Welcome to our FAQs section. We want you to have a pleasant and successful visit with us. Click on the sections below to help answer questions you may have about using our products.
Biosyntrx products are manufactured to cGMP's (Current Good Manufacturing Principles). Quality assurance checkpoints are built into the entire process, including multiple checks on raw material weight, proper grinding and mixing of raw material blend to assure uniform dispersion, multiple capsule weight checks throughout the encapsulation process, accurately filling the bottles with the proper number of capsules or softgels, and final testing of finished product for quality and label claims. All these check- points guarantee that what's indicated on the label, matches the content of the bottle. A certificate of composition accompanies each product batch, which ensures that potency meets stated label claims of potency.
Our manufacturers acquisition of state-of-the-art, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment, in conjunction with a unique, landmark alliance with the Biochemistry Department, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) assures our customers unsurpassed quality control, and safe products that are what they claim to be.
Our manufacturers seal, found on the bottom of the supplement fact box on every label, speaks to authentic quality control through their alliance with the Biochemistry Department, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).
BioTears are not available from discounters. However, there are a few web sites advertising Biosyntrx formulations, including BioTears. This is simply a bait and switch tactic.
BioTears Oral GelCaps were designed by the same inventors that designed Hydro Eye. BioTears reflect the most recent dry eye science. BioTears Oral GelCaps includes anti-inflammatory Vitamin E mixed tocopherols to better stabilizes the Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids included in the formulation. The Curcumin inclusion better inhibits the formation of the inflammatory COX2 enzyme. HydroEye does not contain these ingredients, nor does it contain APO Lactoferrin, which inhibits the growth of viral and bacterial pathogens on the surface of the eye. BioTears Oral GelCaps also stimulate the systemic neutrophil production of lactoferrin.
Yes they are. BioTears produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that gently help to control the ocular mast cell/histamine response. You might want to request that your eye care professional run a tear lactoferrin and IgE level to further diagnose the cause of your dry eyes.
Many Sjogren's patients have reported significient dry eye and dry mouth relief with BioTears Oral GelCaps. BioTears are designed to stimulate systemic production of the anti-inflammatory series of prostaglandins, specifically the PGE1 series, which address the mucosal tissue T and B cell inflammatory loop frequently associated with auto-immune disorders.
Flax does contain both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, it is the most unstable of all the essential fatty acid vegetable oils, which causes it to oxidize and become rancid very easily. Flax does not contain Omega 6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is necessary for the downstream conversion to the tear specific prostaglandin, PGE1, nor does it contain any of the nutrient co-factors necessary to ensure its delicate conversion from linoleic acid (LA) to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). An important thing to remember is that Flax Omega 3 fatty acid does not contain Omega 3 DHA/EPA either. It must metabolically convert from alpha-linolinic-acid (ALA) to DHA/EPA, before it can possibly produce anti-inflammatory PGE3. The most dependable source of Omega 3 fatty acids are cold water fish and cod liver oil.
Absolutely! BioTears Oral GelCaps contain sufficient amounts of potent dietary anthocyanosides and good Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which have both been shown in clinical studies to relieve the visual fatigue associated with computer vision syndrome.
Blepharitis can often cause dry eye symptoms due to inflammation of the eyelid margins, which is most frequently caused by bacterial infection. This condition can compromise the quality of the tear film causing tears to evaporate more quickly. The bacteria produce waste material that can cause a mild toxic reaction leading to chronic red, irritated eyes.
The fatty acids in BioTears have been proven in clinical trials to improve the viscosity of the tear film lipid layer. The additional lactoferrin in BioTears helps to control bacterial flora associated with the eyelid. Lactoferrin also prevents these bacteria from forming bacterial biofilms, which become very difficult to treat with antibiotics - thus the chronic red eye.
In addition to inflammation of the lid margins with redness and thickening, blepharitis can produce scales, crusts and marginal ulders if not adequately treated. It can be caused by bacterial infection, allergic reaction, seborrheic grandular dysfunction. So the answer would depend on the specific cause of the blepharitis.
Frequent recurrences despite treatment suggests seborrheic dysfunction rather than bacterial infection or allergy. This results from dysfunction of the meibomian oil secreting gland of the eyelids (MGD).This tends to be more common in individuals with oily skin. In this case BioTears would indeed offer some relief.
BioTears supplies the nutrients, including the essential oils and fatty acids to support the lid's glandular secretions, as well as lactoferin to prevent infection, and other components to support normal tears.
A healthy tear film structure is important for optimal visual function and refractin, particularly for the multifocal lens patient. A good initial refracting surface helps to prevent high order aberrations. A large number of eye surgeons recommend BioTears to their dry eye and surgical patients.
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in tears, saliva and mucosal secretions. it is beautifully activated by the inflammation response (the cause of most dry eyes). Early investigators believed that lactoferrin acts primarily by binding iron (as do most antibiotics), thus preventing bacteria from dividing and multiplying (this is very important to the contact lens wearer). however, new research has demonstrated that lactoferrin actually does much more than merely steal iron away from pathogenic bacteria. For more information on lactoferrin, view the lactoferrin Friday Pearl, which you will find in the Library file on the left side of this page.
Neutrophils are tough little leukocytes that act like big phagocytes. The process of eating cellular debris from allergies, infections, wounds, including surgical wounds (think LASIK) and even cellular free radical damage, is called phagocytosis. Many cells in our body are capable of phagocytosis, but only two are good enough to be considered professional: neutrophil leukocytes and monocyte macrophages. When tear-film neutrophils are stimulated by cytokine cascades and prostaglandins, they produce proteins that bind iron (lactoferrin) to protect corneal tissue and to inhibit the growth of iron dependent viral and bacterial pathogens.
Night and Day. TheraTears Nutritionals are designed around the metabolic conversion of plant and fish based Omega 3 fatty acids, which, primarily, convert downstream to the series three prostaglandin (PGE3). Simply said; the Omega 6 GLA series one prostaglandins (PGE1) produced by BioTears Oral GelCaps are far more tear and mucous gland specific than the series three prostaglandins in TheraTears Nutritionals. Thera Tears Nutritionals does not include Omega 6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic-acid (GLA), which is required to produce tear specific PGE1. BioTears includes the best quality available Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids to address the inflammatory process frequently associated with all three layers of the tear film.
The good news is that the colorie count in BioTears is very small. The primary source of calories is from black currant seed and fish oils. 1604 mg (four gelcaps per day) of this oil combination equals less than 18 calories. The vitamin and mineral co-factors have no caloric count assigned to them.
Based on improved diagnostics, many doctors are now recommending severe dry eye patients use both treatments to interrupt the inflammatroy loop associated with very severe dry eye syndrome. A common recommendation is "BioTears Oral GelCaps for three weeks to calm the ocular surface, then adding Restasis to further interrupt the dry eye inflammatory loop." This combination allows for quicker Restasis weaning and less chance of recurrent dry eye symtomology.
BioTears and plugs are now recommended by many eye professionals for specific dry eye symptoms. It is important to have the healthest tears possible, if they are not draining off the ocular surface.
BioTears Oral GelCaps have been successfully recommended for pediactric use. We recommend one half dose (one gelcap in the morning and one at night) for children who weigh over 50 pounds and can swallow gelcaps. Some physicians have recommended that Mom's break the gelcap and mix the contents with food. This has not been terribly successful because most children can't abide the smell of the cod liver oil.
Concentrated essential fatty acids can cause slight gastric upset, or loose stools, in some people if they are taken on an empty stomach - therefore, we recommend that you take BioTears with food.
BioTears Oral GelCaps stimulate healthy production of all three layers of the tear film. Healthy meibomian gland output (oily layer) increases tear-break-up-time, which tends to be decreased in Keratoconus patients.
Yes they are safe. However, we ALWAYS recommend that Coumadin patients have their clotting time checked on on a regular basis. Essential Fatty Acids, fish oil and vitamin E have been reported to reduce clotting time - therefore, it may be necessary to slightly lower the amount of prescription Coumadin taken on a daily basis. We do NOT recomment that patients ever reduce the amount of Coumadin they take without physician knowledge.
Many people do not need to use eye drops after a few weeks on BioTears Oral GelCaps. However, some folks find they are more comfortable if they continue to insert drops just before bed. Most women continue to insert drops before applying eye make-up - this may be habit or a belief that eye drops make our eyes sparkle.
<P>By law (Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act, Oct 1994) the FDA does not approve or disapprove dietary supplements. They do however, closely monitor dietary supplement label claims. Biosyntrx formulations do not contain nutrients that exceed the Institute of Medicines (IOM) published upper-limit safety levels. For further information on Biosyntrx manufacturing standards and quality control, click the manufacturing link found on the bottom of this and all pages!</P>
<P>BioTears has been clinically studied by thought leading ophthalmologists and optometrists using all of the subjective and objective clinical markers avaible. This includes: tear break up time (TBUT), Schrimers, ZoneQuick, ocular surface staining, and lactoferrin assay. The outcomes strongly suggest improvement in tear film chemistry, as well as improved ocular surface health in approximately 75% of dry eye patients studied. </P>
Interestingly, studies have shown that, in addition to restoring normal production of lubricants in the eyes, normal lubrication has been restored in other affected parts of the body, as mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina, and interior body surfaces such as joints and synovial membranes.
BioTears is specifically designed to address mucosal tissue health. It has been suggested in clinical studies and case reports to be effective on a large percentage of dry eye sufferers. However, in a few cases, additional EPA /DHA from one or two daily capsules of fish oil, such as Biosyntrx ZoOmega-3, has improved effectivness.
Yes it is safe. However, we ALWAYS recommend that Coumadin patients have their clotting time checked on on a regular basis. Essential Fatty Acids, fish oil, vitamin E, bilberry, and Ginko biloba are all reported to slightly reduce clotting time - therefore, it may be necessary to slightly lower the amount of prescription Coumadin taken on a daily basis. We do NOT recomment that patients ever reduce the amount of Coumadin they take without physician knowledge.
Not in the opinion of the Biosyntrx team. Pre-formed Vitamin A, or retinol, is absolutely essential for eye health, wound healing, and proper immune function. Beta-carotene, as pro-formed Vitamin A, only attempts to metabolically convert to retinol when and if the vitamin A cellular stores are retinol deficient. The beta-carotene/retinol conversion becomes more and more difficult with the aging process. Recent science suggests that beta-carotene converts to retinol at less that half the rate once published. Excessive amounts of supplemental hydrocarbon antioxidant carotenoids, which include beta-carotene, are also thought to compete for transport space with the carotenoid xanthophylls like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are particularly important to the prevention of degenerative disease of the macula. Two large-scale studies, CARET and ATBC, suggest that high dose beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers and ex-smokers. Unfortunately, a high percentage of AMD patients are or were smokers. This does not mean we throw out the baby with the bath water. Small amounts of supplemental beta carotene, when combined with other appropriate antioxidants, have been shown to inhibit mutagenesis, inhibit premalignant lesions, and act as a pigment in primate macula (Olson 1999).
This is a great question and one that is ask by a number of AMD patients. It 's important to understand that although both of these nutrients tend to slightly thin the blood, they also dramatically improve ocular microcirculation and protect the vascular endothelium, as well as inhibit collegen destruction and decrease capillary fragility. Retinal bleeds are normally caused by capillary fragility, not thin blood. Biosyntrx multiple formulations also include an antioxidant bioflavinoid complex that includes quercetin, rutin and hesperidin, which further strengthen the capillaries that feed the eye and the brain, as well as the fragile capillaries formed during subretinal neovascularization.
We assume these formulation designers, and the companies who copy them, do not monitor AMD patient lifestyle profiles, or recent vitamin A and carotenoid science. It concerns us that the PreserVision AMD consumers don’t always understand that to protect their vascular system and their macula, they need to take additional supplemental antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and xanthophylls that are not included in the PreserVision formulation.
The Macula Complete vitamin/mineral/antioxidant formula is designed to meet the needs of the delicate neurovascular structures in the central, most sensitive part of the retins. In addition to the specific vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed for retinal health, Macula Complete contains effective amounts of the nutrients that are lacking in most other available products. In other words, when you take Macula Complete, you do not need to take any other multiple vitamin product. Remember, what's good for the eyes is good for the whole body.
Absolutely. Macula tissue preference for these two zanthophylls has been proven to our scientific advisors satisfaction. Macula Complete is the only full-spectrum multiple formulations available to the AMD patients that includes 10 mg of the highest concentrate FloraGlo Lutein, appropriately balanced with 4 mg of pure Zeaxanthin, which is the preferred carotenoid of the central macula. Biosyntrx does not make zeaxanthin label claims for the amount of zeaxanthin or meso-zeaxanthin that might be converted from supplemental lutein, as do most other companies.
After lengthly study of both the ATBC and CARET beta carotene/lung cancer trials, the Biosyntrx Scientific advisors are confident that Oculair and Macula Complete are safe for smokers and former smokers. Our research and design team carefully studied the beta-carotene trials from the mid 1990s before including a very small amount of beta-carotene in our multiple formulations to address specific issues of singlet oxygen formation and diseases of the eye. Biosyntrx multiples include less than one (1) mg beta-carotene, which is appropriately balanced with a complete host of carotenoids and other phytonutrient antioxidants, including 400 IUs of mixed tochpherol Vitamin E and 500 mg of Vitamin C, which are both vital to healthy lungs for all who smoke or have smoke damaged lungs. For more information on this subject visit the Friday Pearl section in the Library file on the left side of this page. The specific Article is titled - Beta Carotene Revisited: Single Nutrients Are Not Magic Bullets
The July 2003 Journal of The National Cancer Institute reported that men who supplement with 100 mg of daily zinc are at twice the risk of advanced prostate cancer, as are men who supplement with amounts that excessively exceed the Institute of Medicine safe upper limits of zinc for more than 10 years. This data was collected from a 14 year follow-up survey of 46,974 health professionals. Biosyntrx multiples are designed for long-term use and include no more than 40-50 mg of zinc, as monomethinonine, which is properly balanced with the full-spectrum of minerals for optimal safety.
All of these nutrients have specifically been shown to dramatically improve cellular mitochondria function in histopathologic studies. Improved mitochondria function provides beneficial effects in preventing and treating Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Macula Complete is a concentrated super-potent multiple vitamin/minerar/antioxidant, which can produce an immediate detox effect in some people - these are usually the people who are the most nutrient deficient. It is important that you not discontinue taking Macula Complete if you get slight headaches or upset stomachs. Most people easily adjust to the formulation by starting with one or two capsules a day (always with food) and then slowly working up to the six-per-day full dosage.
The macula is the most sensitive area in the retina. It is located in the center of the back of the eye where images are focused by the lens system of the eye. Macula means spot, and since the macula is yellowish in color it is called the macula lutea. Lutea means yellow in Latin. Lutein, an important carotenoid antioxidant, is important in the treatment of macular degeneration. Lutein is found in high concentrations in both spinach and kale.
The lutein we include in Macula Complete and Oculair (FloraGLO) is the best available. It is 20% crystalline liquid suspended in corn oil, which is purified from marigold petal extract using a very special patented process. This type of lutein is far more bioavailable than the 5% dry form used by most multiple manufacturers. Unlike lutein esters, this lutein is chemically identical to lutein found in spinach, kale, collard greens, and other green leafy vegetables in our diet. We take the extra time to run our powder multiple formulation through dryers (this allows us to use the 20% crystalline liquid) before encapsulating to ensure the best absorption rate for our customers.
Avantrx contains a proprietary ultra-pure Cross-linked Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogel (PAAH). PAAH is a family of synthetic materials that have been in wide commercial use for decades. These large molecules are highly versatile, non-toxic and non-absorbable, and have been determined to be "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for numerous FDA-approved medical applications that include: bulking agents, laxatives, thickening agents, drug delivery excipients, pharmaceutical adjuvants, cosmetic emollients, and food additives, among others.*
Avantrx is NOT a "miracle weight loss pill." Each capsule contains hundreds of microbeads made from a proprietary, non-toxic, superabsorbent polymer that has been designed to expand up to1,000 times its weight in water when taken as directed.
Each Avantrx rapid-acting capsule dissolves within minutes of ingestion. The microbeads absorb the free water and expand to partially fill the stomach; promoting the release of hormones that signal the hunger center in the brain to suppress your appetite. So by the time you sit down and start eating, you are already beginning to "feel full."
Simply stated: Professional strength Avantrx lets you eat less without feeling hungry.* And in combination with a healthy lifestyle and weight management program, most people using Avantrx tend to lose more weight than with dieting and / or exercise alone.*
Avantrx is a mechanical gastric bulking agent that has no nutritional value. It does not contain ephedrine, or any stimulants. It promotes bowel regularity, but it is not a laxative; nor does it interfere with digestion, metabolism, or blood sugar levels.
Avantrx is not known to promote any significant side effects. It is non-fermenting and does not cause flatulence (gas).*
Avantrx works best when taken one to two hours before eating. Whether you need 1 or 2 capsules varies by individual, so see what works best for you. As a general guideline, you should start with 1 capsule, especially if you weigh 150 lbs. or less.* If you don't have a sense of fullness during the meal from one capsule, then next time try 2 capsules.* Everyone is different, so Professional strength Avantrx works slightly differently for everyone.
Avantrx does not include any animal product therefore it does not require kosher certification. The manufacturing process and the capsules used for Avantrx are certified kosher by "Ko."
YES: Drinking 6-12 oz of tap water with each Avantrx capsule is VERY IMPORTANT for 2 reasons:
First; Avantrx capsules work best if they are swallowed whole - without chewing or breaking them open in the mouth.
Second; once the capsules dissolve in the stomach, the microbeads expand by absorbing water. In order for the beads to expand properly, the stomach needs to have enough free water present. Eight to 12 ounces of water must be taken with each capsule one to two hours before meals for Avantrx to work safely and achieve maximal swelling effectiveness.
(Maximum Limit- 2 capsules per meal or 6 capsules per day).
TWO: Taken as directed, Avantrx microbeads are designed to expand up to to 1,000 times their weight in water (about the size of an apple).
Taking more than 2 capsules at a time (unless directed by a physician) for a single meal is NOT RECOMMENDED since this may over-distend the stomach causing severe cramping, nausea, vomiting or other complications.*
NO: Avantrx works best if used as part of a healthy lifestyle in combination with regular exercise, a low-fat nutritious whole-food diet, smoking cessation, and other positive decisions that are part of a comprehensive health and weight management program.
The Biosyntrx science team also recommends supplementing the diet with a multi-vitamin formula to ensure complete absorption of all of the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for good health - some of which may become restricted in some diets and weight management programs.
Remember, before beginning Avantrx or any weight management program you should always consult with your doctor first.
Any ingested free water that is not absorbed by Avantrx will be rapidly absorbed by the gut as usual. The water that is absorbed by Avantrx remains locked (hydrogen bonded) into the polyelectrolyte structure of the hydrogel until it is excreted in the feces.
It was not deemed necessary by the FDA. The FDA has established CEDI and ADO limits on polyacrylic acid and acrylic acid monomer. The Avantrx material contains a monomer concentration specified to be less than 20ppm, which is over 100 times below the FDA limits. The most recent batch of bulk, pre-processed material was analyzed to have 11ppm acrylic acid. So you can see that the margin of safety is extremely high. The FDA information is on file in the Biosyntrx Research Office.
The allergen with shellfish is a protein and not iodine. The potassium iodide in our formulations is the same type of iodine that is added to Morton salt. Iodine is required for the body's synthesis of thyroid hormones, which control the body's metabolism.
Sulfites are salts of sulfurous acid and are used as preservatives in certain foods such as wines and some "shelf products" to prevent spoilage. Sulfites, like monosodium glutamate, can be allergenic and produce headaches, weakness, malaise, syncope and feelings of apprehension in sensitive individuals. Biosyntrx ingredients do not contain any sulfites. </P><P>FYI: Sulfates are another matter. Sulfates are combination forms of certain minerals that are necessary for maintaining normal health. Vanadium, as vanadyl sulfate, for example, is one of the main nutritional players (along with chromium) in preventing type2 diabetes in adults, regulating the amount of sugar in cells by stabalizing the insulin receptor sites. There are no known allergies to sulfates, any more than there are to any other mineral combination forms.
As we age we tend to accumulate more free radicals (toxins) in our tissues. Part of this is due to lack of physical activity, part due to nutritionally deficient diets, and part due to hormonal changes related to the aging process itself. The response you experienced is fairly common among older people who have not had optimal nutritional support. When they are patient enough to stick with the formulation during their bodies' adjustment to therapeutic amounts of nutrients, they tend to be enthusiastic users for life.<BR></P><P>When you start a concentrated full spectrum nutraceutical like Macula Complete or Oculair after you have become toxic over a long period of time, you get an immediate "detox" effect from the scavenging effect of these powerful antioxidants. The most noticeable result is headache or upset stomach. By starting with low dosage, one capsule a day, mid breakfast, for the first week, then gradually increasing to two capsules with breakfast the second week and two with breakfast and one with a late afternoon snack or dinner the third week, if you have not experienced headaches or stomach upset, you can then increase to the full recommended amount for maximum effect.
In a regular extract, all the biochemical constituents commonly found in the plant are extracted in an alcohol (or other solvent) base. Standardized extracts are a new technology and generally contain one or more of the main or active biochemical constituents sometimes in a higher concentration than would normally be present in the plant. Although it takes more of the herb to produce a standardized extract, this does not necessarily make it more potent than the regular extract. Standardization varies from manufacturer to manufacturer based on which active constituent of a particular herb and which extraction method the manufacturer uses. One manufacturer may perceive a certain biochemical as being active, while another manufacturer may consider a totally different biochemical to be the active part of the same plant. Also, some manufacturers use toxic solvents, such as benzene and acetone, to pull out the active plant ingredient, leaving a residue (albeit an FDA-approved one) in the standardized extract. And beware of labels: A recent study found that the amount of active ingredient in over half the standardized products tested did not match the measure listed on the label (<I>Archives of Internal Medicine,</I> 2003, vol. 163, no. 6). Because no recognized manufacturing model exists in the standardized-extract industry, research and choose your product wisely to be certain it meets basic standards and contains no toxic residues. Biosyntrx multiple lables always identify the the source of extract, as in leaf, seed or fruit. <BR>
Oculair is appropriate for every adult who is interested in potent full spectrum nutrient supplementation to slow the progression of all chronic degenerative diseases, including diseases of the eye. Many thought-leading doctors recommend Oculair to all of their patients, including those who have a strong family history of AMD. Oculair includes all of the nutrients used in the landmark ARED study, plus the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals necessary to protect the full body. For further information, we suggest you print the mutiple comparison chart on the Biosyntrx home page.
The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a division of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), reports that less than 25 percent of the American population eat 5 frutis and vegetables a day - even though the current recommendation is 5 to 9 fruits and vegetables a day. This dietary information convinced the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA - June 19, 2002) to recommend that everyone supplement their diet with a full-spectrum multiple vitamin/mineral/antioxidant formula to help prevent and slow the progression of all chronic degenerative diseases.
Nutritional supplements are best metabolized when taken with food. To achieve optimal absorption rates, supplements are best taken with breakfast and a very late afternoon snack or an early supper.
Most likely, in excessive amounts that are not balanced with the proper amount of Vitamin D. Three peer-reviewed studies published in JAMA, NEJM and Annals of Internal Medicine have now linked excessive amounts of Vitamin A, as retinol, to hip fracture in older people. (Visit Oculair scientific rationale to view abstracts of these three studies.) For this reason, Biosyntrx includes slightly less than the FDA standard RDA of 5000 IU. Biosyntrx multiples contain 4,500 IU of Vitamin A (73% as retinyl palmitate and 27% as beta carotene), which is perfectly balanced with 600 IUs of Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming pandemic due to lack of outdoor time of the elderly and obsessive sunscreen use in the young. Vitamin D deficiency is proving to be a major issue in bone health.
The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (IOM) revised its recommended daily intake for vitamin A, as retinol, downward in 2001. The FDA establishes and polices the published RDAs/RDIs on all nutritional supplement labels. The FDA label law does not yet reflect the current IOM recommendations. It still requires that Vitamin A RDA/RDI be represented on supplement labels as 5,000 IU. For that reason, Biosyntrx multiple labels list Vitamin A content as only 90% of RDA.
FYI: National Academy of Science was established in 1863 and has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific matters. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) was established in 1970 by The National Academy of Science to advise the government on policy matters pertaining to the health of the public and to identify issues of medical care, research, and education.
A potent multiple supplement should be a permanent part of your health regimen. There is strong evidence that taking a full-spectrum multiple can decrease the progression of chronic degenerative diseases, particularly diseases of the eye.
Nutritional yeasts are not live yeast cells. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the type of nutritional yeast included in EpiCor has been dried at temperatures high enough to render it inactive, therefore it is not associated with systemic yeast infections, vaginal yeast infections, or thrush.
FDA dietary supplement regulations prevent companies from making health claims on dietary products. Compliant EpiCor users (those who take it everyday as recommended) are reporting extremely low incidence of colds or flu.
These are white blood cells that have been activated by the thymus - therefore they are known as T-cells.
CD-4 cells are helper T- cells. They coordinate the activities of our immune system. Once activated, they divide rapidly and secrete small proteins called cytokines that signal the immune system to take action.
People with CD-4 counts around 500 usually have fairly normal immune function and are at low risk for opportunistic infections.
Current U.S. government guidelines recommend that you should consider HIV treatment when your CD-4 count falls below 350 cells.
People with CD-4 cell counts below 200 are diagnosed as having AIDS. The guidelines recommend starting treatment at this point, if you have not already done so. As the CD-4 count goes down, HIV persons are more likely to develop opportunistic infections and cancers.
CD-8 cells are T-suppressor white blood cells that inhibit or suppress or regulate immune system responses and prevent inapropriate auto-immune response.
Or they are natural killer T-cells (NK-cells) that attack cancerous cells and cells infected with viruses.
A normal CD-8 cell count ranges between 300 and 1,000 cells.
Unfortunately, a discount marketer has purchased some EpiCor and is selling it far under market price. The contents of the inexpensive product looks nothing like the real thing. These products are, most likely, cut with fillers, which is most unfortunate because pure EpiCor is an exceptional immune system modulator.
The fish in ZoOmega-3 fish oil capsules come from Northern Atlantic cold waters. However, that questions does not really give us much information since fish oil sellers use it to make claims about competitors that may not be true. ConsumerLabs tested 55 different brands of over-the-counter fish oil last year and not one of them contained mercury (we do a good job of not allowing mercury laden fish oil into this country). The only fish oil they found problems with was the Kirkland Brand from Costco. This brand did not fail the mercury test, it failed enteric coating test and it included the amount of Omega-3 EPA/DHA listed on the label.
ZoOmega-3 is produced through molecular distillation during the manufacturing process. Since triglycerides do not fractionate well, they are first transformed to ethyl esters and then fractionated. This assures an exceptionally clean source of omega-3 fatty acids. No one has presented peer-reviewed and published science to support the claim being made by some companies that the TG form of fish oil is “300% more absorbable than ethyl ester forms.
At this point there is no science to suggest that the ethyl ester form of fish oil to be toxic either. In fact, the FDA approved Omacor, which is also an ethyl ester highly concentrated fish oil, because their studies proved it to be effective and completely safe. Omacor is being sold as a pharmaceutical because some insurance companies will cover the $120 per month cost as a pharmaceutical drug instead of an over-the-counter product – not because it could be toxic to the liver.
Most ethyl ester fish oil is stabilized with the addition of vitamin E. If ethyl ester fish oil is consumed with a meal that includes a small amount of fat, the missing TG glycerol backbone is naturally provided. We also suggest that all fish oil capsules be consumed with a multiple that provides adequate antioxidants to address the metabolic oxidative stress associated with the retinal pigment epithelial (RPA), because it is one of the most active tissues in the body, and it includes the highest amount of Omega-3 DHA.
FYI: The TG form of fish oil also starts with an ethyl ester distillation process before synthetically rebuilding a TG glycerol backbone, which actually further reduces its purity.
Please note that ZoOmega-3 includes 5 IU of stabilizing vitamin E in each capsule.
60 capsules of Biosyntrx ZoOmega-3 that each includes 300 mg of EPA and 200 mg of DHA retails for under $18.00! TG fish oil is retailing for well over $40.00 for the same amount of EPA/DHA.
BioTears is specifically designed to address mucosal tissue health. It has been suggested in clinical studies and case reports to be effective on a large percentage of dry eye sufferers. However, in a few cases, additional EPA /DHA from one or two daily capsules ZoOmega-3 has improved effectivness.
ZoOmega is a combination of two words: zoology, which is the biological discipline that involves the study of non-human animals (ncluding fish) and Omega-3, which is a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids - the important ones being alpha-linolenic-acid (ALA) from plants and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are downstream metabolites of plant-based ALA. Both EPA and DHA are more readily available from fish than from plant-based Omega-3s - including flax seed oil.
Years of over-consumption of overly-processed junk food has made the U.S. the least healthy country in the industrialized world. Fortunately for us, science has discovered that sufficient amounts of Omega-3 EPA and DHA from cold water fish oil can nutralize some of the vascular damage created by the cooking oils included in most ALL processed foods including cakes, cookies, chips, crackers, muffins, bagels, donuts, breads, fried foods and margarine. Fish oil is also associated with improved joint health, better behavior, and improved eye health.
However, taking fish oil supplements does not mean that you can continue to consume large amounts of the above and stay healthy.
With fish oil, like most everything else, you tend to get what you pay for, with the exception being the prescription-only fish oil called OMACOR (lovastin), which sells for $120.00 for a one month supply (more than three times the per mg cost of EPA/DHA in ZoOmega-3).
We suggest you look for ethyl concentrated EPA/DHA pharmaceutical-grade fish oils from reputable companies that will guarantee their product is from cold water fish, and free of mercury and PCBs. ZoOmega-3 meets these requirments
If you get a fishy taste in your mouth after taking fish oil capsules, the product may very well be rancid. Although there is a small percentage of the population who seem to have a low GI tolerence for fish oil.
All fish oil products must be stabilized with Vitamin E, since these oils have an extremely short shelf life without it. Unfortunately, fish oil and most vegetable oils, including Flax Seed Oil, become pro-oxidants if they become rancid and these pro-oxidants wreack havoc with our health. Each capsule of ZoOmega-3 is stabilized with 5 IUs of Vitamin E.
Zeaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, as well as the central macula pigment carotenoid preference for UV protection. However, do remember that macula pigment is just one of the issues in the macular degeneration disease process. Zeaxanthin in-vitro studies, yet to be published in peer-reviewed journal, suggest both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkB) modulation activity in the diabetic eye. A number of plant-based antioxidants, including grape seed and berry anthocyanidins, have already been suggested in published peer-reviewed science to modulate these gene-based transcription factors associated with diseases of the retina - including macular degeneration.
Dennis Geirhart, PhD, a much admired research scientist and the zeaxanthin patent holder, includes 5 to 20 mg per day in his EyePromise and EyePromise Complete products. It's important to remember that zeaxanthin, unlike beta-carotene, has virtually no ability to convert to Vitamin A retinol, so the eye or macula specific formulations that don't include beta-carotene or Vitamin A, as retinyl palmitate, leave the patient consumer with no supplemental vitamin A, which is particularly necessary for night vision in older people. We recommend that you and your doctor make the decision regarding zeaxanthin supplementation over the 3 and 4 mgs included in Biosyntrx Oculair and Macula Complete.
Dennis Geirhart, PhD. The US courts ruled that supplement manufacturers can include up to 4 mg of zeaxanthin in a multiple or disease-specific formulation.
Absolutely! The new U.S. government Health and Human Services recommendation for fruit and vegetable daily consumption is five to nine servings a day for optimal health. Almost no one does this - so a well formulated full-spectrum multiple is affordable good health insurance.
Certainly. For the convenience of our prescribing doctors and their patients, as well as for the consumers who purchase directly from our web site, this secure web site is designed to automatically deliver BioTears Oral GelCaps, Oculair, and Macula Complete to your door every thirty days if that is your choice.
Yes. You can be assured that a web site shopping cart is secure when you see the lock and key in the lower bar of the shopping cart credit card page. Our web site is secured by Thawte, a global certificate authority that provides digital certificates and 128-bit encryption.
When ordering, please remember that all customs, duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the customer. Please remember that some nutrients are restricted in certain countries.
All Biosyntrx formulations have been stability tested for a two year shelf life from the date of manufacturing, which can be found on the bottom of the bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Biosyntrx products are manufactured to cGMP's (Current Good Manufacturing Principles). Quality assurance checkpoints are built into the entire process, including multiple checks on raw material weight, proper grinding and mixing of raw material blend to assure uniform dispersion, multiple capsule weight checks throughout the encapsulation process, accurately filling the bottles with the proper number of capsules or softgels, and final testing of finished product for quality and label claims. All these check- points guarantee that what's indicated on the label, matches the content of the bottle. A certificate of composition accompanies each product batch, which ensures that potency meets stated label claims of potency.
Our manufacturers acquisition of state-of-the-art, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment, in conjunction with a unique, landmark alliance with the Biochemistry Department, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) assures our customers unsurpassed quality control, and safe products that are what they claim to be.
Our manufacturers seal, found on the bottom of the supplement fact box on every label, speaks to authentic quality control through their alliance with the Biochemistry Department, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).
