Q&A: AntioxidantBalance®
Q: I thought CoQ10 was just for the heart? Why is it in your antioxidant
formula?
A: CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant for the heart as well as the entire body.
It functions as an important antioxidant in the mitochondrial and lipid membranes
in every cell in the body. It helps protect our cells against the negative
effects of free radical damage. In addition, CoQ10 also helps regenerate other
antioxidants, like vitamin E. 1,2
Q: I'm familiar with the antioxidants vitamins C and E, but what
is alpha lipoic acid?
A: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and a cofactor in the body's
production of energy. It has been named the "universal" antioxidant
because it quenches free radicals in both lipid and water-soluble portions
of tissues and cells. Like CoQ10, it has also been shown to recycle vitamins
such as C and E. 3
Q: Your product states that it "supports healthy mitochondrial
function." What are the mitochondria and why should I be concerned if
they are healthy?
A: The mitochondria are the power plants of your cells. They generate most
of the cell's supply of ATP, which is used as a source of energy. Free radical
damage and general aging can cause the mitochondria to become less efficient
and dysfunctional - leading to degenerative changes usually associated with
aging. Many studies suggest that certain supplements like CoQ10 and Acetyl-l-carnitine
may help support mitochondrial health. 4, 5, 6
Q: Isn't vitamins C and E enough for antioxidant protection? Why
do I need so many different ones?
A: Different antioxidants have different properties and therefore work on various
cellular sites within the body. Some are water-soluble and some are fat-soluble.
Also, antioxidants have been shown to work together in a complex fashion, one
that requires a proper balance of a variety of antioxidants.AntioxidantBalance®
provides an effective blend of both water and fat-soluble antioxidants for maximum
free radical protection.*
Q: Can I take this product along with your DailyMultiple?
A: Yes, the additional ingredients in the AntioxidantBalance®
will complement the DailyMultiple.
Q: It is my understanding that acetyl-l-carnitine should be taken
on an empty stomach for best results, but your product states that it should
be taken with meals. Which is correct?
A: Protein amino acids should be taken on an empty stomach (away from protein)
so that they won't compete with the same receptor sites within the brain.
However, acetyl-l-carnitine is an amino acid derivative and can be taken with
or without food.
Q: I'm taking blood thinning medication. Can I still take this product?
A: Although the small amounts of vitamin E and Co Q10 in this product should
not be contraindicated, we must always advise you to discuss all of your supplements
with your physician.
Q: What are free radicals?
A: A free radical is a molecule that has an unpaired electron. This unstable
molecule then steals an electron from another otherwise healthy molecule,
which causes another free radical in the body. This sets off a chain reaction
and continues until the final result has a negative effect on a living cell.
Antioxidants like vitamins C, E, CoQ10, lipoic acid, and others help to neutralize
free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, thus ending the negative
chain reaction.
Proc Nat Acad Sci. USA, 92: 9388-9391, 1995
Free Radic Biol Med. 27: 1027-1032, 1999
Free Radic Biol Med. 2002;33(1):83-93
Clin Sci (Lond). 2004 Oct;107(4):355-64.
Biochimie. 1998 Oct; 80(10):863-70
Mitochondrion. 2007 Jun;7 Suppl:S146-53. Epub 2007 Mar 27