Generate Your Next Level: E-CAPS Daily Essentials Formula

While there are several products in the E-CAPS line, all with specific benefits, fulfilling specific needs, I believe that with consistent use of three E-CAPS products athletes will derive exceptional benefits for both athletic performance enhancement and overall health.

This does not suggest that other products in the line, or other nutrient supplements, would not be appropriate. What I am suggesting though is that these three products will provide an enormously wide range of benefits for both athletic performance and overall health purposes. These three products, in my opinion, produce a most solid foundation from which any other supplement will yield even better benefits.

1. Provides replenishment of basic vitamins and minerals, which athletes deplete in greater volume than do sedentary people, to optimize overall health.

2. Provides enhanced support for the immune system and cardiovascular system by supplying a wide range of antioxidants for the neutralization of free radicals and the cellular destruction they cause.

3. Provides key substrates to enhance and ensure efficient production of energy.

4. Provides support for mitochondrial health. In my view, the longer you can stimulate the life span or health of the mitochondria, the longer you will live and the better you will perform in endurance events. The athlete who has the most healthy/efficient active mitochondria is the athlete who performs at their best.

If we could obtain all the nutrients we need from our food supply then a multivitamin/mineral supplement would not be necessary. Unfortunately, this is simply not possible. Our belief is that today’s food supply does not contain adequate amounts of nutrients for average people, let alone athletes, living in the world today. Dr. Bill Misner has stated, "Athletes today ingest only 11% of the organic nutrients from their food sources that the athletes of the 1940’s enjoyed.”

The truth is that our soils have been depleted because of today’s farming techniques, which utilize fertilizers containing a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) only. Prior to the 40’s, farmers practiced crop rotation, mulching, manuring, and other techniques that maintained soil nutrient quality. After World War II, leftover chemicals used to make weapons were sold as fertilizers. Every successive crop grown using NPK fertilizers has further depleted the soils of essential nutrients, and if they aren’t in the soil, they’re not in the foods. If they’re not in the foods, they’re not in your body. Additionally, according to Dr. Misner, "the use of pesticides and herbicides has been observed to interfere with the complete absorption of vital organic substrates.” So not only does the soil no longer contain many of the essential nutrients it used to, our ability to absorb what little there is left has been compromised by the use of pesticides and herbicides.

In addition to our food supply being degraded by crops grown solely on NPK fertilizers, commercial ripening, harvesting, shipping, storing, and processing practices further degrades it. Even the government’s RDA handbook points to hundreds of studies showing that the nutrient content of our food supply is further diminished from the time it is harvested to the time it is consumed. If that wasn’t bad enough, add to that the fact that as we age our rate of absorption of nutrients decrease. Taking medications of any kind? They interact and interfere with nutrient absorption. All of this strongly suggests that food alone cannot and will not provide enough vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health.

I’ve always considered the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) to be an archaic standard that never took into account the particular needs of athletes and my belief in that is confirmed from one well-known sports nutritionist who states, " If you use the RDAs to plan your nutrition, you will never, never reach your athletic potential." Even the RDA handbook states, "RDA are recommendations for the average daily amounts of nutrients that population groups should consume over a period of time. RDA should not be confused with requirements for a specific individual.” The former chairman of the RDA Committee has even been quoted stating RDA’s "are not recommendations for the ideal diet.”

Most compelling of all for why a potent multivitamin/mineral supplement is necessary comes from Dr. Misner who states, "Science has concluded that even marginal nutritional deficiencies are responsible for 644 diseases or disorders. Researchers have established by applications of reliable research as well as through trial and error that athletes tend to deplete vitamins, minerals, enzymes, coenzymes, and other substrates more than sedentary people do.” Simply put, the need for supplementation with a multivitamin/mineral supplement is not only a wise strategy, I consider it vital.

I believe that not supplementing the body with adequate supplies of basic nutrients is comparable to building a house without first putting in a strong foundation. Without this strong foundation, none of the other necessities of the house will have any structural integrity or be of much benefit. Similarly, without adequate replenishment of vitamins and minerals, other supplements, including ergogenic supplements, will most likely never realize their full potential.

As most of us know, mitochondria are micro organelles (“little organs”) found in virtually all cells in the human body, except red blood cells. The 20-2500 mitochondria per cell produce the majority of the body’s energy (ATP) by means of an intricate and complex process called cellular respiration. The production of ATP within the mitochondria involves two metabolic cycles known as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which is also called the “Krebs” or “citric acid” cycle, and the oxidative phosphorylation electron transport chain, commonly abbreviated as ETC.

CoQ10, a main component of Race Caps Supreme is a vital catalyst, perhaps THE primary substrate involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Without going into the complexities of this process, which would take several pages, we can truly say that CoQ10’s importance cannot be understated because quite simply, without it, the chain of cellular energy production is broken. This is key not only for athletic performance but also for maintaining cardiovascular and brain health, and strong immunity. In regards to cardiovascular health, one well-known cardiologist is quoted as saying, "I have long considered CoQ10 a wonder nutrient because of its ability to support heart health." In addition, CoQ10 helps to lower blood pressure and may play a key role in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease. For both athletic performance and general health applications, there is simply no question that the athlete MUST supplement with CoQ10.

Idebenone, also called hydroxydecyl Q, is an analogue of CoQ10 and the other primary ETC component of the formula. A superb compliment to CoQ10, some experts even suggest it may be even more powerful in action than CoQ10. Dr. Misner explains, “Idebenone supplies all of the same benefits as CoQ10 plus some distinct advantages based on its more complex chemical structure. Though very similar in chemical make-up to CoQ10, its longer chain organic structure gives it extra powerful antioxidant properties making it a more effective "free radical quencher" resulting in less cell and tissue damage.” In essence, Idebenone extends the already powerful benefits of CoQ10 and under hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions Idebenone’s ATP generating capabilities are even superior to CoQ10.

The problem with energy production is that it’s not a completely “clean” process (more on that later), which is why Vitamin E, while not directly involved in the cellular respiration process, is a vital component in the Race Caps Supreme formula. This is because even essential antioxidants used in the complex process of energy production have a slight “dark side.” Dr. Misner writes, “CoQ10 auto-oxidizes and unleashes massive amounts of various free radicals that damage delicate tissues and because CoQ10 is necessary for electron transport and ATP (chemical energy) production, cellular death may ensue.” In other words, while CoQ10 is vital for energy production and provides antioxidant benefits, it, like other antioxidants, has biologically negative, PRO-oxidant capabilities as well. This is one reason why a substantial amount of vitamin E is included in Race Caps Supreme. The naturally derived, easily assimilated succinate form of this vitamin supports CoQ10 and Idebenone in neutralizing free radicals, which are a naturally occurring metabolic by-product of energy production. Succinates are also a key component in the TCA (or “Krebs”) cycle.

Also included in the formula is a precise blend of the Trimethylglycine (TMG), inosine, and glycerol phosphate to provide benefits for enhancing oxygen utilization, optimizing fats-for-fuels capabilities, and for providing additional support for energy production and acid buffering. Dr. Misner calls TMG a “Lipotropic Antioxidant Supreme” and writes, “Trimethylclycine is more commonly known as betaine, an alkaloid of beets. As an oxidation product of choline… it (TMG) also has been shown to perform lipotropic activity (fatty-acid utilization for energy production). It (TMG)…has been used to treat muscular weakness and degeneration… is a powerful antioxidant, which primarily acts as a methyl donor, enhancing the transport of oxygen to muscle tissues. Inosine, also known as an anti-fatigue nutrient, is a naturally occurring metabolic product that is readily utilized by the body. Inosine increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, allowing more oxygen to be delivered to the muscles, thereby reducing fatigue. Phosphates (in the form of glycerol phosphate) are used in the muscle mitochondrial cells for the production of energy and are also beneficial for buffering excess acidity.

Earlier both the TCA and ETC cycles involved in ATP production were mentioned and that Race Caps Supreme’s CoQ10/Idebenone combination fulfilled a major component for the ETC portion. For supporting the TCA (or “Krebs”) cycle, the Race Caps Supreme formula supplies a precise amount of the Krebs Cycle Intermediates (KCI) Malate, Citrate, Aspartate, Lysinate, Glycinate, which are chelators for the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Another Krebs Cycle Intermediate, alpha ketoglutarate, is included as well. With this KCI donation now a part of the formula, Race Caps Supreme provides key substrates to support and enhance both metabolic cycles involved in ATP production.

To maximize nutrient absorption, Race Caps Supreme contains a potent blend of various digestive aids. One of these is a proprietary formula called the Enzyme Enhancement System and the other is the well-researched standardized black pepper extract called Bioperine.

Dr. Misner wrote, “The objective in formulating the original Race Caps was to provide the ultimate ergogenic aid not only for improved cardiovascular-musculoskeletal performance on the field of competition, but also to benefit the overall health of the athlete.” This is still the objective of the Race Caps formula only now, with the arrival of the newest incarnation of the formula - Race Caps Supreme - the desired outcome of this objective has been realized.

The extraordinary combination of “super nutrients” found in Race Caps Supreme works powerfully and synergistically to cover a wide range of requirements for maintaining consistent and efficient energy production. Perhaps even more impressive are the overall health benefits that may be derived from this product. For enhancing both athletic performance AND overall health consistent supplementation with Race Caps Supreme is a wise strategy. I believe all people would benefit from this product and it’s an absolute essential for athletes.

Time and space limit what could take thousands upon thousands of pages to fill describing the actions and benefits of the nutrients contained in this product. I’ll go out on a limb and say that this product is arguably the most important one E-CAPS has ever introduced for promoting enhanced athletic performance and overall health. The Mito-R Caps formula is based on the studies of Dr. Bruce Ames regarding mitochondrial functioning, aging, deterioration, and regeneration. Mito-R Caps contains the two nutrients used in this landmark study: acetyl l-carnitine (ALC) and r-alpha lipoic acid (r-ALA).

Mitochondria, the energy producing organelles of the cell, need certain substrates to maintain efficient energy production; that’s where the nutrients in Race Caps, along with some of the B vitamins in Premium Insurance Caps, come in. However, energy production has a “dark side” as well in that it generates literally millions of free radicals. A free radical is an extremely reactive molecule carrying an impaired electron. Because of their reactive nature, all free radicals seek out and acquire an electron in whatever way possible. When free radicals steal electrons from “healthy” molecules they convert these formerly healthy molecules into free radicals themselves, or break down or alter their chemical structure. Needless to say, free radicals have a destructive, damaging trait, and excess amounts are extremely harmful. Free radicals, or perhaps more appropriately excess free radicals, are the basis behind the theory suggesting they play a key role in aging and many age-related diseases.

Certain antioxidants such as vitamins beta carotene, C and E, and the minerals manganese, zinc, and selenium in Premium Insurance Caps - along with the CoQ10, Idebenone, and vitamin E component of Race Caps Supreme - help protect cells from the continuous onslaught of free radicals, which is one reason why regular consumption of these two products is highly recommended for everyone, athletes especially. But what about literally delaying, or even reversing, mitochondrial aging? What about restoring capabilities to more youthful levels? Antioxidants such as the ones mentioned above help protect cells, but can’t do the whole job. What if there were nutrients available that would not only complement, enhance, and extend the capabilities of those nutrients, but also provide extraordinary benefits of their own? Ames’ extraordinary studies have identified just such nutrients: acetyl l-carnitine (ALC) and r-alpha lipoic acid (r-ALA). Ames’ studies found that ALC and r-ALA each had a role in improving mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism. The Acetyl l-carnitine (ALC) component boosts the activity of the enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase, which plays a vital role in mitochondrial fuel burning and energy production. ALC and other forms of carnitine are the main nutrients the body requires for efficient utilization of fat stores for fuel. ALC also boosts neurological functioning, which would support concentration and mental focus (a major benefit for ultra-endurance events). ALC is also believed to help preserve lean muscle tissue by decreasing excess levels of cortisol. Lastly, ALC seems to reduce the depletion of ATP by forming acetyl-CoA, which one nutritional expert states, “[is] the most important intermediary in the generation of energy from amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates.” The other molecule, R-alpha lipoic acid (r-ALA) plays an important role in cellular metabolism by acting as a coenzyme in energy production. Arguably though, among all the benefits this amazing nutrients provides, its primary importance is via its antioxidant capabilities. R-alpha lipoic acid is commonly known as the “universal antioxidant” because it functions as both a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant, with the ability to neutralize several different types of free radicals, perhaps more than any other antioxidant known to man. In addition to helping rid the body of a tremendous variety of destructive free radicals, it also has the unique ability to recycle, revitalize, and extend the effectiveness and potency of certain antioxidants in the body such as CoQ10 and vitamins C & E. It also enhances GSH levels in the body. GSH, or glutathione, is an antioxidant produced directly by the body and is a primary immune system protector. Every single one of r-ALA’s effects may very well yield definite and positive impact on energy production and endurance, not to mention enhanced immunity. Note that most alpha lipoic acid supplements available today are a mixture of two forms, the “R” form with is the natural form, and the “S” form, which is synthetic. The “S” form of alpha lipoic acid, which is reduced in the cytoplasm, is inactive. Only the ”R” form, the natural coenzyme which is reduced in the mitochondria, is active and which is why we only use that form in Mito-R Caps.The reason DMAE and PABA exist in the product is to amplify and potentiate the ALC and r-ALA components. The amounts of the latter two used in Ames’ studies are extremely high and supplementation with those amounts are not only impractical but would be unbelievable expensive. DMAE and PABA are a nutrient substitute for the anti-aging “drug” GH-3 and mimic its effects (providing substantial benefits of their own). Dr. Misner writes, “By adding essentially what is a GH-3 formula, the resulting effects of ALC and r-ALA are remarkably multiplied.” In other words, thanks to the effects of DMAE and PABA less ALC and r-ALA are required to achieve noticeable benefits.The primary reason for including vitamin E and vitamin B-6 in the formula is that in order for the GH-3 like effect to be secure, these two nutrients must be present and available. Put another way, for DMAE and PABA to yield their benefits, adequate amounts of both vitamin E and vitamin B-6 are necessary. Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. Most everyone knows that vitamin C has its own antioxidant capabilities, but it’s also beneficial for enhancing carnitine synthesis. Vitamin C enhances the bioavailability of carnitine, which may translate into greater fat utilization capabilities. This represents but a fraction of the capabilities of each of the nutrients in Mito-R Caps, both singularly and collectively. I consider this product to be a definite “cornerstone” supplement for any person, athlete or otherwise. For athletic performance alone, no one says it better than Dr. Misner…

“Mito-R Caps product is a plausible and safe supplemental intervention that may reduce mitochondria substrate depletion imposed by age and endurance exercise stress. I have taken these substrates for over a year now in several formulae, at both the dose used in the Mito-R Caps and above, without any known side effects… except less fatigue, better endurance performance, and less required sleep. So few substrate molecules function biochemically inside mitochondria cells. Endurance athletes should realize how incredibly important it is to effect mitochondria and that every thing formulated in this compound influences mitochondria cell biochemistry function synergistically and remarkably. Mito-R Caps is a product that I recommend taken year-round.”

The combination of the above three products, while certainly not eliminating the possibility or probability for the need of other supplements, will provide a tremendous range of benefits for enhancing both athletic performance and overall health. Providing the body with these nutrients will in essence build a strong foundation from which any other nutrient can realize its full value.

Steve Born is a technical advisor for E-CAPS with over a decade of involvement in the health food industry. He is a three-time RAAM finisher, the 1994 Furnace Creek 508 Champion, 1999 runner-up, the only cyclist in history to complete a Double Furnace Creek 508, and is the holder of two Ultra Marathon Cycling records. In February, 2004 Steve was inducted into the Ultra Marathon Cycling Hall of Fame.

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