled for many features to work.

Any personal information you enter on our site is never sold, rented or given to marketers. We don't share our customer list. Permanent opting out of our periodic email (approx once per month) is achieved either in your customer profile, or via an instant "unsubscribe" link in every mailing we send.

I hate spam, I receive on average about 500 daily, but I do appreciate occasional, brief, communication that provides value (new products, items on sale). Reaching out to a customer is always a balancing act of providing value vs unwanted intrusion. There are no perfect answers.

Well, GMail is a good answer :-) They have a superb spam filter so I never see those 500 daily spams! (My relentlessimprovement.com MX Server points to GMail).

Pete

Galantamine 8 mg Scored Vegi-Tablets Now in Stock

2007-10-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Our new Relentless Improvement brand Galantamine offers easy adjustment of dosing as we have introduced a new scored tablet. Simply and easily break our 8 mg tablt in half to obtain your 4 mg starting dose.

Galantamine can create some gastrointestinal upset and needs to be introduced in a low dose to help avoid this. 4 mg is the generally accepted dose for the first few weeks.

If desired, for greater effects, this 4 mg Galantamine dose can be adjusted upwards to 8 mg (1 tablet in stead of 1/2 tablet).

The new tablet formulation features Vegi-Tabs with a pharmaceutical glaze.

Try a bottle of Galantamine today, or stock up and enjoy our usual automatic quantity discounts (easily earned at only 2 and 3 bottles).

R-Lipoic Acid with N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

2007-10-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

More good news on the research front regarding R-Lipoic Acid and NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine). This Lipoic Acid/NAC study on PUBMED informs you that:

"...the antioxidants, lipoic acid (1 mM) and/or N-acetyl cysteine (100 muM) exerted a protective effect as evidenced by decreases in oxidative stress and apoptotic markers."

and

"...antioxidant therapies based on lipoic acid and N-acetyl cysteine supplementation may be promising."

As you know, Geronova Research offers a very unique R-Lipoic Acid / NAC combination product. As with all of their quick-release lipoics, R-PLUS NAC uses the latest NA-Rala form of r-lipoic acid which provides for excellent bioavailability and meaningful plasma levels.

If you are not using Geronova brand lipoics, you are not using the most advanced lipoics in the world. I wouldn't use any other supplier.

Pete

Pete's Place Nutritional Supplement Blog

Green Tea (EgCG) May Reduce Functional Disability Risk?

The World Has Gone Nuts!

Turmeric Supplementation in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetic Neuropathy

Damaging effects of radiation: Is there any evidence that R-lipoic acid can protect us?

Oxiracetam

Galantamine

Galantamine, Iodine/Iodide Supplement Sale Pricing

New Biomedical Search - BioMedSearch.com

SociaTropin for Anxiety/Stress Support. You Should Try It

EgCG For Eye Health? You Bet!

Happy New Year!

R-PLUS Lipoic Acid w/BioCurcumin 400mg- Now in Stock

Delta -Tocotrienol Fights Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer???

Hearing Loss, Lipoic Acid and CoQ10

Lipoic Acid and Homocysteine

Phenibut and Alpha-GPC Deep Discounts

Alpha-GPC (Choline Alfoscerate) Sale Pricing

Cataracts and Carnosine Eye Drops

Did You Know? R-PLUS Curcumin Features BCM-95

The Buzz on Bing

My Emails and Phone Calls...

Curcumin and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Relentless Improvement Resveratrol Sale

Green Tea Extract (EgCG) Shows Promise In Leukemia (CLL)Trials

Idebenone

RevGenetics Resveratrol Now In Stock

New: Neurvana MoodBrightener and Neurvana Tranquil

New: Mito-Charger with Benagene from Advanced Orthomolecular Research

K2 Menatetrenone and Picamilon Back in Stock.

California Customers: **No Sales Tax**

Good Changes!

New- NEURVANA Body Slim

Neurvana (Phenylethylamine) Personal Feedback

New Product: Neurvana (betaphenylethylamine)

Phenibut, R-Lipoic Acid Customer Feedback

2009 - What's in Store?

More Feedback!

(yet more) Customer Feedback (One Bad!)

Customer Feedback

Customer Feedback

Customer Feedback

New LEF Products Now In Stock: Berry Complete, Pomegranate Extract with CocoaGold and Pyridoxamine

R-PLUS W/CoQ10. New Formulation, Back In Stock.

Piracetam- YES, It Is In Stock

Wall Street Bailout

New Research: L-Carnitine Exerts Blood Pressure Lowering Effects

Take 3 Minutes NOW (Before Sept 1!)- You Can Make a Difference in Anti-Aging Research. (NOT a Plea for $$)

Friday Feedback

Another Intriguing Lipoic Acid Study. Calorie Restriction Benefits Extension?

Lipoic Acid As An Anti-inflammatory And Neuroprotective Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease

Customer Feedback, Strontium Citrate and K2 Menatetrenone

Combined R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine Preventative Effects in Parkinson's disease?

Sulforaphane - NYT Article

Take Care of Your Internal Probiotic Culture

Barrons Article- Polyphenols and Resveratrol Get More Publicity

Resveratrol In the News

Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Lipoic Acid: the New Nootropics?

Look Behind the Curtain

Carnitine Protective of Oxidative Eye Damage

Warning. Shopper Beware. Na-RALA R-lipoic Acid Label Games.

Customer Feedback

New Product: TruFiber Prebiotic Fiber

Mito-GOLD R-Lipoic Acid Limited Time Sale

Outlook For 2008. International Orders, Inflation.

Life Extension Foundation Products Sale

Curcumin - Prevents and Reverses Heart Conditions?

Life Extension Products - "Secret" 10% Discount

International Customers - You Are Crazy!

Carnosine Eye Drops Glaucoma, Cataract Feedback

Piracetam and Phenibut Now Shipping In Vegi-Caps

Lipoic Acid And Carnitine Combo Show Diabetes Potential

New MultiVitamin: AOR's Multi-Basics 3 Now In Stock

Piracetam Sale.

Piracetam, Aniracetam and Oxiracetam - Documented Product in Stock

New International Shipping Option- Lower Cost

Lipoic Acid Could Reduce Atherosclerosis, Weight Gain

Limited Time Mito-Gold R-Lipoic Acid Sale

World Transhumanist Association

Customer Feedback

California Customers: No Sales Tax