The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of prolonged oral administration of Chirositol™ >95% D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI) alone and in combination with manganese sulfate on reducing blood glucose in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.  The known benefits of DCI have been suggested in sugar metabolism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and weight loss.

In the study, Chirositol™ and manganese sulfate were administered orally, singly, and in combination to diabetic-induced rats for 21 days.  Oral Chirositol™ administration to diabetic rats for 12 days decreased their blood glucose by 23% as compared to controls.  Oral Chirositol™   and manganese sulfate administration to diabetic rats for 12 days decreased their blood glucose by 40% as compared to controls.  Experimental groups did not display hypoglycemia either clinically or by blood glucose levels and/or demonstrated any other adverse reactions.  Of further interest, body weights of both female and male rats administered Chirositol™ and manganese sulfate were reduced, with females 25% compared to controls and males 21% compared to controls over the 21-day period.

With over 30 plus published scientific studies in peer review journals since 1979 providing insight in metabolic disorders, mechanism of action, and established safety, Chirositol™ and Chirositol™ M (containing manganese sulfate) contribute their role in the overall understanding of diabetes mellitus.

For more information on Chirositol™ visit www.chirositol.com or if you would like to view the study, please contact sales@cyvex.com

Vinpocetine is a compound extracted from the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) that is known to cross the blood-brain barrier denying entry to compounds that may be detrimental to the brain.

It has been widely studied in humans and researchers have shown its ability to increase short-term memory ability and also critical reaction time in healthy volunteers.

Research has shown vinpocetine as a cerebral vasodilator, a substance that improves blood flow to the brain; as well as a nootropic, a substance that improves cognitive function in healthy humans.  Vinpocetine also protects the brain from degradation by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that works to break down and destroy critical energy molecules the brain needs to function.  It is the only mental dietary supplement for which a direct mechanism of action has been proposed and scientifically verified.

Periods of stress, and/or prolonged poor lifestyle habits, can cause brain fog, slight confusion, and slow cognition. Making improvements such as a healthy diet (fish is a great “brain food”) and healthy stress management techniques, can go a long way to a sharper memory and an improvement in the ability to perform mental tasks. Taking vinpocetine will help nourish your brain and keep it healthy.

Click on NHI OnDemand-a Health & Wellness Trade site- for more information about cognitive function.

For centuries, people have totally delighted in eating dark chocolate (made from cocoa, from the cacao tree). Not too long ago, chocolate was a “no no” for restricted diets, somewhat based on the prevailing belief that if it tastes good it’s bad for you!

Specifically, cocoa contains polyphenols called flavonoids. The flavonoids found in cocoa are flavanols known as flavan-3-ol and proanthocyanidins, among other healthy compounds like epicatechin, quercetin and glycosides. These are all specific antioxidants that work in the body in targeted ways.

According to chocolate industry expert Leah Porter, Ph.D., studies analyzing cocoa have evolved rather rapidly from the stage of identifying its active phytochemicals as described above to researching how they impact specific health conditions affecting the breast, heart, and respiratory system to name several.

It’s no surprise that in recent years, cocoa has earned exalted status because of research demonstrating health benefit. Cocoa (which chocolate is derived from) contains antioxidants known as flavonoids. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that cocoa containing 495 mg of naturally occurring polyphenols helped reduce levels of inflammatory markers that are known contributors to the development of atherosclerosis.

And eating good-quality dark chocolate AND taking a cocoa-antioxidant supplement is the best way to obtain antioxidant health benefits.

You may have wondered, “just what us a ‘superfruit?” and “what gives it its super powers?”

A “superfruit” is a fruit that is combined with rich nutrients and high antioxidant power.  Fruits naturally grow their own antioxidants as protective mechanisms for their particular climate and environment.  Those that grow in tropical locales tend to have higher concentrates of antioxidants due to natural assaults found in hot, humid ecosystems that also contain high numbers of insects and bacteria – all things the fruit needs to protect itself from.

You may have heard about noni and acai, two very popular supplements sold by retailers.  They are nutritious for supplementing, as powerful antioxidants flooding the body with natural phytochemicals that help keep you healthy!  Acai is packed with amino acids, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as trace minerals and phytosterols. Noni offers you lignans, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol and catechin, and other antioxidant compounds.

Mangosteen is often sold as a juice blend. It is uniquely abundant in xanthones, a type of strong antioxidant. Xanthones also have been shown to have other benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties. Mangosteen also has polysaccharides, sterols, catechins and proanthocyanidins, the last two being very strong antioxidants.

Pomegranate is also more widely known and consumed today for its antioxidant benefits.   Pomegranates contain ellagitannins, such as punicalagins, which are powerful antioxidant polyphenolic compounds.

It is easy to see how blending all these superfruits is wholesome for good health.  Our proprietary product, PhytoTropic™, features concentrates of all four superfruits as a powerful antioxidant ingredient.

It appears that almost every week, some newspaper or TV show decides to wield a popular scare tactic trying to sway consumers to become skeptical about using dietary supplements. And this negativism isn’t just in the U.S. In April 2009, Professor Regan’s Diet Clinic, a TV program on the BBC2’s Horizon series, overarchingly told viewers that supplements are not necessary if you eat a balanced diet.

Well, perhaps in theory this may make some sense. But … how many people really eat a balanced diet? And of those, how many perfectly manage stress (preventing stress from creating free radicals), do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, drink no caffeine, and who exercise regularly?

Dietary supplements are … just that. They are nutrients in convenient forms (pills, beverages, powders for shakes) that fill in the gaps and in many cases, give us more optimal doses of compounds for our bodies.

However, more and more experts are proponents of consuming quality, researched dietary supplements. As a great example, more than 80% of registered dietitians who took part in a survey said they consider most Americans have gaps in their diets that can be filled with vitamins and other dietary supplements.

The research, from the “Life…supplemented” 2009 Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Study, also showed that 76 percent said that supplements can address their own diet gaps, and, 96 percent stated they take supplements with 87 percent recommending dietary supplements to their clients.

Beyond this, more and more studies are being conducted on nutraceuticals and human health. Science appears to be determined to discover exactly how naturally occurring chemicals influence and impact a variety of processes in the human body and in certain states of disease.

Our lives are busier than ever and most of us do not have the time to ensure we eat daily diets abundant in vitamins and minerals which will benefit us in the long-term. Dietary supplements are the perfect solutions to top off our bodies’ empty or partially filled tanks, keeping us moving for the long journey!

For more information about the Healthcare Professionals Impact Study, visit www.lifesupplemented.org

Generics, or “no frills” products, indeed have their place in industry and in retail.  However, there are many key factors why, when it comes to many ingredients, notably specialty ones, the proprietary branded ingredients make smart investment sense.

Branded ingredients are often what the finished product manufacturer touts as its product’s identity, either in full or in part.  So the branded ingredient needs to be one that is easily read and grasped by the consumer as the brand marketer is counting on making a memorable first impression.

Branding starts in the supplier’s research and development, along with cultivating relationships with growers and processors responsible for producing superior quality and pure product. Often, a well-researched and proven-effective proprietary processing technique that enhances the biological value of the ingredient versus its generic counterpart is a significant part.

Once an ingredient and the facility that manufactures it are assured of exceptional quality and the research of its safety and efficacy are likewise validated, it is taken to a marketing think tank to create a brand around it. This includes a name that reflects the nature of the ingredient and that also speaks to a core consumer that will find it valuable. A logo is also developed, and paperwork is filed for trademark protection.

Crafting a valuable branded ingredient is, therefore, an investment. Reputable branded ingredients have everything: the quality research, the quality production, the characteristic distinctions, and the marketing savvy.

When it comes to specialty ingredients such as antioxidants, the power of branded ingredients makes the best sense for long-term product success!

Through difficult times, people know they need to be as healthy as possible to withstand tough pressures and the inordinate stress.  Today, many people understand that dietary supplements and functional foods are good, and they firmly believe that taking nutraceutical products can keep their doctor visits and pharmacy bills down.

The Freedonia Group, a leading market intelligence firm, just released data from a new report, “World Nutraceutical Ingredients.” The report asserts that the U.S. will continue to be the largest global consuming nation of nutraceutical ingredients for the next five years, reflecting the continually burgeoning array of functional beverages/foods, natural remedies and dietary supplements. North American demand for nutraceutical ingredients will rise from a market value of $3824m in 2008 to $4890m by 2013, predicts the report. Annual growth in the market will decrease slightly from 7.7% last year to 5% in four years.

Worldwide demand of nutraceutical ingredients are expected to reach $21.8 billion by 2013.

We believe that production and innovation, along with increased investments in research that proves safety and efficacy will drive continued growth and success in the industry.

For more information about the report, see The Freedonia Group website: www.freedoniagroup.com

In the midst of the staggering crowds and rows of company booths, I was introduced to the world of Nutraceuticals at the SupplySide West Trade Show –Las Vegas, Nevada, November 2009.  As expected, the Sands Convention Center displayed companies of all aspects of the industry; converging the supplier, the finished product, and laboratory/equipment companies that serve the former two.  I was also delighted to see a non-profit organization utilizing this medium to share their role in the industry.  In a technologically advanced business of the e-mail, fax, voicemail, teleconference, worldwide web, etc., companies give-up the benefits of the hand-shakes and face-to-face meet and greets.  This forum gave an opportunity to create new relationships and to maintain already established ones.  The key element of the trade show was not necessarily in the immediate sale, but rather to develop the relationships and/or to continue already discussed matters needed for the potential eventuality of business.

As I made my way to the Cyvex Nutrition, Inc. booth, I saw the variety in representation of each company based not only in the size and history of the company, but also culturally.  I literally was walking through the “world” of Nutraceuticals.  It was also interesting to observe the dynamics of the company representatives and how that may reflect on their business.  Cyvex Nutrition’s unified shirts, smiles, and approachable representatives of all aspects of the company as a whole was brought up as a beneficial quality of the booth compared to others (e.g. We had representatives in sales & marketing, a supplier, and product literature, etc.).  The simple, clean, and crisp aesthetic appeal of Cyvex Nutrition booth allowed attendees to not get cluttered with information, but to visually get a hint of the company’s focus, which subsequently lead to requesting further information from a representative.  As I made my way through other booths, I realized I was looking for the similar aspects in other booths, may it be in the product line and/or presentation.  Many booths enticed attendees with give-a-ways and demonstrations, but really failed to make attendees take that second step to inquire about their products.  It was surprising to me that many representatives did not have the knowledge base of their product as I had hoped.  Others represented their company with simply their name and space, creating no reel to attract attendees.

As a novice attendee, I found myself exploring and learning, rather than what I noticed in others, approaching a booth with intent and purpose.  I feel that my 2 days only hit the tip of the magnitude of the Nutraceutical Industry.  I have always known the impact nutraceuticals has had on optimal nutrition and health, but this experience has expanded my perspective and attitude to the current and potential role this industry has and will take in my career.   As I reflect back to this experience– there is a need for someone of my background and career path in nutrition and medicine to understand this field, not only for the industry’s sake, but for the benefit of the consumer, my future patient /clients.  I hope with my growing understanding of this industry, I will be able to help bridge the gap between mainstream medicine’s approach with that of nutraceuticals – benefiting both tremendously.

This knowledge came from an initial study in 1992, when the term French Paradox was introduced after researchers showed in an epidemiological study that the French, despite higher incidence of smoking, less exercise and a diet relatively higher in fatty foods than Americans, have a lower incidence of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. The researchers correlated this health paradox to the French love of red wine.

French red wine grapes contain two main constituents shown to be of significant antioxidant value: polyphenols (flavonoids) and resveratrol. Animal studies of red wine polyphenols have demonstrated effects in cardioprotection, supporting healthy cholesterol levels, vision improvement and general free-radical scavenging.

Resveratrol is produced by grapes to protect against fungal infection. It has been shown in studies to exert potent cardioprotection by inhibiting LDL oxidation and reducing platelet aggregation. In a rat model study, researchers found that resveratrol had a dramatic effect against ischemia-reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Resveratrol reduced both the incidence and duration of ventricular dysrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. What this means is that is supports healthy heart function.

A significant study, published in 2006 in the journal Nature, demonstrated that obese mice fed red wine extract (resveratrol) were in better health and lived longer than obese mice that were not fed the red wine extract. In the supplement group, deaths dropped 31%, compared to the control group. Study authors also concluded that the red wine extract group of mice lived longer than what they normally should have given their obesity.

David Sinclair, co-author of the study, told Newsweek, “At the genetic level, we saw alterations in all the known longevity pathways that we looked at. It would appear this molecule triggers our natural genetic defenses against aging. That’s probably why resveratrol is such a potent molecule. It’s no mere antioxidant.”

In addition, Sinclair said that his team saw benefits in the supplement group that are associated with healthy longevity, specifically lower insulin, body temperature and blood sugar.

References:

Rao AV, et al.  Bioabsorption and invivo antioxidant properties of the grape extract BioVin® polyphenols: a human intervention study.  Journal of Medicinal Food 200; 3:15-22.

Renaud S, et al.  Wine, alcohol, platelets and the French paradox for coronary heart disease.  The Lancet 1992; 339:1523-6.

Baur J, et al.  Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high calorie diet.  Nature.  2006; 444:337-342

For more information click on the links to see some articles about resveratrol:

Mayo Clinic: “Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?”

60 Minutes: “Fountain of Youth in A Wine Rx?”

Total Health for Longevity: “Resveratrol: Unique Nutrient for Extending Health Into Old Age”

The seeds of the pomegranate are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, notably ellagic acid, which has been researched heavily since the 1970s. Ellagic acid has been shown to prevent abnormal changes in the genetic material within cells, thereby helping to promote healthy cell development and life, while curtailing unhealthy, rogue cell development. In addition, ellagic acid binds to unhealthy compounds found circulating in the blood and inactivates them.

The fruit and its seeds are red, which may be nature’s way of saying, “this is good for your heart.”  Research has shown favorable attributes of pomegranate’s ability to support healthy platelet aggregation activities in blood vessels. The pomegranate juice has demonstrated to not only reduce platelet aggregation in blood vessels, but also has shown to slow down the process of cholesterol oxidation.

One study, “Pomegranate juice consumption reduces oxidative stress, atherogenic modifications to LDL and platelet aggregation: studies in humands an din atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice,” by Aviram et al, analyzed the effect of pomegranate juice consumption on lipoprotein oxidation, aggregation and retention, macrophage atherogenicity, platelet aggregation and atherosclerosis in healthy male volunteers. The researchers found that after 14 weeks of daily consumption, LDL susceptibility to aggregation and retention was decreased and the activity of serum paraoxonase increased by 20 percent; paraoxonase is an enzyme that protects against lipid peroxidation. This study shows pomegranate has value in cardiovascular support. (Am. J Clin. Nutr 2000; 71:1062-76)

If you’d like more information, please email sales@cyvex.com