• A comprehensive antioxidant network
• Antioxidant – powerful free radical scavenger
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• High ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value
• Increased bioavailability due to Bioperine®
• Inhibits oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol
• Supports cognitive health

A good ORAC supplement should contain at least 3000 ORAC units in the form of high-ORAC value foods such as blueberries, cranberries and elderberries. ORAC refers to Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity, which is a method for measuring the antioxidant capacities of different foods, and how many oxygen radicals a substance can absorb. The use of natural vitamin E isomers, tocotrienols (closely related to vitamin E in chemical structure), and vitamin C in ORAC supplements can contribute to an antioxidant network inside cells, which offers far more protection than the use of a single agent alone. Tocotrienols are 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. Antioxidants are natural cell protectors, neutralizing free radicals by pairing an electron to the outermost shell of radical oxygen molecules, rendering them harmless. Antioxidants are nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are capable of counteracting the effects of the physiological process of oxidation in bodily tissues. Antioxidants work in two ways, chain breaking and prevention. A chain-breaking antioxidant, such as vitamins A, C and E, stabilize free radicals or cause them to decay into harmless atomic structures.*

Isotonix Maximum ORAC is an isotonic-capable supplement composed of a powerful blend of blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and elderberries, black currant, pomegranate, plum, vitamins C and E (natural tocopherol, tocotrienols) and Bioperine® (black pepper extract). Bioperine promotes the bioavailability of certain nutrients, especially antioxidants to promote the absorption into the cells lining of the small intestine. In order to get 3000 ORAC units through food, one would have to consume a cup of blueberries per day. The CDC and NCI recommend five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. For most individuals, this is difficult to do and supplementing becomes vitally important. One capful of Maximum ORAC supplies 3000 ORAC units. Isotonix Maximum ORAC is intended to be used for its specially selected antioxidant properties.*

Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.

Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.

Potassium (bicarbonate) 125 mg
Foods rich in potassium include fresh vegetables and fruits such as bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, avocado, raw spinach, cabbage and celery.

Potassium is stored in the muscles. Potassium is an essential macro mineral that helps to maintain fluid balance. It also plays a role in a wide variety of biochemical and physiological processes. Among other things, it is important in the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, the production of energy, the synthesis of nucleic acids, the maintenance of intracellular tonicity and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Potassium stimulates muscle relaxation and insulin release. It also promotes glycogen and protein synthesis. Potassium is an electrolyte that promotes proper heartbeat. Potassium is important in releasing energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates during metabolism. Potassium also regulates water balance and assists recuperative powers. Potassium is crucial for the elimination of wastes. Potassium is a natural pain desensitizer.

Cranberry Extract 200 mg
Cranberry is a small evergreen shrub containing dark pink flowers that grows in damp bogs and mountain forests. It blooms from late spring until the end of the summer. The shrub’s small red fruits are produced in the fall. The therapeutic properties of the plant come from the fruit. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidin, which are helpful in promoting a healthy urinary tract and supporting a normal pH of urine. Preliminary evidence suggests that cranberries increase the antioxidant levels of plasma and may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by providing antioxidant protection of LDL particles. Cranberries have a high ORAC value, next to blueberries.*

Blueberry Extract 100 mg
Blueberries rank highest among many fruits and vegetables for ORAC activity and contain 25-30 different types of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give blueberries (and other fruits) their rich blue and red coloring, and are a powerful flavonoid antioxidant. The mechanism of action surrounding anthocyanins has been studied at the molecular level, demonstrating effects such as promoting cellular health. Blueberries provide large amounts of chlorogenic acid, which is thought to be important in promoting cellular health. Blueberries support the body’s COX-2 inhibitors and provide a powerful antioxidant defense, supporting a strong, comprehensive antioxidant network within the body.*

Grape Extract 93 mg
Grapes contain a variety of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanidins, cinnamates and flavan-3-ols, which have all been shown to be effective in promoting cardiovascular health. Anthocyanidins are powerful flavonoid antioxidants that contribute to maintaining cellular health. Preliminary evidence suggests that anthocyanidins contribute to supporting healthy capillaries and providing antioxidant protection of LDL particles, which help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and contribute to overall cardiovascular health.*

Raspberry Extract 90 mg
Raspberries contain significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants, chemicals linked to promoting endothelial and cardiovascular health. Raspberries are high in fiber, are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, a good source of vitamin K and magnesium, and contain some calcium and iron. Raspberries are powerful antioxidants, particularly due to their dense contents of ellagic acid (from ellagotannins), quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. They have a high ORAC value next to cranberries and blueberries.*

Elderberry Extract 40 mg
Elderberries contain the flavonoids rutin, isoquertin and hyperoside, as well as anthocyan glycosides, an essential oil. Elderberries have historically been used to make elderberry wine, elder brandy, and sambuca, a popular cordial. Elderberries have a high ORAC value, and contribute to promoting a comprehensive antioxidant network and stimulating the immune system.*

Black Currant Extract 40 mg
Black currants are powerful antioxidants, particularly due to their anthocyanins content. They are rich sources of vitamin C, and contain high concentrations of B-vitamins, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Black currants have a high ORAC value. They contribute to promoting a comprehensive antioxidant network, stimulating the immune system and promoting cardiovascular health.*

Pomegranate Extract 40 mg
One pomegranate delivers 40 percent of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement, and is a rich source of folic acid and antioxidants. Pomegranates are high in polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate are hydrolysable tannins, particularly punicalagins, which research has shown to be the antioxidant responsible for the free-radical scavenging ability of pomegranate juice.*

Many food and dietary supplement makers have found the advantages of using pomegranate extracts (which have no sugar, calories or additives), instead of the juice, as healthy ingredients in their products. Many pomegranate extracts are essentially ellagic acid, which is largely a by-product of the juice extraction process. Ellagic acid has been shown in published studies to absorb into the body when consumed as ellagitannins, such as punicalagins.*

Prune Powder 30 mg
Plums contain several powerful antioxidants, with a high ORAC content. They are rich sources of many essential vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in dietary fiber, sorbitol and isatin. They have been commonly used to promote digestive health, but also contribute to a comprehensive antioxidant network, promote cognitive health and cardiovascular health.*

Chokeberry Extract 20 mg
Chokeberries are powerful antioxidants due to their high anthocyanins content. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, and contribute to general health and well-being. They contribute to a comprehensive antioxidant network, scavenging free radicals and promoting antioxidant protection of LDL particles.*

Bioperine® (Black Pepper Extract): 56 mcg
Bioperine® is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent of piperine. The metabolic process that generates energy at the cellular level in the human body is called thermogenesis. Though thermogenesis has been identified as a key factor in maintaining weight loss, it has also been identified as playing an integral role in utilizing the daily food and nutrients that the human body consumes. It sets in motion the mechanisms that lead to digestion and subsequent gastrointestinal absorption. Piperine, in the patented form of Bioperine®, promotes the body's natural thermogenic activity. Bioperine enhances the bioavailability of certain nutrients, especially antioxidants.*

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): 100 mg
Vitamin C is found in peppers (sweet, green, red, hot red and green chili), citrus fruits, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, collards, mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, guava, kiwi fruit, currants and strawberries. Nuts and grains contain small amounts of vitamin C. It is important to note that cooking destroys vitamin C activity.*

Vitamin C is integral in supporting a healthy immune system, promoting cardiovascular health, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and providing an antioxidant defense. The body does not manufacture vitamin C on its own, nor does it store it. Therefore, vitamin C must be acquired through diet and supplementation.*

What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidant means against oxidation. Antioxidants work to protect lipids from peroxidation by radical elements. Antioxidants are effective because they give up their own electrons to free radicals. When a free radical gains the electron from an antioxidant, it no longer needs to attack a cell and the chain reaction of oxidation is broken.

Where do free radicals come from?
Simply breathing (respiration), metabolizing food and generating ATP to fuel enzymatic reactions can create free radicals. Free radicals are created by the following: eating high fat foods, processed foods, food preservatives, ionizing radiation (UV, gamma, X-rays), exercise, stress, pollution, chlorine in drinking water, and tobacco smoke. Maximum ORAC contributes to the body’s ability to counteract oxidation by increasing the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream, and protecting the other antioxidants that are acquired from our diets and promoting their full antioxidant activity in some cases.

I already take an antioxidant supplement with vitamins A, C, and E; is there an advantage in taking supplements in Isotonix® form?
Yes. When you ingest food, drink, beverages or most nutritional supplements, the stomach must secrete diluting juices, enzymes, hydrochloric acid and at least one vitamin-binding protein to begin the process of digestion. This process can take about 40 minutes, depending on the size of the meal, and it requires both time and energy. The advantage of using Isotonix® products are that they are delivered directly into the small intestine nutritionally concentrated. This maximizes the opportunity for absorption of the nutrients across the cell membranes.

Isotonix® products, such as the Maximum ORAC, are usually taken on an empty stomach, which considerably shortens the transit time through the body. Since the transit time is shortened, it minimizes the chance that vital micronutrients will be trapped in the body by fats, fibers and tannins, or even inactivated by a highly acidic pH level, which can all lead to neutralization in the nutritional value. The solution flows into the small intestine, where it mixes with pancreatic digestive juices, which adds sodium bicarbonate to adjust the pH to neutral, and in so doing, maximizes the potential uptake of nutrients.

What is the difference in taking an isotonic formula as compared to taking traditional tablets?
Isotonic solutions offer the fastest and most efficient delivery of all oral forms of supplementation. The nutrients in the solutions are quickly and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream, and do not linger in the stomach causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Isotonix® products are not encapsulated, so there is no need for them to contain fillers, binders, coatings, lubricants, disintegrators or artificial coloring like there can be in traditional nutrient supplements.

What does O.R.A.C. stand for?
Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity is an assay that measures the antioxidant activity of a substance. ORAC assays measure how many oxygen radicals a substance can absorb. The higher its ORAC score, the better it is at helping our bodies destroy free radicals.

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