According to the Journal of Complementary Medicine “most of the clinical research on dunaliella has been on betacarotene-rich whole organism. Human studies, however, suggest that dunaliella can protect against exercise-induced asthma, normalize high LDL oxidation in patients with diabetes and male hyperlipidaemic smokers, as well as protect the skin from sun damage and protect against radiation damage, as demonstrated by its use in children exposed to the Chernobyl disaster.” “Animal studies further suggest that the natural betacarotene-rich dunaliella protects against GI inflammation, water-immersion stress, whole-body irradiation and CNS oxygen toxicity”
Potential health benefits
1. Rich in health-protective antioxidants
2. Source of carotenoids and provitamin
3. Helps maintain a healthy immune system
4. Supports skin and eye health
5. May help reduce the risk of premature ageing
6. May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys sharp, central vision which is required for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD is a leading cause of blindness in Australia. One in seven people over the age of 50 are affected by the disease, and this increases to one in three for people over the age of 75. One of the major causes of AMD is believed to be exposure to free radicals, which are produced through oxygen metabolism within the body and by external sources such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants, radiation, environmental toxins and certain drugs. This exposure may lead to a degeneration of the macular of the eye over time.
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to protect the macular pigment by neutralizing free radicals and absorbing harmful blue light from the sun. In a recent article published online by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation the author spoke of many research projects demonstrating the positive effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on AMD. Two Harvard studies (the Physicians’ and Nurses’ Health Studies) demonstrated a direct correlation between increased dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin and the prevention of cataracts. Therefore its very important to consumer to take this nutrition.
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to protect the macular pigment by neutralizing free radicals and absorbing harmful blue light from the sun. In a recent article published online by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation the author spoke of many research projects demonstrating the positive effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on AMD. Two Harvard studies (the Physicians’ and Nurses’ Health Studies) demonstrated a direct correlation between increased dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin and the prevention of cataracts. Therefore its very important to consumer to take this nutrition.
There have been many studies conducted into the effects of beta carotene and immune response. It is believed that beta caroteneprotects immune cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Immune cell receptors rely heavily on cell-to-cell mediated communication to initiate an immune response and once these receptors are damaged cells are unable to function correctly and this may eventually lead to cell death. One study conducted on non-smoking, middle aged men, givenbeta carotene supplements of 15mg per day (a dietary achievable intake), showed that even with moderate increases in beta carotene intake there were significant increases in plasma levels of beta carotene and in monocyte production. “Those results suggested that moderate increases in the dietary intake of bcarotene can enhance cell-mediated immune responses within a relatively brief period.
The authors also stated that in addition to providing oxidative protection, beta carotene “might influence immune cell function by modulating the production of prostaglandin E2. This eicosanoid is the major prostaglandin synthesized by monocytes and macro-phages and it has a number of immunosuppressive properties. In other studies beta carotene supplementation has also been found to enhance natural killer cell activity, increase lymphocyte response and increase the CD4 lymphocyte count.
The authors also stated that in addition to providing oxidative protection, beta carotene “might influence immune cell function by modulating the production of prostaglandin E2. This eicosanoid is the major prostaglandin synthesized by monocytes and macro-phages and it has a number of immunosuppressive properties. In other studies beta carotene supplementation has also been found to enhance natural killer cell activity, increase lymphocyte response and increase the CD4 lymphocyte count.
Beta carotene and Photo-protection
Research into carotenoids also suggest they may play an important role in protecting light exposed tissues such as the skin and eye from sun damage by absorbing blue and UV light, by protecting vulnerable tissues from free radical damage, repairing UV induced damage and enhancing the skins immune function.
Beta-Carotene and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
Oxidative stress is high in patients with NIDDM due to excessive production of ROS. “Recent observations suggest that the damage which occurs when plasma and tissue constituents are exposed to hyperglycaemia is mediated by auto-oxidation and glycation which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
In a study published in 1999 on the effect antioxidant supplementation (Dunaliella salina) had on patients with NIDDM, specifically if supplemental beta-carotene could reduce the amount of oxidative injury occurring in patients, the authors concluded that “the hypothesis that antioxidants may protect patients with NIDDM against complications is promising and supported by our data showing the augmentation of the glutathione and part of its redox cycle enzyme activity upon b-carotene supplementation. The supplemental dosage for this study was 60mg/ day for three weeks using beta-carotene extracted from Dunaliella salina.
In a study published in 1999 on the effect antioxidant supplementation (Dunaliella salina) had on patients with NIDDM, specifically if supplemental beta-carotene could reduce the amount of oxidative injury occurring in patients, the authors concluded that “the hypothesis that antioxidants may protect patients with NIDDM against complications is promising and supported by our data showing the augmentation of the glutathione and part of its redox cycle enzyme activity upon b-carotene supplementation. The supplemental dosage for this study was 60mg/ day for three weeks using beta-carotene extracted from Dunaliella salina.
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