Research & Technical Articles Antioxidants (continued) < continued from previous page Vital Super Antioxidant Links Vital Super Antioxidant Free Radicals & Antioxidants Antioxidants FAQs How Much Do I Need? Other Hot Products Chitosan Vital-Zymes Vital Flora Support Vital Super Antioxidant How do I order? Phone 540-286-2400 Internet Secure Online Order Form ACE Antioxidants Pioneering antioxidant and exercise researcher Kenneth Cooper, MD, MPH, calls antioxidants a "police force" that can reduce free radical production. The most important, he believes, are "exogenous (outside) antioxidants," especially vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene. At the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Cooper and his associates support an antioxidant-rich diet-especially abundant in fruits and vegetables, but also whole grains, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts and seeds. Says Ted Mitchell, MD, medical director for the Cooper Wellness Program: "The fact of the matter is, we form free radicals literally thousands of times every day. What we're hoping to do with antioxidants-whether through diet, which is the preferred way, or through vitamin supplements – is to reduce [the harmful] effects somewhat." He adds: "It's important to understand, though, that people in this field are feeling their way" [to optimal doses]. Supplements or no supplements? This is the question that lies at the core of the antioxidant debate. While most health care professionals recommend obtaining antioxidants from the foods we eat, only about 10 percent of Americans eat the recommended five or more servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables daily. " If you work at accenting fruits and vegetables in your diet," says Dr. Mitchell, "you can get enough beta carotene and vitamin C. But it's harder to get an adequate intake of vitamin E." Found in high quantities in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, "by the time you get enough to have sufficient antioxidant properties, it's likely you've overrun your calorie and fat count for the day." Perhaps to compensate for our typically low intake of fruits and vegetables – and ensuing low antioxidant levels – many Americans have turned to supplements. Indeed, current reports indicate we spend $1.5 billion annually on vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. Vitamin C supplements remain the best-seller, but lately vitamin E has been gaining on C as our most popular antioxidant vitamin tablet or capsule. Is obtaining antioxidants through vitamin supplementation both safe and effective? Yes and no-depending on which research you review. Some scientists do not recommend supplementation, and others embrace it as smart health "insurance," while a third camp takes still another approach, believing the ideal is to combine a health-smart diet together with moderate amounts of antioxidant supplements to enhance health. > Antioxidants continued Home | Product Line | Endorsements | FAQs | Research | Order Products VITAL PRODUX™ 44 Mine Rd. Suite 2, PMB 209 Stafford, Virginia  22554  USA 540-286-2400 – FAX: 540-752-4765 E-mail: info@VitalProdux.com Copyright © 1996-2003, VTI, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Text, graphics, and HTML code are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission. Vital Produx™ is a trademark of VTI, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.