Thursday, October 25, 2007

Chemists Hail a New Antioxidant

Chemists Hail a New Antioxidant
By: Ned Porter

A new family of antioxidants that are 100 times more effective than Vitamin E could be used at much smaller doses in dietary supplements and cosmetics but provide the same benefits.

"Vitamin E is nature's antioxidant and people have been trying to improve upon it for more than 20 years with only marginal success," says Ned Porter of Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tennessee. "We have taken a very big step in the right direction." Antioxidants counteract the damaging effects of reactive oxygen compounds, another species in tissues which are an essential part of our diets usually obtained from fruit and vegetables. However, there is a growing market for new "nutraceuticals" and inexpensive potent antioxidants that some people believe could help retard the aging process or the damaging effects of pollution on the body. Antioxidants are also added to plastics, rubber, fuels and lubricants, agricultural feed, and cosmetics to make them longer lasting.

To make the new antioxidants, the researchers began with the structure of Vitamin E. Vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, is a phenol: it contains a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached. Several researchers have tried to make better antioxidants by attaching a nitrogen atom to the carbon ring. Theoretically, these molecules should be stronger antioxidants but they proved to be impractical because they were unstable in air.

The Vanderbilt team had the additional idea of not only attaching a nitrogen atom to the ring but substituting a nitrogen atom for one of the carbon atoms in the benzene ring itself. With both substitutions they found that the resulting pyridinols were not only air stable, but very potent antioxidants.

The Vanderbilt team will soon begin tests to see what health benefits or side-effects their new antioxidants may have.

Angew Chem Intl Edn, vol 42, 4370; http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.200351881

Do Antioxidants Increase Mortality?

Oxidative stress is implicated in the etiology of cancer. Several observational studies have associated diets with high levels of antioxidants from fruit and vegetables with reduced risk of cancer. However, randomized trials of diet supplements have given contradictory results. Bjelakovic and colleagues reviewed the benefits and harms of antioxidant supplementation to prevent gastrointestinal cancers.

They used registries of controlled trials, searches of electronic databases, reference lists, and contacts with manufacturers and others to identify published and unpublished clinical trials. The 681 references identified were verified and assessed for quality using protocols of the Cochrane Collaboration.

Fourteen placebo-controlled trials of oral antioxidant supplements involving 170,525 persons met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The substances used were selenium (50 to 228 mcg), beta-carotene (15 to 50 mg), vitamin A (1.5 to 15 mg), vitamin C (120 to 2,000 mg), and vitamin E (30 to 600 mg) daily or on alternate days. All but one trial reported the incidence of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, and liver. Nine trials reported mortality data.

In studies lasting between one and 12 years, the overall incidence of gastrointestinal cancers was not significantly altered by antioxidant supplementation. Selenium was associated with reduced risk of hepatocellular cancer in high-risk patients in three low-quality trials. Selenium, but not other agents, also was associated with significantly reduced incidence of gastrointestinal cancers in four trials (three of low quality).

In high-quality trials, use of antioxidants was associated with significantly higher total mortality than placebo. This effect was not apparent in the low-quality trials. Significant increases in mortality were associated with combinations of beta-carotene with vitamin A or E. Beta-carotene alone increased mortality. Adverse effects were common with antioxidant use, particularly beta-carotene.

The authors conclude that antioxidants do not appear to have a significant impact on the prevention of gastrointestinal cancer and could be associated with increased overall mortality. Only selenium showed possible reduction in gastrointestinal cancer, but the poor quality of the trials makes the results difficult to interpret. The authors speculate that antioxidants in fruits and vegetables could be effective because of their complex interactions with other constituents of food. Antioxidants could be protective at certain levels and potentially toxic at higher levels or in susceptible individuals.

ANNE D. WALLING, M.D.

Bjelakovic G, et al. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet October 2, 2004;364:1219-28.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Once again, the research leaves the family physician in a difficult situation. Observational studies held out the promise of reduced cancer and improved mortality from diet supplements-results quickly exploited by the "natural remedies" industry. Now comes evidence suggesting not only the futility of taking these substances but the potential hazard. Commenting on these unexpected results, an accompanying editorial offers the commentary, "the prospect that vitamin pills may not only do no good but also kill their consumers is a scary speculation."1 Much more research must be done before physicians talk with confidence to patients about supplements. Studies have to sort out all the combinations of supplements and subtypes of patients involved as well as address the many methodologic problems with these studies. In the meantime, many patients, especially health-conscious older patients, take large quantities of vitamins. For example, many take supplements specifically for macular degeneration in addition to other daily vitamins and supplements. The totals can be surprisingly large. Perhaps the wisest course is to suggest that supplements be used in moderation and, as mother always said, "eat your vegetables."-A.D.W.



REFERENCE
1. Forman D, Altman D. Vitamins to prevent cancer: supplementary problems [Editorial]. Lancet 2004;364:1193-4.

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Green Tea: A Team Player

By Bill Sardi
Antioxidants, the antirusting agents of biological systems, not only protect living tissues but also protect each other. For example, vitamin A protects vitamin C from oxidation, and vitamin C protects vitamin E. Researchers have learned that green tea's antioxidant components protect vitamin E and beta-carotene from oxidation. In fact, green tea's antioxidants do not begin to oxidize until vitamin C is completely depleted from human blood plasma. Researchers continue to find that an array of antioxidants works better than any single nutrient.

Bill Sardi is a health journalist at www.billsardi.com.

References
1. Lotito SB, Fraga CG. Catechins delay lipid oxidation and alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene depletion following ascorbate depletion in human plasma. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 2000;225:32-8.

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A hearty dose of garlic?

Scientists in the US have discovered why eating garlic is good for the heart: it boosts your natural supply of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow around the body. The team found that red blood cells in the body break down sulphur-containing compounds in garlic and convert them into H2S.1

Garlic is one of the oldest natural remedies, having been recommended by physicians for more than 5000 years. It is a natural antibiotic and has a range of potential uses, from reducing cholesterol to fighting cancer. But despite a wealth of historical evidence, medical trials with garlic supplements have had mixed results.

One reason for this is that garlic can have different effects depending on how it is prepared. Intact garlic bulbs contain no strong smelling compounds and have almost no physiological activity. This is why garlic should be crushed to release its beneficial effects, rather than simply cut up or cooked whole. Crushing garlic allows plant enzymes to react and produce a variety of sulphur compounds, including organic polysulphides such as diallyl disulphide and diallyl trisulphide. These compounds are responsible for 'garlic breath' but also for the bulb's healing properties.

The team, based at the University of Alabama, added small amounts of freshly-crushed garlic to human red blood cells and found they began releasing H2S. 'Key to our work was the use of a novel measuring method - we invented a sulphide sensor capable of measuring sulphide levels in solution in real time,' David Kraus, who worked on the project, told Chemistry World.

"Key to our work was the use of a novel measuring method - we invented a sulphide sensor capable of measuring sulphide levels in solution in real time"- David Kraus
Although toxic in high levels, H2S is an important signalling molecule in the body and acts as a vasodilator, opening blood vessels. 'Very recently, H2S has also been shown to help prevent the severe damage that occurs in heart attacks,' Kraus added.2

The researchers hope the work will lead to a way of standardising garlic supplements by measuring the amount of H2S they produce. Understanding the mechanisms behind this process could also lead to new treatments for heart conditions, they say.

Commenting on the findings, Harold Seifried, a nutritional chemist at the National Institute of Health, Maryland, told Chemistry World: 'Garlic certainly may have some usefulness for future drug discovery as more is known about the molecular targets and mechanisms of action.'

Kids' vitamin guide

When given the choice, the average 5-year-old is more likely to grab a french fry than a broccoli floret. Fortunately, a children's-specific, high-quality multivitamin can help provide crucial, missing nutrients, as well as build an early shield against diabetes, heart disease, and childhood cancers, says Shari Lieberman, PhD, FACN, a clinical nutritionist in New York City. But do children need additional supplements? And if so, how do you know which to choose? Three natural-health experts pinpoint the nutrients kids need and what to look for on a label.

Calcium
With just 20-100 mg of calcium, most children's multis don't come close to packing in the required amount kids need daily (800 mg for ages 4 to 8 years; 1,300 mg for kids older than 9 years). So if your children don't drink dairy or enriched soy milk, which contain 300 mg per cup, consider supplementing in at least two additional daily doses.

Iron
Many multis don't contain iron because it can be harmful if taken in high doses. But youngsters still need it. Your child could get the recommended 10 mg, though, by eating meat, spinach, or fortified cereals, says Marilyn Tanner, RD, a pediatric dietitian at St. Louis Children's Hospital. (Menstruating girls, who need 15 mg daily, are a possible exception.)

Folic acid
Essential for growth and the production of red blood cells (not to mention healthy gums, skin, and hair), folic acid supports nervous system function and repairs DNA damaged by toxins. It also may help protect against leukemia and other types of cancer. A typical kids' dose is 75-150 mcg daily.

Omega-3s
Mmm, fish oil. OK, it's not a food tykes typically beg for. But buy a fruit-flavored product and little Sally will gulp it down, says Lieberman. Packed with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the omega-3s in fish oil help boost brain and eye development, and decrease the risk of aggression, depression, and ADHD. Read labels to ensure that fish oil has been tested for mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Probiotics
Adults aren't the only ones who need healthy gut flora—supplying your child's digestive system with probiotics (good bacteria) may boost her immunity by maintaining a healthy balance within her gastrointestinal tract, says Tara Skye Goldin, ND, of Boulder, Colorado.

In a 2005 study, people who took daily probiotics supplements for at least three months experienced shorter and less severe colds. Chewable probiotics are now made specifically for kids. Aim for 5 to 10 billion live micro-organisms daily, or serve your child Lactobacillus acidophilus-rich yogurt.

Vitamin A
Although vitamin A aids immunity and healthy vision, taking too much can be toxic to the liver and can leave bones prone to fracture, says Goldin. A safer option: Beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, is water soluble and can be excreted, unlike fat-soluble, preformed vitamin A (palmitate or retinol palmitate). Pick a kids' multi with vitamin A obtained solely through 2,100 IU beta-carotene.

Vitamin C
During cold and flu season (now!), increase your child's vitamin C intake to at least 1 gram, says Lieberman. Or add a gentle blend of herbs, such as echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus),an Asian root commonly used as a tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Vitamin D
Growing bones need vitamin D, which is found in fortified milk and can be gained through sun exposure—part of why outdoor playtime is so important. Especially if you live in a cloudy climate, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids take a supplement with 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.

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Monday, October 22, 2007

Here's the training schedule for the week.

Here's the training schedule for the week.


All training events and conference calls are open tothe USANA Family.

Feel free to invite anyone whocan benefit.

** Monday 9 PM EST - Health and Freedom WebcastBring your guests here to learn about the

USANA opportunity.www.integritas-group-webcast.com - for associates www.viewthewebcast.com - for prospects 712-432-3000, 12525110:30 PM EST - Live Prospecting Calls. Come listen to a top leader make live prospecting calls.605-990-0400, 1095879#


** Tuesday8 PM EST - Advanced BDS TrainingDial-In #: 1-218-486-1300, 651953www.integritas-group-faststart.com9 PM EST - Health and Freedom WebcastBring your guests here to learn about the USANA opportunity.www.integritas-group-webcast.com - for associateswww.viewthewebcast.com - for prospects 712-432-3000, 12525110 PM EST - Simon Chan, John Goerlitz, Kim Koller Team Trainingwebcast: www.traintheteam.usana.comphone: 605-990-0300, 384115#


** Wednesday8 PM EST - Integritas Group Info Webcastl - 1 hour webcast that covers the history of Integritas, system and comunity information. Call is great for people who are interested in learning about Integritas, new people, even prospects who are very interested in the community/system.605-990-0200, 635978#www.integritas-group-information.com 9 PM EST - Fast Start Training Webcast1-218-486-1300, 651953www.integritas-group-faststart.com9 PM EST Integritas System Support Webcast - 1 hour of open Q+A on the system, training, marketing, etc lead by an Integritas Expert605-990-0400, 1095879# www.integritas-group-information.com 11 PM EST - Health and Freedom WebcastBring your guests here to learn about the USANA opportunity.www.integritas-group-webcast.com - for associateswww.viewthewebcast.com - for prospects712-432-3000, Bridge Number: 125251


** Thursday9 PM EST - Health and Freedom Webcast Bring your guests here to learn about the USANA opportunity.www.integritas-group-webcast.com - for associates www.viewthewebcast.com - for prospects712-432-3000, Bridge Number: 125251


** Saturday11AM EST - Integritas Group Community Call - Ruby Director Simon ChanPhone: 605-990-0400 Access Code: 1095879#

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Nutritionals Web Conference October 23 (THIS TUESDAY)

Nutritionals Web Conference October 23

Make sure you join an informative Web conference on Tuesday, October 23, to learn about two of USANA’s newest Nutritional products. Find out about all of the latest research behind the new formulation of BiOmega™, and learn everything you need to know about the MyHealthPak™—from why it’s cool to how to build it on the new Web site. This is the place to get answers to your questions. See you there! Nutritionals Web ConferenceOctober 23, 2007Time: 5:00 p.m. MDT

Web Conference Link:

https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usana500/join?id=BIOMEGA1&role=attend
Conference Call Phone Number: 1-212-990-8000Pin Number: 8596

http://www.safeliving.usana.com

4-Star Diamond Director Tim Lewis shares a message

Join us in Akron, Ohio Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 for the 2nd annual Children’s Hunger Fund charity ball. In addition, we’ve planned a special Diamond University to take place before the ball. Not only will you be raising money for a great cause but you’ll also have an opportunity to train with the Diamonds!

Log on to USANAtoday, Event Registration, located under the “Contests & Events” tab and sign up for the Diamond U with item #854 or register for a Diamond U/charity ball combo ticket with item #855. You can also register by calling Order Express at 1-888-950-9595. For more information on this event, check out Associate Events located on USANAtoday.

FAQs

Q. Where is Akron, Ohio anyway??

A. Good question! Akron is 30 minutes south of Cleveland, two hours north of Columbus, three to four hours west of western New York, five hours east of Chicago, 10 hours east of Kansas City, or a short plane ride from anywhere! So come on, get here!

Q. I am new. What is a Diamond U?

A. A Diamond U is a rare opportunity to learn from the Diamonds on how to become a Diamond. Think of it as an amplified Super Saturday! The lineup is truly exciting. 4-Star Diamond Director Tim Lewis, 5-Star Diamond Director Lynn Allen-Johnson, and 2-Star Diamond Directors Dr. Paige and Daniel Hunter are all speaking! Also, hear from Diamond Director Steve Swartz who will be sharing how he built his business entirely using the Internet. Then, to top it all off, we will be donning our best and going to the 2nd Annual Children's Hunger Fund Charity Ball.

Q. The CHF Charity Ball sounds like fun, but how formal is formal attire?

A. Suit and tie are fine. Wear a tux if you have one, and if you want to. If you show up in blue jeans, you will probably feel a bit uncomfortable. But, don’t let the attire stop you from coming. You won’t want to miss out on the fun.

In addition to fun, live entertainment, we will be auctioning off some really cool things this year. Goodyear has donated a ride for two on the Goodyear Blimp. Also, Tim Sales is donating one hour of free consulting services for two people. Tim Sales’ consulting services are highly valued. In addition, the merchants who donated last year are doubling their contributions so we will have hundreds of great items to auction and raffle off.

Q. I want to come to the Diamond U and the Ball, but how do I purchase a ticket for just the ball for a guest?

A. Go to www.chfcharityball.com. You can register and purchase a ticket for the ball alone there.
Q. I can’t come this year, but I wish to donate to the cause. How do I do that?

A. Go to www.chfcharityball.com and click on the donation page link. Thank you!