According to Dr. Joe McCord, in the last 10 years or so there have been over 80,000 papers in peer reviewed publications that relate to Nrf2 activators. Many of these have clearly demonstrated that plant polyphenols are perhaps the best way to intake substances that will stimulate the endogenous production of protective enzymes. In fact, many reputable scientists believe the best way to prevent cancer is via the use of plant polyphenols.

There are also many papers in the scientific literature that have shown the consumption of fruits and vegetables (including herbs) that are inherently high in polyphenols to be one of the best ways to improve health and prevent conditions of poor health. Please see my blog article on this subject: “The Amazing Healing Potential of Natural Nrf2 Activators” (https://www.integratedhealthblog.com/amazing-healing-potential-natural-nrf2-activators/).

In the world of nutritional supplements it is not often that significant scientific/clinical studies are conducted on specific products. The reason for this is primarily economic. However, just as in the case of Nrf2 activators, hundreds of thousands of studies have been conducted by organizations around the world that show the benefits of specific ingredients or groups of ingredients, and these ingredients are used in the development of healthful nutritional supplements.

It is laudable that LifeVantage has had a few scientific/clinical studies done on their product containing five specific Nrf2 activators. This positively supports the huge amount of scientific papers on the subject. However, these few studies do not imply it is a better product than products developed using additional carefully selected ingredients highlighted in the scientific literature. Progress is made continuously in the area of nutritional supplements allowing us to improve on existing products.

As an example of how being aware of the scientific literature on Nrf2 activators, as well as being experienced in the design of groundbreaking new nutritional products, I was recently delighted to observe that high ORAC5.0 values are associated with many of the best Nrf2 activators identified in the scientific literature. This is discussed in my blog article referenced above.

Indeed, this observation is in contrast to the statements by many (even the scientists) that taking antioxidants is unnecessary and perhaps harmful. It appears that these antioxidants may perform double duty by first operating as antioxidants in the body (including the gastrointestinal tract) and in the process become weak pro-oxidants that function as powerful Nrf2 activators. Of course, if you are not aware of ORAC5.0 testing, then it would not be possible to make such an observation.

ULTIMATE PROTECTOR GOALS

My goal when I formulated Ultimate Protector™ was to create a product with three basic functions. That is, 1) a source of non-GMO Vitamin C (1.5 gm/daily serving), 2) provide powerful antioxidant protection via proven high ORAC sources, and 3) a multiple ingredient source of many Nrf2 activators, thereby providing the body with means to produce a wide variety of protective enzymes endogenously.

VITAMIN C IN ULTIMATE PROTECTOR

It is important to realize Vitamin C is a vitamin that is a cofactor in at least eight enzymatic reactions, including several collagen syntheses reactions that when dysfunctional (usually because of lack of Vitamin C) cause the most severe symptoms of scurvy. In animals, these reactions are especially important in wound healing and in preventing bleeding from capillaries. It is important to understand that no other substance can provide these functions.

Vitamin C acts as an electron donor and/or hydrogen donor, and this ability makes it a potent antioxidant. It rapidly reduces superoxide and nitroxide radicals and scavenges hydroxyl, alkoxyl, and peroxyl radicals. It also reacts with non-radical species such as singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid. It has been observed in in vitro experiments that Vitamin C acts as the first line of defense in the plasma. In order to learn more about the important role of Vitamin C, please see my blog article: “Vitamin C – An Amazing Nutrient” (www.integratedhealthblog.com/vitamin-c-an-amazing-nutrient/).

ORAC6.0 VALUES OF ULTIMATE PROTECTOR+

The full spectrum of antioxidants derived from high ORAC fruits, vegetables, and herbs (as well as Vitamin C) provide extremely powerful exogenous sources of protection against oxidative stress. To obtain a quantitative measure of just how powerful these external sources are we elected to conduct ORAC testing.

The fact is that there are a variety of “free radicals” that operate in humans. The most important are the primary radicals hydroxyl, peroxyl, peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, and hypochlorite. Brunswick Labs has developed a test called ORAC6.0. This test expands the ORAC platform to measure the antioxidant capacity against each of the six primary reactive oxygen species mentioned above (not just against the peroxyl radical as ORAC does). ORAC6.0 substantially improves broad-spectrum antioxidant analysis and gives evidence of the diverse antioxidant potential of natural products against radicals.

Recently [8/2019] Brunswick Labs has tested ULTIMATE PROTECTOR+™ using the new ORAC6.0 test. The results reveal an incredible overall ORAC6.0 value of 272,743 µmole TE/gram (i.e., 272,743 per gram!). This corresponds to a total ORAC6.0 value per serving of over 968,000 μmole TE per serving. In addition, the ORAC5.0 value was measured to be over 950,000 μmole TE per serving. The results have shown that the formula offers excellent protection against all of the six major types of free radicals found in the body.

Nrf2 CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING ULTIMATE PROTECTOR

In the development of Ultimate Protector+™, I have been able to find an extremely strong ingredient called SFB® (Standardized Fruit Blend) that contains 9 different fruit extracts that have been shown to be very powerful antioxidants and Nrf2 activators. These are details below.

1. SFB® – (Standardized Fruit Blend)

SFB® is a nutritious, non-GMO blend that provides a broad spectrum of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants derived from water and/or ethanol extracts of whole red grape (Vitis vinifera), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), pomegranate (Punica granatum) with >75% polyphenols, blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), apple (Malus pumilla Mill), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillis), chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), and goji berry (Lycium barbarum). This powder has an ORAC value in excess of 9,000 µmole TE/g and contains >50% polyphenols.

Polyphenols and anthocyanins are not all created equal. Every fruit, vegetable and herb provides its own set of unique polyphenols and anthocyanins that reside in the body for different lengths of time and in different locations, providing a range of benefits. SFB® has been designed to provide a wide range of plant polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, catechins, OPCs, zeaxanthin and other carotinoids, etc. Published research associates these plant ingredients with healthy aging, inflammation management, improved blood sugar metabolism, and cardiovascular disease management.

SFB® provides the following benefits: Superior source of natural antioxidants and Nrf2 activators, helps ameliorate the effects of premature aging, promotes cardiovascular health, promotes healthy brain function and mental acuity, promotes healthy vision, promotes healthy blood sugar levels, and is an excellent source of flavonoids and organic acids.

I have prepared detailed blog articles for the ingredients in SFB®. Below these are summarized and links to the articles are provided.

a) Cranberry Extract

Cranberry extract is an especially good source of antioxidant polyphenols. In animal studies, the polyphenols in cranberries have been found to decrease levels of total cholesterol and so-called “bad” cholesterol. Cranberries may also inhibit the growth of tumors in human breast tissue and lower the risk of both stomach ulcers and gum disease.

Here is a list of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients in found in cranberry extract.

Type of Phytonutrient Specific Molecules
Phenolic Acids hydroxybenzoic acids including vanillic acids;
—Phenolic Acids (cont.) hydroxycinnamic acids inculding caffeic,
—Phenolic Acids (cont.) coumaric, cinnamic, and ferulic acid
Proanthocyanidins epicatechin oligomers
Anthocyanins cyanidins, malvidins, and peonidins
Flavonoids quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol
Triterpenoids ursolic acid

OTHER CRANBERRY INFORMATION

• • Cranberries hold significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s). Scientific studies have shown that consumption of the berries have potential health benefits regarding cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections.

• • Antioxidant compounds in cranberry extract including OPC’s, anthocyanidin flavonoids, cyanidin, peonidin and quercetin may support cardiovascular health by counteracting against cholesterol plaque formation in the heart and blood vessels. Further, these compounds help the human body lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL-good cholesterol levels in the blood.

• • Scientific studies show that cranberry juice consumption offers protection against gram-negative bacterial infections such as E.coli in the urinary system by inhibiting bacterial-attachment to the bladder and urethra.

• • It is known that cranberries turns urine acidic. This, together with the inhibition of bacterial adhesion helps prevent the formation of alkaline (calcium ammonium phosphate) stones in the urinary tract by working against proteus bacterial-infections.

• • In addition, the berries prevent plaque formation on the tooth enamel by interfering with the ability of the gram-negative bacterium, Streptococcus mutans, to stick to the surface. In this way cranberries helps prevent the development of cavities.

• • The berries are also good source of many vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, ß-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and folate and minerals like potassium, and manganese.

• Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) demonstrates cranberry at an ORAC score of 9584 µmol TE units per 100 g, one of the highest in the category of edible berries.

b) Pomegranate Extract

For thousands of years, the pomegranate has been extensively used as a source of food and medicine. Full of antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium, pomegranate has been used to control body weight, reduce cholesterol, fight against cell damage, and inhibit viral infections. Pomegranate extracts have anti-bacterial effects.

Pomegranates are rich in ellagic acid, gallic acid, lignans, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, and have been shown to lower blood pressure and enhance vascular function. Furthermore, it can offset some of the negative effects of medications and chemicals. These compounds occur naturally in its peel, seeds, leaf and juice. The seeds are high in p-coumaric acid, plant sterols, tannins and fatty acids. In addition to their antihypertensive effects, they may help reduce blood sugar levels.

Pomegranate fruit is a rounded berry with a thick reddish skin covering approximately 200–1400 white to deep red or purple seeds. Pomegranate seeds are edible and hold strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to their high content of hydrolysable tannins and anthocyanins. As compared to the antioxidant activity of vitamin E, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid, the pomegranate antioxidants appear unique due to combinations of a wide array of polyphenols, having a broader range of action against several types of free radicals. As compared to the recognized antioxidants in red wine and green tea, anthocyanins from pomegranate fruit possess significantly higher antioxidant activity.

Pomegranate has been used in various medicinal systems of medicine for the treatment and therapy of a multitude of diseases and ailments. In the ancient Indian medicinal system, i.e., in Ayurvedic medicine, the pomegranate was considered to be a whole pharmacy unto itself. It was recommended to be used as an antiparasitic agent and to treat diarrhea and ulcers. The medicinal properties of pomegranate have sparked significant interest in today’s scientific community as evidenced by the scientific research relating to health benefits of pomegranate that have been published in last few decades.

Studies have shown that pomegranate and its constituents can efficiently affect multiple signaling pathways involved in inflammation, cellular transformation, hyperproliferation, angiogenesis, initiation of tumorigenesis, and eventually suppressing the final steps of tumorigenesis and metastasis. The pomegranate constituents are shown to modulate transcription factors, pro-apoptotic proteins, anti-apoptotic proteins, cell cycle regulator molecules, protein kinases, cell adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory mediators, and growth factors.

c) Chokeberry (Aronia)

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOKEBERRY (ARONIA)

Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) has attracted scientific interest due to its deep purple, almost black pigmentation that arises from dense contents of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. Total polyphenol content is 1752 mg per 100 g in fresh berries, anthocyanin content is 1480 mg per 100 g, and proanthocyanidin concentration is 664 mg per 100 g. These values are among the highest measured in plants to date.

The plant produces these pigments mainly in the leaves and skin of the berries to protect the pulp and seeds from constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation and production of free radicals. By absorbing UV rays in the blue-purple spectrum, leaf and skin pigments filter intense sunlight, serve antioxidant functions and thereby have a role assuring regeneration of the species.

Analysis of polyphenols in chokeberries has identified the following individual chemicals (among hundreds known to exist in the plant kingdom): cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, quercetin-3-glycoside, epicatechin, caffeic acid, delphinidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin. All these except caffeic acid are members of the flavonoid category of phenolics.

In a standard measurement of antioxidant strength, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity or ORAC, demonstrates aronia to have one of the highest values yet recorded for a fruit — 16,062 micro moles of Trolox Eq. per 100 g. The components contributing to this high measurement were both anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, with the proanthocyanidin level “among the highest in foods”, which may explain their potent astringent taste.

d) Goji Berry

Goji Berries contain abundant polysaccharides (LBPs, comprising 5%–8% of the dried fruits), scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin, also named chrysatropic acid, ecopoletin, gelseminic acid, and scopoletol), the glucosylated precursor, and stable vitamin C analog 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, carotenoids (zeaxanthin and β-carotene), betaine, cerebroside, β-sitosterol, flavonoids, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins (in particular, riboflavin, thiamin, and ascorbic acid).

The predominant carotenoid is zeaxanthin, which exists mainly as dipalmitate (also called physalien or physalin). The content of vitamin C (up to 42 mg/100 g) in goji berry (also known as wolfberry) is comparable to that of fresh lemon fruits. As to the seeds, they contain zeaxanthin (83%), β-cryptoxanthin (7%), β-carotene (0.9%), and mutatoxanthin (1.4%), as well as some minor carotenoids.

In fact, increasing lines of experimental studies have revealed that L. barbarum berries have a wide array of pharmacological activities, which is thought to be mainly due to its high LBPs content. Water-soluble LBPs are obtained using an extraction process that removes the lipid soluble components such as zeaxanthin and other carotenoids with alcohol. LBPs are estimated to comprise 5%–8% of LBFs and have a molecular weight ranging from 24 kDa to 241 kDa. LBPs consist of a complex mixture of highly branched and only partly characterized polysaccharides and proteoglycans.

The glycosidic part accounts, in most cases, for about 90%–95% of the mass and consists of arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. LBPs are considered the most important functional constituents in LBFs. Different fractions of LBPs have different activities and the galacturonic acid content is an imperative factor for activities of LBP. The bioactivities of polysaccharides are often in reverse proportion with their molecular weights. Increasing lines of evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies support the medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting effects of LBPs.

e) Mangosteen

The Mangosteen extract in Ultimate Protector+ has been extracted with non-GMO food grade ethanol and distilled water. Testing has indicated the product contains over 10% polyphenols.

Mangosteen extract in obtained from the skin and whole fruit for which numerous biological activities have been reported including: antimutagenic, antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, and protective against tumorigenesis.

Mangosteen contains nutrients with antioxidant capacity, such as vitamin C and folate. Plus, it provides xanthones — a unique type of plant compound known to have strong antioxidant properties. In several test-tube and animal studies, the antioxidant activity of xanthones has resulted in anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging, heart protective, and antidiabetic effects.

Additionally, some research suggests that certain plant compounds in mangosteen may have antibacterial properties — which could benefit your immune health by combating potentially harmful bacteria. In a 30-day study in 59 people, those taking a mangosteen-containing supplement experienced reduced markers of inflammation and significantly greater increases in healthy immune cell numbers compared to those taking a placebo.

f) Apple Extract

Apples contain a large concentration of flavonoids, as well as a variety of other phytochemicals, and the concentration of these phytochemicals may depend on many factors, such as cultivar of the apple, harvest and storage of the apples, and processing of the apples. The concentration of phytochemicals also varies greatly between the apple peels and the apple flesh.

Some of the most well studied antioxidant compounds in apples include quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin, cyanidin-3-galactoside, coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and phloridzin. Recently researchers have examined the average concentrations of the major phenolic compounds in six cultivars of apples. They found that the average phenolic concentrations among the six cultivars were: quercetin glycosides, 13.2 mg/100 g fruit; vitamin C, 12.8 mg/100 g fruit; procyanidin B, 9.35 mg/100 g fruit; chlorogenic acid, 9.02 mg/100 g fruit; epicatechin, 8.65 mg/100 g fruit; and phloretin glycosides, 5.59 mg/100 g fruit.

The compounds most commonly found in apple peels consist of the procyanidins, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, and the quercetin conjugates. In the apple flesh, there is some catechin, procyanidin, epicatechin, and phloridzin, but these compounds are found in much lower concentrations than in the peels. Quercetin conjugates are found exclusively in the peel of the apples. Chlorogenic acid tends to be higher in the flesh than in the peel.

Because the apple peels contain more antioxidant compounds, especially quercetin, apple peels may have higher antioxidant activity and higher bioactivity than the apple flesh. Research showed that apples without the peels had less antioxidant activity than apples with the peels. Apples with the peels were also better able to inhibit cancer cell proliferation when compared to apples without the peels. More recent work has shown that apple peels contain anywhere from two to six times (depending on the variety) more phenolic compounds than in the flesh, and two to three times more flavonoids in the peels when compared to the flesh. The antioxidant activity of these peels was also much greater, ranging from two to six times greater in the peels when compared to the flesh, depending on the variety of the apple. This work is supported a study which found that rats consuming apple peels showed greater inhibition of lipid peroxidation and greater plasma antioxidant capacity when compared to rats fed apple flesh.

Many of these phytochemicals from apples have been widely studied, and many potential health benefits have been attributed to these specific phytochemicals. The procyanidins, epicatechin and catechin, have strong antioxidant activity and have been found to inhibit low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in vitro. In mice, catechin inhibits intestinal tumor formation and delays tumors onset. One study found that chlorogenic acid has very high alkyl peroxyl radical (ROO•) scavenging activity. Compared to about 18 other antioxidant compounds (including quercetin, gallic acid, α-tocopherol), chlorogenic was second only to rutin. Since ROO• may enhance tumor promotion and carcinogenesis, chlorogenic acid may add to the protective effect of apples against cancer. Chlorogenic acid has been found to inhibit 8-dehydroxy-deoxyguanosine formation in cellular DNA in a rat model following treatment with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide.

Quercetin is also a strong antioxidant, and is thought to have potential protective effects against both cancer and heart disease. Briefly, quercetin has been found to down regulate expression of mutant p53 in breast cancer cells, arrest human leukemic T-cells in G1, inhibit tyrosine kinase, and inhibit heat shock proteins. Quercetin has protected Caco-2 cells from lipid peroxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide and Fe2+. In mice liver treated with ethanol, quercetin decreased lipid oxidation and increased glutathione, protecting the liver from oxidative damage. Recently, it has been found that high doses of quercetin inhibit cell proliferation in colon carcinoma cell lines and in mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines, but at low doses quercetin increased cell proliferation (20% in colon cancer cells and 100% in breast cancer cells). However, low doses of quercetin (10 uM) inhibited cell proliferation in Mol-4 Human Leukemia cells and also induced apoptosis. Quercetin inhibited intestinal tumor growth in mice, but not in rats. Low levels of quercetin inhibited platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, and tyrosine protein phosphorylation in platelets. Modulation of platelet activity may help prevent cardiovascular disease.

g) Blueberry and Bilberry Extract

The key compounds in bilberry fruit are called anthocyanins and anthocyanosides. These compounds help build strong blood vessels and improve circulation to all areas of the body. They also prevent blood platelets from clumping together (helping to reduce the risk of blood clots), and they have antioxidant properties (preventing or reducing damage to cells from free radicals). Anthocyanins boost the production of rhodopsin, a pigment that improves night vision and helps the eye adapt to light changes.

Bilberry fruit is also rich in tannins, a substance that acts as an astringent. The tannins have anti-inflammatory properties and may help control diarrhea.

Bilberries have been shown to have the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) rating of more than 20 fresh fruits and berries. The antioxidant properties of bilberries were shown to be even stronger than those of cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, plums, or cultivated blueberries.

The antioxidant powers and health benefits of bilberries and blueberries can be attributed to a number of remarkable compounds contained in them, including the following:

• Anthocyanins
  • malvidins
  • delphinidins
  • pelargonidins
  • cyanidins
  • peonidins
• Hydroxycinnamic acids
  • caffeic acids
  • ferulic acids
  • coumaric acids
• Hydroxybenzoic acids
  • gallic acids
  • procatchuic acids
• Flavonols
  • kaempferol
  • quercetin
  • myricetin
• Other phenol-related phytonutrients
  • pterostilbene
  • resveratrol

• Other nutrients
  • lutein
  • zeaxanthin
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin C
  • manganese

1) Curcumin

We have included Curcumin (95% curcuminoids in ULTIMATE PROTECTOR™. This ingredient contains three main chemical compounds – Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin and Bisdemethoxycurcumin – collectively known as Curcuminoids and all derived from Turmeric. Curcumin has been shown to be one of the most potent Nrf2 transcription factor activators. Studies have reported that curcumin and turmeric protect the liver against several toxicants both in vitro and in vivo. A number of reports showed the curative action of turmeric and curcuminoids. Curcumin is a potent scavenger of free radicals such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and nitrogen dioxide radicals. It exerts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

2) Trans-Resveratrol (98% from Polygonum cuspidatum – giant knotweed)

Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is a major source for resveratrol.

Trans-resveratrol provides antioxidant protection, boosts cellular energy, and balances the immune system. It has been proven in studies to activate the SIRT1 longevity gene and enhance cellular productivity. Several research studies have shown that trans-resveratrol activates Nrf2 transcription factor, significantly modulates biomarkers of bone metabolism, inhibits pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-1 and COX-2, and exhibits cardioprotective effects, neuroprotective properties, and caloric restrictive behavior. Trans-resveratrol has shown the ability to increase the number of mitochondria thereby increasing total daily energy. Studies have shown that trans-resveratrol promotes an increase in mitochondrial function. Increased mitochondrial function translates into an increase in energy availability, improved aerobic capacity, and enhanced sensorimotor function. Trans-resveratrol has an ORAC value of 31,000 µmole TE/g.

3) Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract contains highly bioavailable bioflavonoid complexes that in research studies have been shown to have powerful antioxidant capability. Green tea extract is obtained from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis for which numerous biological activities have been reported including: cell protective, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. The green tea extract in Ultimate Protector is extracted is extracted by non-GMO ethanol and distilled water and contains ~ 90% polyphenols and 50% epigallocatechingallate (EGCG).

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin compound in green tea. It is well established that EGCG is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Epidemiological studies show that consumption of 100 or more mg of EGCG per day is beneficial, as it is the most potent Nrf2 activator among all green tea catechins. EGCG exhibits robust diffusion through bodily tissues, including the endothelium of the blood brain barrier.

EGCG has the capacity to activate Nrf2/ARE and induce Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Several studies have shown that EGCG can also interact with kinases, causing the disassociation of Nrf2/Keap1 complex.

Protective effects of EGCG have been reported against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Administration of EGCG showed improved neurologic scores, reduced infarct volume, and ameliorated neuronal apoptosis due to increased GSH biosynthesis (via Nrf2 activation) and decreased ROS content. By inducing the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, EGCG increases important endogenous antioxidants in microglial cells.

4) VinCare® whole grape extract (seed, pulp, and skin)

Whole Grape Extract contains highly bioavailable bioflavonoid complexes that in research studies have been shown to have powerful antioxidant capability. The Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in grape extract are able to strengthen collagen fibers in aging or damaged connective tissue and can act as a preventative against connective tissue degradation. Some research indicates that anthocyanidins, which are found in extracts of grape seed, skin, and stems (but not in grape seed extract), can reduce oxidized glutathione while at the same time become reduced themselves. In addition, extracts of grape skin and pulp (but not those of grape seed extract) contain trans-resveratrol that has been shown to have cell protective effects.

Grape seed extract has been reported to demonstrate a remarkable spectrum of biological, pharmacological and therapeutic properties against oxidative stress. The antioxidative activities of grape seed extract have been found to be much stronger than those of vitamins C and E. Studies have indicated that grape seed extract showed a protective effect on cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and neuropathy, among other conditions.

Vincare® contains ~80% polypnenols and has an ORAC value of about 19,000 µmole TE/g. ORAC 5.0 testing of grape seed extract exhibits one of the highest values of any tested material at about 100,000 µmole TE/g.

It has been shown that grape seed OPCs activate nuclear erythroid2-related factor2 (Nrf2), which is a key antioxidative transcription factor, with the concomitant elevation of downstream hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Click here to view an excellent article entitled Proanthocyanidins [OPCs] against Oxidative Stress: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications.

Partial List of Phytochemicals in Ultimate Protector+

The total combination of freeze-dried and concentrated fruits, vegetables, and herbs in Ultimate Protector+ provides a wide range of choices to the body in terms of specific substances, including the following Phytochemicals: Anthocyandins, Beta-Carotene, Chlorogenic acid, Catechins, Curcuminoids, Ellagic acid, Ferulic acid, Lutein, Lycopene, Mangostins, Phenolic acids, Phloridzins, Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), PteroStilbenes, Punicalagins, Quercetin, Trans-Resveratrol, Xanthones, and Zeaxanthins.

Additional Ingredients

Also included in Ultimate Protector+ are calcium and magnesium malate that support ATP and enzyme production in the body. In addition, the product contains Bioperine® a black pepper extract that has been shown to enhance the absorption of nutrients by 30–60 percent, enhances the absorption of curcuminoids by up to a factor of 20,  and is itself an Nrf2 activator!

COMPOSITION

Six veggie capsules provides the following percentages of the Daily Value:

Other ingredients: vegetarian capsule (veggie cap), microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and ascorbyl palmitate.

Directions for Use: As a dietary supplement take two capsules three times daily with food, or as directed by a health care professional.

ULTIMATE PROTECTOR+ Does not contain: wheat, rye, oats, barley, corn, gluten, soy, egg, dairy, yeast, sugar, shellfish, GMOs, wax, preservatives, colorings, or artificial flavorings.

ULTIMATE PROTECTOR+ will be most effective when used in conjunction with other foundational nutritional supplements that support the body’s metabolism, including Multi Two or Mighty Multi-Vite!™ (therapeutic multivitamin formulas), Essential Fats plus E (essential fatty acids with Vitamin E), PRO-C™ (antioxidant formula), and one of our high-RNA Rejuvenate!™ superfoods.

†SFB® and VinCare® are registered trademark of Ethical Naturals, Inc.

†† Bioperine® is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

“New Directions for Preventing Free-Radical Damage“

“Natural Phytochemical Nrf2 Activators for Chemoprevention“

Creating Health Naturally! Newsletter

Stay current with Health Products Distributors health news and sales! Never miss a special promotion!

Thanks!

HANK LIERS, PHD

Dr. Hank Liers is the CEO and chief product formulator for Health Products Distributors, Inc. He has been studying and using natural means of achieving health since 1984. Dr. Liers received his PhD in physics in 1969 from the University of Minnesota and has applied his analytical abilities to learning and applying a scientific approach to nutrition.

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HPDI BLOG ARTICLES

• The Amazing Healing Potential of Natural Nrf2 Activators
• New Directions For Preventing Free-Radical Damage
• Natural Phytochemical Nrf2 Activators for Chemoprevention
• Preventing Free-Radical Damage Using Ultimate Protector™
• PRO-C™ Super Antioxidant Formula

OTHER RESOURCES

• Ultimate Protector (product page)
• ORAC Database (including food ORAC test results)

• Description and Comparison of ORAC Tests for Well Known Plant Ingredients and Ultimate Protector™
• Questions & Answers about Ultimate Protector