JAMA Study on Ginkgo biloba Not Quite Clear?

JAMA Study on Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Rate of Cognitive Decline ‘Still Misses the Boat’ – “in fact it may not be in the same ocean.“

The study population should have been one situated closer to the onset of cognitive decline – meaning younger people! 

A study released on Tuesday in the December 23/30 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo.  The researchers analyzed results from the 2008 Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study to determine as a secondary outcome if G. biloba slowed the rate of cognitive decline in older adults who had normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at the beginning of the study.

The Natural Products Association has previously issued comments on the GEM study, which was originally released in November of 2008, questioned the benefits of Ginkgo biloba on preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), saying the study “missed the boat entirely” because the universe of people studied was too limited to make broad statements about the benefits of the popular dietary supplement. [New JAMA Study on Ginkgo Biloba and Alzheimer's 'Misses the Boat Entirely', NPA Member Update, November 18, 2008]

“As we stated in our comments regarding the GEM study last year, the boat has left the dock and this study isn’t on it,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Natural Products Association. “When one considers that age-related cognitive decline may initiate in healthy adults as early as their 30s, it would seem that if the authors were indeed serious about investigating prevention as a secondary outcome, they would have selected a population that was situated closer to the onset of cognitive decline instead of one where its effects most likely have already taken hold.”

One, it looks exclusively at people almost 80 years old who are far more likely to have Alzheimer’s, while ignoring those in middle ages, where the risk for developing the disease rises quickly and prevention could best be analyzed. Two, it excludes completely any consideration of the strong and established role that family history plays with Alzheimer’s. You can’t do a study on the weather without looking at wind and rain,”

It’s is always interesting to us (CAOH) that many studies looking at the benefits of herbal and nutritional supplements never take into account long term use and prevention.  There is never a magic bullet, pill or potion.

What is the Maqui Berry?

What is Maqui Berry?

Maqui Berry is a purple variety of berry found in the South American Region (Patagonia Region) of Chile and Argentina.  The berry has been found to contain high levels of antioxidant properties.  In fact it tops all others!

Antioxidants are substances found in the fruits and vegetables we eat everyday.  They in fact vary in every fruit and vegetable so that an ORAC scale was established to measure the quantity of antioxidant each fruit has.

The enormous quantity of antioxidants found in the Maqui Berry is so significant that eating the fruit on a regular basis could be quite beneficial:

• Antioxidants present in Maqui Berries aid in body detoxification.
• Maqui Berries can enhance the body’s immune system
• Increases the energy levels of the individual
• Aid in the bodies anti-aging properties.

The Maqui Berry does not differ from many of the other super fruit stories, but the Maqui Berry is gaining popularity.

What would you recommend for boosting the immune system

Question: What would you recommend for boosting the immune system?

Thanks

Answer: Bronek,

Our whey protein powder (1 scoop/day) is mandatory (Whey protein fact sheet). Next, I would add (5,000IU’s/day) vitamin D, probiotic (1-2 caps/day) and vitamin C (1-2 caps/day). FYI: below is from a newsletter I recently sent to my patients.

“I just wanted to remind everyone that I have put together a natural “preventative” protocol for kids and adults, against colds/flu. Now is the time to get going on this!

I have been using this protocol for the past ten years w/my patients and the ones who follow it haven’t been effected by the flu, or if they did, it was very mild. The products are all natural and the possibility of side-effects is practically zero. The combo is vitamin D liquid, a special probiotic and vitamin C (w/rutin). This may seem very basic and you may ask, “how can this work?” At therapeutic doses, this combination actually moves the body from a weak, straw house; to a slightly-stronger, stick house; to a ultra-strong, brick house. Brick house people don’t get sick or if they do, the symptoms are much milder, and/or the overall duration of symptoms is far less.”

The sooner you can get going on this protocol, the faster you can start boosting you immune system!

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Vitamin D and Heart Disease!

Vitamin D deficiency linked directly to heart disease!

Researchers from Utah presented fresh evidence this week linking vitamin D deficiency to heart disease at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Conference in Orlando, Florida. Vitamin D has a good reputation even in the worthy company of other vitamins, having been associated variously with cardiovascular health, strong bones, cognitive health, cancer protection and immune health.

Scientists from the Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City now claim to have dug up stronger evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin D. They also claim to have more firmly established the link between a lack of the vitamin in the diet and heart disease.

Observational Research:

For more than a year, the Intermountain Medical Center research team followed 27,686 people who were 50 years of age or older with no prior history of cardiovascular disease.

The participants had their blood vitamin D levels tested during routine clinical care. They were divided into three groups based on their vitamin D levels – normal (over 30 nanograms per milliliter), low (15-30 ng/ml), or very low (less than 15 ng/ml). The scientist then followed them to see if they developed some form of heart disease.

Researchers found that people with very low levels of vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die, 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease, and 78 percent more likely to have a stroke than those with normal levels. They also found that participants with very low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to suffer heart failure.

Commenting on the significance of the results, Brent Muhlestein, director of cardiovascular research at the Intermountain Medical Centre, said: “This was a unique study because the association between Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease has not been well-established.”

Muhlestein went on to say the previous studies have demonstrated links between vitamin D deficiency and risk factors related to heart disease like blood pressure, glucose control, and inflammation.

This latest research is distinct from these studies because it tackles the link between vitamin D and heart disease directly. And although the study is only observational, Muhlestein said it is based on a population pool in Utah that is well suited to the task in hand.

“For example, because of Utah’s low use of tobacco and alcohol, we were able to narrow the focus of the study to the effects of Vitamin D on the cardiovascular system,” said Muhlestein.

In any case, he said the conclusions create an impetus for further study.

“We believe the findings are important enough to now justify randomized treatment trials of supplementation in patients with Vitamin D deficiency to determine for sure whether it can reduce the risk of heart disease,” added the researcher.

Power D3 Softgels™ Vitamin D3 – 180 softgels – 1000 iu

Power Vitamin D3 Liquid™ Liquid – Vitamin D3

Power Vision Formula and Liquid Power For Eye Health

Question: Do you have any products that can help with cataracts or glaucoma?

Thanks.

Leon

Answer: Leon,

Our Power Vision Formula is a comprehensive support formula for vision and the eye. I wish I could promise that it’s exactly what you need but I can’t. I can tell you it’s a very comprehensive and well thought-out formula.

When combined with our Liquid Power Multi-V, you will be covering all bases to help prevent, ” Age Related Eye Disease.” (see study link below)

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Are These High Levels of Antioxidants and Zinc Right For You?

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) – sponsored by the Federal government’s National Eye Institute – has found that taking high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 percent.

Noni – the almost forgotten!

Noni – the almost forgotten superfruit!

Our Beginning – Noni!

Noni juice was the very first product we ever offered, over 10 years ago now.  We were one of the first to import the juice from the island of Tahiti, getting it bottled here in the US.  Since that time noni juice has been sold all over the world and we ourselves have sold literally tens of thousands of bottles.

Over the last couple of years our other Superfruits have stolen some of the limelight from this tried-and-true fruit, to our regret.  We have so many customers that call to tell us that Noni has helped their sports injuries, digestion, and other difficulties.  We wanted to make sure that Noni was still something that all of you were thinking about! 

Our Noni Juice is as good as it can get.  Still imported from Tahiti (the best source), certified organic and kosher, and with a wonderful fruit puree blend in our Almost Nude Noni to cut that "interesting" taste.  (We still have the Nude 100% Noni for any purists out there!)

The bottom line is that noni is an incredible little fruit, it may not taste very good, but wow the benefits!  We have written and gathered great information about this special fruit – yes even before wikidpedia existed!

Take a look at the following articles:

Morinda Citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Noni Juice History and Use!

Noni (Morinda Citrifolia)

Noni – Educational Information!

Neil Solomon, M.D., Ph.D

Noni a fruit worth knowing!

Love,

CAOH

Multivitamins Reduce Blood Pressure

Source: Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition  (07/06/2009) – Edited for grammar and definition.

Diseases of the heart and circulation are so common and the public is so well acquainted with the major symptoms that result from cardiovascular disorders that patients, and occasionally physicians, wrongly attribute many unrelated complaints to cardiovascular disease (CVD).  It should not be a surprise that this occurs, as most patients are aware that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.

There are four principle properties of the cardiovascular system that can be evaluated to provide information to help manage cardiovascular disease.  These include movement of electrical signals through the heart, heart pump function, blood flow through the heart, and anatomy.  There are several risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are essentially undeniable. These are older age, male gender, and a family history of CVD.  Additionally, three major risk factors identified include cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), and hypertension.

By definition a multivitamin is a preparation intended to supplement a human diet with vitamins, dietary minerals and other nutritional elements.  A multivitamin/mineral supplement is defined in the United States as a supplement containing 3 or more vitamins and minerals but does not include herbs, hormones, or drugs, with each nutrient dosage below the tolerable upper level determined by the Food and Drug Board (FDA).  People with dietary imbalances may include those on restrictive diets and those who can't or won't eat a nutritious diet.  Pregnant women and elderly adults have different nutritional needs than other adults, and a multivitamin may be indicated by their physicians.

A recent study was done involving 128 obese Chinese women aged 18-55 years having an increased risk of cardiovascular disease by having hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia.  It was a 26-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with the subjects receiving either one tablet of high-dose multivitamin and mineral supplement (MMS), or one tablet of low-dose MMS (Low MMS), or calcium 162 mg (Calcium) or identical placebo (Placebo) daily.  The results showed that supplementation with adequate multivitamin and mineral supplement could reduce blood pressure and serum CRP in obese women with increased cardiovascular disease risk. (1)

(1).    Wang C, Li Y, Zhu K, et al. Effects of supplementation with multivitamin and mineral on blood pressure and C-reactive protein in obese Chinese women with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(1):121-30.

Check our multivitamins here!

Why is Acai being touted as a weight reduction product if it isn't?

Q: Why is Acai being touted as a weight reduction produce if it isn’t?  What is it’s value to the user?

A: Joan,

I am sorry to say, but it’s purely to rip people off!!!

Acai is a potent, polyphenol rich, antioxidant.  It can be used as a preventative or treatment whenever a super-strong antioxidant is indicated/required.  I take it as a preventative and anti-aging nutrient.

See: Absolute Acai & Acai Max

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Low calorie whey protein "Breakfast Shake" fights aging and gives you tons of energy

Q: I am a 55 year old woman in good health and get plenty of exercise.  Can you recommend a daily supplement regimen for me?  You have way too many products for me to make a good choice.

Thanks,

Jeanie Atkinson

A: Jeanie,

I think this is exactly what you are looking for:

For breakfast have a protein shake that includes all you daily supplements. This is what I’ve done for the last 15 years.

Whey Protein Powder – 1 scoop (caoh product)
Liquid Power – 1 ounce (caoh product)
Flax Seed Oil -  1 Tbsp  (From health food store)
Lecithin Granules – 2 Tbsp (caoh product)
Ultra Supreme Greens – 1 Tbsp (caoh product)

8oz water
Frozen strawberries and blueberries

Blend in blender till smooth

This covers all bases and will give you tons of energy. My grandmother started on a version of this at 83 and lived till she was 96.

I hope this helps. Talk with Heather 800-643-7188 if you need any help ordering products.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Powerful anti-aging effects with resveratrol; it’s more than just the "French Paradox"

Many research studies have validated the fact that one of the most powerful ways to extend life is to reduce food intake (calories) while still maintaining nutritional needs. Organisms ranging from yeast to mammals experience a much longer and healthier life if they consume just two-thirds of the calories they normally eat. Experiments with rodents, for instance, have increased life span by 50% through dietary caloric restrictions.

Note: Calorie restriction is great in theory but I have found that the average American is not ready to embrace the concept, at least not at this moment in time. 50% if the American population is either overweight or obese.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to mimic the positive effect of calorie restriction without having to change ones diet, by using a dietary supplement. Well, scientists have found a way to do just that. Researchers discovered that Resveratrol, a natural phytonutrient, can mimic the beneficial effects of calorie restriction. (Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytonutrient found in the dark, red grape skins, red wine [red grape juice is not as good a source as whole red grapes or wine]. It is also found, in lower quantities, in mulberries and peanuts [especially in boiled peanuts]).

Resveratrol is best known for its suspected role in the “French Paradox”, which is the low incidence of heart disease in the French even though they eat a high fat diet. The “French Paradox” is related to the consumption of red wine.

Resveratrol Biological Activity Direct anti-oxidant activity Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity. Until more is known about the estrogenic activity of resveratrol in humans, women with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, should avoid resveratrol supplements. Biological Activities Related to Cancer Prevention Biological Activities Related to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Anti-inflammatory effects Anti-allergic effects Stimulation of beneficial peripheral vasodilator – nitric oxide Platelet aggregation inhibition Caloric restriction mimic of anti-aging, life extending properties.

How Resveratrol Works

In order to understand more clearly Resveratrol’s function and longevity we must understand the calorie restriction connection to longevity. Caloric restriction seems to work by stimulating specific genes, now called “Longevity Genes”. Stimulation of these genes seems to be critical in creating specific beneficial life extension effects. Dr. D.C. Sinclair and Dr. L. Guarente at Harvard Medical School and MIT, respectively, and others have determined that resveratrol seems to act by activating the same genes as calorie restriction. Thus, taking resveratrol seems to do the same thing as caloric restriction and does it under normal calorie intake.

Note: I feel that resveratrol is an amazing dietary supplement but it’s not a justification to eat improperly or consumer too many calories. Eating right and exercising everyday is the hallmark of any anti-aging program.

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Resveratrol Naturelle™ Natural Anti-Aging Support Natural Trans-Resveratrol - Red Wine Polyphenols

Natural H R T™ with Protykin® Trans-Resveratrol Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy 200:1 Concentrated Resveratrol – Liquid Formula