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VITAMIN A (as pro-vitamin Beta Carotene) is effective at stimulating the immune system to
protect the body and may aid in the prevention of certain cancers by acting as an
antioxidant to maintain healthy cell membranes.1
VITAMIN A (as Palmitate) is also included since this form of the vitamin can be absorbed
in the absence of dietary fat and, second, many diabetics and hypo-thyroid individuals
cannot convert beta carotene to vitamin A in their bodies.2
A 19 year study of 2,000 healthy men showed there was a 700% increased incidence of lung
cancer for the group with the lowest consumption of carotene-containing foods as compared
with the highest carotene consumption group. Further, there was an 800% increase when only
men who had smoked more than 30 years were evaluated.3
An examination of 763 lung cancer patients in New Jersey revealed low carotene levels
increased cancer risks by 130% above those with high carotene levels.4
Of 191 Italian women studied, those who averaged less than 3,300
I.U of beta-carotene daily
had eight times the risk of developing cervical cancer when compared to healthy
controls.5
Researchers looking at all stomach cancer victims in a four county region of Pennsylvania
found that low intake of Vitamin A doubled the risk for stomach cancer.6
An Oxford physician estimates that optimal intake of beta-carotene alone could reduce
cancer incidence by one-third.7 A large percentage of people in America and
Canada have serum levels of A that are indicative of a marginal deficiency.8
NOTATION: A controversial study published in the April 14, 1994 issue of the New England
Journal of Medicine found that high doses of beta carotene actually raised the risk of
lung cancer by 18 percent. The participants in this 10 year study received 20 mg of beta
carotene a day (66,000 I.U.) which, in some cases, turned their skin yellow. This study -
generally regarded to be flawed - illustrates that too much of anything can frequently do
more harm than good!
VITAMIN D (AS
CALCIFEROL)
is necessary for
normal nerve transmission and muscle contraction, including the
heartbeat and might alter the growth of several different types of
cancer, including colon cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.9
Vitamin D might
function in the normal production or secretion of the hormone
insulin from the pancreas. In this capacity, the vitamin might aid
in the regulation of normal blood sugar.10
NOTE: Those who
spend a great deal of time in the sun during the entire year are not
particularly prone to develop melanomas, according to the 1985
report "Sunlight and skin cancer" published in the New England
Journal of Medicine. Individuals prone to skin cancer are those who
normally live in temperate climates, spend most of their time
indoors, and then expose themselves to intense sunlight by spending
occasional weekends on the beach or winter vacations in the tropics.
In short, consistency and/or moderation are the key to enjoying the
"sunshine vitamin" without risking cancer.
VITAMIN E
(d-ALPHA TOCOPHEROL)
is an antioxidant that improves circulation, repairs tissue,
promotes normal clotting and healing, improves athletic performance
and protects fats and vitamin A in the body from destruction by
oxygen fragments or free radicals. In a 14-year study of over 5,000
British women, low vitamin E levels in the blood increased the risk
for breast cancer by 500%.11
Vitamin E and
selenium work together in a potent anti-cancer enzyme system called
glutahione peroxidase (GSH), a critical tool for the body to ward
off cancer.12 The levels of GSH in the body depend
greatly on the levels of vitamin E and selenium in the diet.13
Vitamin E may
aid in the prevention of premature heart disease by inhibiting the
clumping of blood cell fragments called platelets that are
associated with atherosclerosis.14
Reports show
that vitamin E might reduce blood sugar levels in some diabetics. In
one study, blood sugar levels decreased 20% when patients increased
vitamin E intake to 2,000 I.U.'s a day.15
VITAMIN B-1
(THIAMINE)
is required for the normal functioning of all body cells, especially
nerves. This vitamin enhances circulation, blood formation and
carbohydrate metabolism. Anything that increases the demand for the
conversion of carbohydrate to energy - such as exercise, alcohol and
especially sugary foods - will increase the likelihood of deficiency
symptoms in a diet low in thiamine16
VITAMIN B-2
(RIBOFLAVIN)
is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell
respiration and the normal release of energy from carbohydrate,
protein, and fat in food. When used with vitamin A, it maintains and
improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.17
While most
healthy people excrete measurable amounts of riboflavin daily, 80%
of all cancer patients, regardless of the site of the tumor, excrete
virtually no riboflavin in their urine.18
This B vitamin
is easily destroyed by cooking, antibiotics and alcohol.19
NIACIN (as
NIACINAMIDE)
Note: Niacinamide does not produce skin flushing, headaches or
tingling regardless of the dose. Niacin decreases blood cholesterol,
LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride levels and reduces the risk for
developing cardiovascular disease in people with elevated blood fat
levels.20
Two hundred
scientists from around the world have discovered that niacin plays a
major role in the prevention and treatment of cancer.21
VITAMIN B-6
(PYRIDOXINE)
is required by the nervous system and is necessary for normal brain
function and for the synthesis of RNA and DNA (nucleic acids).
Pyridoxine has a role in cancer immunity and arteriosclerosis. It
inhibits the formation of a toxic chemical called homocysteine,
which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of
cholesterol around the heart muscle.22
Pyridoxine has
been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in culture dishes and even
lends greater cancer resistance to mice that are given injections of
skin cancer cells.23 Approximately 40% of Americans are
low in their intake of pyridoxine.
VITAMIN B-12 (CYANOCOBALAMIN)
helps the nervous system function properly and aides in molecule
synthesis involved in energy production and in fatty acid
biosynthesis. 24
Homocysteine
levels are controlled as vitamin B12 works with vitamin B6 and folic
acid. Excess levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased
risk of stroke, osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s
disease. 25
Vitamin B12 may help restrain pre-cancerous lung conditions in
smokers.26
FOLIC ACID
(FOLACIN)
is a B vitamin that is involved in directing new cell growth in the
body. A folic acid deficiency causes damage to cells that resembles
the initial stage of cancer. Women who take folic acid supplements
show less precancerous cervical tissue as compared to women who
consume a diet low in the vitamin. Folic acid might prevent the
transformation of abnormal cells to cancer cells and might return
damaged tissue to a healthy condition.27
A recent study
has found that folic acid and vitamin B6 significantly lowered the
risk of coronary heart disease and, in fact, folic acid deficiencies
could trigger 30 to 40 percent of the heart attacks and strokes
suffered by Americans each year.28
Folic acid is
one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. Surveys show that the
folic acid content of the American diet is half the recommended
dietary intake. Many major categories of drugs, including oral
contraceptives, aspirin, and anticonvulsants can produce a folic
acid deficiency.29
NOTE: Folic acid
can mask a B12 deficiency but is in-effective against the nerve
damage a B12 deficiency can cause. For this reason, the amount of
folic acid in nutritional supplements is limited by law to 400 mcg
for adults and 800 mcg for pregnant women.
VITAMIN C
(CALCIUM ASCORBATE)
in the body inhibits cancer and the absence of this important
nutrient increases cancer risk. Vitamin C stimulates the immune
system to attack abnormal cells and prevent destruction of the DNA.30
It stimulates the production of interferon, a potent anti-cancer
agent in the body31 and blocks the formation of
carcinogenic nitrosamines in the stomach.32
Individuals who
are well nourished with vitamin C are less likely to get cancer of
the esophagus, stomach, bladder and other areas of the body.33
In a study of over 6,300 Swiss adults, low levels of vitamin C
increased the risk for all types of cancer.34
NOTE: Smokers
bind up large amounts of vitamin C through tobacco use - as much as
500 mgs per pack of cigarettes. Of 139 patients with lung cancer,
most had blood levels of vitamin C indicating a deficiency, with
some people testing in the scurvy range.35
Adequate intake
and maintenance of high blood levels of vitamin C might help
regulate blood sugar since low vitamin C levels in white blood cells
are found in diabetics.36
ZINC
(PICOLINATE)
is required for protein synthesis and collagen formation. Even mild
deficiencies of zinc result in poor wound healing.37
Zinc has a
beneficial effect on the immune system and the body's natural
defense against colds, infection, and disease as it inhibits the
growth of disease-causing bacteria.38
Zinc serum
levels are markedly lower in patients with cancer of the esophagus,
lungs, and prostate gland.39 Rats that are given zinc supplements
and then exposed to carcinogens have fewer tumors.40
Zinc deficiency
is not uncommon in athletes, vegetarians, elderly populations, and
hospital patients.41
COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE (FROM HYDROLYZED
VEGETABLE PROTEIN) is
essential for normal functioning of the immune system.
It
is involved in numerous biochemical reactions in human cells.42
Copper is a component of multiple enzymes, is involved with the
regulation of gene expression, mitochondrial function/cellular
metabolism, connective tissue formation, as well as the absorption,
storage, and metabolism of iron. Copper levels are tightly regulated
in the body.43
BIOTIN ( VITAMIN H)
is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the
metabolism of fats and amino acids.44
It
also metabolizes amino acids and carbohydrates and helps to produce
certain enzymes that your body needs for normal functioning. It
plays a part in keeping your sweat glands, nerve tissues, and marrow
healthy and working efficiently.45
Note:
Many shampoos and creams tout biotin as an ingredient for hair
growth but it is doubtful whether they would have any useful effect,
as biotin is not absorbed well through the skin
SELENIUM
(Organic)
is a vital antioxidant which protects the immune system by
preventing the formation of free radicals. Selenium has been shown
to improve the efficiency with which DNA can repair itself after
being exposed to damaging substances.46
Professors from
Cornell University47 and the University of California48
have stated that at least 55 different studies show the anti-cancer
effect of selenium.
In a study,
blood samples were taken from 10,000 Americans and then frozen. Over
the next five years, the individuals in this study who developed
cancer had their blood samples unfrozen and checked for selenium
levels. Cancer victims were found to have had the lowest levels of
selenium in their blood at the start of the study.49
People in
Finland who had plasma selenium levels that ranked in the lowest
third had three times the risk for cancer50 indicating a
nearly straight-line relationship between selenium levels and cancer
incidence.
The average
American diet contains about 33 mcg of selenium daily. For healthy,
non-stressed adults, 70 to 80 mcg daily would be necessary just to
replace the selenium that is excreted in stools and urine.51
NOTE: Organic
selenium (yeast derived) is better tolerated, better absorbed, and
less likely to cause toxicity than inorganic selenium, such as
sodium selenite. Most yeast derived selenium is bound to the amino
acid methionine which improves bioavailability and circulating
levels of selenium in the blood.52 A person cannot get
yeast infection from yeast-derived selenium, even those who believe
they are very intolerant of it!
CHROMIUM
(POLYNICOTINATE)
is a component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a substance that
works with insulin to facilitate the uptake of blood sugar and is
needed for energy. This essential mineral maintains stable blood
sugar levels through proper insulin utilization in both the diabetic
and the hypoglycemic.53
Low plasma
chromium levels are an indication of coronary artery disease. As
many as 90% of all American diets are low in chromium due to a lack
of this mineral in our soil and by a diet high in white sugar, flour
and junk food.54
GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT (24% FLAVONE GLYCOSIDES)
has been shown to be effective against oxygen deprivation of the
heart muscle.55 Studies have demonstrated this herb is a
natural anti-oxidant and supports cardiac health.56
One of Ginkgo biloba's
most important active ingredients, ginkgolide, has been
clinically shown to be just as effective as standard pharmaceutical
drugs in treating irregular heart beats.57
Ginkgo leaves also contain two types of chemicals (flavonoids and
terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals --
damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes and tamper
with DNA. Antioxidants found in ginkgo can neutralize free radicals
and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.58
Ginkgo is widely used in
Europe for treating dementia. It use is primarily due
to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and because of its
antioxidant properties.59 The evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking, learning, and
memory in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been highly
promising.60
BILBERY EXTRACT (4:1 EXTRACT)
contains chemicals known as anthocyanosides; a flavonoid complex
that has excellent antioxidant properties.61
Anthocyanosides support normal formation of connective tissue and
strengthen capillaries in the body.
Anthocyanosides are also believed to assist in the regeneration of
rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the rods in the human eye for
night vision.62,
63
In
addition to these beneficial effects on the vascular system and the
eyes, bilberry can also help to decrease the permeability of the
blood-brain barrier to pollutants, drugs and other undesirable
chemicals by improving the resistance of the capillaries in the
brain to the transfer of such substances through their walls.64
ANGELICA
SINESIS (ROOT) FROM EXTRACT,
commonly referred to as Dong Quai, has demonstrated
immuno-stimulating activities. These include the induction of
interferon production, stimulation of immune cell proliferation and
anti-tumor activity.65
Angelica also
possesses significant blood pressure lowering action66
and relieves vasospasms.67
Other
cardiovascular effects noted for angelica include antiarrhythmic
actions, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and increase in blood
flow to the heart, brain, and extremities.68, 69
CHAMOMILE
(ANTHEMIS NOBILIS) FROM EXTRACT
is a time-tested plant remedy with calming and anti-inflammatory
actions.70
Chamomile has
been used against benign as well as malignant tumors and carcinomas
of the liver, stomach, mouth, skin and brain, internally as well as
externally.71
A principal
flavonoid found in chamomile is apigenin, a nontoxic and
non-mutagenic flavonoid with significant potential as being a cancer
preventive agent.72
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT (95% active polyphenols)
is the highest quality procyanidolic oligomers (PCO's) obtainable
from grape seed extract. The activity of these PCO's is
approximately fifty times greater than that of vitamins C or E; in
terms of antioxidant action.73 Numerous studies now show
that the level of antioxidants may be a more significant factor than
cholesterol levels in determining the risk of developing heart
disease.
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT (95% active
polyphenols) is the highest quality procyanidolic oligomers (PCO's) obtainable from grape seed extract. The activity of these PCO's is approximately
fifty times greater than that of vitamins C or E, in terms of antioxidant
action.83
Numerous studies now show that the level of antioxidants may be a more significant factor
than cholesterol levels in determining the risk of developing heart disease.
A 7-year study,
begun in 1985, demonstrated that when flavonoid intake of PCO's was
high, the risk of having a heart attack was low. Conversely, if
flavonoid intake was low, the risk of heart attack was high.74
PCO extracts
include an ability to increase intracellular vitamin C levels,
decrease capillary permeability and fragility (including diabetic
retinopathy), scavenge oxidants and free radicals, and inhibit
destruction of collagen.75, 76, 77 (One of the major
factors in male impotence is damaged capillaries in the penis).
The average
daily intake of total flavonoids per person in the U. S. is
estimated to be 25 milligrams. An intake greater than 30 mg
significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality.78
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