CoEnzyme Q10 protects nerve cells

CoEnzyme Q10 has shown the ability to protect nerve cells and potentially lower the risk of various degenerative diseases.

Cells in the brain and nervous system depend on optimal mitochondrial function for energy. A research study published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease showed that oxidative stress causes mitochondria to produce excessive free radicals, leading to nerve cell damage and destruction. Due to its function in the mitochondrial energy process and its role as an antioxidant, researchers evaluated CoEnzyme Q10 for its ability to protect nerve cells.

The results of this study revealed that CoEnzyme Q10 inhibits the production of free radicals by the mitochondria and stabilizes the mitochondrial membrane when nerve cells are subjected to oxidative stress. CoEnzyme Q10 may therefore have a potential benefit in reducing the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurobiol Dis. 2005 Apr;18(3):618-27

This is a great study emphasizing the actual processes that a nutritional supplement is effecting in the human body. It's not merely a case of correlation but of causation in that the CoQ10 is inhibiting the production of free radicals! This is very encouraging for anyone who has suffered neurological damage from an accident or disease.

We strongly recommend the Coenzyme Q10 product produced by USANA Health Sciences called CoQuinone 30. This is one of the best and highest rated pharmaceutical grade CoQ10 supplement on the market, providing 30 mg of CoQ10 in every capsule. For more information on this product you can visit www.WholeNutrition.Usana.com and click on PRODUCTS >> OPTIMIZERS >> COQUINONE 30

ANTIOXIDANTS - Function, Sources, Benefits and Safety

PART IV

Safety of Multivitamins and Antioxidants

Nutritional supplements have been widely used and highly valued by American consumers ever since vitamins were discovered and commercialized, beginning in the early decades of the 1900's. According to recent national health survey, as many as 78 million Americans adults use multivitamins on a regular basis.

Multivitamin/mineral supplements are an effective means of delivering adequate amounts of most essential nutrients to help people achieve recommended intakes. The great majority of dietary supplements, including multivitamins, are safe for regular use. Despite widespread usage, there have been no specific published reports of toxicity or adverse effects associated with the use of multivitamins.

A series of well-publicized clinical trials conducted in diseased patients utilizing relatively high doses of single nutrients or combinations of nutrients (such as vitamin E and/or beta-carotene), have yielded disappointing results, and even suggested the presence of harm. However, those trials were conducted in patients with serious illnesses (ie. cancer or cardiovascular disease) who were on multiple medications or who were current heavy smokers. The results of these trials should be placed in context and are not applicable to the generally healthy population.

Advanced levels of antioxidants are a common thread among nearly every population that is less prone to premature chronic degenerative disease. The Japanese have high levels of fruit, vegetables, green tea and soy as part of their traditional diet. Vegetarians have lower levels of heart disease and cancer, compared to the typical mixed diet, likely in part due to higher intakes of antioxidants. While high levels of single nutrients and foods may pose a risk of danger and toxicity, there is no known unsafe intake level of total antioxidants in normally healthy individuals.

And so this completes our four part series on Antioxidants. We hope you have taken something away from this discussion and can make more informed decisions concerning your own health and well being. Stay turned for more articles and research on the benefits of proper nutrition and supplementation.

The editors of the Complete Guide to Whole Nutrition would like to remind you that we recommend nutritional supplements from USANA Health Sciences. For more information on antioxidants and other supplements from Usana visit: www.WholeNutrition.Usana.com.

ANTIOXIDANTS - Function, Sources, Benefits and Safety

PART III

Health Benefits of antioxidants

Plentiful intakes of antioxidants have been associated with reduced risk of some chronic diseases, in the same way that generous intakes of fruits, vegetables and grains have been associated with similar health benefits.

Some examples of scientific evidence are the following:

Cancer

People with high beta-carotene intakes have about one-third the cancer risk as people with low beta-carotene intakes. Peto R. Cancer Surveys 1983;2:327-340.

People with higher intakes of vitamin C have about half the risk for many types of cancer, compared to people with low vitamin C intakes. Block G. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:270S-282S.

People with low intakes of several antioxidants have more DNA damage than people with generous intakes. Ames BN. Metat Res 2001;475:7-20.

People with the highest intakes of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene have a significantly lower risk of lung cancer. Yong LC et al. Am J Epidemiol 1997;146:231-43.

Men who took vitamin E supplements for 10 years or more had a 30% lower risk of bladder cancer. Michaud DS et al. Am J Epidemiol 2000;152:1145-53.

There are over 66 studies showing cancer-prevention activity of green tea, black tea, and their constituents. These include cancer reduction in the skin, lung, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, bladder, small intestine, colon and prostate. Lambert JD et al. Am J Clin Nutr 05;81:284S- 291S.


Heart Disease

Elderly people who took dietary supplements of both vitamin C and vitamin E had a decreased risk of death from heart disease as well as overall mortality. Losonczy KG, Harris TB, Havlik RJ. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;64:190- 196.

Men who took vitamin supplements had a 70% lower risk of dying from heart disease and a 50% lower risk of a heart attack. Meyer F, Bairati I, Dagenasis GR. Can J Cardiol 1996;12:930-934.

In the Nurses' Health Study involving over 87,000 women, there was a 41% reduction in risk of heart disease for those who took vitamin E for more than two years. Stampfer MJ, Hennekens CH, Manson JE, et al. New Engl J Med 1993;328:1444-1449.

In the Nurses' Health Study vitamin C supplements were also related to a lower risk of heart disease. Osganian SK et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;42:246-52.

In the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study involving almost 40,000 men, there was a 37% reduction in risk of heart disease in men who took vitamin E for more than two years. The average intake in the lowest risk group was 400 IU per day. Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ. Ascherio A, et al. New Engl J Med 1993;328:1450-1456.

To date, 17 human group studies have been published on flavonoid intake and the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Positive studies have shown reduction in mortality risk of up to 65%. Arts ICW and Hollman PCH. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:317S-325S.

The largest and longest study to date, done as part of the Harvard- based Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, included almost 110,000 men and women whose health and dietary habits were followed for 14 years. The higher the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the lower the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Compared with those in the lowest category of fruit and vegetable intake (less than 1.5 servings a day), those who averaged 8 or more servings a day were 30% less likely to have had a heart attack or stroke. Joshipura KJ, et al. Ann Intern Med 2001 Jun 19;134(12):1106-14.

Other Chronic diseases

Several long-term studies have shown a reduced risk of cataracts in those who have taken vitamin C and/or Vitamin E for more than 10 years. Jacques PF et al. Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:1009-19.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) at NIH found that daily supplementation with antioxidants, zinc, and copper delayed progression of age- related macular degeneration. AREDS report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:1417-36.

Research has shown a significant relationship between flavonoid intakes and the occurrence of asthma. Knekt P et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:560-8.
Other research suggests antioxidants may help support lung function and protect the lungs from oxidative damage. Schunemann HJ et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001;163:1246-55.

In a study on Alzheimer's disease, high levels of vitamin E delayed progression of the disease. Sano M et al. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1216- 22.

Coming Soon - Part 4 - Safety of Multivitamins and Antioxidants

ANTIOXIDANTS - Function, Sources, Benefits and Safety

PART II

Sources and Dietary Intakes

Antioxidants can be vitamins, minerals, enzymes or plant derived nutrients called phytonutrients.

The major vitamin antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, while selenium is the major mineral antioxidant. Many researchers and nutritionists discuss and report on "antioxidants" as if these were the only sources of importance. A thorough examination of antioxidants and their importance to human health must include a much larger list of compounds that are present in healthy, varied diet. The following list is an example of the wide variety of phytonutrient antioxidants present in a healthy diet:

Note: Each numbered phytonutrient corresponds to the foods listed under the same number below.

Phytochemical
1. Allyl Sulfides
2. Carotenoids (e.g. lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin)
3. Curcumin
4. Flavonoids (e.g. anthocyanadins, resveratrol, quercitin, catechins)
5. Glutathione
6. Indoles
7. Isoflavones
8. Isothiocyanates (e.g. sulforaphane)
9. Lignans
10. Monoterpenes
11. Phytic Acid
12. Phenols, polyphenols, phenolic compounds (e.g. ellagic acid, ferrulic acid, tannins)
13. Saponins

Food Source
1. Onions, garlic, leeks, chives
2. Tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, kale, spinach
3. Turmeric
4. Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, apples, grapefruit, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries
5. Green leafy vegetables
6. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy
7. Legumes (peas, soybeans)
8. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy
9. Seeds (flax seeds, sunflower seeds)
10. Citrus fruit peels, cherries, nuts
11. Whole grains, legumes
12. Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, tea
13. Beans, legumes

Recommendations by the National Cancer Institute, the U.S.D.A., other government agencies and nutrition experts are to eat a minimum of 5-13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, depending on calorie needs. Based on these recommendations, a typical varied diet would provide approximately 200-600 mg of vitamin C and 10-20 mg (16,000-32,000 IU) of carotenoids.

Overall, polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet. Their total dietary intake could be as high as 1 gram/day in a mixed, varied diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, and beverages.

Possible intakes of other phytonutrient antioxidants would be anthocyandins " 2 oz black grapes 1,500 mg; proanthocyanidins " 100-300 mg/d red wine; catechins " 50 mg day " tea (one cup brewed green tea " 240-320 mg catechins), chocolate, apples, pears, grapes, red wine; isoflavones " 50 mg/day from soy foods; chlorogenic acid " as high as 800 mg/day coffee drinkers.

Although it may seem reasonable that a consistently healthy and varied diet could provide high doses of antioxidants, the average American gets a total of just three servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The latest dietary guidelines call for five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables a day, depending on one's caloric intake. For a person who needs 2,000 calories a day to maintain weight and health, this translates into nine servings, or 4½ cups per day.

The 2001-2002 NHANES survey of dietary intakes shows that 93% of Americans fail to get even the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin E, let alone the RDA. More than half of adults fail to get even the average requirement for vitamin A. About one-third of non-smokers and two-thirds of smokers fall short on minimum vitamin C requirements.

If the governmental dietary recommendations are meant to be taken seriously, then it follows that it would be better for people to achieve recommended amounts of nutrients than to fall short. Obviously, since the average intake of 3 servings or less of fruits and vegetables fails to provide minimum levels of even basic vitamins, intakes of the numerous other antioxidants are sure to be well under optimal and beneficial levels.

It has been established that a good multivitamin can fill in gaps in missing vitamins, but availability of broad spectrum antioxidant supplements has lagged behind. Although there is much to be learned about the characteristics of the literally hundreds of dietary antioxidants, it seems reasonable that providing supplements of various antioxidant classes may fill in nutritional gaps and provide many of the benefits missing from the typical American diet.

Coming Soon - Part 3 - Health Benefits of Antioxidants

ANTIOXIDANTS - Function, Sources, Benefits, and Safety

Have you ever wondered "What are antioxidants?" or "Why are they important to my health?" or "Where do they come from?" and "Are they safe?" Well, we would like to try to answer that for you with this upcoming 4-part posting on the importance of antioxidants! Stay tuned for the next posts outlining the sources, benefits, and safety of antioxidants...

PART I

Antioxidants - What are they?

Oxidation is a natural process that happens to all cells in nature, including the cells in your body. Antioxidants provide an important defense against the daily assault of free radicals on healthy cells. This Essentials of Health four-part series will review the function, benefits, sources, and safety of dietary antioxidants.

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital tissues and cells are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin/mineral) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C and selenium. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet. In addition, there are literally hundreds of plant derived nutrients (phytonutrients) that act as important antioxidants in the diet.

It is impossible to avoid damage by free radicals. Free radicals arise from sources both inside (endogenous) and outside (exogenous) our bodies. Oxidants that develop from processes within our bodies form as a result of normal breathing, metabolism, and inflammation. Exogenous free radicals form from environmental factors such as pollution, sunlight, strenuous exercise, X-rays, smoking and alcohol. Our antioxidant systems are not perfect, so as we age, cell parts damaged by oxidation accumulate.

Coming Soon - Part 2 - Sources and Dietary Intake of Antioxidants

Amazing Benefits of Omega-3 Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of CVD. Large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that individuals at risk for CHD benefit from the consumption of plant- and marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, although the ideal intakes presently are unclear.

Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that EPA+DHA supplementation ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 g/d (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces subsequent cardiac and all-cause mortality. For a-linolenic acid, total intakes of 1.5 to 3 g/d seem to be beneficial.

Collectively, these data are supportive of the recommendation made by the AHA Dietary Guidelines to include at least two servings of fish per week (particularly fatty fish). In addition, the data support inclusion of vegetable oils (eg, soybean, canola, walnut, flaxseed) and food sources (eg, walnuts, flaxseeds) high in a-linolenic acid in a healthy diet for the general population.

The fish recommendation must be balanced with concerns about environmental pollutants, in particular PCB and methylmercury, described in state and federal advisories. Consumption of a variety of fish is recommended to minimize any potentially adverse effects due to environmental pollutants and, at the same time, achieve desired CVD health outcomes.

RCTs (Randomized Controlled Trials) have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiac events (eg, death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke) and decrease progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. However, additional studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for both primary and secondary prevention.

For example, placebo-controlled, double-blind RCTs are needed to document both the safety and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in both high-risk patients (eg, patients with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, and smokers) and coronary patients on drug therapy. Mechanistic studies on their apparent effects on sudden death are also needed.

A dietary (ie, food-based) approach to increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake is preferable. Still, for patients with coronary artery disease, the dose of omega-3 (1 g/d) may be greater than what can readily be achieved through diet alone. These individuals, in consultation with their physician, could consider supplements for CHD risk reduction.

Supplements also could be a component of the medical management of hypertriglyceridemia, a setting in which even larger doses (2 to 4 g/d) are required. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their extensive use.

The full research article can be found here.

The American Heart Association is an incredible source of information on any topic related to the heart and this piece of research is an excellent example of how the scientific community is embracing the health benefits of proper nutrition.

Antioxidants block prostate cancer

In experimental mice that naturally develop prostate cancer, supplementing with antioxidants vitamin E, lycopene and selenium effectively blocks the development or progression of prostate cancer.

According to a study published in the journal Cancer Research, dietary antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium, and lycopene) inhibited prostate cancer development in a group of mice that naturally develop prostate cancer. The prostate cancer disease process in these mice is similar to the human process in many respects, providing a good research model for the natural history of human prostate cancer.

Treatment of animals with the antioxidants resulted in a 4-fold reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer compared with the untreated animals. Prostate cancer developed in 73.68% (14 of 19) and 100% (19 of 19) of the animals from the standard and high fat diet, respectively.

In contrast, tumors developed in only 10.53% (2 of 19) and 15.79% (3 of 19) of the animals in the standard and high fat diets supplemented with antioxidants.

These observations support results from a growing body of research indicating a significant protective benefit of antioxidants on the development of prostate cancer.

Cancer Res. 2004 Aug 15;64(16):5891-6.

There's been a lot of talk lately concerning anti-oxidants and for good reason! Research like the study above are just beginning to scratch the surface of what antioxidants are capable of in the human body. Men will naturally take notice to studies like this which have clear implications for them.

As this study indicates, men's prostate health may be improved through proper nutritional supplementation. In addition to the antioxidants listed above (Vitamin E, selenium, and lycopene) other research has shown the benefits of saw palmetto in lower prostate cancer risk.

The editors of the Complete Guide to Whole Nutrition confidently endorse the products of Usana Health Sciences, specifically their "Mega Antioxidant" (part of the "Essentials") and "Palmetto Plus" which can be found at www.WholeNutrition.Usana.com under "Products." We like them because they are all pharmaceutical grade, independently tested for quality by NSF, and rated the #1 nutritional supplement by the Nutrisearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements.