Natural Products Foundation

Posted Thursday, May 9, 2013

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.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Beyond Weight Loss

By Rebecca Schauer, RD

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are naturally occurring free fatty acids derived from the tissues and milk of ruminant animals such as cows.

Supplemental CLA has made a name for itself as a body fat reducer and weight loss aid under the brand Tonalin® CLA. In this capacity, CLA blocks the enzyme lipoprotein lipase that assists in fat storage of dietary fats and helps divert unused fat to muscle cells. CLA then activates another enzyme that helps muscles to burn this fat, especially during exercise.

Research, however, has shown that CLA supplements have good potential beyond the weight loss market.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in foods containing wheat, barley, or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.

According to research in mice, supplementation with CLA may be beneficial in fighting oxidative stress associated with celiac disease. In a 2011 study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, scientists identified a novel mechanism by which gluten disturbs several pivotal intestinal defenses, and discovered the potential therapeutic efficacy of CLA against gluten-mediated toxicity. This beneficial effect of CLA against the depletion of crucial intestinal cell-protective defenses indicates a novel nutritional approach for the treatment of intestinal disease.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a digestive condition marked by inflammation and irritation in the intestines. Symptoms include pain, bloating, and diarrhea, and the condition may lead to narrowing of the digestive tract as result of scar tissue build up. Diseased areas of the gut tend not to absorb nutrients efficiently, leading to malnutrition. The exact cause of Crohn’s is unknown, although hereditary and immune factors appear to play a role.

In conventional medicine, Crohn’s is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune system such as steroids; thus effective natural remedies for Crohn’s are greatly needed.

A study published in Clinical Nutrition and conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech found that Crohn’s patients who took supplementary CLA at 6 grams daily for 12 weeks had significant improvements in both quality of life and in disease activity. It has been shown that CLA has anti-inflammatory effects, which explains its benefits in Crohn’s patients. CLA does this by converting to DHA and EPA inside the body, both of which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Asthma

Asthma symptoms are caused by irritation and inflammation of the airways. Asthmatics get asthma because they produce much higher levels of leukotriene compounds - highly inflammatory compounds naturally produced by the immune system.

In a study published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy, a dose of 4.5 grams of CLA per day improved airway hyper-reactivity in asthmatics. It also had favorable effects on body weight, which may have a secondary effect on improving asthma symptoms.

In Summary

Average intake of CLA has fallen over the years due to changes in the Western diet, making supplementation of interest to many. CLA has multiple biological properties apart from roles in metabolism and weight loss, including regulation of immune processes as well as tissue inflammation.

About Natural Products Foundation: NPF is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation. For more information visit the Foundation online: naturalproductsfoundation.org.

Story Source: Rebecca Schauer, RD, is the Supplement Technical Director for Vitamer and VitaCeutical Labs, divisions of Nexgen Pharma, Inc., and providers of high quality private label dietary supplements to retail outlets including grocery and natural food stores.

References: MacRedmond, R., et al (2010), Conjugated linoleic acid improves airway hyper-reactivity in overweight mild asthmatics. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 40: 1071–1078. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03531.x.

Bergamo, P., et al (2011), Conjugated linoleic acid protects against gliadin-induced depletion of intestinal defenses. Mol. Nutr. Food Res., 55: S248–S256. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201100295.

Bassaganya-Riera, J., et al (2012), Conjugated linoleic acid modulates immune responses in patients with mild to moderately active Crohn’s disease. Clinical Nutrition, 31: 721-727. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2012.03.002.

May Healthnotes

Posted Thursday, May 2, 2013

The new NPF Healthnotes Newsletter for May is now available online!

NPF Science Update: Yeast Extract

Posted Thursday, April 11, 2013

Stressed Out? Yeast Extract May Support Mood and Immune Function

By Maureen Williams, ND

Persistent stress takes a toll, making the body and mind vulnerable to infection and mood disorders such as as anxiety and depression. Effective stress management might include taking a yeast extract, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. The study found that women under moderately intense psychological stress had better moods, higher energy levels, and fewer infections when they took a supplement containing beta-glucan from baker’s yeast.

Beta-glucan to battle stress

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides, or fibers, found in foods such as mushrooms, oat bran and other brans, and baker’s yeast. Some beta-glucans have been found to prevent heart disease and others boost immune cell activity.

In this study, 77 healthy women with self-described “moderate” stress levels were enrolled in this study. They were given either placebo (no treatment) or 250 mg of beta-glucan from baker’s yeast daily for 12 weeks. The women recorded information about their moods, perceived stress level, and health during the study.

Better health linked to better moods and energy

These differences were seen:

Women in the beta-glucan group reported fewer cold symptoms, such as sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and cough, during the study than the women in the placebo group.
Mood scores improved by 29% in the women taking beta-glucan, compared with the placebo group that improved by just 16%.
Scores for vigor (measured with survey questions on physical energy, mental sharpness, and emotional well-being) also improved more in the beta-glucan group: by 41% in the beta-glucan group, compared with 7% in the placebo group.

“These data show that daily dietary supplementation with [a specific baker’s yeast beta-glucan supplement] reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed subjects, and thus it may be a useful approach for maintaining immune protection against daily stressors,” the study’s authors said.

Reducing stress for better health

This study shows that taking beta-glucan from baker’s yeast might help support physical and mental health for those experiencing stress. Here are some other strategies to prevent stress from taking its toll:

Take a hike. Physical activity can reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depression. Researchers have found that exercising outdoors is especially beneficial.
Get to bed. Sleep is critical to recovering from the effects of each day’s stressors, so don’t let activities and busyness get in the way of a good night’s sleep.
Practice relaxation. Mindfulness relaxation techniques for stress reduction can be an effective tool for helping control stress response.
Add C. Vitamin C supplementation has been found to reduce both physical and emotional signs of stress (500 to 1,000 mg, twice daily, would be a reasonable amount for this purpose).

Story Source: Maureen Williams, ND, completed her doctorate in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle and has been in private practice since 1995. With an abiding commitment to access to care, she has worked in free clinics in the US and Canada, and in rural clinics in Guatemala and Honduras where she has studied traditional herbal medicine. She currently lives and practices in Victoria, BC, and lectures and writes extensively for both professional and community audiences on topics including family nutrition, menopause, anxiety and depression, heart disease, cancer, and easing stress. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire. The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Aisle7. All rights reserved.

References: J Am Coll Nutr 2012;31:295-300

NPF Science Update: Larch Arabinogalactan

Posted Thursday, March 14, 2013

Herbal Defense Against the Common Cold

By Maureen Williams, ND

A special fiber from the bark of the larch tree, called arabinogalactan, may be another weapon in the arsenal against the common cold, according to a study that found that people who supplemented with arabinogalactan got fewer colds.

The study, published in Current Medical Research and Opinion, included 199 people who reported getting colds frequently—at least three times in six months. They were assigned to receive either 4.5 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of larch arabinogalactan powder per day or placebo and were monitored for 12 weeks.

Larch arabinogalactan users have fewer colds

Arabinogalactan appeared to make a small difference: 60% of the people in the supplement group got a cold during the study compared to 74% in the placebo group and the arabinogalactan users had more cold-symptom-free days (77 days) compared to placebo (74 days). The duration and severity of symptoms was the same in both groups.

The study’s authors comment that “larch arabinogalactan increased the body’s potential to defend against common cold infection,” noting that both groups had fewer colds than expected during the study, suggesting that the protective effect of arabinogalactan may have been more pronounced if the rate of colds had been higher.

Arabinogalactan and immunity

While scientists still don’t know exactly how larch arabinogalactan works, studies done in test tubes have found that it can increase the activity of specific immune cells and increase antibody production. It is also known to act as a prebiotic, increasing populations of friendly bacteria in the large intestine. These bacteria help keep the immune system working properly, and studies have shown that increasing the number of friendly bacteria in the gut can reduce susceptibility to some infections, including colds.

Build your defenses against colds

Larch arabinogalactan may help your immune system better fight off cold viruses, but viruses are very clever and you might improve your odds staying healthy if you use multiple weapons to keep them at bay:

Gargle & rinse. A daily practice of gargling with plain water can keep your risk of colds down, and a traditional “neti pot” (sterilize before using) or any nasal saline rinse can help flush out bacteria or virus from your sinuses.

Rest. Lack of sleep and too much stress can wear down your defenses and increase your susceptibility.

Limit sugar. The higher your blood sugar level, the slower your immune cells work. Avoid spikes in blood sugar levels by eating high-fiber complex carbohydrates instead of sugars and refined grains.

Take vitamin C. Although we don’t know for sure whether it is preventive, studies have found that taking vitamin C during a cold may reduce its duration and severity. You need at least 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day to have an effect.

Take a cold rinse. Popular wisdom has it that cold water makes you stronger, and researchers have found it might be true: immune cells are more active after dunking briefly in cold water. Try taking a 30 to 60 second cold shower after your regular hot shower.

References: Curr Med Res Opin 2013;29:1-8

NPF Science Update: Multivitamins

Posted Thursday, February 14, 2013

Are Multivitamins Safe?

By Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD

Public opinion about multivitamins has swung from one extreme to another, leaving many to wonder whether they are a must-have health item, or something best left on the shelf. A large study has attempted to answer this question once and for all, and the results are reassuring that multivitamins are safe, and may offer health benefits as well.

Multivitamins, multiminerals, meta-analysis, and mortality

The study authors used a research method called meta-analysis to combine 21 controlled clinical trials on multivitamins and mortality—risk of death due to any cause. Only trials in which participants took a multivitamin-multimineral supplement every day, and which had a minimum duration of one year, were part of the analysis.

The 21 trials created a total sample of 91,074 adults who took multivitamin-multimineral supplements for an average of 43 months (3.6 years). Participants’ average age was 62 years, and 8,794 deaths occurred during the studies. From this large pool of data, the researchers concluded that compared with adults assigned to take multivitamin-multimineral supplements, those who did not take the supplements experienced:

no increased or decreased risk of all-cause mortality,

no increased or decreased risk of death due to vascular causes (heart disease and stroke), and

no increased or decreased risk of death due to cancer.

Considering multivitamins, finding balance

This large, comprehensive study found that death rates were no different for older adults taking multivitamin-multiminerals compared with adults not taking these supplements. Does this mean you should ditch your multivitamins? Not necessarily. The researchers also noted a trend toward decreased mortality in the supplement group. This finding isn’t statistically significant, but still, it suggests that contrary to previous observational studies, multivitamins may offer benefit. And it’s reassuring to note that unlike the previous studies, this large meta-analysis did not note any increase in mortality among supplement users. Our tips can help decode the multivitamin puzzle as it applies to you and your family:

Account for age. The study focused on older adults starting supplements later in life. The results may not apply to younger adults or children.

Consider duration. Vascular disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases develop over decades; the short study timeframes—an average 3.6 years—may not be long enough to accurately capture the relationship between multivitamin-multimineral supplements and mortality.

Underlying health. This study focused on generally healthy adults. Multivitamin-multimineral supplements may benefit people who have a poor diet or compromised nutritional status for other reasons, such as an existing illness or inability to consume a healthy, varied diet.

Supplement smartly. According to lead study author Dr. Helen MacPherson, PhD, “As most commercially available multivitamins approximate the recommended daily value, excessive intake may be more likely in those who use multiple dietary supplements than in those who take [only] a daily multivitamin.” To minimize the risk of overdoing it, read labels carefully, and avoid loading up on multiple supplements with the same nutrients.

Keep skepticism intact. The study authors note that previous, highly publicized reports from large observational studies, “have led to considerable concern regarding potential harm associated with multivitamin-multimineral use.” This meta-analysis included only controlled clinical trials—the gold standard of evidence— and it suggests that this level of alarm may be unwarranted. Multivitamins do not appear to increase risk of death in older adults.

Aim for balance. Many people like to take a multivitamin as nutritional insurance, to fill in the gaps when they are eating a less-than-perfect diet. If you do decide to take a multivitamin, this study offers support that this choice is safe. For optimal benefit, avoid mega-doses of any one nutrient, and select a product that offers about 100% of the daily value for most nutrients.

Assess personal needs. The study results don’t address specific health needs. For example, if osteoporosis is your concern, you may want to focus on particular nutrients, such as vitamins D and K, calcium, and magnesium. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine what you need to stay in tip-top health.

Story Source: Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD, an author, speaker, and internationally recognized expert in chronic disease prevention, epidemiology, and nutrition, has taught medical, nursing, public health, and alternative medicine coursework. She has delivered over 150 invited lectures to health professionals and consumers and is the creator of a nutrition website acclaimed by the New York Times and Time magazine. Suzanne received her training in epidemiology and nutrition at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health at Ann Arbor. The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Aisle7. All rights reserved.

References: Am J Clin Nutr 2013;97:437-44

NPF Science Update: Fish Oil

Posted Thursday, January 10, 2013

Fatty Acid from Fish Is Brain Food for Kids

By Maureen Williams, ND

More and more, science supports fish oil’s reputation as brain food. The latest evidence comes from a study that found both reading and behavior improved in primary school-aged children who were reading below their grade level after supplementing with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Giving the brain a boost

The study, published in PLoS One, included 362 reading-challenged children from 6 to 10 years old attending primary school in Oxfordshire, UK. All of the children ate fish no more than twice per week and had reading scores in the lowest 33% for their age, which means that their reading ability was approximately 18 months below the expectation for their actual age. They were given either 600 mg of DHA or a similar amount of a corn and soybean oil blend every day for 16 weeks.

Reading and behavior improve

To assess the effect of DHA, reading and memory tests were performed, and parents and teachers filled out questionnaires about the children’s behavior, at the beginning and end of the study. The assessments showed the following:

Overall, the children in the DHA group improved the same amount in reading as the children who received the corn/soy oil; however, when considered separately, the DHA-taking children in the lowest 20% for reading (reading at a level 2 years younger than their age) improved significantly more than their corn/soy oil counterparts. Reading improvement was most pronounced in children with reading scores in the lowest 10% for their age.

Children in the lowest 20% for reading who received DHA improved slightly more on memory tests than those on the corn/soy oil blend, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Parents’ behavior ratings for the children taking DHA improved more than those for the children receiving the corn/soy oil blend. Teachers’ behavior ratings, however, showed no difference in behavioral improvements in the DHA and corn/soy oil groups.

“This study provides the first evidence that dietary supplementation with the omega-3 [fatty acid] DHA might improve both the behavior and the learning of healthy children from the general school population,” the study’s authors said. They further pointed out that, based on their findings, “DHA supplementation should be regarded as a targeted intervention for the poorest readers, rather than as a universal [approach].”

Nourishing your child to help them learn

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and fish oil, which, along with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), is known to be important for normal brain and nervous system development, and there is growing evidence that low intakes of EPA and DHA are associated with learning and behavior problems in children.

Here are some things to consider if your child needs support for reading and behavior difficulties:

Let them eat fish. The amount of DHA used in this study can only be reached by eating a couple of ounces of fish every day. Unfortunately, water contaminants like mercury and PCBs accumulate in fish, making it potentially unsafe for children to eat fish every day. Having fish two to three times per week is generally considered safe, and supplements like the one used in this study can be used to keep DHA intake high between fish meals.

Sell them on seaweed. Seaweed contains small amounts of DHA. Snacking on seaweeds like nori and dulse and including them in rice dishes and soups is a nice way to give your child’s intake of DHA a little boost.

Choose fortified foods. EPA and DHA fortified eggs and dairy products are increasingly available. Including these foods will further enhance your child’s omega-3 fatty acid intake.

References: PLoS One 2012; 7:e43909. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043909

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