Studies show that a high percentage of adults in North America and other developed countries eat less than the minimum daily allowance of 10 or more essential nutrients. Adequate amounts and proper balance of these nutrients are needed not only for maintaining good health, but also for the dietary management of the body's structure as well as the optimum functioning of its various systems, including the immune system. The CNCR Support Formula has been carefully developed to contain the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients without danger of toxic build-up or other side effects. Each ingredient is selected in consideration of its absorbability, competitive relationship with other nutrients, allergenic potential, and long-term safety. Certain nutrients such as beta- carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and B-complex vitamins are included in high-potency amounts because of the vital roles they play in antioxidant protection, energy production, the maintenance of healthy blood cells, the nervous system, hormonal balance, and more. Minerals and trace elements are provided in their safest and most bioavailable forms. CNCR Support Formula contains not only the base formula of Douglas Laboratories' Ultra-Specific Nutrition 2000 Series that offers intensive support for the healthy functioning of the body in general, but also a blend of herbs and additional nutrients specifically formulated to offer additional support of the body's defensive response to the stresses imposed by immune conditions. Many health professionals feel that most immune conditions are likely to be associated with dietary factors. National public health groups suggest that a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality may be achieved by dietary modification. These modifications include increased consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables, rich in carotenoids, bioflavonoids, and other powerful antioxidants, as found in the CNCR Support Formula provided by Douglas Laboratories. Carotenoids, such as alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, as well as bioflavonoids, are important antioxidant nutrients that protect healthy cells from oxidative and free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable chemicals formed in the body during metabolism and from exposure to environmental sources, such as pollution and cigarette smoke. They can attack and damage healthy cells, especially their membrane lipids and proteins. This, in turn, is thought to contribute to a number of immune conditions as well as other degenerative health problems. Other ingredients, such as Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea, and Maitake, Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms, are thought to aid the immune system.