Nutritional supplement system

Abstract

A multi-part nutritional supplement system supplies nutrients to a user at advantageous locations in the digestive tract. One type of dosage unit is formulated to release vitamin B12 in the stomach and intestines of the upper GI tract, advantageously in an amount that is greater than or at multiple levels of the DV (Daily Value) of vitamin B12.

1 . A nutritional supplement system for human subjects consisting essentially of:
 a first nutritional supplement dosage unit, the first dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject;   a second nutritional supplement dosage unit, the second dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients that do not require release in the stomach and exposure to stomach acid for efficient digestion and absorption and that cause tolerance problems or are subject to a loss in biological activity when released in the stomach;   a third nutritional supplement dosage unit, the third dosage unit being formulated to continually release one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time; and   a fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit, the fourth dosage unit being formulated to release one or more supplement ingredients in the lower intestinal tract of the subject, the supplement ingredients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients and other supplement ingredients that are adversely affected by exposure to stomach acid or stomach digestion.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises a plurality of vitamins and minerals and is formulated for immediate release in the subject's stomach;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises nutritional oils including omega-3 fatty acids;   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated for sustained release of vitamin B12 starting in the stomach and continuing into the intestines of the subject; and   the fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises  Lactobacillus acidophilus  and  Buifodobacterium longum.      
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the third dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two tablets or two caplets;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two gel encapsulations;   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one tablet or caplet; and   the fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one layered tablet.   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the six dosage unit elements of the first, second, third, and fourth dosage units are packaged in a common blister pack such that a day's complete dose is packaged together. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises:
 from 0 mg to 600 mg of phosphorus, 
 from 50 mg to 600 mg of magnesium, 
 from 30 mg to 500 mg of vitamin C, 
 from 1 mg to 30 mg of zinc, 
 from 30 IU to 400 IU of vitamin E, 
 from 0 mg to 5 mg of manganese, 
 from 5 mg to 50 mg of vitamin B3, 
 from 0 mg to 5 mg of boron, 
 from 0.5 mg to 5 mg of copper, 
 from 0 IU to 10,000 IU of vitamin A, 
 from 0 mg to 6 mg of beta carotene, 
 from 1 mg to 30 mg of pantothenic acid, 
 from 0 mg to 200 mcg of trace mineral protein hydrolysate for chromium, molybdenum, nickel, tin, vanadium, and selenium, 
 from 0 mcg to about 200 mcg of vitamin K, 
 from 0 mg to 100 mg of N-acetyl cysteine, 
 from 0 mg to 25 mg of silicon, 
 from 1 mg to 10 mg of vitamin B6, 
 from 1 mg to 10 mg of vitamin B1, 
 from 1 mg to 10 mg of vitamin B2, 
 from 3 mcg to 25 mcg of vitamin B12, 
 from 200 IU to 800 IU of vitamin D3, 
 from 100 mcg to 800 mcg of folate, 
 from 50 mcg to 600 mcg of biotin, and 
 from 50 mcg to 500 mcg of iodine; 
   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises:
 from 0 mg to 10 mg of lutein, 
 from 0 mg to 10 mg of lycopene, 
 from 50 IU to 400 IU of vitamin D3, 
 from 50 IU to 400 IU of vitamin E, 
 from 50 mg to 3500 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), and 
 from 0 mg to 250 mg of gamma-tocopherol; 
   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises
 from 30 mg to 750 mg of vitamin C, 
 from 25 mg to 400 mg of calcium, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B1, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B2, 
 from 10 mg to 300 mg of vitamin B5, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B6, 
 from 6 mcg to 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 
 from 0 mg to 100 mg of bioflavonoid complex, 
 from 0 mg to 300 mg of quercetin; and 
   the fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises:
 from 250,000 cfu to 20 billion cfu of  Lactobacillus acidophilus,    
 and from 250,000 cfu to 20 billion cfu of  Buifodobacterium longum.    
   
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the first nutritional supplement dosage unit further comprises from 5 mg to 30 mg of iron. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the first nutritional supplement dosage unit further comprises from 100 mcg to 1000 mcg of folic acid. 
   
   
       11 . A method for delivering nutrients and probiotics to a human subject, the method comprising orally administering a nutritional supplement system consisting essentially of:
 a first nutritional supplement dosage unit, the first dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject;   a second nutritional supplement dosage unit, the second dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients that do not require release in the stomach and exposure to stomach acid for efficient digestion and absorption and that cause tolerance problems or are subject to a loss in biological activity when released in the stomach;   a third nutritional supplement dosage unit, the third dosage unit being formulated to continually release one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time; and   a fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit, the fourth dosage unit being formulated to release one or more supplement ingredients in the lower intestinal tract of the subject, the supplement ingredients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients and other supplement ingredients that are adversely affected by exposure to stomach acid or stomach digestion.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises a plurality of vitamins and minerals and is formulated for immediate release in the subject's stomach;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises omega-3 fatty acids;   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated for sustained release of vitamin B12 starting in the stomach and continuing into the intestines of the subject sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period 12 hours after ingestion; and   the fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises  Lactobacillus acidophilus  and  Buifodobacterium longum.      
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the third dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two tablets or two caplets;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two gel encapsulations;   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one tablet or caplet; and   the fourth nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one layered tablet.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the six dosage unit elements of the first, second, third, and fourth dosage units are packaged in a common blister pack such that a day's complete dose is packaged together. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first, second, third and fourth nutritional supplement dosage units are administered substantially simultaneously. 
   
   
       19 . A nutritional supplement system for human subjects consisting essentially of:
 a first nutritional supplement dosage unit, the first dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject;   a second nutritional supplement dosage unit, the second dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients that do not require release in the stomach and exposure to stomach acid for efficient digestion and absorption and that cause tolerance problems or are subject to a loss in biological activity when released in the stomach; and   a third nutritional supplement dosage unit, the third dosage unit being formulated to continually release one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time.   
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises a plurality of vitamins and minerals and is formulated for immediate release in the subject's stomach;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises nutritional oils including omega-3 fatty acids; and   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated for sustained release of vitamin B12 starting in the stomach and continuing into the intestines of the subject.   
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the third dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 19  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two tablets or two caplets;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two gel encapsulations; and   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one tablet or caplet.   
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein the five dosage unit elements of the first, second, and third dosage units are packaged in a common blister pack such that a day's complete dose is packaged together. 
   
   
       26 . A method for delivering nutrients to a human subject, the method comprising orally administering a nutritional supplement system consisting essentially of:
 a first nutritional supplement dosage unit, the first dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject;   a second nutritional supplement dosage unit, the second dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients that do not require release in the stomach and exposure to stomach acid for efficient digestion and absorption and that cause tolerance problems or are subject to a loss in biological activity when released in the stomach; and   a third nutritional supplement dosage unit, the third dosage unit being formulated to continually release one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time.   
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises a plurality of vitamins and minerals and is formulated for immediate release in the subject's stomach;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises omega-3 fatty acids; and   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated for sustained release of vitamin B12 starting in the stomach and continuing into the intestines of the subject sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period 12 hours after ingestion.   
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the third dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the third nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 26  wherein:
 the first nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two tablets or two caplets;   the second nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two gel encapsulations; and   the third nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one tablet or caplet.   
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the five dosage unit elements of the first, second, and third dosage units are packaged in a common blister pack such that a day's complete dose is packaged together. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the first, second, and third nutritional supplement dosage units are administered substantially simultaneously. 
   
   
       34 . A nutritional supplement system for human subjects consisting essentially of:
 a immediate release nutritional supplement dosage unit, the dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject; and   a sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit, the sustained release dosage unit being formulated to continually release one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time.   
   
   
       35 . The system of  claim 34  wherein:
 the immediate release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises a plurality of vitamins and minerals and is formulated for immediate release in the subject's stomach; and   the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated for sustained release of vitamin B12 starting in the stomach and continuing into the intestines of the subject.   
   
   
       36 . The system of  claim 35  wherein the sustained release dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       37 . The system of  claim 34  wherein the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       38 . The system of  claim 34  wherein the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       39 . The system of  claim 34  wherein:
 the immediate release nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two tablets or two caplets; and   the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one tablet or caplet.   
   
   
       40 . The system of  claim 24  wherein the three dosage unit elements of the immediate release and sustained release dosage units are packaged in a common blister pack such that a day's complete dose is packaged together. 
   
   
       41 . A method for delivering nutrients to a human subject, the method comprising orally administering a nutritional supplement system consisting essentially of:
 a immediate release nutritional supplement dosage unit, the immediate release dosage unit being formulated to release one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject; and   a sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit, the sustained release dosage unit being formulated to continually release one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time.   
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41  wherein:
 the immediate release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises a plurality of vitamins and minerals and is formulated for immediate release in the subject's stomach; and   the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated for sustained release of vitamin B12 starting in the stomach and continuing into the intestines of the subject sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period 12 hours after ingestion.   
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 42  wherein the sustained release dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit comprises vitamin B12 and is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 41  wherein:
 the immediate release nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of two tablets or two caplets; and   the sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit consists of one tablet or caplet.   
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 46  wherein the three dosage unit elements of the immediate release and sustained release dosage units are packaged in a common blister pack such that a day's complete dose is packaged together. 
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the immediate release and sustained release nutritional supplement dosage units are administered substantially simultaneously. 
   
   
       49 . A method for delivering nutrients and probiotics to a human subject, the method comprising:
 providing one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject;   providing one or more nutrients in the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients that do not require release in the stomach and exposure to stomach acid for efficient digestion and absorption and that cause tolerance problems or are subject to a loss in biological activity when released in the stomach;   continually providing one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time; and   providing one or more supplement ingredients in the lower intestinal tract of the subject, the supplement ingredients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients and other supplement ingredients that are adversely affected by exposure to stomach acid or stomach digestion.   
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 49  wherein:
 the one or more nutrients provided in the stomach of a human subject comprise a plurality of vitamins and minerals that are immediate released in the subject's stomach;   the one or more nutrients provided in the upper intestinal tract comprise omega-3 fatty acids;   the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprise vitamin B12, and the vitamin B12 is provided in an amount sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period 12 hours after ingestion; and   the one or more supplement ingredients provided in the lower intestinal tract comprise  Lactobacillus acidophilus  and  Buifodobacterium longum.      
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 50  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract further comprise:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprises vitamin B12 in an amount sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprise vitamin B12 and in an amount sufficient to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 49  wherein:
 the one or more nutrients provided in the stomach of a human subject are released from two tablets or two caplets that release nutrients in the stomach;   the one or more nutrients provided in the upper intestinal tract are released from two gel encapsulations that release in the intestinal tract;   the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract are released from one tablet or caplet; and   the one or more supplement ingredients provided in the lower intestinal tract are released from one layered tablet.   
   
   
       55 . A method for delivering nutrients to a human subject, the method comprising:
 providing one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject;   providing one or more nutrients in the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of nutrients that do not require release in the stomach and exposure to stomach acid for efficient digestion and absorption and that cause tolerance problems or are subject to a loss in biological activity when released in the stomach; and   continually providing one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time.   
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 55  wherein:
 the one or more nutrients provided in the stomach of a human subject comprise a plurality of vitamins and minerals that are immediate released in the subject's stomach;   the one or more nutrients provided in the upper intestinal tract comprise omega-3 fatty acids; and   the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprise vitamin B12, and the vitamin B12 is provided in an amount sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period 12 hours after ingestion.   
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract further comprise:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 55  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprises vitamin B12 in an amount sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 55  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprise vitamin B12 and in an amount sufficient to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 55  wherein:
 the one or more nutrients provided in the stomach of a human subject are released from two tablets or two caplets that release nutrients in the stomach;   the one or more nutrients provided in the upper intestinal tract are released from two gel encapsulations that release in the intestinal tract; and   the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract are released from one tablet or caplet.   
   
   
       61 . A method for delivering nutrients to a human subject, the method comprising:
 providing one or more nutrients in the stomach of a human subject; and   continually providing one or more nutrients starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract of the subject, the one or more nutrients being selected from the group consisting of water-soluble nutrients and other nutrients that are typically very rapidly absorbed and are best delivered by sustained release so as to maintain an elevated concentration in the body over time.   
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 61  wherein:
 the one or more nutrients provided in the stomach of a human subject comprise a plurality of vitamins and minerals that are immediate released in the subject's stomach; and   the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprise vitamin B12, and the vitamin B12 is provided in an amount sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period 12 hours after ingestion.   
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract further comprise:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprises vitamin B12 in an amount sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 61  wherein the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract comprise vitamin B12 and in an amount sufficient to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 61  wherein:
 the one or more nutrients provided in the stomach of a human subject are released from two tablets or two caplets that release nutrients in the stomach; and   the one or more nutrients provided starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract are released from one tablet or caplet.   
   
   
       67 . An oral nutritional supplement dosage unit for use by a human subject wherein:
 the dosage unit comprises vitamin B12; and   the dosage unit is a sustained release dosage unit that provides for sustained release of the vitamin B12, starting in the stomach and continuing into the small intestine of a human subject over a period of time.   
   
   
       68 . A dosage unit of  claim 67  formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       69 . A dosage unit of  claim 67  formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       70 . A dosage unit of  claim 67  further comprising:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       71 . A dosage unit of  claim 67  comprising:
 from 30 mg to 750 mg of vitamin C,   from 25 mg to 400 mg of calcium,   from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B1,   from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B2,   from 10 mg to 300 mg of vitamin B5,   from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B6,   from 6 mcg to 500 mcg of vitamin B12,   from 1 mg to 100 mg of bioflavonoid complex, and   from 5 mg to 300 mg of quercetin.   
   
   
       72 . A dosage unit of  claim 71  formulated to allow at least 15% of the B-vitamins and vitamin C to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       73 . A dosage unit of  claim 67  that is in the form of a tablet or caplet. 
   
   
       74 . A dosage unit of  claim 73  further comprising an exterior film coating. 
   
   
       75 . An oral nutritional supplement dosage unit for use by a human subject wherein:
 the dosage unit is a tablet or caplet comprising
 from 30 mg to 750 mg of vitamin C, 
 from 25 mg to 400 mg of calcium, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B1, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B2, 
 from 10 mg to 300 mg of vitamin B5, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B6, 
 from 6 mcg to 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 
 from 1 mg to 100 mg of bioflavonoid complex, and 
 from 5 mg to 300 mg of quercetin; and 
   the dosage unit is a sustained release dosage unit that provides for sustained release of the vitamin B12, starting in the stomach and continuing into the small intestine of a human subject over a period of time sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion.   
   
   
       76 . A method for the delivery of vitamin B12 to a human subject, the method comprising orally administering to a human subject a sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit wherein:
 the dosage unit comprises vitamin B12; and   the dosage unit is formulated to release the vitamin B12, starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract.   
   
   
       77 . The method of  claim 76  wherein the dosage unit is formulated to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion. 
   
   
       78 . The method of  claim 76  wherein the dosage unit is formulated to allow at least 15% of the vitamin B12 to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1 N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       79 . The method of  claim 76  wherein the dosage unit further comprises:
 one or more additional B-vitamin(s); and   vitamin C.   
   
   
       80 . The method of  claim 79  wherein the dosage unit is formulated to allow at least 15% of the B-vitamins and vitamin C to dissolve in one hour in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 37° C. 
   
   
       81 . The method of  claim 80  wherein the dosage unit is in the form of a tablet or caplet. 
   
   
       82 . The method of  claim 81  wherein the dosage unit has an exterior film coating. 
   
   
       83 . A method for the delivery of vitamin B12 to a human subject, the method comprising orally administering to a human subject a sustained release nutritional supplement dosage unit wherein:
 the dosage unit is a tablet or caplet comprising
 from 30 mg to 750 mg of vitamin C, 
 from 25 mg to 400 mg of calcium, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B1, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B2, 
 from 10 mg to 300 mg of vitamin B5, 
 from 1 mg to 40 mg of vitamin B6, 
 from 6 mcg to 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 
 from 1 mg to 100 mg of bioflavonoid complex, and 
 from 5 mg to 300 mg of quercetin; and 
   the dosage unit is formulated to release the vitamin B12, starting in the stomach and continuing into the upper intestinal tract sufficient to provide elevated plasma levels of vitamin B12 for a period of at least 12 hours after ingestion.