Xtend-Life-Questionst
24th January 2006
Please click on the question of interest:
Question: From Mick. (Subject: Vitamin C...)q1
Just a quick EMAIL to say how much the Cholesterol Formula has helped to relieve the symptoms of my enlarged prostate. If I stop taking the product the symptoms of frequent urination and general lack of control return. If I resume taking the product the symptoms are dramatically reduced. Very happy!!
Another issue is bugging me. I think I remember somewhere in one of your newsletters you recommend that people should not take mega doses of vitamin C. Other notable alternative medicine gurus (notably Linus Pauling) have been advocating the virtues of combining ascorbate with lysine to prevent and reverse the build up of arterial plaque.
Can you please help out here as I am confused on what level of vitamin C I should be taking?
Answer: From Nicolien.
It's good to hear that you are getting a beneficial 'side effect'. But, it is not surprising because a number of ingredients in our Cholest-Natural will help this condition... for example the phytosterols.
With regard to vitamin C, I will try to explain our position on this as presented to me by Prof.Dr.A.Munem.
Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid in a dose of over 400 mg daily (when taken orally) is believed by many bio-scientist to potentially do more harm than good because of its ability to generate free radicals. This occurs when high doses of ascorbic acid react with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
The exception to this is, if a person is diseased (for example from an inflammatory condition, or a virus such as a cold or flu), then the vitamin C in higher doses can be used to 'mop' up free radicals as opposed to generating them.
If you feel you need to take high doses of vitamin C orally, then it is best not to use ascorbic acid, but rather the salt form of vitamin C, calcium ascorbate, also called Ester C which avoids this type of reaction.
Mega doses of Vitamin C should only really be taken by intravenous methods under the supervision of a Doctor. The best way of course to get your Vitamin C is by eating plenty of fresh fruit. It is abundant in many fruits not only citrus. For example, a medium sized Kiwi fruit contains about 75mgs of Vitamin C. But…keep in mind that if it has been kept in a cool store for about 3 months the amount can be halved.
So, if you feel that you want a higher intake of Vitamin C I would try to get it by eating more seasonal fruit.
back to top
Question: From John. (Subject: Omega 3 and Vitamin E...)q2
There is one question I have about the amount of vitamin E to be taken with fish oil. I have come across a recommendation which suggests it is necessary to take "therapeutic" levels of vitamin E to prevent oxidation. What is your view on this?
Answer: From Warren.
The only reason why we put any Vitamin E in our Omega 3 is that it acts as a natural preservative, and it is only a very small amount. Some companies put much more in because the product sits on the shelf for a long time and is much more prone to degradation.
Plus the oil in other products is a lot older than ours, even before it is encapsulated as it is transported long distances by tanker. In contrast the oil in the capsules that our customers receive is rarely older than 120 days from the date of the original processing from the fish so we only need minimal amounts.
With regard to taking additional Vitamin E with the Omega 3 there is no need for this. It's a bit like suggesting that if you have a meal of a fish high in Omega 3 that you should take additional Vit E with it.
You have to be very careful about taking high doses of Vitamin E as it is only a very narrow spectrum substance. This is why in our Total Balance we also include a good dose of broad spectrum Tocotrienols, a very broad based Vitamin E type substance but many more times as potent.
back to top
Question: From Zachery. (Subject: Combining supplements for high cholesterol...)q3
I have high cholesterol. I've been doing my best to manage it with diet and exercise. I do not want to start a lifetime of statin treatments. It seems that three of your products would help me manage my cholesterol naturally.
Cholesterol Formula
Total Balance
Omega-3/DHA
Would taking all three of these be an appropriate course of action to manage my cholesterol? Do they work together or should they not be taken together? What are the interactions between the three supplements? I am not on any prescription medications.
Answer: From Nicolien.
Good to hear that you are not on any prescription drugs. You can indeed combine all three products as they are designed to work together in a synergistic manner.
It may be good to have your cholesterol tested in about three months because it is possible that you may be able to go off the Cholest-Natural at that time and just continue with the Total Balance and Omega 3. This is because there are a number of nutrients in Total Balance which will help your cholesterol levels such as policosanol.
back to top
Important notice: All material provided within XTEND-15sec-NEWS is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this publication. Consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this newsletter. The information provided in this newsletter is believed to be accurate based on the best judgment of the editor but the reader is responsible for consulting with their own health professional on any matters raised within.
