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Pharmanex Frequently Asked Questions

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

How did the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner come about?
The scanner was developed by Dr. Werner Gellermann from the University of Utah, Department of Physics, and several collaborators from the university’s School of Medicine. Initially Dr. Gellermann and his research group set out to find a way to measure the level of carotenoids in people’s eyes. Using Raman technology, Dr. Gellermann and his team developed an instrument that projected laser light on the back of the eye and reflected back to a detector measuring carotenoid content in the retina. They then applied the same Raman technology to measure carotenoid antioxidant levels in skin tissues.

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

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

What is the antioxidant defense system?
In the body, a comprehensive network of antioxidants works together in synergy to afford effective protection from free radical damage. This is known as the antioxidant defense system. The antioxidant defense system consists of both intrinsic and extrinsic antioxidants. Intrinsic antioxidants are made in the body, often from nutrients we obtain in our diet, whereas extrinsic antioxidants can not be made by our body and so must be obtained from our diet. To promote an optimal antioxidant defense system, it is important to include all of these nutrients in the diet. LifePak® is a comprehensive dietary supplement to help you achieve an optimal antioxidant defense system.*

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

What does my Skin Carotenoid Score mean?
Your Skin Carotenoid Score is an immediate numeric reading of your own skin carotenoid content and an important indicator of the overall strength of your body’s antioxidant defense system. As you continue to participate in the LifePak® supplementation program, you can track your Skin Carotenoid Score for evidence of improved antioxidant activity and protection. Based on our study, your Skin Carotenoid Score can increase after only four weeks of LifePak® supplementation, and continue to increase after eight and 12 weeks. Knowing your Skin Carotenoid Score empowers you with a personalized assessment that can be used to develop an antioxidant defense strategy.

Is the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner backed by science?
The use of Raman spectroscopy for biological measurements is an established scientific discipline backed by years of research. The Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner is a patented application of Raman spectroscopy for the measurement of carotenoid antioxidant nutrients in living tissue for the improvement of nutrition. The use of biophotonics to assess biological molecules in living tissue is a distinct scientific discipline, and the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner is an instrument that is based on this scientific discipline.

The use of Raman spectroscopy for the assessment of human tissue carotenoids has been validated by at least eight peer-reviewed studies conducted by third party entities unrelated to Pharmanex or the supplementation industry. (Bernstein, 1998, 2002; Ermakov, 2004a, 2004b; Gellermann, 2004, 2002; Hata, 2000; Zhao, 2003). In addition, Pharmanex has validated the use of Raman spectroscopy for the measurement of carotenoids in several studies including a large-scale clinical screening study with 1,375 subjects that confirmed a correlation between antioxidant status and lifestyle parameters (Smidt, 2003). A second study established efficacy of LifePak® to improve the antioxidant status of subjects over a 12-week period (Smidt, 2002), and a third study established a highly significant correlation (r=0.78, p < 0.001) between blood carotenoid levels and skin carotenoid levels as assessed by the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic scanner (Smidt, 2004a). A fourth study was presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American College that protect our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Higher levels of antioxidants in the body may indicate a higher level of cellular protection. The carotenoids are an important part of the body’s antioxidant network, and their tissue (skin) levels are an important indicator of the overall strength of the body’s antioxidant defense system.

What is the antioxidant defense system?
In the body, a comprehensive network of antioxidants works together in synergy to afford effective protection from free radical damage. This is known as the antioxidant defense system. The antioxidant defense system consists of both intrinsic and extrinsic antioxidants. Intrinsic antioxidants are made in the body, often from nutrients we obtain in our diet, whereas extrinsic antioxidants can not be made by our body and so must be obtained from our diet. To promote an optimal antioxidant defense system, it is important to include all of these nutrients in the diet. LifePak® is a comprehensive dietary supplement to help you achieve an optimal antioxidant defense system.* How does the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner work? BioPhonotic technology is a new advancement in laser technology and is made possible by applying optics concepts to the investigation

What are Free Radicals?
Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process. It’s a fact of life … we age, every second, of everyday. And although we can’t stop the aging process, we can take steps to improve our health as we age. Certain known causes of free radical damage such as smoking or sun exposure can have negative impacts on how we look and feel. Pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals – even the air we breathe creates free radicals within our bodies.

Why should we be concerned about free radicals?
Free radicals are highly reactive, short lived molecules that can damage proteins, fats, and even DNA inside of our bodies. Every day our cells get about 75 thousand free radical hits to their DNA. Most of the damage can be repaired by repairing enzymes inside the body, but the little bit of damage that can’t be repaired accumulates over time and can add to the problems associated with the normal aging process.

Bio Photonic Scanner Video  LO
The patented Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner is a new, cutting-edge testing tool that safely measures carotenoid levels and provides immediate evidence of a person's carotenoid antioxidant levels.  more...

G3 Super Fruit Drink Video
G3 is a new a nutrient-dense fruit juice that contains an exceptionally high amount of antioxidants. Importantly, the carotenoid antioxidants contained in G3(TM) have been scientifically shown to be better absorbed by the body than carotenoids from many other food or supplement sources because of the unique lipocarotene(TM) delivery system found naturally in the fruit. G3(TM) includes gac, which is known as the "fruit from heaven" by the indigenous people of southern Asia. The fruit has long been prized in the region for its ability to promote longevity and vitality. Gram for gram, gac provides 70 times more lycopene than a tomato and 10 times more beta-carotene than a carrot. Cili fruit one of the other superfruits in G3 provides 60 times more vitamin C than an orange (gram for gram) and is known as the King of C. G3 also contains the juice from Siberian Pineapple fruit and Chinese Lycium Fruit. Watch this video for more information about this extraordinary drink.  more...
G3 Super Fruit Drink Site

The Pharmanex Difference Video
The key to consistent quality is the Pharmanex 6S Quality Process, the basis of the company's pharmaceutical approach to product development. By applying this process, Pharmanex has consistently met or exceeded the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards set by the FDA for this product category. The 6S Quality Process has enabled Pharmanex to become an industry leader in quality and efficacy.
Selection, Sourcing, Structure, Standardization, Safety and Substantiation.   more...

What Does Your Skin Carotenoid Score Mean
Your Skin Carotenoid Score is a measurement of the presence of carotenoid antioxidants in your skin. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants found in abundance in certain fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids neutralize damaging free radical molecules and are absorbed in human plasma and tissue, providing an excellent indicator of a person’s antioxidant level. This article explains your Skin Carotenoid Score and offers some suggestions on how to improve it.  more...

The LifePAK and the Biophotonic Scanner Audio
Carsten R. Smidt Ph.D. FACN  Pharmanex's Vice President of Global Research and Development discusses LifePAK, the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner, Free Radicals and Antioxidants in this 26 minute audio presentation.   more...

Human Health, Carotenoids and the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner
This article is by Dr. Lester Packer Ph.D. often called the father of Antioxidants. Carotenoids are a family of natural fat-soluble nutrients important for antioxidant defense found throughout the plant kingdom. They are responsible for the red, orange or yellow color of many fruits and vegetables, such as pineapples, citrus fruits, peaches, nectarines, persimmons, tomatoes, papaya, apricots, carrots, watermelons, pumpkins, squashes and sweet potatoes. more...

LifePAK Clinical Study
Pharmanex Clinical Research Paper 'EFFECTS OF LIFEPAK® SUPPLEMENTATION ON ANTIOXIDANT STATUS AND LDL OXIDATION IN HEALTHY NON-SMOKERS' more...

Vitamin cocktail cuts cancer deaths
This article on the BBCs web site describes a study by scientists at the Scientific and Technical Institute for Nutrition and Diet in France who gave a nutritional supplement to thousands of men and women over a seven year period, and found cancer rates were cut by almost a third.  more...

Pharmanex sponsors these Elite Teams of Athletes
For over 10 years, athletes, trainers, coaches and the average Joe have been trusting Pharmanex® products—products that have been tested free of banned and harmful substances by independent laboratories. Pharmanex® products are manufactured with the highest standards of quality control to provide you with the same benefits from every batch, every bottle, every capsule, every time. World-class athletes, trainers, and coaches trust Pharmanex—and so can you.   more...

Athletes' Guide To Safe Supplementation
This Pharmanex guide explains what an athlete needs to look for in a food supplement. AThletes must carefully read product labels and educate themselves about which ingredients and dietary products pose a doping risk. Somke dietary supplements have been formulated with substances that arev prohibited for use in competition.   more...

The LifePAK Certified by the Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG)
Pharmanex® has obtained independent certification of LifePak® Anti-Aging Formula through the Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG™). BSCG's ongoing testing program tests LifePak for 80+ substances banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), National Football League (NFL), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and many other professional and amateur sports leagues. The testing performed by BSCG reinforces that LifePak is free from stimulants, such as ephedrine, and anabolic agents, such as androstenedione and other steroids. The announcement of LifePak's certification with BSCG comes just two weeks after LifePak was certified by NSF® and ConsumerLab.com®.   more...

Learn More About the Power of Lutein
Lutein (LOO-teen) is a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. Luteininfo.com is a web site run by the Lutein Information Bureau.  more...

Multivitamins Needed by Pregnant Mothers
An article on ScienceDaily.com Suggests Multivitamin Use During Pregnancy Cuts Childhood Tumor Risk.  more...

B Vitamins Are Essential
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows the important role B vitamins play in maintaining cardiovascular health. Taken twice a day, every day, Pharmanex LifePak® provides an optimal combination of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCl) as well as the other B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, and phantothenic acid. B vitamins are also necessary for the production of energy and they function as important cofactors in other metabolic processes.* For more information on the role of B vitamins in maintaining cardiovascular health, read this article. more...

Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Infection and Quality of Life
An article on annals.com discusses A multivitamin and mineral supplement reduced the incidence of participant-reported infection and related absenteeism....  more...

Are You Getting Enough Calcium
Experts suggest that women need 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day for healthy bones. Most women get only about 600 milligrams of calcium in their diet. LifePak Women® provides a comprehensive blend of bone nutrients, including calcium (1000 mg), magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, boron, and silicon for healthy bones*. his is a great article on calcium and healthy bones.  more...

Read This Article On Green Tea Today
An article from the Prostate Cancer Research Institute on Green Tea & its Extracts. Only green tea is rich in the flavonol group of polyphenols known as catechins. The fermentation process used in making black tea destroys the biologically active polyphenols of the fresh leaf. The catechins as a chemical group have significant free radical scavenging properties and are potent antioxidants. Tegreen 97® is equivalent to seven cups of brewed green tea. Why is that so good? Click here to find out. (Be sure to read this article to the very end!)  more...

The Secrets of Tegreen 97®
Tegreen 97® is an exclusive preparation of green tea leaf extract standardized to 97 percent polyphenols, the highest in the industry. Tegreen 97® contains the same polyphenol content of approximately seven cups of traditionally brewed green tea. This short article from Time Magazine discusses the amazing power of green tea and polyphenols .  more...

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of two groups of fatty acids that are vital to human life. They are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), which the body cannot make but absolutely needs for normal growth and development. more...

Fish Is Heart Food, Too
This article describes the benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in certain types of fish. The research is based on two studies, one with 22,000 men and the other with 85,000 women. The results are astounding!
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New Guidelines Focus on Fish, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Since 2000, the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines have recommended that healthy adults eat at least two servings of fish per week. "Omega-3 fatty acids are not just good fats; they affect heart health in positive ways," says Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., R.D., lead author of the report. more...

American Obesity Ballooning
An Article on Healthscout.com discusses the U.S. government's latest health and nutrition survey is in, and the results are huge. Literally.