Can you get enough Pycnogenol from food and dietary sources ?

Proanthocyanidin, also known as OPC/PCO, is the antioxidant complex contained in Pycnogenol. Proanthocyanidin is found in extremely small amounts in the peels, skins, or seeds of grapes, blueberries, cherries, and plums; in the barks of the lemon tree and the Landis pine tree; and in the leaves of the hazelnut tree. It is difficult if not impossible to get the amount of PCO needed for antioxidant protection from diet alone.

However, pycnogenol-based products should not be confused with products containing Grape Seed Extract (GSE). Although both Pycnogenol® and GSE contain the antioxidant proanthocyanidin [also called Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC) and Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCO)], they are two distinct, chemically different substances. Pycnogenol® refers only to those products containing extracts of Maritime Pine bark.

If you want to try Pycnogenol supplements, they are available at health food stores and most pharmacies in 30- and 60-milligram tablets. Pycnogenol supplements are most effective when combined with other antioxidant nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and A (in the form of beta-carotene), and minerals zinc, selenium, and manganese with the addition of CoEnzyme Q10.












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