Pine bark extract shows brain health benefits: Study

A daily dose of the branded ingredient Pycnogenol for eight weeks was associated with improvements in alertness, memory and mood, according to findings published in the PubMed-listed journal Panminerva Medica.
Reserarchers from Pescara University propose that the extrac's benefits may be linked to improvements in blood flow to the brain. Read More here

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Cause Symptoms That Mimic Aging - NYTimes.com

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Cause Symptoms That Mimic Aging - NYTimes.com
It Could Be Old Age, or It Could Be Low B12

By JANE E. BRODY
Published: November 28, 2011

Ilsa Katz was 85 when her daughter, Vivian Atkins, first noticed that her mother was becoming increasingly confused.

“She couldn’t remember names, where she’d been or what she’d done that day,” Ms. Atkins recalled in an interview. “Initially, I was not too worried. I thought it was part of normal aging. But over time, the confusion and memory problems became more severe and more frequent.”
Her mother couldn’t remember the names of close relatives or what day it was. She thought she was going to work or needed to go downtown, which she never did. And she was often agitated.
A workup at a memory clinic resulted in a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease, and Ms. Katz was prescribed Aricept, which Ms. Atkins said seemed to make matters worse. But the clinic also tested Ms. Katz’s blood level of vitamin B12. It was well below normal, and her doctor thought that could be contributing to her symptoms.
Weekly B12 injections were begun. “Soon afterward, she became less agitated, less confused and her memory was much better,” said Ms. Atkins. “I felt I had my mother back, and she feels a lot better, too.”
Now 87, Ms. Katz still lives alone in Manhattan and feels well enough to refuse outside assistance.
Still, her daughter wondered, “Why aren’t B12 levels checked routinely, particularly in older people?”
It is an important question. As we age, our ability to absorb B12 from food declines, and often so does our consumption of foods rich in this vitamin. A B12 deficiency can creep up without warning and cause a host of confusing symptoms that are likely to be misdiagnosed or ascribed to aging.
A Vital Nutrient
B12 is an essential vitamin with roles throughout the body. It is needed for the development and maintenance of a healthy nervous system, the production of DNA and formation of red blood cells.
A severe B12 deficiency results in anemia, which can be picked up by an ordinary blood test. But the less dramatic symptoms of a B12 deficiency may include muscle weakness, fatigue, shakiness, unsteady gait, incontinence, low blood pressure, depression and other mood disorders, and cognitive problems like poor memory.
Labs differ in what they consider normal, but most authorities say a deficiency occurs when B12 levels in adults fall below 250 picograms per milliliter of blood serum. Like all B vitamins, B12 is water-soluble, but the body stores extra B12 in the liver and other tissues. Even if dietary sources are inadequate for some time, a serum deficiency may not show up for years.
If the amount of B12 in storage is low to begin with, a deficiency can develop within a year, even more quickly in infants.
Recommended dietary amounts of B12 vary: 2.4 micrograms daily for those age 14 and older, 2.6 micrograms for pregnant women and 2.8 micrograms for nursing women. Barring circumstances that impair B12 absorption, these are levels easily obtained from a well-balanced diet containing animal protein.
In its natural form, B12 is present in significant amounts only in animal foods, most prominently in liver (83 micrograms in a 3.5-ounce serving). Good food sources include other red meats, turkey, fish and shellfish. Lesser amounts of the vitamin are present in dairy products, eggs and chicken.
Those at Risk
Natural plant sources are meager at best in B12, and the vitamin is poorly absorbed from them. Many strict vegetarians and all vegans, as well as infants they breast-feed, must consume supplements or fortified breakfast cereals to get adequate amounts.
Certain organisms, like the bacterium Spirulina and some algae, contain a pseudo-B12 that the body cannot use but may result in a false reading of a normal B12 level on a blood test. Despite claims to the contrary, laver, a seaweed, and barley grass are not reliable sources of B12.
In animal foods, B12 is combined with protein and must be released by stomach acid and an enzyme to be absorbed. Thus, chronic users of acid-suppressing drugs like Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium, as well as ulcer medications like Pepcid and Tagamet, are at risk of developing a B12 deficiency and often require a daily B12 supplement.
Stomach acid levels decline with age. As many as 30 percent of older people may lack sufficient stomach acid to absorb adequate amounts of B12 from natural sources. Therefore, regular consumption of fortified foods or supplementation with 25 to 100 micrograms of B12 daily is recommended for people over 50.
Synthetic B12, found in supplements and fortified foods, does not depend on stomach acid to be absorbed. But whether natural or synthetic, only some of the B12 consumed gets into the body. Treatment to correct a B12 deficiency typically involves much larger doses than the body actually requires. http://isotonix.marketamerica.com/ecenter/USA/Search/Product/2241  Free B12 from both natural and synthetic sources must be combined with a substance in the stomach called intrinsic factor to be absorbed through the gut. This factor is lacking in people with an autoimmune disorder called pernicious anemia; the resulting vitamin deficiency is commonly treated with injections of B12.
Although most doctors are quick to recommend injections to correct a B12 deficiency, considerable evidence indicates that, in large enough doses, sublingual (under-the-tongue) tablets or skin patches of B12 may work as well as injections for people with absorption problems, even for those with pernicious anemia.
Most often, a daily supplement of 2,000 micrograms is recommended for about a month, then lowered to 1,000 micrograms daily for another month, then lowered again to 1,000 micrograms weekly. Sublingual B12 or B12 patches, or even B12 lollipops, can be helpful for people who require a supplement but cannot swallow pills.
Others at risk of developing a B12 deficiency include heavy drinkers (alcohol diminishes B12 absorption), those who have had stomach surgery for weight loss or ulcers, and people who take aminosalicylic acid (for inflammatory bowel disease or tuberculosis) or the diabetes drug metformin (sold as Glucophage and other brands). Patients who take the anticonvulsants phenytoin, phenobarbital or primidone are also at risk.
Large doses of folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency and cause permanent neurological damage if normal levels of B12 are not maintained. Supplements of potassium impair B12 absorption in some people.
Although a B12 deficiency can raise blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, supplements of B12 have not reduced cardiovascular risk.
And while high homocysteine levels are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, lowering them with B12 supplements has not been shown to improve cognitive function. However, in one study, among women with a poor dietary intake of B12, supplements of the vitamin significantly slowed the rate of cognitive decline.
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Isotonix Activated B-Complex delivers metabolically active forms of several vitamins and minerals. This is important because traditional forms of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid found in most other B complex products must undergo chemical changes in order to be utilized by the body. Several factors including age and nutritional status may decrease the body’s ability to activate these vitamins. By providing the metabolically active forms of these vitamins in isotonic form, you can be certain that your body is getting the vital nutrients it needs quickly and effectively.*
A vitamin B-complex is a mixture of the eight essential B-vitamins that play a critical role in metabolism at the cellular level. B-vitamins are important for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. B vitamin deficiency can lead to fatigue and lethargy, which is why B-complex supplements are excellent energy boosters and anti-stress formulas.*
Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.
Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results. Click here

Record sales heading into Cyber Monday – USATODAY.com

Retail sales broke records during the Thanksgiving weekend, giving a needed boost to a long-suffering economy and raising retailers' hopes for the best holiday shopping season ever.

This year's sales were up to $52 billion from $45 billion last year, the National Retail Federation said Sunday. A record 226 millon shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, up from 212 million last year. The average holiday shopper spent about $400 over the weekend, up from $365 last year.

That augurs well for sales today, which is known as Cyber Monday for all the online promotions. Cyber Monday was the biggest online shopping day of the year in 2010.

• STORY: Black Friday arrests, injuries irk shoppers at Walmart

• PHOTOS: Black Friday shoppers hunt for bargains

Online shopping is increasing in popularity as the Black Friday in-store frenzy reaches unheard-of levels, including incidents of gunfire and pepper spray.

More than half the adult U.S. population — or about 123 million people — plan to shop from the safety of their office or home computer today, NRF says. Cyber Monday was the biggest online shopping day last year and reached $1 billion, according to Web-tracking company ComScore.

The Monday after Thanksgiving used to be the first day many people had high-speed Internet access when they returned to their offices. Most people who use office computers now have high-speed Internet at home and likely on their mobile devices. But retailers step up the Web-based promotions so much that consumers are now conditioned to keep shopping anyway.

Retailers have tried to figure out "what's the new deal (consumers) just can't pass up for Cyber Monday," says John Squire, chief strategy officer for IBM Smart Commerce, which analyzes the transactions on retail websites
"Many retailers are planning to offer Cyber Monday deals during lunchtime to cater to office-based shoppers, says NRF spokeswoman Ellen Davis, who named the day in 2005. Some are expected to offer 30% off everything, something seldom seen in stores."
Read More here Record sales heading into Cyber Monday – USATODAY.com

Shop.com

Ten Tips to to avoid holiday weight gain

Research shows most adults gain 5-10 pounds over the holidays.  But don't despair, because this year can be different. How can you try to maintain your weight during such a tempting time? 

Here are a few tips to serve to surviving the holidays.

1. Get moving. Though it's tempting around the holidays, you shouldn't skip your workout. Exercise is a great way to burn those extra calories you may be taking in this time of year.

2. Curb those cravings. Controlling even the slightest chance of coming in contact with tempting foods is one way to effectively reduce your intake. Mentally planned out Halley you will avoid tempting situations.

3. Fruits and veggies. Not cookies and milk. Try to eat seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Not only is it healthier, it will fill you up faster than traditional snack foods.

4. Limit the sweets. It's okay to allow yourself a cookie or piece of candy doing the holly season. Just remember to compensate for it later in the day by reducing your total caloric intake Wortby bring a few extra calories by exercising.

5. Never go to a party hungry. Before you go, eat a healthy snack Britchen fiber. That way, you won't be creating appetizers and finger foods when you arrive.

6. Small plates, please. Smaller plates will stop you from taking too much food and reduce the risk of
over eating. And try to stick with one serving, not three or four trips.

7. Keep desserts healthy. There are plenty of options the best low-calorie choice is or fruit, Jell-O, putting, unfrosted mini muffin or angel food cake. But remember to get the good stuff in parentheses lean protein, veggies and water in the parentheses before the junk parentheses drinks and desserts.

8. Watch the Alcohol. If you plan to consume an adult beverage, have a light beer or wine instead of a heavy eggnog. After that, stick with Callery free drinks such as unsweetened iced tea, hot tea or coffee. And remember: drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

9. Say no politely. You might feel forced to eat because people keep putting me in front of you. As long as you're polite, you'll find saying no isn't so hard.

10. Focus on socializing. Focus your energy on making conversation with others instead of focusing on foods. Conversation is Callery free.

Take a look what the A4M (www.WorldHealth.net the leading portal for anti-aging and longevity) had to say for Diet Rich in Fruit and Vegetables Can Modify Heart Disease Risk Genes

Vitamin D, calcium combo may halve melanoma risk some women

 Certain women at risk for developing melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, may cut the likelihood in half by taking vitamin D/calcium supplements, a new study suggests.

"It looks like there is some promising evidence for vitamin D and calcium for prevention of melanoma in a high-risk group," said lead researcher Dr. Jean Tang, an assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine.

The women most at risk of developing the life-threatening cancer are those who have had a previous non-melanoma form of skin cancer, such as basal cell or squamous cell cancer, the researchers said.

Vitamin D and calcium are well-known for their roles in bone growth, but they also affect other cells in the body. Some studies have shown that vitamin D and calcium are associated with lower risk of colon, breast, prostate and other cancers, the researchers said.

Tang speculated that cancer cells lurking in the skin of women who have had a previous skin cancer may be waiting to develop into melanoma. "But if they take calcium and vitamin D that reduces the risk of developing an actual tumor," she said.

As little as 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily may be protective, Tang said. The U.S. Institute of Medicine now recommends 600 IU of vitamin D daily, she added.

Calcium has also been shown to reduce tumor growth in patients with colon cancer, Tang said. "So maybe calcium has a role, too," she said. "I can't say whether it was the calcium or the vitamin D that was important."

But the combination seemed to convey a benefit, she added.

Whether these results would be seen in men or young women isn't known, Tang noted. But an earlier study led by Tang found a benefit from vitamin D in reducing the risk of melanoma among older men.

"More studies need to be done, because we want to make sure these results are true in other communities," Tang said.

The report was published in the June 27 online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

For the study, Tang's team collected data on 36,282 postmenopausal women, 50 to 79 years old, who took part in the Women's Health Initiative study. As part of a test to see if calcium plus vitamin D had any effect on hip fractures or colon cancer, the women were randomly assigned to take supplements or placebo.

The supplements were 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily.

Over about seven years of follow-up, the women taking the supplements who had had previous non-melanoma skin cancer reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 57 percent, compared with similar women not taking the supplements.

The melanoma risk reduction was not seen among women who had not had an earlier non-melanoma skin cancer, the study authors noted.

Overall, only 176 cases of melanoma developed, said the researchers.

In the United States, more than 68,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in adults each year, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Hoping to uncover why vitamin D and/or calcium may be beneficial, Tang said the team next intends to test the compounds directly on cancer cells.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Michael Holick, professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, said a lot of sun exposure early in life increases the risk for non-melanoma skin cancer, but may actually lower the risk of developing melanoma. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D.

"Melanoma is a different story. Being exposed to sunlight, making some vitamin D may very well be protective of melanoma," Holick said. "The thinking is, improving your vitamin D status, whether by supplements or by exposure to sunlight, you are providing your skin cells with a mechanism to prevent them from becoming malignant," he said.

What role calcium may play is unknown, Holick said. "We don't know whether vitamin D can have its effect in the absence of calcium or vice versa; there's rationale for both," he said.

Holick said he thinks the finding would be the same for men and other groups.

People can get their vitamin D from diet, sun exposure and supplements. Fatty fish and fortified dairy products are two dietary sources of vitamin D.

Holick said he recommends that children take 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day and adults, 2,000 IU.

Introducing PRIME™ Ultimate Longevity Formula by Isotonix®

Introducing PRIME™ Ultimate Longevity Formula by Isotonix^®

It is a pleasure to announce that Prime Ultimate Longevity Formula by Isotonix, specially designed to promote the health of mature adults, is now available.
While other products typically support only one aspect of healthy aging, Prime Ultimate Longevity Formula by Isotonix is designed for the aging adult who wants to maintain both an alert mind and an active body.  Prime Ultimate Longevity Formula by Isotonix is formulated with Huperzine A, which aids in improving memory and cognitive function, and AjiPure® Instantized Branched Chain Amino Acids, which promote healthy muscle retention.

• Promotes healthy muscle retention and use*
• Aids in improving and enhancing memory*
• Helps reduce muscle fatigue*
• May help inhibit mild inflammation associated with the aging process*
• Supports cognitive performance*
• Provides antioxidant protection to minimize the effects of free radicals that affect the aging process*
• Helps support nerve function and blood flow in the heart*

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What are Branched Chain Amino Acids?

Author: James Moffat | 2 Comments

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play an important role in metabolism. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a special class of essential amino acids that the body obtains from proteins found in food, especially meat, dairy products, and legumes. They include leucine, isoleucine and valine. “Branched-chain” refers to the chemical structure of these amino acids. BCAAs account for about 35% of the amino acids in muscle protein.

BCAAs are absorbed into the bloodstream and are taken up directly by the muscles. This means that dietary intake of BCAAs correlates to plasma levels and concentrations in muscle tissue.  BCAAs are also used by the body as an energy source and thus are oxidized during exercise. This process, the metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones that often results in a release of energy, is called “catabolism.”

But BCAAs do more than act as building blocks and energy sources.
In a recent study published in AGING, researchers found that ingesting a mixture of BCAAs expressed genes involved in antioxidant defense, and there was a marked reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.  Also, the researchers observed that BCAA intake preserved muscle fiber size and improved physical endurance.

Another study explored the link between BCAA consumption and mitochondrial biogenesis, which act as the center of cellular energy production.  In it, researchers found that BCAA supplementation increased mitochondial creation and sirtuin 1 expression in heart and muscle cells.  Sirtiuns help weakened or injured cells to survive by stabilizing DNA, causing the release of protective antioxidants. This research indicates that BCAAs can play a role in anti-aging.
In summary, BCAA supplementation has broad benefits including maintenance of muscle tissue, energy production, and muscle endurance.  BCAA application goes far beyond the traditional use as a body building supplement and now this essential nutrient is being looked at also for maintaining one’s health as we age.

Dr. Mark Lange, Ph.D., is the Science Director for the Institute for Nutraceutical Advancement and has more than 15 years experience in the nutraceutical, health care and pharmaceutical research and management. Dr. Lange has earned a national reputation in the nutraceutical field for Quality Control policies and analytical testing methods and standards.

Living Well with Flavonoids

Natural Products Foundation – NPF Science Update: Flavonoids

NPF Science Update: Flavonoids

Posted Thursday, September 8, 2011

The NPF Science Update brings you news about scientific advances in the field of natural products. The Science Update features contributions from scientists, academics, doctors, healthcare professionals, industry veterans and other experts. To sign up to receive the monthly Science Update via email, please click here: NPF Science Update. OPC-3  Living Well with Flavonoids Nature, Inflammation and Osteoarthritis Botanical products have been used for medicinal purposes by human civilizations over the course of thousands of years. Not surprisingly, many of the pharmaceuticals used today are derived in part from natural substances. Flavonoids are an excellent example of a safe and effective botanical compound that has natural biological activity in physiologic processes. Isotonix OPC-3 Super Antioxidant In general, flavonoids are found in colored fruits, vegetables and spices as well as cocoa, teas and even red wine. When your parents said, “Eat your vegetables,” they really meant, “Eat your flavonoids, because they have health benefits!” Lycopene, resveratrol, baicalin, catechin, curcumin, and quercetin are examples of flavonoid ingredients with therapeutic effects which can be found OTC in dietary supplement products and by prescription in medical food products. Flavonoids have been known for decades to promote anti-inflammatory activity, and flavonoid molecules have recently entered osteoarthritis clinical trials with successful results. Why look at flavonoids in osteoarthritis studies? There are multiple underlying causes and contributing factors to osteoarthritis including trauma, repetitive motion, inflammation, obesity, genetic predisposition and diet. Recently, with a substantial increase in our understanding of the problem, the roles of nutrition and lifestyle have become important focal points for osteoarthritis concerns. Many scientific studies have shown that anti-inflammatory micronutrients like flavonoids help the body naturally manage inflammation and oxidation, two important factors in osteoarthritis. There are literally thousands of papers in scientific literature related to flavonoids. The goal of a nutritional, metabolic therapy for osteoarthritis is to manage inflammation and oxidation. Botanical flavonoid molecules have been shown to manage osteoarthritis as suggested by modulating the production of inflammatory oxidized lipids, while reducing and controlling induced inflammatory molecules. Unfortunately, by eating large amounts of processed food, too much red meat and few colored fruits and vegetables, we usually don’t get a high enough intake of the nutrients we need to nutritionally manage the chronic progression of osteoarthritis over time. So, make sure to eat plenty of colored fruits and vegetables, and consider dietary products that contain concentrated and purified flavonoids to either maintain joint health or to help to nutritionally manage the metabolic processes of osteoarthritis. Natural resources taken under the care of your physician may be very effective in helping osteoarthritis. Story Source: The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by Natural Products Foundation staff) from materials provided by J.D. Weir, President and CEO of Primus Pharmaceuticals and Secretary of the NPF Board of Directors. For more information, please click here: The Role of Flavonoids in Osteoarthritis, or on any of the Healthnotes links below: Healthnotes: Flavonoids Healthnotes: Osteoarthritis Healthnotes: Curcumin Healthnotes: Lycopene Healthnotes: Quercetin Healthnotes: Resveratrol

Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts, and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of

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Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.
Isotonix® dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.