Nutritional Scanning
Technological Advancements in Measuring Your Antioxidant Health
Antioxidants, Free Radicals, and Disease
Antioxidants are a substance that inhibits oxidation in the body – examples include Vitamins A and E, Carotenoids, etc. There are many, many types of antioxidants. Oxidation is what happens to an apple when it is sitting in the air too long, or meat that goes bad. So, the effects of too much oxidation in the body can contribute to things like aging quickly and degenerative diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and even the more innocuous ailments, like a cold or flu.
Oxidation is caused by free radicals, which is a term used to describe damaged cells which are problematic to the body. They are “free” because they are missing a key molecule, and it makes them glom on to any other cell within site and wreak havoc. Free radicals are produced naturally, and our body is equipped to handle nominal free radical damage by producing its own antioxidants, and by refueling with antioxidants from a normal healthy diet.
However, free radicals are also produced environmentally, and that has never been more true than today. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive stress, cigarette smoke, toxins in our food and water, exhaust fumes…our environment is inundated with toxins that produce massive amounts of free radicals, and our normal antioxidant production is totally unequipped to handle it.
So what’s the solution? Most health and wellness experts agree that a supplement regimen to boost your antioxidant levels, combined with exercise and a healthy diet, is key to combating free radical damage and thus, disease.
But is it working? Until recent technological developments, we’ve all been operating on faith that whatever brand of supplements we take is doing the job. That’s what we were doing anyway: until we discovered the BioPhotonic scanner.
What is the BioPhotonic Scanner?
The BioPhotonic scanner is a non-invasive tool that measures your carotenoid levels by scanning the skin on the palm of your hand using low-energy blue light (the process takes about 30 seconds). This is a technology known as Resonance Raman Spectroscopy. The results give us your carotenoid levels, which in turn give us a snapshot of your overall antioxidant health.
Why Does Your Carotenoid Score Matter?
Carotenoids are a group of antioxidants, which include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, to name a few. They are also responsible for the really pretty colors in our food, like orange, red and yellow. So, if we know your carotenoid score, we have a really good indication of your overall health. This technology takes the guesswork out of your diet, exercise, and supplement regimen, and gives you a real foundation to build from. If you actively participate in your health and wellness, this is a crucial tool for you.
What Does it Cost? Does Insurance Cover my Tests?
The BioPhotonic Scanner test is not yet covered by insurance, but in an effort to enable as many people as possible to understand their overall health, we keep the cost to a minimum. At the Hikari Ryuza Center, we charge $20 per scan, and it is recommended you scan monthly, so you can validate that your health and wellness plan is working. If you sign up for one of our membership packages, this monthly fee is waved.
Contact us for a free health and wellness consultation,
and your first scan is on us
Studies on Resonance Raman Technology (used in the BioPhotonic Scanner)
The Eye
1. Bernstein PS, Zhao DY, Sharifzadeh M, Ermakov IV, Gellermann W. Resonance Raman measurement of macular carotenoids in the living human eye. Arch Biochem Biophys 2004;15;430(2):163-9.
2. Bernstein PS, Zhao DY, Wintch SW, Ermakov IV, McClane RW, Gellermann W. Resonance Raman measurement of macular carotenoids in normal subjects and in age-related macular degeneration patients. Ophthalmology 2002;109(10):1780-7.
3. Bernstein, P.S. and Gellermann, W. Measurement of carotenoids in the living primate eye using resonance Raman spectroscopy. In: Oxidants and Antioxidants: Ultrastructure and Molecular Biology Protocols, edited by D. Armstrong, Totowa:Humana Press, Inc., 2002;321-329.
4. Bernstein, P.S. New insights into the role of the macular carotenoids in age-related macular degeneration. Resonance Raman studies. Pure and Applied Chemistry 2002;74(8):1419-1425.
5. Bernstein PS, Yoshida MD, Katz NB, McClane RW, Gellermann W. Raman detection of macular carotenoid pigments in intact human retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1998;39(11):2003-11.
6. Ermakov IV, Ermakova MR, Gellermann W. Simple Raman instrument for in vivo detection of macular pigments. Appl Spectrosc 2005;59(7):861-7.
7. Ermakov I, Ermakova M, Gellermann W, Bernstein PS. Macular pigment Raman detector for clinical applications. J Biomed Opt 2004; 9(1):139–48.
8. Ermakov IG, McClane RW, Gellermann W. Resonant Raman detection of macular pigments in the living human retina. Optics Letters 2001;26(4):202–204.
9. Gellermann W, Bernstein PS. Noninvasive detection of macular pigments in the human eye. J Biomed Opt. 2004;9(1):75-85.
10. Gellermann W, Ermakov IV, Ermakova MR, McClane RW, Zhao DY, Bernstein PS. In vivo resonant Raman measurement of macular carotenoid pigments in the young and the aging human retina. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis. 2002;19(6):1172-86.
11. Gellermann, W., Ermakov, I,V., McClane, R.W. Raman imaging of human macular pigments. Optics Letters 2002; 27(1):833–835.
12. Neelam, K.; O’Gorman, N.; Nolan, J.; O’Donovan, O.; Wong, H.B.; Au Eong, K.G. and Beatty, S. Measurement of Macular Pigment: Raman Spectroscopy versus Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2005;46(3):1023-1032.
13. Zhao DY, Wintch SW, Ermakov IV, Gellermann W, Bernstein PS. Resonance Raman measurement of macular carotenoids in retinal, choroidal, and macular dystrophies. Arch Ophthalmol 2003;121(7):967-72.
Fruits/Vegetables/Juices
1. Bhosale P, Ermakov IV, Ermakova MR, Gellermann W, Bernstein PS. Resonance Raman quantification of nutritionally important carotenoids in fruits, vegetables, and their juices in comparison to high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52(11):3281–3285.
The Skin
1. Darvin ME, Patzelt A, Knorr F, Blume-Peytavi U, Sterry W, Lademann J. One-year study on the variation of carotenoid antioxidant substances in living human skin: influence of dietary suplementation and stress factors. J. Biomed. Opt 2008;13(4)(EPub Ahead of Print Jul/Aug 2008; 044028).
2. Darwin M, Schanzer S, Teichmann A, Blume-Peytavi U, Sterry W, Lademann J. [Functional food and bioavailability in the target organ skin.] Hautarzt. 2006;57(4):286-90. German.
3. Ermakov IV, Ermakova MR, Gellermann W, Lademann J. Noninvasive selective detection of lycopene and beta-carotene in human skin using Raman spectroscopy. J Biomed Opt 2004;9(2):332–8.
4. Ermakov et al. Resonance Raman detection of carotenoid antioxidants in living human tissues. Optics Letters 2001;26(15):1179–1181.
5. Gellermann, W., Ermakov, I.V., Scholz, T.A. and Bernstein, P. S. Noninvasive laser Raman detection of carotenoid antioxidants in skin. Cosmetic Dermatology 2002;15(9):65-68.
6. Hata TR, Scholz TA, Ermakov IV, McClane RW, Khachik F, Gellermann W, Pershing LK. Non-invasive Raman spectroscopic detection of carotenoids in human skin. J Invest Dermatology 2000;115:441-448.
Studies Utilizing the Pharmanex Biophotonic Scanner
Abstracts
1. Bi, S.X., Li, C.L., Guo, H.W., Poole, S., Zhu, J. S. The effects of life styles and LifePak on human skin carotenoids scores measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy BioPhotonic Scanner. FASEB Journal 2007;21(4):A709.
2. Changling Li, Hongwei Guo, Senxu Bi, Zhu, Z.G., Zhu, J. S. Skin Carotenoids Measured by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy BioPhotonic Scanner and the Effects of Life Styles and LifePak on Human Carotenoids Nutritional Status and Skin Scores. Asian Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006;15(Suppl.):S79.
3. Carlson, J., Stavens, S., Holubkav, R., Zidichouski, J., Mastaloudis, A., Smidt, C.R. and Askew, E. Associations of Antioxidant Status, Oxidative Stress, with Skin Carotenoids Assessed by Raman Spectroscopy (RS). Experimental Biology meeting abstracts [on CD-ROM]. FASEB Journal 2006;20:A824.3.
4. Stavens, S., Carlson, J., Holubkav, R., Zidichouski, J., Mastaloudis, A., Smidt, C.R. and Askew, E. Associations of Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Serum Carotenoids and Skin Carotenoids Measured with Raman Spectroscopy (RS). Experimental Biology meeting abstracts [on CD-ROM]. FASEB Journal 2006;20:A669.4.
5. Zukley, LM., Nguyen,V, Lowndes, J., Smidt, C., Angelopoulos, TJ., Rippe, JM., Effects of antioxidant supplementation on skin and serum carotenoids, FASEB Journal 2006;20:A145.
6. Zidichouski, J.A., Poole S.J., Gellermann W., Smidt C.R. Clinical Validation of a Novel Raman Spectroscopic Technology to Non-Invasively Assess Carotenoid Status in Humans. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2004;23(5):A468.
7. Fiutem J, Zukley L, Geise T, Legowski P, Nguyen V, Dube T, Yount B, Smidt C, Angelopoulos T, Rippe J. Adiposity Negatively Influences Carotenoids and Antioxidant Status in Overweight Individuals. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise Suppl 2004;36(5):A302.
8. Smidt, C. R.; W. R. Gellermann and J. R. Zidichouski. Noninvasive Raman spectroscopy measurement of human carotenoid status. FASEB Journal 2004;18(4):A480.
9. Smidt, C.R., Shieh, D. Non-invasive, biophotonic assessment of skin carotenoids as a biomarker of human antioxidant status. FASEB Journal 2003;17(5):A1115.
10. Zukley L, Legowski P, Nguyen V, Geise T, Lowndes J, Melanson K, Angelopoulos T, Rippe J. The Effect of Weight Loss on Dietary Carotenoid and Skin Carotenoid Levels in Subjects Participating in a Weight Loss Study. Obesity Research Suppl 2004;12:A57.
11. Li CL, Guo H, Bi SX, Zhu ZG, Zhu JS. Skin Carotenoids Measured by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy BioPhotonic Scanner and the Effects of Life Styles and LifePak on Human Carotenoids Nutritional Status and Skin Scores. Asian Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition Suppl 2006;15:S79.
12. Bi SX, Li CL, Guo HW, Poole S, Zhu JS. The effects of life styles and LifePak on human skin carotenoids scores measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy BioPhotonic Scanner. FASEB Journal 2007;21(4):A709.
Full-Length Articles Published in Peer Reviewed Journals
1. Zidichouski, J.A.; Mastaloudis, A.; Poole, S.J.; Reading, J.C.; Smidt, C.R. Clinical validation of a non-invasive, Raman spectroscopic method to assess carotenoid nutritional status in humans. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2009;28(6):687-93.
2. Bergeson SD, Peatross JB, Eyring NJ, Fralick JF, Stevenson DN, Ferguson SB. Resonance Raman measurements of carotenoids using light-emitting diodes. J. Biomed. Opt 2008;13(EPub Ahead of Print Jul. 15, 2008; 044026).
3. Rerksuppaphol S, Rerksuppaphol L. Effect of fruit and vegetable intake on skin carotenoid detected by non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. J Med Assoc Thai 2006;89(8):1206-12.
4. Li CL, Bi SX, Zhu JS, Zhu ZG. New functions of carotenoids and clinical assessments. Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2006;6:261-264.
5. Guo HW, Li H, Huang ZY, Xue K, Zhou X, Ma YY, Liu M, Zhu ZG, Li CL, Zhu JS. Examination of Carotenoids in Human Skin by Biophotonic Raman Spectroscopy Scanner. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2006;23(3):204-206.
6. Li CL, Bi SX, Poole S, Smidt C, Zhu JS. Human Skin Carotenoids in 88,611 subjects measured by Biophotonic Scanner. Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacy 2006;15(2):124-125.
7. Smidt, C.R. Non-invasive Raman spectroscopic detection of carotenoids in human skin as a biomarker of antioxidant status. J. Korean Acad Fam Med 2005;26(4):S398-408.
8. Smidt, C.R., Burke, D.S. Nutritional significance and measurement of carotenoids. Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research 2004;2(2):79-91.
Book Chapters/Book Segments
1. Gellermann W, Zidichouski JA, Smidt CR, Bernstein PS. Raman Detection of Carotenoids in Human Tissue. In: Packer L, Obermueller Jevic U, Kraemer K, and Sies H, eds. Carotenoids and Retinoids – Molecular Aspects and Health Issues. Champaign, IL: AOCS Press, 2005; Ch. 6, 86 114.
2. Mahan LK and Escott-Stump S. (Eds.). Krause’s Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, 12th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders 2007; Ch. 15, 427-428.
Compliments from:
Wendy W., RNMedical Case Manager
In July, 2012, my ten year old daughter had the opportunity to join a summer camp for a very minimal fee for the week. I was intrigued as it was something different, wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg and would keep her busy (and out of boredom trouble) for five full business days. As I am a full time working Mom … this seemed like a good thing to do. She didn’t know anyone else going to the camp so she invited a friend along. They had the time of their life … going to Martial Arts Camp for a whole week with the last day being spent on a 18 foot blow up water slide. They were so happy to be there and experience this camp for the week. Little did we know this would turn into a life change for her.Hannah is now eleven and has been in Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu since that camp let out. She attends classes twice weekly although she has the opportunity to join classes three times weekly in her age group. She has developed strength and independence since joining. She has developed confidence and leadership qualities. Whenever she is in a down mood we tease her that she needs “mat time” and it brings her out of her funk everytime. She is a well rounded individual but before starting these classes was afraid to try new things. She now considers the opportunity rather than shying away from it. She is being taught respect for others, timeliness and tactfulness.As a Mother I am thankful that we found this program. Although it is often difficult to get our daughter to the classes due to long work days, etc. I have never once regretted getting her there. The energy at the Dojo is amazing. What I am providing her with as a parent by exposing her to the life, these teachers, these peers … makes it all worth it.She has just recently been asked to be part of the Leadership Program which, essentially, is a Junior Black Belt Program. She is expected to attend every Leadership class (within reason). She is expected to keep her grades up, be a role model to others, buy her own kit for the program (Mom and Dad may not purchase it). All of these things provide her with independence, confidence, a sense of maturity. Exactly what she needs. My daughter is one that responds to these expectations in a very positive way. She loves to perform for the ones that love her and she does not want to disappoint. This will lead her to be a Black Belt as she also is developing expectations of herself.Although Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu is a Self Defense program that was developed by Grand Master Crimi 40 years ago … I feel Hannah is getting much more out of this than learning self defense techniques. All of the qualities mentioned above have much more to do with her spirit, her mind and her determination that her physical capabilities. I guess I have only touched the surface. As a Nurse, taking care of the mind, body and spirit are all very, very important to me and I am thrilled that my eleven year old daughter is learning this from an outside source.On the fun side of things … they are in the fair each year to demonstrate their school, they have summer camp, they have movie night once monthly, they have a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party. When the students are promoted to the next belt (quarterly) they and their families all go to pizza afterward. The teachers and the students (along with their families) have formed their own family through this school. I commend Grandmaster Crimi, Professor Crimi, and Sempai Floyd for doing such an amazing job extending their skills and education to these students that are like sponges … and I thank them for keeping my child safe as she learns at their facility.I look forward to many more years to come as my daughter works toward her black belt.Wendy Weidler, RNMedical Case Manager2013
Kathi D.Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
When my husband suggested we enroll our son in martial arts, I hesitated. I had been in martial arts years ago and frankly, I didn't think it was worth our time, money, and adding one more thing to our already busy family schedule. I knew it was good exercise, but he was already involved in multiple sports. I knew he may learn some self defense moves, but I doubted that my quiet, shy son would really learn anything that he could use to defend himself. And I just didn't like the "factory production" impression I got, justified or unjustified, when I thought about martial arts schools.The daughter of some friends of ours had been attending Hikari Ryuza for a couple of months and they kept telling us about this great program. We lived near Penn Valley, but they didn't - and there were plenty of schools closer to where they lived. They invited us to watch a class with them and we decided to go see what this school was all about. My husband went with hope and anticipation - I went with skepticism. What I saw that night changed my mind and my attitude!Fast forward three months, and our son is thriving in this class. His confidence is growing and he is learning the meaning of respect, hard work, and responsibility. We are more than thrilled with the way both Professor and Grandmaster work with the kids. One can easily see that their first priority is the success of these kids - success in life as well as self defense.Kathi DaughertyCertified QuickBooks ProAdvisor2013
Buddy M.Retired Teacher and Coach
I became acquainted with the Hikari Ryuza dojo as a result of my volunteer work with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. We were encouraged to take Dr. Crimi’s self-defense course designed for law enforcement officers. The program turned out to be much greater than learning some basic techniques in a few weeks; it has stretched into nearly 12 years. The lessons learned are greater than physical techniques. They include mental toughness, building self-respect and self-confidence, as well as developing respect for fellow human beings. I highly recommend participation in the activities at the dojo for the knowledge, integrity and honesty that is forthcoming from Dr. Crimi, Professor Crimi, Sempai Floyd and all the assisting staff.Buddy MillerRetired Teacher and Coach2012
Hugh R.Professor of French Literature, Exeter UK
My first encounter with Grandmaster Crimi and Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu was, like so much since, astounding. I was tasked with being Grandmaster’s interpreter during his visit to the school in Paris where I first learned ju jitsu from Grandmaster Stefano Surace. When my French friends and fellow students returned Grandmaster’s bow with a Gallic shrug, Grandmaster’s explosive reaction not only got everyone’s full attention, but gave me a particular, and doubtless unique, set of linguistic challenges completely to convey his meaning! Of course, Grandmaster got his message across fully without any assistance from me and, now I come to think of it, this was an early lesson that, while it is obviously good to learn other languages, martial arts are a universal human language with no need of interpreters.Since that first meeting, in spring 2006, I have become an interpreter in another sense, as Grandmaster’s teachings slowly gained a hold on me and as I began to ponder these more and more. Another key moment came a year or so later, when Grandmaster visited Paris again, and we spent the best part of the day talking in a cafe that boasted striking interior design and authentic Parisian plumbing, a perfect choice to give Grandmaster unexpected insights into la vie parisienne. As Grandmaster covered life, the universe and everything, I remember having the simple yet astounding thought that things may well be very different to how I imagined them to be. I now think of that thought as the seed for all the adventures that have come since; it’s a thought I’m still pursuing and will carry on pursuing for the rest of my life and I can’t thank Grandmaster enough for having planted this seed in me. I don’t know how I would have had the thought and what has followed without meeting my teacher.Some part of me then felt the call to California and I first visited what has since become my home from home in 2008. I have been coming back with increasingly regularity since then, initially as a guest and subsequently as Grandmaster’s student. I’m deeply grateful to Grandmaster, Professor, the yudanshas, and the family at the dojo and beyond for welcoming me with such love. Each visit has been different and I never know where Grandmaster is going to take me but I do know that the experience will be unforgettable. Indeed, the most extraordinary experiences of my life have taken place with Grandmaster.I read recently that ‘What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly’. Grandmaster has of course seen thousands upon thousands of caterpillars like me yet he gives his all to help me progress, to become better in all ways, since his teaching is all-encompassing. Naturally, being a caterpillar, I often struggle even with the thought of change (which can indeed seem like the end of the world from the caterpillar’s point of view), yet when I look back to the man I was and how I have changed under Grandmaster’s guidance I feel my spirit strengthen for the path ahead.It is remarkable to meet the kind of martial arts master – the sage on the mountaintop, so to speak –who I used to think was the stuff of legend, even more incredible that he should accept me as a pupil. Yet, as I am beginning to realize, this really has nothing to do with me but it has everything to do with a spark we all share, a spark that a true teacher like Grandmaster sees in others and can help coax out, for the benefit of all, so that more of us can let go of whatever strand we are clinging to, and learn to spread our wings.Hugh RobertsProfessor Of French LiteratureExeter University, UK2013
Murray A.Retired Business Owner, Volunteer Deputy
I have been part of the Dojo for nearly 14 years now, and I still look forward to coming every week, especially for the camaraderie. I know its made me a better person not only mentally, but physically as well; after all I'm only turning 88 this year!Through the years I've observed what Grandmaster Crimi, Professor Crimi, and Sempai Floyd do for young people, how they make it fun and help them grow into mature, confident, young adults. They teach them leadership, and provide an environment to safely explore their skills. I think it would be nice if every young person could take our Martial Arts. It would make America a better place to live!Murray ArnoldRetired Business Owner and Volunteer Deputy2013