Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Pine bark extract supplementation may ease the symptoms of hay fever.

A specific brand of Pine bark extract, Pycnogenol®, was recently evaluated for its potential use in alleviating some of the symptoms of hay fever. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is one of most common reasons for seeking medical attention and can often affect work and school performance. In the US an estimated 60 million persons, suffer from hay fever which is characterized with nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, etc. A new study in Phytotherapy Research (June 2010), 39 adults were evaluated in a double blind placebo-controlled study. The supplemental group was given Pycnogenol 5-8 weeks prior to and during tree pollen season. Results with the Pycnogenol group showed a 35 % decrease in eye related symptoms, and a 21 % decrease in nasal symptoms. In addition, the Pycnogenol group showed a 12.5% decrease in the need for antihistamines, as compared to a 50% usage by the control group. This pilot study supports the potential usefulness of Pycnogenol supplementation (when given weeks prior to pollen exposure) for relieving the symptoms of those suffering from seasonal allergies.

To read more on this study:
http://www.kgksynergize.com/_lib/img/Pycnogenol.pdf

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and enhanced exercise performance

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important vitamin-like compound whose recognition in the United States is growing due to its support of cardiovascular health and more. It plays a key role in the production of energy in all cells of the body. As an important fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 protect’s the mitochondria (cell’s energy factory) from free radical damage. A recent article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has evaluated the effects of oral CoQ10 supplementation on performance in supramaximal exercise. Examples of such exercise include sprinting and cycling. The study evaluated 15 healthy and sedentary men during two 8-week periods. Mean power increased with CoQ10 supplementation as compared to placebo, indicating that CoQ10 may be beneficial during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercises by enhancing performance.


Click here for article details

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and enhanced exercise performance

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important vitamin-like compound whose recognition in the United States is growing due to its support of cardiovascular health and more. It plays a key role in the production of energy in all cells of the body. As an important fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 protect’s the mitochondria (cell’s energy factory) from free radical damage. A recent article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research has evaluated the effects of oral CoQ10 supplementation on performance in supramaximal exercise. Examples of such exercise include sprinting and cycling. The study evaluated 15 healthy and sedentary men during two 8-week periods. Mean power increased with CoQ10 supplementation as compared to placebo, indicating that CoQ10 may be beneficial during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercises by enhancing performance.


Click here for article details