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How is Naturally Nova Scotia's (NNS) Vitamin C Acerola superior to other brands of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C supplements are typically made by synthetically deriving ascorbic acid from genetically modified corn. The result is a product that contains no natural cofactors to aid our body's digestion of Vitamin C.
The Vitamin C in Naturally Nova Scotia's Acerola products has come entirely from certified organic fruit! The berries are juiced and low temperature dried, preserving all of the natural constituents (ie. Vitamin C, high antioxidant capacity, phytonutrients, etc.). Naturally Nova Scotia's Vitamin C is certified organic, rich in fruit antioxidants, and packed with whole food Vitamin C that our bodies are built to use.
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What is the difference between synthetic and non synthetic Vitamin C?
Synthetic Vitamin C is usually made from genetically modified corn. Our bodies are unable to fully absorb this Vitamin C due to the lack of cofactors and buffers that are present when consuming Vitamin C from a food source.
Non-synthetic Vitamin C occurs naturally in many foods. Acerola berries contain one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C. Naturally Nova Scotia's Acerola products are made with the juice of Acerola berries. This juice has been low temperature dried so as not to destroy the Vitamin C or any of the naturally occurring buffers that aid in absorption.
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What is the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin C? I am currently taking 1000 mg a day of a non organic product. Do I need to take two sachets of Naturally Nova Scotia's Vitamin C Acerola?
Health Canada's Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Vitamin C is 75 mg/day for adult females and 90 mg/day for adult males. It must be noted that this is a minimum daily amount to prevent Vitamin C deficiency (www.hc-sc.gc.ca).
Naturally Nova Scotia's (NNS) Adult Vitamin C Acerola products provide a daily serving of 500 mg. Other Vitamin C products might offer a higher dosage of Vitamin C but the amount our bodies can absorb without the naturally occurring buffers is questionable. As our bodies have developed digestion and absorption processes that function optimally when fed nutrients in their natural food matrix, it makes sense that nutrients from whole foods will be better absorbed and utilized; thereby requiring lower dosages when supplementing with whole food products.
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Will your Vitamin C Acerola damage my teeth?
Naturally Nova Scotia's Vitamin C Acerola products have a high pH level and a relatively low sugar content. With a regular dental hygiene routine, our products should not cause your teeth any damage.
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I noticed there is added sugar in Naturally Nova Scotia's Vitamin C Acerola and Fruit Antioxidant products? I am diabetic and need to keep track of my sugar intake. Are these products a concern for me?
It is always important to consult your health care practitioner when unsure. Discuss your individual situation and the below nutritional information with them and together you can determine if these products are right for you.
Adult & Children's Chewable Tablet (1 tablet):
Total Carbohydrate 2.3 g Fibre 0.4 g Sugar 1.8 g
Adult Hard Caplet (1 caplet):
Total Carbohydrate 1.4 g Fibre 0.3 g Sugar 1.0 g
Fruit Antioxidant Chewable Tablet (1 tablet):
Total Carbohydrate 1.3 g Fibre 0.3 g Sugar 0.9 g
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Why is there so much sugar in Naturally Nova Scotia's products?
Naturally Nova Scotia is a certified organic company and so we are unable to use typical binders or coatings to hold together our chewable tablets and caplets. Certified organic maple sugar functions to provide structure and stability as well as bind the ingredients together, in addition to providing flavor.
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If I don't want any added sugars what are my options?
Our Vitamin C Acerola Drink mixes contain no added sugars nor do any of our encapsulated herbs, our greens formula, or MultiVitale Blend.
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What is the source of your Vitamin D3?
All Vitamin D3 supplements are sourced from animals: fish oils and lanolin (the oil on sheep's wool) are both rich in Vitamin D3. Naturally Nova Scotia's Vitamin D3 is a whole food organic alternative.
NNS's Vitamin D3, created after lanolin brushed from wool is exposed to UV light, is biotransformed into whole food D3 using a fermentation process involving nutritional yeast. The yeast are able to digest the D3 and absorb it into their system, thereby converting it into whole food nutrients. Some experts would agree this qualifies our product as vegetarian; similar to the mechanism a plant uses to extract nutrients from animal fertilizers and the soil.
This D3 is then mixed with organic sweet potato, creating a certified organic Vitamin D3 (Cholcalciferol) that is highly active, and delivered in a form that our bodies can most easily absorb and utilize.
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Is your Vitamin D3 vegan/vegetarian?
Vitamin D3, created after lanolin brushed from wool is exposed to UV light, is biotransformed into Vitamin D3 using a fermentation process involving nutritional yeast. The yeast are able to digest the D3 and absorb it into their system, thereby converting it into whole food nutrients. Some experts would agree this qualifies our product as vegetarian; similar to the mechanism a plant uses to extract nutrients from animal fertilizers and the soil.
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What is the type of yeast used in making your Vitamin D3? Can I take this product if I have a yeast allergy?
The yeast used in NNS's Vitamin D3 is baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Yeast allergy cases are rare and under CIFA allergy labelling regulations, yeast of any kind is not considered an allergen.
On a side note, in the past there has been some thought that culture yeast encourages the growth of Candida albicans (a type of fungus that causes yeast infections; Candidiasis). More recently it has been determined that neither Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nor culture yeasts, cause or encourage infections but can in fact cause beneficial effects on the bowel and subsequently the immune system.
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How does MultiVitale Blend differ from other probiotic supplements?
MultiVitale Blend contains not only probiotics but a variety of other vital nutrients.
The products of food, hormones, heavy metals, insecticides, and synthetic medicines cause damage to the protective intestinal lining preventing the intestine from performing its natural detoxification process. As toxins build up inside the intestine, the immune system, liver, and pancreas are unable to function optimally. The probiotic bacteria in MultiVitale are capable of passing through the stomach and small intestine in an active state. They settle in the intestine and stimulate the natural activity of the body's intestinal cells.
The prebiotics in MultiVitale are indigestible carbohydrates which support the activity of the intestine as well as the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. These prebiotics nourish the probiotics, allowing for them to multiply and flourish in the digestive tract, thus enhancing the probiotic effect.
MultiVitale Blend's combination of prebiotics, probiotics, enzymatically active sprouts, free amino acids from fermented soy, and fruits and vegetables provides a symbiotic effect to regulate digestion, boost immunity, balance pH, and harmonize the intestinal flora.
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I recently started taking MultiVitale Blend and your greens formula. My arms have broken out in a mild rash, should I discontinue usage of the product?
Both of these products cleanse toxins from your body through your skin and colon. Therefore, when you begin taking either product rashes or mild acne may appear on your skin, your bowel movements may become more frequent, or you may show other signs of your body processing the product.
We'd recommend consulting your natural health care practitioner in such a situation. They can help you decide if the reaction you are having is a positive sign from your body or potentially an allergic reaction. Typically, after your body has become accustomed to the product your skin should clear and your bowels should regulate again. Plus, you should begin to feel other benefits such as increased energy, better digestion and/or heightened immunity.
It is important to remember when you first begin taking either product that you start with small servings and slowly increase to a full serving over a period of about 30 days. Introducing either product into your body slowly can help to avoid some of the above symptoms.
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The dosage on some of your herbal capsules is very high...5 capsules, 4 times daily? Is this correct? I'll be done my bottle in 3 days!
Naturally Nova Scotia uses the allowable dosages as determined by Health Canada's Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD). These dosages are often based on extractions of single ingredients. As NNS has a whole herb philosophy, it is necessary to recommend a higher volume in order to meet Health Canada's requirements. We recommend consulting your natural health care practitioner however, as your individual situation may warrant a higher or lower dosage.
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How do I know which of your products are safe for me to take?
Our website contains extensive information on our products, ingredients, processes, and certifications. Should you be uncertain if one or more of our products is right for you, we recommend consulting your natural health care practitioner.
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I have celiac disease (intolerant to gluten) and am allergic to corn. Can I use your products?
Naturally Nova Scotia (NNS) makes numerous products that are gluten-free. These products include our greens formula, our Fruit Antioxidant, our Vitamin C Acerola line, Vitamin D3, and our line of Whole Herb Tinctures and Capsules.
Maltodextrin is an ingredient in our tablet and caplet formulations. We try to utilize only maltodextrin from rice but potentially these products will contain maltodextrin from corn. Additionally our capsule shells are a natural polysaccharide made from non-GMO Indian corn. Typically people with corn sensitivities do not react to our capsule shell but we recommend consulting your natural healthcare practitioner prior if there is a potential sensitivity.
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Can I use your products if I'm pregnant or breast-feeding?
This is dependent on the product and on your individual situation. We recommend consulting with your natural healthcare practitioner as well as consulting the product information on our website.
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I have cancer and am wondering what natural products I can take that will help strengthen my immune system, healing, and recovery. What products can I take with or after chemotherapy?
Astragulus is a great herb to help a weak immune system, while Eleuthero and Canadian Ginseng are helpful in providing strength and energy during times of fatigue. Canadian Ginseng is especially good during convalescence. Additionally, Naturally Nova Scotia has combined all three herbs into a potent tincture called Herbal Vitality.
MultiVitale Blend as well as our greens formula are also excellent products to boost the immune system, as well as cleanse the body of toxins. MultiVitale is often used as a complimentary therapy with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
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If I have a liver condition or simply don't like the taste of alcohol tinctures, what are my options?
You can add the recommended dose of the tincture to hot water or tea to evaporate the alcohol if you have a liver condition. Naturally Nova Scotia's Milk Thistle tincture, which is for the promotion of a healthy liver, is also made with a glycerine base as is our potent Echinacea Spray.
Or, if you don't like the taste of the alcohol tincture, you can add it to juice or an ounce of water.
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Why are organic products better than conventional ones?
Conventional farming methods utilize chemical fertilizers and/or pesticides during the growing process. Harmful residues from such products are left behind on the foods we consume and are also polluting our soil, waterways, and air.
Organic is a growing and processing method that helps protect the health of people, plants, animals, and the environment. Organic products are either fresh or processed plant materials (fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, seeds, etc.) or animals that have been grown naturally, without the use of harmful hormones, antibiotics, steroids, chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. Organic farmers follow a holistic system that replenishes the nutrients and maintains the health of the soil. They use renewable resources and conserve soil and water in an effort to sustain the environment for future generations.
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Why are organic products more expensive than conventional?
Organic farming methods are more labor-intensive. Additionally, it is necessary to grow smaller crops when farming organically. Such obstacles, while they allow for healthier foods and environment, do unfortunately come at a higher financial cost to the consumer. Nonetheless, the more consumers supporting sustainable, organic farming methods, the less these products will cost in the future and the healthier our land and waterways will be.
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Why are whole food organic nutrients better than regular synthetic supplements?
Our bodies are hard-wired to eat foods. For thousands of years people have developed digestion and absorption processes that function optimally when fed nutrients in their natural food matrix. Naturally Nova Scotia produces vitamin and nutrient supplements that contain real food...like our bodies recognize and as Mother Nature intended. What a novel idea?!
Synthetic supplements, on the other hand, are manufactured using man-made ingredients. Our bodies can have difficulty absorbing and utilizing such synthetic nutrients as they are lacking the cofactors and buffers that exist naturally with nutrients in foods.
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Are lower doses in whole food supplements equal to or better than synthetic megadose formulas?
Other brands might offer higher or megadoses of nutrients but the amount our bodies can absorb without the naturally occurring buffers is questionable. As our bodies have developed digestion and absorption processes that function optimally when fed nutrients in their natural food matrix, it makes sense that nutrients from whole foods will be better absorbed and utilized; thereby requiring lower dosages when supplementing with whole food products.
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How is freeze-drying better than other methods of drying?
Freeze-drying removes approximately 96% of the water content, leaving the cellular structure and bioactive ingredients of the botanical unchanged. Other methods of drying plants, such as air or heat drying, can damage the cell structure and destroy the nutrients in the botanical. Naturally Nova Scotia employs giant freeze dryers to preserve our botanicals without destroying vital nutrients.
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Why are some of your products in alcohol or glycerine?
Alcohol is used as an organic way to concentrate the active constituents of the whole herb. It also acts as a stabilizer and a natural preservative.
Glycerine performs the same function, but is a good replacement for people who need to avoid alcohol.
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What is an herbal combination and should I take more than one type of a herb at a time?
When combining different herbs that have similar properties and that work together synergistically, the end result is a herbal combination.
Each of our herbal combinations are formulated to help a specific problem, gently but effectively.
There is no problem with taking more than one herb at a time. Each herb has a special benefit. However, many herbs that have the same application have differing pathways to that benefit. There may be times when a combination of herbs will have the best effect.
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Can herbal supplements have side effects?
The short answer is yes. While only few cases have been reported, some herbs can cause a number of side effects including diarrhea, insomnia and allergic reactions. Therefore, please read the contraindications on the bottle carefully. You can also look up the individual product fact sheet to gain more information and consult your natural health care practitioner.
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Should I take herbal supplements with prescription drugs?
Most herbal supplements are harmless when taken with prescription drugs, but it is always wise to consult with your practitioner. As well, check the label to see if any contraindications are listed.
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What is the best time of the day to take herbs? Do I have to take your whole food supplements with meals?
Best results are reported with herbal supplements when they are taken approximately 20 minutes before a meal, but this is not absolutely necessary. When taking larger dosages, it is advisable to divide the dose evenly throughout the day.
As our whole food supplements do contain actual food, they can be taken with a meal or away from a meal. You shouldn't experience any stomach discomfort as that is typically associated with consuming synthetic vitamins on their own.
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How should I store my Naturally Nova Scotia products?
Each of our products should be stored in between 15° and 25°C in a dark dry place. After you open your bottle of MultiVitale Blend we recommend keeping it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
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Do any of your ingredients come from China?
Our ingredients are sourced as local as possible but certain ingredients are unable to be grown in Canada and must be imported from elsewhere. Naturally Nova Scotia uses several different berries and foods that can only be found in China, such as some of the seaweeds and mushrooms that are in our greens formula. Each supplier we use however must be certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI) and we do extensive research into the supplier's products and processes prior to purchasing.
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I have heard some synthetic vitamins and supplements are processed in China and may contain impurities which are harmful. Is that correct and how does Naturally Nova Scotia differ?
Naturally Nova Scotia does receive some ingredients from China; nonetheless, we source only ingredients that are certified organic by QAI.
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Why aren't many of your products standardized?
Naturally Nova Scotia, along with many herbalists and natural healthcare practitioners, follows a whole food philosophy, meaning that we believe the most effective therapeutic agent is the whole herb. In most herbs the active compound(s) are unknown, making standardizing products difficult.
Regardless, it is not necessarily a question of which part is the 'right one'. Instead, it is important that the components of the plant are working together, resulting in a reaction that is greater than the sum of the individual components.
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Do you perform shelf-life studies on your products to ensure the highest quality?
Yes, Naturally Nova Scotia performs shelf-life studies of both accelerated testing and real time storage testing to ensure that all of our products are of the highest quality.
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Are you moving towards implementing HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) in the near future?
HACCP involves very strict regulations and Naturally Nova Scotia is currently working towards this important step. Once HACCP procedures are in place, the company will be able to look at expanding into other countries around the world.
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How do you ensure your Quality Management System (QMS) is effective?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are followed at Naturally Nova Scotia to ensure that our QMS is effective. Regular audits ensure that both GMP and the SOPs are also being regularly updated, improved, and followed.
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How often do you audit your Quality Management System (QMS)?
Our QMS is audited, on average, once every month to once every two months. During each audit a different department is examined.
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