A comprehensive multi carotenoid complex containing clinically significant levels of betacarotene, lutein, lycopene, and lipoic acid. Dietary supplement to protect the eyes, cardiovascular system and lungs. 60 softgels
Carotenoids are a group of pigments that contribute to the yellow, orange and/or red colouration of fruits and vegetables. Over 500 carotenoids have been identified in human foods. Betacarotene is the most plentiful in human foods and of greatest importance in terms of human nutrition. It has recently been suggested that not any one carotenoid alone is responsible for their amazing antioxidant achievements, but a combination of all the known and unknown substances in foods. Traditionally, betacarotone has been considered as a provitamin. However several lines of evidence show that some of beta carotene's functions are independent of its provitamin role. The non-vitamin A functions of beta carotene are based on its ability to quench singlet oxygen and to act as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals. It can also reduce chromosomal aberrations and DNA chain breaks when liver cells are exposed to toxic chemicals. Betacarotene is the most effective naturally occurring quencher of singlet oxygen, a reactive, highly energised molecule. The energy transferred to beta carotene can be released as heat, restoring the beta carotene, thus the singlet oxygen is transformed to a stable oxygen species without destruction of the original beta carotene molecule. It has been calculated that one molecule of beta carotene can quench up to 1000 molecules of singlet oxygen. There is growing evidence from in vitro and in vivo laboratory animal studies that beta carotene can increase the immune response by protecting phagocytic cells from auto-oxidation damage, enhance T and B lymphocyte proliferative responses, stimulate effector T cell function and enhance macrophage, cytotoxic T cell and natural killer cell tumoricidal capacities, as well as increase the production of certain interleukins. In addition to preventing free radical formation, B-Carotene can react with or scavenge free radicals directly. Betacarotene is an unusual type of lipid antioxidant in that it is most effective at the low oxygen concentrations found n capillary beds in tissues far removed from direct exposure to oxygen. Betacarotene but not vitamin A has been shown to reduce the risk of no-fatal acute myocardial infarction in women. Another major function in man is as a nutritional source of vitamin A, where the conversion rate to vitamin A is regulated by the vitamin A status of the individual. In vitamin A deficient individuals the conversion rate is approximately 6 micrograms of beta carotene equals to 1 microgram retinol (vitamin A). Betacarotene has been found to possess potent anti-tumour activity in chemically induced liver carcinogenesis. It plays a role in reducing the risk of leukoplakia. Vitamin A aids in the growth and repair of body tissues (involving epithelial cells), which helps maintain smooth, soft, disease-free skin. Internally it helps protect the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, lungs, eyelids, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines (digestive tract), vagina, and uterus, thereby reducing susceptibility to infection. This protection also aids the mucous membranes in combating the effects of invasive micro organisms and other harmful particles, including air pollutants. The addition of the carotenoids lutein, lycopene, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin complete this formula. Lipoic acid aids in protection of the eyes, lungs, liver and cardiovascular system. Lycopene is found in tomatoes, watermelon, and guava. Lycopene appears to protect against cancer of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum. Researchers have found eating at least 10 servings per week of tomato-based foods rich in lycopene reduced the risk of developing prostate cancer by nearly 45%. Lutein and zeaxanthin (found in kale, spinach, broccoli, chicory leaf and beet greens) show the strongest protective effect (compared to other carotenoids) against macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin has also been found to block the activity of free radicals and, consequently, may protect cell membranes from this and other free radical damage.
Beta-Carotene is the best known of the entire carotenoid family, however, there are hundreds of other carotenoids. Today, science is exploring the benefits of the lesser-known carotenoids. The most revolutionary new knowledge in nutritional science comes form the discovery of components in vegetables called Phyto-Nutrients. These Phyto-Nutrients go beyond vitamins and minerals. With this new awareness Country Life introduces the best combination of carotenoids to suit the needs of the different types of cells in the body. Phytonutrient Carotenoid Complex brings together ten of the most important members of the carotenoid family to provide truly comprehensive protection. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that beta carotene and a combination carotenoids is effective in reducing symptoms of immunosuppression, liver cancer, cataracts, chemotherapy, high cholesterol levels, pesticide exposure, smoking, and surgery.
Per soft gel: Vitamin A (beta carotene) 25,000 I.U., Broccoli Concentrate 50mg, Pumpkin Concentrate 25mg, Carrot Seed Oil 10mg, Lutien 5000mcg, Lycopene 3000mcg, Alpha Carotene1000mcg, Lipoic Acid 1000mcg, Astaxanthin 1000mcg, Zeaxanthin 360 mcg.
Adults take one softgel daily with a meal.
Keep out of reach of children