Research is extremely important to us. The Dr. Rath Research Institute is constantly researching new combinations of micronutrients with regard to their effects. It has been shown that the selection and dosage of each micronutrient are crucial to the results. It applies the principle of synergy, that is, the mutually reinforcing interaction of the individual components.

One area of focus is to research the scientific basis for the development of new health claims and new medical applications for micronutrients. For example, a comprehensive series of tests explored how different combinations of micronutrients can support or enhance important biological functions.

Promotion of healthy cell growth

Healthy cell growth is of paramount importance for the development and maintenance of a healthy body. Cells are undergoing a process of continuous renewal that eliminates old and damaged cells and replaces them with new ones. This is a crucial prerequisite for life at any age. Cells require a regular supply of nutrients in order to form and function healthily; this is true both for growth and division.

The Dr. Rath Research Institute examined micronutrient synergies in terms of their effect on the growth of healthy cells into human connective tissue cells (fibroblasts). Researchers measured a clear stimulating effect on the growth of the fibroblasts. Compared to the control (without the addition of micronutrients) a cell growth of over 50% and sometimes even of almost 100% was measured.

Increasing collagen (type I) important for skin, tendons, bones

Connective tissue gives the body support and protection at the same time. The crucial molecules that are produced in the connective tissue cells are collagen fibers. They have a similar function in the body as the steel girders in a skyscraper. The collagen types I and IV play a particular role in the body. Collagen Type I is mainly responsible for the healthy functioning of the skin , tendons, bones and teeth.

The Dr. Rath Research Institute investigated how certain micronutrient combinations affect the production of collagen type I by increasing collagen production in human skin fibroblasts.

The study concerning the formation of collagen stability molecules (type I) showed that micronutrient supplementation caused a significant increase. In two of the tested micronutrient combinations, collagen formation increased almost fourfold compared to one control group (without the addition of micronutrients) and even sixfold in another control group.

Increasing collagen (type IV) important for integrity of blood vessels

Connective tissue gives the body support and protection at the same time. The crucial molecules that are produced in the connective tissue cells are collagen fibers. They have a similar function in our body as the steel girders in a skyscraper.

The collagen types I and IV play a particular role in the body. Collagen type IV is especially important for the blood vessel walls and the cardiovascular system.

The activation of collagen production in the nucleus (gene expression) was used to investigate how different micronutrient combinations affect the production of type IV collagen. The examination was performed on human cells of the arterial wall (smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts). The study concerning the formation of collagen stability molecules (type IV) showed a significant increase. The collagen formation could be increased by up to 200% compared to the control group (without the addition of micronutrients).

 

Increasing bioenergy production (ATP) with micronutrient combinations

Almost all the biological processes that take place in our cells consume biological energy. The crucial molecule that provides this energy is called ATP. The cell systems that are permanently stressed have a particularly high energy consumption, such as the heart muscle cells. Of crucial importance for the formation and provision of bioenergy in the form of ATP is the supply of micronutrients to the cells.

Of crucial importance for the formation and provision of bioenergy in the form of ATP is the supply of micronutrients to the cells.

The benefits of different micronutrient combinations for bioenergy formation have been demonstrated by measuring ATP production using a special measuring technique (colorimetry). The examination was performed on human smooth muscle cells of the arterial wall. The control group was a solution without added micronutrients. In the study concerning bioenergy formation in the form of ATP, researchers measured an increase in the ATP concentration of 16%, 44% and 12% in three of the investigated micronutrient combinations. These results demonstrate that micronutrient therapy can provide tangible support for the energy metabolism.

Increased protection against free radicals

Exhaust gases, polluted water and environmental toxins are typical sources of pollution that generate free radicals. These aggressive, highly reactive molecules are able to significantly damage our cells. An excess of free radicals generates so-called “oxidative stress”. This can lead to disease and premature aging. If the free radicals are reactive oxygen molecules (ROS), this process is also referred to as “biological rusting”.

Antioxidants are preferred reactants for ROS. They are able to neutralize them and thus render them harmless. The most important antioxidants we can supply through nutrition are micronutrients, such as vitamins and polyphenols.

The Dr. Rath Research Institute has investigated the antioxidant capacity of various micronutrient combinations. Researchers investigated the antioxidant capacity using a standardized measurement method (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidative Capacity, TEAC). The results are given in so-called “Trolox equivalents”. To assess the antioxidant capacity, values of 170, 1430 and 1300 Trolox equivalents were determined.

Cell protection against elevated sugar levels (glucose stress)

Glucose (sugar) is a vital energy source for certain cells in our bodies. However, an excess of sugar in the diet can have adverse consequences, burdening and damaging cells.

A permanent surplus of sugar in the blood makes cell surfaces “sticky” and restricts them considerably in the way they function. In addition, high blood sugar can block the absorption of vitamin C into the cells. If cells are exposed to very high glucose levels over a longer period of time, they die.

In the following experiment the Dr. Rath Research Institute investigated whether micronutrients have a protective effect on human cells (smooth muscle cells), which were exposed to elevated glucose levels. Researchers compared the survival rate of the treated cells to the control group which had not received the addition of micronutrients. In terms of cell-protecting effects against damage from excess sugar, the survival rate of the treated cells compared to the control group (without the addition of micronutrients) at the most effective synergies was 60%, 80% and even 100%.