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A large body of scientific evidence supports the connection between nutrition and disease.
Immune enhancers and antioxidants are the focus of research because of the number of diseases in which immune imbalance and oxidative damage have been identified.
The protective effects of antioxidants and immune balance is the foundation of preventive care.
BetaXanthinTM contains a potent complex of an antioxidant and a clinically tested immune system enhancer.
Both beta glucan and astaxanthin are safe and non-toxic.
BetaXanthinTM is a combination of two of the most potent substances ever discovered for immune system support. Both of these products are found in dietary items and are known to be safe. Scientists at some of the world’s pre-eminent universities and research institutions have conducted over 800 studies in animals and humans relative to the components contained in BetaXanthinTM. This research confirms that the compounds isolated for use in BetaXanthinTM produce multiple broad-scale effects that strengthen the vitality of the immune system and provide superior antioxidant activity.
Why should a person consider taking an immune supplement?
These components together help to ehnahce the body's own defense against disease through support and balance of antioxidant status and immune function. The objective in compounding these two complexes is to support the body's own defenses against cancer, infectious disease, cellular, mitochondrial and DNA damage. Studies regarding the maintenance of healthy DNA, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems have also shown positive results regarding these materials.
The two components of BetaxathinTM are Beta 1, 3-D glucan and Astaxanthin.
BetaXanthinTM contains Beta Glucan, a component that helps maintain immune balance. Beta Glucan is a high quality pure extract from Baker’s Yeast.
The second component, Astaxanthin, helps maintain antioxidant balance. The Astaxanthin in BetaXanthinTM is a high quality pure pigment extract from an aquatic plant.
BetaXanthinTM should be taken on an empty stomach twice daily, with water, at least 30 minutes before eating. Capsules can be opened and the loose powder taken with water. The daily dose of two capsules is calculated per 150 lbs. Dose may be adjusted on a weight basis (one capsule per 75 lbs.) or as otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.
Each batch of our product is verified and a Certificate of Analysis is available upon request.
Human Benefits of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin can address each of the following human indications:
- Increases strength and endurance(2.8 times greater increase over baseline versus placebo in human study).*
- Alleviates symptoms in patients with H. Pylori (pre-ulcer indigestion).*
- Protects cell and mitochondrial membranes from oxidative damage, thus protecting the cell from oxidative damage.**
- Boosts immune system by increasing the number of antibody-producing cells.**
- Prevents the initiation of cancer cells in the tongue, oral cavity, large bowel, bladder, uterus, and breast.**
- Inhibits lipid peroxidation that causes plaque formation, thus reducing risk of cardiovascular disease.**
- Alleviates oxidative stress** and crosses the blood brain barrier.** Therefore, may assist in neurodegenerative conditions such as AMD**, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.**
- Protects the eyes and skin from UV A and B damage by quenching singlet and triplet oxygen.**
- Reduces the number of new and abnormal cells in the liver.**
* Confirmed in human clinical study
** Confirmed in preclinical studies
Beta Glucan Mechanisms of Action
More than 800 publications have reported that b1,3-glucans, either soluble or particulate, exhibit immunomodulatory properties. Studies have demonstrated that b1,3-glucan has strong immunostimulating activity in wide variety of other species, including earthworms, shrimps, fish, chicken, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, pigs, cattle and humans. Based on these results it has been concluded that b1,3-glucan represents a type of immunostimulant that is active across the evolutionary spectrum, likely representing an evolutionarily conserved innate immune response directed against fungal pathogens.
The oral protective effect of yeast b1,3-glucan appears to be mediated through intestinal mucosal cell interactions leading to the stimulation of cytokine production. Focus has bben on three important cytokines, IL-2, IFN-? and TNF-a. All of these cytokines play an important role not only in physiological processes, but also in bioregulation of host defense reactions. IL-2 is a cytokine produced by activated CD4 and some CD8 T lymphocytes. In addition to being the major T cell growth factor, IL-2 also stimulates: growth and differentiation of cytotoxic T cell precursors, NK cells, differentiation of activated human B-lymphocytes and activation of monocytes. TNF-a is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted primarily by monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes, respectively. TNF-a is the principal mediator of natural immunity against Gram-negative bacteria and a key mediator of inflammatory responses and septic shock.61 IFN-?, sometimes called immune interferon, is produced mainly by T lymphocytes as a result of antigenic or mitogenic stimulation. The activities of IFN-? are many, including induction of MHC expression, macrophage activation, and effects on the differentiation of lymphocytes.
Evidence of orally administered b1,3-glucan immunomodulatory activity has been demonstrated through effects on the production of three different cytokines, IL-2, IFN-? and TNF-a. The production of these three cytokines was measured after a 72 hr in vitro incubation of spleen cells isolated from control and b1,3-glucan-administered animals. In all three tested cytokines, oral administration of ß-glucan resulted in significant increase of the cytokine levels (Figure 1).(re-create the japanese chart on cytokines).
At present we do not fully understand the mechanisms mediating the effects of orally administered b1,3-glucan. We believe that through specific interactions between the b1,3-glucan active component of b1,3-glucan and b1,3-glucan receptors on M-cells within Peyer’s patches in the intestinal mucosa that a systemic signal (cytokines) is elicited by the gut associated lymphatic system that stimulates the innate immune system components (macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells) to a higher functional level, increasing the first line of host defense mechanisms. The involvement of b1,3-glucan binding by CR3 receptors enhancing the recognition of targets with complement fragments is another possibility. Increased proliferation of myeloid cell precursors in bone marrow and increased homing of matured myeloid cells into final tissues, described previously as b1,3-glucan-stimulated is most probably also involved. Despite our current lack of knowledge about the precise mechanisms through which oral b1,3-glucan mediates its protective effects, the data indicating anti-tumor and anti-infective properties of yeast-derived b1,3-glucan presented in numerous scientific studies suggests that further study is warranted to fully understand the benefits of b1,3-glucans.
Astaxanthin Effectiveness and Synergies
Demonstrated to be bioavailable in human studies
48. Osterlie, M., et al, "Blood appearance and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z isomers among plasma lipoproteins in humans administered in a single meal with astaxanthin," Unpublished paper presented at the 12th International Symposium on Carotenoids in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, July 1999.
49. Chew, BP., et al., "Dietary Beta-carotene and astaxanthin but not canthaxanthin stimulate splenocyte function in mice," Anticancer Research, December 1999: 19.
50. Gobantes, I, et al., "Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin kinetics after ingestion of individual doses by immature rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, February 1997: 45(2), pp. 454-458.
At least 10 times more effective as an antioxidant than beta-carotene
8. Miki, W., "Biological Functions and Activities of Animal Carotenoids," Pure and Applied Chemistry, 1991: 63(1) pp. 141-146.
100 to 500 times more effective in inhibiting lipid peroxidation as an antioxidant than Vitamin E
6. Kurashige, M., et al, " Inhibition of oxidative injury of biological membranes by astaxanthin," Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR, 1990: 22(1), pp. 27-38.
8. Miki, W., "Biological Functions and Activities of Animal Carotenoids," Pure and Applied Chemistry, 1991: 63(1) pp. 141-146.
Greater anti-inflammatory capability than Vitamin E
6. Kurashige, M., et al, " Inhibition of oxidative injury of biological membranes by astaxanthin," Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR, 1990: 22(1), pp. 27-38.
46. Bennedsen, M., et al., "Treatment of H. pylori-infected mice with antioxidant/astaxanthin reduces gastric inflammation, bacterial load and modulates cytokine release by splenocytes," Immunology Letters, December 1, 1999: 70(3) pp. 185-9.
47. Lignell A., et al., "Symptom improvement in Helicobacter pylori-positive non-ulcer dyspeptic patients after treatment with the carotenoid astaxanthin," Unpublished study from Sweden and the Center for Digestive Diseases, NSW, Australia, 1999.
Almost 4 times the antioxidant capacity of lutein
8. Miki, W., "Biological Functions and Activities of Animal Carotenoids," Pure and Applied Chemistry, 1991: 63(1) pp. 141-146.
29. O'Connor, I, et al., "Modulation of UVA light-induced oxidative stress by beta-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin in cultured fibroblasts," Journal of Dermatological Science, March 1998: 16(3) pp. 226-230.
More stable in scavenging and quenching than beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin
6. Kurashige, M., et al, " Inhibition of oxidative injury of biological membranes by astaxanthin," Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR, 1990: 22(1), pp. 27-38.
8. Miki, W., "Biological Functions and Activities of Animal Carotenoids," Pure and Applied Chemistry, 1991: 63(1) pp. 141-146.
10. Mortensen, A., et al, "Relative stability of carotenoid radical cations and homologue tocopheroxyl radicals. A real time kinetic study of antioxidant hierarchy," FEBS Letters, November 17, 1997: 417(3), pp. 261-266.
13. DiMascio, P., et al., "Carotenoids, tocopherols and thiols as biological singlet molecular oxygen quenchers," Biochemical Society Transactions, 1990: 18, pp. 1054-1056.
31. Tinkler, JH, et al, "Dietary carotenoids protect human cells from damage," Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, December 1994: 26(3), pp. 283-285.
37. Rich, M., et al., "Dihydroxy-carotenoid liposomes inhibit phototoxicity in Paramecium caudatum," Photochemistry and Photobiology, 1992: 56(3) pp. 413-416.
Most potent antioxidant in enhancing immune modulation
38. Jyonouchi, H., et al., "Effects of various carotenoids on cloned, effector-stage T-helper cell activity," Nutrition of Cancer, 1996: 26(3) pp. 313-324.
39. Jyonouchi, H., et al, "Studies of immunomodulating actions of carotenoids. I. Effects of beta-carotene and astaxanthin on murine lymphocyte functions and cell surface marker expression in in vitro culture system," Nutrition and Cancer, 1991: 16(2), pp. 93-105.
40. Jyonouchi, H., et al., "Studies of immunomodulating actions of carotenoids. II. Astaxanthin enhances in vitro antibody production to T-dependent antigens without facilitating polyclonal B-cell activation," Nutrition and Cancer, 1993: 19(3) pp. 269-280.
41. Jyonouchi, H, et al., "Immunomodulating actions of carotenoids: enhancement of in vivo and in vitro antibody production to T-dependent antigens," Nutrition and Cancer, 1994: 21(1), pp. 47-58.
42. Jyonouchi, H., et al., "Astaxanthin, a carotenoid without Vitamin A activity, augments antibody responses in cultures including T-helper cell clones and suboptimal doses of antigen," Journal of Nutrition, October 1995: 125(10) pp. 2483-2492.
43. Jyonouchi, H., et al., "Astaxanthin, a carotenoid without Vitamin A activity enhances in vitro immunoglobulin production in response to a T-dependent stimulant and antigen," Nutrition and Cancer, 1995: 23(2) pp. 171-183.
44. Okai, Y, et al, "Possible immunomodulating activities of carotenoids in in vitro cell culture experiments," International Journal of Immunopharmacology, December 1996: 18(12), pp. 753-758.
45. Tomita, Y, et al., "Preventive action of carotenoids on the development of lymphadenopathy and proteinuria in MRL-lpr/lpr mice," Autoimmunity, 1993: 16(2) pp. 95-102.
More effective than lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene in immune protection against initiation and promotion of tumors
15. Gradelet, S, et al., "Dietary carotenoids inhibit aflatoxin B1-induced liver preneoplastic foci and DNA damage in the rat," Carcinogenesis, March 1998: 19(3) pp. 403-411.
16. Mori, H., et al., "Chemoprevention by naturally occurring and synthetic agents in oral, liver and large bowel carcinogenesis," Journal of Cell Biochemistry, Supplement, 1997: 27, pp. 35-41.
17. Astorg, P., et al., "Effects of provitamin A or non-provitamin A carotenoids on liver xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in mice," Nutrition of Cancer, 1997: 27(3) pp. 245-249.
18. Rousseau, EJ, et al., "Protection by beta-carotene and related compounds against oxygen-mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity: implications for carcinogenesis and anticarcinogenesis," Free Radical Biology & Medicine, October 1992: 13(4) pp. 407-433.
19. Tanaka, T., et al., "Suppression of azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis by dietary administration of naturally occurring xanthophylls astaxanthin and canthaxanthin during the postinitiation phase," Carcinogenesis, December 1995: 16(12) pp. 2957-2963.
20. Tanaka, T., et al., "Chemoprevention of rat oral carcinogenesis by naturally occurring xanthophylls, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin," Cancer Research, September 15, 1995: 55(18) pp. 4059-4064.
21. Chew BP., et al., "A comparison of the anticancer activitites of dietary Beta-carotene, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin in mice in vivo," Anticancer Research, May-June, 1999: 19(3a) PP. 1849-1854.
22. Tanaka, T., et al., "Chemoprevention of mouse urinary bladder carcinogenesis by the naturally occurring carotenoid astaxanthin,"Carcinogenesis, January 1994: 15(1) pp. 15-19.
23. Gradelet, S, et al., "Effects of canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene and lutein on liver xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the rat," Xenobiotica, January 1996: 26(1) pp. 49-63.
24. Jewell C. and O'Brien, N., "Effect of dietary supplementation with carotenoids on xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in the liver, lung, kidney and small intestine of the rat,"British Journal of Nutrition, March 1999: 81(3) pp. 235-242.
25. Wolz, E., "Characterization of metabolites of astaxanthin in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes," Drug Metabolism and Disposition, April 1999: 27(4) pp. 456-52.
Enhances the actions of Vitamins C, E and retinol
1. Nagakawa, K., et al., "Inhibition of beta-carotene and astaxanthin of NADPH-dependent microsomal phospholipid peroxidation," Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, June 1997: 43(3) pp. 345-355.
11. Palozza, P, Krinsky, N, "Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are potent antioxidants in a membrane model," Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, September 1992: 297(2) pp. 291-295.
30. Savoure, N., et al., "Vitamin A status and metabolism of cutaneous polyamines in the hairless mouse after UV irradiation: action of beta-carotene and astaxanthin," International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 1995: 65(2), pp. 79-86>
Effectiveness and Synergies
of Beta Glucan
The immune-enhancing properties of yeast cell walls were reported in 1939. But it wasn't until the 1960s that researchers identified beta 1,3 glucan as the immune-stimulating component. Since then, scientists at some of the world's pre-eminent universities and research institutions have conducted more than 800 beta 1,3 glucan studies in animals and humans. This research confirms that beta 1,3 glucan produces multiple broad-scale effects that strengthen the vitality of the immune system.
A large body of research exists on the effectiveness of injectable yeast beta 1,3 glucan for various indications. One of the most exciting developments is new data establishing the efficacy of orally administered yeast beta 1,3 glucan.
Antioxidants
by Susan Valentino, Ph.D.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent cell damage and serve as parts of enzymes. There are many types of antioxidants found in nature. There are vitamin antioxidants that are known to be protective like vitamins A, C, and E. There are mineral antioxidants like selenium and zinc and there are pigments (colors). Some pigments in plants and animals are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants trap harmful forms of oxygen and prevent them from damaging cells. Antioxidants in the diet enter the blood stream and act directly to protect cells of the body from damage. In addition, some antioxidants stimulate the immune system, and/or increase the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.
What is Oxidation?
The process of oxidation is a normal function of all living things. Oxidation of various compounds is the primary means by which humans and other animals get energy. There are special compounds in nature called oxidant catalysts that provide a stable environment for oxidation to occur safely. The two most common oxidant catalysts are copper and iron. As charges are transferred from iron and copper to oxygen for energy release, new forms of oxygen are generated. Each of these new forms of oxygen has a “free” set of charges; these are called reactive oxygen species or ROS. As charges are transferred from the catalyst to oxygen and new ROS are formed a destructive process of charging stable compounds continues to generate more ROS. Some ways that ROS are generated include: inflammation, strenuous exercise, detoxification, chemical exposure, exposure to radiation, cigarette smoke, alcohol, pollutants, and high fat diets. ROS are damaging to proteins, membranes, and DNA. Damage to DNA can be the beginning of cancer initiation. The damage from ROS accumulates over time and is the major reason for aging and age-related increases in diseases such as cancer. Since ROS are produced constantly by many different pathways, defense mechanisms have evolved against ROS. Antioxidants are small molecules that pick up ROS and prevent them from causing damage; in addition antioxidant enzymes in the body can also inactivate ROS. Aging results in a decrease in the amount of antioxidant enzymes which results in an increased risk for developing cancer and an increased incidence of immune impairment. As antioxidant enzymes decline ROS accumulate and so does the damage caused by them.
ROS are only a problem when in excess, when they are not in excess they play a positive role in health and development. Oxidants are used to help a growing fetus develop; they can alter gene expression, and activate natural detoxification systems. They are also produced and use by immune cells to kill invading infective agents. Often with chronic infection, white blood cells can produce excessive amounts of ROS, which increases the antioxidant requirement. The important point is that oxidative pathways have been implicated as a factor in a wide variety of disease states.
Why Supplement with Antioxidants?
The recognition that prevention is the most viable strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases has lead to the blossoming of the field of “chemoprevention”. Chemoprevention is the use of specific chemicals, either alone or in combination, to decrease the incidence of disease. Antioxidant nutritional agents are the focus of attention in disease prevention because of the number and breadth of diseases in which oxidative mechanisms have been identified or hypothesized and the lack of toxicity. The lack of toxicity and side effects are critical from the standpoint of prevention. Toxicity is easily weighed and balanced when considering the treatment of a life threatening disease. But the level of toxicity acceptable for preventive applications must be much lower or non-existent in consideration of its use for a disease that does not yet exist i.e. as a preventative treatment. For the most part when considering prevention there are very few high-risk populations in which toxic side effects could be justified.
Even so, if a compound prevented half of all the cases of a particularly rare disease with no appreciable toxicity it might still be difficult to justify everyone taking such a preventive agent. Therefore the significance of preventive activity is expressed more for prevalent conditions (heart and eye diseases and cancer), or severe situations (such as risk of exposure to anthrax).
Pigment Antioxidants
The carotenoids are some of the most common pigments found in nature (Daun, H., 1988) and are fat soluble like vitamins A and E. Beta-carotene is one of the best known carotenoids and is necessary for the formation of vitamin A, however beta-carotene is only one of 400 of these naturally occurring pigments. Some other related pigments include alpha carotene, lutein, lycopene and astaxanthin. Caroteniods are pigments that are structurally related to vitamin A. Although caroteniods are not yet considered truly essential, significant health benefits have been ascribed to them allowing them to be one of very few natural products considered to be analogous to nutrients (Noel W. Solomons 2001).
Astaxanthin and other carotenoid compounds exert their effects simply by their presence in tissues. The physiological actions of other carotenoids have been investigated, in vitro, in both human and animal studies. As components of whole foods (fruits and vegetables) it is difficult to study the contributions of individual carotenoids to health. It is known that high fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower incidences of cancer (Mayne, 1996, 1997, Ziegler, 1991, Giovannucci. 1999). There is mounting evidence that these compounds work because of their capacity to quench reactive oxygen, (stop oxidative mechanisms) making them chemoprotective against cancer. In addition there is strong evidence that some carotenoids alter the metabolism of carcinogens in the liver and this may be one of the most important ways that they function in cancer prevention (DeFlora and Ramel 1988, Smith and Yang 1994).
1. Daun, H., 1988 The chemistry of carotenoids and their importance in food. Clin. Nutr. 7: 97.
2. Solomons, N.W., 2001 Vitamin A and carotenoids In: Present knowledge in nutrition, 8th edition. ISLI Press, Washington, DC.
3. Mayne, ST., 1996 Beta-carotene, carotenoids, and disease prevention in humans. FASEB J. 10:690-701.
4. Mayne, S.T., 1997 Antioxidant nutrients and cancer incidence and mortality: an epidemiologic perspective. Adv. Pharmacol. 38: 657-675).
5. Ziegler, R.G., 1991 Vegetable, fruits and carotenoids and the risk of cancer. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 53: 251s.
6. Giovannucci, E. 1999 Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: revire of the epidemiologic literature. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 91: 317.
7. DeFlora, S. and C. Ramel 1988 Mechanisms of inhibitors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Classification and over-review. Mutation research 202: 285-306.
8. Smith, T.S. and C.S. Yang 1994 Effects of food phytochemicals on xenobiotic metabolism and tumorigenesis. In Huang, M.Y., Osawa, T., Ho, C.T., and R.T. Rosen (eds) Food Phytochemistry and Cancer Prevention I. Fruit and Vegetables, American Chemical Society, Washington, pp.17-48.
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