McCabes and UniCare pharmacies across Ireland are stocking Little Dragon Shots.

Stay tuned for a detailed list of stores.

With 100 stores and counting you’re sure to find a stockist near to work, the gym or the tube for added convenience.

Researchers at University of Nottingham and Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich have shown that Curcumin, which gives the spice turmeric its trademark bright yellow colouring, has a potential role treating tendon inflammation and can be used to suppress biological mechanisms that spark inflammation in tendon diseases.

Dr Ali Mobasheri, who co-led the research said; “our research is not suggesting that curry, turmeric or Curcumin are cures for inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis and arthritis.  However, we believe that it could offer scientists an important new lead in the treatment of these painful conditions through nutrition.  Further research into Curcumin, and chemically-modified versions of it, should be subject of future investigations and complementary therapies”.

Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin is packed with B vitamins, that help to release energy, and Curcumin, which is also well known in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Find out more about Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin

Read More:

Dr Ali Mobasheri (2011 August) University of Nottingham PA240/11 - Curry spice could offer treatment hope for tendinitis;  http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2011/august/curry-spice.aspx 

Buhrmann, C., Shakibaei, M. (2011 June) The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286, 28556-28566. Curcumin Modulates Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB)-mediated Inflammation in Human Tenocytes in Vitro; http://www.jbc.org/content/286/32/28556.abstract

Caffeine has been a part of our diet for thousands of years, first in tea and then later in coffee.  A 9^th century shepherd in Ethiopia first started eating coffee beans when he noticed his goats seemed to have more energy after eating them.  Since then caffeine has found its way into our diets in many ways – chocolate, soft drinks, snacks and supplements. 

There has been a lot of research into the potential dangers and benefits of caffeine.  We often hear that caffeine may affect your risk of heart disease or that it may harmful in pregnancy.  But did you know that caffeine is now thought to have some beneficial effects?  Although too much coffee is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, people drinking 2 cups a day appear to have a decreased risk. 

Recent studies looking at caffeine and weight are also coming up with some interesting results.  Caffeine may help to increase the metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.  It is an area of growing research but certainly one to keep an eye on!

Heckman et al. (2010).  Caffine (1,3,7 –trimehtylxanthine) in Foods: A Comprehensive Review on Consumption, Functionality, Safety, and Regulatory Matters.  Journal of Food Science; 75:3 77-86.

As the winter closes in, we can all do with some extra help fighting coughs and colds. Plenty of rest and a healthy diet can go a long way in helping to prevent sniffles but with a hectic lifestyle, our habits may not always be as good as they could be.

This is where Little Dragon Shots can help. Balanced with B vitamins, Little Dragon Shots can help keep your immune system working normally.

B vitamins have long been recognised as helping to keep the immune system healthy. Folic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are particularly effective.

Apart from helping to make healthy blood cells, and so fight anaemia, these B vitamins have an important role in helping to keep the immune system working just as it should.

Added to this, vitamins B5, B6 and B12 are also needed to help release energy from food, helping to keep a spring in your step as well as coughs and colds at bay.

Read more

Find out more about Little Dragon B Vit Gold with Curacumin

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to pantothenic acid and energy-yielding metabolism, mental performance, maintenance of bone, maintenance of teeth, maintenance of hair, maintenance of skin, maintenance of nails and synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Download the full report from the Europa.eu website (PDF, 270KB)

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to folate and blood formation, homocysteine metabolism (ID 80), energy-yielding metabolism (ID90), function of the immune system (ID91), function of blood vessels (ID 94, 175, 192), cell division (ID 193), and maternal tissue growth during pregnancy (ID 2882) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Download the full report from the Europa.eu website (PDF, 292KB)

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B6 and protein and glycogen metabolism (ID 65, 70, 71), function of the nervous system (ID66), red blood cell formation (ID 67, 72, 186), function of the immune system (ID 68), regulation of hormonal activity (ID69) and mental performance (ID185) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Download the full report from the Europa.eu website (PDF, 270KB)

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B12 and red blood cell formation (ID 92, 101), cell division (ID 93), energy-yielding metabolism (ID 99, 190) and function of the immune system (ID 107) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Download the full report from the Europa.eu website (PDF, 240KB)

Arginine is one of the many amino acids the body needs for health.

Although the human body can make its own arginine, there are times when the body needs more than it can make and so arginine is often described as being semi-essential.

Arginine becomes ‘essential’ during periods of rapid growth, for example in children, and if someone has suffered serious injury and needs to repair damaged tissue.

The effects of Arginine

Arginine is well known for its role in the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is important in relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow. As a result of its effect on nitric oxide, arginine has been studied extensively for a possible role in helping to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Another area of study for arginine is in exercise performance. Due to its role in the production of nitric oxide, researchers are studying arginine for a potential role in boosting performance in sport. Although some studies show a positive effect of arginine on performance, not all studies are positive. Much more research is needed on arginine and its potential to boost performance in exercise.

Further information

Find out more about Little Dragon Shots Pre Workout

Below are the details of two studies on the use of arginine in sport.

Chen S., Kim W., Henning S. M., Carpenter C.L., Li Z. Arginine and antioxidant supplement on performance in elderly male cyclists: a randomised controlled trail.  Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.  7: 13-20.
Download the full article from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (PDF 500KB)

Paddon-Jones D., Borsheim E., Wolfe R.R.  (2004).  Potential Ergogenic Effects of Arginine and Creatine Supplementation.  Journal of Nutrition 134: 2888S-2894S.
Read the study on the Journal of Nutrition website

 
Announcement from John Kickham, CEO J Donohoe Beverages Group

Dragon Nutrition, the company’s newest division, has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award in the annual Bord Bia Food and Drink Industry Awards. 

These are the Irish Food Industry’s premier awards and we are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted.  The awards will be presented on 22^nd November, when we will find out if we win or not! 

You may be aware that the Little Dragon Shots range won ‘BEST SHOT’ already this year at the 2011 International Drinks Innovation awards in Washington DC. 

The company and the Little Dragon Shots range will be profiled in The Irish Times next Monday’s (14^th November 2011).   Well done and thanks to all involved with the design, marketing and production of these great new products.

Whether we actually win the award or not, this is a great success and we are delighted with the recognition from the industry for the Innovative nature of Dragon’s products, which are now on sale in Ireland and the UK, and through Amazon.co.uk, and our products are being used by top sportspeople and teams in Ireland and the UK.

Again well done and thanks to all!  Kind regards, John Kickham.

For More Information

You can see a little video and the other two shortlisted companies at the web address below.

http://www.bordbia.ie/eventsnews/events/foodawards2011/pages/bordbiafooddrinkindustryawards2011-shortlist.aspx

If you are on Facebook, remember to ‘Like’ Little Dragon Shots for up to date news of events and happenings around the brand http://www.facebook.com/LittleDragonShots

There’s also a great information video on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9yPgA6oHeU

And a fun video of the Dublin launch earlier in the year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmtecW4V1xQ

Beta-alanine is one of the amino acids synthesised in the liver. Although it can be made in the body, most beta-alanine comes from our diets where it can be found in chicken and turkey.

Beta-alanine has been widely studied by scientists due to its role in the production of carnosine. Carnosine is found in muscles and one of its jobs is to act as a buffer of hydrogen ions.

Hydrogen ions build up in muscle during exercise and reduce the pH. It is thought that this decrease in pH may play a role in fatigue during exercise.

Studies on beta-alanine

A number of studies have been carried out to investigate this theory and to see if there is any benefit to taking supplements of beta-alanine to boost performance.

Studies have shown that taking beta-alanine can boost muscle levels of carnosine and some studies have found that supplements of beta-alanine had a positive effect on exercise performance, but not all studies show positive results.

At this time, more research is needed to confirm benefits of beta-alanine in exercise performance.

Find out more

Read more about Little Dragon Intense Energy and Little Dragon Pre Workout

The details of two studies on beta-alanine and exercise are below:

Culbertson J.Y., Kreider R.B., Greenwood M. (2009). Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance: A review of the Current Literature. Nutrients; 2:75-98. Available at: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/2/1/75/

Derave W., Ozdemir M.S., Harris R.V., Pottier A., Reyngoudt H., Koppo K., Wise J.A., Achten E. (2007). Beta-Alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content and attenuates fatigue during repeated isokinetic contraction bouts in trained sprinters. Journal of Applied Physiology 103(5): 1736-43. Available at: http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/103/5/1736

Louise Oliver, a member of Charnwood/Midland Masters/Radley Club, is a serious Athlete from Leicestershire in the East Midlands, England. She believes “Little Dragon Shots are the best caffeine containing shots on the market and wouldn’t hesitate to use them in the future.”

She competed at the World Masters Athletics Championships is Sacramento in July this year.  Her main event is the Heptathlon and she was please to report back to the Little Dragon team that she achieved 6 personal bests in the firsts 6 events.  As a result she exceeded all expectations and won a bronze medal in the W40 category!

Other highlights were: came 4^th in the individual shot put competition and made the final of the 200m, which again was unexpected and a wonderful achievement.

Louise also represented team GB in the 4 x100m and 4 x 400m relays at the championships.

Louise attributes her success to the fact that she ” used the Little Dragon Shots throughout the competition, I would take one in the call room 15 minutes prior to an event to provide that little extra buzz and alertness required for these explosive events.” 

Louise’s other highlights of the year are:
Ranked in W40 age category ( http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=78410 )
1st in GB for Heptathlon and Long jump,
2nd in GB for high jump
3^rd in GB for 80m hurdles & indoor Pentathlon
4^th in GB for Javelin & 60m sprint
5^th in GB for shot put
6^th in GB for 100m, 200m, Triple jump
8^th in GB for discus.

She is also a member of Midland Masters Women’s Athletics team that won the Interarea championships at Solihull in August.

Contratulations Louise from all at Little Dragon Shots and we look forward to your continued success!

Learn more about Little Dragon Intense Energy,  Little Dragon Pre Workout and 24g Hydrolysed Protein

If you want to learn more about the Little Dragon Shot range have a look at our product video below.

You can also visit our FAQ section to learn more about our range of products.

All work and no play may make jack a dull boy but trying to balance a busy life with some time out can be difficult, and many of us could do with some extra help.

Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin has been specially designed to assist anyone with a hectic social life. Packed with B vitamins, that help to release energy, and curcumin, well known as a traditional remedy, Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin is ideal for anyone balancing a hectic social life with other commitments.

Key Ingredients:

• Vitamin B6 and B12 – essential in helping you to release energy
• Curcumin, and extract of turmeric, used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine
• Taurine & Arginine – amino acids

Learn more

Find out more about Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin

Read more about the benefits of vitamin B5 and vitamin B12

The Little Dragon Shots team took to Merrion Square in Dublin in June to introduce Little Dragon Shots to the people of Ireland.   The Street Performance World Championships were attended by thousands of people from across Ireland and over seas.  At the end of July the team introduced the range to the city of London.

Having a hectic social life might leave you less than ready for the other commitments in your life. Many of us reach for a caffeine rich drink to see us through – coffee, tea or soft drink. But what if you need to sleep and wake refreshed? While caffeine can be useful, sometimes help is needed from another quarter.

Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin

Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin is a supplement designed to help you deal with a hectic social life but is caffeine free so even if you take it before sleep, you will still be able to drift off.

The benefits of Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin come from the energy-releasing potential of its vitamins B6 and B12 and from the golden curcumin, a traditional remedy.

Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin can be taken anytime – morning, afternoon or evening, just when you need it.

Read more about Little Dragon B-Vit Gold with Curcumin

Learn more

Read about some of the benefits of B6 and B12 as passed by the European Food Safety Authority and the Food Standards Agency.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B6 and protein and glycogen metabolism (ID 65, 70, 71), function of the nervous system (ID66), red blood cell formation (ID 67, 72, 186), function of the immune system (ID 68), regulation of hormonal activity (ID69) and mental performance (ID185) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Download the full report from the Europa.eu website (PDF, 270KB)

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B12 and red blood cell formation (ID 92, 101), cell division (ID 93), energy-yielding metabolism (ID 99, 190) and function of the immune system (ID 107) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Download the full report from the Europa.eu website (PDF, 270KB)

FSA (2003b). Safe Upper Levels for Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals; Food Standards Agency.

Download the paper from the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) website (PDF 1.4MB)

The award winning range of Little Dragon Food Supplement shots, manufactured by Dragon Nutrition, are now availabe to buy on-line from Amazon.co.uk

From the comfort or your own PC, Laptop or Mobile phone, you can now buy the full range of Little Dragon Shot products and have them delivered directly to your door. 

Amazon will deliver to any of the following EU countries; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.

You can buy Little Dragon Shots here>

Read more about Little Dragon Shot Winners in the “Best Shot” category in the 2011 Beverage Innovation Functional Drinks Awards >

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is essential for energy metabolism, especially fats and carbs. As such it is an important vitamin in exercise and sport.

Vitamin B5 also plays a role in maintaining mental performance.

Recent research

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently reviewed studies on B5 and found that B5 could assist with concentration, learning, memory and reasoning.

Vitamin B5 is also important in the production of some neurotransmitters and EFSA found that B5 can play a role in resisting stress.

This makes B5 a useful vitamin for anyone struggling to juggle a busy workload or lifestyle or who needs to focus and concentrate.

Read more

Download the full report of the European Food Safety Authority [PDF 268 KB]

Find out more about Little Dragon Power Focus

We have often heard the expression ‘you are what you eat’, but have you ever thought about what it really means?

The foods we eat are the building blocks of our bodies – everything from skin and hair to muscles and bones and protein is one of the most important nutrients in our foods.  Protein is used almost everywhere in the body and is essential if you want to look and feel good.

People who don’t eat enough protein can find themselves feeling tired and run down, with nails that break easily and skin that’s not as good as it could be.

Taking care to include enough protein in your day-to-day diet can make a real difference to how you look and feel.

Protein for healthy hair and nails

Hair and nails are particularly vulnerable to a diet that’s low in protein. Keratin is a key protein needed for strong nails and for healthy hair that doesn’t break easily.

Your body makes keratin from the protein you eat and you can find protein in foods like chicken, fish, beans and lentils.

Little Dragon 24g hydrolysed protein is a perfect protein boost if you need some extra help in getting the protein you need everyday.

Learn more about Little Dragon 24hour hydrolysed protein

Read  about the importance of protein for building muscle

Zenith International chairman Richard Hall collects award for ‘Best Shot’ on behalf of Dragon Nutrition for Little Dragon Shots range at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC, USA.

The awards attracted over 150 entries from 22 countries in 16 categories and was adjudicated by an International Judging Panel with specialist interest and expertise in the Beverage Industry.  Learn more >

Photos Courtesy of  FoodBev Media.

Read more about Little Dragon Shot Winners in the “Best Shot” category in the 2011 Beverage Innovation Functional Drinks Awards >

It’s easy to find yourself starting to stress about exams, especially when deadlines are looming. Plenty of study is usually the best solution, but looking after your body and mind with what you eat can also help.

A balanced diet is essential for a healthy mind, including plenty of protein from meat, chicken, fish and eggs as well as lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Eating regularly is also important in maintaining good blood sugar levels. Supplements may also be useful and some studies show a benefit for omega 3 and B vitamins.

Little Dragon Power Focus

Little Dragon Power Focus is a new supplement packed with Vitamin B5, the only vitamin passed by the European Food Safety Authority as helping to support your natural mental abilities. Shown to help maintain concentration, reasoning and most importantly, memory, vitamin B5 is an essential ingredient in Little Dragon Power Focus.

Little Dragon Power Focus is also caffeine free so it won’t interfere with your need for a good night’s sleep. Useful in a variety of stressful situations, Little Dragon Power Focus is one extra tool you can use to keep your focus when facing exams.

Learn more

Find out more about Little Dragon Power Focus

Read the study by the European Food Safety Authority into the role of Vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid) (PDF 270KB)

Caffeine has been well recognised as having a positive effect on sports performance.  Studies over several decades have shown positive benefits for caffeine in a variety of sports. Several studies investigating caffeine in trained athletes have found benefits in team sports such as soccer and rugby and in time trial performance. Caffeine may be useful in increasing physical endurance, reducing fatigue and enhancing mental alertness and concentration.

Caffeine works as an adenosine receptor antagonist in the nervous system.  Adenosine helps to promote sleep, and blocking adenosine may help alertness by causing neurons to speed up instead of slowing down. Caffeine is quick acting – it is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and can appear in the bloodstream as little as 15 minutes after drinking a cup of coffee.  In studies, the effects of caffeine on sports performance were found 15-30 minutes after taking a supplement.  Caffeine doesn’t appear to have benefits in strength or endurance performance but its benefits in other areas mean that it may be useful in some sports, although more research is needed.

Further information

Find out more about Little Dragon Pre Workout and Intense Energy Shots.

To read more on the use of caffeine in sport; Goldstein et al (2010).  International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Caffeine and Performance.  Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2010, 7:5 is available at: http://www.jissn.com/content/7/1/5

It can be difficult to handle several different things at once – busy workplace, demanding deadlines, kids, and commuting. It’s easy to get distracted when your concentration is down and simple jobs can take forever to complete.

If you’re looking for a little help to get your day-to-day jobs done, try some vitamin B5. It’s the key ingredient in Little Dragon Power Focus, a mixture of B vitamins and L-Theanine, designed to help support your natural concentration and focus. Vitamin B5 helps to support your mental performance, keeping memory, focus and concentration at their best.

L-Theanine, a major component of tea, is thought to be the compound that gives tea its relaxing effect. Little Dragon Power Focus is caffeine free and sugar free so it won’t interfere with your sleep or your waistline!

A simple supplement to help deal with a busy day.

Learn more

Find out more about Little Dragon Power Focus

Read the study by the European Food Safety Authority into the role of Vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid) (PDF 270KB)

Beverage Innovation Functional Drinks Awards 

Best Shot Winner : Dragon Nutrition with Little Dragon Shots

Little Dragon Shots range announced as the Winners in the “Best Shot” category in the 2011 Beverage Innovation Functional Drinks Awards held at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC, USA on 30th March 2011.

Organised by FoodBev Media’s Beverage Innovation magazine, in partnership with Zenith International’s Functional Drinks newsletter, the awards attracted over 150 entries from 22 countries in 16 categories and was adjudicated by an International Judging Panel with specialist interest and expertise in the Beverage Industry.

Co-hosting the presentation, Beverage Innovation magazine Managing Editor Claire Phoenix said: “These awards demonstrate how ingredient progress meets the consumer on shelf … all indicate a move to bringing well researched science into our daily lives – as vouched for by the nutritionists on our judging panel.”

Read more: http://www.foodbev.com/news/beverage-innovation-functionaldrinks-awa

Exercise alone is not going to help you build or tone muscle.  You need to eat the right balance of nutrients to get the best out of your exercise program and one of the key nutrients for strong muscles is protein.

Protein is found in foods like meat, chicken, fish and beans but studies show that eating protein just before or after a workout may be more effective in helping to build muscle.

It’s not always possible to have a steak just after a workout but a protein supplement can be very useful.

Little Dragon 24g Hydrolysed protein is a fantastic way to boost protein in an easy-to-use shot.  It contains the same protein as a 4oz steak or 4 eggs and has the added benefit of being hydrolysed.

This means that the protein is already partially digested so it can get to work even faster.  Several studies show that hydrolysed protein gets through your digestion faster than other types of protein, giving you the maximum benefit.

Little Dragon 24g Hydrolysed Protein also contains B vitamins to aid energy release and is cholesterol and fat free – giving you the protein you need without the extra fat.

Learn more

Find out more about Little Dragon 24g Hydrolysed Protein

We all know the importance of being fit and active for good health but a hectic lifestyle can make it harder to achieve our goals.

Health experts recommend that we exercise 5 days a week for at least 40 minutes to help keep our hearts healthy and our waistlines in shape, but this can be hard to face after a long day.

This is where Little Dragon Pre-Workout Shot comes in. Little Dragon Pre-Workout has a range of nutrients to help your body get the most from your workout.

Benefits of vitamins B6 and B12

Vitamins B6 and B12 help to release energy to help you to get going, along with some caffeine to give you some extra stimulation.

Studies have shown that lack of vitamin B6 can make it harder to achieve exercise targets and experts recommend that B6 is balanced in anyone taking part in physical activity.

Little Dragon Pre-workout shots contain a variety of amino acids including taurine, arginine and beta-alanine.

Find out more about Little Dragon Pre-workout shots

Read more

Volpe S. (2000). Vitamins and Minerals for Active People. In: Sports Nutrition: A guide for the Professional Working with Active People 3rd Edition. Ed. Christine Rosenbloom. American Dietetic Association Chicago. ISBN: 0-88091-176-X.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B6 and protein and glycogen metabolism (ID 65, 70, 71), function of the nervous system (ID66), red blood cell formation (ID 67, 72, 186), function of the immune system (ID 68), regulation of hormonal activity (ID69) and mental performance (ID185) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Download the full report from the Europa.eu website [PDF 268 KB]

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B12 and red blood cell formation (ID 92, 101), cell division (ID 93), energy-yielding metabolism (ID 99, 190) and function of the immune system (ID 107) pursuant to article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Download the full report from the Europa.eu website [PDF 242 KB]

In recent years, many foods and herbs used historically as medicines have been investigated for further roles in treating illnesses.

One traditional treatment that has received a lot of attention is turmeric. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has been used as part of traditional medicine in India for centuries.

An important part of Ayurveda medicine, turmeric has been used in the treatment of inflammation, skin wounds and liver disorders. It has also been used to treat stomach upsets, ulcers and coughs.

About curcumin

Curcumin is one of the active parts of turmeric and it has been widely studied in recent years in helping to treat disease.

Particular attention has been paid to curcumin’s potential role in treating diseases related to inflammation, particularly bowel disorders.

Some of the other areas of study include irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis and gastric ulcers. Some of the results have been very promising and has resulted in curcumin being used more widely.

Learn more

Read about Little Dragon B Vit Gold with Curcumin

For further information on curcumin, check out some of the studies detailed below.

Bundy R., Walker A.F., Middleton R.W., Booth J. (2004). Turmeric extract may improve irritable bowel syndrome symptomology in otherwise healthy adults; a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 10; 1015-1018.

Hanai H., Iida T., Takeuchi K., et al. (2006). Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomised, multicentre, double blind placebo controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 4; 1502-1506.

Holt P.R., Katz S., Kirshoff R. (2005). Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study. Dig Dis Sci 50; 2191-2193.

Prucksunand C., Indrasukhsri B., Leethochawalit M., Hungspreugs K. (2001). Phase II Clinical Trial on Effect of the Long Tumeric (Curcuma Longa Linn) on healing of peptic ulcer. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 32; 208-215.

Vitamin B12, one of the family of B Vitamins, plays an essential role in making healthy red blood cells.

Red blood cells are vital in delivering oxygen to working muscles and a lack of B12 will leave you feeling extremely tired and run down.

When it comes to exercise, you will need an adequate intake of B vitamins to ensure optimum energy production in the body and to help build and repair muscle tissue (Volpe 2000; ADA 2009).

B12 is one of the key vitamins involved in energy production and ensuring a good intake of B12 is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

How much B12 should I take?

In Ireland the Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of B12 is 1mcg (microgram) per day. The European Union have recently increased their RDA to 2.5mcg/day.

You can find B12 in meat, fish and dairy foods as well as supplements and foods fortified with B12.

Learn more

Find out about Little Dragon Pre Workout

Sources

Volpe S. (2000). Vitamins and Minerals for Active People. In: Sports Nutrition: A guide for the Professional Working with Active People 3rd Edition. Ed. Christine Rosenbloom. American Dietetic Association Chicago. ISBN: 0-88091-176-X.

ADA (2009). Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic performance. Journal of the American Dietetic Association: 109(3):509

Read the full report on the American Dietetic Association website