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Advanced AntiOxidant Formula
Containing a Proprietary Formula of:Ester C Vitamin C, Green Tea, Grape Seed Extract, N-acetyl cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Turmeric (curcuminoids), Lycopene, Blueberry
Why We Need Antioxidants: Oxygen as both a friend and an enemyOxygen is essential for life on earth. Without its presence, a human would not survive for more than a few minutes. Yet oxygen is a double-edged sword; as its existence gives life, so does it slowly take it away, by a process known as oxidation, the very process by which all things decay, and humans "return to dust". Almost every substance on earth is subject to attack and decay from oxygen. Gold is highly prized because it is essentially impervious to oxygen's attack, although its outer layer does eventually react with oxygen to form a visible brown or black coloration we call tarnish. In humans, scientists believe that excess oxidative stress plays an important role in the initiation and promotion of atherosclerosis, cancer, cataract, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Exposure to environmental perils, such as smoking, pollution or irradiation, eventually increases the oxidative stress beyond the ability of the organism's defense system to cope with it. Free radicals are highly reactive forms of oxygen that damage cells throughout the body. As our body creates energy at the cellular level, oxygen is metabolized changing its structure. In this process, the oxygen molecule loses one electron, turning it into a free radical. Free radicals are inherently unstable since they contain “extra energy. To reduce their energy load, free radicals react with certain cells in the body, interfering with the cells’ ability to function normally. Free radicals also are created through detoxifying rancid fats and chemicals, such as drugs, food additives and preservatives; and by cigarette smoke, pollutants, sunlight, radiation, and emotional stress. Just from oxygen consumption alone, an average 150 pound human utilizes about 3.5 mL oxygen/kg/minute, and if one assumed that about 1% of the oxygen is converted to the superoxide radical, about 1.72 kg or 3.8 pounds of deleterious superoxide radical would be produced per year. This does not take into account any of the multitude of other methods of producing, or other chemical forms of free radicals in the human body.
Free Radicals Can Cause over 80 Age-related DiseasesAccording to Richard Passwater, Ph.D., free radicals can result in approximately 80 different age-related diseases. These include cancer, heart attack, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, and Alzheimer's disease. The natural mechanism which protects us from free radicals weakens with age. Therefore, the elderly, smokers and those exposed to environmental hazards, are more susceptible to degenerative diseases. In today's high-stress "civilized" world, our harried lifestyle, combined with improper diet, over - consumption of fried, processed, and denatured foods, consumption of fats and oils which are themselves oxidized through improper storage and exposure to light and heat, all create damaging free radicals at an ever-earlier age. Exposure to sun, through the weakened ozone layer, also causes free radical destruction which appears as wrinkles, and brown or black spots, sometimes leading to cancers. Standing as the major defender against harmful free radicals is glutathione, our body's own antioxidant, along with the liver - as the primary detoxifier of harmful chemicals both consumed and produced in the body. The livers antioxidant abilities are crucial to human life and well-being. An overburdened liver, with insufficient supply of antioxidants, will result in disease and even death. There was a time, many decades ago, when a quieter lifestyle, coupled with better quality foods and consumption of more fresh vegetables and fruits, and better quality soil with more nutrients passed to our food supply, helped protect us from free radical damage. In this day and age, supplementation with antioxidants to fight free radicals and prevent age-related diseases is becoming a necessity rather than a choice. In fact, many doctors, including those who do not embrace nutritional supplementation, do take various antioxidant supplements to protect themselves, because they read the ever-increasing studies on their benefits. They believe that, at the very least, these substances are generally safe and can protect them from oxidative damage.
Advanced Antioxidant Formula as a Synergistic Approach to Antioxidant ProtectionThere are many types of antioxidants available. The most common ones are the vitamins C, E, A, and selenium. In the past decades, several important new forms of antioxidants have been discovered. Research shows that these antioxidants are many times more potent that the letter Vitamins, and also work in different ways for additional protection. Since numerous forms of free radicals are produced in the human body, it makes sense to supplement with a range of antioxidants which can deal with the different types of oxidative damage from all these radicals. Consuming these substances together at one time also adds another layer of protection from the "recycling effects" of their interaction among each other. Advanced Antioxidant Formula contains those nutrients which, based on the latest research, have the highest level of antioxidant activity against a wide range of oxidative stressors. This highly researched new formula contains the most advanced type of Vitamin C, Ester C; the most powerful natural carotenoid antioxidant, Lycopene; an important form of an amino acid, N-acetylcysteine; a powerful liver protector, Alpha Lipoic Acid; and several plant extracts containing flavonoids and other plant antioxidants derived from fruit (Blueberries), tea (Green tea), a spice (Turmeric), and wine (Grape Seed Extract). Advanced Antioxidant Formula is a broad spectrum antioxidant formula, which effectively guards against many forms of free radical damage, thus protecting against a host of health problems and degenerative conditions. All of the components in this formula are purchased as raw materials- with individual assays showing maximum purity. !n the case of the herbal plant substances, all of them are standardized to contain certain key active components, as shown on the label. This is important to assure consistent activity and results.
Advanced Antioxidant Formula: The Power of Synergy and RecyclingWhat makes Advanced Antioxidant Formula so powerful and effective is the way its various components work as a team. They are not only powerful individually, but also function together in what is known as antioxidant cycling. Cycling extends the time that each one is functional in the body, and also strengthens each other's various functions. We now know that no one antioxidant is able to completely quench the various types of free radicals produced in the human body. It is necessary to take antioxidants together, each with specific and different benefits, to obtain the best protection, and to enhance each others' effectiveness. For example, as the antioxidant vitamin E disables free radicals, it changes into a minor form of a free radical. Both vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid convert this radical form of vitamin E back to its antioxidant-self. However, when vitamin C recycles vitamin E, it also changes to a free radical. Alpha-lipoic acid and glutathione can both "recycle" vitamin C back into a potent antioxidant. Glutathione not only recycles vitamin C, but is the cells' primary antioxidant. Many scientists now state that maintaining high levels of glutathione is critical for a long and healthy life, as low glutathione levels are a marker for death at an early age. Glutathione diminishes as we age and cannot be boosted significantly by taking glutathione orally in supplements. The latest research shows that it is poorly absorbed in this form. This is why there is no glutathione in Advanced Antioxidant Formula. Instead, Advanced Antioxidant Formula contains several powerful stimulators of the "glutathione pathway", to aid in production and protection of this vital endogenous substance. N-acetylcysteine is used by the body to manufacture glutathione, and alpha-lipoic acid regenerates glutathione, ensuring that the body has an adequate supply. Turmeric, through its main active component curcuminoids, can double the amount of glutathione in certain cells. Green tea extract also preserves glutathione by protecting against substances which can destroy it. OPCs as found in Grape Seed extract play a role in cycling as they sacrifice themselves in order to neutralize harmful free radicals within the body: In doing so, they make it possible for vitamins C and E and selenium to do less "antioxidant" work, allowing these nutrients to perform their other functions in the body. For example, victims of Parkinson's disease show low levels of glutathione in brain tissue. It's interesting to speculate that perhaps compounds that raise glutathione, such as lipoic acid, NAC, and the potent phenolics found in berries and their leaves, might be able to help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, two of the most feared and disabling degenerative disorders of old age. All of these important substances are found, at useful levels, in a dally dose of two capsules of Advanced Antioxidant Formula.
Functions and BenefitsEster-C Vitamin C:This form of ascorbic add is established as a more bio-available form than both common ascorbic acid and other buffered ascorbate forms. In addition it is non-acidic and will not cause digestive discomfort. The importance of Vitamin C as an antioxidant is well established in thousands of research studies. It is a cornerstone of conventional antioxidant supplementation. It is also synergistic with the other components of this formula.
Green TeaThe antioxidants found in green tea are polyphenolic catechins. The best known of these are epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Each of these molecules is an increasingly potent antioxidant. In laboratory studies presented at a September 1997 meeting of the American Chemical Society, EGCG proved to be 100 times more effective at neutralizing free radicals than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E. The antioxidant potential of green tea, as measured by the Phenol Antioxidant Index, was found to be significantly higher than that of grape juice and red wines. Green tea also inhibited liver damage caused by exposure to 2- nitropropane. Even more important, green tea protected against liver injury caused by galactosamine, which happens to cause an animal model of viral hepatitis. Research suggests green tea's antioxidant power may translate into helping maintain immunity. In animal studies conducted in Japan in the early 1990s, green tea polyphenols increased activation of macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. All of these are white blood cells, which are the "foot soldiers" of the immune system. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published articles on green tea. The March 1996 issue of FDA Consumer states that "recent studies do show some evidence that polyphenols-chemicals in tea with antioxidant and other biochemical properties-may, in fact, have value in protecting against some serious ailments." (FDA Consumer 30, no. 2 [1996]). Protection against radiation-induced DNA damage is yet another area where green tea has had positive effects. A recent National Cancer Institute study found that green tea catechins can protect cells against radiation damage. Using chromatid breaks as a marker for unrepaired DNA strand breaks, it was found that all catechins except epigallocatechin gallate significantly reduced DNA radiation damage. (Curcumin, which is also included in this formula, had a similar effect.) The authors speculate that the protective mechanism is due to the ability of polyphenols to scavenge the particularly dangerous hydroxyl radical. They conclude that catechins protect human cells against radiation damage.
Grape Seed ExtractGrape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants known as oligomers of proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Some studies say that OPCs are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. Grape seed is one traditional source of OPCs, although they are present throughout the plant world. In a review of grape seed extract OPCs, Bombardelli and Morazzoni (Fitoterapia 66, no. 4 [1995]) state that OPCs' antioxidant effects are generally credited for their other benefits. The authors note that these include an antimutagenic effect (inhibition of the mutation of DNA). The authors point out that chronic degenerative diseases are believed to be a result of environmental mutagens (substances that cause mutation). OPCs may be able to counter these mutagens. OPCs are like an "oral cosmetic". They protect collagen and elastin, an important part of the structure of skin, through their interlacing which gives skin its strength, elasticity, and smoothness. When these two substances are damaged by oxidation, the skin loses elasticity, and can form wrinkles. OPCs help restore damaged collagen and elastin and protect them against further damage.
N-Acetyl CysteineAlthough still relatively little known, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant and helps maintain immunity. It has been used since the 1960s as a mucolytic - a substance to break up mucus, especially in lung tissue - and has also been used for years in hospital emergency rooms to counteract acetaminophen poisoning. Clinical trials in Europe have indicated that NAC may also offer protection against the flu and flu-like symptoms. NAC provides benefits because it helps 's increase the levels of one of the body’s most important and most powerful antioxidants: glutathione. The body itself produces glutathione to deal with the free radicals generated as part of our own metabolism. N-acetyl cysteine is used by the body to create more of this powerful and indispensable antioxidant. Research into NAC also indicates that it may enhance the production of human T-cells, an important part of the immune system.
Alpha Lipoic AcidAlpha lipoic acid is a "new" antioxidant that may turn out to be the most important of all antioxidants. First of all, it is the only antioxidant that is both water-soluble and fat-soluble, and can thus access all parts of cells which have both water-soluble and fat-soluble components. This unique quality enhances its ability to destroy free radicals throughout the entire cell. Alpha lipoic acid also works with other antioxidants to boost their levels. Taking alpha lipoic acid increases levels of vitamins C, E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. Alpha-lipoic acid is especially powerful as an antiaging substance. Aging can be described as a process that reduces the number of healthy cells in the body. The major factors in reducing healthy cells are free radical damage and glycation. Glycation is the process in which protein in the body reacts with excess blood sugar (glucose), This damage is as detrimental to our health as that caused by free radicals. Alpha lipoic acid may keep blood sugar under control, which reduces glycation, and thus slows the aging process. Both free radicals and glycation affect the appearance of proteins found in the skin, so alpha lipoic acid is an anti-aging nutrient that can improve the quality of skin.
Turmeric (Curcumin)Curcumin, the active ingredient of the rhizome of Curcuma longa has antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. !t has shown ability to protect DNA breakage caused by singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen (01) is known to have potential genotoxic and mutagenic actions. The protective, antioxidant effects of curcumin were greater than those of vitamins E and A (Subramanian et al., 1994). An aqueous extractive of turmeric has been shown to be more effective than isolated curcumin in protecting human lymphocyte DNA from damage induced by smoke condensate (Srinivas and Shalini, 1990. A water-soluble peptide, turmerin, isolated from turmeric, has also demonstrated effective antioxidant, DNAprotectant and antimutagen actions. Turmerin contains three residues of methionine, which may be partly responsible for the antioxidant effects (Srinivas et al., 1992). More recently, an antioxidant protein has been isolated from the aqueous extract of turmeric (Selvam et al., 1995). It has been recently shown that turmeric and related phenolic compounds isolated from Curcuma, have a powerful lipid antioxidant action,) resulting in a significant decrease in the levels of serum lipid peroxides. These peroxides probably play an important pathogenic role in normal senescence mid age related diseases such as atherosclerosis. Curcumin his been studied for its induction of glutathione S-transferase activity in mice. At a dose of 250 mg/kg orally for 15 days, the enzyme activity in liver was increased by 1.8 fold.
LycopeneLycopene is the most efficient scavenger of singlet oxygen of all of the common carotenoids and is able to quench free radicals twice as efficiently as beta-carotene. Current research suggests that lycopene's powerful antioxidant activity confers a high degree of protection against cholesterol oxidation, a process believed to influence prostate cancer and heart disease. Byproducts of the oxidation of cholesterol (epoxides) measured in cancerous prostate tissue suggest that oxidized cholesterol is either a product of oxidative stress or that oxidized cholesterol has a direct carcinogenic effect. This antioxidant process may also confer heart disease benefits, for both men and women, as oxidation of LDL is one of the first steps in the formation of atherosclerosis. Lycopene, because of its unique chemical structure is the best known biological quencher of tree radicals. It performs by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals, especially those derived from oxygen. Recent findings indicate that Lycopene plays an important part in the natural mechanism which protects the organism from the damaging effect of free radicals, thus protecting us against the onset of degenerative diseases. Lycopene used in Advanced Antioxidant Formula is derived from specially grown tomatoes which have a high natural lycopene content. No synthetic forms are used.
BlueberryScientists have developed a method called the "oxygen radical absorbance capacity" (ORAC) assay for measuring antioxidant effect. The ORAC test depends on the unique properties of the protein, phycoerythrin (PE). The ORAC assay is the only method that takes reaction of the free radical reactive species to completion and uses an "area under the curve" (AUC) technique for quantification. ORAC thus combines both inhibition time and inhibition percentage of the reactive species action by antioxidants into a single quantity. The antioxidant capacity of common fruits and vegetables, and drinks including green and black teas, commercial fruit juices. and wines, were measured with the automated ORAC assay using a peroxyl radical generator (ORACROO.) On a fresh weight basis, blueberries had the highest antioxidant capacity of all the fresh fruits and vegetables tested to date. The blueberry leaf measured significantly higher than the blueberry itself. The phytochemicals responsible for the antioxidant capacity of blueberries most likely can be accounted for by the phenolic acids, anthocyanins and other flavonoid compounds (Cao et al., 1997). In selecting a berry antioxidant for Radical Defense Antioxidant Formula, blueberries were selected because, not only do they have the highest ORAC antioxidant rating, but they contain a much greater range of chemically distinct anthocyanins than other berry fruit. Other benefits of blueberries include: Eyesight: Anthocyanins increase the regeneration rate of rhodopsin in the eye leading to Improved night vision, a more rapid adaptation to darkness, and quicker recovery of eyesight following light flashes. A recent Japanese study showed that consumption of blueberry extract caused an improvement in symptoms associated with weak or tired eyes. Circulation: Numerous studies have shown that consumption of bilberry extracts with an anthocyanin content similar to blueberries reduces symptoms associated with vascular disorders, particularly those related to microcirculation and increasing capillary fragility associated with ageing. Thus anthocyanins are believed to promote healthy circulation and reduce the incidence of bruising, hemorrhoids, bleeding spots on the skin, and varicose vein related symptoms. Age-related declines in memory, balance and coordination: Very recent studies by the USDA have shown that when old-age rats are fed diets containing blueberry extract, there is a reversal of age-related loss of memory, balance and coordination. It is believed that this would also be the case in humans. Ongoing studies are attempting to identify the components of blueberry which generate this effect. Urinary tract infections: Blueberry juice contains compounds that block the binding of infection -causing bacteria to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract, thereby reducing infection. Blueberries also reduce the oxidation of LDLs, which can result in lowering of arterial plaque build-up, and they reduce the stickiness of blood platelets, which can lower the tendency to form blood clots.
One bottle of Advanced Antioxidant Formula contains 60 capsules. Recommended dose is 2 capsules a day, one with morning and one with evening meals. |
