Chemical Sensitivities:  Free Radical Pathology | Environmental Sensitivity/Neurotoxicity:  Anti-oxidant Deficiencies | Chemical Sensitivities:  Metabolic Aspects | Environmental Sensitivities:  Non-Physical Approaches | Environmental Illness and Autoimmunity

NUTRITIONAL FINDINGS OF NEUROTOXICITY
Ron Overberg, Ph.D., C.C.N.
Environmental Health Center, Dallas, TX

Objectives
To show anti-oxidant deficiencies in environmentally sensitive patients with neurological symptoms.

Abstract
Thirty environmentally sensitive patients were evaluated for blood levels of: Coenzyme Q10, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C. Each patient's values are compared to those of individuals of the same sex and age and common deficiency trends and their treatment is discussed.

Conclusion
Environmentally sensitive patients with neurotoxicity have definite fat-soluble antioxidant deficiencies which need to be identified and treated as part of their overall recovery program.

Study
Thirty environmentally sensitive patients were evaluated for blood levels of: Coenzyme Q10, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C.  Each patient's values are compared to those of individuals of the same sex and age and common deficiency trends and their treatment is discussed

Antioxidant Lab Analysis
30 patients total
23 females
7 males
Ages 14 – 69
Average age 50 years

Diagnosis
Number
Percent

Neurological Symptoms (TBS, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, neurotoxicity, neuropathy, H/A, Vertigo)

         
20
67
M.S. (Fatigue, Fibromyalgia)
18
60
Respiratory (ARS, Bronchitis, Asthma, SOB, Chronic cough)
19
63

C.V. (Arrhytmia, vasculitis, chest pain, angioedema, hypertension, hypotension)

16
53
G.I. (IBS, Malabsorption)
10
33
Immune Dysregulation
7
23
Endocrine Dysregulation (PMS, Hormone Imbalance)
4
13
Dermatitis
2
7
Candiditis
2
7

Antioxidant Lab Analysis

NORMAL
HIGH
LOW
Lipid-Soluble Antioxidants
#
%
#
%
#
%
Coenzyme Q10
1
3
8
27
21
70
Alpha-Tocopherol
1
3
8
27
21
70
Gamma-Tocopherol
0
0
0
0
30
100
Lycopene
2
7
1
3
27
90
Beta-Carotene
0
0
18
60
12
40
Alpha-Carotene
0
0
7
23
23
77
Vitamin A (Retinol)
0
0
10
33
33
67
Water-Soluble Antioxidants
Vitamin C (ascorbate)
0
0
23
77
7
23
 
Sources of Antioxidants
Coenzyme Q10: seafood and organ meats
Alpha-Tocopherol: soybean, rice bran oil, and palm oil
Gamma-Tocopherol: soybean, rice bran oil, corn oil and palm oil
Lycopene: tomato, guava, watermelon, pink grapefruit and apricot, red palm oil (not in strawberries, red bell peppers, D. Salina)
Beta-Carotene: carrot, tomato, mango, sweet potato, spinach, cantaloupe, apricots, squash, strawberries, bell pepper, broccoli, D. Salina, palm oil
Alpha-Carotene: carrot, pumpkin, D. Salina, palm oil
Vitamin A: Cod liver oil, fish liver oil, liver
Vitamin C: Corn, sago palm, potato, beet, tapioca

Of interest:
Lutein, zeaxanthin: spinach, collard greens, beet greens, watercress, collard greens, mustard greens, Swiss chard, pumpkin, marigolds
Cryptoxanthin: papayas, peaches, tangerines, oranges
Tocotrienols: palm oil, rice bran oil and cereal brans
Note: Only beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and cryptoxanthin are converted to vitamin A

Conclusion:
Enviromentally sensitive patients with neurotoxicity have definite fat-soluble antioxidant deficiencies which need to be identified and treated as part of their overall recovery program.
 
 

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