Human study hails “most promising” antioxidant

Researchers searched the literature for human studies investigating the impact of dietary supplementation on serum ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). Serum ORAC is widely regarded as the gold standard method for testing the antioxidant capacity of human blood.

The company’s co-CEO and chief science officer, Dr. Robert Sinnott’s told NutraIngredientsUSA.com that two open-label studies have shown that intake of Ambrotose AO capsules increases serum ORAC more than high-dose vitamin C and more than adding five servings of fruit and vegetables to the daily diet.

Human serum​

“All of the other supplements studied thus far have had no impact on human serum ORAC, including an antioxidant supplement with high-dose vitamin … a multivitamin with high-doses of vitamin A and selenium …. a multivitamin with 250 mg vitamin C … high-dose vitamin E …., high-dose fish oil with or without high-dose carotenoids…, pycnogenol … quercetin …, or MonaVie Active drink​,” he said.

In significantly increasing serum ORAC, the product lifts the capacity of the blood to effectively cope with oxidative stress. Many studies have shown that high levels of oxidative stress can negatively impact health and longevity.

“Many factors in our daily lives may negatively affect our body’s antioxidant status, such as diet and stress (environmental, physical, emotional and oxidative),” ​said Sinnott. “Oxidative stress, or an imbalance favoring oxidation, can damage cells, tissues and DNA. Antioxidant supplements are designed to inhibit oxidation and protect the body from the effects of free radicals​.”

Market value​

Mannatech claimed that many companies quote ORAC values of their supplements, but most are referring to a test tube ORAC number for the pills. But Mannatech claimed that it focuses on the effects of product consumption on human beings.

The product is targeted at the wellness consumer who purchases quality supplements in an overall US market valued by the company at about $5bn/year.

Ambrotose AO capsules are NSF Certified, gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians.

The findings of the study are published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine​.

In addition to the current study, a double-blind, placebo controlled human clinical study of Ambrotose AO capsules is being reviewed for publication

The studies to which Sinnott referred were:

• Boyd S, Gary K, Koepke CM, McAnalley S, Ford CR, Horn E et al.: An open-label pilot study of the antioxidant effect in healthy people of Ambrotose AO . GlycoScience & Nutrition 2003, 4: 1-6.
• Myers SP, Stevenson L, Cheras PA, O'Connor J, Brooks L, Rolfe M et al.: A forced titration study of the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Ambrotose AO supplement. BMC Comp Alt Med 2010, 10. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-16.