L-Arginine

What is it?
It helps relieve memory loss in which is one of the most disheartening aspects of ageing.
Arginine is the precursor of spermine and spermidine.

L-Arginine is one of the most metabolically versatile amino acids. In addition to its role in the synthesis of nitric oxide, l-arginine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine, agmatine and urea. Several human and experimental animal studies have indicated that exogenous l-arginine intake has multiple beneficial pharmacological effects when taken in doses larger than normal dietary consumption. Such effects include reduction in the risk of vascular and heart diseases, reduction in erectile dysfunction, improvement in immune response and inhibition of gastric hyperacidity. This review summarises several positive studies and personal experiences of l-arginine. The demonstrated anti-aging benefits of l-arginine show greater potential than any pharmaceutical or nutraceutical agent ever previously discovered.

L-arginine  is a very important semi-essential amino acid.
That means and can be produced by the body, but is often needed in larger quantities so the body relies on extra supplementation via the diet.
The most important characteristic of Arginine is that it is the only reactant for the molecule NO (nitric oxide), which is a vasodilator. One of the characteristics of NO is to regulate vascular tone, ensuring, so to say, the flexibility of blood vessels and a healthy cardiovascular system.

Arginine can improve the blood flow in the arteries of the heart and improve symptoms of coronary artery disease, chest pain, clogged arteries and angina. Arginine also helps the kidneys remove waste products from the body and maintains immune and hormone function. Some more benefits of Arginine amino acid are as follows.

 

• Good for body building, muscle growth.
• Helpful in the treatment of Cancer or tumours.
• Helpful in exercise and athletic performance.
• Used to increase the level of growth hormones.
• Good for heart disease.
• Help in improvement of heart transplant patients.
• Help in reducing the hypertension and high blood pressure.
• Beneficial for the gestational hypertension and proteinuria
• Improves the hemodynamic responses to stress and reduces plasma homo cysteine.
• Affects the hemodynamic, glucose, insulin, or C-reactive protein.

L-Arginine and sexual function

 

 

 

Arginine is required for normal spermatogenesis. Over 50 years ago, researchers found that feeding an arginine-deficient diet to adult men for 9 days decreased sperm counts by ∼90% and increased the percentage of non-motile sperm approximately 10-fold. Oral administration of 500 mg arginine–HCl per day to infertile men for 6–8 weeks markedly increased sperm counts and motility in a majority of patients, and resulted in successful pregnancies.

There are only very few reports on the improvement of erectile function by l-arginine administration. A study by Chen et al revealed a significant subjective improvement in sexual function in men with organic erectile dysfunction (31% of cases) after oral intake of 5 g l-arginine for 6 weeks, but only if they had decreased NOx excretion or production. Other studies have shown that long-term oral administration of pharmacological doses of l-arginine improves the erectile response in the aging rat as well as in patients with erectile dysfunction and. However, Klotz et al reported in a controlled crossover study that oral l-arginine at 3× 500 mg/day was not better than a placebo as a first line treatment for the mixed type of impotence.

In general, studies in this area are scarce and provide inconsistent results. Further studies, particularly of long-term usage of l-arginine, are needed to distinguish the group of patients that can most benefit from this supplement. The theoretical basis of these studies is furnished by the established crucial role of NO from nerves and possibly endothelia in initiating and maintaining intracavernous pressure increase, penile vasodilatation, and penile erection that are dependent on cyclic GMP synthesised with activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by NO in smooth muscle cells.

The aphrodisiac properties of l-arginine have not been adequately studied, despite the noticeable presence of l-arginine in most aphrodisiac and sexual stimulation formulas commercially available in the international market.

 

Other effects of l-arginine

Other than the benefits in the above stated conditions, l-arginine has been demonstrated to improve peripheral circulation, renal function, and immune function. It also possesses anti-stress and adaptogenic capabilities. l-Arginine stimulates the release of growth hormone as well as the release of pancreatic insulin and glucagon and pituitary prolactin. The antioxidant property of l-arginine has been well documented in several reports and. An interesting article by Grasemann et al has demonstrated an acute and transient improvement of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis patients by a single inhalation of l-arginine. Nebulised l-arginine significantly increased exhaled nitric oxide concentrations.

Additional observations at the end of the 4-week study reported by some subjects.

1. Adjustment of blood pressure in mild hypertension.

2. High energy, especially in the morning when waking up.

3. Clear mind.

4. Stamina and resistance to depression and anxiety.

5. Increase in urine output.

6. Improvement of hair and nail growth and hardness.

7. Improvement of skin texture and appearance.

8. Increase in night dreams.

9. Improvement of circulation and temperature of extremities.

10. Reduction of hyperacidity.

11. Overall improvement of GIT system and defecation.

12. Improvement of most vital activities greatly affected in diabetics, including: reduction of neuritis, improvement of glucose metabolism, enhancement of libido and sexual performance and adjustment of body weight.

Arginine is an essential amino acid involves in cell division and protein synthesis, thus must be obtained from the diet. Arginine intake is increased during the periods of growth like in childhood and pregnancy, when body is actively using amino acid for protein synthesis. Although there are many Arginine supplements available on the market, yet the natural ways of obtaining Arginine are the best way. There are many food sources of Arginine amino acid.

 

 

Some of them are as follow.

 

 

 

 

 

a) Nuts: Plant products like nuts are the richest sources of Arginine which contains around 1 to 3 g per 100 g of nuts. Some nuts with their arginine content are as follow.                              

 

Peanuts  - 3.1 g per 100 g

Almonds - 2.5 g per 100 g

Walnuts -  2.3g per 100 g  

Hazelnuts - 2.2 g per 100 g  

Cashews -2.1 g per 100 g 

Pistachios -2.03 g per 100 g 

Brazil nuts -2.15 g per 100 g

Pecans -1.18 g per 100 g                                    
                      

b) Spinach and Lentils: Vegetables are very good sources of protein, particularly they have a concentration of Arginine. Spinach and lentils are most common vegetables rich in Arginine content. Frozen spinach contain 3.3 g of arginine per 100 g and lentils have 2.1 g per 100 g of the raw vegetable. 

Some other vegetable sources of Arginine are as follow.

 

• Flax seed -1.93 g
• Raw kidney beans -1.46 g
• Raw French beans -1.17 g
• Raw green soybeans -1.04 g
• Raw garlic -0.63 g
• Blueberry muffins -0.30 g
• Raw onion -0.10 g

c) Whole Grains: Cereal grains like whole wheat contains the highest content of arginine, around 650 mg per 100 g. Hence breads and pastas made from whole grain are rich in arginine.

 

d) Soya: Soya-based proteins contain a high content of arginine.100 g of tofu contains 600 mg of Arginine and a 200 calorie serving from soy proteins isolate has more than 4 g of Arginine.

 

e) Seafood: Sea food like crustaceans is the best animal-based sources of arginine. A 200-calorie serving of food like crabs, shrimps or lobsters contains 3.6 to 3.8 g of arginine. Tuna and salmon fishes contain maximum amount of arginine 1.7 g per 100 g and 1.2 g per 100 g respectively. Chicken and pork have even greater amount of Arginine compare to sea food.

f) Eggs: The yolk part of eggs is very rich in this amino acid. Around 1.10 g of arginine present in 100 g of raw egg yolk while 0.65 g per 100 g is in raw egg white. Some other food sources with Arginine content are as follows.

 

	Food items	Arginine content (g/100 g edible portion)
1	Seeds, sesame flour, low-fat	7.44
2	Seeds, cottonseed flour, low fat (glandless)	6.73
3	Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, SUPRO	6.70
4	Soy protein isolate, potassium type	6.67
5	Soy protein isolate	6.67
6	Seeds, cottonseed meal, partially defatted (glandless)	6.63
7	Gelatines, dry powder, unsweetened	6.62
8	Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, ProPlus	6.50
9	Peanut flour, defatted	6.24
10	Seeds, sesame flour, partially defatted	5.98
11	Seeds, cottonseed flour, partially defatted (glandless)	5.53
12	Seeds, pumpkin and squash seed kernels, roasted, with salt added	5.42
13	Seeds, sunflower seed flour, partially defatted	5.70
14	Mollusks, whelk, unspecified, cooked, moist heat	4.94
15	Seeds, watermelon seed kernels, dried	4.90
16	Nuts, butternuts, dried	4.86
17	Snacks, pork skins, plain	4.84
18	Egg, white, dried, powder, glucose reduced	4.81

Therapeutic use of l-arginine supplement

l-Arginine is available commercially in several countries in variable dosage forms and mostly indicated as a nutritional supplement. It is available as capsules, tablets, powder, effervescent granules, injection, infusion, and cream with a very wide range of doses. The indications also are quite inconsistent. Amongst the many indications provided on the commercial forms of l-arginine are: prevention and improvement of ischemic heart disease, improvement of microcirculation, improvement of erectile function, improvement of physical exercise capacity, reduction of high blood pressure, improvement of local tissue blood supply and oxygenation, improvement of creative transport, increase of energy levels, antioxidant, stimulation of dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline release, increase of growth hormone production, improvement of wound healing, enhancing immunity, help to reverse atherosclerosis, management of metabolic alkalosis, aphrodisiac, enhancement of sperm mobility and viability, and treatment of interstitial cystitis. l-arginine is also available commercially as a vaginal lubricant and sexual enhancer cream.

 References: L.E. Holt Jr., A.A. Albanese, Bull Osaka Med School,  A. Melman, N. Toda, K. Ayajiki, T. Okamura, R.H. Boger, S.M. Bode Boger, B. Lubec, M. Hayn, E. Kitzmuller, H. Vierhapper, G. Lubec, K.G. Park, P.D. Hayes, P.J. Garlick, H. Sewell, O. Eremin, S.R. Collier, D.P. Casey, J.A. Kanaley, A. Mugge, S. Kienke, R. Brandes, A. Dwenger, et al.

L - Cysteine

What is it?
It's the youthful skin Connection

One of the most important factors in keeping your skin young-looking is the amount of moisture it retains. This is regulated by the prostaglandins, the chemicals derived from the unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid. Prostaglandins have many roles in the body. They play a part in the immune response, and lubricate connective tissue. They also account for the natural oiliness of our skin. This oiliness works to retain billions of water molecules in the tissue, keeping it well irrigated.


The Sulphur-Based Skin Support

Supplements of the sulphur-based amino, the most effective in reliving skin problems is Cysteine.
As a quarter of all the amino acids contained in collagen (the skin protein) are Cysteine molecules, without them, collagen would simply fall apart. This is because cysteine's sulphur atoms link with each other in spiral collagen helixes to form strong, flexible bones, and these bonds help maintain the helix structure.

Compare a collagen helix with a spiral staircase (their shapes  are very similar), then each step of that staircase would be a cysteine bond, keeping the spiral shape intact.
The free-radical-generated oxidation process that causes the skin to age works by undoing these bonds, making the spiral fall apart.

L-cysteine and Anti-Aging

L-cysteine supports the synthesis of the highly antioxidative Glutathione and can also be stored in this chemical form. It therefore plays an important part in detoxification and the resulting protection of several tissues and organs.

According to recent research studies this does not only slow down the natural process of ageing, but also helps in preventing dementia and multiple sclerosis, because both conditions are associated with an accumulation of toxins.

Glutathione also inhibits inflammation and leads to an overall strengthening of the immune system. It also stimulates the productions of so-called Leukotriene, which supports the defensive work of the macrophages, which are key elements in the immune system.

In cases of short falls of Cysteine infections may therefore become more prevalent due to the reduced amount of killer cells. In extreme cases, however, such shortfall can lead to cancer when the immune system is extremely weakened.

L-cysteine is also important in the metabolism of lipids. It plays, for example, a part in building essential fatty acids and therefore enables the production of cell membranes and protective covers of nerve endings. These consist mainly of myelin, a dielectric (electrically insulating) material that forms a layer, the myelin sheath, usually around only the axon of a neuron.

This protects the axon from environmental damage and attacks from free oxidative radicals. In this way L-cysteine has very high preventative potency in helping to prevent major degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson.

L-cysteine combats Osteoporosis

A further application of this semi-essential amino acid is the therapy of osteoporosis especially in older women.  The continuous reduction of bone tissue may increasingly lead to a loss of bone density and ultimately fractures.

It was suspected in the past that low bone density is often correlated with low L-Cystine concentration in the blood plasma. A study ultimately proved this inverse correlation between increased risk of osteoporosis and L-cysteine supplementation. 

It was shown that the supplementation of L-cysteine was able to significantly decrease the osteoporosis. It was able to reduce the activity of the osteoclasts whilst increasing synthesis of collagen , reversing both effects that subjects with Osteoporosis suffer from.

L-cysteine may therefore be classed as an extremely important remedy of orthomolecular medicine einzustufen and is used increasingly to treat conditions such as above. Although side effects are virtually non existent, diabetics should discuss the consumption of dietary L-cysteine supplements with their doctor first, because L-cysteine can reduce the concentration of insulin in the blood requiring an adjustment in the antidiabetic medicine.

L-cysteine combats Illnesses

L-cysteine's exceptionally strong antioxidant properties have so many positive effects on the overall health, that it can be used for both prevention as well as therapy of illnesses.

A study in 2009 investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of L-cysteine.  It was already well-known that there was a direct correlation between oxidative stress und inflammatory processes. The assumption was therefore that the elimination of damaging free radicals would also reduce the inflammatory risk in subjects with existing illnesses.

It was ultimately proven that the supplementation of L-cysteine reduces inflammatory reactions in the body promoting an acceleration of healing processes without complications ort side-effects.

                   Healthy Skin and Hair with L-cysteine

Skin is the single biggest organ of the body. Like any other organ, it plays a crucial role in the living process. it helps regulate body temperature and is an important part of the immune defences, guarding against viral, fungal, and bacterial infection.  Using amino acid L-cysteine keeps the skin soft, moist, pliable and looking young.

Around one quarter of keratin is comprised of cysteine. Researchers have found that cysteine supplementation can be very beneficial for treating the symptoms of androgenic alopecia.

Cysteine is also necessary for the body to produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

Thus, cysteine is indirectly responsible for defending the follicles from free radical damage. Like arginine, cysteine is non-essential. However, eating cysteine rich foods will help to ensure that the body has a good supply of this important amino acid. Good food sources of cysteine include pork, dairy, poultry, whole grains, broccoli and legumes.

                      Foods containing lots of L-cysteine

L-Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods, including:

• Animal sources: pork, poultry, eggs, dairy.
• Plant sources: red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, brussels sprout, oats, granola, wheat germ.

L-cysteine levels in the body should always be kept high by consuming supplements in addition to a healthy diet, because it helps to fulfil a multitude of functions.  Many foods rich in protein usually contain L-cysteine, although usually in small amounts.

The diet should be as varied as possible and complimented with dietary supplements in order to ensure the ingestion of sufficient L-cysteine.

Meat and Soy products are best suited to cover the minimum daily required amounts of 1.400 mg L-cysteine. Pork and Chicken are particularly high in L-cysteine with 220 biological functions 240 mg per 100 g. Raw salmon (approximately 219 mg per 100 g) and chicken eggs (approximately 272 mg per 100 g) are also for an appropriate supply of L-cysteine.
Vegetarians can get their supply from sunflower seeds (approximately 451 mg per 100 g) and walnuts (approximately 208 mg per 100 g). Soybeans have the highest concentration with approximately 655 mg per 100 g.
L-cysteine is very soluble in water. When cooking the above foods, special care should be taken that they are not be kept in water for too long to avoid washing out the amino acid.

A very important role of the semi-essential amino acids lies with protein synthesis, meaning the building of proteins. L-cysteine is a natural building block of many important structural proteins in the connective tissue. The body is also able to convert this multifunctional nutrient into Taurine, which is important for the conducting of electric nervous impulses, the digestive as well as the vascular system.

Functions of L-cysteine

Cysteine is able to fulfil several important functions in the human body due to its specific structure including sulphur and contributes significantly to the general well-being.

L-cysteine: Reasons to supplement your diet

Especially when the individual has chronic conditions, cataract or arthritis he or she will greatly benefit from the appropriate supplementation of this semi-essential amino acid. Also illnesses of the intestines usually increase the needs for L-cysteine, because many nutrients simply cannot be absorbed and get lost as a result of the digestive system being  compromised.

Environmental factors such as stress or extreme physical strain will also lead to an increased demand in Cysteine.

The effect of extreme Reduction Diets on the body is not to be underestimated. This can severely deplete the body’s levels of vitamins and amino acids.

The way our body works changes as we age. Body systems and organs adjust and this alters our vulnerability to diseases. Scientists are still working to understand these changes and the relationship to ageing. What we do know is that as we age:

•  Our heart muscle thickens
•  Arteries stiffen
•  Lung capacity reduces
•  Our kidney and bladder become less efficient
•  Our immune system declines
•  Body fat increases
•  Cognitive function reduces
•  Muscle tone declines
•  Bones lose density
•  Hearing and sight decline

 All these factors combine to reduce our physical abilities and make us more susceptible to diseases.

  Summary
L-cysteine is a vital amino acid that is widely utilised within the body. Its sulphur content helps to covert toxic heavy metal compounds into stable complexes that can be removed from the body. In carrying out its natural functions alongside other amino acids, cysteine offers excellent anti-oxidant effects and can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Not only that, because cysteine protects the cells of the nervous system from oxidative degradation it helps to prevent debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
While L-cysteine improves your inner health its strong anti-aging properties are also very desirable. Cysteine contributes to a healthy appearance through strengthen and stabilising human connective tissue, providing you with healthy hair and skin.
Since L-cysteine has many positive effects on human health, it’s important not only for the prevention of diseases, but also for therapeutic purposes such as the treatment of Osteoporosis. Undoubtedly as more research is conducted on this amazing amino acid further revelations of its health benefits will be revealed.
Next time you are thinking about your diet, remember to try and include L-cysteine rich foods or appropriate supplements to enhance your well-being and longevity.

References:  Robert Erdmann, PH.D
“ScienceDaily": Targeting oxidized cysteine through diet could reduce inflammation and lower disease risk
“Baines M et al.: The Association between cysteine, bone turnover, an low bone mass; Calcif Tissue.    Blumeyer et. al. 

Lactoferrin

                         Health Benefits of Lactoferrin

•  Fighting infections to promote skin healing
•  
•  Boosting the Immune System
•  
•  Antiviral activity - HIV, Hepatitis C
•  
•  Antifungal activity
•  
•  Anticarcinogenic activity
•  
•  Bone activity
•  
•  Cystic fibrosis
•  Aiding Fat Loss

                                Fighting off infections promote skin healing

Lactoferrin helps promote skin healing. Clinical studies have shown that taking a lactoferrin supplement can also help clear acne. Lactoferrin can be found in milk, but cow’s milk only has a trace of this protein, which means you would need to drink an impossibly massive amount of milk daily to achieve any benefit, so the best way of consuming an effective dose of lactoferrin is by taking an oral soluble supplement such as each daily dosage will contain a minimum of 160mg of lactoferrin.



                                 Boosting the Immune System


Boosting the immune system is yet another of lactoferrin's functions. It's believed to stimulate phagocytosis, the engulfing of foreign organisms and waste material by specialized immune cells like macrophages and granulocytes. Additionally, it influences the number, maturity and activation of numerous other immune response cells, such as T-lymphocytes- specialized white blood cells key in protecting the body from pathogenic attack.
Lactoferrin may not yet be a well-known ingredient to the general public, but it’s one of the most effective proteins to help boost the immune system, help protect the body against bacterial infections
Lactoferrin is a protein that has many innate immunity functions so it plays a role in protecting us from bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. "It can even protect us from some forms of cancer,” says special issue guest editor Dr. Hans Vogel, a professor at the University of Calgary. “Some people describe this protein as the ‘Swiss army knife’ of the human host defense system".


                     Antiviral activity - HIV, Hepatitis C

Lactoferrin acts, mostly in vitro, on a wide range of human and animal viruses based on DNA and RNA genomes, including the herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, HIV, hepatitis C virus, hantaviruses, rotaviruses, poliovirus type 1, human respiratory syncytial virus and murine leukemia viruses.
The most studied mechanism of antiviral activity of lactoferrin is its diversion of virus particles from the target cells. Many viruses tend to bind to the lipoproteins of the cell membranes and then penetrate into the cell. Lactoferrin binds to the same lipoproteins thereby repelling the virus particles. Iron-free apolactoferrin is more efficient in this function than hololactoferrin; and lactoferricin, which is responsible for antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin, shows almost no antiviral activity.
Beside interacting with the cell membrane, lactoferrin also directly binds to viral particles, such as the hepatitis viruses. This mechanism is also confirmed by the antiviral activity of lactoferrin against rotaviruses, which act on different cell types.
Lactoferrin also suppresses virus replication after the virus penetrates into the cell. Such an indirect antiviral effect is achieved by affecting natural killer cells, granulocytes and macrophages – cells, which play a crucial role in the early stages of viral infections, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

                                    Antifungal activity

Lactoferrin shows promise for protection against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus known to cause genital warts and contribute to the development of cervical cancer. In a 2007 report published in Antiviral Research, tests on cells demonstrated that lactoferrin sourced from cow milk may help inhibit human papillomavirus infection.
Lactoferrin and lactoferricin inhibit in vitro growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which are responsible for several skin diseases such as ringworm.  Lactoferrin also acts against the Candida albicans – a diploid fungus (a form of yeast) that causes opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans.  Fluconazole has long been used against Candida albicans, which resulted in emergence of strains resistant to this drug. However, a combination of lactoferrin with fluconazole can act against fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida albicans as well as other types of Candida: C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis.  Antifungal activity is observed for sequential incubation of Candida with lactoferrin and then with fluconazole, but not vice versa. The antifungal activity of lactoferricin exceeds that of lactoferrin. In particular, synthetic peptide lactoferricin shows much greater activity against Candida albicans than native lactoferricin.



                                Anticarcinogenic activity

The anticancer activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been demonstrated in experimental lung, bladder, tongue, colon, and liver carcinogeneses on rats, possibly by suppression of phase I enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Also, in another experiment done on hamsters, bovine lactoferrin decreased the incidence of oral cancer by 50%. Because bLF by far did not show any toxicity and because it's readily available in milk, bLF offers promise as a potential chemopreventive agent for oral cancer. Currently, bLF is used as an ingredient in yogurt, chewing gums, infant formulas, and cosmetics.



                                                     Bone activity



Ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin has been used to examine how lactoferrin affects bone. Lactoferrin has shown to have positive effects on bone turnover. It has aided in decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation. This was indicated by a decrease in the levels of two bone resorption markers (deoxypyridinoline and N-telopeptide) and an increase in the level two bone formation markers (osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase). It has reduced osteoclast formation, which signifies a decrease in pro-inflammatory responses and an increase in anti-inflammatory responses  which indicates a reduction in bone resorption as well.

                                   Cystic fibrosis

The human lung and saliva contain a wide range of antimicrobial compound including lactoperoxidase system, producing hypothiocyanite and lactoferrin, with hypothiocyanite missing in cystic fibrosis patients. Lactoferrin, a component of innate immunity, prevents bacterial biofilm development. The loss of microbicidal activity and increased formation of biofilm due to decreased lactoferrin activity is observed in patients with cystic fibrosis. These findings demonstrate the important role of lactoferrin in human host defense and especially in the lung.

                         Lactoferrin For Fat Loss

The potential anti-obesity effect of lactoferrin was confirmed in obese mice, when researchers found that a lactoferrin-rich diet resulted in increased fat loss. Another study in mice found that a lactoferrin-rich whey protein isolate prevents obesity by inhibiting weight gain, and fights obesity by enhancing fat loss. During spontaneous feeding (when mice were not calorie restricted), the lactoferrin-rich whey protein isolate prevented weight gain and fatty liver formation. During a calorie-restricted diet, the lactoferrin-rich whey protein isolate enhanced fat loss.
New research is showing that lactoferrin might help humans shed body fat as well. One indicator is that higher blood levels of lactoferrin are associated with lower BMI (body mass index, an indicator of obesity), lower waist-to-hip ratio, and lower fasting triglyceride (blood fat) and glucose concentrations.

A number of studies confirm this finding as well. In one notable study, healthy men and women between 22 and 60 years old supplemented with 300 mg of lactoferrin tablets a day for 8 weeks. Subjects were told to maintain their regular food habits. Compared to the placebo group, the group taking the lactoferrin supplement experienced a significant 12.3% reduction in intra-abdominal (visceral) fat. The lactoferrin group also showed significant decreases in body weight (-3.3 lb), BMI (-0.6), hip circumference (-1 inch), and waist circumference (-1.7 inches). The placebo group, on the other hand, gained 2.2 pounds.
The researchers concluded that lactoferrin appears to be a promising supplement for counteracting the accumulation of belly fat.


What is Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin (LF) is a human protein that has many functions. Also known as lactotransferrin, it is found in breast milk and in mucosal secretions, such as saliva, tears, and gastric secretions. This protein has strong antibacterial activity, due to both iron-binding properties and the intrinsic structure of the protein. It also modulates inflammatory events. In combination with hypothiocyanate, lactoferrin is used to treat cystic fibrosis patients.

The antimicrobial defense system of the respiratory tract involves layers of defense mechanisms that protect it, and the lungs, against microorganisms that have been inhaled.

Lactoferrin is one of the components of the immune system of the body; it has antimicrobial activity (bacteriocide, fungicide) and is part of the innate defense, mainly at mucoses. In particular, lactoferrin provides antibacterial activity to human infants. Lactoferrin interacts with DNA and RNA, polysaccharides and heparin, and shows some of its biological functions in complexes with these ligands.





 

Lactoferrin is one of the transferrin proteins that transfer iron to the cells and control the level of free iron in the blood and external secretions. Though human colostrum (“first milk”) has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow’s milk, lactoferrin is found throughout the human body.

 

Breast milk contains lactoferrin

Published studies examining lactoferrin as a supplement and its beneficial effects on immunity have been quite promising.  Lactoferrin helps maintain a proper level of “good” bacteria in the intestinal tract, while controlling the number of “bad” bacteria.  Lactoferrin is also known to have an extremely high affinity to bind to iron.

Studies show that apolactoferrin, the iron-depleted form of lactoferrin, has unique benefits and may be superior to lactoferrin for supplementation. Life Extension’s lactoferrin supplement from bovine whey contains only the superior apolactoferrin form of this important whey.

                                    
First isolated from human milk in 1960, lactoferrin (above), also known as lactotransferrin, is an important member of raw bovine (cow's) milk's self-defense system.

A member of the glycoprotein family- a class of large molecules in which a group of sugars teams up with a functional protein, it's found in tears, saliva and other bodily fluids as well.

Over the past few decades, a large number of studies have looked at lactoferrin's many bioactive properties, and ways to commercialize them.

Interestingly, the first 52 amino acids of the nearly 700 that form the molecule are functionally identical to those in human lactoferrin, and appear to be where the bulk of its activity lies. The rest of the molecule is fairly similar as well (see table below). 




  Sources of Lactoferrin

When used in dietary supplement form, lactoferrin is typically sourced from cow's milk or genetically modified rice or cow's milk.

There's some evidence that colostrum (the first milk produced by lactating women after giving birth) contains particularly high levels of lactoferrin.

Caveats

When taken in excessive doses, lactoferrin may cause a number of adverse effects, including fatigue, constipation, and loss of appetite.

The long-term safety of lactoferrin use isn't known.

Where To Find It

Widely available for purchase online, supplements containing lactoferrin are available in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in dietary supplements.
Using Lactoferrin for Health


            

 

         

 

References: Sánchez L, Calvo M, Brock JH, Levin RE, Kalidas S, Gopinadhan P, Pometto A,
Helga George,  Bharadwaj S, Naidu AG, Betageri GV, Prasadarao NV, Naidu AS,
Sojar HT, Hamada N, Genco RJ, Nozaki A, Ikeda M, Naganuma A, Nakamura T, Inudoh M,
Tanaka K, Tsuda H, Sekine K, Fujita K, Ligo M, Chandra Mohan KV, Kumaraguruparan R, Prathiba D, Nagini S,  Singh PK, Parsek MR, Greenberg EP, Welsh MJ, _{Kaito M, Iwasa M, Fujita N, Kobayashi Y, Kojima Y, Ikoma J, Imoto I, Adachi Y, Hamano H, Yamauchi K,} Pilvi TK, Harala S, Korpela R, Mervaala EM.

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Astaxanthin

What is it?

Astaxanthin /æstəˈzænθɨn/ is a keto-carotenoid. It belongs to a larger class of phytochemicals known as terpenes, which are built from five carbon precursors; isopentenyl diphosphate (or IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (or DMAPP). Astaxanthin is classified as a xanthophyll (originally derived from a word meaning "yellow leaves" since yellow plant leaf pigments were the first recognized of the xanthophyll family of carotenoids), but currently employed to describe carotenoid compounds that have oxygen-containing moities, hydroxyl (-OH) or ketone (C=O), such as zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin. Indeed, astaxanthin is a metabolite of zeaxanthin and/or canthaxanthin, containing both hydroxyl and ketone functional groups.

 

Astaxanthin is found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, crustaceans, and the feathers of some birds. It provides the red colour of salmon meat and the red colour of cooked shellfish. Professor Basil Weedon's group was the first to prove the structure of astaxanthin by synthesis, in 1975.

 

                  Anti-Ageing Benefits of Astaxanthin

Gorgeous Skin and Sunscreen Protection!

Astaxanthin has been shown to protect the body's largest organ. The studies are clear and consistent and show excellent results for helping with skin moisture levels, smoothness, elasticity, fine wrinkles, and spots or freckles.
It helps protect against sunburn and risk of illness.
It prevents the sun's harmful UV rays damage from occurring.
It reduces hyperpigmentation (better known as age spots).
It reduces the risk of skin cancer.

It increases physical endurance and reduces muscle damage.
It reduces joint and tendon pain caused by inflammation.

It reduces eye fatigue and improves visual acuity.
It provides wrinkle reduction by internal supplementation.

It provides cytokine regulation; inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

It improves gastric health; and reduces infection/inflammation of H. pylori, spiral-shaped bacterium that can damage stomach and duodenal tissue, causing ulcers.

 

 What Makes Astaxanthin Special?

There are many properties that make this carotenoid unique. Here are the main differences:
Astaxanthin is by far the most powerful carotenoid antioxidant when it comes to free radical scavenging: astaxanthin is 65 times more powerful than vitamin C, 54 times more powerful than beta-carotene, and 14 times more powerful than vitamin E.

Astaxanthin is far more effective than other carotenoids at "singlet oxygen quenching," which is a particular type of oxidation. The damaging effects of sunlight and various organic materials are caused by this less-stable form of oxygen. Astaxanthin is 550 times more powerful than vitamin E and 11 times more powerful than beta-carotene at neutralizing singlet oxygen.

Astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier AND the blood-retinal barrier (beta carotene and lycopene do not), which brings antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to your eyes, brain and central nervous system and reduces your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, blindness, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Astaxanthin is soluble in lipids, so it incorporates into cell membranes.
It's a potent UVB absorber and reduces DNA damage.
It's a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.

There have been no adverse reactions found for people taking astaxanthin. It is very safe and non-toxic.

Protection from the Sun

 

 

The sun offers enormous benefits in terms of vitamin D. But too much of a good thing can be harmful.
Many athletes often feeling ill from overexposure to the sun after long trainings outside. And many report that astaxanthin has allowed them to stay in the sun for longer periods of time without feeling ill, and without burning. Less burning can mean lower skin cancer risk.

How does it do this?

 

 

The answer lies in how the Haematococcus pluvialis protects itself from intense ultraviolet radiation. The algae creates the astaxanthin pigment as a natural sunscreen, and by consuming this pigment, you are creating your own "internal sunscreen." In other words, the same powerful antioxidants that protect the algae from the sun's rays can help protect YOU as well.

Sunburn is actually an inflammatory process. Although the exact pathway by which astaxanthin protects your skin from burning is not yet known, it is almost certain that its anti-inflammatory activities are involved.

Current research suggests, if you take at least 2 mg of astaxanthin daily for a month, it will be less likely for you to get sunburned. It takes two to four weeks for the pigment to build up enough in your tissues to offer protection from sunburn, so two weeks of treatment is about the minimum. It is important to use only natural astaxanthin, not the synthetic version.
  

 

Natural sources

As a natural source, the following can be found in nature (or a production facility) with the approximate astaxanthin concentrations:

Source	Astaxanthin concentration (ppm)
Salmonids	~ 5
Plankton	~ 60
Krill	~ 120
Arctic shrimp (P borealis)	~ 1,200
Phaffia yeast	~ 10,000
Haematococcus pluvialis	~ 40,000

  

Salmonidae is the name of a family of ray-finned fish, the only living family currently placed in the order Salmoniformes. It includes salmon, trout, chars, freshwater whitefishes, and graylings. The Atlantic salmon and trout of the genus Salmo give the family and order their names.

Plankton are a diverse group of organisms that live in the water column and cannot swim against a current. They provide a crucial source of food to many large aquatic organisms, such as fish and whales.

Krill are small crustaceans of the order Euphausiacea and are found in all the world's oceans.
Most krill species display large daily vertical migrations, thus providing food for predators near the surface at night and in deeper waters during the day.

Arctic shrimp (Pandalus borealis) is a species of caridean shrimp found in cold parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The FAO refers to them as the northern prawn. Other common names include pink shrimp, deepwater prawn, deep-sea prawn, great northern prawn, crevette nordique and northern shrimp.
  

 Phaffia yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous exhibits 100% free, non-esterified astaxanthin, which is considered advantageous because it is readily absorbable and need not be hydrolysed in the digestive tract of the fish. In contrast to synthetic and bacteria sources of astaxanthin, yeast sources of astaxanthin consist mainly of the (3R, 3’R)-form, an important astaxanthin source in nature. Finally, the geometrical isomer, all-E, is higher in yeast sources of astaxanthin, as compared to synthetic sources.

Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater species of Chlorophyta from the family Haematococcaceae. This species is well known for its high content of the strong antioxidant astaxanthin, which is important in aquaculture, and cosmetics.  The high amount of astaxanthin is present in the resting cells, which are produced and rapidly accumulated when the environmental conditions become unfavorable for normal cell growth. Examples of such conditions include bright light, high salinity, and low availability of nutrients. Haematococcus pluvialis is usually found in temperate regions around the world. Their resting cysts are often responsible for the blood-red colour seen in the bottom of dried out rock pools and bird baths. This colour is caused by astaxanthin which is believed to protect the resting cysts from the detrimental effect of UV-radiation, when exposed to direct sunlight
 

 

 

 

 

Astaxanthin, unlike several carotenes and one other known carotenoid, is not converted to vitamin A (retinol) in the human body. Like other carotenoids, astaxanthin has self-limited absorption orally and such low toxicity by mouth that no toxic syndrome is known. It is an antioxidant with a slightly lower antioxidant activity in some model systems than other carotenoids. However, in living organisms the free-radical terminating effectiveness of each carotenoid is heavily modified by its lipid solubility, and thus varies with the type of system being protected.
While astaxanthin is a natural dietary component, it can also be used as a food supplement. The supplement is intended for human, animal, and aquaculture consumption. The commercial production of astaxanthin comes from both natural and synthetic sources.

Synthetic sources  

Nearly all commercial astaxanthin for aquaculture is produced synthetically.
However, synthetic production of astaxanthin is not preferred in some cases because synthetic astaxanthin contains a mixture of stereoisomers.
Astaxanthin is fairly abundant and obtainable from natural sources, and some consumers prefer natural products over synthetic ones.

Some aquaculture companies are beginning to use natural astaxanthin instead of the highly inferior synthetic astaxanthin, even though it costs more. They realise that it's better for the health of animals, and it's far superior for production of a healthy colour or pigmentation. Animals fed fish food with natural astaxanthin have higher survival rates, better growth rates, better immunity, fertility and reproduction.
Unfortunately, synthetic astaxanthin still dominates the farmed salmon industry worldwide.
If the salmon label does not read "wild" or "naturally colored," you're probably going to be eating a colouring agent somewhat closer to motor oil than antioxidant. Natural astaxanthin is more than 20 times stronger as an antioxidant than synthetic astaxanthin.
Wild salmon are 400 percent higher in astaxanthin than farmed salmon, and100 percent of their pigment is natural astaxanthin, rather than synthetic. Plus, wild salmon have much higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than the farmed version.


  References:   Seyoung Choi and Sangho Koo, J. Org. Chem
Cooper, R. D. G.; Davis, J. B.; Leftwick, A. P.; Price, C.; Weedon, B. (1975). "Carotenoids and related compounds. Frank Shipley Collins. Lorentz, R. T., and G. R. Cysewski.  S. Boussiba, and A. Vonshak.  Dr.Nicholas Perricone.  Dr. Mercola.

Silica

What is it?

Silica is a trace mineral which is only required by the body in small amounts and whilst there is no RDA for silica, most nutritionists agree that a daily intake from our diet is important. Silica is found in compounds called glycosaminoglycans, which are components of structural tissues such as arteries, tendons, skin, bones and cartilage. Most silica supplements use silica extracted from horsetail but it's better to use bamboo gum as a source of natural silica. Bamboo gum contains over 90% organic silica, which is more than 10 times the level found in the widely used horsetail plant, where the level is as low as 5-7%. Good dietary sources of silica include grains such as oats, barley and rice, although refining processes can strip much of this mineral away. Silica has become a popular supplement for healthy skin and joint health.

                                   

Silica is a relatively unknown mineral which is absolutely astounding bearing in mind what it does for the body, which is nothing short of miraculous. Also known as Silicon, it is a combination of silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements on our planet. It is within the grass that herbivores eat whilst meat eating animals have much less of it within their bodies. Silica is found in many vegetables including leafy greens and onions as well as whole grains.

Silica is absolutely essential to bone growth and for the development of the body. When you are young, your body has abundant levels of silica which is why children normally have beautiful silky hair, soft skin and perfect nails. We are born with large amounts of silica and low amounts of calcium and as we age, we lose silica and our bodies deposit calcium in our glands which leads to what is termed “calcification” of our tissues and the eventual loss of gland functions. Calcium requires vitamin D3 for its absorption but it also requires silica for the utilisation of calcium into building strong bones and teeth. A calcium deficiency is invariably associated with a deficiency in silica. Several studies have indicated that people with broken bones heal a lot quicker when silica levels are high irrespective of their calcium levels in the bloodstream. In fact, without silica your body could break apart!

Silica also promotes proper mineral balance between calcium and magnesium within the body. This mineral balance in turn helps with hormonal balance. This hormonal balance in turn is important because it is precisely hormonal imbalances that lead to osteoporosis. By achieving hormonal balance and its ability to enhance bone mineralisation, silica is invaluable in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and ideally every good calcium supplement should have some silica within the formulation.

 

Silica is used by every single cell and every internal gland within our bodies. Silica has an impact on strengthening the cardiovascular system as well as the central nervous system which relies of calcium and magnesium for the optimal transmission of nerve impulses. Silica also may be of value in the elderly for offering protection against Alzheimer’s since it counteracts aluminium’s effects on the body by aiding its removal.

So how is Silica of benefit for skin, hair and nails?

Silica may be of great value when the skin begins to sag which obviously makes us look prematurely aged. One of the biggest components of collagen is actually silica. Since collagen is the connective tissue that makes up most of our skin, it is not difficult to realise the importance of adequate silica levels within our bodies. Having sufficient and well toned collagen will make our skin look soft and young which in turn helps with suppleness and an increased capability of being moisturised.

Whenever collagen is damaged in skin, and incidentally this is occurring all the time due to free radical damage, silica is required to take care of this by rebuilding and regenerating this connective tissue.  Incidentally, silica is also an excellent supplement in combating mild to moderate acne. It does so by firstly enhancing collagen production which ensures healthy outer cell layers of the skin which are less likely to get inflamed from the hormonal waste that is connected with acne.  Additionally, silica supplementation is great for the removal of toxins which arise as a result of digestion. These toxins normally seep into the bloodstream and cause inflammation leading to acne and dull lifeless skin!

  

 

 Silica is a vital mineral when you are shedding your hair excessively leading to hair loss and it also helps both women and men for lack lustre and thinning hair. It is important to understand how silica works to achieve healthy looking vitalised hair.

Silica’s role for hair health appears to be two-fold. Firstly, as mentioned above, silica helps to achieve hormonal balance.  An imbalance in the female sex hormones is one of the biggest single causal factors for hair loss and the thinning of hair. An intake of silica will most definitely help to prevent hair thinning, restore vitality to hair and may even address hair loss without the need for hormone mimicking herbs. This property is particularly suitable for those with cell mutation associated with excess oestrogen.

Secondly, silica bonds with many minerals in the body as mentioned above. Aside from removing aluminium from the body, silica takes many nutrients to the peripherals of the body, namely the hair, skin and nails, and thus ensures that the hair follicles are supplied with all the vital minerals necessary for hair growth and vitality.

Your nails are one of the hallmarks of beauty in modern culture. If you are not happy with the state of your nails, whether they are brittle, have spots on them, ridges or simply are not happy with the way they look, then silica supplementation may be beneficial. As mentioned above, silica takes all the nutrients to the nails helping not only to impart strength but also feeds the nail bed with all the vital nutrients for encouraging healthy and strong nails.

Aside from its role in hair, skin and nails, silica’s much wider role throughout the body means that we really have to ensure that we do not have a deficiency in this important mineral. Silica is found in numerous vegetables and fruits and very little research has been carried out as to the possible deficiencies that exist in the general population though it is generally accepted that with silica’s wide role of activity, deficiencies are more than likely.

 

Sources of Silica

Animal sources provide much lower levels of silica than plant sources. The refining and processing of foods reduces the amount of silica content, and soils are often depleted of this mineral.  Good food sources of silica include unrefined cereals, apples, cherries, almonds, oranges, fish, oats and seeds. Unfortunately, most of the silica rich foods that are consumed provide silica as alumina-silicate or silica in a non-bio-available form again accounting for possible deficiencies.

Supplements are the best source of correcting silica deficiencies and these are generally derived from the herb Equisetum arvense, commonly referred to as Springtime Horsetail, or Bambuosa vulgaris, often referred to as Bamboo.

 

Most silica supplements supply this important mineral by using Horsetail extracts which unfortunately only supply between 5% and 8% of organic silica depending upon the brand. Supplements containing Bamboo Extract are the richest source of silica containing 70% of organic silica which is roughly ten times more potent for a more prominent effect on healthy hair, skin and strong nails.
Bamboo Extract helps:

• to build healthy bones, teeth and nails
• helps prevents wrinkles and keep skin beautiful
• helps promote growth of thick, beautiful hair.

Bamboo Extract is not a supplement for the young who have an abundance of silica. If you are in your forties then it is very likely that you will be deficient in silica. If you care about the state of your hair, skin and nails, then ensure that you obtain your silica from one source – Bamboo Extract!

Is Silica the ultimate beauty vitamin?
Silica is a beauty trace mineral that is related to healthy and strong connective tissue – the muscles, tendons, hair, nails, cartilage and bone, and ultimately, healthy skin.

If your diet is lacking in Silica, or if you’re suffering from a deficiency, it can result in slackening of the skin and impaired wound healing. It can also mean weak nails and dull, brittle and fine hair. Conversely, if your diet is sufficient in silica, you should enjoy great skin, thick, shiny hair and strong nails, among other things.

Now, because occasionally our diets may not include all the goodness we need in terms of vitamins and minerals each day, sometimes we need to take supplements. Nutritionist and naturopaths often recommend the temporary intake of high quality supplements, either in tablet or liquid form, to help remedy misbalances.
For those of you that don’t like taking tablets, you can also take Silica in a gel form … simply add a little each day to your morning breakfast smoothie, and you’re good to go! Try Qsilica Colloidal Silica Gel, $32.94 for 500mL, or you can buy a value pack (2x 500mL gel) for $59.90, http://www.qsilica.com.au. 

Alternatively, try drinking a cup or two of Bamboo Leaf Tea each day, too. It is reputed to be high in Silica, and I love that it’s a natural, sustainable source of silica. You should be able to find it at any good health food store, or buy it online at http://www.bambooleaftea.net.

References: Shabir Daya