Anti-aging
scientists are speculating that it is quite possible for humans to achieve
a 120 year life span.
This immediately raises two questions:
1. Why, then, do so few of us reach this potential?
2. Is it desirable to live to 120 years?
Most would agree that living over a century is an advantage if we could
avoid the diseases that seem to accompany aging, including pain and suffering,
age related macular degeneration (ARMD), age associated mitochondrial decay
(AAMD), declining cellular energy (DCE), free radical damage and advanced
glycation end products (AGE).
It has been said that there is a finite amount of energy available in the
Universe that can be converted to different forms, but never created or
destroyed according to the law of thermodynamics. On earth, energy flows
from the sun to produce fuel to support our existence. Plants convert radiant
energy from the sun into energy during a process called photosynthesis.
Animals and humans draw on this power by eating plants or by eating other
animals that have consumed these energy-laden plants.
In our body, foods must be broken down into simpler compounds that are available
to the cells. Cells, in turn, manufacture chemical energy, allowing the
body to exert physical energy. The science of how the body extracts and
uses energy from food is referred to as energy metabolism or bioenergetics.
Step 1
Carbohydrates are converted to glucose (sugar), fats are converted to glycerol
(a triglyceride) and fatty acids and protein are broken down into amino
acids. The body then oxidizes these food substances to create energy-rich
nutrients.
Step 2
Once these nutrients are delivered to the cells, they are chemically transformed
in the mitochondria to the energy molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
through a metabolic process known as the Kreb’s Cycle. By breaking
down into still simpler substances, ATP releases the energy necessary to
drive body functions such as respiration and heart beat and fuel the many
physical tasks the body is called on to perform.
The complex task of producing ATP cannot occur without
Without these, we simply run out of energy, hence the importance of a good supplement program.
Age
Associated Mitochondrial Decay (AAMD)
Mitochondria are tiny structures within the cells that convert nutrients
into energy through a process called cellular respiration. It has been proposed
that mitochondrial decay, which results in a decline in cellular energy
production, may be one of the most important causes of cellular decline
or aging. (Jorday, 1999)
Evidence strongly indicates that AAMD is the result of a lack of micronutrients
in the cells, compounded by
free radical damage.
Our modern medical system, while providing revolutionary treatment of many
disorders, often opts for crisis management to address the symptoms of disease,
overlooking the fact that many diseases are the final manifestation of a
lengthy and silent biochemical and cellular breakdown.
Metabolic Advantage: SignaCell AM™
Just as disease begins at the metabolic level, so, too, does health. Our Anti-aging Metabolic Advantage Program is based
on the assumption that a proper combination of nutrients can provide metabolic
support to remove or minimize the cause of cellular damage, which, if not
addressed, can ultimately evolve into a significant deficiency in energy,
accelerated aging and advanced disease. Such compounds include multiple
vitamins and minerals, Acetyl-L-carnitine, Coenzyme Q10, Omega III fatty
acids, enzymes and ORAC tested antioxidants.
Anti-aging Acetyl-L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound found primarily in meat and
animal products. The body can make approximately 40% of its carnitine requirements
through endogenous synthesis in the liver and kidneys. To do so, it needs
L-lysine and L-methionine plus other cofactors including niacin, B6, B12,
vitamin C, folic acid and iron plus several enzymes. A shortage of any of
these elements can lower the body’s level of carnitine.
L-Carnitine Metabolic Actions
L-carnitine plays a key role in many bioenergetic processes. Its availability
is an important factor controlling not only the utilization of fatty acids
and ketone bodies, but also that of glucose and some amino acids.
Its primary role is the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria
for the production of energy.
L-carnitine is the only carrier used by long chain fatty acids to cross
from the cytoplasm through the inner mitochondrial membrane where they undergo
B-oxidation and consequent energy production.
It modulates the acetyl-CoA/free CoA ratio in the mitochondria.
The enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT) catalyzes the reaction between
L-carnitine and acetyl-CoA, increasing the amount of free coenzyme A which
is essential for lipid and carbohydrate utilization. The acetyl groups that
result from this reaction are transported out of the mitochondria and are,
thereby, available for other cell functions such as acetylcholine synthesis.
L-carnitine also enhances the metabolic flux in the Krebs Cycle and prevents
the accumulation of long chain acyl-CoA (LC-acyl-CoA) The importance of
L-carnitine in modulating the acyl CoA/CoA ratio is shown by the biochemical
changes that occur in metabolically compromised tissue, such as anoxic and
ischemic tissue.
It eliminates selective acyl residues, an important detoxification
function.
L-carnitine also shuttles acyl moieties from peroxisomes to mitochondria
for further oxidation. This is the so called “obligatory” role
for L-carnitine because it shuttles activated acyl units from one metabolic
component to another for further metabolism.
It is a reservoir of activated acetyl units.
Each heart cells contains over 5,000 mitochondria, an indication of its
intense need for energy. The heart utilizes fatty acids as a main substrate
for the production of energy. The rate of fatty acid uptake by the cardiac
muscles is controlled by 1) the availability of exogenous fatty acids; 2)
the rate of acyl translocation across the mitochondrial membrane, and 3)
the rate of acetyl CoA oxidation by the Krebs Cycle.
It acts as an ATP independent reservoir.
Activated acyl groups are involved in the re-acylation of membrane phospholipids
during acute periods of
energy depletion.
Nutritional Uses of L-carnitine
Supplementing the diet with L-carnitine is important for people that want
to keep fit and maintain a feeling of general well-being and vitality.
Sports Nutrition
Even marginal deficiencies of essential nutrients like carnitine can reduce
endurance, prolong recovery time or make it more difficult to improve performance.
The majority of carnitine in the body is found in the skeletal muscles.
An increase in metabolism, such as during prolonged exercise, reduces the
physiological concentration of free carnitine in the muscle. Supplementing
with carnitine can moderately increase this concentration, effecting the
regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and preventing the accumulation of
lactic acid in the blood and tissues. The result is a faster recovery to
the resting value lactate/pyruvate ratio.
Weight management and Energy Enhancement
Without L-carnitine, it would be impossible to burn the amount of fat necessary
to produce the energy we need to survive. L-carnitine transports fatty acids
into the mitochondria, regulating the amount of fat the body can burn, just
like a carburetor regulates the amount of gasoline a car can burn. Because
of its role as a regulator in the fat-burning process, it follows that it
plays an important role in regulating weight and increasing energy levels.
Infant Nutrition
When healthy babies are breast fed, there is little need for supplemental
L-carnitine which is well supplied by mother’s milk. Babies that are
fed soy based formulas or cow’s milk formulas may need supplementation.
Soy does not contain L-carnitine. Cows milk contains some L-carnitine, but
some of this important nutrient is lost during pasteurization. Pre-term
babies have a very low capacity for L-carnitine synthesis and storage, but
a very high need for L-carnitine. L-carnitine supplementation is, therefore,
necessary to improve their growth and development
Note: Both the US and EU indicate the amount of L-carnitine that must
be present in infant formulas.
Children’s Nutrition
Because children are in the most important stage of growth, they have special
dietary needs. Daily supplementation with L-carnitine helps enhance physical
growth and mental performance. (Biosent, 2002)
During demanding activities such as play, study and sports, L-carnitine
is especially crucial to improve learning, memory, mental sharpness and
endurance.
Aging
Tissue levels of L-carnitine decrease progressively as we age. This makes
L-carnitine supplementation especially important for older adults. The heart
and skeletal muscles are particularly prone to significant L-carnitine deficiency.
L-carnitine supplementation provides older adults with significant beneficial
effects, including:
Cardiovascular
Health
L-carnitine is a key nutrient for cardiac tissue and has been shown to have
clinical benefits. In reduced oxygen conditions, like myocardial ischemia,
there is an increase of long chain acyl derivatives. These derivatives damage
cell and mitochondrial membranes and inhibit energy production. L-carnitine
is the only compound that disperses long-chain acyl derivatives. As such,
it improves energy metabolism and maintains cell structure.
As an additional benefit, L-carnitine has been shown to modulate lipid composition
by elevating high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reducing serum lipid levels
(e.g. lipoprotein). Both are factors which are critical in the prevention
of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Pet Food and Animal Food
Studies have shown that L-carnitine is an important nutrient for promoting
the performance and well-being of both domestic and farm animals. Since
animals have metabolic pathways similar to those found in man, they are
subject to many of the same nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disturbances
and stress responses.
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Additional benefits of Supplementing with Acetyl-L-carnitine
Deficiency or low levels of L-carnitine can be caused by:
Potential uses of Carnitine
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Alpha
Lipoic Acid - the “Universal Antioxidant”
Unstable molecules known as free radicals are widely recognized for their
role in accelerating the agingprocess and contributing to serious health
problems. These free radicals are generated by pollution in our environment
and are a by-product of our own hot burning metabolism. The body has a protective
antioxidant system to guard against damage that is inflicted by free radicals.
In addition, nutrients called antioxidants are essential in boosting the
body’s protection against these very active molecules. Alpha Lipoic
Acid is a key antioxidant that is manufactured in small quantities by
the body. It is also found in our foods.
In addition to having antioxidant properties, Alpha Lipoic Acid promotes
cellular and muscular energy and functions as a coenzyme in the metabolism
of sugars. It is necessary whenever increased energy or strenuous physical
activity is required.
It also serves as a cofactor for some of the key enzymes (alpha keto acid
dehydrogenases) involved in generating energy from food and oxygen in the
mitochondria.
Alpha Lipoic Acid helps supply energy to the brain and has been said to
boost the effectiveness of the immune system. In Europe, Alpha Lipoic Acid
has been promoted for its ability to help maintain and restore liver health.
One of the most beneficial effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid and DHLA (its reduced
form) is their ability to regenerate other essential antioxidants such as
vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione.
Currently, there are both animal and human studies that confirm the use
of Alpha Lipoic Acid to prevent and treat diabetes, both Type I and Type
II (Adult Onset Diabetes) and their complications. Among the most severe
complications of diabetes is nerve damage, especially in the eye (retinopathy)
and heart attacks resulting from atherosclerosis. The two most popular mechanisms
of action proposed as the cause of these consequences of diabetes are excessive
free radical damage and glycosylation (or glycation), where protein molecules
bind to glucose molecules in the body to form cross-linked structures. Glycosylation
is most evident in senile dementia, stiffening of the arterial system and
degenerative diseases of the eyes.
Animal Studies have also shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid can improve glucose
utilization in skeletal muscle, the heart muscle and other tissues. One
study using Zucker rats as an animal model of obese rats prone to Type II
diabetes demonstrated that Alpha Lipoic Acid treatment markedly increased
the utilization of glucose in both the absence or presence of insulin. An
acute treatment of 100 mg/kg of Alpha Lipoic Acid for one hour or chronic
treatment (30 mg/kg for 10 days) produced a 50% improvement in glucose uptake
in the skeletal muscles of the experimental animals. (Life Extension, 1996)
L Arginine
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid synthesized by the body from ornithine.
It supports protein synthesis through its involvement in the transport and
storage of nitrogen. L-arginine is important for proper physical performance
because it is used by the body to produce creatine.
Other potential uses for L-Arginine include:
For the immune system, it increases the size and activity of the thymus gland which is responsible for manufacturing T-lymphocytes.
In the pancreas, it is used to release insulin.
In the pituitary gland, it is a component of human growth hormone.
In the liver, it assists in neutralizing ammonia.
It is required in muscle metabolism where it helps maintain the nitrogen balance.
In weight control, it facilitates the increase of muscle mass, while reducing body fat.
L-proline
& L-lysine
L-proline is an important amino acid for maintaining youthful skin. It is
also critical in the repair of muscle, connective tissue, immune function
and tissue after injury.
L-lysine is concentrated in muscle tissue and is important in the absorption
of calcium from the intestinal tract and in the formation of collagen. Collagen
is an important body protein that is the basic matrix of connective tissue,
skin cartilage and bone. There is some evidence that lysine may help prevent
osteoporosis through enhancing the absorption and utilization of calcium.
Dr. Linus Pauling, twice the Nobel Prize winner for his work with vitamin
C, discovered that lipoprotein a (or Lp(a)), a variant LDL cholesterol,
has a receptor for lysine From this information, he theorized that specific
nontoxic substances called Lp(a) binding inhibitors, such as lysine (and
proline), prevent and even dissolve existing atherosclerotic plaque buildups.
Pauling Therapy increases the concentration of the essential and nontoxic
amino acid lysine (and proline) in the blood serum. His theory was “the
higher the concentration of free lysine and proline, in the blood, the more
likely it is that Lp(a) molecules will bind with lysine, rather than the
lysine strands that have been exposed by cracks in blood vessels or other
lysine that has been attached to the Lp(a) already attached to the blood
vessel wall.”
The 1985 Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded for the discovery of cholesterol
binding sites, referred to as“Lysine Binding Sites.” A surprising
body of experimental research supports Dr. Pauling theory. For best results,
vitamin C should be used with these amino acids.
References
Alternative Medicine, Linus Pauling on Heart Disease, Dec. 2002.
Biosent Carnitines, Providing Well Being Through Science. Sigma-tau Health
Sciences, Tech Bulletin, 2002.
Colebank, Susan, Scavenger Hunt,The Antioxidants That Scavenge for Free
Radicals also Improve our Quality of Life. Health Supplement Retailer, march
2001: 24-28.
Cronin, Joseph R., PhD., Acetyl-L-carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid - A Possible
Antiaging Combination. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Aug. 2002:
242-245.
DeFelice, Stephen L., M.D., The Carnitine Defense, a Nutraceutical Formula
to Prevent and Treat Heart Disease, The Nations #1 Killer, Rodale Books,
1999.
Hass, Elson M., M.D. Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Celestial Arts, 1992.
Jordan, Karin G., M.D., PhD., Staying Young Forever. Life Extension Magazine,
Dec., 1999.
Life Extension Magazine, Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes, Atherosclerosis
and Aging, March, 1996.
Mather, Timothy J. Ph.D., L-Carnitine - Nutrition for Neonates and Infants.
New Hope Institute, March, 2001.
Passwater, Richard A, PhD., Turing up Metabolism, Vitamins, Minerals and
Key Biochemicals can Aid in Cancer
Prevention and Help Delay Signs of Aging, Whole Foods, Oct. 2002,:60-62.
Sigma-Tau Health Science, L-Carnitine Salts and Derivatives. Research Handbook,
2002.
Zdalnowicz, Martin M., Ph.D., Acetyl-L-carnitine’s Healing Potential.
New Hope Institute, Oct. 2001.