ACES Vitamins Review – Is it Effective?

Carlson ACES Vitamins is a combination of three Vitamins and Selenium, a mineral essential to the normal functioning of the cognitive function and mood. The manufacturer Carlson Laboratories claims this is a potent antioxidant formulation, in which each ingredient plays a well established role as part of fighting oxidative stress.

The manufacturer is a company with more than 45 years of market experience, which has received numerous distinctions for its products and overall activity. For instance, between the years 1995 and 2005, the company has won 1st place in the Antioxidants Category of the industry prestigious Vity Awards. The company also enjoys a great reputation among its customers.

Carlson ACES Vitamins is recommended to be used by adults. The amounts of the vitamins and minerals included generally exceed the daily value recommended (sometimes by more than 900%) which is why we recommend caution.

1) ACES Vitamins Quick Facts

Carlson ACES Vitamins is a blend of vitamins and minerals. According to the manufacturer, the formula is free of most allergens (milk, gluten, yeast, etc) and contains no artificial preservatives.Selenium is an important mineral found in nuts, seafood, minerals, tofu, yoghurt, beans and other foods. It has potent antioxidant properties and may help in the synthesis of proteins into antioxidants as well. Along with Vitamin E, it helps produce Glutathione, a powerful natural antioxidant. Generally, Selenium is used to promote a healthy mood and energy levels, as well as a normal cognitive function. Various studies have pointed out that Selenium deficiency may lead to mood disorders such as major depression, postpartum depression, fatigue, impaired memory, or Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin important to immune system health, eyes function, bone system and reproductive system health. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant which helps fight free radical damage, and, in combination with other nutrients, may prevent neurodegenerative conditions (dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc), stroke and heart failure.

A randomized double blind study on 341 patients suffering from selegiline delayed progression of the Alzheimer’s and taking vitamin E indicates that vitamins which increase the levels of brain catecholamine and protect against oxidative damage may actually reduce neuronal damage and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Long term supplementation of Vitamin E and C indicate a superior cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia.

2) What’s Inside ACES Vitamins?

Carlson ACES Vitamins includes the following ingredients: Vitamin A (as beta carotene), Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate), Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol), Selenium (as l-selenomethionine), Calcium (as calcium ascorbate), Gelatin, sunflower oil, glycerin, water, beeswax, lecithin (soybeans), palm fruit stearin, glyceryl monostearate, and carob.

You can also find a few key vitamins for brain health in OPTML NootropX.

3) Is ACES Vitamins Right for You?

Carlson ACES Vitamins is a vitamins and minerals blend designed to exert potent antioxidant properties.

Selenium is a mineral widely available in the natural environment. It is mainly known for its potent antioxidant properties and has the property to help produce even more antioxidants once inside the body. The main benefits of Selenium include improved mood, increased energy levels and enhanced cognitive function and mental clarity.

Numerous studies have linked Selenium deficiency to major depression, fatigue, increased risk of postpartum depression, impaired memory, poor cognitive function and even Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. One study conducted in rats by the Hamdard Indian University showed that Selenium supplementation improves learning and memory area activity in rats with Alzheimer’s disease. Excess Selenium can cause stomach problems, fatigue, nerve damage, hair loss, and nail problems. The daily dosage should not exceed 400 micrograms.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with scientifically recognized benefits. Vitamin C helps support immunity, lower hypertension, prevent cataracts (an eye condition) or fight common colds. The Vitamin also has potent antioxidant properties, helping fight oxidative stress and also helping with the production of vitamin E. Vitamin C may help promote optimum Cortisol levels, hence potentially alleviating stress symptoms. Apparently, a daily dose no larger than 2000 mg can maintain stress at a reasonable level. Recent theories seem to suggest a link between vitamin C and depression. Supporters claim that vitamin C works with an enzyme called dopamine-beta-hydroxylase to convert Dopamine in Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter essential to mood regulation. However, further research is required.

There are testimonials posted online about Carlson ACES Vitamins. What is being said includes:

• The formula works to lower cholesterol and prevents artery disease

• The most efficient healing agent on the market

• Helped me balance my mood and my children’s mood

• It works as advertised

The manufacturer recommends taking two soft gels daily at mealtime. The number of reviews is rather limited; however, most of them report great results.

4) ACES Vitamins Claims

• The main ingredients have scientifically recognized benefits
• The price is affordable
• Generally positive consumer reviews, even though their number is low

5) ACES Vitamins Product Warnings

• Large quantities of the main ingredients (most exceed the daily recommended value by more than 1000%)
• Limited number of consumer reviews
• Potential harmful side effects associated to excess consumption of the main ingredients

6) ACES Vitamins Price

The formula is available in bottles of 50, 90, 200 and 360 capsules. The 200 capsules bottle, which should last for more than three months costs roughly $50 at list price. This is a fair price, comparable to similar products. Certain price discounts and promotions are also available with different retailers, including the manufacturer’s website, which currently offers a 35% discount on the 360 capsules bottles. The formula is also available at stores and local drugstores.

7) ACES Vitamins Directions

The manufacturer recommends taking a daily dose of 2 Carlson ACES Vitamins soft gels. The number of reviews is low; however most of them report great results. No Carlson ACES Vitamins side effects or precautions are mentioned.

8) Our Verdict on ACES Vitamins

Carlson ACES Vitamins promises to balance mood and to promote a relaxed, calm mind. The formula features ingredients such as GABA, B Vitamins and L-theanine, commonly used by similar products. The formula is very likely to accomplish its purpose, given that scientific research on its individual ingredients confirm their brain calming properties. There are however concerns over the effects of the formula on pregnant and nursing women, who are advised to consult a healthcare provider prior to use. We stand by the manufacturer’s recommendation and advise all patients considering taking dietary supplements to get specialized advice prior to use.