Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are known to reduce oxidative stress (damage caused by toxic free radicals) and have anti-inflammatory effects. Omega 3s consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Telomeres, located at the tips of DNA chromosomes, shorten with aging and oxidative stress. Now research reports that high omega 3 DHA and EPA levels may slow aging in heart disease patients. This suggests that omega 3s may protect telomeres from oxidative damage and promote anti-aging.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, examined the association of omega 3 levels and telomere length in heart disease patients. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco analyzed data from a 2000 to 2002 Heart and Soul Study of 608 men and women with stable coronary artery disease. Omega 3 DHA and EPA levels and DNA telomere length were determined from the participant's blood samples.
The researchers found that participants with the highest average DHA and EPA levels had the slowest rate of telomere shortening. Furthermore, participants with the lowest average DHA and EPA levels had faster rates.
"Among this cohort of patients with coronary artery disease, there was an inverse relationship between baseline blood levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids and the rate of telomere shortening over 5 years," the study authors conclude.
Promote Anti-Aging with Revitle
Taking antioxidants and other nutrients can help prevent the damaging effects of free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells) and inflammation associated with degenerative diseases and aging.
Progressive Health's Revitle is a potent anti-aging supplement specifically developed to promote youthfulness, combat aging and reduce the risk for serious disease. Revitle features omega 3 fatty acids as well as green tea, cordyceps, grape seed, coenzyme Q10, NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), alpha lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba, hawthorne, Siberian ginseng, bilberry, and essential vitamins and minerals.
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Researchers conducted a randomized double-blind trial to investigate their hypothesis and check the effect of zinc supplementation on growth and morbidity. One-hundred fourteen undernourished children in Jamaica, aged 9-30 months, completed the study. They were grouped into two age categories (9-18 months, and 19-30) and then further divided into groups given either 10mg of elemental zinc or placebo for 6 months. As well, they were grouped into stimulating (teaching a detailed curriculum to mothers based on Piagetian concepts) and non-stimulating environments. The results showed that the children who received both treatments (zinc and stimulation) had the highest developmental scores. There was an effect of stimulation alone on overall development scores, but zinc alone only benefited hand-eye scores. However, zinc supplementation did reduce diarrheal morbidity.
As we know, proper nutrition and a positive environment are important for all aspects of growth in children. This study supports the use of at least zinc supplements in undernourished children. The authors suggest that zinc may improve alertness and activity levels, allowing the children to derive more benefit from stimulation.
]]>Researchers reported that participants with folate level values in the highest one-third had a 65 percent lower risk of heart attack than those in the lowest third. Findings also revealed that high homocysteine levels were not associated with an increased risk for heart attack. "Ongoing intervention trials should indicate whether the use of vitamin supplementation to reduce homocysteine concentrations prevents heart disease or whether high circulating tHcy concentrations and low circulating folate concentrations are simply markers of an unhealthy lifestyle or existing atherosclerosis," the study authors conclude.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that all of the participants demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac function. However, those participants taking fish oil supplements experienced positive results more quickly than the participants taking soy oil. "Supplementation with 2g/d of fish oil was well tolerated and was associated with a significant increase in HRV," the study authors conclude. "Supplementation with 2g/d of soy oil was associated with a lesser but significant increase in HRV."
Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis, some cancers and inflammatory diseases. Approximately 50 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is made by the skin on exposure to sunlight. Now research reports that vitamin D boosts the male sex hormone testosterone. Low testosterone levels can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, osteoporosis and depression.
The study, published in Clinical Endocrinology, investigated the association of vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with testosterone. Researchers at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, analyzed the blood samples of nearly 2,300 men referred for coronary angiography from 1997 - 2000. The researchers assayed the participants' blood for testosterone and vitamin D levels.
The researchers found that higher levels of vitamin D (greater than 30 mug/l) were linked with significantly higher levels of testosterone. Furthermore, testosterone and vitamin D levels were highest in August and lowest in March.
"Androgen levels and 25(OH)D levels are associated in men and reveal a concordant seasonal variation," the study authors conclude. "Randomized controlled trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on androgen levels."
Balance Point for Men Promotes Wellness
Progressive Health's Balance Point for Men is a comprehensive men's multivitamin nutrient supplement specially designed to promote men's wellness.
Balance Point for Men contains vitamin D as well as passion promoters, prostate helpers, muscle protectors, bone builders, antioxidant protectors, vitamins, minerals, and vision helpers.
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Antioxidants neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells) and protect against serious diseases. Now research reports that a nutritional cocktail containing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals combats aging and promotes youthfulness. The combination supplement was developed to target five key mechanisms of aging including oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial function, insulin resistance and membrane integrity.
The supplement contained vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, C, D and E, folic acid, beta-carotene, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, bioflavonoids, chromium picolinate, garlic, ginger root extract, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, green tea extract, L-glutathione, magnesium, manganese, melatonin, N-acetylcysteine, potassium, rutin, selenium, cod liver oil, coenzyme Q10 and flax seed oil.
The study, published in Experimental Biology and Medicine, investigated the effects of a supplement containing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals on mice. Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario administered a combination supplement following weaning to 9 normal mice and 11 transgenic (genetically engineered) mice with reduced motor activity and accelerated aging. Control mice were given unsupplemented diets.
The researchers found that supplemented normal mice maintained youthful activity, compared to greater than 50 percent reduction in activity in untreated normal mice at 24 months. The untreated mice had reduced mitochondrial function and brain signaling chemicals and increased oxidative stress, compared to supplemented mice. Findings also revealed that supplemented transgenic mice had a 45 percent increased level of activity at 4 months, compared to untreated mice.
"Regardless, for aging humans maintaining zestful health and performance into later years may provide greater social and economic benefits than simply prolonging lifespan," the study authors write. "Although identifying the role of specific ingredients and interactions remains outstanding, results provide proof of principle that complex dietary cocktails can powerfully ameliorate biomarkers of aging and modulate mechanisms considered ultimate goals for aging interventions."
Promote Youthfulness with Revitle
Taking antioxidants and other nutrients can help prevent the damaging effects of free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells) and inflammation associated with nervous system disorders, degenerative diseases and aging.
Progressive Health's Revitle is specifically developed to promote youthfulness, combat aging and reduce the risk for serious disease. Revitle includes researched ingredients like omega 3 fatty acids, green tea, cordyceps, grape seed, coenzyme Q10, NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), alpha lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba, hawthorne, Siberian ginseng, bilberry, and essential vitamins and minerals
]]>Pregnant and breastfeeding women should ensure they have an optimal intake of essential fatty acids, especially DHA, and should take special care to use only supplements that do not contain mercury, lead and PCBs (common contaminants found in fish oil supplements). Pregnant women should not take fish oil supplements containing high levels of vitamin A, which can produce birth defects. Consult your pre-natal care provider regarding safe levels of vitamin A in pregnancy.
]]>Crohn's disease is a disorder of the intestine, causing chronic inflammation and weakness of the gastrointestinal tract. Experts believe that Crohn's disease is caused by a defective immune response to intestinal bacteria which activates the inflammation. Now research reports that vitamin D may decrease the risk of Crohn's disease. Vitamin D is known to play an important role in the immune response. About 50 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient.
The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, investigated the effect of vitamin D on genes that combat invading microbial invaders. The beta defensin 2 gene and the NOD2 gene are linked to Crohn's disease. The beta defensin 2 gene encodes an antimicrobial protein. The NOD2 gene warns cells about invading bacteria and stimulates beta defensin 2. If the NOD2 gene is defective, it can't fight invading microbial invaders in the intestinal tract.
The researchers found that vitamin D directly stimulates the NOD2 gene and beta defensin 2 gene. These results suggest that vitamin D deficiency can play a part in Crohn's disease. People who are vitamin D deficient would have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease.
"This discovery is exciting, since it shows how an over-the-counter supplement such as Vitamin D could help people defend themselves against Crohn's disease," says study author Marc J. Servant, a professor at the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Pharmacy, in a news release. "We have identified a new treatment avenue for people with Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases."
Ablene Promotes GI Health
Crohn's disease affects more than a million people worldwide. Taking natural nutrients can help promote GI health and reduce IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) symptoms.
Progressive Health's Ablene is a GI-health promoting supplement containing vitamin D3, olive extract, cat's claw, licorice, betaine, l-glutamine and other essential vitamins and minerals. Ablene restores lost nutrients while preventing inflammation; helping to relieve symptoms and promote digestive health.
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One hundred and forty one Tanzanian children with severe anemia and malaria (80%) were enrolled in this study. They were divided into groups given either vitamin A (6-12 mo: 100 000 IU; >12 mo: 200 000 IU) or the malaria treatment, SP (500 mg sulfadoxine plus 25mg pyramethamine; 6-11 mo: one-half of a tablet; 12 mo: three-fourths of a tablet), for 72 hours.
The results were somewhat contrary to what the researchers expected, but still beneficial. Instead of vitamin A increasing erythropoietin levels, the level was decreased. However, the authors state, "Vitamin A also significantly increased the reticulocyte production index, which indicated the production of new red blood cells in children who received vitamin A." There was a rapid decrease in inflammation and improved iron mobilization with Vitamin A treatment, as well. This finding may actually explain the decrease in erythropoietin level, showing that the human body is much more complex than what we observe in a dish (in vitro). Right now, it appears vitamin A may be a valuable therapy for anemia. More research is required to follow the effects over a longer treatment period and to investigate further the role of vitamin A in anemia.
]]>Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring nutrient that boosts cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the cell's energy powerhouse. Now research reports that CoQ10 deficiency may be linked to patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS is characterized by persistent fatigue and inflammatory and nervous system symptoms.
The study, published in Neuroendocrinology Letters, investigated the role of CoQ10 in patients with ME/CFS. Researchers at Maes Clinics in Antwerp, Belgium analyzed plasma CoQ10 levels in 58 Me/CFS patients and 22 healthy controls. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating Scale (FF Scale) evaluations were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that CoQ10 levels were significantly reduced in ME/CFS patients, compared with the control group. More than 44.8 percent of ME/CFS patients had CoQ10 levels less than the lowest CoQ10 levels in the control group. Furthermore, higher CoQ10 levels were associated with reduced symptoms and FF Scale scores.
"Our results suggest that patients with ME/CFS would benefit from CoQ10 supplementation in order to normalize the low CoQ10 syndrome and the IO&NS disorders," the study authors write. "The findings that lower CoQ10 is an independent predictor of chronic heart failure (CHF) and mortality due to CHF may explain previous reports that the mean age of ME/CFS patients dying from CHF is 25 years younger than the age of those dying from CHF in the general population. Since statins significantly decrease plasma CoQ10, ME/CFS should be regarded as a relative contraindication for treatment with statins without CoQ10 supplementation."
Anatrin Relieves Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized by prolonged, debilitating fatigue, which lasts at least six months. Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by persistent fatigue and pain in the muscles and soft tissue.
Progressive Health's Anatrin is a scientifically supported supplement formulated for persons experiencing fatigue and muscle pain. Anatrin features natural nutrients including ascorbigen and broccoli powder, rhodiola rosea, ginger root, 5-HTP, melatonin, malic acid and magnesium
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Chronic gum disease, known as periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes and tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by an abnormal inflammatory-immune response to bacterial plaque formation in the tissue surrounding the teeth. Now research reports that high omega 3 DHA levels may decrease the risk of gum disease. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fish oil is known to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
The study, published in Nutrition, investigated whether omega 3s were associated with a lowered risk of periodontitis. Researchers at Nigata University in Japan and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, analyzed data from 55 seniors (average age 74) participating in a study of aging. Dietary intakes were obtained from the participants. Dental examinations were performed once a year for five years.
The researchers found that higher levels of omega 3 DHA were linked with a reduced risk of periodontitis. Participants with the lowest DHA levels had a 1.5 times higher risk of periodontitis, compared to those with the highest levels.
"The findings suggest there may be an inverse, independent relation of dietary DHA intake to the progression of periodontal disease in older people," the study authors conclude.
Clorial Promotes Oral Health
Progressive Health's Clorial is an all-natural supplement specifically formulated to promote oral health and combat chronic bad breath (halitosis). Clorial contains a synergistic blend of potent nutrients such as lactoferrin, thyme, eucalyptus, xylitol and peppermint oil, antioxidant coQ10, and vitamins C and Folic Acid.
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The sales of herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies have been exponentially growing in the UK. The main consumers have been women over 35 years old. Now the market research firm Mintel has estimated that the alternative medicine markets will be worth approximately $421 million by 2012.
Complementary and alternative therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, yoga, acupuncture and massage have grown 18 percent since 2007 and were worth E213 million in 2009. Mintel predicts a 33 percent increase in sales by 2013 as more people avoid prescription drugs.
Part of the increase in market growth is attributed to the greater acceptance of alternative medicine through medical authorities like the UK National Health Service. People have also turned to herbal remedies as an alternative to prescription drug treatment.
"A rise in the number of patients diagnosed with depression and stress has also led to more people exploring holistic approaches in favour of potentially addictive prescription drugs," reports the Daily Mail. "Around 1.5 million Britons bought St John's Wort last year, predominantly for depression. "
Exulin Antidepressant Remedy
Taking natural nutrients along with cognitive therapy and exercise can help relieve depression.
Progressive Health's Exulin is an antidepressant remedy containing St John's Wort as well as L-phenylalanine, rhodiola rosea, vitamin B6, folic acid, methylcobalamin, and gingko biloba. Exulin helps restore nutrient deficiencies associated with depression and alleviate depression symptoms.
Elaine's Comments
What types of alternative therapies have helped you? Tell us about it.
Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled intervention trial to compare the effectiveness of [6S]-5-MTHF and folic acid in reducing homocysteine levels. They recruited 144 healthy women to participate in the study. They were divided into groups given either 400ug folic acid, 416ug [6S]-5-MTHF, 208ug [6S]-5-MTHF, or placebo fro 24 weeks. Plasma levels of homocysteine were measured at the start of the trial and then every four weeks. The results showed that decreases in total plasma homocysteine did not differ significantly between the 3 supplemented groups, showing the lower level of [6S]-5-MTHF was just as effective.
The authors explain that the reason why [6S]-5-MTHF is less likely to mask vitamin B12 deficiency is due to the fact that the conversion of [6S]-5-MTHF into tetrahydrofolate is vitamin B12 dependent while conversion from folic acid is not dependent. Previous work has demonstrated the safety of [6S]-5-MTHF. Based on the results of this trial, further research will likely be published using patients with higher levels of homocysteine, as well as older men and women. Right now, it seems this form of folate is a promising alternative, especially in older patients who are more likely to have vitamin B12 deficiency.
]]>Shigella infection is a major cause of death and morbidity in young children in the developing world. Not only does the information from this study impact poor countries, it also gives us insight as to how zinc supplementation can work in cases of infectious diarrhea. Based on previous studies showing that zinc deficiency is associated with increased diarrheal and respiratory morbidity and that supplementation can reduce the incidence, severity, and duration of acute and persistent diarrhea and dysentery, researchers set out to investigate the specific effects of zinc in children with shigellosis.
Fifty six patients with diagnosed shigellosis and moderate malnourishment, who were a median age of 23 months, were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were divided into two groups: one group was given elemental zinc (20mg) and a multivitamin containing vitamins A and D, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, and calcium at twice the recommended dietary allowance daily for 2 weeks, and the other group given only the multivitamin. These patients were all treated with standard antibiotic therapy, as well.
The results of the study showed that lymphocyte levels and a particular type of antibody specific to this type of infection were significantly increased in the group given zinc. The authors state, "the data suggest that instead of prolonged supplementation, a short course of zinc supplementation as an adjunct therapy for common infectious diseases may be equally beneficial in boosting immune responses." This study points out the vital role minerals like zinc can play in treating serious infections.
Research suggests that nutritional deficiencies may aggravate asthma. Approximately 50 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Now a new study reports that low levels of vitamin D are linked with increased risk of asthma. Researchers suggest that vitamin D supplementation may lower asthma severity and improve steroid treatment response.
The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, investigated the relationship between vitamin D and asthma. Researchers from National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado reviewed the data of 54 asthmatic adults. Blood samples, lung function and airway hyper-responsiveness tests were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that participants with low vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/ml) had worse lung function and airway hyper-responsiveness test results than those with higher vitamin D levels. Furthermore, low vitamin D levels were linked with a reduced steroid therapy response and increased TNF-alpha (an inflammatory marker).
"In asthma, reduced vitamin D levels are associated with impaired lung function, increased airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced glucocorticoid response, suggesting that supplementation of vitamin D levels in patients with asthma may improve multiple parameters of asthma severity and treatment response," the study authors conclude.
Oxy 17 Combats Asthma
Progressive Health's Oxy 17 is specifically developed to relieve asthma symptoms, reduce chronic inflammation and promote respiratory health.
Oxy 17 contains respiratory boosting vitamins and natural nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, cordyceps, noni, coleus forskolin, grape seed extract and L-glutamine.