AO Booster
- Helps maintain the defense system
- Helps reduce aches and soreness
- New and improved formula – in a soft gel form
Quantity:
The unique AO Booster formula not only supplies antioxidants to support your immune system—perfectly complementing the ones in Super Antioxidant—these nutrients are also highly beneficial for protecting your vision, improving your skin, and reducing muscle soreness.
INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN:
Gamma E Tocopherol Complex – The four tocopherol components of the vitamin E “family”—alpha, beta, gamma, and delta (with emphasis on the gamma fraction)—that are extracted and concentrated from oil palm fruits.
EVNol® 50% – (providing 38.5% d-mixed tocotrienols) - The four tocopherol components of the vitamin E “family”—that are extracted and concentrated from oil palm fruits.
Lutein – A naturally occurring carotenoid found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Astaxanthin – A form of microalgae that gives the red color to salmon, lobster, and crab.
Are your supplements 3rd party tested?
Yes, every Hammer Nutrition supplement is 3rd party tested in compliance with the FDA’s regulations, 21 CFR Part 111 – Dietary Supplements. All the raw materials for each supplement we produce are tested for purity, strength, identity, and integrity. In addition to raw material testing, every Hammer Nutrition supplement is also tested in every stage of production—blending, encapsulation / powder-filling, packaging components and finished goods—before being released for distribution.
What are the Tocopherol Complex and EVNol components in AO Booster?
The vitamin E family has eight members of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols—alpha, beta, delta, and gamma (EVNol is a trademarked tocotrienol complex), all of which are contained in AO Booster. Studies suggest that a mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols yields optimal health benefits, versus regular vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) alone.
Dr. Karin Granstrom Jordan writes, “While alpha-tocopherol has long been known as an important antioxidant, research has now shown that the complete vitamin E team is much more effective. The different vitamin E forms have complementary effects as free radical scavengers. Together they can fight a wider spectrum of free radicals than alpha-tocopherol alone.”
Without detracting from the long-known multiple benefits of d-alpha tocopherol, the gamma tocopherol component may be as important, if not more so. Research has suggested that supplementing with just the alpha tocopherol component (which is what you typically find in most supplements) may lower the body's gamma tocopherol level significantly.
According to vitamin E expert, Dr. Maret G. Traber, “While both alpha- and gamma-tocopherol are potent antioxidants, gamma-tocopherol has a unique function. Because of its different chemical structure, gamma-tocopherol scavenges reactive nitrogen species, which, like reactive oxygen species, can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA.”
In addition to its impressive antioxidant properties, gamma tocopherol has been shown to provide superior anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation is a primary culprit in virtually all degenerative diseases. Gamma tocopherol also increases the levels of both alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol, whereas alpha tocopherol alone may lower the body's levels of gamma tocopherol. AO Booster has more gamma tocopherol than the other three tocopherols combined.
Tocotrienols may be even more potent free radical scavengers than the tocopherols. According to research by Dr. Lester Packer and Dr. Barrie Tan, tocotrienols may have 30-60 times more antioxidant power than alpha tocopherol.
In addition to their powerful antioxidant properties, tocotrienols provide a wide range of health benefits such as:
- Powerful support for helping protect against cancer. Like tocopherols, tocotrienols help inhibit several mechanisms necessary for tumor development and growth.
- Improving cholesterol levels. Tocotrienols effectively block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is one of the metabolic steps in producing cholesterol.
- Protecting against cardiovascular disease. Tocotrienols have been shown to decrease blood levels of homocysteine (elevated levels are implicated in cardiovascular disease.) One study found that tocotrienols provided this benefit even more powerfully than folate, which is often thought of as the premier homocysteine-lowering nutrient.
- Protection from heart attack or stroke. Tocotrienols provide resistance to ischemia, which is defined as an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.
- Improving metabolic syndrome. Tocotrienols positively influence, and may help to reverse, many aspects of metabolic syndrome. This syndrome includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat.
- Support against liver cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Emerging research is revealing that tocotrienols provide powerful support for liver health, with equally potent protection against liver cancer and NAFLD.
SUMMARY
The benefits that the combination of all four tocopherols and all four tocotrienols provide are just the tip of the iceberg. Research continues to reveal even more potential benefits, such as protection against diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. The tocopherols and tocotrienols that are supplied by food sources are incomplete and minimal, making a combination of diet and supplementation a necessity.
Rest Days
Take 1–2 capsules with food.
Exercise Days
Take 1–2 capsules after working out with Recoverite® or Hammer PHOOD. After long training days, take an additional capsule with dinner if desired.
Endurance News #124 April/May 2021
BY STEVE BORN
Back in 2009, over 50 issues of Endurance News ago, we introduced a revolutionary new product we named AO Booster (the “AO” standing for Anti Oxidant), featuring all fat-soluble antioxidants. Because of the consistency of the nutrients—which ranged from sticky to down-right oily—it was a real challenge to mix and encapsulate the product, so much so that outages and delays were constant.
This was frustrating for clients and us, so of course, we did a total reboot and massively improved what was already an extremely potent formula, changing from dry powder capsules to liquid softgel caplets. One of the biggest benefits is that one full serving is now a single softgel versus two of the two-serving vegetable capsules. That’s right, AO Booster—though it can be taken more than once daily, if desired—is now classified as a one-a-day supplement.
We’ve improved the formula by incorporating a new trademarked form of the tocopherol/tocotrienol component in the product. EVNol™ is considered the highest-quality source for the richest amounts of soy-free tocopherols and tocopherols, derived from GMO-free palm oil. Marigold-derived lutein, as well as astanxanthin, derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, remain in the formula.
Why AO Booster?
In talking with a nutritional scientist friend a number of years ago, he commented that endurance athletes—even those going at a modest aerobic pace—generate more fat-soluble free radicals than water-soluble ones. He also mentioned that a wide range of both water- and fat-soluble free radicals is continually formed in the body as part of normal biological processes. Other factors, such as pesticides, cigarette smoke, pollution, alcohol, stress, and foods that are fried at high temperatures or burnt also contribute to an overload of free radicals. Supplementing with a variety of antioxidants is required to counteract the damaging effects of the numerous types of free radicals.
Lastly, he reviewed the Hammer Nutrition product line and noted that while there are a number of superb water-soluble antioxidants in many of the formulas, there really needed to be more of the fat-soluble antioxidants to accompany the water-soluble ones for more-complete antioxidant coverage. That was the impetus for creating the AO Booster formula, and it’s found a venerable spot in the Hammer Nutrition lineup (hint: It’s in a tie with Essential Mg for my next supplement choice after the Daily Essentials).
Dosage Suggestions
Non-workout days: 1 softgel with food
Workouts days: 1 softgel after workout with Recoverite®/Organic Vegan Recoverite® or food
The AO Booster formula
Tocopherol (150 mg)/tocotrienol (50 mg) blend
The vitamin E “family” has eight “members”—four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Studies suggest that optimal health benefits are obtained via intake of a mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols versus “regular” vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) only. Karin Granstrom Jordan, M.D. writes, “While alpha-tocopherol has long been known as an important antioxidant, research has now shown that the complete vitamin E team is much more effective. The different vitamin E forms have complementary effects as free radical scavengers. Together they can fight a wider spectrum of free radicals than alpha-tocopherol alone.”
In the tocopherol blend, we emphasize the gamma fraction in the formula; there is more of this particular form of vitamin E than the other three combined. Vitamin E expert, Dr. Maret G. Traber, explains, “While both alpha- and gamma-tocopherol are potent antioxidants, gamma-tocopherol has a unique function. Because of its different chemical structure, gamma-tocopherol scavenges reactive nitrogen species, which, like reactive oxygen species, can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA.”
Tocotrienols may be even more potent free radical scavengers than the tocopherols. According to research by Dr. Lester Packer and Dr. Barrie Tan, tocotrienols may have 30-60 times more antioxidant power than alpha tocopherol.
Read more: “The Full E Family in AO Booster”
Lutein (20 mg)
This carotenoid is a potent antioxidant, with a particular affinity for eyes and skin, helping protect them from ultraviolet (UV) damage. In regards to eye health, not only does lutein provide the macula and lens with protection from sunlight’s UV rays, it is suggested to decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein aids in protecting the skin from UV and free radical damage, it helps reduce soreness and redness in the skin, and may even be a powerful ally for helping protect against skin cancer. In addition, studies indicate that lutein and other carotenoids (a class of natural fat-soluble pigments) may have protective benefits to help ward off breast cancer. Lutein is also purported to help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to clog and often leads to cardiovascular disease.
Read more: “AO Booster’s Lutein—More Than Meets the Eye”
Astaxanthin (5 mg)
This carotenoid, derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, is suggested to be 10 times stronger than beta-carotene and 100 times stronger than vitamin E in regards to its antioxidant capabilities. Japanese research suggests that mice supplemented with astaxanthin appeared to burn fatty acids for fuel more efficiently, were able to exercise longer, and had greatly decreased fat accumulation compared to mice not receiving astaxanthin. Other research has shown that astaxanthin reduces oxidative damage from strenuous exercise in the skeletal and heart muscles of supplemented mice. Research also suggests that astaxanthin may improve human cardiovascular health and provide a powerful assist in protecting against cancer.
Read more: “Astaxanthin’s Amazing Benefits”
Summary
In a single softgel capsule, Hammer Nutrition’s AO Booster supplies you with an arsenal of powerful fat-soluble antioxidants to provide even more immune system-boosting power. These specific antioxidants are perfect complements to the multiple water-soluble ones found in Super Antioxidant, Premium Insurance Caps, and more, and also to the couple of fat-soluble antioxidants in Race Caps Supreme and Mito Caps. In addition, with AO Booster you’ll also notice benefits for your eyes and skin, reduced muscle soreness (a nice post-workout benefit!), as well as potentially increased endurance via enhanced fats-for-fuels utilization.
Back in stock now after a bit of hiatus, I sincerely believe that AO Booster is one of the most advanced and important products we’ve ever come out with, and I enthusiastically and unhesitatingly suggest taking it every day all year round.
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Supplement Facts |
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| Serving Size 1 Softgel Servings Per Container 30 |
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| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* | |
| Tocopherol Complex (55% d-gamma-tocopherol) |
300mg | † |
| EVNol 50% (providing 38.5% d-mixed tocotrienols) |
100mg | † |
| Lutein (from marigold flower extract (tagetes erecta)) | 20mg | † |
| Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis algae extract) |
5mg | † |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. † Daily Value not established. |
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| Other Ingredients: Capsule shell (gelatin, glycerin, carob, purified water), Beeswax These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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