If you are unsatisfied with your product purchase for any
reason, you may return the product within 30 days for a full refund. Read
about our return policy.
Q. I've read that antioxidants
increase prostate cancer risk - is that true?
Use of multivitamin supplements was found to be unrelated
to overall risk of prostate cancer in a recent prospective study. The study's
authors did report, however, that a sub-group of men who used multi-vitamin
and mineral supplements excessively (defined as more than 7 times a week) had
an increased risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer compared to men who
never used multi-vitamins. However, significant questions remain about the way
the study was designed and it's conclusions may not be applicable to the general
public.
The study classified multivitamin use among some participants as "excessive"
- but this classification would be impossible to determine based solely on
the survey questions used in the study. The reason for this discrepancy remain
unknown.
Men using multivitamins "excessively" were
more likely to take a variety of individual supplements, making it impossible
to identify or quantify any individual nutrients within the "multis"
that could have been responsible for the observed association.
It's well recognized that men at high risk for advanced prostate cancer
or diagnosed with the disease, tend to use more alternative therapies including
supplements (and it's conceivable therefore that some may also be more likely
to exceed appropriate levels or to use supplements with questionable ingredients).
In contrast, a follow-up analysis of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study
(AREDS)
found that AREDS
participants taking zinc alone or with antioxidants were less likely to die
after supplementation compared to those taking a placebo. No increased deaths
from cancer in those taking zinc (alone or with anti-oxidants) was noted in
this analysis. AREDS
used a "gold standard" study method; it was a placebo-controlled,
double-blind intervention study. This type of study is known to be more reliable
than prospective studies like the one in question, which rely on participant's
answers to a survey.
However, to err on the side of safety, men with elevated
PSA levels or diagnosed with prostate cancer should discuss the issue with their
own physician to determine the best course of action. Even
though the findings of this study have been questioned, the study points up
some common sense practices worthy of emphasis:
Don't use daily multi-vitamins excessively. Use them as directed. The idea
that "if a little is good, more is better" is not always the best
recipe for good health.
As a general rule, don't combine many individual nutrient supplements instead
of a taking a multi - or even in addition to a multi - unless advised to do
so by a qualified health professional. Each individual nutrient has its own
unique safety range, and taking many nutrients singly, or in addition to a
multi, could result in exceeding those safety ranges.
Choose multis that are formulated by nutrition scientists and ocular experts
to ensure that supplements contain the highest quality ingredients, are balanced
and scientifically sound.
Q. I've read that 400
IU or more of vitamin E is unsafe - is that true?
ScienceBased Health has
joined experts in questioning the validity of the conclusions drawn by Johns
Hopkins researchers regarding vitamin
E use and increased mortality risk. A number of experts - from those who
evaluate vitamin safety to statisticians at Harvard and UC Berkeley - are not
convinced about the conclusions reached from a meta-analysis that 400 IU of
vitamin
E could be harmful. The study, widely criticized as flawed, found only a
tiny adverse effect - less than ½ of one percent - and the New
York Times reported that some prominent statisticians found the analysis to
be unpersuasive. Read
More
Q. What is the difference
between the RDAs, DRIs and Daily Values?
“Daily Value (DV)” is a
term used and set by the FDA. It replaced the FDA's term “US RDA”. The terminology
change was the result of finalization of the labeling regulations portion of
DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) that mandated using the
Supplement Facts Box on supplement labels.
The DVs are the FDA’s version
of the Institute of Medicine's recommended intakes for vitamins and minerals.
The Institute of Medicine and its Food and Nutrition Board are part of the National
Academy of Sciences.
The Institute of Medicine
sets levels of RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances) for vitamins and minerals
that are broken down by age and gender. These RDAs are generally lower than
DVs and are used by the Federal government for planning of food programs like
school lunches, etc.
The Institute of Medicine
has been releasing new reports called Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). The
report sets recommended dietary allowance (RDA), adequate intake (AI) and upper
intake levels (UL) for vitamins and minerals. So far the FDA has not revised
the Daily Values to reflect any of these changes, and it is the DVs only that
are used on supplement labels and of which consumers need be aware.
Q. Are ScienceBased Health
supplements FDA approved?
The FDA neither approves
or disapproves of dietary supplements, as it does for drugs. This is because
dietary supplements have been determined to be safe within a broad range of
intake and safety problems with supplements are relatively rare. Dietary supplements
are regulated only for labeling and advertising by the FDA (within the US Department
of Health and Human Services) under a federal statute passed in 1994 called
DSHEA (the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act). All ingredients used
in ScienceBased Health’s products have a long history of safe use.
Q. How are ScienceBased
Health products manufactured?
All ScienceBased Health
products are manufactured in strict adherence to cGMP's (Current Good Manufacturing
Principles) and rigorous internal protocol. They are certified Kosher by an
independent company. Every batch of each ScienceBased Health product is accompanied
by a certificate of analysis to ensure that potency meets stated label claim
of potency. Additionally, ScienceBased Health conducts routine, independent
testing on product ingredients to ensure bottle contents are consistent with
label claims. ScienceBased Health uses the highest quality raw materials, including
pharmaceutical grade components wherever available.
Q. Why is purified lutein
(ie: FloraGlo®) better than lutein esters (ie: from marigold)?
Purified lutein,
such as FloraGLO®, used in ScienceBased Health products is considered a
superior source for the following reasons: 1) lutein
is the predominate form in foods, making up 80% while lutein
esters makes up only 6%; and 2) lutein
may be more easily or readily absorbed than ester forms, because the fatty acids
that comprise the "ester" have to be removed by enzymes before absorption can
take place. The absorption of lutein
from lutein
esters is also less efficient when taken with a low-fat meal.
While a recent study (The
Nurse’s Health Study) published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA) implies that vitamin
A intake causes fractures in women, this study is contradicted by other
powerful studies that did not find this correlation. Additionally, the Institute
of Medicine (IOM) recently set a safe Upper Level (UL) on retinol (preformed)
vitamin
A of 10,000 IU (3000 RE), the amount considered safe for virtually all the
population. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), in consultation with
independent osteoporosis and vitamin
A experts, reaffirmed that the current UL for vitamin
A set by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is appropriate, even after reviewing
these study results. It is important to keep in mind that the Nurse’s Health
Study is referred to as "observational", a study which can only show an association
or link between a behavior and an outcome. It does not offer proof of cause
and effect, nor does it rule out that the findings may be due to other factors.
All ScienceBased Health
formulations fall well within the safe UL for vitamin
A intake, even when combined with the typical dietary intakes.
HydroEye offers long-lasting effectiveness with continued
use. Results are typically experienced within 30-60 days.
Q. How does HydroEye differ from artificial tears and drops?
HydroEye is an oral formulation that works from the inside
out to target the root causes of dry eye. Unlike topical products like drops
and artificial tears, HydroEye does not require frequent re-application throughout
the day. HydroEye provides uninterrupted relief within 30-60 days.
Q. Can HydroEye be used with other dry eye products?
HydroEye may be combined with artificial tears, punctum
plugs or the medication Restasis®. Because HydroEye is an oral formulation that
targets dry eye internally, it works by a complementary mode of action to these
topical products. However, most users find that HydroEye provides adequate relief
within 30-60 days.
Q. Can HydroEye be taken with
Coumadin or other "blood thinning" medications?
A study published in 1994 reported that supplemental GLA
lowered triglycerides, increased levels of "good" HDL cholesterol
and prolonged the time it takes for blood platelets to clump together- factors
which may contribute to cardiovascular health.
Platelets in the blood have a sticky surface which
allows them, along with other substances, to form blood clots when bleeding
occurs, a process called coagulation. Since platelets are involved in the process
of forming clots, the GLA
contained in HydroEye could theoretically increase the effects of anti-coagulant
and anti-platelet medications such as Coumadin, Plavix or aspirin. If you are
taking "blood thinning" medications, your physician can perform a
Prothrombin time, INR, or bleeding time test to measure how long it takes blood
to clot. This will ensure that HydroEye can safely be added to your current
drug regimen.
Q. How does HydroEye differ from flaxseed and fish oils?
HydroEye provides the same omega-3s as flaxseed and fish
oil. HydroEye now features EPA
and DHA
from highest-quality, USP verified fish oil. However, only HydroEye provides
GLA
(gamma linolenic acid). GLA
effectively promotes the body's production of anti-inflammatory compounds. Both
GLA
and the omega-3 from fish oils have anti-inflammatory actions, but only GLA
has been clinically shown to decrease dry eye symptoms.
Additionally, neither fish nor flaxseed oils contain other
important nutrients that are included in HydroEye: vitamin B6 and magnesium
to promote fatty acid metabolism, vitamin A to support the production of mucin
in the tear film, and the antioxidant vitamin C to help fight the free radicals
associated with inflammation.
Q. A recent Harvard study suggests that omega-6 fats
may not be healthful for the eyes. Don't the omega-6 fats promote inflammation,
while omega-3 fats have an anti-inflammatory action? If so, why does HydroEye
contain an omega-6 fatty acid?
This Harvard study found that a high intake
of omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in coldwater fish, is associated with
a protective effect in women. Conversely, a higher ratio of omega-6 compared
to omega 3 in the diet was linked to an increased risk of dry eye syndrome.
Omega-6 fats are found in many cooking and salad oils, snack foods and animal
meats.
The Harvard findings aren't surprising because our Western diet is high in omega-6
and relatively low in the omega-3. Improving the balance of these two kinds
of fats is beneficial for your health in general. The take home message, according
to the Harvard study's lead investigator, is to eat at least 2 servings weekly
of omega-3 rich fish such as tuna, salmon or mackerel, and cut down on junk
foods like french fries, baked goods and potato chips which are high in omega-6.
HydroEye contains an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic aicd (GLA) in
addition to omega-3 fats. However, it's essential to understand that not all
omega-6 fatty acids act in the same manner. GLA
is, in fact, a unique omega-6 fatty acid. GLA
isn't commonly found in the foods we consume, and it acts similarly to omega-3
fats when it comes to producing prostaglandins - substances that influence inflammation.
Prostaglandins can either be "pro" or "anti" inflammatory.
In the body, GLA
can be metabolized into a family of prostaglandins that help dampen inflammation.
Keep in mind, too, that relatively little GLA
is required for this effect. While a person consuming 2000 calories daily typically
takes in 60-70 grams of fat, HydroEye contributes less than ¼ of a gram
of GLA
and only 1 ½ grams of fat in all-an amount that includes a balance of
omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
What's the bottom line? Most importantly, published clinical trials have demonstrated
that GLA
can reduce ocular inflammation and dry eye symptoms.
Q. What's the difference between MacularProtect Complete
and MacularProtect Complete-S?
MacularProtect Complete-S is free of beta-carotene
and intended for individuals, such as smokers, who should avoid high beta-carotene
intake.
Q. Should I take a multivitamin
in addition to MacularProtect Complete?
An additional multivitamin
should not be used with MacularProtect Complete. MacularProtect Complete is
a powerful formulation to protect macular health and also includes a complete
multivitamin. The multivitamin component of MacularProtect Complete is robust,
providing meaningful quantities of key nutrients at higher levels than are found
in most daily multivitamins such as One-A-Day® or Centrum®
Silver.
Q. I've read that 400
IU or more of vitamin E is unsafe - is that true?
ScienceBased Health has
joined experts in questioning the validity of the conclusions drawn by Johns
Hopkins researchers regarding vitamin
E use and increased mortality risk. A number of experts - from those who
evaluate vitamin safety to statisticians at Harvard and UC Berkeley - are not
convinced about the conclusions reached from a meta-analysis that 400 IU of
vitamin
E could be harmful. The study, widely criticized as flawed, found only a
tiny adverse effect - less than ½ of one percent - and the New
York Times reported that some prominent statisticians found the analysis to
be unpersuasive. Read
More
Q. Why does MacularProtect
Plus include lutein, and lower levels of beta-carotene than those used in the
AREDS
clinical trial?
MacularProtect Plus includes
lutein
rather than beta-carotene
for two reasons. First, advanced scientific evidence points to lutein
and zeaxanthin
as the most important carotenoids in eye tissue. Secondly, there are potential
safety concerns with the use of high dose beta carotene for some individuals.
Q. Why was beta-carotene
used as one of the antioxidants in the AREDS
clinical trial?
The AREDS
clinical trial was initiated in 1992. At that time, the AREDS
investigators considered the carotenoids lutein
and zeaxanthin
to be potentially beneficial for macular health. However, they were unable to
include these nutrients in the trial because they were not available in research-grade
supplement form. Beta-carotene,
another carotenoid with antioxidant potential, was included instead because
it was readily available and was being studied in other trials for cancer and
heart disease.
After AREDS
began in 1992, several population-health studies found a relationship between
higher lutein
consumption and lower risk of AMD or cataract extraction that was not seen with
beta-carotene.
Lutein
and zeaxanthin
are the only carotenoids detected in the lens and macula of the eye, and several
preliminary studies have indicated that high dose lutein
(12 mg or greater) can increase macular pigment density. These findings point
to the importance of lutein
and zeaxanthin
for maintaining eye health.
Two large scale studies, the CARET Study and the ATBC Cancer
Prevention Trial, reported (after AREDS
had started) that high dose beta-carotene
increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers, ex-smokers and workers chronically
exposed to asbestos. For this reason, high dose beta-carotene
is best avoided by these people. Unfortunately, smoking also raises the risk
of AMD. Additionally, AREDS
participants who took antioxidants reported yellowing of the skin, a relatively
harmless but visible side-effect of chronic high dose beta-carotene
intake.
Q. Why does MacularProtect
Plus contain vitamin A and not just beta-carotene?
Vitamin
A (also known as pre-formed A or retinyl palmitate) is essential for proper
eye health. It protects against night-blindness and is vital for the health
of the eye’s cornea. It also works with zinc
to support the proper function of various eye structures.
While beta-carotene
can also be converted to vitamin
A, recent studies show that this beta carotene-conversion is far less efficient
than once thought. For this reason, both vitamin
A and beta-carotene
are incuded in MacularProtect Plus.
Q. Why is 15 mg of lutein
included in MacularProtect Plus?
Lutein and zeaxanthin
are similar carotenoids that make up the pigment of the macula. A number of
studies have shown an inverse association between macular pigment density and
the risk of AMD. In other words, less density in the pigment of the macula increases
AMD risk. Studies also indicate that the density of this pigment is linked to
how much of these carotenoids we regularly consume.
To date, four published
studies have found that increasing lutein
through food sources or supplementation can actually improve macular pigment
density. In these studies, the range of intakes - 10 mg to 30 mg - have been
shown to improve density by 5 to 20-30%. Note that doses of approximately 12
and 20 mg reflect about the same 18-19% increase. Nor is the difference that
great between that 19% and the 21%-39% improvement seen in only two test subjects
given 30 mg daily. Given this research and the fact that the long-term effects
of giving 30 mg of lutein
are not known, ScienceBased Health determined that 15 mg was a prudent dose
to deliver. These studies also reveal that changes in macular pigment can vary
between individuals in response to lutein. A small number of people appear to
be non-responders, for example, and women seem to channel some of the lutein
consumed to body fat more readily than do men.
Q. Why is selenium contained
in MacularProtect Plus?
Selenium
is an essential trace element that must be obtained from foods. It is needed
for the proper functioning of glutathione peroxidase, a key antioxidant enzyme
present in eye tissues. As an integral part of this enzyme, selenium
acts to inactivate damaging free radicals.
Selenium
is also important for older men. It has been found in studies to help maintain
prostate gland tissue. A large scale intervention trial by the NIH is now underway
which will be examining the effects of vitamin
E and selenium
on prostate health.
Q. Why does MacularProtect
Plus contain copper?
Copper
is an essential trace element that is needed for activating antioxidant enzymes
and enzymes that help process amino acids. It is included in MacularProtect
Plus to help keep a normal level of copper
in the body. High dose zinc
can decrease copper
absorption, raising the risk of copper-deficiency
anemia called (hypochromic microcytic anemia).
Q. Should I take a multivitamin
in addition to MacularProtect Plus?
MacularProtect Plus is an
effective stand-alone formulation for powerful macular protection. If you want
to add whole body, multinutrient support, one-half daily dose (one capsule twice
daily) of MacularProtect Plus may be safely combined with a full dose (two capsules
twice daily) of OcularProtect. Another alternative is MacularProtect Complete,
which combines protection for macular health with a complete multivitamin in
a convenient all-in-one formulation.
Over two-thirds of the AREDS
participants choose to take a one-a-day multi along with their study supplement.
OcularProtect is an optimal choice as a companion multi, because it is more
comprehensive than common multivitamins and is formulated to keep overall zinc
intake at the level supplemented in the AREDS
report.
Q. I've read that 400
IU or more of vitamin E is unsafe - is that true?
ScienceBased Health has
joined experts in questioning the validity of the conclusions drawn by Johns
Hopkins researchers regarding vitamin
E use and increased mortality risk. A number of experts - from those who
evaluate vitamin safety to statisticians at Harvard and UC Berkeley - are not
convinced about the conclusions reached from a meta-analysis that 400 IU of
vitamin
E could be harmful. The study, widely criticized as flawed, found only a
tiny adverse effect - less than ½ of one percent - and the New
York Times reported that some prominent statisticians found the analysis to
be unpersuasive. Read
More
Q. How is OcularProtect different from Centrum Silver®?
OcularProtect provides higher levels of key nutrients,
consistent with research findings, than other products on the market. For instance,
compared to Centrum Silver:
OcularProtect provides 28 times the amount of lutein.
OcularProtect provides over 6 times the amount of vitamin
C.
OcularProtect provides over 4 times the amount of vitamin
E, as natural mixed tocopherols and natural source d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate.
OcularProtect provides alpha lipoic acid and an array
of flavonoids, such as Ginkgo biloba, grape seed,
citrus, quercetin and bilberry, from diverse sources. Lipoic acid and flavonoids
are not present in Centrum Silver.
OcularProtect provides over 2.5 times the amount of
zinc.
OcularProtect is in capsule form - rather than tablet
- for efficient dissolution and is free of artificial colors and preservatives.
OcularProtect features potent cell-protecting ingredients:
green tea extract, broccoli sprout extract and OptiBerry® Mixed Berry
Blend.
A unique omega-3 fish oil supplement with lutein
& olive leaf extract
OmegaAdvance provides 500
mg of highly concentrated fish oil that yields 300 mg of EPA
and 200 mg of DHA.
Some products utilize a less concentrated form of fish oil, which
means you need much more of it to obtain the same amount of EPA
and DHA
found in OmegaAdvance. For example, some products providing as much
as 2,000 mg of fish oil yield the same amount of EPA
and DHA
contained in OmegaAdvance.
The scientific support is strong that regular omega-3
intake lowers risk of heart disease; support for visual health is growing
Studies link greater intake or higher blood levels
of EPA
/DHA
with lower risk of AMD
Most people do not obtain enough omega-3 from
their diet and/or are concerned about contaminants in fatty fish:
typical intake is 100 mg EPA
/DHA
daily, while 400-600 mg is advised
Who’s OmegaAdvance for?
Target audience is wide, and encompasses those:
Concerned about their macular health
Wanting to support heart health
Wanting to help support normal blood sugar metabolism
Possibly those wanting to maintain cognitive
health with age
What are EPA and DHA ?
EPA
and DHA
are long-chain fatty acids found in fatty fish that play important roles
in health
EPA
helps maintain balance of pro- & anti-inflammatory compounds
DHA
is the major structural fatty acid in retinal & brain cell membranes
EPA
& DHA
help keep cell membranes flexible for healthy function
How do omega-3s work?
Research has shown that they:
Promote regular heart beat rhythm
Help maintain healthy triglyceride levels
May slow the growth rate of plaque in blood vessels
Promote a less “inflammatory” environment
(inflammation is a factor in CVD & likely AMD as well)
Help protect photoreceptor cells (rods &
cones)
What distinguishes OmegaAdvance from other omega-3
products?
OmegaAdvance provides 500 mg of highly concentrated
fish oil that yields 300 mg of EPA
and 200 mg of DHA
. Some products utilize a less concentrated form of fish oil, which
means you need much more of it to obtain the same amount of EPA
and DHA
found in OmegaAdvance. For example, some products providing as much
as 2,000 mg of fish oil yield the same amount of EPA
and DHA
contained in OmegaAdvance.
Extremely Pure
Uses FIRST AND ONLY “pharmaceutical grade”
fish oil ingredient to achieve US Pharmacopoeia (USP) verification
– the most rigorous quality assurance verification in the world
Rigorously tested for heavy metals (including
mercury and arsenic) and marine contaminants
Sourced from cold, pristine, deep waters off
South America where there are significantly less environmental impurities
Undergoes multiple tests to ensure stability
and molecular distillation, a purification process that concentrates
omega-3s and helps eliminate contaminants
Very concentrated
Most fish oil contains about 50% or less of omega-3;
OmegaAdvance contains a minimum of 60% (35% EPA
and 25% DHA
)
6 times the amount found in multivitamins such
as Centrum Silver® and One-A-Day®
Reflects pairing of lutein
and omega-3 in the AREDS-2 trial (now in progress)
Contributes the unique polyphenols found in olive
leaf extract
Polyphenols are one of the key components of
olive oil that research suggests may confer heart & blood vessel
benefits
Unique polyphenols found in olive leaf extract
act as potent antioxidants Contains antioxidants for fish oil stability
Meets omega-3 recommendations by AHA (American Heart
Association)
Natural lemon scent – no fishy odor
Reasonably sized softgels
Flexible daily dose to accommodate differences in
fish intake
2 softgels offer flexibility to consumers with
different fish-consumption habits; those who eat cold water fish
1-2 times weekly can take 1 softgel daily
How much omega-3 is recommended by health authorities?
Agency or
Group
ISSFAL
(International Society for Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids)
ADA
(American Diabetes Association)
AHA
(American Heart Association)
OmegaAdvance
Daily Dose
Daily intake
of omega-3 advised (mg)
500-650 mg
400-600 mg
At least 2-3 fish servings weekly (equivalent to about 400-600 mg)
Minimum 400 mg
Everyone: at least 2 servings/week (about 400 mg)
500 mg
Are there any contraindications for OmegaAdvance?
Taking OmegaAdvance with anticoagulants (such as
Coumadin): While the level of EPA
/DHA
in OmegaAdvance is unlikely to cause any increased bleeding problems
in people taking those medication, it is best for those taking anticoagulants
to check with their physician
Q. How does my medical
practice or organization link our website to www.sciencebasedhealth.com?
Adding a link to www.sciencebasedhealth.com
from your website is simple. To do this, you will first need to speak with your
web developer, website administrator, or webmaster. Ask them to create a hyperlink
to www.sciencebasedhealth.com (or provide the full URL for a sub-page, such
as the HydroEye page) and specify the location on your website where you would
like it to appear.
There are many ways to display links. The following
examples all contain text links to www.sciencebasedhealth.com:
"Click
here to view the www.sciencebasedhealth.com website"
In addition, images can also be linked (clicking on the
image, when linked properly, would open www.sciencebasedhealth.com). Once again,
ask the person in charge of your organization's website. As long as images are
used to directly promote or educate about ScienceBased Health or its products,
you may use any image (such as bottle photos, logos, promotional images) from
the ScienceBased Health website on the website of a medical practice or organization*.
To do this, simply right-click (Mac users: control-click) and select "copy",
then right-click again on a folder on your computer and choose "paste" to paste
the image onto your computer - then give this image to your web developer.
*All images and text on
www.sciencebasedhealth.com are protected by copyright. Any use of images from
www.sciencebasedhealth.com that does not directly promote ScienceBased Health
or its products is strictly by permission
only. Promotion of ScienceBased Health products for uses not explicitly mentioned
on this website or in ScienceBased Health product materials, is strictly prohibited.
ScienceBased Health is not responsible for how the company or its products are
represented on websites other than www.sciencebasedhealth.com.
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