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Category: Antioxidants

The Role of vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble compounds from oxidative damage by free radicals. Vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol) that have varying levels of biological activity. Alpha- (or α-) tocopherol is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements. Alpha-tocopherol has direct effect on the control of inflammation, red and white blood cell ... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Sleep Apnea and the Correlation with Nutrients and Minerals

Cysteine - Oral supplementation with cysteine, the precursor to glutathione, has therapeutic potential for sleep apnea.  Snore time and duration were significantly reduced for patients treated with N-acetyl cysteine compared to untreated sleep apnea patients. Antioxidant Status - It is well documented that sleep apnea patients have both reduced antioxidant capacity and higher levels of oxidative stress than controls. Vitamin C - Improves endothelial function (blood vessel health) in slee... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Thursday, June 13, 2013

Fertility Awareness Week - SpectraCell Female Fertility Chart

Folate - Protects genes during rapid cell division which increases likelihood of a healthy embryo (via methylation of DNA); Deficiency raises homocysteine which damages reproductive cells. Vitamin B6  & B12 - Both are needed to convert toxic homocysteine to a benign form; Low homocysteine levels linked to a better chance of pregnancy. Vitamin C - Increases serum progesterone levels; Induces ovulation in some women; Enhances effect of the fertility drug clomiphene. Vitamin D - Higher ... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help!

Is carnitine the answer for male infertility?A group of men (n=96) who had been diagnosed as infertile for at least 18 months were given the following nutritional formulation daily for four months: L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, fructose, citric acid, selenium, coenzyme Q10, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and folic acid (see abstract for exact dosages).  At the end of the study, sperm motility improved and 16 of the patients had achieved pregnancy.  The authors concluded that carnit... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Thursday, January 10, 2013

Are Nutrient Deficiencies Stunting your Health?

Written by Dr. David J. Blyweiss, Sanctuary Medical Center   Micronutrient Testing Can Help.                                                                  &nbs... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Tuesday, November 20, 2012

SpectraCell's Nutritional Correlation Chart on DEPRESSION

Below is a list of various nutrients that affect a person affected with depression. Chromium - Elevates serotonin (feel-good neurotransmitter) levels in the brain; May be particularly effective on eating symptoms of depression such as carbohydrate craving and increased appetite, due to its effect on blood sugar regulation. Magnesium - Deficiency damages NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain, which regulate mood; Well-documented anti-depressant effects. Vitamin B12 - Depression m... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Thursday, September 20, 2012

Nutritional Considerations of Pain

Below is a list of various nutrients that affect a person affected with body pain. Cysteine - reduces pain caused by systemic inflammation due to its potent antioxidant properties. Inositol - in animal studies, treatment with inositol induces antinociception (pain reduction). Oleic Acid - this fatty acid is a precursor of oleamide, an analgesic that affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), all of which play a role in pain signa... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Monday, July 23, 2012

Nutritional Considerations of Fibromyalgia

Below is a list of various nutrients that affect a person with Fibromyalgia. Carnitine - deficiency causes muscle pain due to inefficient cellular energy metabolism (mitochondrial myopathy) which presentas as fibromyalgia. Choline & Inositol - altered levels of both nutrients seen in fibromyalgia; choline & inositol are involved in pain perception. Serine - blood levels of this amino acid are much lower in fibromyalgia patients. Vitamin D - low levels impair neuromuscular function an... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Friday, July 13, 2012

Reducing Homocysteine Risk with Comprehensive Testing

Follow-up Guest Blog by Arland Hill, DC, MPH, DACBN The metabolic marker homocysteine has gained attention as an area of treatment for various conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to general skin health.  Homocysteine as a marker for disease risk modification has been seen as a factor not ideally suited for pharmacological intervention, but more so for nutrient supplementation.  This makes sense as the methylation pathways, of which homocysteine is a marker for, are depend... Read More
Posted by Elissa Rodriguez at Wednesday, June 15, 2011