systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe,...

17
RESEARCHED AND COMPILED BY: ROBERT S. HARDT NUTRI-EPIGENETIC BIOCHEMICAL ANALYST “Let your food be thy medicine!”…. Hippocrates CONTACT INFORMATION [email protected] 1-310-398-4011 Systems and Mechanisms that Disrupt or Deplete….DNA-RNA Nutrient Cofactors (Zn, Se, Mn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Co, Cr)….. Tryptophan, Serotonin, Melatonin….. April 28. 2013 Ponder this "Conspiracy to Depopulate" by indirect methods. Agenda 21- Melatonin is the most important free radical scavenger in the human body, it regulates hormones, neurotransmitters and keeps cell mitochondria DNA/RNA stable, healthy and protected from the process of aging and cancer. It is also present and necessary for all plant and animal survival! It is part of the micronutrient cycle of all life forms. Not only does EMF, ELF, and WiFi radiation inhibit melatonin production but the biggest detrimental element to melatonin production is LED lighting, exposure to light after dark of the blue light spectrum....as part of "Sustainable development implementations" this smart lighting system is being installed world wide.......to help save energy costs and fight global warming (Another Conspiracy).

Upload: robert-hardt

Post on 07-May-2015

370 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

RESEARCHED AND COMPILED BY:ROBERT S. HARDTNUTRI-EPIGENETIC BIOCHEMICAL ANALYST

“Let your food be thy medicine!”…. Hippocrates

CONTACT INFORMATION [email protected] 1-310-398-4011

Systems and Mechanisms that Disrupt or Deplete….DNA-RNA Nutrient Cofactors (Zn, Se, Mn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Co, Cr)….. Tryptophan, Serotonin, Melatonin…..

April 28. 2013

Ponder this "Conspiracy to Depopulate" by indirect methods.Agenda 21- Melatonin is the most important free radical scavenger in the human body, it regulates hormones, neurotransmitters and keeps cell mitochondria DNA/RNA stable, healthy and protected from the process of aging and cancer. It is also present and necessary for all plant and animal survival! It is part of the micronutrient cycle of all life forms.

Not only does EMF, ELF, and WiFi radiation inhibit melatonin production but the biggest detrimental element to melatonin production is LED lighting, exposure to light after dark of the blue light spectrum....as part of "Sustainable development implementations" this smart lighting system is being installed world wide.......to help save energy costs and fight global warming (Another Conspiracy).

Page 2: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

As melatonin levels are being diminished and depleted by many of these smart technologies ...the rates of various cancer deaths will escalate....Cell phones/towers, wi-fi-wi-lan, wireless electricity, the smart grid and smart meters, are they all part of the "AGENDA 21" plan for global depopulation conspiracy?

Are we all so caught up in the smart technology revolution that we are to dumb to see that we are killing off all life forms in the process!!!!

Page 3: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

We don't need a world war to irradicate life on earth at the rate were going!!!

Page 4: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh
Page 5: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Depleted Melatonin ConsequencesTryptohan-Melatonin levels decline: Pinealpause

Glyphosate Herbicide…Binds and Chelates Essential Micronutrient Cofactors of DNA and RNA Protection (Zn, Se, Mn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Co, Cr)…. Inhibits Tryptophan. Serotonin, and Melatonin Production which results in Diseases and Cancer!

Page 6: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh
Page 7: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases….Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®, is the most popular herbicide used worldwide. The industry asserts it is minimally toxic to humans, but here we argue otherwise. Residues are found in the main foods of the Western diet, comprised primarily of sugar, corn, soy and wheat. Glyphosate's inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is an overlooked component of its toxicity to mammals. CYP enzymes play crucial roles in biology, one of which is to detoxify xenobiotics. Thus, glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins. Negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body. Here, we show how interference with CYP enzymes acts synergistically with disruption of the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids by gut bacteria, as well as impairment in serum sulfate transport. Consequences are most of the diseases and conditions associated with a Western diet, which include gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. We explain the documented effects of glyphosate and its ability to induce disease, and we show that glyphosate is the “textbook example” of exogenous semiotic entropy: the disruption of homeostasis by environmental toxins.

Keywords: glyphosate; cytochrome P450; eNOS; obesity; cardiovascular disease; cancer; colitis; shikimate pathway; gut microbiome; tryptophan; tyrosine; phenylalanine; methionine; serotonin : melatonin; Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; autism; depression.

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the principle route of catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan, leading to the production of several neuroactive, neuroprotective and immuno-regulatory metabolites. Alterations in the KP have been implicated in various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, immunological disorders, and many other diseased states.

Page 8: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

CONSEQUENCES OF MELATONIN DEFICIENCY

A deficient production of melatonin can result in anxiety and mood disorders, lowered basal body temperature insomnia, elevated estrogen/progesterone ratio, and immune suppression associated with cancer. Excess melatonin is associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), lowered estrogen/progesterone ratio, low thyroid and adrenal function, and hypotension.

Melatonin Associated Disorders

Because melatonin has a pivotal role in regulating body temperature, the sleep/wake cycle, female reproductive hormones, and cardiovascular function, the effect of disrupted secretion rhythms is widespread, manifesting in a variety of physical and psychological disorders.

Anxiety, stress, depressionSeasonal Affective DisorderSleep DisordersDelayed Sleep Phase SyndromeImmunological DisordersCardiovascular DiseaseCancer Behavior Changes and Mood Disorders

Page 9: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Abnormalities of melatonin circadian function have been closely linked to a variety of behavioral changes and mood disorders. Determining the circadian secretion rhythm of melatonin can assist the clinician in diagnosing the type of mood disorder.In general, studies have reported decreased nocturnal melatonin levels in patients suffering from depression. One investigation of major depression in children and adolescents found that melatonin levels were significantly lower in depressed subjects with psychosis than in depressed subjects without psychosis. Subnormal levels of melatonin accompanied by a delayed circadian rhythm have also been reported in patients with panic disorder.In a fascinating study on geomagnetic storms and depression, British researchers found that male hospital admissions with a diagnosis of depression rose 36.2% during periods of geomagnetic activity as compared with normal periods. The investigators hypothesized that this increase may have been caused by a phase advance in the circadian rhythm of melatonin production.In Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) melatonin secretion tends to be elevated. Since full spectrum light reduces the rate of melatonin secretion, light therapy can be very effective in treating patients with SAD.

Body Temperature Regulation

In humans, melatonin is closely connected with changes in body temperature. The most striking example is the reciprocal relationship found in circadian profiles, where the lowest body temperature correlates closely with the peak level of melatonin. The ovulatory rise in temperature during the menstrual cycle is also associated with a decline in melatonin secretion levels. There is a possible causal relationship between the two phenomena, since exogenous melatonin can acutely depress body temperature in humans.50Melatonin’s effect on body temperature may be one of the keys of its ability to enhance sleep. Body temperature follows a circadian rhythm, rising during the day and falling at night. The daily temperature variation in the human body is only about 1 degree, but this small difference has a dramatic influence on sleep. In general, a falling body temperature induces sleep, while a rising body temperature provokes wakefulness. It has been demonstrated that an individual will fall asleep most quickly and stay asleep the longest when lights are out, and the body temperature undergoes its most rapid decline.

Page 10: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Sleep Disorders

Patients with delayed sleep phase insomnia cannot sleep until the early hours of morning, and often end up sleeping through much of the day. This condition has been treated successfully with exposure to bright light in the early morning to induce phase advances of the clock. An evening dose of 5 mg of melatonin at 11:00 p.m. has also been shown to advance sleep time significantly. A combination of both methods — timed application of bright light in the morning and a dose of melatonin in the evening–seems to be the most effective therapy for treating melatonin rhythm disturbances.Melatonin has not only been shown to advance sleep time, but to increase sleep duration as well. It is also effective in reducing the symptoms of jet lag. One study examined the effectiveness of melatonin in treating the sleep disorders in 100 children, who had a wide variety of physical problems including blindness, mental retardation, autism, and central nervous system diseases. Melatonin therapy was found to benefit over 80% of these children, and was lauded as a “safe, inexpensive, and very effective treatment of sleep-wake cycle disorders.” In general, smaller doses of melatonin appear to be just as effective as larger doses in inducing and sustaining sleep.Patients with sleep disorders are often given a prescription for a benzodiazepine, a family of drugs that includes Dalmane, Doral, Halcion, ProSom, Restoril, Valium, Xanax, and many others. Although these medications can be very effective, particularly in cases of anxiety-related insomnia, they have many limitations and adverse side affects, including anxiety, depression, and memory loss (anterograde amnesia). Melatonin enhances REM and slow-wave sleep patterns with little or no adverse reactions.

Page 11: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Cancer

There is good evidence for photoperiod dependence and/or melatonin responsiveness in the initiation and evolution of certain cancers, particularly hormone-dependent cancers. Administration of melatonin significantly improved survival time and quality of life in patients with brain metastases due to solid neoplasms. When used after first-line chemotherapy (cisplatin) for treating non-small cell carcinoma (NSC) of the lung, melatonin also successfully prolonged the survival time for patients with metastatic NSC lung cancer.Because of its powerful oncostatic effects and its estrogen-blocking ability, melatonin demonstrates particular promise in the treatment of breast cancer. Numerous studies have reported an inverse correlation between melatonin levels and the growth of estrogen-receptive positive tumors.62-66 Used in conjunction with tamoxifen to modulate cancer endocrine therapy, melatonin shows marked ability to modulate estrogen receptor expression and inhibit breast cancer cell growth. Moreover, researchers surmised that melatonin may induce objective tumor regressions in metastatic breast cancer patients refractory to tamoxifen alone.

Immune System

When properly administered, melatonin has general stimulatory effects on immune system functions; its positive anti-cancer effects may stem from this strengthening of the immune response. One theory is that melatonin acts as an anti-stress hormone via the brain opioid system, with consequent up-regulation of the immune system.

Page 12: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Many researchers believe that T-derived cytokines are the main mediators of the immunological effect of melatonin. Specific high affinity binding sites for 125I-melatonin have been discovered on T-helper-type 2 lymphocytes in the bone marrow and in various lymphoid tissues.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common of the demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. The clinical course and prognosis of the disease is variable, although it typically tends to progress in a series of relapses and remissions. In most cases, a patient with MS undergoes a slow and steady deterioration of neurological function.Recently, the pineal gland has been implicated in the pathogenesis and clinical course of MS. When melatonin levels decline, an exacerbation of MS symptoms is seen. Remission effects in MS are thought to relate to the stimulatory influence of melatonin on the immune system.In one study, MS patients were randomly selected from patients consecutively admitted to a neurology service in a hospital for exacerbations of their symptoms. Nocturnal levels of melatonin and the activity of the pineal gland were monitored over the course of each patient’s illness. The study revealed a progressive decline in melatonin levels over the duration of the illness. Since patients with chronic progressive MS had a lower mean melatonin level compared to those with a relapsing-remitting course of the disease, an analysis of melatonin levels may be crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of MS and, specifically, the course of its progression.

Antioxidant Activity

Free radicals, especially the hydroxyl radical, can be extremely damaging to cells. Melatonin has both water and fat soluble properties, making it one of the only known antioxidants in nature that can protect all parts of a cell. Since melatonin has the unique ability to navigate any body barrier with ease (including the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier), it can protect virtually every cell in the body.Recent evidence suggests that melatonin plays a critical role in free radical scavenging activity, preserving

Page 13: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

macromolecules such as DNA, protein, and lipid from oxidative damage. In fact, melatonin has been proven more powerful than both glutathione and mannitol in neutralizing hydroxyl radicals and may protect cell membranes more effectively than vitamin E. Remarkably, it is five hundred times more efficient at protecting cells from radiation than dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

Cardiovascular Disease

A decrease in melatonin causes increased nighttime sympathetic activity, which in turn appears to increase the risk for coronary disease. One study found that patients with coronary heart disease had nocturnal melatonin levels five times lower than in healthy controls. Investigators surmised that lower levels of melatonin may act to increase circulating epinephrine and norepinephrine, which have been implicated in damage to blood vessel walls. Atherogenic uptake of LDL cholesterol is accelerated by these amines at pathophysiological concentrations.Research conducted on laboratory rodents has shown that melatonin treatment exerts the beneficial effect of increasing the HDL/total LDL cholesterol ratio, perhaps by enhancing endogenous cholesterol clearance mechanisms. Specific binding sites for the melatonin agonist 2-[125I] iodomelatonin have been discovered in the heart (and lungs) of various animals. In addition, melatonin seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation plays a significant role in the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Ovulation and Pregnancy

Recently melatonin has stimulated the interest of researchers for its potential use as an oral contraceptive. Researchers have established a negative correlation between melatonin and sex steroids, independent of gonadotrophin activity.86 Increased secretion of melatonin in winter appears to suppress or inactivate the hypothalmic-pituitary-gonadal reproductive axis, which in many species results in a limited, seasonal period of reproduction.87 This natural form of contraception occurs via the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator. It is postulated that a melatonin/ovarian steroid contraceptive could re-activate this anovulation mechanism in humans, and one melatonin-based contraceptive is already undergoing Phase III clinical trials.88 Long term use of such a contraceptive could reduce the risk of breast cancer by preventing the proliferation of epithelial breast cells caused by continuous ovulatory cycles.89Significant increases in melatonin have been noted in women during the luteal phase of ovulation.90 In animal studies, pharmacological doses of melatonin caused no harmful effects on developing embryos, suggesting that the administration of melatonin may be safe during pregnancy.91

Conventional Medical Treatment [SH]

The pineal gland and melatonin levels are generally not treated by conventional means, unless a rare pineal tumor is detected.

Naturopathic Medical Treatment and Prevention [SH]By providing TRYPTOPAN rich bioavailable foods and 5-htp (5-Hydroxytryptophan) as well as all mirconutrient cofactors that are the necessary precursors…….

Melatonin Deficiency

LifestyleMelatonin production is increased by darkness; therefore, artificial light (or any type of electromagnetic radiation), after sundown should be minimized. Daytime exercise and light exposure will promote a regular circadian rhythm of melatonin.

Clinical NutritionVitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate): Vitamin B-6 is a cofactor in melatonin synthesis from L-tryptophan.

L-Tryptophan: L-tryptophan is a precursor amino acid to serotonin and melatonin.

5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5HTP): 5HTP is intermediate in the tryptophan to serotonin/melatonin pathway.

Page 14: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Melatonin: Bio-identical hormone replacement can be administered.

LifestyleSAD is common in temperate climates, especially those with a high level of cloud cover. Therefore, regular daytime exposure to light (2500 lux/20 min per day in the morning) has been shown to improve the symptoms of SAD. Normal circadian rhythms should be promoted by following natural day/night light patterns and avoiding, if possible, night shift work. As stress can potentiate melatonin secretion, stress reduction and management of stress are important to the improvement of SAD.

Clinical NutritionCravings for sweets and other high glycemic foods are common with SAD, but these foods should be avoided. Although these simple carbohydrates may lift the mood temporarily, their consumption is often followed by a blood sugar drop (hypoglycemia), which puts extra strain on the adrenal glands. In addition, weight gained as a result can aggravate SAD. Caffeine and other stimulants are in the same category, and alcohol exacerbates SAD by acting as a depressant. Furthermore, supplements or medications that increase melatonin may exacerbate SAD. Support of thyroid and adrenal function typically improves the symptoms of SAD.

Light Pollution/LED Blue Lighting is Killing Us!

Full spectrum light is like the sun.Tuesday, November 24th, 2009Full spectrum light is like the sun. It consists of many colors which combines to make a beautiful white light. To be truly full spectrum, the manufacturer must create a light that looks like daylight white (the Kelvin temperature) and also contain all the color wavelengths of natural daylight (the Color Rendering Index). It’s easy to make a light with the appropriate Kelvin. The challenge comes in matching the daylight colors at noon when we are most biologically active and alert. We are proud to announce that our Indoor Sunshine light rates 95 CRI, or 95% of the sun’s noontime rating.

Definitions

CRI — Color Rendering Index or how the colors appear under man-made light in comparison to natural daylight. The sun is 100 CRI. The best man-made light is in the 90s.K — Kelvin Color Temperature Scale or chromaticity

The Kelvin color temperature is a term used to describe the “whiteness” of incandescent lamp light. In incandescent or screw-in bulbs, the color temperature describes the actual physical temperature of the wire or filament inside the bulb. For fluorescent tubes with no hot filament, the term “Kelvin” indicates that the light appears as if the lamp is operating at a specific color temperature. It is not hot to the touch. The term “chromaticity” is beginning to be used in place of color temperature.

Typical CRI and Kelvin ratings are:

49 CRI 2800 K incandescent56 CRI 3000 K warm white fluorescent68 CRI 4200 K standard cool white fluorescent90 CRI 5000 K daylight-simulating fluorescent95 CRI 5500 K Indoor Sunshine100 CRI 5500 K outdoor light

Lux — Lux is a measurement of light output or intensity.Lumens — Another measurement of brightness.

We see yellow-green as the brightest color. (Think of the new yellow-green school buses and crossing signs,

Page 15: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

fire trucks and fire hydrants.) Since yellow is the first color we see as babies, the scale for brightness measures the amount of yellow light emitted. However, yellow is the narrowest part of the color spectrum We see better under a light that has blue wavelengths in it or has a blue Kelvin rating.

Full spectrum light increases visual acuity because it activates both the rod and cone cells in the eye.

What are T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes?These numbers indicate the diameters of fluorescent tubes.T8 1! diameter. Found in newer fixtures. Uses electronic ballast only.T12 1"” diameter. The standard-size older tube. Uses magnetic or electronic ballast.

What’s a ballast?A magnetic or electronic piece of equipment designed to regulate power to fluorescent tubes. There is one inside every fluorescent fixture, light box and attached to the spiral bulbs.

What’s the difference between a magnetic and an electronic ballast?A magnetic ballast cycles the light off and on 60 times a second. It’s like being under a strobe light. You may hear the ballast hum or see the light flicker. A magnetic ballast is one of the causes of Sick Building Syndrome. Many people dislike fluorescent lights because of magnetic ballasts.

An electronic ballast turns the light off and on 50,000 times a second. Our bodies perceive this as a steady light and can relax. Stress hormones decrease. The best electronic ballasts (like ours) emit only very, very low levels of EMFs or electromagnetic frequencies. The ballast is quiet and the light doesn’t flicker.

How much light does someone need?The amount of light needed depends on your sensitivity, the time of year, the amount of time spent indoors, the geographic location, even skin type. Fair skin responses faster; darker and Asian skin requires more light.

Quality Control of our light productsRandom testing of the phosphor blend is done during mixing before it is shipped to the manufacturers. Our fluorescent lamps are made in several countries around the world. Random testing Quality Control and Performance Testing is conducted during each stage of manufacturing. Products are tested again after shipment to the United States.

Posted in Scientific Research | No Comments »

Electronic BallastsTuesday, November 24th, 2009A solid state electronic ballast has become available in recent years. This ballast is lightweight, generates very little heat. The electronic ballasts that we recommend operate at 50,000 Hz, rather than the standard 60Hz of magnetic ballasts. The high frequency cycling effectively eliminates flickering and humming.

Some of the advantages of electronic ballasts:

Use 25-30% less energyIncrease the lifespan of lampsLonger lamp and ballast life reduces associated maintenance costsReduced heat generation reduces air conditioning costsHigh frequency operation of 50,000 Hz eliminates flicker and humFlicker-free light reduces eye strain and fatigueElectronic ballasts give off very low levels of EMFs (Electromagnetic Fields)Magnetic Ballasts

The standard ballast used the last few decades has been a magnetic type, which produces negative side effects and is more expensive to run than the newer electronic ballasts.

Page 16: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

Magnetic ballasts operate at 60Hz, or cycles per second, the frequency of the AC voltage they run on. This means that each lamp switches on and off 120 times per second, resulting in a barely perceptible flicker and a noticeable hum. These ballasts are frequently implicated in Sick Building Syndrome. About 25% of the people are noticeably sensitive to ballast flicker and hum and can become physically ill, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, itching and burning eyes, tension, eye fatigue, and general fatigue. The flickering light increases stress hormones produced by the adrenals.The 60 Hz cycling also shortens the life expectancy of the lamps, increasing their cost.The most commonly used rapid-start magnetic ballast draws 2-3 watts even when the lamp is switched off, a sizable expense in a building with many lamps. This ballast draws current even when the fluorescent lamps are removed.Magnetic ballasts have a relatively short life span.During the final 30% of the ballast”s lifespan, it consumes the same amount of energy but produces far lower light levels.Magnetic ballasts give off high levels of EMFs (Electromagnetic Fields) which may increase the risk of cancer.Magnetic ballasts produced prior to 1978 contain PCBs, a known carcinogen.Because magnetic ballasts operate at 60Hz per second, they can cause a stroboscopic effect with any machinery that has moving parts, such as pulleys, gears or saws, that run at speeds that are a multiple of 60Hz. The stroboscopic effect will cause the machine to appear motionless, which can be a deadly hazard.To verify which type of ballast is currently installed in a given fixture without having to take it apart, look at the type of bulb that is in the fixture. A T12 tube uses a magnetic ballast; a T8 tube requires an electronic ballast.

The bottom line: Lighting efficiency upgrades pay for themselves in less than two or three years. Workers are happier, healthier and more productive. Click here for a PDF version of the T8 Plus tubes specifications.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information and the lights do not claim to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health program.

Blue Wavelengths Suppress MelatoninTuesday, November 24th, 2009Several very recent studies, most notably research from a team headed by Dr. George Brainard at Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, have identified the specific wavelengths of blue light, 446-477nm, that are crucial in suppressing melatonin production in humans.1,2, 3,4 As Dr. Brainard notes, “This discovery will have an immediate impact on the therapeutic use of light for treating winter depression and circadian disorders.”

Melatonin, the neurotransmitter that helps us sleep deeply through the night, is produced from serotonin. Suppressing melatonin production raises the levels of serotonin in our brains. This is the key goal of all therapeutic light treatment. This neurological pathway entrains our circadian rhythm to be awake during the day and sleep deeply at night.

Four cells in the human retina capture light and form the visual system. One type, rod cells, regulates night vision. The other three types, called cone cells, control color vision. It’s known that exposure to light at night can disrupt the body’s production of melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and plays a vital role in resetting the body’s biological clock.

Dr. Brainard and his group showed that the combined three-cone system didn’t control the biological effects of light, at least not for melatonin regulation. But subsequent work led to the surprising discovery that a novel receptor was responsible for the effect.

The study looked at the effects of nine different wavelengths of light, from indigo to orange, on 72 healthy volunteers. Subjects were brought into the laboratory at midnight, when melatonin is highest. The subjects’ pupils were dilated and then they were blindfolded for two hours. Blood samples were drawn. Next, each person was exposed to a specific dose of photons of one light for 90 minutes, then another blood sample

Page 17: Systems and mechanisms that disrupt or deplete….dna-rna nutrient cofactors (zn, se, mn, cu, fe, mg, co, cr)….. tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin a.e.n.t-2014 rsh

was drawn. Wavelengths of blue light had the highest potency in causing changes in melatonin levels, he explains.

This research indicates that there is an as yet unidentified photopigment, most sensitive at these wavelengths of blue, which controls these neurological reactions to light. As another researcher notes, this ‘provides the first direct evidence of a non-rod, non-cone photo-receptive system in humans’ – one that is activated by blue light between 420-480nm2.

Note: has incorporated this research into its BlueStar Lights. The 10,000 lux, BlueStar twin tubes have one side that’s bright blue (446-477 nm) and one side that’s 85 CRI, 5000 K. Clinical use shows that the BlueStar Light lowers melatonin in 15-20 minutes, instead of the 1-2 hours necessary with bright hi lux light.

1. Brainard G, Hanifin J, Greeson J, et al (2001) Action Spectrum for Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor. J. Neurosci (16):6405-6412.2. Thapan K, Arendt J, Skene DJ (2001) An action spectrum for melatonin suppression: evidence for a novel non-rod, non-cone photoreceptor system in humans. J Physiol 535(pt 1): 261-73. Wright HR, Lack LC (2001) Effect of light wavelength on suppression and phase delay of the melatonin rhythm. Chronobiol Int 5:801-84. Max, M (2001) Molecular Basis of Phototransduction and Circadian Rhythmicity, notes on current research, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics of Mount Sinai School of Medicine.