antioxidants - health & wellbeing

ANTI AGEING - NATURAL THERAPIES - NUTRITION

PRODUCT DIRECTORY - ANTI OXIDANTS | ANTI AGING | NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

1. What does the BioPhotonic Scanner measure?
The BioPhotonic Scanner measures the level of carotenoid antioxidants in the skin. The level of skin carotenoids is a good reflection of carotenoids in the body, which in turn is an important indicator of the strength of your body's antioxidant defense system.

2. How did the BioPhotonic Scanner come about?
The scanner was developed by Dr. Werner Gellermann from the University of Utah, Department of Physics, and several collaborators from the University's School of Medicine. Initially Dr. Gellermann and his research group set out to find a way to measure the level of carotenoids in the eyes of people with age-related macular degeneration. Studies show that people with age-related macular degeneration have much lower levels of carotenoids in their eyes, and therefore it was necessary to develop an early-age screening test. Using Raman technology Dr. Gellermann and his team developed an instrument that projected laser light on the back of the eye and reflected back to a detector measuring carotenoid content in the retina. They then applied the same Raman technology to measure carotenoid antioxidant levels in skin tissues.

3. What are carotenoids?
Carotenoids are red, yellow and orange pigments distributed throughout nature, particularly in the fruits and vegetables we eat. They are among the most beneficial antioxidants and work to balance out the destructive effects of free radicals. Recent research indicates a strong link between free radicals and the risk of disease. LifePak® contains the most important carotenoids: lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein.

4. Why is it important to know the level of carotenoids in your body?
There are many different kinds of antioxidants but carotenoids are important because they are some of the more potent antioxidants around, protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Higher levels of antioxidants in the body may indicate a higher level of cellular protection. The carotenoids are an important part of the body's antioxidant network, and their tissue (skin) levels are an important indicator of the overall strength of the body's antioxidant defense system.

5. What is the antioxidant defense system?
In the body, a comprehensive network of antioxidants works together in synergy to afford effective protection from free radical damage. This is known as the antioxidant defense system. The antioxidant defense system consists of both intrinsic and extrinsic antioxidants. Intrinsic antioxidants are made in the body, often from nutrients we obtain in our diet. The antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, catalase, etc.), L-glutathione and coenzyme Q10 are important intrinsic antioxidants. Extrinsic antioxidants can not be made by our body and so must be obtained from our diet. Examples of extrinsic antioxidants include vitamins E & C, alpha-lipoic acid, carotenoids and flavonoids. To promote an optimal antioxidant defense system, it is important to include all of these nutrients in the diet. LifePak® is a comprehensive dietary supplement to help you achieve an optimal antioxidant defense system.

6. How does the BioPhotonic Scanner work?
BioPhonotic technology is a new advancement in laser technology and is made possible by applying optics concepts to the investigation of living human tissues. In the Biophotonic scanner we use the fact that essentially, each species of molecules in the body can generate a different set of colors of light when stimulated with a laser beam. Therefore this color spectrum is a unique optical fingerprint of a particular molecule species. The instrument uses a blue laser with a wavelength of 473 nm. When this laser hits a carotenoid molecule, a unique fingerprint spectrum with a prominent peak at 510 nm is generated by the carotenoid molecules. The green light is emitted out of the skin a captured by a highly sensitive light detector. A computer analyzes the amount of this green light and produces a numeric reading called the Body Defense Score.

7. What does my Body Defense Score mean?
Your Body Defense Score (BDS) is an immediate numeric reading of your own skin carotenoid content and an important indicator of the overall strength of your body's antioxidant defense system. As you continue to participate in the LifePak supplementation program, you can track your Body Defense Score for evidence of improved antioxidant activity and protection. Knowing your Body Defense Score™ empowers you with a personalized assessment that can be used to develop an antioxidant defense strategy.

8. What is the Body Defense Index?
The Pharmanex Body Defense Index (BDI) is a summary of Body Defense Scores from participants scanned to date. By correlating numeric readings with a comprehensive dietary and lifestyle survey, scientists have been able to determine how Body Defense Scores relate to antioxidant protection. Based on this comparative index, you can determine if your antioxidant level is weak, marginal, average or optimal. However, since individual results may vary, it is most important to track the change in your own Body Defense Score, by getting scanned every 60 days to see how LifePak is improving your health.

9. How can I improve my score?
You can begin by eating more fruits and vegetables that are rich in carotenoid antioxidants. Daily consumption of a dietary supplement such as LifePak that provides a full spectrum of powerful antioxidants including 15 mg of antioxidant carotenoids may also result in a higher score. Remember, high body fat percentage and exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, and sunlight may negatively impact your antioxidant defense levels. Changes to your diet or lifestyle activities will take about 30 to 60 days before they are reflected in your Body Defense Score.

11. My Body Defense Score is different from my last scan, why does it vary?
It is normal to have slight variations in the Body Defense Score due to several factors. First, the instrument's measuring variability is accurate within +/-5%, causing a small variability between repeated measurements. Second, skin carotenoids vary slightly depending on the exact location that is being scanned on the palm of the hand. Lastly, dietary changes, dietary supplementation, sun exposure, and smoking causes more long-term changes in skin carotenoids that can result in a different score.

12. Why is the BioPhotonic Scanner unique?
The BioPhotonic Scanner technology is the first application of biophotonic technology in the nutritional field and is only available through Pharmanex. Pharmanex has acquired global exclusive rights to apply this patented technology to dietary supplement markets and that means that no other company will be able to use this technology for the next 18 years. Biophotonic measurement will become the assessment tool of the future and Pharmanex representatives have the privilege to be among the first to use this extraordinary technology. The BioPhotonic Scanner offers our customers verifiable proof that LifePak® and other Pharmanex products are truly making a difference in their overall health and well being.

13. Are there scientific studies validating the BioPhotonic Scanner?
In accordance with the Pharmanex 6S process, the BioScan technology is substantiated with both independent and Pharmanex sponsored research. Scientific reviews of the technology and application to measure skin carotenoids were published by Hata et al. (J. Invest. Dermatology 155:441-448, 2000) and Gellermann et al.(Optics Letters 26:1179-1181, 2001). Furthermore, a good article describing the technology in layman's terms has been published by Gellermann et al. in the September 2002 issue of the journal Cosmetic Dermatology. Pharmanex performed an in-house study with 1,375 subjects, showing that the Body Defense Score correlates well with LifePak usage and fruit and vegetable consumption. Another in-house study showed that LifePak® supplementation leads to dramatic increases in the Body Defense Score within 4 weeks with further increases at 8 and 12 weeks. More clinical studies are being conducted that will result in scientific publications. With the ability to scan thousands of people easily and safely, Pharmanex will be able to obtain valuable data about fruit and vegetable consumption, assess overall antioxidant nutrition and make advancements in such areas as skin and antioxidant health.

14. Why are carotenoids found in our skin and why is the palm of our hand the site of action?
Carotenoids are absorbed with the aid of dietary fat. Thus they are found predominately in the "fatty" areas of the body, including your skin. Carotenoids help protect our skin from free radical damage caused by ultraviolet light radiation and other processes. The fatty tissue in our palm is a prime area for testing because it is easily accessible, has a relatively high carotenoid content due to the higher amount of fatty tissue, and there is a minimal difference in skin pigmentation between subjects in this tissue area.

15. I already take a multivitamin with carotenoids, why should I switch to LifePak®?
First, most multivitamins do not provide the right types and amounts of carotenoids. LifePak® contains a full 15 mg of the most important dietary carotenoids that are found in healthy diets with 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, as recommended by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Second, even if you get the right types and amounts of carotenoids, you still need all the other antioxidant nutrients to support your antioxidant defense system in optimal ways. LifePak® is a comprehensive nutritional wellness program, containing the complete spectrum of anti-aging nutrients that targets and inhibits free radical damage throughout the body. Carotenoids are only one class of antioxidants that are essential for cell protection. Other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, mineral cofactors like selenium and zinc, alpha-lipoic acid and flavonoids are all necessary to provide antioxidant benefits. LifePak's® full-spectrum formula provides a comprehensive range of antioxidants to fortify your body's antioxidant defense system.

16. I don't take a multivitamin or any other antioxidants, but I do take a beta-carotene supplement. Why is my score so high?
The BioPhotonic Scanner measures the level of carotenoids in the skin and is an important indicator of the strength of your body's antioxidant defense system; however, carotenoids are only one component of your antioxidant defense system. Taking a beta-carotene supplement can raise skin carotenoid levels and the Body Defense Score. To get more complete antioxidant benefits, it is important to take a multivitamin that contains a wide variety of antioxidants, including carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidant vitamins, and mineral cofactors. Taking a well-balanced combination of all of these nutrients will provide the best overall protection to your body.

17. How else are carotenoids measured?
Carotenoids are typically measured by invasive techniques requiring blood samples or urine tests. These tests are expensive and may take weeks before you receive your results. Also, these tests may only reflect what was recently consumed, i.e. the previous meal. The BioPhotonic Scanner is a great way to measure your carotenoid level safely and non-invasively. The ability to assess our nutrition levels in this unique way will open up a world of opportunity for Pharmanex.

18. Since the Body Defense Score reflects only skin carotenoids, how good is it to assess my overall antioxidant defense?
The carotenoids are an important part of the body's antioxidant network, and their tissue (skin) levels are an important indicator of the overall strength of the body's antioxidant defense system. As a member of an important network, it is likely that carotenoids levels will be in balance with other components of the antioxidant defense system. As with all health tests, the biophotonically measured Body Defense Score™ is one of several possible indicators of your health. The antioxidant defense system can be measured by various tests: skin carotenoids, serum ORAC, serum antioxidant levels, urinary MDA, breathe pentane, serum 8-OHdG, serum lipid peroxides, etc. Based on the data we have obtained so far about the BioPhotonic Scanner, the Body Defense Score measurement correlates well with other antioxidant status tests, has the site-of-action advantage, and is by far the least invasive and most convenient test around.

19. Who should get scanned?
BioPhotonic measurement is destined to become the dietary assessment of the future. Anyone who is mindful of his or her current and future health should take the opportunity to get scanned.

20. Where can I get scanned?
Certified BioScan operators will be able to scan you at your convenience with your certificate. When you purchase a Pharmanex BioScan Business Kit you will receive 3 certificates that allow you to be scanned each month for 3 months. While taking LifePak you will be able to track your Body Defense Score™ and see your antioxidant level increase!

21. Is there anyone who should not use the BioPhotonic Scanner?
No. The BioPhotonic Scanner is a safe and non-invasive technology. We encourage everyone to know his or her Body Defense Score. The BioPhotonic Scanner is safe for all ages.

22. Are there any side effects from using the BioPhotonic Scanner?
There are no side effects or potential health risks when properly using the scanner. The BioPhotonic Scanner uses a well-researched low-energy laser and is exposed to only a dime-sized portion of your body for less than 30 seconds.

23. Q. What is the BioPhotonic Scanner?
A new, cutting-edge testing device that easily and non-invasively measures a carotenoid antioxidant biomarker that provides immediate evidence of antioxidant activity.

24. Q. What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are stable molecules that have electrons to spare. When antioxidants come in contact with free-radical molecules, they freely share their electrons and stop the degenerative chain reaction of free-radical oxidation.

25. Q. How is the scan test performed?
The person being tested simply places the palm of his/her hand in front of a low-energy blue light laser. There is no feeling, no pain, and no danger.

26. Q. What is the significance of this new technology? Why is it important to consumers?
Each day we are exposed to a dangerous and common group of molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that steal or "scavenge" electrons from other molecules. Fortunately, nature has provided a solution to the threat of free-radical damage-antioxidants. Persons participating in the scanner testing can obtain an immediate reading of their own antioxidant activity-their Body Defense Score. Consumers are then empowered with a personalized assessment that can be used to develop an antioxidant defense strategy.

27. Is it true that this technology is only available from Pharmanex?
Pharmanex is the exclusive owner of the patented BioPhotonic Scanner technology.

28. How and when will the scanning technology be made available to the general public?
It will be made available to the public through Pharmanex's network of independent representatives who specialize in health education and the distribution of nutritional supplements.

29. Q. How can the public contact a scanner operator to obtain their scanner reading?
People can log on to www.pharmanexscanner.com to find the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner operator in their area.

30. Q. Will the distributors who are doing the scanning be qualified to do it correctly and produce accurate results?
The BioPhotonic Scanner is easy to use and requires little training to operate correctly and accurately. By simply placing the palm of the hand in front of a low-energy blue light laser, consumers obtain an immediate reading of their own antioxidant activity.

31. Q. Some people have reported being scanned by different machines at different times and getting different results. Why don't different scanners give similar results?
Currently only beta design versions of the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner are available. The actual production line target date is January 2003.

32. Q. How did Pharmanex come up with the number ranges that indicate the Body Defense Index?
The number ranges are based on research involving the scanning of 1375 people. The scanning resulted in carotenoid levels ranging from a low of 1500 to a very high 73,000. The mean average was 19,000. Subjects in the study who reported eating a recommended diet of six or more fruits and vegetables per day, and/or using supplements, measured 25,000 and above. This study suggests that readings of 25,000 or above provide healthy levels of antioxidants.

33. Q. Has the medical community endorsed the BioPhotonic Scanner? If not, why not?
Biophotonics is a new, cutting edge method of measurement used regularly in the medical community. The Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner is a new application for biophotonic technology. Because the BioPhotonic Scanner has not been officially been released yet, it has not yet been widely introduced to the medical community.

34. Q. Why don't doctors and hospitals use the scanner?
The BioPhotonic scanner has not been released to the general public. However, researchers have requested to use the scanner to research various health issues.

35. Q. How much did Pharmanex pay to acquire the technology?
Pharmanex paid a significant amount to obtain the rights to the technology from the University of Utah. The exact amount is confidential.

36. Q. What is the cost of each scanner?
Scanners will not be sold. They will be leased to qualified Pharmanex distributors for a small lease fee of $199 per month.

37. Q. Do people who participate in the BioSCAN Program have to pay?
People would like to receive their scan can do so at no cost. In January 2003, people can find the nearest scanner operator by logging on to www.pharmanexscanner.com. They will receive a ticket from the scanner operator at no cost.

38. Q. Is Pharmanex using the scanner to simply sell more supplements?
The scanner is used to help people track their antioxidant health. Pharmanex encourages scanner participants to eat a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables. Most people find it difficult to eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. When an individual does not consume enough antioxidants from his/her diet, a supplement may be needed to ensure optimal antioxidant health. If a person chooses to use a dietary supplement, we hope that they would choose our LifePak® product, which contains a potent mix of antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.

39. Q. What evidence is there that taking supplemental antioxidants is beneficial?
There are numerous published studies that show a link between antioxidant supplementation and optimal health conditions. For example, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an article in the June 19, 2002 edition titled Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults. The article concludes, "Most people do not consume an optimal amount all vitamins by diet alone. Pending strong evidence of effectiveness from randomized trials, it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements."