Antioxidant Quick Reference Guide:
Lipoic acid
Recommendations: 50mg am/ 50mg pm
Uses: Prevents brain aging, strengthens memory, diabetes, aids, liver disease, stimulates glutathione synthesis (glutathione is a powerful liver antioxidant), “turns off bad genes that cause cancer” (Packer Ph.D. 1999 p.31), slows aging process by prevent oxidative stress.
Notes: Studies indicate that “diabetic patients taking 600mg a day experienced a reduction in pain and numbness associated with neuropathy.”
(Packer PH.D. 1999 p.47)
Diabetics, smokers and people who are at risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease, should take an extra 100mg in the pm.
Vitamin E
Recommendations: 100mg of tocotrienols, 200 mg of mixed tocopherols am/ 200mg of mixed tocopherols pm
Uses: Protects skin against UV radiation and ozone, maintains youthful skin, anti-wrinkle protection, reduces the risk of prostrate and breast cancer,
Reduces risk of stenosis (by protecting against LDL oxidation), which can lead to cardiovascular disease and strokes (tocotrienols have been known to clean up arterial plaque). Reduces the risk of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Notes:
· Smokers should add 100mg of tocotrienol am or pm
· People at high risk for cancer/ 100mg of tocotrienol am or pm
· High risk for cardiovascular disease/100mg of tocotrienol pm
· Vitamin E should not be taken with prescription blood thinners.
· Natural vitamin E should be the only form that should be taken and it can be identified as d-alpha tocopherol. Dl-tocopherol would be the synthetic form. Anytime an L follows the d, it is synthetic E.
· Vitamin E is a fat-soluble and can become toxic when taken beyond recommended dosages.
Vitamin C
Recommendations: 250mg of ester C am/ 250 mg of ester C pm
Uses: “People who take vitamin C daily significantly reduce the risk of dying of cancer and heart disease by protecting DNA from free radical damage.” (Packer Ph.D 1999 p.77) Protects sperm from free radical damage, regenerates Vitamin E and interacts with flavanoids and anti-oxidants in the network, boosts immune function, reduces duration of cold, bolsters the body’s ability to resist cancer, stimulates collagen synthesis and helps to maintain healthy skin.
Notes: There are 2 types of vitamin C. There are the traditional acidic versions of Vitamin C one of which would be the water-soluble ascorbic acid. The other type would be the buffered non-acidic form; one type would be ester C. Ester C is water and fat-soluble which means that the body would retain it a little longer on a cellular level. Dr. Packer believes that less is more. Although vitamin C has no known level of toxicity, he believes that the less you take the more you absorb.
Co Q10
Recommendations: 30mg AM
Uses: Used to treat and prevent heart disease, rejuvenates brain cells and may help to prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, currently being investigated by researchers as a treatment for advanced breast cancer, used to treat gum disease and dubbed as a cellular spark plug.
Notes:
· Smokers should take an additional 50mg AM or PM
· At risk for cancer/ take additional 50mg AM or PM
· At risk for cardiovascular disease/ take additional 50mg AM or PM
Glutathione
Recommendations: Lipoic acid stimulates glutathione synthesis. 100mg of lipoic acid taken daily is the best way to boost glutathione levels.
Uses: Glutathione is present in every cell of the body, but it is most abundant in the liver. It is instrumental is instrumental in the detoxification of drugs and pollutants and for healthy liver function, It is important in maintaining a strong immune system, boosting glutathione can reverse age related slump in immune function, glutathione is involved in the storage and transport of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
Notes: Should not be taken in supplemental form. It does not maintain its integrity as it travels through the digestive tract.
Ginkgo Biloba
Recommendations: 30mg PM
Uses: Known as a brain booster, Alzheimer’s, Poor memory, depression, anxiety, inhibits action of nitric oxide, quenches the action of the superoxide
and hydroxyl radical (two powerful and potentially dangerous free radicals), prevents LDL oxidation, atherosclerosis, good for circulation and enhances sexual function in men.
Notes: Ginkgo should not be taken with prescription blood thinners.
Pcynogenol
Recommendations: 20mg daily
Uses: Improves micro-circulation, strengthens capillary walls, prevents platelet aggregation, prevents free radical damage to macrophage, boosts immune function, good for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Notes: Smokers, second hand smokers, people at risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease should take an additional 20mg daily.
Carotenoids are natural pigments found in both plants and animals. They are produced by bacteria; algae, fungi and plants, but humans get them through food. (Packer, 1999 p.134). There are more than 700 carotenoids found in nature but only 60 in food. Researchers have focused primarily on six: Alpha and beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, leutin, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids are known for their bright colors, ranging from brilliant yellow, red, and orange to purple and dark green.
Recommendations: There are no specific dosages for the carotenoids because we should be getting what we need form our diet. We should eat three orange and yellow fruits and two dark green leafy vegetables. However, if we are not eating enough bright colored fruits and vegetables, we should take a mixed carotenoid supplement. We should take as directed by manufacturer or your health provider.
Uses: Increased intake of carotenoid rich foods and high blood levels of carotenoids offer powerful protection against many different types of cancer. Lycopene (good source would be watermelon and tomatoes) has been associated with lower rates of prostrate cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin (found in the eye) are associated with decreased risk in macular degeneration and cataracts. Beta-carotene may boost immune function in older people, but mixed carotenoids may do it better. A carotenoid rich diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Notes: smokers should not take carotenoid supplements.
Selenium
Recommendations: 200mcg daily
Uses: Protects against many different types of cancers including lung, prostrate and colon cancer. Works in synergy with E. It is essential in the production of several enzymes that affect the anti-oxidant network. Prevent heart disease by facilitating anti-oxidant enzymatic activity that can detoxify rancid fat in membranes. It is necessary for enzymes that are needed to make glutathione.
References:
Packer, Lester Ph.D. and Coleman, Carol (1999). The Antioxidant Miracle. John Wiley and Sons Inc., CanadaPp: 47,77&134.
Disclaimer: This information and these products have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, disorder, pain, injury, or physical or mental condition. Results are not typical. Individual results may vary.
