Ultra Carotenoids
An important part of total antioxidant support
Ultra Carotenoids, provided by Westlake Laboratories®, is an important part of total antioxidant support. Beta-carotene is one important antioxidant nutrient that protects cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable forms of chemicals found in the body, which can form during metabolism and from exposure to environmental toxins. Free radicals are necessary for energy metabolism and immune function, but excessive free radicals can attack cellular membrane lipids, nucleic acid and proteins. The carotenoids used in our formulation is extracted from a potent natural source of Dunaliella salina sea algae. D. salina provides the two main beta-carotene isomers in an approximately equal ratio of all-trans to 9-cis-beta-carotene. In addition, small amounts of 13-cis-beta- carotene and other carotenoids are present, such as alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lycopene, as well as other natural vegetable sources, such as Chlorella and Spirulina.
Functions
In addition, singlet oxygen reactions can generate free radicals, which lead to further damage. This is known as oxidative stress. The oxidative stress such as that from singlet oxygen species, participates in oxidative reactions, which can impair or destroy important cellular components, such as membranes, nucleic acids (DNA), and enzymes. It has been shown to contribute to a number of degenerative diseases. Thus, beta-carotene efficiently quenches a chemically reactive species of oxygen called singlet oxygen.
Beta-carotene’s long, conjugated molecule can absorb the energy of singlet oxygen and release it safely as
heat. In the process, singlet oxygen is converted to less dangerous, regular oxygen. One molecule of beta-
carotene can quench about a thousand molecules of singlet oxygen. Beta-carotene is also a safe precursor of vitamin A. Human intestinal enzymes convert dietary beta- carotene into active vitamin A. The extent of this conversion appears to be based on the need for vitamin A, since even very large amounts of beta-carotene do not increase plasma or liver vitamin A levels above normal. Beta-carotene not converted to vitamin A is absorbed intact and has other functions in the body. Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of beta-carotene for normal immune function. The immune benefits of beta-carotene are due to its vitamin A precursor role and its antioxidant functions. Recent studies suggest that natural beta-carotene isomers may have advantages over synthetic all-trans beta-carotene. Studies show that only the natural 9-cis-beta-carotene isomer can serve as a precursor for 9-cis-retinoic acid. This vitamin A metabolite is an important regulator of normal cell communication, differentiation and division.
Indications
Ultra Carotenoids may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to increase their daily beta-carotene intake, providing both antioxidant protection and vitamin A activity.
Formula
Each Capsule Contains:
Beta-Carotene ........................................15,000 I.U.
(Vitamin A Activity)
From the algae Dunaliella salina containing approximately equal amounts of all-trans-beta- carotene and 9 cis-beta-carotene, along with Chlorella, Spirulin and other natural vegetable sources.
Suggested Use
Adults take 1 capsule daily or as directed by physician.
Side Effects
No adverse effects have been reported.
References
Bertram JS. Carotenoids and gene regulation. Nutr Rev 1999;57:182-91.
Cook NR, Le IM, Manson JE, et al. Effects of beta-carotene supplementation on cancer incidence by baseline characteristics in the Physicians' Health Study (United States). Cancer Causes Control 2000;11:617-26.
Cooper DA, Eldridge AL, Peters JC. Dietary carotenoids and certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration: a review of recent research. Nutr Rev 1999;57:201-14.
Erdman JW, Jr., Thatcher AJ, Hofmann NE, et al. All-trans beta-carotene is absorbed preferentially to 9-cis beta- carotene, but the latter accumulates in the tissues of domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius puro). J Nutr 1998;128:2009-13.
Hu G, Cassano PA. Antioxidant nutrients and pulmonary function: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Am J Epidemiol 000;151:975-81.
Ma GJ, Xue KX, Wu JZ, et al. [Antimutagenic effects of beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina]. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1998;19:282-4.
Pryor WA, Stahl W, Rock CL. Beta carotene: from biochemistry to clinical trials. Nutr Rev 2000;58:39-53.
Vainio H. Chemoprevention of cancer: lessons to be learned from beta-carotene trials. Toxicol Lett 2000;112-113:513-7.
Wei RR, Wamer WG, Lambert LA, et al. beta-Carotene uptake and effects on intracellular levels of retinol in vitro. Nutr Cancer 1998;30:53-8.
Xue KX, Wu JZ, Ma GJ, et al. Comparative studies on genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of natural and synthetic beta-carotene stereoisomers. Mutat Res 1998;418:73-8.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We at Westlake labs take heavy metal contamination seriously and thus test our products routinely to assure quality. We offer a survey compared to big box store brands randomly obtained over the last year.