OPC Health

OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins and is one of the many dietary supplements available. The manufacturers of OPC supplements claim this item helps people with heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and much more. There is, however, a lack of sound evidence to back these claims.

OPC Sources

OPC is not a single chemical, but a group of similar compounds. Food sources of OPC include red wine, cranberries, bilberries, tea (green and black) and parsley. OPC supplements are made from either grape seed extract or pine bark or a combination of both. The OPCs in pine bark, however, are not identical to the ones found in grape seed extract. It is difficult to study OPC supplements because the composition varies from brand to brand.

Antioxidants

OPC supplements receive much acclaim because of their antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are compounds released every time cells take up oxygen.

Grape Seed Extract Research

There is limited medical evidence to back the marketing claims. According to the University of Maryland, a study involving healthy volunteers found that taking grape seed extract daily increased levels of antioxidants in their blood. There is, however, no further evidence to prove that this increase of antioxidants prevents cancer or other degenerative diseases such as heart disease.

In the case of swelling that occurs after surgery or injury, grape seed extract does show some promise. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study found breast cancer patients after surgery experienced less swelling than those patients who took the placebo, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.

In treating high cholesterol, there is no evidence proving that grape seed extract is effective.

The National Cancer Institute did another study and found grape seed extract did not reduce the hardening of breast tissue.

Pine Bark Extract Research

The American Cancer Society states there is not enough data to support most of the health claims for any form of pine bark extract. There have been brief studies that examined how pine bark extract may treat asthma, menstrual pain, blood clots and high cholesterol. Further studies involving larger groups of people are necessary in order to reach any conclusions.

Dietary Supplements

Consumers need to be aware of the difference between dietary supplements and prescription drugs. According to the Food and Drug Administration, a dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient. These dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes. Extracts are also considered dietary ingredients. By law, manufacturers must ensure the safety of their product. Any new or unknown dietary ingredient must be reported to the FDA. Prescription drugs must undergo rigorous testing in order to ensure safety and effectiveness. As long as they can ensure product safety, the makers of dietary supplements do not have to prove to the FDA that the claims made about their products are accurate.

Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier, author of The Best Alternative Medicine, states that, with a few exceptions, foods, rather than pills, are your best sources of necessary nutrients.