Nutrition Tip of the Day from Dr Luigi Gratton
Nutrition tip of the day from Dr Luigi Gratton M.D., M.P.H.
Vice President, Medical Affairs and Education Herbalife
15th May 2009
Researchers are debating the benefits of antioxidants in exercise because of a controversial study with Vitamin C and Vitamin E during exercise:
“Antioxidants prevent health-promoting effects of physical exercise in humans”
Authors: M. Ristow, K. Zarse, A. Oberbach, N. Kloting, M. Birringer, M. Kiehntopf, M. Stumvoll, C.R. Kahn, M. Blüher
This study received a great deal of media attention because of the hype factor, but most doctors agree agree it makes little sense. During exercise, there is damgage of tissues and oxidation of tissues. The human body builds up natural antioxidants to help offset this oxidation process. Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps to support this process as well which is why certain ingredients help athletes like glucosamine and omega 3's for joint health.
The researchers in this controversial study above looked only at two pathways in the body's system while they ignored many others which are very important in determining the effects of antioxidants on tissue damage and performance.
One doctor Schauss commented that: “This paper does NOT deserve media attention for many reasons,” “[It certainly does not deserve] headline news that might discourage the use of vitamin C and/or E by individuals engaged in exercise routines, or those contemplating exercise.”
So if you see news that says to avoid antioxidants with exercise, dont' believe the hype!
Wishing you all the best of health!
About Dr Luigi Gratton
As vice president, medical affairs and education, Luigi Gratton, M.D. coordinates the strategic management and direction of Herbalife's Nutrition Advisory Board to ensure Distributors have a thorough understanding of products, ingredients and their benefits. In addition, he manages the day-to-day operations of the Medical Affairs and Education Department, assuring all Distributor and medical inquires receive a quick and accurate response.
Gratton, a physician specialist in family medicine and clinical physician at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition in the risk factor obesity program, works closely with
Distributor trainers around the world to ensure the dissemination of accurate product information. He also speaks at major Herbalife events, enhancing Distributors' knowledge about Herbalife products.
He has written numerous articles on nutrition and obesity and has appeared on television speaking on nutrition anti-aging medicine, sports nutrition and other medical topics.
Gratton earned an undergraduate degree in science and a masters in public health from University of California, Los Angeles.
He was awarded a medical degree from Mount Sinai Medical School of New York University and fulfilled his residency in family medicine at Los Angeles County Hubert Humphrey Family Medicine Center. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical nutrition at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Gratton has been awarded Diplomate of The American Board of Family Practice and The American Board of Physician Nutrition.