Any molecule can become a free radical by either losing or gaining an electron. Molecules containing these uncoupled electrons are very reactive. Once free radicals are initiated, they tend to propagate by becoming involved in chain reactions with other less reactive species. The chain reaction compounds generally have longer half-lives and therefore extend the potential for cellular damage.

The life of a free radical has three stages: the initiation stage, propagation stage, and finally the termination stage.

Free radicals are terminated or neutralized by nutrient antioxidants, enzymatic mechanisms, or by recombining with each other. The quest is to find that delicate balance between free radical activity and optimum antioxidant therapy - thus achieving homeostasis.

The technological breakthrough OXIDATATM Test measures the distant end of the polyunsaturated fat chain where aldehydes form as a result of free radical attacks. The test coordinates with lab measurements to create precise results from the urine. Aldehyde activity is much more concentrated in urine.

The OXIDATATM Test is a colorometric (color absorbent) reading from urine testing, which has evolved from blood/plasma fluorometric data. In studies at a major university, it was determined that this new urine test is 50 times more sensitive than blood/plasma aldehyde testing.

FREE RADICAL MEASURING MECHANISM
In the process of free radical production in the body there are certain chemical by-products produced. One of these products is malondialdehyde (MDA), which is the substance that produces the color reaction in the OXIDATATM Test.

TEST VALIDATIONS
The test was scientifically validated by means of the Conti Flourometric assay in the laboratory. This is a highly sensitve test that can measure minute quantities of MDA present in body fluids.

COMPARISON WITH BLOOD TEST
The most accurate test for malondialdehyde is the urine. Blood contains only the amount of MDA circulating in the body at a particular point in time. The amount of MDA in the urine is more of an end point product and the test is non-invasive.

The OXIDATATM urine test is 40 to 50 times more reliable than a MDA blood test. The accuracy of the test is within a range of 90%.

The urine test used in the OXIDATATM Test was not converted from a blood test. It is a urine MDA test that was modified from a complex laboratory procedure into a simple qualitative test. The OXIDATATM Test is not a quantitative test, nor is it a diagnostic test for any particular disease condition. The OXIDATATM Test provides a useful nutritional guide in the form of a color chart that is useful in determining the amount of oxidative activity in the body. Corrective nutritional anti-oxidants aid in reaching a healthful destination.

FREQUENCY OF TEST
The frequency for the OXIDATATM Test varies with each individual. If an individual test color is in the high free radical range, the person should begin or increase antioxidant supplementation and retest at least twice a month until free radical activity has been reduced. The OXIDATATM Test should be taken once a month thereafter.

TEST RESULTS
Immune stimulatting tonic herb formulations should be taken until an optimum level of free radical activity is detected by the OXIDATATM Test. Antioxidants should not be taken if no free radical activity is detected by the OXIDATATM Test.