FAQs

Q: About regulatory approval and registration of tocotrienols?
A: Tocotrienols have been approved for use in dietary supplement in Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and US. Due to the recent nature of research work with tocotrienols and that scientific evidence supporting the benefits of tocotrienols is relatively new, the FDA has not assigned vitamin E activity to tocotrienols.

Q: Are there any side effects associated with benaGene?
A: Side effects reported other than an increase in lifespan and better glucose management include the following: 1) Reduction in sugar cravings. 2) Improved energy. 3) Improvement in sleep. 4) Reduction in constipation. 5) Reduction in the ability to create and store fat.

Q: Are Tocotrienols safe?
A: Toxicological and pharmacological studies showed that supplementation with palm based tocotrienols up to 2500mg per day per kilogram of body did not produce any significant side effects. Tocotrienols are natural compound found in various food and oils such as palm olein, rice bran oil, wheat germ, barley, etc. They are vitamin E and one may be taking tocotrienols through these normal foods without even realizing it.

Q: Being a vitamin E and since vitamin E is extensively used in cosmetics and personal care products, what proven benefits do tocotrienols have on prevention of skin aging and skin damage by ultra-violet rays?
A: The idea of using tocotrienols in cosmetic and personal care products is fairly new and recent. Being a more potent vitamin E, research scientists especially at the University of California, Berkeley, have started to investigate the additional benefits of tocotrienols over the alpha tocopherol vitamin E in the prevention of skin aging and skin damage. A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley showed that diet-derived or topically applied tocotrienols preferentially accumulate at the stratum corneum to defend against free radicals generated by exposure to environment agents such as sun ray (UV), ozone, chemicals, etc.

Q: Can I get enough of tocotrienols from my normal diet / food?
A: Most of the oils and food contain tocopherols but virtually no tocotrienols. Tocotrienols only occur at very low level (below 800ppm) in nature with the highest concentration found in palm oil. Other sources are rice bran, barley, wheat germ, saw palmetto and certain types of nuts and grains. Due to their low level, it is practically impossible to attain the amount of tocotrienols studies suggest may have a beneficial effect, from diet alone. For example, one has to take a cup of palm oil per day to attain this level.

Q: Can I get tocotrienols simply from using palm oil in cooking?
A: Refined palm olein (palm cooking oil) has some tocotrienols as well as tocopherols but the levels found are very low, approximately 0.08%. In order to get the amount of tocotrienols (50 mg - 100 mg per day) that medical studies suggest may have a beneficial effect; one would have to consume about 80g - 160g (about one to two tea cup) of palm olein a day. Other cooking oils from corn, soy-bean and sunflower contain virtually no tocotrienols.

Q: Does AOR sell a green tea extract?
A: Yes, EGCG MAX is a green tea extract available through AOR.

Q: Does Ortho Mind need to be refrigerated?
A: No, the product is stable at room temperature. R+lipoic acid has a low melting temperature (46-49C) and was initially thought to need refrigeration. Stability studies have since shown that the product can be kept at room temperature.

Q: Does UTI cleanse need to be taken immediately after the powder is mixed with water or can I add it to my water bottle and take it throughout the day?
A: UTI cleanse contains a simple sugar called D-Mannose and should remain stable in water, it is fine to add it to the water in your water bottle.

Q: How are tocotrienols absorbed in the body?
A: Tocotrienols are fat soluble. It is absorbed in the same manner as fat, just like other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and K) and phytonutrients like carotenoids. The absorption of these compounds is dependent on the physiological processes in the stomach and small intestines, induced by food, especially fat intake. Only when sufficient pancreatic juice and bile are secreted to emulsify the fat and fat soluble vitamins do we get satisfactory absorption. Since factors such as foods and fat intake tend to be variable, the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients will also be variable.

Q: How can one dietary ingredient be effective against so many types of health problems?
A: The answer is that many acute and chronic conditions share a hidden cause: compromised immunity. And as a biological response modifier, AHCC turns the dial up on your natural immune system, helping you fight all kinds of threats to your health.

Q: How exactly does AHCC help the immune system?
A: In vivo and human clinical trials have shown that AHCC modifies both the innate and adaptive immune response.

Q: How much vitamin D should I take everyday?
A: According to the latest research, 4000 -6000 IU of vitamin D is what is needed for optimal health. Unfortunately, Health Canada has banned the use of more than 1000 IU of vitamin D per day as a recommended dose in dietary supplements. Canadians wanting more must take several capsules or get a prescription.

Q: How often should Suntheanine be taken?
A: There is not a set schedule for taking Suntheanine. Generally, Suntheanine should be taken when levels of stress are noticed. The effects of Suntheanine are generally felt within 30 minutes, and have been shown to last up to 8 - 12 hours.

Q: I have heard another deadline, that the Canadian Ministry of Health will outlaw most natural health products on January 1, 2010. Is this true ?
A: No. The January 2010 deadline only applies to products that have DIN's (Drug Identification Numbers) which have to be exchanged for NPNs (Natural Product Numbers) by Health Canada. AOR completed this process over two years ago.

Q: I have heard that glucosamine can have an interaction with warfarin. Is that true?
A: It is possible, yes. A recent study reported that glucosamine can possibly interfere with the international normalized ratio or (INR). The INR is a standardized blood test used to monitor the effects of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. It appears that for some individuals using warfarin or similar anticoagulants, simultaneously taking supplements containing glucosamine will cause an inaccurate reading on the INR. The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has thus far reported 20 such cases on its MedWatch database, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has 21 cases of glucosamine interference with INR readings, 17 of which were resolved when glucosamine supplementation ceased. These figures are indeed miniscule considering the number of people using glucosamine, which has now entered the nutritional supplement mainstream along with such mainstays as multivitamins/minerals and vitamin C. In fact, in Canada, the Natural Health Products Directorate (the branch of Health Canada overseeing the regulation of Natural Health Products) currently does not even require that a warfarin interaction warning be placed on the labels of glucosamine-containing products. Knudsen JF, Sokol GH. Potential glucosamine-warfarin interaction resulting in increased international normalized ratio: case report and review of the literature and MedWatch database. Pharmacotherapy. 2008 Apr;28(4):540-8.

Q: I have heard that on March 31, 2010, the Canadian Ministry of Health will clear its backlog of Natural Health Product Applications by cancelling all that have not been fully approved by that date. Is this true?
A: There is no mention of such a directive in any of the official communiques and therefore no reason to believe that the current process will be circumvented.

Q: I Have Heard That Sorbitol Can Be Potentially Dangerous To Diabetics. Is This True?
A: No. The root of the question is not entirely without merit, however, since sorbitol is structurally a sugar alcohol. However, any problem posed by excess cellular sorbitol for diabetics is that it is actually caused by excess glucose in the cell (which is converted to sorbitol in the body), and this pertains to ENDOGENOUS sorbitol. When EXOGENOUS sorbitol is introduced from capsules, the liver converts this sorbitol into glucose, leading some to believe that this can have negative metabolic implications. However, much of this sorbitol (up to 75%) is converted to CO2 and is released as perspiration. Furthermore, the amount of sorbitol found in a typical capsule is approximately 8-14 mg, and even if the conversion to glucose was complete, this would lead to an increase of blood glucose levels of 300 mcg/dl. To put that number into proper perspective, normal fasting glucose levels are 140 mg/dl, and normal non-fasting levels are approximately 400 mg/dl. These numbers represent approximately one-466th and one- 1333rd respectively the difference the amount of sorbitol in a capsule could possibly make, a negligible number brought into even clearer perspective given the fact that most glucometers are accurate to within 10-15%. Adcock LH, Gray CH. The metabolism of sorbitol in the human subject. Biochem J. 1957 Mar;65(3):554-560.

Q: I noticed that the dosage instructions for Advanced Bone Protection only pertain to women. Can men take it as well?
A: Yes. The only reason that the dosage instructions only pertain to women is because the Canadian Ministry of Health (with whom this product is registered) reviewed the human trials for this product and found that the volunteers used in those trials happened to be entirely female. This is in no small part due to the fact that women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis/osteopenia than men. However, ABP is perfectly safe and effective for men as well.

Q: I noticed that vitamin E is included in the CAUTION section of the label. Does this mean I cannot use Ginkgo biloba and vitamin E at the same time? What if I use a multivitamin that includes vitamin E?
A: Health Canada required that we list all ingredients that can affect blood coagulation on that label, and this includes vitamin E. However, Health Canada has a separate warning on vitamin E itself stipulating that one ought to consult a health care practitioner prior to use if taking blood thinners only for vitamin E products containing 360 mg (543 IU)of vitamin E or more. In this case, if Ginkgo biloba is considered a blood thinner, then a health care practitioner ought to be consulted if one is intending to use Ginkgo biloba along with at least 360 mg (543 IU) of vitamin E.

Q: If I am taking resveratrol, should I also take benaGene?
A: Resveratrol is thought to work by stimulating the Sirtuin proteins which use NAD+ as a substrate. benaGene works by making more NAD+ available. The two compounds can work synergistically.

Q: Is Advanced Bone Protection suitable for me if I am intolerant to milk?
A: Yes, Advanced Bone Protection contains a very specific milk protein known as Milk Basic Protein and should not be problematic for you even if you are intolerant to lactose or casein. However, if you've suffered from a severe allergic reaction to milk in the past, Advanced Bone Protection is not suitable for you.

Q: Is AHCC used in hospitals and by health care professionals?
A: Yes. AHCC is supported by over 80 research studies. It is utilized by over 700 hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide as a standard preventative regimen for incoming patients to reduce the risk of hospital infections.

Q: Is an NPN required before a product can be sold?
A: Yes and no. When Health Canada created the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) back in 2001, they believed they could license NPNs fairly quickly. On that basis, they did claim that NPNs were needed to sell Natural Health Products (NHPs). However, they did not expect nearly as many applications as they received, and a huge backlog was created. As a result, the practice has become that the sale of NHPs is allowed if an application for an NPN has been submitted. All of AORs products are in the application process, and some have been there for years.

Q: Is it normal for Ortho Eyes to sting after use?
A: Yes, the solution in Ortho Eyes is slightly acidic (pH of 6.7). This allows the active ingredient Carnosine to penetrate the cornea. Carnosine is a protein and in order to be absorbed in the eye, the gap junctions that hold the cells of the eye together must be relaxed. A slightly acidic solution allows this to occur. Any stinging should be very brief and usually last less than 30 seconds.

Q: Is there vitamin K in your nattokinase?
A: No, the product is free of vitamin K.

Q: Is UTI cleanse (D-mannose) safe for young children?
A: There has been no published study using D-mannose supplementation in pediatric subjects. The majority of the research shows D-mannose to be safe and well tolerated. One study did find slight bloating and loose stools with prolonged use of D-mannose.(Westphal V, Kjaergaard S, Davis JA, et al. Genetic and metabolic analysis of the first adult with congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ib: long-term outcome and effects of mannose supplementation. Mol Genet Metab 2001;73:77-85.) The mechanism of action of D-mannose is such that it is excreted in urine along with the specific E-coli strains it binds too. Theoretically, this makes D-mannose a safe and effective way of controlling UTI's, but there is limited safety data available, especially in young children.

Q: Should Suntheanine be taken with meals or between meals?
A: Consumption of Suntheanine is not affected (either positively or negatively) by the consumption of food. Suntheanine may be taken at any time.

Q: So, strictly speaking, a Natural Health Product cannot legally be sold in Canada without an NPN ?
A: Strictly speaking, that is correct. However, because of the backlog, Health Canada has stated that they will not be enforcing this on products that do not pose an undue risk and those for which submissions for NPNs have already been made.

Q: The above human studies were for therapeutic conditions. Is there a RDA for tocotrienols?
A: At the moment, there is no RDA for tocotrienols. It was only in the early 1980s that research scientist all over the world, started to look seriously into this new vitamin E. As the scientific evidence of tocotrienols is relatively new, the US FDA and US Pharmacopeia have not assigned vitamin E activity to tocotrienols. All the human and animal studies have been based on milligram of pure tocotrienols per day basis.

Q: Were the studies mentioned above carried out with palm based tocotrienols? This is because of the significant different in ratio of tocotrienols to tocopherol in palm based tocotrienols (3.5:1) compared to rice based tocotrienols (1:1).
A: Almost all of the in-vitro, animal, human studies published so far, on the health benefits of tocotrienols was carried out with palm tocotrienol Complex. Palm tocotrienol complex has very different chemistry and contents from rice based tocotrienols. The ratio of tocotrienols to tocopherol in palm tocotrienol complex is very much higher at 3.5 to 1.0. In rice base tocotrienols, it is approximately 1.0 to 1.0. In addition, palm based tocotrienols contains additional phytonutrients such as phytosterols (which have been shown to prevent absorption of cholesterol in the intestine) and plant squalene (strong antioxidant) that are naturally extracted together with tocotrienols from the fruits of oil palm.

Q: What are the proven health benefits of tocotrienols?
A: The proven additional health benefits (by over 128 research papers in human, animal models and in-vitro) are: 1. Palm tocotrienol complex has been shown by the Kenneth Jordan Heart Foundation (US) in a double-blind human study to have the ability to reverse arteriosclerosis. Palm based tocotrienols have the ability to reverse blockage of the carotid artery and hence, reduce the risk of stroke and arteriosclerosis. 2. Tocotrienols have been shown by human and animal studies to have the ability to reduce the production of total serum cholesterols. They inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA Reductase in the liver that is responsible for the production of cholesterols. Tocopherols have no effect on serum cholesterol. 3. Tocotrienols are very much more potent antioxidant than tocopherols. It has been shown by published research paper that alpha-tocotrienol is 40-60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol in the prevention of lipid peroxidation. Delta-tocotrienol is the most potent of all the commercially available tocotrienols. 4. In a recent article published in Clin. Exp. Hypertens. (1999), found that tocotrienol is an effective natural agent to prevent increased in blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. It also enhanced total antioxidant status in plasma and blood vessels. 5. Tocotrienols especially delta and gamma-tocotrienols have been shown to inhibit certain type of cancers especially human breast cancer cells. Palm based tocotrienols have been shown by four different research centers in the world to have the ability to inhibit both the estrogen positive and estrogen negative breast cancer cells. In those studies, alpha tocopherol has no effect at all on human breast cancer cells. 6. Palm tocotrienol complex has been proven to inhibit platelet aggregation. Alpha tocopherol does not. 7. Tocotrienols, with their unsaturated side chain, allow them to pass through the membrane bi-layer (mainly made up of unsaturated fatty acid) in a more efficient manner and faster rate compared to the all saturated tocopherol. Hence facilitating the absorption of tocotrienols. 8. Palm tocotrienol complex has also been shown by the University of California, Berkeley to be effective in preventing protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation after a strenuous bout of exercise. Athletes especially body builders and sprinters generate tremendous amount of free radicals in their body. Hence, tocotrienols being a very potent antioxidant and vitamin E protects athletes and body builders against protein and lipid peroxidation.

Q: What are tocotrienols?
A: Tocotrienols are part of the Vitamin E family. Tocotrienols have similar structure to tocopherols (Alpha-Tocopherol as the most common Vitamin E in the market), but contain three double bonds in the carbon side chain of the molecule. The Vitamin E family is comprised of eight different compounds : alpha, beta, gamma and delta- tocotrienols and tocopherols.

Q: What can I expect from taking tocotrienols regularly?
A: The effect of antioxidants, and likewise tocotrienols, only become apparent in the long term. Supplementing daily with tocotrienols will result in the reduction in cholesterol level and reduce the risk of free-radical degenerative diseases.

Q: What exactly does the immune system do?
A: The immune system's job is to protect you from harm. It is always scanning your body to determine if bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and other pathogens have entered your system or if any of your cells have mutated and become abnormal. You have two basic types of immunity: innate and adaptive. Your innate immunity launches an immediate, non-specific attack against a threat. Your adaptive immunity takes longer to kick in, but produces a specific response to a particular microbe.

Q: What is advanced about your Vitamin B Complex?
A: Advanced B Complex is an advanced vitamin B formula which contains the most biologically active forms of B vitamins such as P-5-P, Methylcobalamin and Benfotiamine. Furthermore, P-5-P and Benfotiamine are great at preventing protein glycation and are great for diabetics. AOR's Advanced B Complex also contains balanced dosages of the vitamins it contains.

Q: What is AHCC used for?
A: AHCC has been used successfully to treat a wide range of health conditions, from minor ailments such as colds and flu, to serious diseases such as cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Q: What is Alpha-lipoic Acid and why is your product referred to as R(+)- lipoic acid?
A: Alpha-lipoic acid (or sometimes thioctic acid) is the generic term given to lipoic acid that is manufactured in a laboratory. When manufactured, alpha-lipoic acid is chiral, meaning that it is automatically 'twinned' into two molecules; the natural R(+)- enantiomer that is used by the body, and the artificially twinned S(-)- enantiomer. The latter cannot be used by the body and is at best inert, and it comprises 50% of alpha-lipoic acid formulations. AOR's R(+)- lipoic acid consists almost exclusively (approximately 96%) of the natural R(+)- enantiomer.

Q: What is an NPN (Natural Product Number)?
A: An NPN is assigned by Health Canada to a product whose manufacturer has submitted enough human evidence to support that manufacturer's health claim for that particular product. It essentially means that the manufacturer has fulfilled all of the demanding requirements of Health Canada for the registration of the product.

Q: What is benaGene?
A: benaGene is composed of two compounds already found within your body: the bio-identical human metabolite 3-carboxy-3-oxypropanotic acid (3C3O) and Vitamin C. 3C3O is central to metabolism and is found in every cell of your body.

Q: What is lipoic acid?
A: Lipoic acid is a potent, multipurpose antioxidant. It is made by your body, but not anywhere approaching the amounts required to illicit its full array of benefits. It not only quenches free radicals but also recycles other central antioxidants, namely CoQ10, glutathione, and vitamins E and C. It effectively serves as an 'axis' or 'hub' of antioxidant activity. It also chelates (binds to) unbound heavy metals such as iron, copper and cadmium, which have a high potential for toxicity. This action is especially important for maintaining neural health. Furthermore, lipoic acid also enhances glucose sensitivity.

Q: What is Sorbitol and Why Is It Used In AORs Capsules?
A: Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a highly ubiquitous and naturally-occurring substance found in everything from the biochemistry of the human body to apples to chewing gum. The latter of course contains the synthetic version, and in the supplement industry sorbitol is used in capsules, tablets and softgels. Its most common roles are that of a plasticizer (to reduce capsule brittleness and enhance stability) and as a humectant (to reduce long-term leakage). Sorbitol is one of the most effective and widely used substances in the world for these and other similar purposes, spanning the food, pharmaceutical, and natural supplement industries. It holds GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status with the FDA in the United States and in Canada is listed on the Ministry of Health's list of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients with a composition allowance of 90%, one of the highest of any non-medicinal ingredients. However, as of March of 2009, the capsules of AOR products will no longer contain sorbitol as a constituent.

Q: What is Suntheanine?
A: Suntheanine is the trade name for Taiyo's patented enzymatically synthesized L-theanine (L-glutamic acid-gamma-monoethylamide). L-theanine, a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants (Camellia sinensis), constitutes between 1 to 2% of the dry weight of tea leaves, is the predominant amino acid component in tea, and exists in the free (non-protein) form.

Q: What is the best multi vitamin available through AOR?
A: ORTHO CORE is AOR most avanced and most complete multivitamin and features more than 50 nutrients that have been shown to be beneficial for health. Multi Basics 3 is a 3 day multi vitamin and Essential Mix is a powdered multi.

Q: What is the difference between Advanced Whey and Immune Ultra?
A: Immune Ultra contains far more Lactoferrin. 4.8g per serving size vs 400 mg per serving size for Advanced Whey protein.

Q: What is the difference between Ortho Bone and Bone Basics?
A: Ortho Bone is more complete is is recommended for those suffering from bone loss, osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone Basics is an excellent formula and is great for those looking to maintain their bone health. the main difference between the two formulas is that the recommended dose for Ortho Bone is 10 capsules per day and 6 capsules per day for Bone Basics. Ortho Bone also contains more advanced forms of the nutrients it contains.

Q: What is the mechanism of L-Theanine ?
A: Although the complete mechanism of L-theanine is still under investigation, several studies have been completed showing the various stages of L-theanine metabolism: 1)L-theanine is absorbed from the small intestine via a sodium-coupled active transport process and crosses the blood-brain barrier, absorbed into the brain in a dose-dependent manner. 2)L-theanine may compete for absorption in the intestinal tract and the brain with amino acids found in the methionine group, including isoleucine, leucine and valine. The concentrations of other amino acids are unchanged by the administration of L-theanine. 3)L-theanine directly stimulates production of alpha brain waves (a state often achieved by meditation, one of deep relaxation and mental alertness). 4)L-theanine appears to have a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). GABA blocks release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, playing a key role in the relaxation effect.

Q: What is the recommended use of Suntheanine?
A: The intended use for Suntheanine is that of a relaxant to produce mental and physical relaxation, without inducing drowsiness. Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that Suntheanine is effective in the range of 50 - 200 mg. It is suggested that subjects with higher levels of stress consume at the higher end of the effective range (generally a minimum consumption of 100 mg is recommended for best effects). Please note that if a person is already calm and relaxed, little to no effect will be noticed at any level of consumption. As part of our compliance with FDA guidelines for Dietary Supplements, Taiyo recommends that no more than 600 mg be taken within a 6 hour period and that no more than 1,200 mg be taken within a 24 hour period.

Q: What is the regulatory status of Suntheanine?
A: L-theanine was approved in Japan in 1964 for unlimited use in all foods with the exception of infant foods. Presently, over 50 food products containing Suntheanine are being sold in Japan, Korea and Europe. In the US, Suntheanine currently is a dietary ingredient intended for use in dietary supplements with the first products entering the market in 2000.

Q: What is then the recommended daily dosage for people (normal everyday people) without any therapeutic condition but would like to have the benefits and protection of this new super vitamin E, palm phyto-tocotrienols?
A: So far, dosages of palm tocotrienols in human studies were for a specific therapeutic condition - hypercholesterolemia, carotid stenosis and breast cancer at high dosages of tocotrienols. Individual who are interested in enhancing their antioxidant status as part of a long term nutritional plan should consider a moderate use levels. For these people who want to maintain a healthy level of cholesterol, a healthy heart and cardio vascular condition and breast health, the consensus among tocotrienol research scientists was a dosage of 30-50mg/day. Commercial dietary supplements currently offer daily supplementation of tocotrienols from 20-60mg for healthy adults. Dr Asaf Qureshi (University of Wisconsin – the first research scientist to show that tocotrienols found in barley have the ability to lower total serum cholesterol), in his article titled “The Mutitherapeutic Properties of Palm Oil and its Novel Vitamin E” quoted that daily intake of 34-42.5mg of pure tocotrienols obtained from palm oil will provide enough tocotrienols for all the health benefits associated with them.

Q: What safety studies are available for Suntheanine?
A: Suntheanine has been shown to be safe for use as directed based on the following positive toxicology studies: 28 Day Subacute Toxicity Study, 78 Week Evaluation of Toxicity and Carcinogenicity, Acute Toxicity/LD-50 Determination and Ames Salmonella/Microsome Plate Test for Mutagenicity.

Q: What should I look for when purchasing tocotrienols?
A: Look for a natural, palm derived tocotrienol complex product. If minimally processed, it should also contain the other phyto-nutrients found naturally in palm oil. These include phytosterols, squalene and mixed carotenoids, thus offering a "platter" of a natural and wholesome phyto-nutrient complex. Other rice-derived tocotrienols are also available in the market.

Q: Where can I get more information on AHCC?
A: For more information, see the RESEARCH section, or visit www.ahccresearch.com.

Q: Where do tocotrienols come from?
A: Tocotrienols are naturally present in most plants. They are found mostly in palm oil extracted from palm fruits. Other sources are rice, wheat germ, oat and barley.

Q: Which of the proven health benefits were carried out clinically on human?
A: The various human studies and dosage used in these studies specifically for a therapeutic condition are: 1. Since the early 1990s, there were hints that antioxidants could have some effect in showing regression of arteriosclerosis (improvement of artery health and blood flow). Dr Anthony Verlangieri of the Atherosclerosis Laboratory at the University of Mississippi published his research in reversing atherosclerosis in monkeys with antioxidant nutrients. A report in JAMA in 1995 showed that antioxidant vitamins slowed progression of coronary atherosclerosis. In a three-year, double-blind clinical study at the Kenneth Jordan Heart Foundation, New Jersey, on 50 patients with Carotid Stenosis (blockage of the carotid artery, the main artery that supplies blood to the brain), patients were given a supplementation of 240mg palm tocotrienol complex per day. Within 6 months, 92% of the patients had an improvement in their blood flow through the carotid artery, indicating the ability of palm tocotrienol complex to reverse artery blockage and improve artery health. 2. Palm tocotrienol complex has been proven by numerous human and animal studies to have the ability to inhibit cholesterol production in the liver. Tocotrienols are potent and effective natural antioxidant nutrients to have the ability to inhibit the key enzyme that is responsible for cholesterol production in the body: HMG Co A Reductase. In human cholesterol lowering human studies, mild hypercholesterolemia patients were given a supplementation of 200mg palm based tocotrienols per day. Significant reduction of total serum cholesterol was observed within 6 to 8 weeks. The reduction of total serum cholesterol was between 15-33% whereas the HDL level was no affected. In another cross-over human study carried out at the Science University of Malaysia, randomly picked subjects with uncontrolled diet was given supplementation of 100mg palm tocotrienols per day. Within 8 to 10 weeks, there was a significant reduction of 10-12% of total cholesterol level in the group that received tocotrienols. 3. There are four reputable research centers that are currently furthering their research on the ability of palm tocotrienol complex to inhibit both the estrogen positive and negative human breast cancer cells. The research centers are University of Reading, UK, University of Louisiana, University of Western Ontario, and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). At the moment, research is focused on elucidating the mechanism of inhibition of breast cancer cells by tocotrienols, In addition, the University of Wisconsin is currently carrying out studies on the inhibitory effect of tocotrienols on hepatocarcinogenesis.

Q: Who should take tocotrienols?
A: Everyone. Research has shown tocotrienols to actively lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood from clotting, having anti-cancer activity and anti-tumour qualities. People looking for an effective antioxidant should take tocotrienols. It is wise to begin tocotrienols supplementation in young adulthood and continue throughout one's life.

Q: Why did you change Vision Support to Vision Support II?
A: AOR constantly reviews it's formulations offer the most product available. Vision Support was reformulated in December 2008. The formula has been improved by adding higher concentrations of Lutien and Zeaxanthin, two of the most important nutrients for the eyes and by removing several of the nutrients easily obtainable in a multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Q: Why does Ortho Adapt contain porcine adrenal glandulars?
A: Desiccated glandular extracts have been used for many years as a traditional pharmacological approrach for treating certain organs in a hypo-functioning state; most commonly hypothyroidsim. Theoretically, a glandular extract provides the substrates a organ, such the adrenal glands, needs to carry out its normal biological function. Desiccated porcine adrenal glandular can provide biologically appropriate amino acid substrates to aid human adrenal glands in a state of fatigue, stress or impaired function. Established medical practice has shown that prescribing desiccated porcine thyroid glandular is a effective clinical strategy for treating hypothyroidism. Ortho Adapt applies the same priciple for aiding the adrenal gland. Unfortunatly, very little scientific research has been done with adrenal gladulars to show controlled efficacy.

Q: Why has the content of your SeMC product been reduce from 200 mcg to 55 mcg?
A: A study done on 1202 patients with skin cancer in US area where the population tend to have poor blood selenium levels where patients were receiving 200 mcg of selenium per day showed that more people who took the selenium developed diabetes. They followed the patients for an average of 7 years to see who developed diabetes.

Q: Why is biotin included in R+Lipoic Acid but not in R+SR?
A: Biotin and R+Lipoic acid act synergistically and are a good combination. Biotin is not included in R+SR because it was not possible to add biotin to the special sustained release formula without altering the properties of the time release capsule.

Q: Why is there strontium in Ortho Bone?
A: To maintain the natural ratio between calcium and strontium as found in foods high in calcium. Strontium is also an essential nutrient for bones.

Q: Why is this combination better than simply taking extra vitamin C?
A: Simply stated, the presence of bioflavonoids makes vitamin C supplementation that much more efficient, since bioflavonoids and vitamin C mutually enhance many of each other's biological activities.

Q: Why is tocotrienol much more expensive than tocopherol?
A: In nature, the level of tocotrienols is at such a low level (part per million level) that is it takes a huge amount of the raw material to extract out 1kg of tocotrienols. For example, for every 1000kg of soy fatty acid distillate, one can extract out about 70kg of the tocopherols. In comparison, every 1000kg of palm oil, one can only theoretically extract out 0.5kg of tocotrienols. In addition, the process to extract tocotrienols by molecular distillation is an expensive process compared to the convention distillation processes.

Q: Why should anyone take tocotrienols? I'm already taking tocopherol Vitamin E.
A: Individuals interested in enhancing their antioxidant status should take tocotrienols. Most Vitamin E supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol whereas palm based tocotrienols contain tocotrienols, phytosterols (proven to prevent absorption of cholesterol), squalene (a powerful antioxidant) and carotenoids. A combination of all these phytonutrients in which recent research have suggested may be highly effective in the overall maintenance of health.

Q: Why should I take benaGene?
A: There are several reasons: 1)Within the last five years, there have been several studies by major universities documenting that an increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio results in statistically significant increases in lifespan and health-span in laboratory animals. Equally as exciting, this same increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio has also been shown to increase individual human cell lifespan in vitro. benaGene is a bio-identical human metabolite that increases the NAD+/NADH ratio, and has been proven to result in > 20% increase in lifespan in laboratory animals (p < 0.001). Health-span of the animals is also remarkably increased. 2)Clinical trials using 3C3O have documented significant glucose level reductions in diabetic patients. A separate study in non-diabetic patients documented a reduction in the amplitude of glucose swings, allowing better overall blood sugar management. No negative side effects were reported. Although benaGene lowers high glucose levels, it does not cause hypoglycemia (abnormally low glucose levels) in non-diabetic patients. 3)3C3O is a powerful anti-oxidant, and has been shown to protect neurological tissue, pancreatic tissue and eye tissue.

Q: Why should strontium be taken on an empty stomach?
A: The presence of food in the stomach reduces the bioavailability of Strontium from about 24% to 19%. Since Strontium is used for the treatment of osteoporosis and is typically used for several years, this can make a big difference vis a vis it's long term efficacy.

Q: Will tocotrienols be The Vitamin E for the New Millennium?
A: Yes! Many research scientists and nutritionists, backed by extensive published research papers, agree that tocotrienols, being a natural more potent vitamin E and have many additional biological benefits over the normal tocopherols, will be the vitamin E for the 21st century. There are researchers who remarked that instead of focusing on tocopherols, people should start taking tocotrienols as the better vitamin E.