In this recent Norwegian study, subjects with vitamin B6 deficiency were significantly older (~4 years), less physically active and had lower serum levels of albumin (38 vs. 40 g/L) than the group with adequate vitamin B6 status. Interestingly, however, mean dietary intake of vitamin B6 (1.2 mg/day in females and 1.6 mg/day in males) was similar to Norwegian standards, despite the fact that the prevalence of vitamin B6 deficiency was apparently high. Moreover, there was no significant difference in mean dietary vitamin B6 intake between the group with vitamin B6 deficiency and the group with adequate vitamin B6 status. This suggests that the need for vitamin B6 may be increased in certain elderly people. It is important to point out that vitamin supplements users were protected against vitamin B6 deficiency, since none of the users of vitamin supplements had vitamin B6 deficiency. Interestingly, exceptionally poor health status did not explain the high prevalence of vitamin B6 deficiency, although many of the nursing home residents did have poor health status, as might be expected in an older population.

Although this study is generally consistent with findings from other studies in nursing home patients, it should be recognized that this Norwegian study was relatively small. Moreover, studies have shown that plasma PLP concentrations, used in this study as a biomarker of vitamin B6 status, can be lower in people with inflammation, and this important variable was not controlled for in this study.

Nevertheless, the findings do support the protective effect of vitamin supplementation on maintaining higher plasma PLP concentrations in this elderly population. This observation would be consistent with the notion that older elderly people living in nursing home should be provided with additional dietary vitamin B6 to decrease their risk of developing vitamin B6 deficiency.

Source from: Kjeldby IK et al. BMC Geriatrics 2013; 13:13

Showcasing its ability to custom formulate any application with any nutrient anywhere in the world, Fortitech will offer the following items:

• PowerCap^®* – This all-in-one product was developed by Fortitech as an ultra-convenient way to deliver nutrients, flavors, colors, stabilizers and sweeteners in one complete powdered solution. Housed in a compartment within a cap that fits the top of any regular-size water bottle, the premix can be dispensed into a beverage at will.  This innovative, on-the-go delivery method means that nutrients are delivered in an intact state which increases shelf-life and eliminates the need for overages, preservatives and other additives. Using this novel technology, beverage manufactures no longer need to heat-treat their products. Available solutions include:

Black Raspberry or Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Relaxation in a Cap – A relaxation formula, which includes an all-natural flavor, zero-calorie sweetener, Ashwaganda Extract, GABA and L-Theanine

Cranberry Flavored Fatigue Fighter – An energy boosting blend of B-vitamins and Vitamin C, along with an all-natural flavor and zero-calorie sweetener

• Fizzy Slimming Effervescent Tablet – This tablet, which consumers would add to water, addresses weight management. It contains nutrients such as B-vitamins, Chromium and L-Carnitine in a citrus flavored base.
• Bursting Bits Cherry Confectionery – This candy ‘crackles’ in your mouth and is fortified with 18 nutrients, including B-vitamins, as well as Vitamins A, C, E, D3, Calcium, Zinc and Folic Acid for overall wellness.

*For more information on PowerCap^®, visit http://mypowercap.com/.

Here are some excerpts from current study-related news, describing the benefits of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3:

• “Supplementation with a combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can result in… a significant improvement in the optical density of the macular pigment (SOURCE: Food Product Design’s “Lutein, Zeazanthin, Omega-3 Benefit Eye Health”).
• “ ‘There is evidence that lutein and zeaxanthin may play a role in lowering the risk of progressive disease,’ said Dr. Chew, of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health” (SOURCE: Ophthalmology Times’ “AREDS2 clarifies role of supplements for advanced AMD.”
• “We are gratified the National Eye Institute (NEI) is recommending that lutein and zeaxanthin be added to AREDS formulations as the new standard of care. This is a meaningful step in further reducing the progression to advanced AMD as the population at risk continues to grow.” (SOURCE: Kemin press release titled “NEI Issues New Recommendation for AREDS2 Formulation”).
• “A subgroup analysis showed that supplementation with the AREDS formula with lutein and zeaxanthin but no beta-carotene showed an 18% reduced risk of AMD progression compared to those who took a beta-carotene supplement without lutein and zeaxanthin” (SOURCE: Nutritional Outlook’s “AREDS2 Eye Study Results: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3 Did Not Reduce AMD Progression Risk but Subgroup Shows Benefits”).

Gymnema is gaining popularity with clinicians utilizing natural therapy protocols in the management of Type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Gymnema has also been traditionally used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The leaves of gymnema are thought to increase insulin secretion, and several studies report control of hyperglycemia in moderately diabetic laboratory animals. A decrease in body weight was also reported. Gymnema reportedly produced blood glucose homeostasis and increased the activity of the enzymes involved in the utilization of glucose by insulin-dependent pathways. A laboratory animal study reported that gymnema did have stimulatory effects on insulin release, but results indicated that gymnema may act by increasing cell permeability rather than by stimulating release of insulin from beta cells. Another laboratory animal study reported an alteration of hepatic glycogen content. The gymnema leaf extract failed to alter the hepatic glycogen content in normal rats, yet in glucose-fed rats, the leaf extract lowered the glycogen content of the tissue significantly. The glycogen content was further lowered when both exogenous insulin and the gymnema leaf extract was administered. A laboratory animal study also investigated the effects of gymnema constituents on fecal steroid excretion, with the results reporting that a high dose of gymnemic acids increases fecal cholesterol and cholic acid-derived bile acid excretion. A recent study reports significant serum cholesterol lowering effects of gymnema.

Gymnemic acids have been reported to inhibit the intestinal absorption of glucose in human and rats. A laboratory animal study reported that gymnemic acid inhibited the absorption of oleic acid in intestine of rats, being dose dependent and reversible. These findings are important in the roles of gymnemic acid in therapy of diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Human studies have reported a significant reduction in blood glucose during therapy with gymnema. A reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins has also been reported, with a reduction in conventional drug dosage. In studies performed in India, patients with Type 2 diabetes were able to discontinue conventional drugs and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis with gymnema alone. Researchers suggest that beta cells may be regenerated and/or repaired in Type 2 diabetics on gymnema supplementation.  They support their claim by the appearance of increased endogenous insulin levels in the serum of individuals after gymnema supplementation. As stated earlier, studies have reported that gymnemic acids suppress the elevation of blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose uptake in the intestine.

There are seven basic types of digestive enzymes. Also, there are various sub-classifications within some of these groups, and each type of enzyme has a specific activity and functions best within a specific pH range. The basic enzymes and their related functions are as follows: amylase digests starches; cellulase digests fibers; lactase digests dairy products; lipases digest fats, oils and triglycerides; maltase digests starch and grains; proteases digest proteins and sucrase digests sugars.

Some enzymes are extracted from animal sources such as the pancreas, liver and stomach of cattle or pigs. Examples of animal enzymes include oxbile, trypsin, chymotrypsin, rennin, pepsin and pancreatin. Other digestive enzymes are derived from plants, such as bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya.

Hydrochloric acid, which is produced in the parietal glands in the lining of the stomach, is necessary for the digestion of proteins. Although hydrochloric acid is not an enzyme, it is required to convert pepsinogen to pepsin for the digestion of proteins. Betaine hydrochloride, which is a form of hydrochloric acid that is derived from beets, is a source of hydrochloric acid that is commonly referred to and utilized as a digestive enzyme product. For the purposes of this monograph, hydrochloric acid and its related products will be considered as digestive enzymes.

More recently, a large percentage of the digestive enzymes being used in commercial products are produced from fungi and bacteria using fermentation processes. In the dietary supplement industry, these products are called plant-based digestive enzymes to distinguish them from enzymes from animal sources. Actually, calling these products plant enzymes is incorrect because fungi and bacteria are not plants, but this terminology has been accepted and is being used. One of the claims for these plant-based digestive enzyme products is that they function at a pH range from 2 to 12, which means they are effective in the acidic environment of the stomach, as well as the more alkaline environment of the small intestines.

Digestive enzymes work within a specific pH range. For example, agents such as betaine hydrochloride, bromelain and papain, which digest proteins, function primarily in the stomach where the environment needs to be fairly acidic. Pancreatic enzymes exert their digestive effects in the small intestines where the pH is more alkaline. Plant-based digestive enzyme products reportedly function over a wider pH range (pH 2 to 12), which enables them to function in both the stomach and the small intestine environments.

Impaired digestive function can produce many symptoms and is associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions such as gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, malabsorption disorders, malnutrition, dysbiosis, leaky gut, diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance, food allergies, celiac disease, etc. However, there is a disappointing lack of scientific studies regarding the use of digestive enzyme products in the treatment of health conditions. The use of digestive enzymes to treat symptoms and clinical conditions associated with digestive problems comes mostly from clinical observations, anecdotal comments and manufacturers’ product claims.

Even though there is a lack of scientific research to verify the effectiveness of digestive enzymes, these products have become quite well-accepted and are commonly used.

Reishi is reported to have some of the most active polysaccharides in the plant kingdom. Polysaccharides are claimed to have immunomodulating activity. Reishi is also reported to be beneficial as an antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antiviral and hepatoprotective agent.

Toxicities & precautions

General
Reishi mushroom has been reported safe in recommended doses.

Allergy
Some individuals may show allergic respiratory reactions to reishi mushroom.

Health conditions
Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders.

Side effects
Rare side effects such as dryness of the mouth, throat and nasal areas, stomach upset and loose stools may occur in some individuals.

Pregnancy/breast-feeding
If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Age limitations
Do not use in children under two years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Pharmacology
Reishi extracts have been reported to increase the life-span of fruit flies by significant amounts (16-17 percent) in several studies and also enhance endurance and cellular oxygenation. Reishi has been reported to inhibit superoxide activity and hydroxyl radical activity in vitro, supporting its role as an antioxidant. The results of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study indicated a lowering of cholesterol and an increase in antioxidant activity. The constituents with antioxidant activity have been reported to include the triterpenes.

Reishi extracts have been reported to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. In one study, an isolated polysaccharide from reishi (b-1, 3-glucan) was administered to laboratory mice and was reported to produce tumor inhibiting rates of greater than 90 percent, with complete tumor regression of over 75 percent of the mice. A study of 48 patients with advanced stage carcinomas (including renal, gastric and breast cancers) were administered an extract of reishi mushroom (1:10w/v) before chemotherapy. Researchers have indicated that reishi mushroom significantly enhanced immune function in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immuno-compromised patients showed increased levels of CD4/CD8 ratio and T-cell counts and lowered levels of T-suppressor cell counts. Radio- and chemotherapy intolerance reportedly was reduced in the cancer patients on the reishi extract, and leukopenia from the treatments improved. The patients also showed improved vigor and appetite. Reishi also decreased the immunosuppression seen in whole body irradiated mice, showing a greater degree of recovery versus the control group.

Reishi extracts have also reported hypoglycemic activity both in laboratory animals and in human subjects. A small 2-month open label trial of eight diabetic patients reported that an extract of reishi produced hypoglycemic effects comparable to that of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.

Several clinical studies using reishi mushroom on hypertensive individuals report positive results. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were decreased in hypertensive individuals, with subsequent lowering of cholesterol levels in one of the studies. It has been concluded that the mechanism of hypotensive action of Ganoderma lucidum was due to its central inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity. Reishi also has reported platelet aggregation inhibitory ability in vitro.

Polysaccharides in reishi have been reported by several clinical studies to have antiherpetic properties, and it has been used in treating herpes and postherpetic neuralgia, decreasing pain dramatically in two patients with postherpetic neuralgia recalcitrant to standard therapy and two other patients with severe pain due to herpes zoster infection. The triterpenoid constituents in reishi have reported anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-1-protease activity in vitro.

An extract of reishi mushroom was reported to be synergistic when combined with cefazolin in vitro against Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella oxytoca.

For the article, which features both established ingredients like sterols and stanols and emerging ingredients like nuts, cocoa flavanols and probiotics, Daniells consulted Fortitech’s Raw Materials and Ingredients Specialist Russ Hazen. Hazen discusses the interplay of scientific discovery, health issues and new product development, noting the “opportunities to develop novel fortified food products targeted” to specific demographics and health conditions.

Nitrate found naturally in vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables and beetroot, is converted by bacteria normally found on the tongue surface, into nitrite, which in turn can be converted in the body to nitric oxide (NO) that acts as an important regulator of blood pressure. Nitric oxide is also synthesized endogenously in the body from the amino acid arginine.

Previous studies have shown that increased ingestion of nitrate-rich beetroot juice has positive effects on resting blood pressure, physiological response to exercise and improved exercise tolerance in young adults. However, the effect of increased nitrate ingestion on blood pressure and exercise-related measures has not been previously evaluated in the elderly, a subgroup at risk of higher blood pressure, poor exercise tolerance and increased cardiovascular disease.

Researchers from the United Kingdom have recently published a study describing the effects of nitrate supplementation in older men and women. In their double-blind, randomized, cross-over study, 12 healthy older subjects, 60-70 years old, supplemented their diets for three days prior to testing with either a nitrate-rich beetroot juice or a nitrate-depleted beetroot juice placebo. The nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplied an additional ~10 mmol nitrate/day.

As expected, consumption of the nitrate-rich beetroot juice increased plasma nitrite concentration. The investigators found that consumption of the nitrate-rich beetroot juice, compared to the placebo beetroot juice, significantly reduced resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increased the V_O2 transition response time to exercise. However, no changes were found in other measures, such as the 6-minute walk test, muscle metabolic response to low-intensity exercise, brain metabolite concentration or cognitive function.

The investigators suggest that their findings are important because they provide evidence that dietary supplementation with this nitrate-rich natural product may act as a valuable intervention in preventing hypertension and speeding up V_O2 kinetics in older adults.

Source from: Kelly J et al. American Journal of Physiology (Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology) 2013;304:R73-R83.

Mounting evidence suggests a role for vitamin D in insulin and glucose metabolism. However, there are few clinical trials that have demonstrated, particularly in children, whether correction of poor vitamin D status with supplementation can improve insulin action. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri has provided interesting evidence that high dose vitamin D supplementation (4000 IU/d, the current Institute of Medicine Tolerable Upper Intake Level) improves fasting insulin and insulin resistance in obese adolescents.

Obese (mean BMI 39.2 kg/m²) adolescent patients, who had a mean initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration (a biomarker of vitamin D status) of 48 mmol/L, were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 4000 IU vitamin D per day for six months. The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D intake is based on maintaining a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of 50 mmol/L in almost all of the population. As expected, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased significantly by doubling to 98 mmol/L in the vitamin D-treated group. There was no change in the placebo group.

No change in fasting glucose was observed at either three months or six months of vitamin D treatment. Moreover, no change in fasting insulin was evident at three months. However, fasting insulin concentration in the vitamin D-treated group was significantly decreased, in contrast to no change in the placebo-treated group, at the six-month time point. Estimation of insulin resistance indicated a significant reduction in insulin insensitivity following six months of vitamin D treatment in these adolescent obese subjects, even after controlling for baseline values of the outcome variable, age, sex, waist circumference and BMI.

This study is noteworthy because it suggests that vitamin D treatment has positive effects on insulin resistance in obese, insulin resistant adolescents with poor vitamin D status.

Source from: Belenchia AM et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (published February 13, 2013)

This new study indicates that iron supplementation can improve verbal and nonverbal learning and memory, although the effects are primarily seen in children with anemia. The children (80 per group) were enrolled in a 34-week iron and n-3 fatty acid (DHA and EPA) supplementation study, where the treatment groups consisted of: iron supplementation alone (50 mg as iron sulfate, four times/week); DHA/EPA alone (420/80 mg, four times/week); iron plus DHA/EPA; or placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed at the beginning and end of the trial based on a battery of different tests that were age and culture appropriate. Measures of iron and n-3 fatty acid status were determined on blood samples.

The final number of children allocated to treatment groups was 321, and 294 successfully completed the trial. N-3 fatty acid status in this population of children was low. At baseline, about one in five children were anemic. Children with anemia at the baseline measurement scored worse on measures of cognitive performance than non-anemic children. Iron treatment improved all measured indices (hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum transferrin receptor, total body iron and zinc protoporphyrin) of iron status and had a positive effect on the ability to recall words used in the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT).

However, subgroup analysis indicated that cognitive improvement was evident only in the subgroup with iron deficiency anemia at baseline. In this group, iron supplementation improved not only word recall on the HVLT but also long-term memory and retrieval on another cognitive test. N-3 fatty acid was improved by DHA/EPA supplementation, but no beneficial effects on cognitive function were evident.

This study is the first to assess the effects of both iron and n-3 fatty acids alone and in combination on cognitive performance in children. Overall, the study findings do not support a positive effect of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on cognitive performance in these children or a significant interaction with iron. Moreover, the positive effects of iron supplementation on cognitive performance seem to be limited to those children suffering from iron deficiency anemia.

Source from: Baumgartner J et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012;96:1327-38.