Although oxygen is essential for life, its reactivity with other compounds can be detrimental. Free radicals are the result of some oxygen molecules that are converted into oxidizing agents during the process that creates energy in cells, cellular respiration. Oxygen is a very active element, and in the process of exchanging the molecules in the bloodstream, oxygen combines with many different compounds. Some of the compounds can cause damage to body tissue.
These harmful compounds, "free radicals", can be caused in a number of ways, such as ionized radiation from the sun, x-rays, and industry; nitrous oxide from automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, alcohol, saturated fat, and chemicals found in food, water, and air. Because of free radicals´ instability, they react with cells in the body causing abnormality.

Antioxidants work in a variety of ways to reduce the effects of free radicals. They can greatly decrease the damage caused by free radicals, stop them from forming to begin with, or "oxidize" them by combining with them and neutralizing their harmful effects through stabilization. The body produces two enzymes on its own to stabilize free radicals. They are Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Although supplements of these enzymes are available directly, the body may not be able to absorb them. Therefore, it is much more useful to supply the body with the building blocks of these enzymes so that the body can build them itself. There are many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and herbs that act as antioxidants or aid in the production of them such as Pine Bark Extract, vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamins B2, B3, and B6, CoEnzyme Q-10, bilberry, grape seed, pine bark, ginkgo biloba, selenium, zinc, copper, and many others. The best way to make sure your covering all the bases in the neutralization of free radicals is to supplement with a wide variety of antioxidants. Many supplements have been developed containing a blend of antioxidants. Antioxidants have amazing preventative ability and can add youth, health, and strength to your body.

50mg/60 Capsules 
Supplement Facts
Serving Size1Capsule
Servings Per Container60
 
Amount Per Capsule Amount Per Day (2 Capsules)
 
Pycnogenol  50mg‡ 100 mg‡
(Pine Bark Extract)(Standardized For A Minimum Of 95% Proanthocyanidins, Phenolics And Flavonoids)
 
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
‡ Daily Value not established.
 
Other Ingredients
Potato Starch, Cellulose, Gelatin, Water, Magnesium Stearate, Medium Chain Triglycerides.
 

Directions For Twinlab Pycnogenol:
As a dietary supplement for adults, take one or two capsules daily, preferably at mealtime.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.