LifePak and the Antioxidant Defense System

Many of the processes we call "aging" can be considered manifestations of the minute, cumulative damage done by free radicals to tissue such as skin, blood vessels, and brain. A category of nutrients, called antioxidants, can neutralize the potentially damaging effects that free radicals may cause to our bodies.

A comprehensive profile of antioxidants must work together in synergy to afford effective protection from free radical damage. This comprehensive approach to antioxidant protection is known as the "antioxidant defense system."

LifePak® has been specially formulated with a network of antioxidants, providing an arsenal of weapons to support the antioxidant defense system:*

  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Mineral cofactors (selenium, zinc, copper, manganese)
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid
  • Carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and lycopene)
  • Flavonoids (green tea catechins, bioflavonoids, grape seed extract, quercetin, soy isoflavones)

The antioxidant defense system is optimized by a comprehensive profile of both intrinsic and extrinsic antioxidants.*

Intrinsic antioxidants are synthesized in our body, often from nutrients we obtain in our diet. L-Glutathione and coenzyme Q10 are two major intrinsic antioxidants. Antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, are also intrinsic antioxidants that are synthesized in our body with minerals (cofactors) found in the foods and supplements we eat. Selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese are some of the mineral cofactors that must be obtained from our diet in order for our body to make these intrinsic antioxidant enzymes.

Extrinsic antioxidants can not be made by our body and so must be obtained from our diet. Examples of extrinsic antioxidants include vitamins E & C, alpha-lipoic acid, carotenoids and flavonoids. Just as nutrition experts recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, we should also choose a comprehensive antioxidant supplement containing a variety of antioxidants similar to those found in a healthy diet. A number of studies have indicated that combinations of antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids and flavonoids are believed to be more effective than supplementation with any of these nutrients alone. Scientists have identified that each of these antioxidants plays unique roles, providing synergistic, rather than quantitative, benefits to our health. Some of these unique roles are described below…

Carotenoids

  • Carotenoids are a major class of phytonutrients with many well-documented health benefits. Carotenoids provide antioxidant protection to cell membranes, and have been shown to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV light.* The major carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and alpha-carotene. Since all these major carotenoids are present in diets and serum, and all have demonstrated health benefits, it is important to choose multiple carotenoid sources from foods and supplements.*
  • LifePak provides a balanced carotenoid combination in amounts similar to those provided by diets high in fruits and vegetables.*

Flavonoids

  • It is estimated that there are over 600 different flavonoids present in foods and beverages. Because of the large variety of dietary flavonoids, it is important to choose a supplement with multiple sources of flavonoids at nutritionally meaningful doses.*
  • Green tea catechins, in particular, provide increased cell protection for your DNA, the genetic blueprint for healthy cell formation.*

Vitamin E

  • Vitamin E is perhaps the body's most important fat-soluble antioxidant nutrient protecting healthy cell membranes from oxidative free radical damage.*
  • Vitamin E provides important protective benefits to the cardiovascular system by reducing LDL oxidation and promoting healthy vascular function.*

Vitamin C

  • Vitamin C interacts with and regenerates vitamin E in the body.*
  • Vitamin C can help protect eye tissues from free radical damage associated with the normal aging process.*

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

  • Alpha-lipoic acid has the unique ability to neutralize both fat-soluble and water-soluble free radicals and is the key antioxidant found in our mitochondria. Alpha-lipoic acid also promotes the body's production or regeneration of the two major intrinsic antioxidants, L-glutathione and coenzyme Q10.* As a result, alpha-lipoic acid helps augment the entire antioxidant defense system.*
  • Alpha-lipoic acid has the advantage of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which helps protect our nervous system.*

Combined with your body's own defense systems, these 20 powerful antioxidants promote total cell protection - giving you the benefit of maximum protection.* In addition, LifePak is a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral/phytonutrient supplement containing a blend of bone nutrients, cardiovascular nutrients, and B vitamins for your general wellness.*