Lutein, a nutrient found in dark, green, leafy vegetables, increases skin hydration and elasticity and protects against skin inflammation and eye diseases. Lutein is present in tissues in the eyes, skin, cervix, brain, breast and blood serum, but is not produced by the body and must be consumed in food or supplements. Lutein is a supplement ingredient in Cooper Complete Iron Free and With Iron, Elite Athlete, Dermatologic Health and Eye Health.
“You probably eat foods containing lutein, like spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli, corn and eggs, but you would need to consume a fair amount of them daily to reap lutein's full benefits,” says Todd Whitthorne, president and CEO, Cooper Concepts in Dallas.
Daily intake of lutein is low in industrialized countries and has been found to be even smaller among U.S. than European residents.
Developed by the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, the Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health supplement contains lutein and other key nutrients that promote healthy skin, hair and nails. The product was formulated by board-certified dermatologists and includes ingredients that have proven beneficial in scientific studies.
According to a study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology in 2007, FloraGLO® Lutein, made from marigold flowers, promotes long-term, skin health by increasing elasticity and lipid content, and by decreasing lipid oxidation – which can cause skin degradation. Skin's lipid content is comprised of oily components that create a healthy look. Lutein shields skin from exposure to ultraviolet light and protects against sun by bolstering the skin's antioxidant, defense system. FloraGLO® is the form of lutein contained in all Cooper Complete products.
Another supplement, Cooper Complete Eye Health, is formulated to provide nutrients that are clinically proven to help eyes.
“Lutein has been shown to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is the main cause of blindness in Americans ages 65 and older,” Whitthorne says. The macula is a yellow spot near the center of the retina of the eye, and it absorbs excess blue and ultraviolet light, acting as a natural pair of sunglasses. The macula's yellow color comes from its lutein and zeaxanthin content.
A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology in 2007 included 4,500 participants between 60 and 80 years old, and found that lutein strengthens eye-cell membranes and prevents free radicals from harming eye cells. Lutein is an antioxidant that may protect the macula tissue by quenching free radicals. Lutein also filters high-energy, blue light that can damage the macula and skin.
“Our eyes are very active metabolically, and proper nutrition, including antioxidants, are vital to vision,” Whitthorne says. “Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes can trouble aging Americans.” Increased intake of lutein helps lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Research has shown that lutein has anti-inflammation effects. In a study published in 2007, State University of New Jersey researchers found that lutein helps lower potentially dangerous, skin inflammation.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Our toll free number is 888.393.2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Omega-3’s – How’s it made? Fish Oil
We recently received an email asking us about how fish is processed to become fish oil.
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 is a blend of sardines and anchovies, both small, cold water fish. The fish are wild caught off the Peruvian coast, as the Humboldt Current makes this part of the world particularly full of marine life.
While sardines aren’t a popular menu item here in the U.S., they are very popular in other parts of the world, so our blend is more heavily weighed towards anchovies as much of the sardine catch ends up being diverted to the global dinner table. The anchovies used are typically about 18 inches long, and they are processed whole. To extract the omega-3 fatty acids, the fish are cooked in order to liquefy the fats. The fish are then placed in gigantic drum which is rotated at high speed. The centrifugal force of the rotating drum separates the oil out from the fish.
The oil then goes through a multi-step purification, concentration and deodorization process that takes about 16 weeks before it is ready to be encapsulated, bottled and sold.
After the oil is removed, the remaining fish solids are then processed to use for fish meal. The fish meal is a food ingredient used in making feed for chickens, pigs, and farmed raised fish. Fish meal is also used as a high quality organic fertilizer for gardens and lawns.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 is a blend of sardines and anchovies, both small, cold water fish. The fish are wild caught off the Peruvian coast, as the Humboldt Current makes this part of the world particularly full of marine life.
While sardines aren’t a popular menu item here in the U.S., they are very popular in other parts of the world, so our blend is more heavily weighed towards anchovies as much of the sardine catch ends up being diverted to the global dinner table. The anchovies used are typically about 18 inches long, and they are processed whole. To extract the omega-3 fatty acids, the fish are cooked in order to liquefy the fats. The fish are then placed in gigantic drum which is rotated at high speed. The centrifugal force of the rotating drum separates the oil out from the fish.
The oil then goes through a multi-step purification, concentration and deodorization process that takes about 16 weeks before it is ready to be encapsulated, bottled and sold.
After the oil is removed, the remaining fish solids are then processed to use for fish meal. The fish meal is a food ingredient used in making feed for chickens, pigs, and farmed raised fish. Fish meal is also used as a high quality organic fertilizer for gardens and lawns.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Position Statement on Vitamin D | Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.
There has been considerable interest and debate in the scientific community regarding the recent recommendations of the IOM (Institute of Medicine) as it relates to the proper intake of vitamin D. Commenting only on the relation to bone health, the IOM panel called for 600 IUs of vitamin D daily for all ages up to age 70 and 800 IUs after age 71. They also doubled the UL (safe upper limit) to 4000 IU per day.
These dosage recommendations were based on what the panel believes would allow most individuals to maintain a vitamin D blood level of 20 ng/ml.
Many internationally recognized vitamin D researchers, including Creighton’s Dr. Robert Haney feel these recommendations are too low:
“The statement by the IOM that skeletal health can be maintained at serum 25(OH)D levels of 20 ng/ml is incorrect. 30 ng/ml should be looked at as the lower end of the acceptable range for bone health. There have been randomized controlled trials showing major reductions in fractures by getting the serum level to 29 ng/ml. Fracture reduction does not reliably occur at levels less than 30 ng/ml and in some cases as high as 40 ng/ml. Osteoid seam width, a measure of vitamin D deficiency, only reaches normal values when the level is above 30 ng/ml. There is significant evidence above the IOM panel’s “adequate” level of 20 ng/ml.”
Dr. Walter Willett, the chairman of the nutrition department at The Harvard School of Public Health and a member of the Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplement scientific advisory committee agrees that the IOM recommendations are too low:
“We don't have all the evidence, but the data are clear that blood levels higher than 20 ng/ml are associated with higher BMD (bone mineral density), a strong risk factor for fracture. The main evidence used to set the level at 20 was from a study of osteomalacia in an autopsy series. Osteomalacia was not associated with age, which makes it a dubious sufficient indicator of bone health.”
In contrast to the IOM report, the IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) recommended in their 2010 position paper on vitamin D a threshold of 30 ng/ml for optimal fall and fracture reduction.
It is also very important to note that vitamin D levels are associated with much more than just bone health. There is tremendous data in the scientific literature showing a clear relationship between deficiencies of vitamin D and many cancers, including breast, colon, ovary, and kidney. In fact, Dr. Cedric Garland from the Moores Cancer Center at U.C. San Diego has stated that, “the benefit of vitamin D is as clear as the harmful link between smoking and lung cancer.”
In addition to many cancers, vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunity to infection, multiple sclerosis, age related macular degeneration and chronic pain.
The Cooper Clinic bases vitamin D dosage recommendations on a patients actual blood level (25(OH)D). Ideally we strive for individuals to maintain a serum level of between 40-60 ng/ml with 30 ng/ml considered to be an absolute minimum. The Clinic has been measuring vitamin D levels in our patients since May, 2007 and we know two things are certain. One is that the majority of first time patients fall below, some well below, the 30 ng/ml minimum target and, the dosage needed to achieve sufficiency varies greatly from patient to patient.
For over 40 years Cooper Clinic has focused on preventive medicine and we base all of our recommendations on the preponderance of published scientific evidence. This is why all of our adult formulations of Cooper Complete multivitamins contain 2000 I.U. of vitamin D-3. For many that amount is adequate to achieve and maintain a vitamin D blood level of at least 40 ng/ml. However for others that only serves as a starting point. I have several patients that need to take 3000-4000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily and some require 50,000 IU/week in order to maintain adequate blood levels. The important point is that one size does not fit all. Of note Dr. Michael Holick, an internationally recognized vitamin D researcher from Boston University has conducted studies giving subjects 50,000 IU of vitamin D twice a month for six years and has seen no harmful effects.
Should you have an interest in exploring the vitamin D topic in greater detail I encourage you to visit www.grassrootshealth.net or e-mail Todd Whitthorne, President and CEO of Cooper Concepts, at twhitthorne@cooperwellness.com. He can also be reached at 972-560-2656.
Sincerely,
Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.
Founder, CEO, Cooper Clinic
These dosage recommendations were based on what the panel believes would allow most individuals to maintain a vitamin D blood level of 20 ng/ml.
Many internationally recognized vitamin D researchers, including Creighton’s Dr. Robert Haney feel these recommendations are too low:
“The statement by the IOM that skeletal health can be maintained at serum 25(OH)D levels of 20 ng/ml is incorrect. 30 ng/ml should be looked at as the lower end of the acceptable range for bone health. There have been randomized controlled trials showing major reductions in fractures by getting the serum level to 29 ng/ml. Fracture reduction does not reliably occur at levels less than 30 ng/ml and in some cases as high as 40 ng/ml. Osteoid seam width, a measure of vitamin D deficiency, only reaches normal values when the level is above 30 ng/ml. There is significant evidence above the IOM panel’s “adequate” level of 20 ng/ml.”
Dr. Walter Willett, the chairman of the nutrition department at The Harvard School of Public Health and a member of the Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplement scientific advisory committee agrees that the IOM recommendations are too low:
“We don't have all the evidence, but the data are clear that blood levels higher than 20 ng/ml are associated with higher BMD (bone mineral density), a strong risk factor for fracture. The main evidence used to set the level at 20 was from a study of osteomalacia in an autopsy series. Osteomalacia was not associated with age, which makes it a dubious sufficient indicator of bone health.”
In contrast to the IOM report, the IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) recommended in their 2010 position paper on vitamin D a threshold of 30 ng/ml for optimal fall and fracture reduction.
It is also very important to note that vitamin D levels are associated with much more than just bone health. There is tremendous data in the scientific literature showing a clear relationship between deficiencies of vitamin D and many cancers, including breast, colon, ovary, and kidney. In fact, Dr. Cedric Garland from the Moores Cancer Center at U.C. San Diego has stated that, “the benefit of vitamin D is as clear as the harmful link between smoking and lung cancer.”
In addition to many cancers, vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunity to infection, multiple sclerosis, age related macular degeneration and chronic pain.
The Cooper Clinic bases vitamin D dosage recommendations on a patients actual blood level (25(OH)D). Ideally we strive for individuals to maintain a serum level of between 40-60 ng/ml with 30 ng/ml considered to be an absolute minimum. The Clinic has been measuring vitamin D levels in our patients since May, 2007 and we know two things are certain. One is that the majority of first time patients fall below, some well below, the 30 ng/ml minimum target and, the dosage needed to achieve sufficiency varies greatly from patient to patient.
For over 40 years Cooper Clinic has focused on preventive medicine and we base all of our recommendations on the preponderance of published scientific evidence. This is why all of our adult formulations of Cooper Complete multivitamins contain 2000 I.U. of vitamin D-3. For many that amount is adequate to achieve and maintain a vitamin D blood level of at least 40 ng/ml. However for others that only serves as a starting point. I have several patients that need to take 3000-4000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily and some require 50,000 IU/week in order to maintain adequate blood levels. The important point is that one size does not fit all. Of note Dr. Michael Holick, an internationally recognized vitamin D researcher from Boston University has conducted studies giving subjects 50,000 IU of vitamin D twice a month for six years and has seen no harmful effects.
Should you have an interest in exploring the vitamin D topic in greater detail I encourage you to visit www.grassrootshealth.net or e-mail Todd Whitthorne, President and CEO of Cooper Concepts, at twhitthorne@cooperwellness.com. He can also be reached at 972-560-2656.
Sincerely,
Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.
Founder, CEO, Cooper Clinic
Monday, December 20, 2010
Do Your Skin, Hair, or Nails Need a Pick-Me-Up?
Skin is the body's largest organ and it, along with the eyes, is constantly assaulted by household and outdoor pollutants and sunlight. Almost non-stop exposure to one or several of these elements creates cell-damaging free radicals. To fend off that relentless assault, defenses beyond sunscreen and lotions are needed, says Adean Kingston, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Cooper Clinic.
Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health provides an array of nutrients that our skin, hair and nails welcome. Vitamin A, in the form of natural beta carotene with mixed carotenoids, and zinc are included to improve your complexion. Both nutrients counter facial oil and acne and its lesions.
Lutein is included in the formula for skin health. Lutein filters high-energy, blue light that can damage skin cells, and protects the skin by attacking free radicals. Lutein is an antioxidant found in spinach, kale, collard greens and other vegetables. Lutein also supports eye and cardiovascular health.
Results of a 2007 study published in the Skin Pharmacology and Physiology journal showed that 10 milligrams of lutein can improve skin hydration and elasticity and enhance the skin's photo-protective activity. Data indicate that lutein inhibits skin reactions to ultraviolet light and prevents UVB-induced skin cancer. Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health contains 10 milligrams of FloraGLO lutein, the most bioavailable form of lutein.
“Copper, essential to enzyme reactions, is part of the supplement's formula to increase elastin production and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, lax skin and wrinkles,” said Dr. Kingston. Copper combats psoriasis and other skin conditions. Biotin, a member of the B Complex and essential to skin, hair, and nail rejuvenation, is also in the formula.
Vitamins C and E are included as potent anti-oxidants, countering the effects of sun exposure by scavenging for free radicals. Studies have shown that when Vitamins A and E are taken together, the risks of basal cell carcinoma, a common, sun-induced skin cancer, are reduced. Selenium is included to protect skin from sun damage and lower the risk of skin cancer.
An antioxidant called polypodium leucotomas, derived from a tropical plant in South and Central America, is included in the supplement, too, to protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Polypodium leucotomas is often marketed as heiliocare. Native Americans used the plant's extract to treat inflammatory disorders and skin diseases. Dr. Kingston says polypodium leucotomas is beneficial for dermatitis and psoriasis, and it lowers the risk of skin cancer.
Horsetail extract, included in the supplement's formula, is a living fossil that contains high levels of the element silicon, found to be effective in hair growth. Dermatologic Health also contains biotin and zinc to promote healthy hair. Biotin and horsetail extract are often used to help brittle fingernails, a condition affecting 20 percent of Americans. Brittle nails can be caused by a lack of nutrients, an underlying health condition, and other factors like repeated washing of hands.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health provides an array of nutrients that our skin, hair and nails welcome. Vitamin A, in the form of natural beta carotene with mixed carotenoids, and zinc are included to improve your complexion. Both nutrients counter facial oil and acne and its lesions.
Lutein is included in the formula for skin health. Lutein filters high-energy, blue light that can damage skin cells, and protects the skin by attacking free radicals. Lutein is an antioxidant found in spinach, kale, collard greens and other vegetables. Lutein also supports eye and cardiovascular health.
Results of a 2007 study published in the Skin Pharmacology and Physiology journal showed that 10 milligrams of lutein can improve skin hydration and elasticity and enhance the skin's photo-protective activity. Data indicate that lutein inhibits skin reactions to ultraviolet light and prevents UVB-induced skin cancer. Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health contains 10 milligrams of FloraGLO lutein, the most bioavailable form of lutein.
“Copper, essential to enzyme reactions, is part of the supplement's formula to increase elastin production and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, lax skin and wrinkles,” said Dr. Kingston. Copper combats psoriasis and other skin conditions. Biotin, a member of the B Complex and essential to skin, hair, and nail rejuvenation, is also in the formula.
Vitamins C and E are included as potent anti-oxidants, countering the effects of sun exposure by scavenging for free radicals. Studies have shown that when Vitamins A and E are taken together, the risks of basal cell carcinoma, a common, sun-induced skin cancer, are reduced. Selenium is included to protect skin from sun damage and lower the risk of skin cancer.
An antioxidant called polypodium leucotomas, derived from a tropical plant in South and Central America, is included in the supplement, too, to protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Polypodium leucotomas is often marketed as heiliocare. Native Americans used the plant's extract to treat inflammatory disorders and skin diseases. Dr. Kingston says polypodium leucotomas is beneficial for dermatitis and psoriasis, and it lowers the risk of skin cancer.
Horsetail extract, included in the supplement's formula, is a living fossil that contains high levels of the element silicon, found to be effective in hair growth. Dermatologic Health also contains biotin and zinc to promote healthy hair. Biotin and horsetail extract are often used to help brittle fingernails, a condition affecting 20 percent of Americans. Brittle nails can be caused by a lack of nutrients, an underlying health condition, and other factors like repeated washing of hands.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Stop The Stink
I know it’s a somewhat personal question, but do your feet stink? In a recent “Dear Annie” advice column, Annie had a nurse write in and report that a zinc deficiency can cause body odor, including stinky feet. I decided to look up the science on zinc to find any literature connecting a zinc deficiency with odor.
Our body requires zinc for the functioning of more than 300 enzymes. The U.S. recommendations for daily intake are 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. While food sources of zinc include oysters, shellfish, poultry and meat, as well as fortified cereals and nutrition bars, the average diet may not contain enough zinc. Zinc supplements come in several forms – zinc chelate, citrate, picolinate and sulfate. The sulfate form is less expensive than the other forms. (Cooper Complete products use the chelate form of zinc.)
The scientific literature on zinc is extensive, and there is good evidence to support zinc supplementation to:
• Reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in malnourished children
• Help the healing process of gastric ulcers
• Help manage or reduce symptoms of sickle cell anemia
In the studies, participants showed an increase in heath, weight, immune system function, and testosterone levels, while reducing the number of sickled cells.
• Prevent zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency symptoms include hair loss, impotence, skin and eye conditions, and reduced appetite.
There’s conflicting research on the impact of zinc in treating the severity and duration of the common cold. In a small double-blind trial of 100 people experiencing early cold symptoms, the half given 13.3 mg of zinc from zinc gluconate recovered from their cold much more quickly than the placebo group. Coughing disappeared within 2.2 days (versus 4 in the placebo group), the sore throat lasted 1 day (versus 3), nasal drainage lasted 4 days (versus 7), and headache time fell from three days to two days. Unfortunately, other studies show little difference between zinc and a placebo.
In a search of the scientific literature, I came up empty when seeking a connection between smelly feet and zinc. In anecdotal information, the writer to “Dear Annie” reports that taking zinc supplements eliminated foot odor. The Graedon’s at the People’s Pharmacy have heard 50 to 100 mg zinc daily made a dramatic reduction in foot odor within 30 days. Another home remedy found in the People’s Pharmacy is to soak the feet in warm water with tannic acid. Because tea is high in tannic acid, adding tea bags to a foot bath is an easy way to try this remedy.
Because long-term high levels of zinc can be toxic, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any supplements you take.
The adult Cooper Complete multivitamin and mineral supplements (including Elite Athlete and Basic One) contain 15 mg zinc per daily serving.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
Reference
Ask Annie Advice Column Suggests Zinc for Body Odor and Stinky Feet
Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold
Zinc
Strange Solutions for Smelly Feet
Smelly Feet – free download from the People’s Pharmacy with Joe and Terry Graedon
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Our body requires zinc for the functioning of more than 300 enzymes. The U.S. recommendations for daily intake are 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. While food sources of zinc include oysters, shellfish, poultry and meat, as well as fortified cereals and nutrition bars, the average diet may not contain enough zinc. Zinc supplements come in several forms – zinc chelate, citrate, picolinate and sulfate. The sulfate form is less expensive than the other forms. (Cooper Complete products use the chelate form of zinc.)
The scientific literature on zinc is extensive, and there is good evidence to support zinc supplementation to:
• Reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in malnourished children
• Help the healing process of gastric ulcers
• Help manage or reduce symptoms of sickle cell anemia
In the studies, participants showed an increase in heath, weight, immune system function, and testosterone levels, while reducing the number of sickled cells.
• Prevent zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency symptoms include hair loss, impotence, skin and eye conditions, and reduced appetite.
There’s conflicting research on the impact of zinc in treating the severity and duration of the common cold. In a small double-blind trial of 100 people experiencing early cold symptoms, the half given 13.3 mg of zinc from zinc gluconate recovered from their cold much more quickly than the placebo group. Coughing disappeared within 2.2 days (versus 4 in the placebo group), the sore throat lasted 1 day (versus 3), nasal drainage lasted 4 days (versus 7), and headache time fell from three days to two days. Unfortunately, other studies show little difference between zinc and a placebo.
In a search of the scientific literature, I came up empty when seeking a connection between smelly feet and zinc. In anecdotal information, the writer to “Dear Annie” reports that taking zinc supplements eliminated foot odor. The Graedon’s at the People’s Pharmacy have heard 50 to 100 mg zinc daily made a dramatic reduction in foot odor within 30 days. Another home remedy found in the People’s Pharmacy is to soak the feet in warm water with tannic acid. Because tea is high in tannic acid, adding tea bags to a foot bath is an easy way to try this remedy.
Because long-term high levels of zinc can be toxic, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any supplements you take.
The adult Cooper Complete multivitamin and mineral supplements (including Elite Athlete and Basic One) contain 15 mg zinc per daily serving.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
Reference
Ask Annie Advice Column Suggests Zinc for Body Odor and Stinky Feet
Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold
Zinc
Strange Solutions for Smelly Feet
Smelly Feet – free download from the People’s Pharmacy with Joe and Terry Graedon
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Supplement Storage Suggestions
Food scientists at Purdue University published a study this year reporting the impact of temperatures and humidity levels on vitamin C. In the findings, vitamin C showed signs of deterioration when humidity levels rose to 80 percent and higher. While researchers only focused on vitamin C, the impact of temperature and humidity on supplements has been studied over the years.
Heat and humidity can degrade supplements quickly, therefore Cooper Complete supplements have these instructions on the container: “For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place (59 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 – 65 percent relative humidity).”
Generally we want to store our vitamins where we’ll see them and remember to take them. For most people, the obvious places seem to be the car, kitchen, bathroom, or desk.
In the bathroom
The bathroom suffers from major humidity issues and temperature changes. Each opening of the supplement bottle potentially exposes them to higher than recommended levels of humidity. And storing the supplements in the medicine cabinet can also be an issue if much time is spent in front of the cabinet mirror with the hot water running and razor in hand for the morning shave. If you must store your supplements in the bathroom, the linen closet, dressing area, or walk-in closet are better options.
In the kitchen
The kitchen can be a dicey location. Contrary to popular opinion, vitamins do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is actually too cold and is also prone to humidity. If you elect to keep your supplements in the kitchen, our recommendation is to put them in a cabinet or on a counter away from the stove, oven, or sink, where heat and humidity levels are much higher than optimal.
At the office
Here at Cooper many associates keep their vitamins on their desk. Office temperatures stay fairly steady. Seeing the bottle is a good reminder to take the daily dose.
In the car
Those of us living in the hot south and southwest only have to leave our supplements in the car once during summer to realize that softgels are quickly reduced to a giant, solidified brick. Interior car temperatures climb to exorbitantly high levels during the summer – well into the three-digits. Just as the heat turns up in the summer, the winter months can become too cold for vitamin storage (similar to a refrigerator). To avoid any temperature problems, it’s best to keep vitamins out of your car for long periods of time.
Bottom line; keep your supplements in a location where you would be comfortable – not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, and not too humid.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Reference
Influence of simultaneous variations in temperature and relative humidity on chemical stability of two vitamin C forms and implications for shelf life models
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20163110
Impact of deliquescence on the chemical stability of vitamins B1, B6, and C in powder blends
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18593179
The Claim: Always Store Vitamins in the Medicine Cabinet
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/health/02really.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Heat and humidity can degrade supplements quickly, therefore Cooper Complete supplements have these instructions on the container: “For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place (59 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 – 65 percent relative humidity).”
Generally we want to store our vitamins where we’ll see them and remember to take them. For most people, the obvious places seem to be the car, kitchen, bathroom, or desk.
In the bathroom
The bathroom suffers from major humidity issues and temperature changes. Each opening of the supplement bottle potentially exposes them to higher than recommended levels of humidity. And storing the supplements in the medicine cabinet can also be an issue if much time is spent in front of the cabinet mirror with the hot water running and razor in hand for the morning shave. If you must store your supplements in the bathroom, the linen closet, dressing area, or walk-in closet are better options.
In the kitchen
The kitchen can be a dicey location. Contrary to popular opinion, vitamins do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is actually too cold and is also prone to humidity. If you elect to keep your supplements in the kitchen, our recommendation is to put them in a cabinet or on a counter away from the stove, oven, or sink, where heat and humidity levels are much higher than optimal.
At the office
Here at Cooper many associates keep their vitamins on their desk. Office temperatures stay fairly steady. Seeing the bottle is a good reminder to take the daily dose.
In the car
Those of us living in the hot south and southwest only have to leave our supplements in the car once during summer to realize that softgels are quickly reduced to a giant, solidified brick. Interior car temperatures climb to exorbitantly high levels during the summer – well into the three-digits. Just as the heat turns up in the summer, the winter months can become too cold for vitamin storage (similar to a refrigerator). To avoid any temperature problems, it’s best to keep vitamins out of your car for long periods of time.
Bottom line; keep your supplements in a location where you would be comfortable – not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, and not too humid.
Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.
To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.
Reference
Influence of simultaneous variations in temperature and relative humidity on chemical stability of two vitamin C forms and implications for shelf life models
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20163110
Impact of deliquescence on the chemical stability of vitamins B1, B6, and C in powder blends
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18593179
The Claim: Always Store Vitamins in the Medicine Cabinet
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/health/02really.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Chelation Therapy – Metal or money eliminators?
While there are fantastic over-the-counter (OTC) solutions for all kinds of issues (for example, old-fashioned aspirin for a headache, or cortisone products for all kinds of itches), the reality is that there are also a lot of OTC items that are – plain and simple – a complete waste of time and money. One that recently crossed my path was Chelation therapy.
Chelation therapy was developed many years ago as an antidote for mustard gas poisoning during wartime. Chelating agents (chemicals) actually bind to heavy metals to carry them out of the body. The FDA has never approved any chelation product for OTC use for any health condition.
In mid-October, the FDA advised consumers to avoid “chelation” products that are marketed OTC to prevent or treat diseases. Eight companies received letters from the FDA about marketing claims made for treating a range of disorders from autism to Alzheimer’s disease with chelation. Some of the products are marketed as dietary supplements, and are available in various forms – nasal sprays, liquid drops, clay baths, and suppositories. FDA compliance expert Deborah Autor said “these (chelation) products are dangerously misleading because they are targeted to patients with serious conditions and limited treatment options.”
While there are thousands of different products on the market, the FDA does not approve vitamins and supplements. Research on what is right for you is imperative.
Please, do not try to take a supplement to treat a serious health issue! A dietary supplement cannot claim to treat, mitigate, prevent, or diagnose disease.
o The FDA’s warning
o Consumer warning
o Questions and answers
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements, and oversees the Cooper Wellness, a medically supervised, in-residence lifestyle modification program. E-mail (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.
Chelation therapy was developed many years ago as an antidote for mustard gas poisoning during wartime. Chelating agents (chemicals) actually bind to heavy metals to carry them out of the body. The FDA has never approved any chelation product for OTC use for any health condition.
In mid-October, the FDA advised consumers to avoid “chelation” products that are marketed OTC to prevent or treat diseases. Eight companies received letters from the FDA about marketing claims made for treating a range of disorders from autism to Alzheimer’s disease with chelation. Some of the products are marketed as dietary supplements, and are available in various forms – nasal sprays, liquid drops, clay baths, and suppositories. FDA compliance expert Deborah Autor said “these (chelation) products are dangerously misleading because they are targeted to patients with serious conditions and limited treatment options.”
While there are thousands of different products on the market, the FDA does not approve vitamins and supplements. Research on what is right for you is imperative.
Please, do not try to take a supplement to treat a serious health issue! A dietary supplement cannot claim to treat, mitigate, prevent, or diagnose disease.
o The FDA’s warning
o Consumer warning
o Questions and answers
Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements, and oversees the Cooper Wellness, a medically supervised, in-residence lifestyle modification program. E-mail (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.
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