 |
Frequently
Asked Questions Isotonix OPC-3™ |
Click here to purchase |
-
Is there alcohol or sulfite in OPC-3 from the Red Wine Extract?
-
What kind of side effects can we expect during the first weeks of using OPC-3?
- Can
you take OPC-3 or any other of the Isotonix products in soda, juice,
coffee, etc., rather than water?
What is OPC-3?
OPC-3 is a natural food supplement that is made up of a combination of three very powerful bioflavonoids known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, referred to as OPC. They are grape seed, red wine, and pine bark extracts.
What is a bioflavonoid?
Bioflavonoids are complex organic plant compounds found mostly in fruits and vegetables. They function as a co-factor or helper to the body's immune response to inflammation, allergy, and infection.
What makes OPC-3 different from other pycnogenol products?
OPC-3 offers three rich sources of OPC that are rated highest in total polyphenol content averaging 92%. It is totally bioavailable, water-soluble and delivered the way nature intended it to be, in an isotonic solution. With the Isotonix formulation, this product is in position to be absorbed within five minutes. This combination makes OPC-3 the most powerful natural free radical scavenger, anti-aging, and anti-oxidant product yet discovered.
Is OPC-3 safe?
Absolutely! OPC had been used for over twenty years throughout Europe. Extensive studies were conducted and laboratory testing revealed no evidence for human toxicity, allergic reactions, birth defects, or carcinogenesis.
How long does OPC remain in the body?
About three days. OPC circulates through bodily fluids and is held in the collagen for approximately 72 hours before it is gradually eliminated through urine and perspiration.
Why should everyone take OPC-3?
Free radical damage or oxidative stress is real. Everyone is subject to it. Free radicals have been linked directly to premature aging, circulatory disorders, liver cirrhosis, arteriosclerosis and more. If you do not have adequate protection from free radicals, you could very likely age faster and experience health problems you could have avoided. OPC is the most powerful natural free radical neutralizer and antioxidant discovered and you get the best of all OPC in OPC-3. This product should be taken for life. Laboratory studies have shown that proanthocyanidins enhance the effectiveness of vitamin E some 50 times as an antioxidant and some 20 times more for vitamin C. OPC-3 inhibits enzymes that cause inflammation. It reduces histamine production. It restores capillary integrity and improves circulation, making it a little easier for each cell to get the food it needs. For females, it has been known to help correct abnormal menstrual bleeding and cramps.
Why should I be afraid of free radicals?
Free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Damage caused by free radicals contributes to premature aging, the development of stiff joints and wrinkled skin. Free radical damage also plays a part in the degenerative diseases we associate with aging, such as liver cirrhosis, atherosclerosis and others.
Where does the grape seed extract in the OPC-3 come from?
Grape seed extract comes from two companies in the USA and Europe. You can imagine that anywhere there are grapes there will be proanthocyanidin/bioflavonoid extraction facility. Due to the proprietary nature of our business, the names of the companies cannot be given out; however, we have found them to be reputable and have found that they have significant quality control procedures in place. The extraction process is different from the process used by the Pycnogenol producers, Horphag Ltd. The process involves isolating, drying and powdering grape seeds; extracting the proanthocyanidins using a combination of pressurized hot water, butanol and acetone; concentrating and drying the compounds. The specific variety of grape is not known, but it is likely that a spectrum of red grape varieties is used for extraction. Remember that it is the extraction process that is selective for flavonoide and can be used on material from a variety of plant sources (pine bark, bilberries, citrus rinds).
Is there an elemental analysis of OPC-3?
We do not have an elemental analysis on OPC-3, although the individual extracts are checked for the presence of heavy metals on a lot-to-lot basis. OPC-3 is not a significant source of minerals, but a complex mixture of literally scores of polyphenolic compounds.
Is there alcohol or sulfite in OPC-3 from the Red Wine Extract?
The red wine extract that is used in Isotonix OPC-3 is a completely non-alcoholic product. The extract is made from the skin of grapes used to make red wine, but the crushed grapes are not allowed to undergo fermentation. Therefore, ethyl alcohol is never formed and does not have to be removed. "Red wine" extract is an inaccurate use of words. Also, alcohol evaporates on exposure to air. Since OPC-3 is a dried product, it cannot contain alcohol. Sulfites are usually added as a preservative for finished wine. Sulfite is not added to the initial grape crush or at any stage of the extraction process.
Are chemicals used in processing OPC-3?
Water, butanol, and acetone are used in the extraction process. They are completely evaporated during processing.
Does OPC-3 contain beta-carotene?
No.
Does OPC-3 contain caffeine?
No, it does not, but it may contain caffeic acid, which is a low molecular weight phenolic compound. Caffeic acid is isolated along with other polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids including proanthocyanidins. Caffeine is not an antioxidant (it does not transfer electrons or hydrogens to electron-hungry free radicals), but caffeic acid does have documented antioxidant properties. Coffee (fruit seeds) and tea (Camellia sinensis leaves) are likely to contain both caffeine and caffeic acid.
Can OPC-3 be taken with corticosteroids?
Yes, but it is important to understand when to take these products. When you have an inflammatory condition that is being treated with corticosteroids (injections or tablets), you should allow at least 4 to 6 weeks while on this therapy to understand what effects these drugs have on inflammation. If you begin to take OPC-3, this supplement could confound the results that are being achieved with corticosteroid treatment. Your doctor will be able to more fully assess the impact of corticosteroids on your inflammation if you do not take OPC-3 at the same time, at least for the first month or so. The proanthocyanidins are not steroids, and they do not exhibit the same mechanism of action as corticosteroids on inflammatory white blood cells and other cell types. However, they are antioxidants and are able to scavenge oxygen and nitrogen free radicals, which cause considerable cell and molecular damage. Proanthocyanidins can inhibit the tissue-remodeling enzymes secreted by inflammatory white blood cells and minimize tissue disruption. Additionally, the proanthocyanidins have been found to inhibit an enzyme called inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) that generates nitric oxide and contributes to damage associated with uncontrolled inflammation. The proanthocyanidins are also known to block the synthesis and secretion of histamine which can cause tissue swelling associated with inflammation. When you start taking OPC-3, please inform your doctor.What kind of side effects can we expect during the first weeks of using OPC-3?
Reported complaints - especially with saturation dosing - include headache, gastric discomfort, generalized itching, ankle swelling, facial flushing, and occasional dizziness. These are usually mild, self-limiting and subside within a day or two.
Can you take OPC-3 or any other of the Isotonix products in soda, juice, coffee, etc., rather than water?
It is not recommended. In order to keep the products in an isotonic form and to achieve the maximum delivery time it needs to be taken on an empty stomach with 2 oz. of water per capful. To mix the products with anything else slows down the delivery time; also the percentage of uptake may be lessened.
The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.