|
|
TB Men's Prem. |
Life Extension |
| Recommended Max. daily intake per product: |
7 tablets/day |
9 tablets/day |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Total Number of Ingredients |
96 |
52 |
|
|
|
| Total cost per product: (1 Month Supply, $US)¹ |
|
|
|
$96.50 |
$98.00² |
| Minerals |
Minerals |
Minerals |
|
|
|
| Boron (Total Balance) from 12.3 mgs of Boron Citrate |
700 mcgs |
----- |
| Boron (Life Extension) as boron citrate/aspartate/glycinate complex |
----- |
3 mgs |
|
|
|
| Calcium (Total Balance) as Calcium-D-Gluarate |
200 mgs |
----- |
| Calcium (Life Extension) as cal ascorbate, D-calcium pantothenate, Calcium D-Glucarate |
----- |
218 mgs |
|
|
|
| Chromium (Total Balance) from 323 mcg of Chromium Nicotinate |
120 mcgs |
----- |
| Chromium (Life Extension) as Chromium 454? bio-organic yeast extract matrix |
----- |
500 mcgs |
|
|
|
| Copper (Total Balance) from 2 mgs of Copper Gluconate |
200 mcgs |
---- |
| Copper ( Life Extension) as copper bisglycinate chelate |
----- |
1 mg |
|
|
|
| Magnesium (Total Balance) from 70 mgs of Magnesium Citrate |
200 mgs |
----- |
| Magnesium (Life Extension) as mag oxide, citrate,glycinate,taurinate,arginate, ascorbate |
----- |
400 mgs |
|
|
|
| Manganese (Total Balance) from 6 mgs of Manganese Citrate |
2.24 mgs |
----- |
| Manganese (Life Extension) as manganese gluconate |
----- |
1 mgs |
|
|
|
| Potassium (Total Balance) from 20 mgs of Potassium Citrate |
100 mgs |
----- |
| Potassium (Life Extension) as potassium chloride |
----- |
37.4 mgs |
|
|
|
| Selenium (Total Balance) from 224 mcgs of L-Selenomethionine |
100 mcgs |
----- |
| Selenium (Life Extension) as 50% Se-Methyl L-Selenocysteine, 25% L-selenomethionine (yeast free) (SelenoPure?), 25% sodium selenate] |
----- |
200 mcgs |
|
|
|
| Silicon (Total Balance) From 40mgs Horsetail Extract, Equisetum Arvense L. |
6 mgs |
NIL |
| MSM (Total Balance) Methylsulfonylmethane |
100 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Zinc Citrate (Total Balance) from 10mgs of Zinc Citrate |
31.1 mgs |
----- |
| Zinc (Life Extension) as OptiZinc® zinc DL-methionine complex, zinc succinate |
----- |
35 mgs |
|
|
|
| Zinc Acetate (Total Balance) from mgs of Zinc Acetate |
33 mgs |
NIL |
|
673.4 mgs |
696.1 mgs |
Notes:
1. All mineral totals for both the Total Balance and Life Extension formulas are listed as elementals
2. This Men's Premium version of Total Balance contains extra Zinc from acetate which follows a metabolic pathway directly to the prostate where it is needed. This is an important 'Male Support' Ingredient missing from Life Extension because it is a 'One Size Fits All' formula and is not targeted specifically at either sex.
| Trace Elements |
Trace Elements |
Trace Elements |
|
|
|
| Iodine (Total Balance) from 500 mcgs of Potassium Iodide |
750 mcgs |
----- |
| Iodine (Life Extension) as Potassium iodide |
----- |
150 mcgs |
|
|
|
| Rubidium (Total Balance) from 200 mcg Rubidium Chloride |
200 mcgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Molybdenum (Total Balance) from 150 mcg Sodium Molybdate |
63 mcg |
----- |
| Molybdenum (Life Extension) as sodium molybdate |
----- |
125 mcgs |
|
|
|
| Tungsten (Total Balance)from 2 mg Sodium Tungstate |
1.67 mgs |
NIL |
| Strontium (Total Balance) from 4 mg Strontium Chloride |
2 mgs |
NIL |
|
4.7 mgs |
0.275 mgs |
Notes:
The additional 5 trace minerals included in the Total Balance Mens Premium formula are important co-factors for the health of the nervous system and bones and to assist in improving the efficacy of other nutrients.
| Active Enzymes |
Active Enzymes |
Active Enzymes |
|
|
|
| Amylase (15,000 SKB/g) |
30 mgs |
NIL |
| Bromelain (2000 GDU) |
50 mgs |
15 mgs |
| NattozimesTM (35,000 FU/g) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Lipase (8,000 LU/g) |
20 mgs |
NIL |
|
150 mgs |
15 mgs |
Notes:
These enzymes are important co-factors in helping reduce the molecular size of some nutrients to help them to pass through the intestinal wall for better absorption.
| Vitamins & Co-Factors |
Vits & Co-Factors |
Vits & Co-Factors |
|
|
|
| Vitamin A - (Total Balance) 5000 IU's from (Mixed Natural Carotenoids consisting of Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Carotene and Xanthophylls) |
5000 IU (3 mgs) |
----- |
| Vitamin A - (Life Extension) as 90% Betatene® D. salina natural beta-carotene with mixed carotenoids and 10% acetate |
----- |
5000 IU (3 mgs) |
|
|
|
| Biotin |
400 mcgs |
3000 mcgs |
| Folic Acid |
300 mcgs |
800 mcgs |
| Inositol |
110 mgs |
250 mgs |
| PABA (Para-Amino Benzoic Acid) |
50 mgs |
200 mgs |
| Tocotrienols - (Total Balance) TOCOMIN(R)Natural Full Spectrum Palm Tocotrienol / Tocopherol Complex |
10 mgs |
NIL |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine HCL) |
10 mgs |
125 mgs |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) |
10 mgs |
50 mgs |
| Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide and Niacin) |
28 mgs |
190 mgs |
| Vitamin B5 |
40 mgs |
600 mgs |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL & pyridoxal- 5-Phosphate) |
8 mgs |
105 mgs |
| Vitamin B12 |
25 mcg |
600 mcgs |
|
|
|
| Vitamin C (Total Balance) as Calcium Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid |
220 mgs |
----- |
| Vitamin C (Life Extension) as calcium ascorbate, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbate, niacinamide ascorbate, and acerola extract) |
----- |
2000 mgs |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate (Life Extension) fat-soluble vitamin C |
----- |
250 mgs |
|
|
|
| Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol; Natural) |
400 IU (0.01 mgs) |
2000 IU (0.49 mgs) |
|
|
|
| Vitamin E (Total Balance) Natural; as Succinate |
100 IU (86 mgs) |
----- |
| Vitamin E (Life Extension) as D-alpha tocopheryl succinate |
----- |
400 IU ( 344 mgs) |
|
|
|
| Vitamin K (Total Balance) as Vitamin K2 |
180 mcgs |
NIL |
|
575.9 mgs |
4121.8 mgs |
Notes:
1. For Life Extension Mix™ - 5610 mgs of actives are allocated to all other nutrients after Vitamin C.
2. For Total Balance - 5054 mgs are allocated to all other nutrients after Vitamin C.
3. The vitamins and minerals totals are one of the key facts to consider when comparing elite health/vitamin supplements. Use this link to read about this topic vitamins and value for money
4. Tocotrienols are a KEY ingredient for elite health formulas. They ensure that the full vitamin E family is represented of which there are 8 members. Vitamin E is a very important ingredient. It is hard to imagine why a quality supplement like Life Extension Mix™ would not include a Tocotrienol mix.
| Amino Acids |
Amino Acids |
Amino Acids |
|
|
|
| L-Arginine HCL |
90 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Carnosine |
150 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Cysteine |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine |
75 mgs |
600 mgs |
| L-Glutamine |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Glutathione (Low molecular weight) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Lysine HCL |
165 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Methionine |
90 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Ornithine HCL |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Proline |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Pyroglutamic acid |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| L-Taurine |
50 mgs |
200 mg |
| L-Tyrosine |
100 mgs |
----- |
| N-Acetyl Glucosamine (from marine sources) |
80 mgs |
NIL |
|
1100 mgs |
800 mgs |
Notes:
1. Amino acids are crucial to good health and few people obtain sufficient from diet alone. Modest supplementation of these important nutrients is essential.
2. L-Glutathione is one of the most important nutrients in the body. It is rarely used in supplements because it is very expensive (80 times more expensive than Vitamin C) and also because it needs to be released in the upper intestine, which can only be achieved by enteric coating the tablet.
3. L-Tyrosine is an important precursor for the manufacture within the body of CoQ10 when combined with other co-factors in Total Balance.
| Male Health Support |
Male Health Supp. |
Male Health Supp. |
|
|
|
| Beta-Sitosterol (95% total sterols) |
200 mgs |
NIL |
| Chrysin (99% From Passion Flower - Passiflora incarnata) |
100 mgs |
NIL |
| Lycopene (Total Balance - 6% From Tomatoes) (LifeExtension - Lyc-O-Mato®) |
15 mgs |
3 mgs |
| Nettle Root Extract (from Urtica dioica L.) |
100 mgs |
NIL |
| Red Clover Extract (5% isoflavones; from Trifolium Pratense) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Saw Palmetto (25% Fatty Acids; From Serenoa repens) |
160 mgs |
NIL |
|
625 mgs |
3 mgs |
Notes:
1. Total Balance contains Beta Sitosterol, Nettle Root Extract, Saw Palmetto and extra Lycopene for the benefit of the prostate. LifeExtension contains only Lycopene - 3 mg, which is one fifth the amount included in Total Balance and is far below the 14-18 mg present in the diets of the high-quintile of the population, established by epidemiology for reduced risk of a variety of diseases.
2. Total Balance Mens Premium also contains a specialized high-potency ingredient 'Chrysin' (99%) to help prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. This is a key ingredient for men's formulas
| Flavanoids |
Flavanoids |
Flavanoids |
|
|
|
| Grape Seed Extract (Total Balance) - 95% Proanthocyanidins; Vitis vinifera |
50 mgs |
----- |
| Grape Seed Extract (Life Extension) - Leucoselect® (Seeds) and BioVin® (whole grapes) - both 95% proanthocyanidins) |
----- |
50 mgs |
|
|
|
| Green Tea (Total Balance) - 98% Polyphenols; 80% Catechins; Camellia Sinensis |
100 mgs |
----- |
| Green Tea (Life Extension) - 98% polyphenols; 45% Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) |
----- |
325 mgs |
|
|
|
| Hesperidin (98%; from Bitter Orange) |
80 mgs |
NIL |
| Myricetin (70% Dihydromyricetin) from Wax Myrtle - Myrica Cerifera) |
70 mgs |
NIL |
| Luteolin (Total Balance) 98% |
20 mgs |
----- |
| Luteolin (Life Extension) luteolin, as Pureolin? |
----- |
8 mgs |
| Citrus bioflavonoid complex - standardized to 50% total flavonoids |
NIL |
50 mgs |
| Rutin (95% from Blue-Green Algae) |
10 mgs |
NIL |
| Isoflavones (40% Isoflavones) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
380 mgs |
433 mgs |
| Immunity Stimulating Blend |
Immunity |
Immunity |
|
|
|
| Aloe Vera Polysaccharides (200:1; from spray-dried Aloe Barbadensis Miller) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Beta-1,3 Glucan (94%; from Yeast) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Tea Polysaccharides (25%; from Camellia Tea species) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
150 mgs |
NIL |
Notes:
In the Total Balance formula there are a number of the most potent (and expensive) immunity enhancing nutrients such as Beta Glucan, Polysaccarides, Resveratrol and others which are not found in Life Force (other than 3 mgs of Resveratrol). This is an important fact to consider.
| Specialty Nutrients |
Spec. Nutrients |
Spec. Nutrients |
|
|
|
| 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan; 99%; from Griffonia simplicifolia) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) |
6 mgs |
NIL |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Astaxanthin (10%) |
40 mgs |
NIL |
| Coenzyme Q-10 (Ubiquinone) |
20 mgs |
NIL |
| Choline (as bitartrate) |
94 mgs |
120 mgs |
| DMG (Dimethyl Glycine) |
90 mgs |
NIL |
| Lutein |
50 mgs |
15 mgs |
| Phosphatidyl Choline |
100 mgs |
150 mgs |
| Phosphatidyl L-Serine |
50 mgs |
NIL |
| Policosanol (from Sugar Cane; 95% total Policosanols; 60% 1-Octacosanol) |
10 mgs |
NIL |
| Piperine - ( 95% from Black Pepper) |
30 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Resveratrol - (Total Balance) - Natural 50% Trans-Resveratrol) |
50 mgs |
----- |
| Resveratrol - (Life Extension) - Trans-Pterostilbene (pure Pterospan? pterostilbene) |
----- |
0.5 mgs |
|
|
|
| Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) |
150 mgs |
NIL |
| SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) |
100 mgs |
NIL |
| TMG (Trimethyl Glycine) |
100 mgs |
100 mgs |
| Vinpocetine (96%; from Vinca minor) |
2 mgs |
NIL |
| Zeaxanthin (5%; Optisharp™ from Marigold) |
10 mgs |
0.465 mg |
|
1,002 mgs |
386 mgs |
Notes:
1. Resveratrol is an absolutely key ingredient. It's a powerful anti-cancer phytonutrient that works through more than a
dozen anti-cancer mechanisms - and is also an important immunity stimulating and anti-aging nutrient. Resveratrol is a very expensive ingredient. From a 'Value For Money' perspective we can see that Total Balance contains 50 mgs (at 50% potency) against Life Extension's 0.5 mg (at ?? potency)!
2. When examining 'Value For Money' it should be noted that not all carotenoids are 'equal'. Some are much more potent than others which reflects in their cost. For example, Zeaxanthin costs more than 20 times as much as Lutein. Life Extension Mix ™ contains a measly 0.465 mg of Zeaxanthin and just 4 mg of Lutein compared to Total Balance's 10 mg of Zeaxanthin and 50mg of Lutein. This is one point which should be considered when examining the 'Value For Money' factor of these supplements
3. This Total Balance formula includes the right precursors and cofactors to stimulate the body to create more of its own Coenzyme Q10. Therefore 20 mgs is ample. Very few supplement formulas are sophisticated enough to do this.
| Herbal Extracts |
Herbal Extracts |
Herbal Extracts |
|
|
|
| Acerola Extract - (4:1 (Malpighia punicifolia) |
NIL |
300 mgs |
|
|
|
| Alfalfa Extract |
10 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Bacopa Extract (50% Bacosides; from Bacopa monnieri) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Bilberry Extract - Total Balance (25% Anthocyanins) |
40 mgs |
----- |
| Bilberry Extract - Life Extension (25% anthocyanidins) |
----- |
30 mgs |
|
|
|
| Black Cumin Extract - (from Nigella sativa; 4:1 extract ratio) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Wild Blueberry Extract - (from Vaccinium angustifolium; 130:1 std. anthocyanin extract) |
NIL |
150 mgs |
|
|
|
| Cocoa Extract (as CocoaGold?; 45% polyphenols) |
NIL |
67 mg |
|
|
|
| Ginger Extract Total Balance (5% Gingerols; from Zingiber officinale) |
50 mgs |
----- |
| Ginger Extract Life Extension (5% Gingerols; ; from Zingiber officinale) |
----- |
200 mg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Gingko Biloba (25% Flavonoglycosides; 6% Terpene Lactones) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| HiActives - 100% fruit/berry complex (A proprietary blend of concentrated blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, elderberry, persimmon, plum, and cherry powders |
NIL |
200 mgs |
|
|
|
| Myrrh (5% Guggulsterones) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Olive-Leaf Total Balance (20% Oleuropein; from Olea europaea) |
50 mgs |
----- |
| Olive Juice Life Extension (6% hydroxytyrosol (0.75 mg), 3% oleuropein (0.38 mg), 1% tyrosol (0.12 m) |
----- |
12.5 mgs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pine Bark Extract (95% Proanthocyanidins; from Pinus Massoniana) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
|
|
| Pomegranate Extract (Punica granatum; 30% punicalagins |
NIL |
85 mgs |
|
|
|
| Milk Thistle Extract - Total Balance (85% Silymarins; Silybum marianum) |
100 mgs |
----- |
| Milk Thistle Extract - Life Extension (85% silymarins; Silybum marianum) |
----- |
100 mgs |
|
|
|
| Sesame lignan Extract (Sesamum indicum)) |
NIL |
10 mgs |
| Turmeric Extract - (98% Curcumin; from Curcuma longa) |
50 mgs |
NIL |
|
550 mgs |
1155 mgs |
Notes:
STANDARDIZED MEDICINAL HERBAL EXTRACTS IN FORMULAS:
Total Balance = 15 Life Extension = 12
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Life Extension Mix™ includes a LARGE DOSE OF ACEROLA EXTRACT (300 mgs).
Acerola contains 1000 - 2330 mgs of vitamin C per 100 grams, so in this Life Extension formula we are looking at between 3000 - 6990 mgs of vitamin C from Acerola! .
When added together with the 2000 mgs of Vitamin C in the formula there is a
MEGA TOTAL of approximately 5000 - 9000 mgs of VITAMIN C.
Vitamin C is one of the
CHEAPEST INGREDIENTS
used in supplements
|
Please note that clinical studies have shown that Vitamin C works as a PRO-OXIDANT (opposite of antioxidant) at doses above 400 mgs per day!
Acerola isn't generally used in a multi ingredient health / vitamin supplement due to potential compatibility issues and POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS AT A HIGHER DOSE, such as nausea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, insomnia, and sleepiness. Doses greater than 1000 mgs might cause diarrhea.
(Dependant on dose, extract ratios and sources).
| SUMMARY |
|
|
|
SUMMARY |
SUMMARY |
|
|
TOTAL BALANCE MEN'S PREMIUM |
LIFE EXTENSION MIX™ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active Ingredients |
Active Ingredients |
|
|
|
|
Daily (mgs) |
Daily (mgs) |
| With Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium |
5,206 |
7,610 |
| Without Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium |
4,586 |
4,992 |
|
|
|
|
Monthly |
Monthly |
| With Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium |
156,180 |
228,300 |
| Without Vitamin C, Calcium, and Magnesium |
137,580 |
149,760 |
|
|
|
| Enteric Coating |
Yes |
No |
|
|
|
| Cost per day |
$3.22 |
$3.26 |
|
|
|
² Published retail price @ http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item01455/Life-Extension-Mix-Tablets.html - Mar,2010
¹ The prices quoted for both supplements in this comparison are based on published retail prices, and do not take into account any loyalty programs, member discounts or any other kinds of discounts that may be offered.
FAQs
Q. Why separate out the Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium?
A. Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium are very cheap (in some cases 1/80th - 1/100th the cost of some ingredients in Total Balance).
Supplement manufacturers commonly 'fill up' their formulas with excessive doses of these cheap ingredients, under the guise of 'optimal amounts'.People who use elite grade health supplements are health conscious and are usually taking in reasonable quantities of Vitamin C, Magnesium and Calcium in their regular diets. They only need a top up.
These ingredients should therefore be included in sufficient quantities to meet most peoples needs. Separate supplementation for these nutrients is recommended only if a need has been demonstrated. The cost for additional 'top up' supplementation for Vitamin C would be around $1.80.
Q. What are the 'elementals' referred to in the mineral section?
A. This is an area of confusion with many people. You cannot have the actual mineral on its own in the supplement. It must be in another form to ensure it can be absorbed by the body. For example, calcium citrate only has around 24% of calcium present. The elementals is the actual amount of the mineral provided in the supplement. Most companies however only list the gross amount of the material used, creating a problem when puting together nutritional supplements reviews.
Q. What is 'Enteric Coating'?
A. Learn about enteric coating by following this link. In brief it protects the ingredients as they pass through the stomach and releases them in the upper intestine where most nutrients in the body are then transported into the blood stream.
Q. What ingredients are protected by enteric coating the tablets?
A. Click here to see a list of some key ingredients which are vulnerable to degradation by stomach acid. The most important ones are L-Glutathione, Resveratrol and L-Carnosine.
Q. What roles do the 44 ingredients that are not in Life Extension Mix play?
A. If you go to the Ingredients tab on any of the Total Balance product pages on the Xtend-Life website you will find explanations on each ingredient, together with relevant clinical data.
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