Spectra Total Orac Blend: The King Of Antioxidant Action

No, free radicals aren’t deranged hippies from the 70s, and no, the name Spectra Total ORAC blend didn’t come from Star Trek.

That being said, the battle that takes place in your body between antioxidants and free radicals can seem like sci-fi. And while more research is needed on the complex interaction between free radicals and the foods we eat, what we do know about free radicals and how they affect our health is fascinating.

According to a 2002 study, “Epidemiological data suggest that antioxidants may have a beneficial effect on many age-related diseases: atherosclerosis, cancer, some neurodegenerative and ocular diseases.” (Bonnefoy, et al.)

Free radicals may even accelerate—or be responsible for—aging. (Nemzer, et al.)

Free radicals have been linked to:

• Alzheimer’s
• Dementia
• Autoimmune disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancer
• Cataracts
• Winkles
• Grey hair
• Hair loss
• Diabetes
• Huntington’s
• Parkinson’s

Increased free radicals from sources such as pollution, toxic chemicals, sun exposure, and even foods high in saturated fat may help explain how we age. (Lobo, et al.)

WHAT IS A FREE RADICAL, AND WHY IS IT HARMFUL?

Free radicals are unstable atoms.

There are a few different kinds of molecules that produce free radicals, but the one we’ll talk about here involves oxygen.

As you may recall from high school bio, oxygen likes to bond with itself. Let’s look at O2. O2 has two oxygen atoms sharing four electrons and is often depicted as a biological dumbbell.

If that molecule splits, either from normal metabolic processes or environmental factors (like a nasty sunburn), one of the atoms will be left desperately seeking another electron.

The process of splitting oxygen atoms is called oxidative stress, and the unpaired electrons produced are called free radicals.

Just like that desperate dude hitting on everyone at the bar, desperate oxygen will try to bond to all sorts of molecules. Free radicals can also strip electrons from other molecules, changing their chemical structure.

Free radicals occur under normal conditions, and may even play a role in our health. However, when levels are high enough, they can cause a chain reaction of damage.

This is bad news for your body.

Free radicals can mess with the delicate code written on your DNA, which changes the way it replicates and manufactures proteins. It can even alter a cell membrane.

When a free radical interacts with what is commonly called “bad cholesterol,” it makes the molecule more likely to clog artery walls. (Harvard)

WHAT IS AN ANTIOXIDANT?

Our bodies have a strategy for combating free radicals: antioxidants.

By now, many of us have an idea of what an antioxidant is (or we at least know that they are an excuse to eat lots of blueberries).

Antioxidants generously donate an electron to free radicals, making them no longer reactive.

WHAT IS ORAC?

Scientists measure substances that are rich in antioxidants using an oxygen radical absorbance capacity scale, or an ORAC scale.

To figure out whether blueberries or strawberries are supreme in neutralizing free radicals, researchers find out a substance’s total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

In this example, researchers would toss in a sample of strawberry into a test tube along with some free radicals and some other molecules that are vulnerable to those free radicals.

After a certain amount of time, scientists record the amount of free radical damage incurred by the sample.

The less damage, the higher the score.

Below is a table with a few random total-ORAC results from common foods, according to the USDA:

Fresh basil	4,805
Dried basil	61,063
Extra-virgin olive oil	372
Golden apples	2,204
Raw grapefruit	1,548
Honeydew melons	253
Syrup	436
Black raspberries	19,220
Rosehip	96,150
Clove (spice)	290283
Ketchup	578
Almonds	4,454

(U.S. Department of Agriculture).

As you can see, some foods score much higher than others.

Clear winners seem to be spices like oregano, basil, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon, and berries like elderberries, raspberries, chokeberry, bilberry, blueberry, and cherry.

ANTIOXIDANT HEALTH BENEFITS

It’s thought that a diet high in antioxidants can improve overall health, slow the natural aging process, and lower risk of age-related diseases because “antioxidants can assist in coping [with] oxidative stress.” (Lobo, et al.)

While we don’t completely understand free radicals, it’s clear that they play some part in cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, aging, wrinkles, and vision loss.

It’s important to understand that this observation doesn’t mean that pumping yourself full of blueberries will prevent you from aging, but there does appear to be a benefit to supplementing antioxidants.

With that in mind, let’s look at what we do know.

RESEARCH ON ANTIOXIDANTS AND FREE RADICALS

One thing is certain: more research is needed on antioxidants, free radicals, and age-related diseases. It’s also important to note that the following research has certain limitations.

For example, many of these studies had too short a duration and still, others were in populations already at risk for or suffering from the disease. Furthermore, epidemiological studies are difficult to interpret because of the many variables that occur outside the lab.

For example, observational studies on the typical eating habits, lifestyles, and health histories of large groups of people consistently show that people who eat more vegetables and fruits had lower risks of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and cataracts.

While this is promising, observational studies cannot test for a single variable. For example, people who just so happen to eat more antioxidant-rich foods might also have a healthier lifestyle overall.

For this reason, some studies are more helpful than others.

ANTIOXIDANTS AND OVERALL HEALTH

Some of the most exciting research on antioxidants, supplements, and free radicals occurred in 2014.

Most research on antioxidants has been conducted on participants with preexisting conditions or high risk. This research is unique because it studied healthy humans.

The researchers defined optimal health with respect to free radical levels as follows:

1. An appropriately modulated, healthy flux of free radicals and oxidants.
2. An appropriate level of antioxidants coupled with fully functional systems to recycle these antioxidants.
3. Robust nutritional support that helps to maintain optimal levels of supportive antioxidants and cofactors.
4. Fully functioning enzyme systems that repair or recycle and replace damaged cellular materials, for example, DNA, RNA, enzymes, proteins, and endogenous redox molecules (glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E etc.).

(Nemzer, et al.)

Their double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose study evaluated how an antioxidant-rich supplement called SPECTRA impacted those four standards above.

The study found that supplementing with SPECTRA did indeed significantly reduce free radicals.

 

This study suggests that supplementing with antioxidants is an effective way to maintain a healthy balance of free radicals in the body. You can find an effective dose of the supplement tested here.

AGE-RELATED EYE DISEASE AND ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants appear to reduce age-related eye diseases.

A six-year trial found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc protected against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The trial enrolled 3,640 participants aged 55-80 years.

They found that “comparison with placebo demonstrated a statistically significant odds reduction for the development of advanced AMD with antioxidants plus zinc...both zinc and antioxidants plus zinc significantly reduced the odds of developing advanced AMD in this higher-risk group.” (AREDS)

Supplementing with vitamin C and vitamin E could increase eye health.

ANTIOXIDANTS AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

In a study of nearly 40,000 women, researchers instructed the women to take 600 IU of vitamin E or a placebo every other day for 10 years.

The study found the rates of major cardiovascular events and cancer were no lower among those taking vitamin E than they were among those taking the placebo.

However, researchers did find that supplementing with vitamin E “decreased cardiovascular mortality in healthy women.” (Lee, et al.)

More research needs to be conducted on antioxidants and cardiovascular health.

ANTIOXIDANTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

It’s no secret that as we age, we lose some of our cognitive ability.

A 2007 study found no improvement in cognitive ability after 1 year, but saw an increase in performance for the 4052 patients that continued to supplement over the next 18 years.

More research is needed, but this study suggests that long-term beta carotene supplementation improved cognitive function in men. (Grodstein, et al.)

ANTIOXIDANTS AND CANCER

The research on antioxidants and their ability to fight cancer is thin, but the clinical trials we do have are conflicting.

Some research suggests that for both healthy individuals and those at high-risk for various cancers, supplementing with antioxidants will likely have no effect.

(National Cancer Institute) (Davis, et al.) (Bouayed, et al) (Rautalahti, et al.) (Virtamo, et al.) (Albanes, et al.) (Wright, et al) (Omenn, et al.) (Goodman, et al.) (Lee, et al.) (Hercberg, et al.)

However, for chronic smokers with a high risk of lung disease, supplementing with the popular antioxidant carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer.

(Neuhouser, et al.) (Hennekens, et al.) (Lee, et al.)

However, there is research that suggests taking antioxidants decreases rate of cancer among men.

The researchers conclude, “After 7.5 years, low-dose antioxidant supplementation lowered total cancer incidence and all-cause mortality in men but not in women.

Supplementation may be effective in men only because of their lower baseline status of certain antioxidants, especially of beta carotene.” (Hercberg, et al)

A 1993 trial studied the efficacy of selenium (an antioxidant). Among the 1312 participants, research showed “Selenium supplementation reduced total (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58–0.97) and prostate (HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.28–0.80) cancer incidence but was not significantly associated with lung (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.44–1.24) and colorectal (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21–1.02) cancer incidence.” (Duffield-Lillico, et al)

WHY IS THE RESEARCH MIXED?

According to the NCIHH, there are a few reasons the research is so conflicting. For example,

• As mentioned earlier, the lifestyle of the participants may influence their risk for certain diseases.
• The chemical composition and ratios of the antioxidants used in the lab can be different than what we find in our normal diets.
• Perhaps the idea that antioxidants are “good” and free radicals are “bad” is not complex enough to explain their relationship.
• And of course, more research is needed, and over a longer period, to better understand the benefits of antioxidants.

(NCIHH)

THE RESEARCH ON ANTIOXIDANT HEALTH BENEFITS IS LACKING. ARE ORAC BLENDS OR ANTIOXIDANT BLENDS EVEN SAFE?

People interested in fighting free radical-related aging should start by avoiding pollutants, toxins, too much sun exposure, and fried food.

That being said,

the answer is generally “yes.”

Antioxidant supplementation is safe for most populations at an appropriate dose.

If you’re considering taking an antioxidant supplement, you should evaluate the levels of each compound. At the very least, you should trust the manufacturer. Your supplement should have clear, easy to read labeling and should list all of the ingredients.

WHAT DOSAGE OF ANTIOXIDANTS PER DAY TO REDUCE FREE RADICALS?

Antioxidant dosage is a little complex because of the number of antioxidants. Common antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as lycopene, lutein, and selenium. Each has its own recommended doses.

*recommended doses from the Department of Health and Human Services

VITAMIN A & BETA-CAROTENE

Vitamin A is sort of a misnomer in that it suggests it’s a single molecule.

Actually, vitamin A is a group of compounds that are similar in structure and therefore behave similarly in the body. These compounds include beta-carotene, a common additive in antioxidant supplements.

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin involved in the modulation of skin health, vision, the immune system, and gene transcription.

A topical application is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but we’ll save that for another day. (Kafi, et al)

Endurance athletes need more vitamin A than others. To find out more about vitamin A and endurance sports, go here.

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
0–6 months*	400 mcg RAE	400 mcg RAE
7–12 months*	500 mcg RAE	500 mcg RAE
1–3 years	300 mcg RAE	300 mcg RAE
4–8 years	400 mcg RAE	400 mcg RAE
9–13 years	600 mcg RAE	600 mcg RAE
14–18 years	900 mcg RAE	700 mcg RAE	750 mcg RAE	1,200 mcg RAE
19–50 years	900 mcg RAE	700 mcg RAE	770 mcg RAE	1,300 mcg RAE
51+ years	900 mcg RAE	700 mcg RAE

(Institute of Medicine)

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a wonder vitamin. It’s generally considered safe at any dosage*, it’s cheap to manufacture, and of course, it’s an antioxidant.

Vitamin C is usually taken to reduce the effects of the common cold. Research on this front is incredibly promising, especially for athletes, who can cut the risk of getting a cold in half (Hemilä, et al.)

The Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C is 100-200mg.

*higher doses did give participants diarrhea (Johnston, et al.), and you probably shouldn’t get it intravenously (Nankivell, et al.)

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E describes eight different molecules. Usually, when we talk about the health benefits of vitamin E it’s in the context of the dangers of getting too little.

However, vitamin E supplementation can support improved immune function. (Pallast, et al.)

Vitamin E also seems to be able to enhance the body’s antibody response to vaccinations. (Maydani, et al.)

Vitamin E may also be able to protect against age-related cognitive decline, but further research is needed before supplementation can be recommended specifically for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s treatment. (Petersen, et al.)

Low-dose vitamin E is safe to supplement, but it should not be mixed with coumarin-based anticoagulants like warfarin. (Institute of Medicine)

Age	Males	Females	Pregnancy	Lactation
0–6 months*	4 mg                                                    (6 IU)	4 mg                                                    (6 IU)
7–12 months*	5 mg                                                    (7.5 IU)	5 mg                                                    (7.5 IU)
1–3 years	6 mg                                                    (9 IU)	6 mg                                                    (9 IU)
4–8 years	7 mg                                                    (10.4 IU)	7 mg                                                    (10.4 IU)
9–13 years	11 mg                                                    (16.4 IU)	11 mg                                                    (16.4 IU)
14+ years	15 mg                                                    (22.4 IU)	15 mg                                                    (22.4 IU)	15 mg                                           (22.4 IU)	19 mg                                           (28.4 IU)

(Institute of Medicine)

SELENIUM

Selenium is an essential compound that plays a role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection.  (Sunde)

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
Birth to 6 months	15 mcg*	15 mcg*
7–12 months	20 mcg*	20 mcg*
1–3 years	20 mcg	20 mcg
4–8 years	30 mcg	30 mcg
9–13 years	40 mcg	40 mcg
14–18 years	55 mcg	55 mcg	60 mcg	70 mcg
19–50 years	55 mcg	55 mcg	60 mcg	70 mcg
51+ years	55 mcg	55 mcg

*Adequate Intake (AI)

(Institute of Medicine)

WHO SHOULD TAKE ANTIOXIDANTS?

Even though scientists don’t completely understand the complicated relationship between antioxidants and free radicals, it does appear that it’s important to our health to ingest antioxidants to combat free radicals.

Healthy people may consider supplementing antioxidants to decrease their risk for age-related diseases.

Those considering taking antioxidants to help with cancer treatment or prevention should consult their medical professional.

Anyone taking blood thinners should consult their medical professional before supplementing vitamin E.

WHERE CAN I FIND A SAFE, CLINICALLY PROVEN ORAC BLEND?

You can have a diet rich in antioxidants by eating lots of fruits and veggies.

Generally, the more colorful, the better. Dark chocolate, blueberries, beans, pecans, strawberries, spinach, plums, and raisins are just a few foods that score high on the ORAC scale.

But let’s be real. Not every meal is going to be a well-balanced plate with the colors of the rainbow. You can supplement your diet with an ORAC blend from a manufacturer you trust.

References:

• Albanes D, Malila N, Taylor PR, et al. Effects of supplemental alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene on colorectal cancer. Cancer Causes and Control 2000; 11(3):197-205. [PubMed Abstract]
• AREDS report. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta-carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001; 119:1439-52.
• Bonnefoy, M., Drai J, Kostka T. (2002). Antioxidants to slow aging, facts and perspectives. Press Med. Presse Med. 1174-84.
• Bouayed J, Bohn T. Exogenous antioxidants—double-edged swords in cellular redoc state: health beneficial effects at physiologic doses versus deleterious effects at high doses. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2010; 3(4): 228-237. [PubMed Abstract]
• Davis CD, Tsuji PA, Milner JA. Selenoproteins and Cancer Prevention. Annual Review of Nutrition 2012; 32:73-95. [PubMed Abstract]
• Diplock AT, Charleux JL, Crozier-Willi G, et al. Functional food science and defence against reactive oxygen species. British Journal of Nutrition 1998; 80(Suppl 1):S77-S112. [PubMed Abstract]
• Duffield-Lillico AJ, Reid ME, Turnbull BW, et al. Baseline characteristics and the effect of selenium supplementation on cancer incidence in a randomized clinical trial: A summary report of the nutritional prevention of cancer trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002; 11:630–39.
• Goodman GE, Thornquist MD, Balmes J, et al. The Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial: incidence of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality during 6-year follow-up after stopping beta-carotene and retinol supplements. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2004;96(23):1743-1750. [PubMed Abstract]
• Grodstein F1, Kang JH, Glynn RJ, Cook NR, Gaziano JM. A randomized trial of beta carotene supplementation and cognitive function in men: the Physicians' Health Study II. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Nov 12;167(20):2184-90.
• Harvard School of Public Health. Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype. Nutrition Source.
• Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2013)
• Hennekens CH, Buring JE, Manson JE, Stampfer M, Rosner B, Cook NR, et al. Lack of effect of long-term supplementation with beta carotene on the incidence of malignant neoplasms and cardiovascular disease. New England Journal of Medicine 1996;334:1145–9. [PubMed Abstract]
• Hercberg S, et al.The SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Nov 22;164(21):2335-42.
• Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2001.
• Johnston CS. Biomarkers for establishing a tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C. Nutr Rev. (1999)
• Kafi, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. (2007)
• Lee IM, Cook NR, Gaziano JM, et al. Vitamin E in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: the Women's Health Study: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2005;294(1):56-65. [PubMed Abstract]
• Lee IM, Cook NR, Gaziano JM, et al. Vitamin E in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: the Women’s Health Study: a randomized controlled tria JAMA. 2005; 294:56–65.
• Lee IM, Cook NR, Manson JE. Beta-carotene supplementation and incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease: Women’s Health Study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1999;91:2102–6. [PubMed Abstract]
• Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 118. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.70902
• Meydani, et al. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. (2004)
• Nankivell BJ, Murali KM. Images in clinical medicine. Renal failure from vitamin C after transplantation. N Engl J Med. (2008)
• National Cancer Institute. Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention. February 6, 2017.
• Antioxidants: In Depth. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Nemzer, B. V., Fink, N., & Fink, B. (2014). New insights on effects of a dietary supplement on oxidative and nitrosative stress in humans. Food Science & Nutrition, 2(6), 828–839. doi:10.1002/fsn3.178
• Neuhouser ML, Barnett MJ, Kristal AR, et al. Dietary supplement use and prostate cancer risk in the Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 2009;18(8):2202-2206. [PubMed Abstract]
• Omenn GS, Goodman GE, Thornquist MD, et al. Effects of a combination of beta carotene and vitamin A on lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. New England Journal of Medicine 1996;334(18):1150-1155. [PubMed Abstract]
• Pallast, et al. Effect of 50- and 100-mg vitamin E supplements on cellular immune function in noninstitutionalized elderly persons. Am J Clin Nutr. (1999)
• Patterson RE, White E, Kristal AR, et al. Vitamin supplements and cancer risk: the epidemiologic evidence. Cancer Causes and Control 1997; 8(5):786-802. [PubMed Abstract]
• Petersen RC, et al.Vitamin E and donepezil for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment.N Engl J Med. 2005 Jun 9;352(23):2379-88. Epub 2005 Apr 13.
• Rautalahti MT, Virtamo JR, Taylor PR, et al. The effects of supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene on the incidence and mortality of carcinoma of the pancreas in a randomized, controlled trial. Cancer 1999; 86(1):37-42. [PubMed Abstract]
• Sunde RA. Selenium. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:225-37
• Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. (2010). Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods, Release 2. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home
• Valko M, Leibfritz D, Moncol J, et al. Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 2007; 39(1):44-84. [PubMed Abstract]
• Virtamo J, Edwards BK, Virtanen M, et al. Effects of supplemental alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene on urinary tract cancer: incidence and mortality in a controlled trial (Finland). Cancer Causes and Control 2000;11(10):933-939. [PubMed Abstract]
• Wright ME, Virtamo J, Hartman AM, et al. Effects of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene supplementation on upper aerodigestive tract cancers in a large, randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2007; 109(5):891-898. [PubMed Abstract]