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LifePak

Score 96

Rating Try it

Supplement LifePak

Company Pharmanex

Claims Score 20

Claims Pharmanex recommends LifePak for anyone concerned with optimal
health and suggests that it should be the core product to any dietary supplement
regimen (a sound recommendation for a comprehensive multi-vitamin). LifePak is
supplied in packets containing 2 mineral capsules and one vitamin/phytonutrient
capsule and Pharmanex recommends that 2 packets be consumed daily
(morning/evening) to provide optimal absorption and tissue saturation.

Theory Score 20

Theory In addition to providing the recommended intakes for all vitamins and
minerals, SupplementWatch believes that a comprehensive multiple should also
contain significant amounts of phytonutrients from the carotenoid and flavonoid
family. In this regard, the ingredient formulation in LifePak is well thought out and
appears to be updated periodically (at least yearly) to reflect the most recent
findings in nutritional science. The current version of LifePak (Spring 2000),
contains a blend of antioxidants, a balanced mixture of B-complex vitamins,
chelated sources of most minerals and a variety of phytonutrients from multiple
sources. LifePak meets the SupplementWatch Essential Nutrients criteria for all 22
vitamins and minerals.

Science Score 20

Science LifePak has been the subject of two clinical studies designed to assess the
antioxidant benefits of the product quite a significant fact when you consider that
we know of very few supplement companies that have sponsored clinical studies on
their multivitamin products. Both studies (which have only been published in
abstract form) showed a significant increase in blood levels of antioxidants (ascorbic
acid, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol) and an increase in the
ability of LDL cholesterol to withstand oxidation (a significant factor related to
formation of atherosclerotic deposits). It should be emphasized again that it is quite
unprecedented for a supplement company to conduct rigorous clinical efficacy
studies on a multi-vitamin product, and we applaud Pharmanex for their efforts in
this regard. Criteria #1 = Essential Nutrients (8/8) LifePak meets the
SupplementWatch Essential Nutrients criteria for all 22 vitamins and minerals.
Criteria #2 = Vitamin and Mineral Sources (2/2) LifePak provides excellent sources
of the five nutrients evaluated in this category this means that the sources are
bioavailable. Vitamin E is present in the natural form of D-alpha tocopheryl
succinate. The predominant source of all minerals is amino acid chelate, which has
been shown to be more absorbable than other inorganic forms. Criteria #3 =
Antioxidant Blend (2/2) LifePak meets the optimum levels of all four Antioxidant
nutrients that are required by SupplementWatch. Criteria #4 = B-vitamin blend
(2/2) The B-vitamins folic acid, B6 and B12 are present in amounts that will support
normal, low homocysteine levels. LifePak passes SupplementWatchs B-vitamin
Blend criteria. Criteria #5 = Bone Nutrition (2/2) LifePak provides optimal levels
of all bone nutrients required by SupplementWatch. This product will promote
strong, healthy bones. Criteria #6 = Phytonutrient Blend (4/4) LifePak passes this
criteria by providing 3 sources of carotenoids totaling 9 mg (beta-carotene,
lutein,and lycpone). It also provides 5 sources of flavonoids totaling 145 mg (citrus
bioflavonoids, quercetin, isoflavones, grape seed extract, and curcumin).

Safety Score 20

Safety The ingredients contained in LifePak are not associated with any serious
adverse side effects at the levels provided. None of the ingredients exceed the
NOAEL.

Value Score 16

Value LifePak also provides some additional nutrients, such as catechins from
green tea, alpha-lipoic acid, and broccoli and cabbage concentrates; however, these
nutrients were not evaluated in the scope of this review. At $66.50 for 60 packets (a
30-day supply when used as directed at 2 packets per day), LifePak from
Pharmanex will cost $2.22 per day a bit on the high side even among other
comprehensive MVMS products (thus the reduced value ranking). Overall, we
feel that LifePak is a premium-quality product, but also at a premium-quality price.
We should note, however, that Pharmanex products, like most supplements
distributed through a network-marketing channel, can be had at a reduced
"wholesale" price if you sign up for a recurring delivery program - so you'll need to
balance the reduced rate with the auto-delivery scenario.