Anti-Oxidant Report

Networking Anti-oxidants - Dr. Lester Packer, Ph.D, a UC Berkeley scientist who has dedicated five dedicated five decades to researching the biochemistry of anti-oxidants, discovered that certain anti-oxidants work much more effectively when they are networked together. The substances actually synergize, making the sum greater than the parts. Some increase the potency of others, as Coenzyme Q-10 does for vitamin E, while others actually help to regenerate their colleagues. Ultimately, having all five in your body at the right levels produces what may be the most powerful force available to stop free-radical damage.

1. Lipoic Acid - Lipoic acid is the free agent or pinch hitter of the anti-oxidant world. It can actually stand in for other anti-oxidants they may be in short supply. It also increases the efficacy of both vitamin C and vitamin E, making them not only more potent, but also longer-lasting. Additional benefits include the ability to normalize blood sugar levels. Since lipoic acid is functional in both water and fat, it can protect critical nerve cells from free radical damage. Dosages - Therapeutic daily amounts range from 20 to 50mg. Larger doses of 300 to 600mg per day are used to treat diabetic neuropathies.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) - Co-Q10 plays and important role in creating energy for your body. Without it the mitochondrion would not be able to do their job. It also plays a vital role in protecting the fat within your cells from oxidizing and becoming rancid as I mentioned earlier. Co-Q10 is also used to fight heart disease and cancer. By giving every organ in the body enough energy to perform its best, it helps natural defense systems to act more effectively. Dosages - While no RDA has been established, most benefits have come from taking 30 to 300mg per day, often divided into two or three doses. Important - Anyone who is currently taking medication, especially cholesterol-lowering drugs, should consult their physician before using Co-Q10. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should do this as well.

3. Vitamin C - Over 120 studies have shown vitamin C to be strong preventative measure against cancer. That is why the National Cancer Institute urges you to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (200-300mg of vitamin C). Much of this cancer fighting stems from its ability to protect your cells against free radical damage. Vitamin C can also raise your HDL (good cholesterol) and lower your LDL (bad cholesterol). Additional benefits include lowering high blood pressure, strengthening blood vessel walls, making blood less sticky, and reducing the symptoms associated with cold and flus. Dosages - RDA is only 90mg for men and 75mg for women, but that is only the amount necessary for your body to function. To attain the true anti-oxidant benefits of vitamin C, you need to take 1,000 to 2,000mg a day.