2009-12-30

Seroyal Genestra

http://www.seroyal.com/
1800-263-5861
Janet "professional line" will not disclose product ingredients etc directly, but will to practitioners (according to health canada regulations(?))...
in kanata area:
ottawa west nutrition centre, 50 jackson court (nutritionists) 613-279-1254
said all other in area are chiros, so would need appointment and be more costly.

I tried the number and Bell says its a long distance call. Since it's only a few blocks away, I figure one of the digits is off. More to follow.

FloraBear - not OK

FloraBEAR For Kids (http://www.renewlife.ca/products.php?id=49)

mag stearate: from vegetable
dextrose: from beets or sugar cane
N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine: from CRAB shell
active bacteria: from plant source
L-Glutamine: from sugar beets or cane

Suggested we check with this Genestra (based in USA as Seroyal) make exceptional line professional grade probiotics, usually by Rx by naturopaths
also identified natural factors(?)

not-so-Progressive Nutritional Therapies

Called Progressive Nutritional Therapies (Johanne at 1888-788-3396 x235) regarding two products:
  • multi-vitamins & minerals for kids, 60 chewable tablets, natural summer berry, UPC 37229 00032 LOT:8343161 EXP:12/2011
    and
  • progressive complete calcium for kids, 60 chewable tablets, orange passion fruit flavour UPC 37229 00044 LOT:8352161 EXP:12/2011

    both labels claim "made with no added egg, milk, [blablabla]"

    Response was product did not contain any such ingredients, but there could be traces of gluten, soy, shellfish (calcium), strawberry (vitamins), and possibly a few others (that didn't concern me).

    Only upon further questioning did Johanne inform me that they are made in the same facility as peanuts, nuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, soy and more, and despite the precautionary measures, the manufacturer believes there is still the possibility of cross-contamination. GRR.

    I requested that information be made available on the label so I wouldn't waste my time and money buying the product, calling for info, waiting for info, then returning the product. She replied believing they were already in the process of updating the label due to the number of complaints.
  • 2009-12-28

    Volcano Cake Brownie

    Adapted from Vegan Hot Fudge Brownie Cake
    by Diane Hartman, Sep 2009

    VOLCANO:
    Combine the following in un-greased 8-inch metal or glass baking pan:
    * 3/4 unbleached flour
    * 1/4 cup dairy-free cocoa
    * 2/3 cup sugar
    * 1.5 tsp baking powder

    Add the following to the pan, and mix well:
    * 3 Tbsp canola oil
    * 1/2 cup rice milk, room temperature

    LAVA:
    In a separate container, combine the following and stir until dissolved.
    * 1 1/4 cups boiling water
    * 1/4 cup cocoa
    * 2/3 cup (120g) light brown sugar
    * 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Pour (do not stir) hot mixture over pan contents.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until surface appears dry.

    Serve warm or cool (with a cool glass of milk or rice cream).

    2009-12-03

    H1N1 vaccine

    just booked the vaccine appointment.
    told to expect 1.5-2hrs: start with egg scratch test, wait, test dose, wait, then administer full dose.
    They've done over 400 egg-allergics so far and all have been able to receive it.
    Were it not for the asthma being a complicating factor, I would have been inclined not to bother with it. (he's almost certainly been exposed to it already at school!)

    Nutritional yeast flake from Verve Naturals (Puresource)

    (originally posted 2009-12-03)
    http://www.puresource.ca/vervenaturals/ContactUs.htm
    1-888-313-3369
    Sue x292 normally product info, works M-W-F
    Lynn-Marie x311 and Elizabeth x298 work order desk and can also help w/prod info.

    Reached Elizabeth, asked for allergy profile. She indicated Purely Bulk is not prepared in an allergen-free facility; there could be nuts, soy, maybe others as contaminants from use within same building, maybe even same equipment. She will look into other possible brands/profiles of nutritional yeast and email me back.

    ---
    update (2010-02-13): She quickly called back to indicate that the "NOW" brand (that they also distribute) has a much better allergy profile. I have yet to find a store that carries them; even Rainbow can't get them from their local distributor... I suppose I'll have to try ordering their product online or by phone somewhere.