Spectra® – what is it and why is it used in dietary supplements?

Spectra® is the first scientifically validated formula of fruits, vegetables, and herbs clinically proven to inhibit free radicals, optimize cellular metabolic activity, and increase nitric oxide levels in the body.

But what makes Spectra® unique compared to ordinary antioxidant supplements? And why is it especially relevant for athletes and active individuals?

Here, we go through everything you need to know.

What is Spectra®?

Spectra® is a patented blend of 29 fruit, vegetable, and herb extracts, exclusively available from FutureCeuticals. It is the first antioxidant formula that not only measures antioxidant potential (ORAC value) but is actually clinically validated to show measurable antioxidant activity in humans.

That is the difference between antioxidant potential and antioxidant action – and that is what makes Spectra® unique.

The problem with traditional antioxidant supplements

Many fruit, vegetable, and herb concentrates have focused on high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values as a measure of antioxidant potential. However, research has been unable to prove any correlation between high ORAC levels and measurable antioxidant activity in humans – until Spectra®.

Spectra® solves this through a new, validated test method that measures actual antioxidant activity in human participants.

How does Spectra® work?

Spectra® works via several documented mechanisms:

• Inhibits free radicals – reduces total production of free radicals (ROS) in the body
• Increases cellular oxygen consumption – improves mitochondrial efficiency and cellular function
• Reduces extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) – protects cells against oxidative damage
• Reduces inflammatory response – lowers TNFα-induced inflammation
• Increases nitric oxide levels – supports blood flow and vascularity
• Optimizes cellular metabolism – improves energy production at the cellular level

The clinical study behind Spectra®

Spectra® is one of the few antioxidant formulas tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study on humans. Here is what the study showed:

Study participants

22 healthy participants (13 women, 9 men) with a mean age of 41 years (range 21–59) and a mean weight of 77 kg participated. All were confirmed to be in good health via physical examination and laboratory tests of lipid, carbohydrate, and inflammatory profiles.

Study design

The study was conducted as an acute, single-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants received either 100 mg of Spectra™ or a placebo along with a standardized breakfast. Capillary blood was drawn at 0, 1, 2, and 3 hours after ingestion for analysis.

Measurement methods

The study used advanced measurement techniques to quantify antioxidant activity in human blood:

• EPR spectroscopy (ESR) – measured ROS production directly in blood cells under physiological conditions (37°C, pO₂ = 110 mmHg)
• Oxygen measurement – monitored cellular and mitochondrial oxygen consumption via oxygen-sensitive labeling
• TNF-α response assay – measured ROS changes in blood cells after stimulation with external TNF-α
• NO concentration analysis – measured bioavailable nitric oxide in the blood

In addition, Spectra® was validated against five different ORAC assays:

• ORAC – peroxyl radicals
• HORAC – hydroxyl radicals
• NORAC – peroxynitrite
• SORAC – superoxide anion
• SOAC – singlet oxygen

Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (Holm-Sidak method), with p < 0.05 as the significance threshold.

Results

In the study, Spectra® showed:

• Significantly reduced ROS production in human blood compared to placebo
• Increased cellular and mitochondrial oxygen consumption – a measure of improved cellular efficiency
• Reduced TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in blood cells
• Increased nitric oxide levels in the blood

This makes Spectra® the first antioxidant formula with proven clinical effect in humans – not just in the laboratory.

Why athletes need antioxidant support

Both endurance and strength training increase the production of free radicals via reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to increased oxidative stress. This means that anyone who trains hard – without extra nutritional intervention – risks losing the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense.

Spectra® is particularly valuable around training, when it is most difficult to obtain antioxidants from food.

When is it best to take Spectra®?

• Daily – for long-term antioxidant defense and cellular health
• Around training – before or during a workout to counteract exercise-induced oxidative stress
• Under high load – during periods of intense training or stress

In which Skytrition products is Spectra® found?

Spectra® is used in:

• MultiUP – Skytrition's complete multivitamin with Spectra® for daily antioxidant defense and cellular health

What should you consider when choosing products with Spectra®?

1. Clinical validation

Choose products with Spectra® from FutureCeuticals – it is the only antioxidant formula with proven clinical effect in humans.

2. Dose

The clinically studied dose is 100 mg per day. Check that the product contains an effective amount.

3. Combination with other antioxidants

Spectra® complements other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like curcumin well for broader protection.

Common questions about Spectra®

What is Spectra®?
Spectra® is FutureCeuticals' patented blend of 29 fruit, vegetable, and herb extracts, clinically validated to inhibit free radicals and increase nitric oxide in humans.

What distinguishes Spectra® from ordinary antioxidant supplements?
Spectra® is the first antioxidant formula with proven clinical effect in humans – not just high ORAC values but actual measurable antioxidant activity, validated with EPR spectroscopy and TNF-α response assays.

Why is Spectra® good for athletes?
Training increases the production of free radicals. Spectra® inhibits these and supports cellular recovery and efficiency.

In which Skytrition products is Spectra® found?
Spectra® is included in MultiUP.

Does Spectra® increase nitric oxide?
Yes, Spectra® has been documented to increase nitric oxide levels in the blood in the clinical study, which supports blood flow and vascularity.

Summary

Spectra® is the first scientifically validated antioxidant formula with proven clinical effect in humans. The patented blend of 29 fruit, vegetable, and herb extracts from FutureCeuticals inhibits free radicals against five different radical types, increases nitric oxide, and optimizes cellular metabolism – proven in a double-blind, placebo-controlled human study with 22 participants.

It is included in Skytrition's MultiUP for daily antioxidant defense and cellular health.

More ingredient guides

• Curcumin – powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient in CurcuUP
• DigeZyme® – multi-enzyme complex for optimal digestion and protein absorption
• Omega-3 (EPA & DHA) – essential fatty acids for heart, brain, and inflammation