SupplementWatch.com: BioPhotonic
Scanner CommentarySupplementWatch.com Tech Staff
May, 2003 -- SupplementWatch.com's staff commented in an independent letter on the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner. Their exact comments follow.
[This is another fantastic commentary on our revolutionary scanner. The “concern” in the last paragraph is easily handled when you consider that our ADP program provides “a balanced antioxidant profile,” and incorporates repeat scanning to make sure scan scores are “followed over time.” Red highlights are mine. - JC]
Easy answer first = Pharmanex makes some of the best products in the supplement business - and we say this with confidence because of their quality control and their research on product safety and efficacy. We'd like to see more companies follow their science-based example - and this is happening slowly, but Pharmanex is one of the clear leaders in this area.
Harder answer next = The new scanning device from Pharmanex is truly an interesting piece of technology - and we've been debating where it will take the nutrition industry. Based on the data that we have seen, the technology for measuring carotenoids is solid. Our first concern was whether carotenoids measured in the skin of the palm were truly reflective of overall antioxidant status as Pharmanex claims. Our concerns were laid to rest, however, with a publication at the recent Experimental Biology scientific meeting (April in San Diego) - where these carotenoid scans were correlated with measures of urine free radical damage, fruit/veggie intake, smoking incidence, etc. Very compelling data that shows that the scanning device can actually give a good indication (non-invasively, which is significant) of overall antioxidant status.
Our one concern with this scanner, however, is that we see potential for it to be manipulated with an unbalanced intake of carotenoids. For example, someone taking a high-dose beta-carotene supplement will see their scan value go up - but without supplying other antioxidants in the diet or in the supplement, this higher number will be less meaningful. If, however, the scan numbers are followed over time, WHILE CONSUMING A BALANCED ANTIOXIDANT PROFILE, then the scan numbers are valid.
Hope this helps...
In health,
SW Tech Staff
Back to Headlines