Background of the Invention The need for people to have adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and antioxidants is well known. It is also well known that only 1 % of the American population eats a balanced diet. Thus, the dietary consumption of most people does not include the proper amounts and variety of vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals that are essential for good health and well being. Inadequacies in vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and antioxidants in the diet can lead to a host of health problems.

It has long been known in the nutrition arena that vitamins and minerals can have agonistic and antagonistic effects on each other. For example, Vitamin B12 is destroyed when taken with Vitamin C, excessive B9 (Folic Acid), or Potassium. On the other hand, Vitamin A has increased absorption when taken with D, E, Selenium and fatty acids (such as Omega-3 and Omega-6).

Despite the knowledge of antagonistic effects of dietary supplements on one another, the nutraceutical world has not developed a system that avoids such effects. Presently available daily multi-vitamin tablets are ineffective in providing optimal vitamin and mineral dosages. Moreover, there has been no easy way for the ordinary person to take advantage of the known agonistic andlor antagonistic properties of certain vitamins and minerals.

Rather, in order to design an effective system of supplementation, one would have to research agonistic andlor antagonistic properties as well as other properties such as compounds'rates of elimination. After determining which vitamins and minerals should be taken together and apart, several different vitamins and minerals would need to be purchased individually. The vitamins and minerals would then need to be separated and combined according to their agonistic and antagonist properties. Finally, a schedule for taking the individual vitamins and minerals maximizing their effectiveness would have to be devised. Such a process would be time-consuming and inefficient. Furthermore, because the user would have to take a large number of different pills, there would likely be poor compliance with such a system.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a system of utilizing agonistic and antagonistic properties of certain vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and antioxidants. More specifically, it provides multiple variant vitamin and mineral formulations as well as a method of administering such formulations. There are at least two variant vitamin and

mineral formulations that are administered at different times of the day. The variant formulations contain no known antagonists, and preferably contain at least some agonists. Further, the variant formulations are to be taken at different times of a single day and are packaged separately. All of the separately packaged formulations (doses) for a single day are held together in a single supplement package. Such a design makes the system of utilizing agonistic and antagonistic properties of vitamins and minerals simple to use.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a single supplement package showing a folded flip-card housing three folded sub-packs.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a single supplement package showing the interior of an unfolded flip card attached at the spine to three unfolded sub-packs.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a single supplement package showing the exterior surface of an unfolded flip card attached at the spine to three unfolded sub-packs.

Detailed Description The present invention emphasizes the separation of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and antioxidants into multiple, variant formulations that are administered at different times of the day. Such formulations are designed according to the agonistic and antagonistic properties of the vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and antioxidants utilized.

The effectiveness of a chemical in the body may be described using various terms including antagonistic, agonistic, bioavailability, and clearance. An antagonist is defined as a compound that reduces the effects of a second compound. An antagonist can be an inhibitor that prevents the biochemical or pharmacological activity of another compound. An antagonist can also be a blocker that acts by preventing the absorption of another compound. Finally, an antagonist can compete with another compound for binding sites.

On the other hand, an agonist is a compound that has an amplifying effect on the absorption or activity of another compound. Agonists may also be synergistic with other compounds. Synergistic compounds act on one another to increase the absorption and blood concentration levels, or the activity levels, of both synergistic compounds, or alternatively to lower the chemical elimination of one another.

Finally, bioavailability refers to the fraction of the administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation ; whereas, clearance refers to the ratio of the rate of elimination of a compound to its concentration in plasma or blood.

The vitamin and mineral formulations of the present invention are designed such that known antagonistic compounds are not contained within the same formulation. Also, preferably, known agonists are combined within the same formulations. Taking such formulations will lead to increased vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and antioxidant bioavailability. In certain embodiments, the formulations include synergistic vitamins, minerals, trace minerals,

antioxidants andlor essential amino acids. Additionally, some embodiments are either entirely or partially herbal in composition. Table 1 shows potential components of the variant vitamin and mineral formulations along with their agonistic and antagonistic properties.

Table 1 VitaminlMineral Agonist Antagonist A D, E, Selenium, Fatty Acids Beta Carotene Fatty Acids E in excess of 600 iu E Selenium, A, Fatty Acids Inorganic Iron Calcium K Fatty Acids B1 In b-complex B2 In b-complex B3 In b-complex B5 In b-complex B6 In b-complex B9 b-complex Excessive B12 B12 In b-complex (low B9) Potassium, excessive B9 and C C Iron, Calcium, Bioflavanoids Excessive Copper and B12, Sulfa, Selenium Biotin Magnesium D A, E, K, excessive Calcium, Phosphate Iron C, Calcium Phosphorus, E, Zinc, excessive Manganese Zinc A Molybdenum, Calcium, Copper, Iron Phosphorus Zinc, Iron, Aluminum Iodine Copper Iron Molybdenum, Zinc, excessive C Calcium D, Boron, Magnesium A, Phosphorus Molybdenum Sulfa, Copper Manganese Calcium, Magnesium (in large doses), Iron, Phosphate Potassium B12 Selenium Chromium Vanadium Vanadium Chromium Boron Fluorine Calcium, Aluminum Cobalt B12 (catalyst) Bioflavonoids'C Omega-3 A, E, K Omega-6 A, E, K N-Acetyl Cysteine Glutathione Inositol Choline Hydroxy-apatite Silicon CoQ10

Each of the compounds listed in Table 1 has beneficial health effects when supplied to humans in the appropriate dose. For example, bioflavonoids work synergistically with Vitamin C to protect the structure of capillary blood vessels. Copper is needed for healthy nerves. Potassium regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Selenium is a vital antioxidant that protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals. Vitamin B 12 is an important factor in maintaining the health of the nervous system, including brain cells. Phosphorus is necessary for the proper skeletal growth, tooth development, kidney functioning, and transference of nerve impulses. Vitamin C is vital to collagen formation and the connective substance of all cells. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents premature reaction of oxygen in the body, and prevents the breakdown of many substances in the body. PABA aids in the utilization of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and is necessary for the formation of blood cells (especially red), it is also vital for hair pigmentation and healthy skin. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth and is especially important to teens and young adult women as it may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.

Various formulations may be used to maximize the beneficial health effects of these compounds. Such formulations should not include any known antagonists (as defined in Table 1) within the same vitamin and mineral formulation. Moreover, different formulations containing antagonistic compounds with respect to one another are to be taken at different times of the day. Preferably, the administration of such formulations (doses) is separated by a minimum of one hour and may be separated by up to four hours. By separating antagonistic compounds, the plasma

levels of certain vitamin and minerals may be maintained at higher levels than was previously achieved with other supplementation systems because adequate time is allowed for compound breakdown and plasma absorption.

Maintaining higher plasma levels of vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and antioxidants will give better health benefits.

While certain compounds may be antagonistic when combined at high doses, such compounds can be agonistic when combined at lower doses. Thus, the present invention includes the combination of such compounds within the same formulation at low doses. For example, Vitamins B9 and B12 are antagonists when supplied at high doses, but are synergistic at low doses. Similarly, Vitamins B12 and C are antagonistic when both compounds are provided at high doses, but not at low doses. Consequently, such low dose combinations are contemplated by certain embodiments of the invention.

Certain combinations of compounds are considered particularly beneficial. For example, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium are particularly beneficial when combined within the same formula. Similarly, the fat soluble vitamins, such as Vitamins K, E, and A are absorbed better when taken in combination with fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6.

The B vitamins are absorbed better in complex form (although B9 and B12 levels should be relatively low in such combinations). Finally, Zinc is absorbed better when taken with Vitamin A, and similarly, B12 is absorbed better when taken with cobalt. While these specific combinations are considered particularly beneficial, many other combinations of agonists (as defined in Table 1) are also contemplated by the invention.

Certain compounds may also provide additional benefits if taken at a particular time of day. For example, formulations having two or more minerals may increase sleep REM and muscle relaxation if taken at night. B-complex formulations may be provided in the morning for energy. Similarly, B12 may be provided at noon for afternoon energy and continued mental alertness during the day.

The formulations of the present invention are preferably optimized according to lifestyle andlor gender. That is, such formulations may be targeted to population groups based on gender andlor whether the individual is sedentary, moderate, high stress or senior in age. For example, a sedentary 20-25 year old female requires a different level of iron and B12 supplementation than will an active post-menopausal female.

The formulations of the present invention can also be tailored to certain income levels. That is, the formulations may comprise a minimal acceptable supplementation level for a certain target group, an optimal level of supplementation, or intermediate levels of supplementation. The advantage of providing a minimal acceptable level would be that the product could be offered at a relatively low price. Accordingly, the various formulations of the present invention can be designed specifically to serve the needs of a wide range of target groups including those based on activity, age, gender and income level. Table 2 shows the range of doses considered preferable for various population groups.

In some embodiments, the present invention contemplates optimizing dosages for pregnant, senior, sedentary, moderately active or stressed and highly active or stressed females as well as for senior, sedentary, moderately active or stressed and highly active or stressed males. Sedentary target groups would include individuals

having desk-jobs or other jobs requiring minimal physical activity. Alternatively, because formulations directed to sedentary lifestyles contain lower levels of each compound, such formulations would cost less to produce and could therefore be sold at a lower price to individuals not able to afford higher levels of supplementation. On the other hand, the moderately active or stressed category would include many students, sales and service workers, recreational athletes, etc. Finally, the highly active or stressed category would likely include many executives, construction workers, professional athletes, etc. The doses provided in Table 2 are defined as high"H,"medium"M,"or low"L." High dosages correspond to about the upper one-third of a given range, medium dosages correspond to roughly the middle one-third of a given range, and low dosages correspond to about the lower one-third of a given range for a particular compound.

Table 2 Vitamin Range F-F-F-F-F-M-M-M-M preg sed Mod High Senior Sed Mod High Senior A 10, 000- M L M H H L M H H 25, 000 iu B1 10-100 mg * L M H H L M H H B2 15-100 mg * M H H H L M H H B3 25-100 mg * L M H H L M H H B5 20-100 mg L M H H L M H H B6 20-100 mg M H H H L M H H B9 200-800 M L M H H M M H H mcg B12 100-1000 * L M H M L M H H mcg C 250-1200 M L M H H L M H H mg D 200-400 iu * L M H H L M H H E 50 400 iu * L M H H L M H H K 30-80 mcg * L L M M L L M M Calcium 1000-1500 * M H H H L M H H mg Chromium 100-300 L L M M L L M M mcg Cobalt 50-20 mg L M H M L M H M Copper 2 3 mg L M H M L M H H Ferrous (iron) 10-20 mg M M H H L L M H Magnesium 400-500 * L L M M L L M M mg Manganese 1-2 mg L L M M L L M M Molybdenum 75-250'L L M M L L M M mcg Potassium 50 200 mg * L L M M L M H H Selenium 7-200 mcg L M H H L M H H Vanadium 15-30 mcg"L L L L L L M L Zinc 15-30 mg L M M M M H H H Vitamin Range F-F-F-F-F-M-M-M-M- preg sed Mod High Senior Sed Mod High Senior Omega-3 150-500 L L M L L L M L mg Omega-6 200-800 * L L M M L L M M mg I I I NAC 50-300 mg L M H H L M H H Glutathionine 50-800 L L M M L L M M mcg Inositol 10-50 mg L L H M L L H M Bioflavonoids 50-500 mg L L M M L L M M Choline 50-400 mg L L M M L L M M Fluorine 50-800 mg L L m m L L m m Boron 0. 3-3. 0 mg L L M M L L M M Phosphorus 100-400 L L M L L L M L mg lodine 150-250 * L L L L L L L L mcg CoQ10 5 30 mg L L M M L L H M Silicon 20-100 L L L L L L L L mcg Biotin 100-500 L L M M L L M M mcg

The vitamin and mineral formulations are supplied in the form of standard gel caps, capsules, tablets, sports- bars, or liquids (that is tablets with a quick disintegration formulation) and are housed in a unique packaging system.

Alternatively, the formulations may be provided in the form of a gel that can be squeezed directly from the packaging (e. g., from an ampule or gel-pack) into the user's mouth for consumption.

Referring to Figure 1, the unique packaging system includes a single supplement package 1 that contains multiple sub-packs 3. The multiple sub-packs 3 house all of the variant vitamin and mineral formulations to be taken in a single day. The vitamin and mineral formulation of a single dose is housed within a single sub-pack 3.

In the most preferred embodiments, the sub-packs 3 are designed as folding silver foil packs. Alternatively, the sub-packs 3 may be constructed of plastic, paper, cardboard, and the like. The sub-packs 3 may be imprinted with text or graphics to enable the user to identify when a particular formulation should be taken. Also, preferably, the sub- packs 3 are detachably connected to one another such that each sub-pack 3 is completely sealed off from the other sub-packs 3. The sub-packs 3 are sealed around the edges using standard methods including folding, heat-sealing, or gluing. The sub-packs 3 may be attached to a flip card 5 either directly, or indirectly, via attachment to other sub- packs 3. Also, the sub-packs 3 may be individually attached to the flip card 5 such that the sub-packs 3 are not connected to one another.

Together, the flip card 5 and the sub-packs 3 comprise a single supplement package 1 that houses multiple doses to be administered over the course of one day. The flip-card 5 is preferably composed of heavy-duty paper, but may alternatively be composed of cardboard, plastic, or other similar materials. The flip-card 5 is also preferably

configured to form a spine 9. The spine 9 generally has a width of about 5/8 inches as shown in Figure 1.

Alternatively, the spine 9 may have a variety of widths, but is preferably sized to accommodate all of the sub-packs 3 in a stacked configuration. Such widths will usually be between about 1/16-1 inch.

The flip-card 5 is also preferably perforated to form a detachable portion 7. The detachable portion 7 can be imprinted with textual material 10 such that it can be used as a business card when detached from the flip-card 5. The textual material 10 may include information about the retail distributor of the product, such as its telephone number, internet homepage and e-mail addresses, and/or its physical address. The textual material 10 may also include ordering information, advertisements, or information about the product. The detachable portion 7 is preferably sized to have the dimensions of a standard business card. Specifically, the detachable portion 7 preferably has a length of about 31/2 inches and a width of about 2 inches. Alternatively, the detachable portion 7 may be shaped and sized in any wide variety of configurations, especially those having lengths between 2-8 inches and widths between 1-6 inches.

In the most preferred embodiments, a single supplement package 1 has three separate sub-packs. Referring to Figure 2, these three separate sub-packs further comprise a morning sub-pack 11, a noontime sub-pack 13, and an evening sub-pack 15 which house variant morning, noontime, and evening vitamin and mineral formulations respectively. The morning sub-pack 11 and the noontime sub-pack 13 are detachably connected to one another as are the noontime sub-pack 13 and the evening sub-pack 15. Each of the sub-packs may be imprinted with text or graphics to distinguish it from the other sub-packs. Particularly, the morning sub-pack 11 may include graphics such as a rising sun, or text such as"morning,""a. m.," or"breakfast-time"to help the user determine when to take the formulation contained therein. Similarly, the noontime sub-pack 13 may contain graphics depicting a full sun or text such as"high noon,""noon,"or"lunchtime"and the evening sub-pack 15 may contain graphics depicting a moon or text such as "dusk,""evening,""night,""p. m.," or"dinnertime." The three connected sub-packs may be secured to the interior surface 19 of the flip-card 5 using staples 17.

Preferably, the attachment is between noontime sub-pack 13 and the evening sub-pack 15 as shown. Such attachment will generally prevent the premature separation of the noontime sub-pack 13 and the evening sub-pack 15 from the flip-card 5. Alternatively, the sub-packs may be attached to the flip card with adhesives or other standard means of affixation.

In the preferred configuration, the morning sub-pack 11 is folded at the point of attachment with the noontime sub-pack 13 such that the morning sub-pack 11 rests on top of the noontime sub-pack 13. Similarly, the evening sub-pack 15 is folded at the point of attachment with the noontime sub-pack 13 such that the evening sub- pack 15 rests on top of the folded morning sub-pack 11. Such configuration may be secured by folding the flip-card 5 at the spine 9 towards the interior surface 19 of the flip-card 5. As shown in Figure 1, this configuration allows the three sub-packs to be completely housed in a folded flip-card 5 that is approximately the dimensions of a single sub- pack 3.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention are demonstrated more fully by way of the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1 As a dietary supplement, users first take the vitamin and mineral formulation contained in Dose One with a meal or glass of water. After one to four hours, users take the Dose Two formulation, and after another one to four hours they take the Dose Three formulation.

I. Dose One Formula (Four Tablets) Tablet One : Iron 15 mg Boron 1. 5 mg Molybdenum 100 mcg N-acetyl cysteine 250 mg Glutathionine 500 mcg (Filler) Microcrystalline Cellulose 10 252 mglunit Sol U Tab 30. 00 mg Stearic acid 35. 00 mg Magnesium stearate 7. 50 mg Tablet Two : 81 100mg B2 100 mg B3 100 mg Calcium 150 mg B6 100 mg B9 800 mcg B12 100 mcg P. A. B. A. 50 mg Microcrystaline cellulose 10 121. 24 mg Sol-U-Tab 30. 00 mg Stearic acid 35. 00 mg Magnesium Stearate 8. 50 mg Tablet Three : Calcium 500 mg Vitamin D 100 M IUIGM 400 iu Sol-U-Tab 42 mg Stearic acid 55. 00 mg Magnesium Stearate 15. 00 mg Tablet Four :

C 1200 mg Bioflavonoids gran. 300 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 10 200. 00 mg Sol U Tab 43. 00 mg Stearic Acid 55. 00 mg Magnesium Stearate 14. 40 mg II. Dose Two Formulation (Four Tablets) Tablet One : B12 800 mcg Biotin 300 mcg Choline 200 mg Inositol gran. 50 mg Stearic acid 30. 00 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 10 152. 47 mg Magnesium 5. 50 mg Sol-U-Tab 25 mg Tablet Two (gel cap) : E 400 iu A 25. 000 iu Tablet Three (gel cap) : Omega-3 300 mg Omega-6 500 mg Tablet Four : Chromium 200 mcg Selenium 100 mcg Vitamin K 1 % trit 50 mcg <BR> <BR> Cobalt 200 mcg Manganese 10 mg Hydroxy-apatite 50 mg Zinc 30 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 10 152. 47 mg Stearic acid 30. 00 mg Magnesium stearate 5. 50 mg Sol-U-Tab 25 mg III. Dose Three Formulation (2 Tablets, 1 Capsule)

Tablet One and Two : Dicalcium phosphate Calcium 250 mg Phosphorus 220 mg Potassium 189 mg Iodine 100 mcg Fluorine 400 mcg Copper 2 mg Vanadium 40 mcg Silicone 20 mcg Magnesium 500 mg Amidex (maltodextran) 150. 00 mg Magnesium stearate 20. 00 mg Sol-U-Tab 50. 00 mg Tablet Three (capsule) : CoQ10 20mg White rice flour 100. 00 mg Amidex 150. 00 mg Magnesium stearate 20. 00 mg By taking three unique dosages a day, plasma concentrations of the individual compounds are increased and a higher plasma level is maintained than was previously achieved with other supplements. Further, by providing supplementation in three separate doses, high clearance levels are avoided.

EXAMPLE 2 As a dietary supplement, the user takes the vitamin and mineral formulations that are contained in the morning pack in the morning hours, those in the noontime pack at noon, and those in the evening pack in the evening hours with a meal or glass of water.

1. Morning Pack Tablet One : Iron........................................................ ............................................................ .. 15 mg Boron....................................................... ........................................................... 1. 5 mg Tablet Two : B1 100 mg

B2.......................................................... ......................................................... 100 mg B3 ............................................ 100 mg B5 ............................................ 150 mg B6.......................................................... ........................................................... 100 mg B9.......................................................... .......................................................... 800 mcg B12......................................................... ......................................................... 100mcg PABA........................................................ ........................................................... 50 mg Molybdenum.................................................. ................................................... 100 mcg Tablet Three : <BR> N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)....................................................... ............................. 250 mg Glutathione................................................. ...................................................... 500 mcg Calcium 750 mg D........................................................... ............................................................ 400 i. u.

Tablet Four: C ............................................. 1200 mg Bioflavonoids............................................... ...................................................... 300 mg Other Ingredients in Tablets 1-4 : Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sol-U-Tab, Microcrystalline Cellulose 10 ii. High Noon Tablet One : <BR> B12 800 mg Biotin...................................................... .......................................................... 300 mcg Choline bitatrate................................................... ............................................. 200 mg Inositol 50 mg Tablet Two : Chromium.................................................... ..................................................... 200 mcg Zinc........................................................ ............................................................ . 30 mg K........................................................... ............................................................ .. 50 mcg

Cobalt...................................................... ......................................................... 200 mcg Hydroxy-apatite............................................. ...................................................... 50 mg Manganese................................................... ....................................................... 10 mg Selenium 100 mg Capsule One : E........................................................... ............................................................ . 400 i. u.

A........................................................ .......................................................... 25, 000 i. u.

Capsule Two : Omega-3 500 mg Omega-6 400 mg Other Ingredients in Tablets 1-2 and Capsules 1-2 : Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sol-U-Tab, Microcrystalline Cellulose 10 III. Evenina : Tablets 1 and 2 : Copper...................................................... ............................................................ . 2 mg Vanadium 40 mcg Dicalcium Phosphate Calcium 250 mg Phosphorus.................................................. ...................................... 220 mg Potassium................................................... ....................................................... 189 mg Fluorine 400 mcg iodine 100 mcg Silicon 20 mcg Magnesium................................................... ..................................................... 500 mg Capsule 1 : CoQ10....................................................... .......................................................... 20mg Other Ingredients in Tablets 1-2 and Capsule 1 :

Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sol-U-Tab, Microcrystalline Cellulose 10, White Rice Flour, and Amidex By taking three unique dosages a day, plasma concentrations of the individual compounds are increased and a higher plasma level is maintained than was previously achieved with other supplements.

Further, by providing supplementation in three separate doses, high clearance levels are avoided.