Administration and Dosing

DOSING GUIDELINES

Aperture’s cherry flavored powder is child-friendly and easily administered. It can be added to any cold drink or food, but should not be heated. Optimal benefit will be achieved by taking half the recommended daily dosage in the morning and half in the afternoon or evening or one third of the total daily dosage with each meal. This method will increase absorption and keep blood levels of nutrients high throughout the day. Aperture should be taken with a meal or snack to avoid stomach upset.

Because of the potency of Aperture’s ingredients, you may wish to start with one quarter or one half the recommended daily dosage and gradually increase intake over 1-2 weeks until the target dosage is achieved.

SAMPLE DOSING STRATEGIES

Case one:
Zachary weighs 40 pounds. His target dosage is 2 scoops or 4 capsules daily. His parents administered ½ scoop twice per day for one week, then increased his dosage to 1 scoop twice per day. When convenient, they separate his total daily dosage into 3 servings, giving 1 scoop with breakfast, ½ scoop with lunch, and ½ scoop with supper for optimal absorption of nutrients.

Case two:
Ryan weighs 30 pounds and has been sensitive to vitamins in the past. Although his target daily dosage of Aperture is 1 scoop, his parents begin his dosing at ¼ scoop twice per day for one week, increase to ½ scoop with breakfast and ¼ scoop with supper the following week, then give ½ scoop twice per day on week three. They find that Ryan sleeps best if his evening dosage is given no later than 5 p.m..

SUGGESTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION

  • Mix in water, juice, or fruit smoothies
  • Mix Aperture into juice or smoothies with to make popsicles or ice cubes
  • Mix in applesauce, baby food, coconut yogurt, pudding, or any cold or room temperature pureed food
  • Use large spoon or medicine dropper for administration, bypassing taste buds at the front of the tongue
  • Add to nut butter or jelly
  • Use child-friendly medicine droppers or medicine cups
  • Add to ketchup
  • Add Stevia or juice concentrate if a sweeter flavor is desired

RECOMMENDED DOSING

CHILDREN LESS THAN 30LBS.

Consult healthcare provider

CHILDREN 30-34LBS.

Morning Dose: 1/2 Scoop OR 1 Capsule
Evening Dose: 1/2 Scoop OR 1 Capsule

Total Daily Dose: 1 Scoop OR 2 Capsules

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 35LBS. AND ABOVE

Morning Dose: 1 Scoop OR 2 Capsules
Evening Dose: 1 Scoop OR 2 Capsules

Total Daily Dose: 2 Scoops OR 4 Capsules

Higher dosing may be necessary in some individuals, but should not be undertaken without medical supervision and laboratory testing.

Imagine a supplement that could provide you and your family the nutrients so often missing in your diets, one that did not contain the food allergens, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives you try so hard to avoid.

Aperture is that supplement.
From picky toddlers to elite athletes, we all benefit from high quality nutritional support.

NUTRITION

The nutrients most needed for optimal clarity and focus are also essential for heart health, immune function, and the reversal of free radical damage. Aperture delivers these nutrients in their most biologically active forms, supporting key metabolic pathways and neurological health. Based on 24 years of clinical experience and research, Aperture was formulated to meet the needs of individuals who require the highest level of quality and purity. Available in capsules and in a delicious cherry flavored powder, comprehensive nutritional support has never been easier. Give yourself the gift of health. Let the light in.

  • Potent antioxidants and mitochondrial nutrients to support cognitive function and cardiac health
  • 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the more biologically active form of folic acid for neurological, heart, and gastrointestinal health
  • Methylcobalamin, the ideal form of vitamin B12
  • Gluten, casein, dairy, soy, corn protein, and dye-free formula safe for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities
  • No sucralose, artificial sweeteners, copper, manganese, iron, or food dyes
  • High potency formula with verified quality and purity

THE APERTURE FORMULA

Each ingredient in Aperture was carefully chosen. Some are dosed at higher levels than typically found in supplements and other vitamins and minerals were intentionally omitted. Key ingredients in Aperture and their benefits are listed below:

Vitamin A as beta carotene: Important for night vision, immune function, gene expression, and the production of red blood cells, vitamin A is provided in a safe dosage designed to avoid interference with vitamin D metabolism.

Vitamin D as cholecalciferol: Recent discoveries indicate the current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation are antiquated. Vitamin D deficiencies are widespread and under-diagnosed. Decreased sun exposure and excessive use of sunscreen have led to vitamin D deficiencies in as many as 9% of American children and suboptimal levels are found in an additional 61%. Vitamin D3 is critical for immune function, neurological health, insulin secretion, gene expression, bone strength, and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. It is now known that vitamin D orchestrates the expression of approximately 2000 genes, turning then on and off as needed. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with autism, ADD, susceptibility to infection, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and many cancers.

Vitamin C as acerola: Because humans are unable to make vitamin C, our diets must contain an adequate supply in order to maintain healthy blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, bones, and skin. It is also required for the synthesis of carnitine, a molecule that improves mitochondrial function. The antioxidant effects of vitamin C protect tissues and DNA from inflammation and free radical damage. Low vitamin C levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, cataracts, scurvy, poor immune function, and gout.

B6 and P5P: P5P is pyridoxal-5-phosphate, an important and highly active form of vitamin B6. It acts as a catalyst for many critical metabolic reactions, including some that affect dopamine, serotonin, and glutathione production. B6 and P5P deficiencies are associated with fatigue, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, anemia, decreased neurological function, and seizures. Alcohol, certain medications, and advanced age reduce P5P levels.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate: (5MTHF) is the form of folic acid best utilized by the body and most easily transported across the blood brain barrier, where it is utilized for serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolism. It lowers levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, providing protection against cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and damage to our DNA. 5MTHF supports glutathione production and is required for the synthesis of every new cell. The folic acid found in most vitamins is a synthetic and metabolically inactive precursor of 5MTHF that must be methylated (activated) in order to be used. Many individuals have inherited weaknesses in a key enzyme for the activation of folic acid and are up to 60% less able to convert it to 5MTHF. This genetic weakness is found in approximately 15% of North Americans and Europeans and is even more common among individuals with autism, ADD, heart disease, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, and Down syndrome. Aperture contains 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, assuring optimal bioavailability and benefit.

B12 as methylcobalamin: Methylcobalamin is the form of vitamin B12 best utilized in the brain and is critical for normal neurological development and function. Unfortunately, B12 is the most difficult vitamin to absorb. Healthy individuals absorb approximately 2% of the B12 in their diet and absorption often falls below 2% in the presence of bowel disease, advanced age, and other conditions. Because the primary dietary source of vitamin B12 is meat, vegetarians are frequently B12 deficient. B12 is a catalyst for many metabolic reactions and is required for the production of myelin, the protective coating around most nerves. B12 deficiencies can result in cognitive impairment, anemia, peripheral nerve damage, and increased levels of inflammation. Methylcobalamin, P5P, and 5MTHF work in concert to produce glutathione, our body’s primary antioxidant. Aperture provides a 1000 mcg of this important vitamin.

Coenzyme Q10 as ubidecarenone: Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant found in virtually all cell membranes. It is critical for mitochondrial function, where it facilitates the conversion of compounds derived from fats and carbohydrates into usable energy in the form of ATP. Because neurons and muscle cells have a high requirement for mitochondrial activity, coenzyme Q10 is particularly important for neurological and cardiovascular health.

Acetyl L-carnitine: L-carnitine is synthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine, which are commonly deficient. It is required in the mitochondria for the conversion of long chain fatty acids into energy and is important for muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and neurological function. Because L-carnitine is poorly absorbed, acetyl L-carnitine is the preferred form.

Biotin: This B vitamin enhances mitochondrial function and improves the health of hair, skin, and nails. It is a catalyst for several important enzymes and positively affects glucose and fatty acid metabolism.

Riboflavin: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for normal mitochondrial function, glutathione production, the conversion of several B vitamins to their more active forms, and dopamine synthesis. Deficiencies are associated with inflammation of the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat and an increase in oxidative stress throughout the body.

Thiamine: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a catalyst for several mitochondrial enzymes and is also required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Thiamine deficiency, also known as beriberi, can compromise neurological function and cardiac health. A severe thiamine deficiency can cause seizures, psychosis, congestive heart failure, memory loss, and abnormalities in eye movements and gait.

Zinc: Zinc is a catalyst for approximately 100 metabolic enzymes. It plays a structural role in cell membranes and many proteins, regulates gene expression, and influences hormone levels. Zinc enhances immune function, cognitive development and function, detoxification capacity, wound healing, and our senses of taste and smell. Deficiencies are common in individuals with high carbohydrate intake, alcohol consumption, diabetes, macular degeneration, and chronic viral infections.

Selenium: Selenium is a trace element that is incorporated into several important proteins and enzymes. It is essential for glutathione production, detoxification, thyroid and immune function, and cardiovascular health. Increase selenium intake has been associated with a lower risk of several cancers and infections.

Magnesium: Required for over 300 metabolic reactions, magnesium is an important mineral that is incorporated into bones, muscle, and many other cells. It is needed for normal mitochondrial function, cardiovascular health, and neurological function. Deficiencies can cause compromised cognitive function, seizures, muscle pain and twitching, tremors, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

Chromium: Chromium is a trace mineral that potentiates the activity of insulin, regulating blood sugar levels and increasing glucose uptake in cells. Chromium supplementation increases HDL (“good cholesterol”) and decreases LDL (“bad cholesterol”). Daily chromium requirements increase under conditions of stress, trauma, or illness.

Lithium: Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral that is required for normal health. It has a positive effect on memory, mood, mitochondrial function, thyroid health, and the production of white blood cells. Lithium can decrease abnormal activity at the NMDA receptor, a condition sometimes associated with seizures, autism, and the premature death of neurons.

Vitamin E (as D-Alpha-Tocopherol): Vitamin E is necessary for the health of every cell membrane and the protection of the phospholipid membranes of mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy production. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative stress. This is particularly important in the brain, lungs, and cardiovascular system, where free radical damage occurs most easily.

Aperture does not contain iron, copper, or manganese due to concerns about their potential toxicity. Likewise, folic acid was intentionally omitted from the Aperture formula and replaced with the far more bioavailable and active form of folate known as 5MTHF. Because calcium can have a negative effect on mitochondrial function and can activate excitatory pathways in the brain, Aperture is also calcium-free. Extensive clinical experience has proven this strategy to be highly beneficial and very safe. Bone health is protected with vitamin D, boron, magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients in Aperture.

THE APERTURE FORMULA

Aperture was developed by Dr. Cindy Schneider, a physician, researcher, and the mother of two adults with autism. Dr. Schneider has an integrative medical practice dedicated to individuals with autism and related neuroimmune disorders. She has designed and implemented multiple research studies and collaborated with researchers worldwide. Areas of special interest include treatment of the immune, gastrointestinal, and metabolic aspects of autism and the identification of environmental toxins contributing to the autism epidemic.

Dr. Schneider is the Medical Director of CARE, the Center for Autism Research and Education. She has been a member of the Autism Research Institute Think Tank since 1997, a select group of physicians and researchers dedicated to accelerating the pace of autism research and its application to clinical practice. She is on the faculty at MAPS, the Medical Academy of Pediatric Specialists and serves on the medical advisory boards of SafeMinds, TACA (Talk about Curing Autism), and the Healthy U Now Foundation. Dr. Schneider’s children have been the driving force behind her commitment to finding the safest, most scientifically sound treatments available.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. SCHNEIDER

Because I am an obstetrician by training, I’ve spent years studying the effects of nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, and viral infections on fetal development. An environmental insult or nutritional deficiency at a critical point in brain development can be devastating and recovery of neurological function requires optimal levels of several key nutrients. I have included these nutrients in the Aperture formula, which is the result of 24 years of clinical experience.

My experience with my own children and thousands of patients has allowed me an unusual level of insight into which nutrients are most needed and which forms of these nutrients are most beneficial. It is well known, for example, that most forms of folic acid do not cross the blood brain barrier. The methylated (activated) form of folic acid known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the form that easily crosses the blood brain barrier and best supports the production of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, three important neurotransmitters.

Providing the methylated forms of folic acid and vitamin B12 as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and methylcobalamin can bypass the effects of this genetic weakness and arguably the ideal forms for everyone. Unfortunately, most supplements do not contain these nutrients and many children and adults are therefore not achieving the highest level of health possible.

Another cornerstone in nutritional support is to avoid ingredients with the potential for allergic or behavioral reactions. The Aperture line of supplements is therefore free of gluten, wheat, dairy, casein, corn protein, soy, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavorings. Our products are safe for individuals with autism, celiac disease, and allergies to wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, and soy. Aperture products do not contain corn protein and are tolerated by most individuals who need to avoid corn. Those with life-threatening corn allergies should consult their healthcare provider prior to starting these or any other supplements.

Aperture powder is sweetened with Stevia, a natural plant-derived sweetener that does not raise blood sugar levels or promote gastrointestinal yeast growth. It also contains ribose for mitochondrial support, a natural ingredient with a sweet and pleasant taste. Mitochondria are the small organelles inside each living cell that are often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell, the site of energy production. Riboflavin, biotin, coenzyme Q10, and acetyl L-carnitine are particularly important in maintaining optimal mitochondrial health and Aperture contains generous doses of each nutrient.

Aperture was designed for individuals like my children who require the most hypoallergenic, bioavailable nutritional support possible. It is the ideal supplement for the entire family. Try Aperture for one month and you’ll understand why our logo is Let the Light In!

Wishing you and your family the best of health,

Cindy Schneider, MD
Medical Director
Center for Autism Research and Education