ASEA Science FAQ
Redox Signaling Biochemistry
Q: What does redox mean?
A: The term redox is scientific shorthand for reduction-oxidation reaction, a biologically important electron-transfer reaction that plays a significant support role in many of the body’s life-sustaining processes, notably energy-providing metabolic functions.
Q: What is cell signaling?
A: The healthy upkeep of the body depends on communication between cells in every tissue, organ, and system. This vital intercellular communication ensures that messages are delivered and received to modulate cell production, initiate and sustain repair mechanisms, and perform other restorative processes. The molecules involved in this communication are called cell signaling molecules.
Q: Is cell signaling the same as redox signaling?
A: During cellular respiration, the body produces small molecules with redox potential. These are redox molecules, and because many of them can perform cell signaling functions, these types of redox molecules constitute their own important class of cell signaling molecules called redox signaling molecules. Any cell signaling function carried out specifically by redox signaling molecules is known as redox signaling.
Q: How are redox signaling molecules produced?
A: Redox signaling molecules are produced in every cell of the body through natural metabolic processes. Until the 21st century, such biological processes were the only known source of redox signaling molecules. That changed in the early 2000s, when ASEA developed its groundbreaking, patented process to produce redox signaling molecules from refined salt and purified water—making the first and only supplement on the market verified to contain active redox signaling molecules.
Q: If the body produces redox signaling molecules, why would I need a redox supplement?
A: While most ordinary dietary supplements provide only nutrients the human body does not synthesize, the biological deficiencies caused by aging and cellular breakdown go deeper than just nutrition. As stress, diet, air quality, and other environmental factors cause cellular breakdown over time, the body’s naturally supplied balance of redox signaling molecules is compromised—creating a need for supplemental redox molecules like those found in ASEA REDOX Cell Signaling Supplement.
Q: Is there a connection between redox signaling and gene expression?
A: In 2016, ASEA commissioned a scientific study that used gene expression as the key performance indicator for ASEA REDOX Cell Signaling Supplement. The study found that, over eight weeks, those who drank ASEA REDOX daily experienced a 20–31% beneficial and stable change in gene expression in five genes involved in pathway signaling.
Q: What is gene expression?
A: The nucleus is the cellular “brain,” which holds information about the cell’s specialized function in small segments of DNA called genes. Gene expression is the process by which genetic information is accessed and applied to orchestrate cellular function; without it, cells would be unable to perform life-sustaining tasks. The supplemental redox molecules found in ASEA REDOX Cell Signaling Supplement have been shown to affect genetic expression in a positive way, helping to protect, rejuvenate, and enhance cellular function.
Q: What is pathway signaling?
A: A series of chain reactions (or cascades) initiated by signals at the cellular level cue cellular responses that maintain the balanced biological activity that keeps your body functioning. Signaling pathways guide the progression of these cellular responses, including genetic responses, determining their scope and overall effect in the body. Some pathways are extensive and can influence a wide range of physiological behaviors. For example, the genes affected by ASEA REDOX play a significant role in influencing five key areas of health:
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Vascular Health
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Innate Immune System Response
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Inflammation Reduction
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Hormone Modulation
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Digestive Enzyme Production
Redox Signaling Research
Q: What kind of research has been done on redox signaling?
A: Redox signaling is a maturing area of research within the fields of cell biology and metabolic studies. A peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to understanding the vital impact of redox processes on human health and disease was established in 1999. Estimates put the number of peer-reviewed papers on the topic somewhere in the tens of thousands.
Q: When was redox signaling discovered?
A: The discovery and study of human cells began in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the latter part of 20th century that cells were understood in enough detail to begin observing and theorizing the forms of signaling behind cell activity. By 1999, the role of redox within cell signaling was understood and formalized enough to prompt the creation of a peer-reviewed scientific journal on the topic.
Q: What happened between the discovery of cells and the discovery of cell signaling?
A: The processes of metabolism and cellular respiration saw discoveries in the 1930s and ’40s that illuminated the methods by which the human body uses oxygen and redox processes to fuel vital functions. Research in the 1950s and ’60s provided early clues into the molecular basis of cell signaling, though scientific papers didn’t begin talking about cell signaling as a distinct discipline consistently until the ’80s and ’90s.
Redox Signaling Technology
Q: How did ASEA develop its proprietary redox signaling technology?
A: ASEA Founder Verdis Norton was first introduced to redox signaling biochemistry while serving on the board of a Utah biotech company. The company’s preliminary work in redox molecule synthesis had produced promising results, but a lack of funds forced them to shelf the project early. Convinced of its breakthrough potential, Verdis and a few close partners pooled resources to acquire the discontinued tech and revive the research. ASEA commissioned its own team of medical professionals, scientists, and engineers to advance the technology, conducting a comprehensive safety analysis and producing a scalable method of production for ASEA REDOX Cell Signaling Supplement and future redox signaling products.
Q: Is the technology behind ASEA’s redox products patented?
A: Yes. ASEA has patented the processes used to produce its redox products: ASEA REDOX Cell Signaling Supplement, RENU 28 Revitalizing Redox Gel, and RENU Advanced Intensive Redox Serum. Patent information is available by request.
Q: How do I know redox products are safe?
A: First, it’s important to remember that redox signaling is a natural biological process that safely occurs in every cell of our bodies. The redox signaling molecules in ASEA products are native to the body and easily assimilated. Studies have consistently shown that ASEA’s redox products are safe and effective. See product label for recommended serving amounts by age.
Q: Where are ASEA redox products manufactured?
A: All ASEA redox products are manufactured at the ASEA Redox Center, an FDA-registered, NSF-registered facility located within a mile of ASEA global headquarters in Pleasant Grove, Utah. The ASEA Redox Center is owned and operated by ASEA to meet all FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These GMP requirements are listed in Section 8 of NSF/ANSI 173, the only accredited American National Standard in the dietary supplement industry developed in accordance with the FDA’s 21 CFR part 111.