The 5th Quarter

What is the 5th Quarter?

An exciting new range of highly functional products made from freeze dried bovine organs and glands, this is the 5th Quarter. Throughout history, what Italians refer to as ‘Quinto Quarto’, has long been considered the most nutritionally valuable part of the animal. As a way of providing complete nutrition to support health and well-being, few other foods compare.

Animal organs and glands are a rich and totally natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins, along with hormones, enzymes, co-factors and an array of active components essential for supporting normal biological functions.

The Modern Diet

Although many of us may be aware of the benefits of consuming everything in the animal “nose to tail”, this type of eating has fallen out of favour in recent times. As modern families became time poor, lean meat products offered quick and easy options for meals. In Western diets, time consuming stocks, broths, and stews using organ and glandular meat phased out. Changing tastes and perceptions on eating well have also meant that lean premium cuts of meat have come to be seen as more desirable and with this, layers upon layers of proteins, enzymes, lipids and nutrients have largely disappeared from our diets.

Glandular Therapy – Like Heals Like

The benefits of 5th Quarter™ extend well beyond just being “good for you”. The idea that consuming healthy animal organs may provide nutrients that support the healthy function of corresponding human organs is based on a concept known as “organotherapy” or “glandular therapy”, a philosophy which has been known and written about for centuries. 

Use of these products follows the principle that nutrients, enzymes and other active factors in the gland are supplementing those that may be missing, depleted or otherwise physiologically compromised in the target organ system.

This type of supplementation draws on the principle of “like heals like” a concept that has its origins in traditional medicine.

Autoimmune Support

Another way that these glandular products can help is through a mechanism known as oral tolerisation. Some chronic conditions are classified as autoimmune conditions, where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. Oral tolerisation is based on the idea that consuming small quantities of the target tissues in autoimmune conditions can promote immune tolerance and decrease immune reactions.

Adrenal

Beneficial in cases of low adrenal function to combat fatigue, stress and anxiety. Potential benefits for allergies, inflammation and immune support. The adrenal glands produce the stress hormones adrenalin and nor adrenalin and the steroid hormones cortisol, corticosteone, cortisone, aldosterone and ketosteroids. These hormones perform a myriad of essential functions which include regulating stress responses by maintaining nervous control over many involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion; glucose metabolism and control of blood pressure.

Liver

Liver is packed with the best nutrition. It’s rich in high quality protein (containing all 9 essential amino acids). It’s one of the best dietary sources of highly absorbable haeme iron, essential for the formation of heamoglobin and the transport of oxygen in the blood as well as copper and zinc. Liver is a significant source of Vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function and skin health along with B vitamins like B12, riboflavin, niacin and folate. Liver can help to boost immunity, support a healthy metabolism and production of red blood cells as well as optimizing brain and nervous system function too.

Heart

Another nutrient dense organ that supplies B Vitamins, essential for proper nervous system function, production of DNA and red blood cells. Minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium have various roles ranging from support of fertility, digestion, nerve function and anti-inflammatory properties. Choline is an essential nutrient found in heart which is important for proper brain and nervous system function and is thought to help with memory and mood. Taurine an important amino acid that helps with energy production within cells and supports cardiovascular function and the production of bile salts which aid digestion.

Brain

Rich in healthy fats including DHA for supporting cognitive function and vision and mood along with phospholipids like phosphotidyserine that support healthy membranes and
communication between neurons to protect against stress, and to support memory and learning. You'll find the amino acid choline in brain too - providing another essential boost to memory and mood.

Bone Marrow

A rich source of both collagenous and non collagenous proteins for the support of tissue growth and repair as well as joint, bone and skin health maintenance. Bone marrow is primarily responsible for the manufacture and storage of red and white blood cells - essential for transporting oxygen and iron around the body and providing immune support.

Bone

A concentrated source of the “bone health essential” minerals, calcium and phosphorous and is also known to contain biologically active growth factors, collagen, and other bone proteins to promote optimal bone health. Not only do these bioactives support the entire musculoskeletal system, but the calcium in bone is also essential for the normal functioning of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.

Pancreas

A reservoir of digestive enzymes, pancreas is essential for a properly functioning digestive system. Protease, lipases and amylase enzymes within the pancreas gland aid in the break down of dietary proteins, fats and carbohydrates into smaller units suitable for better absorption. Pancreas also contains Vitamin B5 which supports red blood cell production and conversion of food into energy.

Kidney

Kidney provides a variety of nutrients including B vitamins, iron, zinc and amino acids essential for overall health and helping to contribute to energy levels.

Prostate

Provides prostate-specific proteins, peptides, enzymes & cofactors that code the building of healthy tissue.