Each capsule contains: % Daily Value
Vitamin A (as beta carotene) 12,500 I.U. 250%
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 150 mg. 250%
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) 100 I.U. 333%
Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) 12.5 mg. 735%
Niacin (as niacinamide) 12.5 mg. 62.5%
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine HCl) 10 mg. 500%
Zinc (amino acid chelate) 7.5 mg. 50%
Selenium (as seleno-L-methionine) 100 mcg. 142%
Copper (amino acid chelate) 0.5 mg. 25%
Manganese (amino acid chelate) 4 mg. 200%
Molybdenum (amino acid chelate) 5 mcg. 6%
N-Acetyl-Cysteine 50 mg. *
Quercetin 50 mg. *
Glutathione (reduced) 2.5 mg. *

Other ingredients: gelatin, rice flour, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.

*Daily Value not established.

SUGGESTED USE: One or two capsules daily.

The free radical theory of aging has gained strong support because it is able to explain some of the processes that occur with aging and the degenerative diseases of aging.⁽²⁾ Free radicals are unstable atoms or groups of atoms that can react with body tissues causing damage to cells. There are a number of known free radicals that occur in the body including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, various lipid peroxides, hypochlorite radicals, nitric oxide and singlet oxygen. They may be formed by exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals, overexposure to the sun’s rays or through the action of various metabolic processes, such as use of stored fat molecules for energy.⁽¹⁾

Free radicals are normally kept in check by antioxidant free radical scavengers that occur naturally in the body. Four important antioxidant enzymes that neutralize free radicals are superoxide dismutase (SOD), methionine reductase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. When the necessary nutrients are available, the body can produce these enzymes. Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, E, and C, the mineral selenium and other nutrients can also neutralize free radicals.⁽¹⁾

Some studies indicate that, although antioxidants are not necessarily decreased by the aging process, there is a definite increase in free radical production.⁽²⁾ Compromised nutritional status, caused by environmental pollution, poor diet and stressful lifestyle can alter antioxidant mechanisms. When the body is placed in a situation where free radicals outnumber antioxidants, a potent antioxidant supplement such as Oxy-Plex™ is needed to protect against tissue damage.

Each of the antioxidant staples, vitamins C, E and beta carotene, fight free radicals in the body, but the three together are even more impressive. In epidemiological studies of 87,000 nurses, high vitamin E intake reduced the risk of major cardiovascular disease by 34%, high beta carotene intake reduced the risk by 22% and high vitamin C intake by 20%. In those with high intake of all three antioxidants, the risk dropped nearly 50%.⁽³⁾

These three antioxidants work together in sequence and in a complementary manner to inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. When vitamin E is exhausted, beta carotene can take over. Then, if enough vitamin C is present, it can regenerate vitamin E. Vitamins C and E together also boost blood levels of glutathione.⁽³⁾

Vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) is required for the synthesis of RNA and DNA which contain the genetic instructions for reproduction of all cells and for normal cellular growth. It also inhibits the formation of homocysteine, a toxic chemical which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart muscle.⁽¹⁾

Glutathione helps defend the body against damage from toxins such as cigarette smoke, exposure to radiation, cancer chemotherapy, alcohol, heavy metals and drugs. It protects the cells in several ways. Glutathione neutralizes oxygen radicals before they can harm cells. Together with selenium, it forms the enzyme glutathione peroxidase which neutralizes hydrogen peroxide. It is also a component of glutathione-S-transverase, a broad-spectrum liver-detoxifying enzyme. It protects not only the cells but also the tissues of the arteries, brain, heart, immune system, kidneys, eyes, liver, lungs and skin against oxidative damage.⁽¹⁾

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), is important for the neutralization of toxins, including heavy metals (such as mercury from dental amalgam fillings, cadmium and lead) and cigarette smoke.⁽⁵⁾ NAC possesses a free sulfhydryl group that can rupture disulfide bridges. Its uses include management of acetaminophen poisoning and scavenging of free radicals liberated by cancer chemotherapy drugs.⁽⁶⁾ This amino thiol is a precursor of intracellular cysteine and glutathione.⁽⁷⁾ Its antioxidant effect may be of prophylactic value in lungs at risk from smoking, pollution and infection.^(6,7)

Quercetin, a member of the bioflavonoid family, displays antioxidant ability in biological systems by terminating free radical chain reactions and removing the singlet oxygen molecule. Studies have shown that quercetin may promote anti-tumor activity⁽⁹⁾; and it may inhibit antigen induced release of histamine from mast cells and basophils⁽⁹⁾.

The essential trace mineral, selenium, is not only an antioxidant on its own; it is also essential for the activation of glutathione peroxidase, which traps free radical peroxides before they can initiate damage to cellular or mitochondrial membranes.^(3,4)

Changes in cellular concentration of copper, manganese and zinc can result in altered activity of SOD, which chemically traps the superoxide free radical.⁽¹⁰⁾ The enzyme MnSOD is found in the mitochondria matrix and CuSOD is located in the cytosol. CuSOD especially provides protection from the inflammatory and tissue injuring effects of superoxide. Other oxygen derivatives such as H₂O₂ and the hydroxyl radical may also play a major role in inflammatory disease. These mineral co-factors are important for the proper functioning of SOD, since studies indicate deficiency can cause decreased activity of this important enzyme.^(10,11)

Molybdenum is a transition metal that forms oxides and is a component of pterin coenzyme essential for the activity of xanthine oxidase, sulfite oxidase and aldehyde oxidase.⁽¹²⁾ As such, it helps to detoxify potentially hazardous substances such as sulfites and nitrosamines.⁽¹³⁾

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.