Frequently Asked Questions

For maximum benefit, ProArgi-9+ should be taken on an empty stomach. Certain amino acids may compete with l-arginine for absorption, so it is best to separate it from other dietary amino acids. Additional dietary components may also reduce the rate of the digestive and absorptive process of l-arginine. All benefits are certainly not lost by taking ProArgi-9+ with foods or beverages, but benefits may be somewhat reduced. Taking ProArgi-9+ 60 minutes before eating food should be sufficient to promote optimal absorption.

ProArgi-9+ is best mixed with cold water. The potency of ProArgi-9+ cannot be guaranteed with hot liquid mixing as this may affect the potency of some components. It would also not be recommended to bake using ProArgi-9+. ProArgi-9+ should be used as a dietary supplement, not as a food.

In mid-2012, Synergy changed its K2 source to a milk-free material. The label will correctly identify whether your batch does or does not contain milk in the K2.

For those canisters containing the previous K2 ingredient, it contains a small amount of milk protein (casein) to help standardize and disperse the vitamin. The product contains only a small amount of casein—one serving provides two milligrams of casein.

For a person who has a true milk allergy, milk proteins in any amount should be avoided. For a person with a milk sensitivity or digestive concerns, small amounts of milk can sometimes be consumed. Two milligrams is considered to be an extremely small amount. A person who is lactose intolerant should not have a problem consuming milk protein. This product does not contain lactose (a milk sugar).

ProArgi-9+ is typically not recommended for persons under the age of 18. This product is not recommended for children unless specifically approved by their pediatrician.

Persons with blood sugar concerns are encouraged to monitor their blood glucose levels carefully when beginning ProArgi-9+ to assess how it will affect them. L-arginine may cause slight stimulation of either glucagon or insulin release.

Synergy understands that people can be sensitive to different types of sweeteners, so we offer three different primary ProArgi-9+ formulas. Each formula uses a different type of sweetener.

ProArgi-9+ Grape uses monk fruit extract; ProArgi-9+ Citrus Berry contains xylitol and sucralose; and ProArgi-9+ Mixed Berry incorporates xylitol, natural citrus sweetener (the fiber inulin is the primary ingredient in the natural citrus sweetener, and it also contains a small amount of fructose), and stevia leaf extract. There are less than 200 milligrams of fructose per serving of the Mixed Berry version, which is considered a trivial amount. This trace amount of sugar can generally be safely incorporated into a sugar-restricted diet.

Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is the preferred natural sweetener due to its low glycemic index (GI = 19). This means that fructose is absorbed very slowly in the body and does not cause a spike in insulin. Sweeteners with a low glycemic index can be used safely by diabetics since they will not cause a large spike in insulin levels.

Fructose also has a synergist effect with other sweeteners—it can be used in combination with other sweeteners such as xylitol to give a greater sweetness than each of the sweeteners individually, which allows less fructose to be used in formulation.

Consumers occasionally hear stories about alleged unhealthy properties of fructose, but these stories simply cannot be confirmed. What is known is that diets rich in fructose and other sugars can lead to obesity and poor blood sugar control, so the important message with sugars and sweeteners is to limit their consumption in the diet. ProArgi-9+ Mixed Berry is formulated with only a tiny amount of fructose to flavor the product and is not considered a rich source of fructose (it would take an excess of four canisters of ProArgi-9+ to equal the fructose content of one can of soda pop).

Due to EU regulations and restrictions on the amount of allowable nutrients in a serving, the serving size of ProArgi-9+ in EU markets is reduced. The US product dosage size is 10 grams, which provides 5 grams of elemental arginine. The EU product dosage size is 3.25 grams, which provides 1.6 grams of elemental arginine. Both products have the same percentage of l-arginine—if you take 10 grams of the EU ProArgi-9+, you will receive 5 grams of l-arginine.

The US product has 30 servings per container (10 gram serving size). The EU product has 92 servings per container (3.2 gram serving size).

ProArgi-9+ may affect blood pressure levels. Through increased nitric oxide production and vasodilation, l-arginine may lower blood pressure levels.

L-arginine may interact with blood pressure medications by producing an additive effect. Combining antihypertensive medications with l-arginine may cause hypotension (undesirable low blood pressure). A person taking blood pressure medications should closely monitor blood pressure levels to ensure that levels remain within a safe range. With a physician’s approval and guidance, medication dosage may need to be adjusted.

Always separate the dose of medication from natural supplements (like ProArgi-9+) by approximately two hours. Start with a low dose of natural supplement, slowly increasing dosage and watching for signs of sensitivity. When being treated for a medical condition, always consult with your health care provider regarding your use of natural supplements.

Taking ProArgi-9+ 30 minutes before physical exertion would be beneficial in supporting athletic performance.

The arginine and citrulline found in ProArgi-9+ are derived from a microbial fermentation of glucose.

ProArgi-9+ is quite stable in liquid form and it won’t degrade rapidly. However, once the product has been mixed in a container, it should be consumed quickly to prevent any contamination to the product. As a product sits, it is subject to microbial contamination from the water, the container, our mouths and hands, and airborne contaminants. It is also recommended to follow general food handling guidelines regarding safe time frames for storing beverages/liquids at room temperature.

With the prescribing doctor’s approvals, ProArgi-9+ could possibly be taken along with blood thinners. While l-arginine does not directly affect blood clotting to any great extent, it may have an indirect beneficial effect through its actions in supporting vascular health.

ProArgi-9+ contains vitamin K, which some sources have said needs to be limited while on the prescription blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin). Other sources maintain that vitamin K does not need to be limited, but intake needs to be consistent. Additionally, the form of vitamin K in ProArgi-9+ is K2, which does not have the same degree of potential Coumadin interactions as K1.

As a general precaution, a person on Coumadin should consult with a qualified health care provider before adding any new natural supplement to their diet. When a new supplement is added, the doctor can keep a closer eye on monthly INR/prothombin time results (a test used to measure blood clotting) to ensure that they stay within a safe range.

Although vitamin K1 provides many of the benefits attributed to vitamin K, for optimal benefits, vitamin K2 is considered a superior choice. Vitamin K2 is a collective term for a group of vitamin K compounds called menaquinones. Studies have shown vitamin K2 to be more bioavailable and more efficacious in supporting bone mineral density. Studies on the effects of vitamin K on cardiovascular health show that vitamin K2 significantly improves arterial and cardiovascular health, while vitamin K1 has no effect at all. Vitamin K2 activates the vitamin K-dependent protein Matrix Gla-Protein (MGP), which plays an important role in preventing calcium from depositing in the arteries.

The vitamin D3 in ProArgi-9+ is an animal-derived ingredient that would be considered vegetarian but not vegan. It is obtained from the wool of healthy sheep as part of normal shearing. Lanolin (a wool grease) is extracted from the wool and converted into active vitamin D3.

Vitamin D is available primarily in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). D2 is from plant or yeast sources (the plant precursor ergosterol is converted to D2 in a laboratory setting), while D3 is from an animal source (either from animal sources like fish or from lanolin from sheep wool). D3 is also the form that our bodies produce from skin exposure to sunlight. D3 is not available from a plant source and cannot be made from a synthetic source—a natural precursor, like lanolin, is required.

Vitamin D3 is considered to be the more bioactive form of vitamin D. Scientific studies show that vitamin D in the form of D3 is better absorbed and more efficient in raising blood levels of vitamin D. D3 has been studied for its benefits in controlling immunity and inflammation, in preventing cancers, and in providing cardiovascular support—the key reason D3 is included in ProArgi-9+. Vitamin D3 has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels by inhibiting renin, an enzyme released by the kidneys that acts to increase blood pressure. Vitamin D receptors (VDR) may play a role in regulating blood vessel relaxation. Vitamin D3 activates VDR, which in turn exerts a positive effect on cardiovascular function.

Dietary sources of vitamin D are generally limited to fortified foods and a few animal sources such as fish and eggs. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body through exposure to direct sunlight; however, not everyone will manufacture the needed amounts with sun exposure. For example, people with darker skin tone, the elderly, and those living in northern latitudes may not produce an adequate supply of the sunshine vitamin. Additionally, recent studies show that even people who live in sunny climates aren’t getting enough vitamin D.

Red wine extract is from red grapes but is not the same as wine. The raw material is extracted to contain the same polyphenol (a type of antioxidant) content as found in red wine. This raw material has not gone through any type of fermentation process and does not contain any alcohol. The material could also be called “red grape polyphenol extract”.

Two ingredients in ProArgi-9+ may affect bowel activity: l-arginine and xylitol.

L-arginine is generally free of side effects when taken orally and appropriately. However, gastrointestinal upset could occur when it is taken in large amounts. The amount of l-arginine in a serving of ProArgi-9+ (5 grams) is not expected to be associated with adverse effects in healthy individuals. According to the 2007 Physician’s Desk Reference: “Oral supplementation with l-arginine at doses up to 15 grams daily are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions of higher doses—from 15 to 30 grams daily—are nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.”

Xylitol (a natural sugar alcohol) can act as an osmotic laxative, drawing fluids into the bowel. A person’s digestive system can become accustomed to the natural laxative action of xylitol with time. Generally, people find that intestinal symptoms subside with regular use. If you find that xylitol does upset your stomach, try Synergy’s ProArgi-9+ Grape flavor–it does not contain xylitol.

ProArgi-9+ should NOT be given to dogs. ProArgi-9+ is sweetened with xylitol, which dogs do not metabolize. A dog can have a potentially severe reaction if it consumes xylitol.

None of Synergy’s supplements have been tested for use and safety in pets. We do not give pet recommendations.

ProArgi-9+ will maintain potency for the full shelf life (two years) when kept in a cool, dark area. It can be refrigerated if desired. If you are in a humid area, refrigeration is recommended to help prevent product clumping.

Mistica is flash pasteurized in order to help protect product freshness for up to 30 days after opening. Synergy uses a pasteurization method that exposes the product to heat for a very brief period of time (15-30 seconds). Synergy has researched and developed pasteurization methods to ensure that we provide a safe, effective method. During pasteurization, the liquid is heated in a tube-in-tube heat exchanger. This means that the product is heated as it passes through a tube and then cooled in the tube. We don’t heat the entire batch at once, only what is in the tube at the time. This allows us to quickly heat and cool the product. The product is only exposed to pasteurization temperature for less than one minute and is then immediately cooled. This process is considered superior to traditional pasteurization methods, which involve very high heat exposure for very long periods of time, or that heat large volumes of liquid at a time.

Synergy has conducted extensive testing on our finished product to ensure that the pasteurization procedure does not affect the quality of the product. Some of the active constituents tested for in the final product include flavonoids, total polyphenols, EGCG, catechins, polysaccharides, and ORAC value (a measurement of antioxidant activity). Additional tests include organoleptic (color, odor, taste and appearance consistency), ash, purity, moisture content, particle size, and pH. Each of these tests are conducted on the finished product after being pasteurized. Synergy ensures a high quality product by extensively testing every raw material and every finished product manufactured in our facility.

e9 is not designed to work like ProArgi-9+. e9 is an energy drink. The energy benefits are primarily from guarana, yerba mate, and B vitamins. e9 is not focused on nitric oxide production like ProArgi-9+. ProArgi-9+ utilizes l-arginine for its nitric oxide enhancing mechanism and cardiovascular support benefits. In e9, l-arginine still offers those effects (to a much lesser extent), but specific energy benefits exist as well. The amount of l-arginine in e9 is proprietary.

One serving of e9 provides 90 milligrams of caffeine, naturally found in the ingredients guarana seed extract and yerba mate leaf extract. This is the amount of caffeine comparable to one average cup of coffee.

Because e9 contains caffeine, it is not recommended for use by children under 18 years of age.

Quality is a main factor that sets Synergy WorldWide apart from the competition. Synergy supplements are manufactured in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility under the strict current Good Manufacturing Practices. We have multiple in-house quality control labs to ensure our raw materials and finished products are of the highest quality. Nature’s Sunshine Products manufactures Synergy dietary supplements, and NSP scientists work with Synergy to oversee the design, manufacturing and production of all Synergy products.

NSP is NSF International certified. This registration by NSF International certifies that NSP is in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as set forth in NSF/ANSI Standard 173-2008, Dietary Supplements, Section 8. These requirements are consistent with the published GMP regulation for dietary supplements as defined in 21 CFR § 111, which was published by the FDA in May 2007. In addition to being NSF certified, our facility is inspected by USDA, FDA, and Australia’s TGA. Our manufacturing facility is TGA certified, which means we meet the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Pharmaceutical Standard requirements—the highest standards in our industry.

The term “organic” refers to a growing method of plants that does not utilize any synthetic chemicals. Our own extensive farm auditing and raw material testing processes ensures that our herbs meet organic standards. Because of our own strict internal testing, we do not pursue third party organic certification for any of our finished products. The organic certification process is primarily for marketing purposes.

Synergy is committed to having the best supplements. When applicable, we purchase organic-certified ingredients. However, several ingredients are not candidates for organic certification. Plants that are wild-crafted are not grown on farms, and hence cannot be certified organic. We obtain several herbs from outside of the U.S., and very few countries outside the U.S. have any kind of standard for organic certification. We only partner with suppliers that meet our strict quality standards. We inspect our suppliers’ facilities to be sure they are meeting our standards. Our own extensive farm auditing and raw material testing processes ensures that our herbs meet organic standards.

When you purchase Synergy WorldWide products, you can be guaranteed the product contains no residues from fertilizers, pesticides or other types of contamination.

Remember that organic certification from an independent organization does not necessarily mean high quality. Organic items can still be contaminated. The real proof is in the testing, which Synergy conducts according to the strictest quality assurance practices in the industry. You can be assured that we provide the highest quality products with the highest purity standards.

Synergy WorldWide does not provide medical advice under any situation. We encourage individuals to receive guidance from a qualified health care professional who can maintain a complete patient history and have the training and expertise necessary to help individuals make informed decisions.

Federal and state laws and regulations preclude Synergy WorldWide from making disease treatment, prevention, or cure claims for its nutritional supplements. However, many products provide essential substances that affect bodily functions that may be influenced by poor dietary practices. Synergy supplements are designed to provide nutritional support to the body as it works to maintain a healthy condition.

We do not recommend supplements for any specific medical condition(s). While we don’t recommend supplements for any specific medical condition, supplements can be considered to support general health for a particular body system.

We guarantee that a supplement will maintain its full potency and purity up to the end of its shelf life. We can only guarantee product quality through the “Full Potency Through” date. However, a product does not immediately become ineffective after it has reached this date; potency may begin to slowly decrease with time. A consumer must make his or her own decisions regarding the use of a product that has passed its full potency date.

We can only recommend following the labeled recommended dosage—we cannot recommend exceeding labeled dosages. If you feel that you may need higher amounts of a certain supplement, please consult with your health care professional.

“Proprietary” means private or exclusive. To protect our formula, we do not disclose the milligram amount of any component of a proprietary blend. We do not share the milligram amount of each individual component, but we do provide the milligram amount of the blend itself. The total milligram amount of the proprietary blend is listed on the product label. Ingredients within the proprietary blend are listed in descending order.

If the supplement is not labeled for use in children, Synergy cannot make child dosage recommendations. While many supplements can be of benefit to children in certain situations, we are unable to make recommendations outside label directions. We suggest you consult with your child’s health care provider. Most providers will recommend a reduced dosage and will suggest closely monitoring the child for signs of sensitivity or allergy.

We cannot suggest that any supplement be compared to or replace prescription medications. We cannot suggest that a customer discontinue any prescribed medication.

When being treated for a medical condition or if you have a history of medical concerns, always consult with your health care provider regarding your use of natural supplements. If you are taking a prescription medication, always consult with your doctor or pharmacist regarding your use of dietary supplements. Always separate the dose of medication from dietary supplements by approximately two hours.

We are unable to answer questions concerning potential interactions with medications and supplements. Your best resource for drug-nutrient interaction question is your health care provider or your pharmacist; they are familiar with your patient profile and have the education and resources to help you make an informed decision.

When taking prescription medications, you should always consult your health care provider prior to taking any dietary supplements. You should address each product on a case-by-case basis when consulting your health care provider.

When taking a prescription medication, always separate the dose of medication from natural supplements by at least 2 hours.