This guide seeks to educate consumers about the science and
value of nutritional supplementation, and to provide them with a
simple, reliable tool with which to compare nutritional
products.
Section I: Aging, Oxidative Stress and
Degenerative Disease
Section I of this guide discusses the
theories of aging and the intricate links between aging,
oxidative stress and degenerative disease. The remarkable
protective powers of the endogenous and dietary antioxidants and
their role in mitigating the aging process are examined. Five
degenerative disease processes are highlighted, including recent
scientific evidence supporting the use of nutritional
supplementation as a preventive measure.
Section II: Beyond
the RDA — Advanced Nutritional Supplementation
Section II
reviews the substantial scientific evidence employed in
developing the fourteen analytical criteria imbedded in the
product-rating methodology used in this comparative guide.
Creation of the Nutrient Profile Score, based on these fourteen
criteria, has been an evolutionary process. With each edition of
this comparative guide, we have built on previous research as
newly published scientific findings have become available. The
result has been the creation of a robust analytical model, based
on the scientific literature and the independent recommendations
of our seven cited authorities.
In each of the chapters of
Section II, the reader is introduced to one of the fourteen
criteria and the scientific evidence supporting its use. For
those who find the reading a little technical, we refer you to
the highlighted text. These capsule summaries will provide an
overview of the subject matter without the need for detailed
reading. For those who wish to explore the science of advanced
nutrition, we invite you to “dive in.”
Section III: How the
Comparisons were Made
Section III provides further
explanation of the Nutrient Profile Score and introduces the
Blended Standard, a nutritional benchmark we have created that
is based on the independent recommendations of seven scientific
authorities. A brief biographical background of each of the
seven authorities and their specific recommendations for optimal
daily nutritional intake is also provided.
The use of the
Blended Standard, as a benchmark for optimal nutrition and the
foundation for the Nutrient Profile Score, is featured. The
Nutrient Profile Score is described in detail in Chapter 17.
This fourteen-point score is the heart of our comparative
analysis; it provides a rigorous quantitative evaluation and
relative ranking of all products, based on the Blended Standard
benchmark.
Section III also provides a summary of the 25
top-rated products, listed according to Nutrient Profile Score.
From this list, the top ten products are profiled. These are
products of exceptional standing and merit your serious
attention as a consumer. Included is a brief profile of each
company, with contact information, company history and corporate
vision. Points of interest on product formulations, including a
breakout of the individual Nutrient Profile ratings and
information on manufacturing processes (if available), is also
provided.
Section IV: Graphical Comparisons
In Section IV,
selected products from companies throughout the United States
and Canada are graphically compared to the Blended Standard
benchmark. With each graph, we have provided the Nutrient
Profile Score for that product, illustrated as both a percentage
ranking and a five-star rating. This allows easy comparison of
relative product ratings.
In writing this comparative guide,
over 1,000 American and Canadian nutritional products were
initially examined. Five hundred and eight (508) qualifying
products, representing the best in the line-up of some 210
companies, were further evaluated and their respective nutrient
contents were compared to the selected nutritional standards.
Two hundred and thirty-two (232) finalists, representing the
top-rated product(s) from each manufacturer, were then selected
and compared graphically. (Some companies have more than one
product represented, if they market in both Canada and the
United States.) The graphical illustrations allow the reader to
visually compare the nutritional contents of leading brand-name
supplements, in relation to the Blended Standard.
Practice
Due-Diligence
If you are using this guide to select a
nutritional product, you may also wish to contact the company
you have chosen and request that they furnish answers to the
Ten-Point Product Quality Checklist provided in Chapter 4.
Above all, practice due-diligence. Make certain you are
providing your body with the very best nutritional supplements
that science can offer — your health is too precious to
compromise.
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