Research On Vitamin Supplements

Considerations in Formulating Weight Control Products

One of the first steps in developing any new product,including weight control offerings, is to review the scientific literatureincluding in vitro, animal and human studies. Assuming the ingredientsdemonstrate safety and efficacy, other factors should be considered. The productformulator should review the clinical data to determine dosage, deliveryvehicle, time of day when products were taken, whether they were consumed on anempty stomach or with food, and whether it was a single-ingredient product or acombination formula. Other important questions include: What is the ingredient’smechanism of action? Does it reduce the absorption of other nutrients? And is itpositioned for a special category of people, which therefore could cause sideeffects in healthy individuals?

Some products require a large dose taken multiple timesthrough the day, which may be difficult for the consumer. When trying toduplicate the results of a study, following the research protocols in productformulation is critical. For example, the protocol may indicate administrationof the product in two pills, three times per day with a meal; or two times perday, one hour before a meal, etc. The results of the study may demonstrate theproduct promotes weight loss, reduces appetite, reduces fat absorption, orreduces triglycerides and cholesterol. From a marketing point of view, writinglabel directions to take three pills, three times a day may be difficult becausethe consumer may not comply with the instructions. Like most Americans with busylifestyles, remembering to take the product at the right time may bechallenging. Compliance may be difficult if the pills are large and/or many haveto be taken; in addition, the consumer may not comply if he does not read theinstructions properly.

In reviewing products on the market, it is apparent somecompanies modify products to meet customer satisfaction at the expense ofproduct quality. Efficacy could be sacrificed in an endeavor to be morecompetitive by lowering the cost of the product and providing easier dosageinstructions. For example, companies might provide fewer pills or smallercapsules, or the product directions may suggest taking the product three timesper day, but fail to inform the consumer that the product should be taken 30 to60 minutes before a meal.

There are several examples of efficacious ingredients thatrequire proper dosages and consumption for maximum impact. For example,conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been studied in humans for weight loss;various clinical studies have shown promise. This year, a published randomized,double blind, placebocontrolled study used Tonalin® CLA (from Cognis Nutrition& Health).1 At a dosage of 3.4 g/d, CLA was effective at reducing body fatmass (BFM) and maintaining lean body mass, and was both safe and well toleratedas delivered. However, 3.4 g/d is a large dose that needs to be split throughoutthe day. It is also likely that instead of offering a product with only thisbranded CLA, most product formulators will add other ingredients and/or aproprietary blend to make their formulation more unique. This will increase thecost and increase the dosage of the product.

If the product instructions are not accurate and do not followthe research protocol, the product most likely will not be effective and performthe intended function. Although the directions may be hard to follow, it isimportant to comply with federal advertising and labeling guidelines thatrequire manufacturers provide truthful and nonmisleading information. To helpthe consumer remember when to take this type of product, a company could developa small pamphlet providing a simple, healthy “diet program” with productinstructions.

Another issue in product formulation with some weightmanagement ingredients is how some products could cause nutritionaldeficiencies, if the instructions are not written properly.

Chitosan is a polysaccharide or fiber made from theexoskeleton (chitin) of shellfish that has been positioned in the weight losscategory. It has been shown to have unique properties that are not found inother dietary fibers. These properties are based on the “degree ofacetylation,” which is the number of acetyl groups attached to the basestructure of chitosan. The higher the level of deacetylation, the higher thebinding capacity a chitosan material has for lipids (fat). Research suggestschitosan has the ability to block dietary fat absorption and bind bile acids.2Bile acids are used in the body to transport cholesterol. It is recommended thatvitamin and mineral supplements be taken separately from chitosan, and that theproduct be taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.

If the label is not clear and/or if the consumer doesn’ttake the product properly, there could be nutritional consequences. Chitosanbinds with fats, which may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such asvitamins A, E, D and K and some minerals, such as calcium, magnesium andselenium.3 As many women are already severely deficient in calcium and have thepotential to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis, and as chitosan could adverselyimpact calcium uptake, it is recommended that calcium supplements be takenseparately from chitosan. In addition, some weight loss formulas combine othernutritional compounds with chitosan. Has the formula been clinically tested todetermine if the other ingredients are well absorbed and utilized by the bodywhen consumed with chitosan? Studies are expensive and most combination formulas likelyhave not been tested; therefore, it is unknown if the ingredients are absorbed andused for their specific functions.

Fiber products can also reduce nutrient absorption becausethey reduce the transit time in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently a largesupplier of a fiber product developed a formula containing fiber and calcium.Did the formulator consider that there would be less calcium absorbed and morelost in the feces? Was a study conducted to determine otherwise? It is importantthat the product formulator considers all the factors of the formulation and theindividual ingredient function prior to formulating products for the consumer.

Calcium has been demonstrated to be beneficial in weight lossin addition to its other benefits, such as supporting bone health; so, combiningit with a well-studied ingredient such as fiber could be beneficial. However,this would require formulation studies and clear labeling and dosageinstructions. If the product formulator and marketing department work together,they can provide a label with clear, easy-to-read instructions that wouldincrease customer compliance.

Finally, some weight management ingredients are positioned fora specific category of people and may cause side effects in healthy individuals.Consider Gymnema sylvestre,an Ayurvedic plant extract that is being included in weight control products tomanage blood sugar levels. Gymnema has a few human clinical studies showing itsability to reduce blood glucose in individuals with elevated sugar levels.5,6,7Gymnema is positioned for individuals with insulin resistance who have highcirculating sugar levels, and is not intended for healthy people. Those who havenormal blood sugar levels may experience hypoglycemia from consuming thisbotanical extract.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) includes symptoms such asfatigue, blurred vision and lack of concentration, headaches and dizziness.Individuals following a weight-loss program may experience tiredness, and bytaking these types of ingredients could worsen hypoglycemic symptoms. Thisshould also be considered for other dietary supplements that lower blood sugar.

In summary, there are many good ingredients on the marketpositioned for the weight loss category; but, much work is required to actuallyformulate a weight control product. Performing a thorough review of thescientific literature is the first step. Assuming the ingredients demonstratesafety and efficacy, other factors including dosage quantities and timing andimpact on nutrient absorption should be investigated. These are only some of thethoughts to ponder when formulating a weight control product.

Natural Products Association Launches New Program to Verify Purity of Chinese Raw Materials

Natural Products Association

Testing Program to Increase Safety, Quality and Consumer Confidence

Las Vegas , Nev. (July 21, 2007): In an industry first, the nation’s largest trade association of dietary supplement manufacturers announced today a new program for testing Chinese raw materials for purity and composition. The program is in response to industry’s efforts to maintain product quality and reliability as competition to supply ingredients and raw materials to the industry grows. China is a major player in this area.

“Dietary supplements are safe today, and this will help make them even safer. This program is an innovative response to a growing challenge in the global food supply chain – how to make sure what reaches the shelf is safe, high-quality, and what it claims to be,” said David Seckman, executive director and CEO of the Natural Products Association. “By testing raw materials in China, we’re adding another layer of consumer protection to a process that has delivered good health products to Americans for generations. We’re very pleased to announce that U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) will be testing the raw material for us.” USP is a private, nonprofit organization that sets standards for drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and food additives in the United States and in many other countries, working collaboratively with local governments.

Under the new program, raw materials used in the most common dietary supplements will be tested in USP’s Shanghai, China laboratory. This represents a significant departure from the current process where U.S. companies must rely on a test by Chinese laboratories or test samples themselves in the United States. This would offer several benefits, including: reduced transit times and costs; greater traceability and documentation of ingredients used in the supply chain; use of state-of-the-art technology in testing; and a systematic approach to verification.

Natural Products Association officials will provide test results to member companies and subscribers and build a database on raw materials suppliers, which will be made available to U.S. manufacturers to inform contracting and supply-chain decisions. Chinese suppliers submitting ingredients to the program will gain access to new customers, build reputations as reliable business partners, and potentially gain a market edge by differentiating themselves from competitors.

The launch of the China-based testing program, which has been under development for a year, coincides with new rules on dietary supplements issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June, which the Natural Products Association strongly supported. The FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) rules, however, do not apply to raw materials or their suppliers.

“The combination of the new FDA rules and the testing program will greatly strengthen quality assurance and consumer confidence,” said Seckman. It’s really a one-two punch to keep America’s dietary supplement supply safe, effective and of the highest quality.”

June 15th 2007

Can Vitamins help Prevent Diseases?

By Dr. George Obikoya

Vitamins can help prevent disease in two main ways: By preventing the deficiency syndromes characteristic of the respective vitamin, and through the health benefits conferred by that specific vitamin. For example, Vitamin A is important for our vision. It also plays a major role in bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation. It helps maintain the surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. When those linings break down, bacteria can enter the body and cause infection.

Vitamin A also helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes that function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A helps in part to regulate the immune system. The immune system helps prevent or fight off infections by making white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A appears to help lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infections, function more effectively.

Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. You must absorb calcium every day from your dietary intake because your body does not and cannot make calcium. You lose calcium through shed skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine and feces. When you do not have enough calcium, your body breaks down bone to obtain this mineral. A good liquid multivitamin will provide you with the amount of calcium you need, as well as many other essential vitamins and minerals.

Bones are constantly going through a process known as remodeling in which small amounts of old bone are removed and new bone is formed in its place. Generally, after age 35, more bone is lost than gained. Bone loss accelerates after menopause and this can lead to osteoporosis.

Women (but men are certainly not immune) are especially vulnerable to osteoporosis, or a thinning of the bones, which develops slowly over many years. Researchers believe that decreasing hormone levels, too little calcium in the diet early in life, and lack of exercise all play a role in osteoporosis. One of the advances that changed the way we look at vitamins is the discovery that too little folic acid, one of the eight B vitamins, is linked to birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Fifty years ago, no one knew what caused these birth defects, which occur when the early development of tissues that eventually become the spinal cord and the tissues that surround it go awry.

Twenty five years ago, British researchers found that mothers of children with spina bifida had low vitamin levels. Eventually, two large trials in which women were randomly assigned to take folic acid or a placebo showed that getting too little folic acid increased a woman's chances of having a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly and that getting enough folic acid could prevent these birth defects.

Enough folic acid, at least 400 micrograms a day, isn't always easy to get from food. That's why women of childbearing age are urged to take extra folic acid. It's also why the US Food and Drug Administration now requires that folic acid be added to most enriched breads, flour, cornmeal, pastas, rice, and other grain products, along with the iron and other micronutrients that have been added for years. However, this often is not enough to ensure adequate intake of folic acid as people have a wide vareity of eating habits.

The other exciting discovery about folic acid and two other B vitamins is that they may help fight against some types of cancer. It's too early to tell if there's merely an association between increased intake of folic acid and other B vitamins and heart disease or cancer, or if high intakes prevent these chronic diseases. In 1968, a Boston pathologist investigating the deaths of two children from massive strokes wondered if the high levels of a protein breakdown product called homocysteine in their systems could have been the reason their arteries were as clogged with cholesterol as those of a 55-year-old fast food addict. Bottom line is that high levels of homocysteine are to be avoided at all costs, and folic acid is a very good way to help to minimize your homocysteine levels.

Since then, many studies have linked high levels of this breakdown product, called homocysteine, with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 play key roles in recycling homocysteine into methionine, one of the 20 or so building blocks from which the body builds new proteins. Without enough folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, this recycling process becomes inefficient and homocysteine levels increase, increasing your risk of heart disease dramatically.

Several observational studies show that high levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Increasing intake of folic acid in particular, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 decreases homocysteine levels. And some observational studies show lower risks of cardiovascular disease among people with higher intakes of folic acid, those who use multivitamin supplements, or those with higher levels of serum folate (the form of folic acid found in the body).

Ongoing randomized trials, such as the Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study and the Vitamin Intervention in Stroke Prevention Study should yield more definitive answers regarding homocysteine, B vitamins, and cardiovascular risk.

In addition to recycling homocysteine, folate plays a key role in building DNA, the complex compound that forms our genetic blueprint. Observational studies show that people who get higher than average amounts of folic acid from their diets or supplements have lower risks of colon cancer and breast cancer.

This could be especially important for those who drink alcohol, since alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid and inactivates circulating folate. An interesting observation from the Nurses' Health Study is that high intake of folic acid blunts the increased risk of breast cancer seen among women who have more than one alcoholic drink a day. Our cells must constantly contend with nasty substances called free radicals. These free radicals can damage DNA, the inside or artery walls, proteins in the eye - just about any substance or tissue imaginable. Some are made inside the body, inevitable byproducts of turning food into energy. Others come from the air we breathe and the food we eat. Still others come from contamination from toxins.

We aren't defenseless against free radicals. We extract free radical fighters, called antioxidants, from food. Fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods deliver dozens, if not hundreds, of antioxidants. The most common are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and related carotenoids. Food also supplies minerals such as selenium and manganese, which are needed by enzymes that destroy free radicals. During the 1990s, the term antioxidants became a huge nutritional buzz word. They were promoted as wonder agents that could prevent heart disease, cancer, cataracts, memory loss, and a host of other conditions.

It's true that the package of antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and other substances found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help prevent a variety of chronic diseases. Recent research evidence suggest high doses of vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants can accomplish a similar feat in people who either do not get the required levels of antioxidants in their diet (most don't) or have poor absorption of vitamins in the first place.

A good multivitamin is the foundation of health and nutrition.

NHS LIFE FORCE MULTIVITAMIN is on eof the most complete phyonutrients on the market, for more info call NHS at (888 546-8694).

Visit The Life Force resource page om our web site for more information http://www.nutritionmanufacturer.com/multivitamin.html

May 21, 2007

Study: Glucosamine-like supplement inhibits multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes

2007-05-16 - University of California Irvine

Metabolic therapy shows promise for treating autoimmune diseases, UC Irvine study finds

A glucosamine-like dietary supplement has been found to suppress the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, according to University of California, Irvine health sciences researchers.

In studies on mice, Dr. Michael Demetriou and colleagues with the UC Irvine Center for Immunology found that N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which is similar but more effective than the widely available glucosamine, inhibited the growth and function of abnormal T-cells that incorrectly direct the immune system to attack specific tissues in the body, such as brain myelin in MS and insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in diabetes. Study results appear on the online version of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

"This finding shows the potential of using a dietary supplement to help treat autoimmune diseases," said Demetriou, an assistant professor of neurology, and microbiology and molecular genetics. "Most importantly, we understand how this sugar-based supplement inhibits the cells that attack the body, making metabolic therapy a rational approach to prevent or treat these debilitating diseases."

The UC Irvine study defines how metabolic therapy with the sugar GlcNAc and other related nutrients modifies the growth and autoimmune activitiy of T-cells. Virtually all proteins on the surface of cells, including T-cells, are modified with complex sugars of variable lengths and composition. Recent studies have shown that changes in these sugars are often associated with T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmune disease.

In mouse models of both MS and type 1 diabetes, Demetriou and colleages found that GlcNAc prevented this hyperactivity and autoimmune response by increasing sugar modifications to the T-cell proteins. This therapy normalized T-cell function and prevented development of paralysis in MS and high blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes.

This study comes on the heels of others showing the potential of GlcNAc in humans. One previous clinical study reported that 8 of 12 children with treatment-resistant autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease improved significantly following two years of treatment with GlcNAc. No significant adverse side effects were noted.

"Together, these findings identify metabolic therapy using dietary supplements such as GlcNAc as potential treatments for autoimmune diseases." Demetriou said. "Excitement for this treatment strategy stems from the novel mechanism for affecting T-cell function and autoimmunity and the availability and simplicity of its use. However, additional studies in humans will be required to assess the full potential of this therapeutic approach."

Autoimmune diseases such as MS and type 1 diabetes mellitus result from poorly understood interactions between inherited genetic risk and environmental exposure. MS results in neurological dysfunction, while uncontrolled blood glucose in type 1 diabetes can lead to damage of multiple organs.

March 21, 2007

Fish Oil Fights Coagulation Factors in Heart Disease

Supplementation with fish oil can help address high fasting triglycerol concentrations and thrombin generation, dangerous in cardiovascular disease (CVD) because of procoagulant activities. The findings were from research led by scientists from Maastricht University, who were investigating the mechanisms of fish oil’s reduction of CVD (J Nutr, 137:7-13, 2007). Researchers performed two intervention studies on fish oil’s effect on decreasing plasma lipids and anticoagulant activity in subjects at risk of CVD complications. In the first trial, 54 overweight subjects consumed 3.1 g/d fish oil; the second study involved 42 overweight patients with type 2 diabetes ¬20 subjects consumed omega-3 fish oil, while the other 22 subjects took a preparation rich in omega-6s. Tissue factor-induced thrombin generation (thrombin potential) was determined as an integrated measure of plasma coagulant activity. In both studies, multivariate analysis indicated a strong clustering of fasting concentrations of triacylglycerols, prothrombin, factor V, factor VII and factor X with one another at baseline. Prothrombin and triacylglycerol concentrations were the main determinants of thrombin variation. Results showed, in both healthy subjects and diabetes patients, high triacylglycerol concentrations (>1.69 mmol/L) at baseline were closely correlated to a strong fish oil-induced lowering of triacylglycerol and coagulation factor V, VII and X concentrations, and thrombin generation. The researchers concluded high fasting triacylglycerol concentrations predict high procoagulant activity, and fish oil reduces thrombin generation by addressing triglycerol and other coagulation factors.

The Best Way to Avoid Heart Disease? Start Protecting Your Heart While You're Young.

In addition to eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly and quitting smoking, many Americans are improving their heart health with supplements that have been shown to make a real difference. According to The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau, a non-profit organization providing science-based information to the public, the following supplements can lead to a healthier heart:

Vitamins: Vitamin C helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E reduces the progress of hardening of the arteries. The B vitamins, Vitamin B6, B12 and Folic Acid protect your heart.

Minerals: Magnesium- A key mineral for heart health. It keeps platelets from clumping together, thins the blood, blocks calcium uptake, relaxes blood vessels and helps oxygenate the heart. Copper helps form hemoglobin and collagen and supports healthy cholesterol levels. Potassium lowers high blood pressure and helps protect against strokes. Selenium protects the heart and helps prevent toxic effects of some drugs.

Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) - This nutrient has recently been recognized as playing a key role in heart health. A Co-Q10 deficiency can seriously affect heart function. Cardiologists often recommend Co-Q10 to patients taking statins (cholesterol reducing medications).

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - More than 4,500 studies over the last 25 years have shown how vital Omega-3 Fatty Acids are to both preventing and treating cardiovascular-related diseases. Few of us eat enough fish to provide necessary levels of these essential fatty acids. Taking them in supplement form reduces both heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

Soy - Perhaps the best publicized food for heart health, soy is available in food formats ranging from soy milk to soy hot dogs. Soy isoflavones are an especially popular supplement for preventing heart disease.

Beta-1,3 Glucan - The major cholesterol lowering agents in oat bran fiber, beta-1,3 glucans lower total cholesterol and LDL (the"bad"cholesterol) and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Herbs -Hawthorn - Used extensively by doctors in Europe, hawthorn benefits the circulatory system and can decrease the need for pharmaceutical medication It is reported to regulate both high and low blood pressure.

Garlic - Reported to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase "good" cholesterol (HDL), garlic is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. An antioxidant, it is believed to be beneficial in preventing stroke and arteriosclerosis. Since cooking may reduce its benefits, garlic is best taken raw or as a supplement.

Psyllium Seed - The FDA has approved psyllium to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Its high levels of soluble fiber help lower cholesterol.

Grape Seed Extract - Despite a fairly rich diet, French people have fewer heart attacks, perhaps because they drink red wine every day. But the secret of red wine is probably not the alcohol. More likely it's the antioxidant powers of the seed and skin of the grape. Grape Seed Extract is used to prevent and treat circulatory disorders.

To learn more about these vitamin and herbal supplements, contact NHS labs at 888-546-8694.