Benefits of Micronutrients in Women's Health

Benefits of

Micronutrients in Women’s Health

Benefits of Micronutrients in Women’s Health

1st Edition

© 2022 Dr. Rath Health Foundation

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Published by the Dr. Rath Health Foundation. All rights reserved. Individual pages of this brochure can be copied for private and noncommercial purposes only. Any direct or indirect commercial use of this brochure or its parts in any way is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the authors.

Introduction 4

Women’s specific health challenges 6

Healthy blood is Important for health, vitality, and general well-being 7

Key nutrients for healthy blood regeneration 8

The importance of estrogen 9

More energy means better health and quality of life 11 How our body generates energy 11

Micronutrients can protect against damage from oxidative stress 14

Micronutrients help protect against cancer in women 16

Breast cancer 17 Lung cancer 19 Important but little-known biological markers of cancer 20

Micronutrients and Alzheimer’s disease 22

Micronutrient synergy helps to optimize health benefits 24

Combined effects of our tested micronutrient synergy team 26

Introduction

Public health messages rarely emphasize the particular nutritional needs of women, and especially how they vary over the course of a lifetime. Physical and physiological transitions in the female body demand spe cific nutritional support, such as during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and lactation, or as we transition into menopause and beyond. All these are natu ral life events.

Many women think a good diet is sufficient for health. Of course, healthy dietary habits are the basis of health; however, not everyone can consume freshlyharvested organic produce at all times. For most people, food selection varies. Thanks to ad vances in agriculture and food processing, our diet is calorie sufficient, but it often lacks vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients – the essential elements of health. Given the dif ficulties in adapting our diets to meet the body’s fluctuating de mands for specific vitamins and other nutrients, nutritional sup plementation is a viable solution.

Nutritional needs of women vary over the course of a lifetime. Physical and physiological transitions in the female body demand specific nutritional support, such as during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and lactation, or transition into menopause and beyond.

We focus here on the importance of mi cronutrients throughout the course of women’s lives. The vital role of vitamins for health was recognized decades ago, but we have since learned much more about the health benefits of natural com pounds, minerals and other nutrients. All these nutrients are necessary to support multiple functions in our body, such as enzymatic activity, biological communica tions within and outside of cells, and the provision of the building components of biological structures. Daily micronutrient intake, in sufficient quantities, is critical for maintaining hormonal balance and op timum immunity, protecting cells against damage, supporting normal functions of our body organs, mental health and much more. Which micronutrients we need, and in what quantities, varies with age and our body status.

Public information sources advise higher intakes of vitamins D, C, calcium, and zinc at certain life stages and support dietary supplementation to meet these needs. However, they fail to inform us that indi vidual nutrients inside our bodies do not work in isolation. Rather, they interact with each other in a variety of nutritional cycles at the cellular level. A vitamin or mineral, in excess, can shift the metabolic balance and mask deficiency of other nutrients.

Hence, the proper selection, doses and combination of micronutrients are critical for achieving desired health effects.

The information presented here is based on our own research conducted at the Dr. Rath Research Institute, the pioneer ing institution in developing micronutrient synergies for various aspects of human health. Our team of scientists, with exper tise in a wide range of scientific fields, has

The Dr. Rath Research Institute has been working on designing and testing the most effective combinations of micronutrients that can help in meeting impor tant health challenges facing women.

been working on designing and testing the most effective combinations of micronu trients that can help in addressing com mon health challenges facing women.

We share this knowledge with women of all ages to empower them to stay healthy. This will help them to pay attention to their body’s needs at important biological stag es and alleviate the impact of health is sues that disproportionately impact upon women.

Dr. Rath Health Foundation

Women’s specific health challenges

The female body goes through distinct physiological stages during a lifetime: growth, hormonal changes in puberty, reproductive age and associated preg nancies, followed by menopausal chan ges and growing older. These normal biological transitions require specific nutritional support to proceed optimally.

For instance, women of reproductive age need specific nutrients to regenerate healthy blood that is regularly lost during the monthly cycle. At any age, they need specific nutrients to assure optimum bioenergy production, protect against damaging effects of toxins, maintain hormonal balance and healthy body func tions.

Certain health issues are more likely to affect women than men. In addition to breast and reproductive system can cers, even incidents of lung cancer have increased more in women than in men. Women are also more often affected by an irregular heartbeat, and more women than men die of cardiovascular diseases.

Among the health aspects we address here, you can learn about the benefits of micronutrients in: ... (see image at left)

Healthy blood is important for health, vitality, and general well-being

Healthy blood is vital for life and health. The blood circulating in our body distri butes oxygen and nutrients, defends us against microbes and other pathogens and collects carbon dioxide and biological waste products to be disposed of by the kidneys, liver, or the lungs.

To perform its various functions, blood contains many specialized cells and com ponents. Red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells de termine our resistance to diseases. Pla telets are needed for blood clotting and the repair of injured sites in the body. The cells in our blood are heavier than the flu id (plasma) in which they float, and if we leave blood undisturbed for several hours, the cells will sink to the bottom, leaving a pale-yellow liquid at the top (see graph). Plasma forms a transport system for the cells but also distributes various minerals, protein molecules carrying fats or sugars, antibodies, amino acids, hormones, nutri ents, and many other active substances.

Feelings of tiredness, apathy, loss of ap petite, and other symptoms can reflect changes in the composition of blood that, if not corrected in time, can lead to serious health complications.

Regeneration of healthy blood is important especially in women of reproductive age who regularly lose blood during their monthly cycle, sometimes in large amounts. Did you know that a menstruating woman can lose up to 1.7 liters of blood in a year, and with it essential nutrients? These lost nutrients, if not replenished, are the frequent cause of anemia among younger women. A regular daily supply of nutrients is also critical for another reason. Blood cells are born and die every day. For instance, white blood cells are renewed about every 4 hours. Others, such as red blood cells, live for about 2-4 months. Therefore, it is very important that essential nutrients for the formation of healthy blood are provided constantly in the diet and as sup plements.

Plasma Blood cells

55% 45%

Lungs

Hemoglobin (in red blood cells)

Red blood cell White blood cell

Platelet

Iron

Key nutrients for healthy blood regeneration

Key micronutrients needed

White blood cell (neutrophil)

Red blood cell

B vitamins

Vitamin C

Folic acid

Bone marrow

White blood cell (lymphocyte)

Plasma

C, which is abundant in most plants. Still, relying on plant food as the only source of iron puts women who follow a strict vegan diet at higher risk of iron deficiency and anemia.

Vitamin B6 is needed for red blood cells’ formation to support the synthesis of heme – the iron-containing compound of hemo globin. Low levels of vitamin B6 can cause anemia and many other health problems.

Platelet

Bone Bone marrow

The site of blood production, the bone marrow, fills the center of various bones. The hard bone shields this spongy organ from harm. A continuous stream of nutri ents for blood production is supplied there by the small capillaries.

Red blood cells, which distribute oxygen in our body, require the steady supply of iron, folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, E, and other nutrients that work together as a team. Among these, iron is critical for bind ing oxygen and carbon dioxide. Meat is the most abundant source of iron. Plants also contain iron, but in much smaller quantities and in a much less absorbable form. Its as similation, however, is enhanced by vitamin

Folic acid works together with vitamin B12, which helps to get it to the sites of blood regeneration. Since folic acid and vitamin B12 closely cooperate, the deficiency of one can be masked by the other. Prevent ing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can be of concern for strict vegetarians because folic acid, which is abundant in fruits and vegetables, can mask a deficiency of vita min B12, which is found almost exclusively in animal products. Some people can be vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency even if they take enough of it in their diet. The ab sorption of vitamin B12 requires an intrinsic factor, a compound made in the stomach. If the body’s ability to produce this factor is impaired by genetic makeup, some stom ach diseases, or the aging process, it can trigger vitamin B12 deficiency. Conversely, giving exclusively vitamin B12 to a person already deficient in folic acid risks the de velopment of severe folic acid deficiency.

Pregnant or lactating women low in vitamin B12 should also be aware that their infant could develop vitamin B12 deficiency, even if the mother remains healthy. Folic acid supply is similarly important for healthy pregnancy, especially at its early stage, to aid the growth and development of a healthy fetus and the function of its nerv ous system. Insufficient intake of folic acid, which is rather common among women, is associated with birth defects such as mal formation of the neural tube in a growing

fetus (spina bifida). The requirements for folic acid double in pregnancy.

Therefore, a balanced supply of B vitamins with other nutrients is the best way to assure the constant formation of healthy blood at any age, particularly during and after the monthly cycle, but also during pregnancy or when planning for pregnancy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the basis of good health. Strict vegetarians should consider taking balanced dietary supplements.

The importance of estrogen

Estrogen is the main female hormone responsible for developing and maintaining the reproductive system. However, the benefits of estrogen extend beyond reproductive health as its optimum levels play an important role in cognitive health, bone health, cardiovascular function, skin health, mucous membranes, and various essential body processes.

In premenopausal women, most estrogen hormones are produced in the ovaries. During menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, until eventually production stops, but residual estrogen is still available, which comes from its synthesis in fat cells, the adrenal glands,

and the brain, among other tissues. This estrogen mostly supports tissue-specific functions in these organs and is not secreted into the bloodstream like the ovarian-produced hormone.

The most common risk factors for low estrogen levels in women of reproductive age are a family history of hormonal issues such as ovarian cysts, and eating disorders.

The natural decrease in estrogen during the menopause is associated with various symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, low energy, mood changes, sleep problems, slower metabolism, and weight gain.

The influence of estrogen

Brain

Heart Breast

Liver Skin

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) based on synthetic estrogen taken by many women to relieve pre-menopausal and menopausal symptoms has been associated with increased risk of breast cancer and other serious side effects.

In search of a natural-based alternative, we tested the effects of a combination of vitamins, plant extracts, and other nutrients, on estrogen production by human ovarian granulosa cells.

Uterus Ovary

90

80

We exposed human ovarian granulosa cells to the specific mixture of natural ingredients and measured how they affect the production of estradiol – the main female estrogen hormone. The results show that ovarian cells enriched with this nutrient formulation could increase estrogen production by 43% in comparison to non-supplemented control.

Estrogen higher by 43%

60 70

50

40

30

20

10

17 Beta Estradiol pg/ml 0

Bones Control

Basic Women’s Health Formula, 500 mcg/ml

Improved estrogen production is important in a variety of aspects of female physiol ogy. It has been shown to lessen the frequency and severity of menstrual cramps, to improve treatment of acne, and to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and non-cancerous ovarian cysts in women of reproduc tive age. Increasing estrogen levels naturally during the menopause can help in relieving menopausal symptoms, supporting heart and brain functions, improving muscle mass, protecting against bone loss, and boosting your mood – all without the side effects of synthetic estrogen.

This is what our study shows

What are the practical implications of these results?

More energy means better health and quality of life

The word “energy” has many meanings. Energy in our body means health and joy in life. This biological energy is cre ated inside our body cells and supports a regular and strong heartbeat, building strong muscles and bones, and perform ing all life tasks.

We recognize how important energy is in supporting physical and psychological processes, including preventing mental and physical fatigue. Our brain needs par ticularly high amounts of biological energy and consumes about 20% of the body’s energy. There is also a close intercon nection between energy metabolism and

How our body generates energy

Biological energy – bioenergy – is gener ated in billions of tiny cells building our body. These cells convert food – fats, sugars and proteins – to energy-rich bio logical carrier molecules that function like cell batteries.

Bioenergy formation occurs in a series of chemical reactions that take place in bio logical powerplants – specific cell orga nelles called mitochondria. This process requires oxygen and a variety of micro

fertility, above all in females. Conditions that impair bioenergy generation, such as eating disorders, malnutrition, obesity, or strenuous physical activity (athletes), can generate various fertility problems inde pendent of other factors.

nutrients as catalysts, including vitamin C and B vitamins.

The most abundant bioenergy carrier molecule in cells is Adenosine 5’-triphos phate, or ATP, which drives the entire body metabolism.

While it is easy to link cellular ATP produc tion with feeling our body’s total energy, we rarely realize the importance of ATP energy for a healthy reproductive sys

tem, the fertilization process and healthy pregnancy. Right before ovulation, the egg inside the follicle needs energy to detach itself and move to the entrance of the fal lopian tube. Once the egg is inside the walls of the fallopian tube, tiny hair cells and smooth muscle cells utilize energy to push it gently towards the uterus. The egg will either meet sperm on its journey through the fallopian tube and fertilization will happen, or it will arrive in the uterus unfertilized and leave the body. Vitamins, minerals, and active plant components support ATP synthesis, thereby coordinat ing energy metabolism for all these pro cesses.

Along with the brain, among other organs, our skeletal muscle and heart have high energy consumption. Bioenergy supports strong and regular contraction of the heart muscle to move blood around our body.

In our quest to provide effective natural support for bioenergy production, we eval uated the effects of a specific micronutri ent combination on ATP synthesis in the cells building the heart muscle.

We exposed human heart muscle cells to a specific combination of vitamins, plant compounds, and other active ingredients and measured how it affects the ATP pro duction in these cells. We then compared the results to the ATP produced in con trol cells, which were maintained in their standard cell culture medium.

Our results clearly show the power of this micronutrient combination. In the pres ence of the tested micronutrients, these human cells produced 451% more ATP compared to control cells, which con tained only a standard supply of nutrients.

ATP production increased by 451%

Luminescence (RLU)

Basic Women’s Health Formula, (1 mg/ml)

What are the practical implications of these results?

Since ATP synthesis occurs through similar mechanisms in all other cell types of our body, this micronutrient combination can also have beneficial effects on all other cells in our body, including skeletal muscle, cells building the female reproductive system, brain, and all other body organs.

Dr. Rath Health Foundation

This is what our study shows

Micronutrients can protect against damage from oxidative stress

We all know about the dangers of reac tive oxidant molecules (oxygen radicals), which, in excess, can seriously damage our body cells and structures. This is called “oxidative stress,” which originates from many sources, both from the environment (e.g., UV radiation, toxins) and our body’s normal metabolism.

Oxygen radicals are associated with ac celerated aging and numerous diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, inflammatory disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and asthma. Oxidative stress also has negative effects on the female reproductive system, impairing fertility at various levels. Oxidative damage can af fect egg cell maturation, fertilization, im plantation, and embryo development, and

hence contributes to the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related complications, endo metriosis, polycystic ovarian disease, un explained infertility, and the development of gynecological cancers.

In order to combat cellular damage, vari ous antioxidant vitamins and supplements have been identified to protect against oxi dative processes.

Aiming at achieving the best physiological effects, we tested the antioxidant potential of a specific micronutrient composition, which gives us valuable information about its ability to neutralize free radicals and to protect cells against oxidative damage.

The antioxidant capacity of the mixture of vitamins, plant extracts, and other ac tive compounds was measured by con ducting an FRAP assay (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma). This method has been widely used to measure the antioxidant capacity of food and to evaluate the an tioxidant potential of various micronutri ent mixtures. The antioxidant potential of

such nutrient compositions is expressed as mM Ferrous equivalents (mM FE).

The results show that our micronutrient mixture has very high antioxidant capac ity, which was 400% higher compared to a random antioxidant compound used as control.

Antioxidant capacity higher by 400%

FE(mM) 0

Basic Women’s Health Formula

What are the practical implications of these results?

A nutrient formulation with high antioxidant potential can benefit the entire body, protecting various organs from damage and the development of numerous diseases.

Dr. Rath Health Foundation

This is what our study shows

Micronutrients help to protect against cancer in women

The numbers of breast, ovarian, and cer vical cancers are still increasing in many countries of the world. This situation calls for revising current approaches and shift ing our economic and intellectual resourc es towards investigating and applying ad vances in natural health with scientifically proven efficacy.

With decades of scientific work in this field, the Dr. Rath Research Institute has an impressive record in developing syn ergy-based micronutrient programs with documented benefits in related diseases. Among others, our numerous scientific pub lications thoroughly document how specific

micronutrients and their combinations tar get key mechanisms involved in the devel opment and progression of many types of cancer in different organs of the body (www.drrathresearch.org/publications).

On the next page we present test results obtained with the micronutrient complex, which, in addition to health benefits in female physiology indicated earlier, has shown to be effective in curbing cellular processes associated with cancers that predominantly affect women.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer affects women in every country of the world and at any age after puberty. In 2020, there were more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women worldwide. Belgium had the highest rate of breast cancer, followed by the Netherlands. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the USA and Europe.

The risk for breast cancer increases with age, as about 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 45 years old or older, and about 43% are 65 or above. The majority (about 70-80%) of breast cancers in women are estrogen-receptor positive, meaning that they need estrogen to grow. Research suggests that estrogen recep tor-positive breast cancer is likely to come back more than five years after diagnosis.

In women of reproductive age, estrogen is available from its production in the ova ries, and as such, it can fuel the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors. Therefore, it is important to curb breast cancer cell multiplication in the presence of this hor mone. Pharmacological approaches rely on the use of tamoxifen which blocks cel lular receptors used by estrogen, or other pharmacological drugs that suppress ovarian function and estrogen synthesis. All these are associated with many side effects.

Breast cancer involves many stages, but its basic feature, like other cancers, is ex cessive and continuous multiplication of abnormal (cancerous) cells that leads to the formation of tumors. Therefore, regu lar breast exams are important to detect any abnormalities early.

In our search for effective natural means to impair the growth of estrogen-depend ent breast cancer cells, we evaluated the effects of specific micronutrients includ ing natural estrogenic compounds from soy and other plants. We exposed breast cancer cells to estrogen and several natu ral compounds individually and as a com plex and evaluated how they affect growth of breast cancer cells.

Human breast cancer cells that depend on estrogen for growth have a high multipli cation rate when exposed to this hormone (line 1). The effects of individual natural compounds – vitamins, plant extracts, and other active components – are rep resented as individual columns from 2 to 6. The taller the column, the higher the growth of breast cancer cells.

These results show that all individual compounds tested here could decrease cancer cell proliferation but to a different degree.

The mixture of all these ingredients signif icantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation by about 40% compared to an estrogenonly control.

The benefits of a combination are supe rior to each individual component to reach a meaningful inhibitory effect. Also, mul tiple compounds in the mixture provide numerous benefits by simultaneously affecting a variety of anti-cancer cellular mechanisms (e.g., bioenergy, antioxidant).

1. Control (β-17-estradiol) 2. Vitamin C 3. Vitamin B complex 4. Vitamin E 5. Iodine

6. Basic Women’s Health Formula, a combination of the ingredients with other natural compounds.

Lung cancer

One of the ways cancers develop in volves chronic inflammation that occurs deep in various parts of the body. Over time it can damage cellular DNA, trigger ing the abnormal behavior of cells and the risk of cancer. Cigarette smoking and environmental pollutants can trigger chronic inflammation in the lungs and are recognized causes of lung cancer. Sus tained inflammation promotes cancer through various mechanisms, such as cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Important

but little-known

The risk of developing lung cancer and its progression can be affected by and mon itored using different metabolic markers, which are specific biological molecules that accompany cancer development.

biological markers of cancer

Cancer markers used in cancer diagno sis and in monitoring its progression are proteins and other substances that tumor cells produce in larger quantities than healthy cells. The most examined markers in lung cancer are CEA (carci noembryonic antigen), some hormonal peptides, and in breast cancer BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, estrogen/ progesterone receptors, and antigens such as CA15-3 or CA 27-29. However, other natural compounds can also iden tify the risk and impact of this disease.

ApoE (apolipoprotein E) is among the best‐verified potential prognostic or diag nostic markers in many cancers. ApoE is a protein known for its function in trans porting fatty molecules (a part of HDL lipoprotein), but it is also known for its ability to induce inflammation in the tu mor microenvironment. Its high expres sion promotes cancer growth and migra tion and contributes to the aggressive clinical course of the disease.

iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) is another important cancer marker. It is an enzyme required for the production of an important biological molecule, nitric oxide (NO). NO has multiple functions in the body, such as relaxation of blood ves sel walls important in normalizing blood pressure. However, tumors, including

This is what our study shows

We tested the effects of micronutrients on regulating ApoE and iNOS production at the genetic level by measuring the amount of cellular mRNA (messenger RNA) tran scribed from the respective genes in the DNA. This cellular mRNA is then used as a template to produce ApoE and iNOS pro teins, which are used as markers of can cer. The RNA level in our study was meas ured using RT-PCR technology.

In order to mimic a cancer microenviron ment, we treated human lung cancer cells with a pro-inflammatory factor cytokine

breast, ovarian, lungs, and many others have a high activity of iNOS that pro motes tumor vascularization and other cancer-supporting processes.

IL1b – which also has a critical function in malignancies by promoting cancer initia tion and progression.

Our test results confirm that cellular inflam mation can promote cancer by increasing iNOS expression by about 10 times com pared to a normal control. They also show a powerful effect of micronutrients that, in this pro-cancer environment, can inhibit iNOS by about 60% and ApoE expression by 56% compared to untreated cancer cells (control).

iNOS

Relative amounts of transcripts Transcriptional Activity (%)

Inflammation induces iNOS2 expression by more than 10 times

10.5 4.3

iNOS2 expression under pro-inflammatory conditions decreased by 60%

inflammation

1 100 44

IL1 + E2 IL1 + Basic Women’s Health Formula

ApoE decreased by 56%

None IL1 - Basic Women’s Health Formula

What are the practical implications of these results?

Our results decipher the cellular effects of this nutrient combination that are important in curbing cancer at the genetic level. The significant lowering effect of micronutrients on ApoE and iNOS cancer markers implies that a similar outcome could be expected at the levels of entire organs and the body. ApoE and iNOS2 are elevated in other forms of cancer, and the benefits of these micronutrients expand to many types of cancers.

Micronutrients and Alzheimer’s disease

As presented earlier, ApoE has multiple ef fects in our body. In addition to its role in facilitating cancer, elevated ApoE levels in females are an important risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

In this context, the ApoE gene is re sponsible for the production of a protein present in the central nervous system and body periphery, which represents a critical link between these two systems and could influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease by disrupting the blood-brain barrier integrity from both sides. Another way that ApoE promotes Alzheimer’s pathology is by its impact on

immunity and inflammation, as various data demonstrate that pro‐inflammatory cytokine production is higher when ApoE levels are elevated.

We used fibroblast cells originating from young and old donors afflicted by Alzhei mer’s disease to evaluate the effects of a specific micronutrient mixture on ApoE expression in the presence of pro-inflam matory conditions (IL1b) and without inflammation. We applied RT-PCR tech nology to measure the amount of ApoE protein transcripted from the ApoE gene (transcripted activity).

This is what our study shows

Without inflammation, the micronutrients could inhibit ApoE by 97% compared to the control.

ApoE expression in cells from Alzhei mer’s patients increases under pro-in flammatory conditions (in the presence of IL1). However, micronutrients signifi cantly decreased ApoE expression under this inflammatory condition, even to the level well below the transcriptional activ-

ity of control cells. In the cells derived from young Alzheimer’s patients, the ApoE transcription decreased by 67%.

The impact of micronutrients on ApoE was even higher in cells from old Alzhei mer’s patients and resulted in 94% inhibi tion of ApoE transcription. We observed that cells derived from young patients were more susceptible to these micronu trients when not exposed to inflammation.

A. Normal conditions

120

100

80

60

40

20

Transcriptional Activity (%) 100 3.1

0

B. With inflammation

Transcriptional Activity (%)

97% less

None Basic Women’s Health Formula

15% higher 67% less Young Old

94% less

IL1 IL1 + Basic Women’s Health Formula IL1 + Basic Women’s Health Formula

Since elevated ApoE levels and female gender are considered risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease, micronutrients tested in our study offer important benefits through their inhibitory effect on transcription of ApoE – one of the major risk factors for this dis ease. Their high efficacy under normal and pro-inflammatory conditions suggest their value in both prevention and therapeutic aspects of this devastating disease.

What are the practical implications of these results?

Micronutrient synergy helps to optimize health benefits

The term “micronutrients” extends beyond vitamins and minerals and includes nu merous active plant components, amino acids, and other metabolites with a critical role in cellular metabolism. Wide-ranging health effects of specific micronutrients tested as a nutrient synergy team are pre sented below.

Vitamins B5, B6, and C contribute to re ducing tiredness and fatigue by increas ing glucose utilization to boost energy production.

Vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iodine are important for supporting the normal functioning of the nervous and immune system, with iodine being necessary for thyroid activity and the normal production of thyroid hormones.

Selenium, folic acid, and vitamin C are im portant in supporting the function of the immune system.

Vitamin B6 is needed to metabolize pro teins and helps make neurotransmitters. These include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin. It also affects the activity of steroid receptors (estrogen) in cellular membranes. There fore, vitamin B6 status may influence one’s risk of developing diseases driven by steroid hormones, such as breast cancer.

Vitamin B6 and choline with folic acid or vitamin B12 are important for maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in our blood. Deficien

cies of these vitamins increase the homo cysteine level, an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium are powerful antioxidants protecting the cells against oxidative stress that underlies nu merous health problems.

Vitamin C is the most important blood antioxidant, an essential nutrient for the production of collagen and connective tissue, as well as bioenergy. Healthy col lagen is necessary for maintaining strong and elastic blood vessels and optimum function of the cardiovascular system, skin, reproductive system, bones, and car tilage, among others. Vitamin C supports healthy immunity and hormonal balance.

Choline, inositol, and phosphatidyl serine work together in our body, particularly in fat metabolism and nervous system func tions. Choline and phosphatidyl serine are essential nutrients produced in our body in limited amounts that are insufficient to fulfill our body’s needs. Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, necessary for brain function. Inositol (also referred to as vitamin B8) is a type of sugar that helps to provide structure to our cells as a part of phospholipids building our cell mem

branes. Healthy membranes are essential in assuring optimum transport of nutrients inside and outside cells. Inositol can also improve insulin resistance and the func tion of chemical messengers in our brain and nerves. These nutrients are important for healthy cell growth, lipid metabolism, and liver function by helping eliminate tox ins, supporting fertility and healthy preg nancy and infant development.

Soy isoflavones classified as phytoes trogens possess both estrogen-agonist and estrogen-antagonist properties. They are present as glycosides – molecules bound to sugar (i.e., genistin, daidzin, and glycitin) and as individual aglycones called genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. High isoflavone intake from soy foods has been associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Soy isoflavones have been applied as a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy in reducing menopause-related symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.

Chaste tree berry, also known as Monk’s pepper, is rich in antioxidants and other nu trients and has been linked to many health benefits, e.g., cardiovascular health, blood sugar control and weight management. It

benefits hormonal balance in the female body and has been used for lessening symptoms that may occur during the fe male monthly cycle, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and menopause.

Rosemary, rich in carnosol, carnosic acid, and many antioxidant compounds, has been known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-allergic effects, as well as normalizing blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and weight management. It is often combined with selenium for in creased benefits.

Clove contains eugenol, which has antiinflammatory properties and is beneficial in easing the symptoms of the female monthly cycle. This oil can also limit ex cessive menstrual bleeding. It shows ben efits in ovulation and increased energy levels. Rich in antioxidant compounds, clove supports natural body defenses in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabe tes, and cancer, as well as in supporting the healthy function of gums and oral health.

RESEARCHERS

Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Ph.D.

As the Director of Research at the Dr. Rath Research Institute, Dr. Niedzwiecki and her team are researching and developing unique nutrient synergy approaches in various aspects of health and disease. This work in cardiovascular health, cancer, infections, and other areas has led to establishing the link between disease prevention and the biochemical synergy of nutrients.

Gabriela N Lopez, Ph.D.

Dr. Lopez has been conducting research on hormone regulations by nuclear receptors for over 15 years, starting as a visiting student and advancing to Research Molecular Biologist at the University of California, San Francisco. As an associate researcher at our institute, she investigates the effects of natural compounds in regulating the expression of genes important in various aspects of health.

Anna Goc, Ph.D.

Dr. Goc is a senior researcher at the Dr. Rath Research Institute. She leads the microbiology laboratory focused on developing effective and safe approaches to controlling infections. She has wide-ranging knowledge in the fields of microbiology, immunology, cancer, and vascular biology. Her research at the Dr. Rath Research Institute focuses on the benefits of micronutrients and their synergy in various aspects of human metabolism.

Parthena Boulikas, B.S.

Parthena Boulikas studied Biology in Canada and conducted scientific work at different companies, including the Linus Pauling Institute and biopharmaceutical companies (Johnson & Johnson and Delpor). As a member of our research team, she works on the role of nutrients in the prevention of various diseases.

Matthias Rath, M.D.

Dr. Rath is a world-renowned physician and scientist known for his pioneering research in natural and cellular health. He is the founder of the scientific concept of Cellular Medicine, introducing practical knowledge and applications of micronutrients in various aspects of health into clinical medicine.

Disclaimer:

This booklet is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his or her health and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

© Dr. Rath Health Foundation 27.

Dr. Rath Health Foundation

Tesla 1 6422 RG Heerlen

The Netherlands

Tel.: 0031-457-111 222 Fax: 0031-457-111 119

Email: info@dr-rath-foundation.org Internet: www.dr-rath-foundation.org