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Sometimes diet alone cannot provide enough nutritional or antioxidant support.  Deluxe Scavengers™ is an outstanding, ethically sourced blend of high potency antioxidants containing vitamins A, C, and E which are crucial for protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall health. This formula contains a variety of quality ingredients that support immunity and provide extra free radical scavenging power such as CoQ10 and glutathione as well as the powerfully potent pomegranate extract which is more potent than green tea or grape seed extract.  Our patient like the long-term immune protection and overall health improvement they experience using Deluxe Scavengers. ™

About this product

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, contributes to immune defense by supporting functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. The sciences of nutrition and immunology are tightly linked, since better nutritional status can improve the actions of the immune system. More than half a century of research has shown vitamin C to be a crucial player in immune cell function, and in many aspects of the immune system.

The human immune system is broadly divided into two components: innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is an inborn, natural, immediate response to foreign invaders. Adaptive immunity requires more time as the body develops complex responses and memorization of pathogens. An example of adaptive immunity is the body’s ability to recognize a specific cold virus. With repeated exposure, the immune system can mount an effective response and destroy the virus without cold symptoms occurring.

The immune system is a sophisticated network of specialized organs, tissues, cells, proteins, and chemicals. These all work together to protect the human body from a vast range of pathogens. In addition to invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, the body is also under attack from environmental toxins, smoke, and even allergens. The immune system also guards against and removes abnormal or deformed cells which could increase degenerative organ disease or cancer risk.

A functional immune system must be able to recognize foreign invaders and abnormal cells, and to distinguish the good from the bad. A key component of the immune response is inflammation, which at a healthy level is essential to heal wounds and fight off unwanted invaders. However, in its zeal to battle invading pathogens and protect the body, excessive inflammation can damage the host tissues. Vitamin C helps to maintain appropriate levels of inflammation.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble, essential nutrient that cannot be synthesized by humans, yet it is critically important for a host of metabolic processes. It must be ingested and is found in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C offers deep immune support via a number of mechanisms:

1. Vitamin C supports the epithelial barrier function of the skin against pathogens, as it is essential for collagen formation.
2. It promotes oxidant scavenging activity within the skin, thus protecting underlying tissues against environmental oxidative stress.
3. Phagocytes are cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells. Vitamin C accumulates in these cells, protecting their integrity and enhancing their effectiveness.
4. When immune cells kill pathogens, they generate reactive oxygen species as a byproduct. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes these free radicals and thereby protects the immune system against potential tissue damage.
5. Vitamin C has important gene regulatory functions. It has been shown to enhance the development and proliferation of B- and T- white blood cells, known as “helper” immune system cells.
6. Vitamin C increases serum levels of antibodies–proteins that attach to foreign or unwanted invaders–so that white blood cells can remove them.
7. The adrenal glands need ample vitamin C to make their stress-support hormones. These prepare the body for action, maintain stamina and energy reserves, and enhance healthy immune function.
8. Vitamin C is needed in the metabolism of immune mediators including histamine, prostaglandins, and cysteinyl leukotrienes. Thus, it is a foundational ingredient for healthy immunity.

Several studies have shown how vitamin C supplementation stimulates both the number and the activity of leukocytes, or white blood cells. Neutrophils, the white blood cells which attack foreign bacteria and viruses, seem to be the primary cell type stimulated by vitamin C, but lymphocytes and other phagocyte white cells are also helped. A 2015 study confirmed vitamin C’s beneficial effect on neutrophil function. Improvements were seen in neutrophil chemotaxis, where these white cells are chemically attracted to clean up foreign material. Also, antioxidant generation was improved.

Antibodies, the proteins released by the immune system that bind to invaders or unwanted substances, are also boosted by vitamin C. Several studies have shown that vitamin C increases serum levels of antibodies. Humans and several other mammals are dependent on ingesting vitamin C. One study looked at the blood’s immune response between two groups of test subjects, on regular diets or with supplemental vitamin C. The findings indicated that the primary antibody response of the vitamin C-supplemented subjects was better than controls in two respects, both statistically significant.

A 2002 research study looked at vitamin C’s role in supporting epithelial barrier function and its oxidant scavenging activity of the skin. Vitamin C oral supplements of 500 mg per day were taken by 12 volunteers for 8 weeks. The results showed significant rises in plasma and skin vitamin C content. This confirms that vitamin C strengthens the skin’s ability to act as a barrier to keep microbial invaders out, and also helps the capacity of the skin to neutralize harmful oxidative substances. Long-term, vitamin C has a long history and important role for reducing the risk of chronic autoimmune disorders.

The vitamin E family is a potent brain and nerve cell protector that reduces blood clot risk and protects the heart. It is a powerful antioxidant without which our tissues would be very vulnerable to free radical damage. This is particularly important in brain function and aging: The brain is especially vulnerable to free radical injury because of its high oxygen consumption rate, its abundance of lipid membranes that can too easily become oxidized, and its relative lack of its own innate antioxidants.

Experts consider vitamin E to be one of the most potent antioxidants protecting cell membranes and preventing damage to their enzymes and all other contents within. Without this antioxidant protection, our tissues would be very vulnerable to the harmful effects of free radical damage. Free radicals are rogue molecules with an unpaired electron that seek out electrons from bodily tissues and cells. In the oxidizing process, tissues are damaged by disruption of their normal structure.

The vitamin E family is made up of a group of eight constituents: every one of them has specific and important actions, and they work together in nature to enhance each other’s benefits. There are two chemically related categories known as tocopherols and tocotrienols, each of which has important cardiovascular, hormone, immune and antioxidant activity in the body. The vitamin E family members include d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols, and alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocotrienols. These eight forms of vitamin E need each other to work effectively, and their bioavailability to the body is greater than if only simple d-alpha vitamin E is used.

D-alpha tocopherol is one of the more active members of the vitamin E family. While the natural tocopherols have documented health benefits as hormone modulators, antioxidants, and immune supporters, the alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocotrienols bring additional heart and circulation, and blood sugar benefits that tocopherols lack.

The vitamin E family helps prevent the oxidation of cells and hormones. It is protective of cell lipids and helpful fatty acids throughout the body, while maintaining the integrity of hormones released by the pituitary and adrenal glands. The vitamin E family also recharges the antioxidant vitamin C for further tissue protection, stabilizing cell membranes, and inhibiting platelet clumping, all of which enhance healthy blood flow.

As a vascular tonic, these nutrients work together to improve blood flow, prevent clots, and to open blood vessels, all contributing to better perfusion and oxygenation of tissues. The vitamin E family helps to prevent tiny clots of red cells or clumps of platelets, and stabilizes blood vessel cell membranes, to enhance healthy blood pressure. Tocotrienols have particular cardiovascular benefits that tocopherols alone lack: The tocotrienol group promotes new artery formation in tissues whose blood flow was compromised, and protects nerves and vital brain circuitry. The vitamin E family also stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques, if they do form, so they are less likely to burst or block an artery.

Vitamin E protects against widespread oxidative damage to neurons, peripheral nerves, heart tissue and organs and also improves the functioning of the immune system and assists in the proper expression of DNA.

For the nervous system, cumulative free-radical damage to neurons over time contributes to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers hypothesize that ingestion of vitamin E antioxidants can provide protection and prevent cognitive decline earlier in the disease process, a seven-year study of 2,889 patients in Chicago was undertaken to examine cognitive function in a large biracial population. The results confirmed that those who had high vitamin E intakes from diet or supplementation had a 36% reduction of decline in cognitive function compared to those whose vitamin E intake was low.

The vitamin E family at higher doses can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. A four-year Boston research survey of 633 seniors with Alzheimer’s showed a significant response with vitamins C and E. Twenty-three of the group took vitamin C supplements at 500 mg/day, 27 took vitamin E 400 IU/day, and 68 took a multi-vitamin containing only 60 mg vitamin C and 30 IU vitamin E. Those who took higher clinically relevant amounts of vitamin E or C did not develop the disease, but 11 of the 68 who took the lower doses in a multi-vitamin developed Alzheimer’s. Eighty patients developed Alzheimer’s among those who did not take any vitamins. Other researchers report that for advanced Alzheimer’s even higher doses of vitamin E of 2,000 IU/day are needed to reduce disease progression.

Immune function is enhanced by the vitamin E family. Eighty-eight healthy people aged 65 or older were studied for their immune response after supplementation with vitamin Successful immune response to infection was highest for all the vitamin E groups versus placebo, with those taking 300 IU showing the greatest response. This study agrees with another at Johns Hopkins University that found healthy adults over 65 need only standard doses of vitamin E to improve several measures of immune function.

Vitamin A is a critical vitamin that your body does not naturally produce so you must meet your vitamin needs through diet.  There are two types of vitamin A which come from different sources. Retinoids (retinols) are found in animal-based foods such as eggs, fish, milk and liver.  Your body can use this form of vitamin A immediately.  Carotenoids are found in plant-based foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes. One of the most common carotenoids is beta-carotene which is responsible for giving plants their orange and red pigments. Your body needs health fats to convert carotenoids into the active form of vitamin A, retinol.

Foods rich in vitamin A include fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and nuts. Liver, including cod liver oil, is the best food source for vitamin A and can be so rich in this essential nutrient that you may need to keep your weekly intake moderate. Dairy is an excellent source of vitamin A, and is often fortified with vitamins, including vitamin A. Oily fish, like salmon, mackerel and eggs provide about 7% of your recommended vitamin A per serving.  Oil, seeds, and nuts along with deep yellow-orange and dark, green leafy vegetables and fruits provide a good dose of vitamin A.  Sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, broccoli, squash, watermelon, and spinach are rich in vitamin A.

One of vitamin A’s most important roles is to preserve and maintain your vision.  Vitamin A is needed to convert light that hits your eye into an electrical signal that can be sent to your brain. Your body also uses vitamin a to make pigments for your retinas and moisture for your corneas.  Having adequate amounts of vitamin A may help slow the decline in eyesight by preventing night blindness and reducing your risk of developing cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.  Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Though its exact cause is unknown, it’s thought to be the result of cellular damage to the retina, attributable to oxidative stress The Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that giving people over the age of 50 with some eyesight degeneration an antioxidant supplement (including beta-carotene) reduced their risk of developing advanced macular degeneration by 25%.

Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining your body’s natural defenses. This includes the mucous membranes in your eyes, lungs, intestines and genitals which help trap bacteria and other infectious agents. It’s involved in the healthy growth and development of your cells, including the production and function of white blood cells.  White blood cells help capture and clear bacteria and free radicals from your blood stream, helping to ward off infection, inflammation, and disease.  A deficiency in vitamin A can increase your susceptibility to infections and delay your recovery when you are sick. In countries where infections like measles and malaria are common, correcting vitamin A deficiency in children has been shown to decrease the severity of and the risk of dying from these diseases.

As vitamin A plays an important role in the growth and development of your cells, it may have a role in cancer prevention. In observational studies, eating higher amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene has been linked to a decreased risk of certain types of cancer, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as cervical, lung and bladder cancer.

Coenzyme Q10 has crucial roles for deep immune function. A deficiency in this vital nutrient can have catastrophic effects on immunity, resistance, and vitality. Co10 provides deep immune boosting via several distinct actions:

1. It supports immune cell energy production and nourishment. By generating more energy at the cellular level, healthy immune system cells can repair damage, rid themselves of toxins more easily, and make better use of nutrients, so they work more efficiently.
2. CoQ10 decreases the likelihood of exaggerated inflammatory responses, which could worsen auto-immune conditions, by normalizing a gene signal for inflammation.
3. The natural killer (NK) cell activity of the innate immune system is improved by Coenzyme Q10.
4. CoQ10 protects macrophages, a major type of immune cells, from being damaged by their own innate mechanisms intended for microbial destruction.
5. It functions as a potent antioxidant in cell membranes and lipoproteins of immune system tissues.
6. CoQ10 shields immune cells from free radical damage, and prevents oxidative injury to the complex communication pathways of the immune system.
7. CoQ10 is capable of regenerating antioxidants like vitamins E and C, which themselves protect immune system tissues from oxidative damage, in addition to neutralizing free radicals directly.

CoQ10, or ubiquinone, is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant produced naturally in the human body, and found in the mitochondria of every cell and tissue. The name ubiquinone is derived from its ubiquity. It a key part of the Krebs Cycle, which generates energy for all body processes from food breakdown.

CoQ10 is a crucial cofactor in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule cells use as their main energy source. The immune system is highly dependent on CoQ10, as immune tissues and cells have high metabolic rates and require ample energy resources and a good supply of CoQ10.

Various factors such as aging and stress can lower the body’s levels of CoQ10. Then the ability of cells to regenerate and withstand stress declines, a downward spiral. Declining CoQ10 levels are one of the most accurate biomarkers of the aging process. A deficiency of CoQ10 can be one reason that older people find their energy flagging. Although CoQ10 is found in meat, fish and whole grains, the amounts are not enough to supply sufficient CoQ10 to the body.

As well as its vital roles for energy generation from carbohydrates and fat, and antioxidant protection and neutralizing free radicals, coenzyme Q10 is also needed by the integumentary tissues: Gums, skin and hair require it for optimal nourishment. After about age 40, the body’s ability to synthesize CoQ10 declines and a deficiency can develop. The thymus gland, which has a central role for developing the immune system in youth, declines in adulthood. It appears that lower thymus activity is linked with a decline in CoQ10 production, both of which can impede the immune system. So CoQ10 becomes an even more important immune supporter when we are older.

Coenzyme Q10 is the only fat-soluble antioxidant present in all cell membranes. It is one of the most significant lipid antioxidants that protects the fatty layers of membranes, and also DNA. CoQ10’s antioxidant actions neutralize free radicals, and may reduce or prevent some of the tissue damage they cause.

Coenzyme Q10 can help to improve deep immune function by reducing the oxidative damage promoted by saturated fats. Cellular breakdown that occurs every day, and more in the aging process, can result in cell degradation products that can injure several compartments of immune system. In a 2012 crossover study, 20 elderly subjects were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets over 4 weeks: the Mediterranean diet rich in plant foods and good unsaturated oils; Mediterranean diet supplemented with CoQ10; or a diet heavy in saturated fatty acids. The results showed that CoQ10 boosted immunity, and reduced oxidative damage to DNA and cellular injury.

Pomegranate is often considered a “superfood” and pomegranate extract supports the immune system several ways.  Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system, the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate extract can help reduce chronic inflammation so it can help keep the immune system functioning at optimum levels. It is rich in punicalagins which are packed with powerful antioxidant properties, more potent than green tea or grape see extract, to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Pomegranates have been shown to have antimicrobial properties which can help the body fight off infections. Pomegranate extract can also promote a health gut microbiome, which is crucial for a strong immune system.

Contents

2 capsules provide:

Vitamin A (as Beta Carotene) 3000 mcg RAE
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbyl Palmitate) 500 mg
Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate and Mixed Tocopherols) 267 mg
Coenzyme Q10 100 mg
Steria® L-Glutathione (reduced form) 100 mg
Pomella® Pomegranate fruit extract 100 mg (standardized to 30% punicalagins)
Lutein (from Lutemax 2020) 10 mg
Zeaxanthin Isomers (from Lutemax 2020) 2 mg

Other Ingredients: Vegetarian cellulose capsule.  Vitamin E is derived from soy oil.

This product does not contain ingredients artificial flavoring or coloring, added fillers or binders, preservatives, stearates, dairy, gluten, peanuts or tree nuts.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Deluxe Scavengers contains Vitamin E derived from soy oil, so if you have a soy allergy, you should avoid this supplement. Vitamin E can have blood thinning effects and may interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Consult with your healthcare practitioner if you take medicine for hypertension as CoQ10 can sometimes affect blood pressure.  CoQ10 might also affect blood sugar levels, so if you’re on diabetes medication, monitor your blood sugar closely.  Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re taking other medications or supplements.

Do not use Deluxe Scavengers during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of your physician as there is insufficient data about safe use during pregnancy.