New Study: Drinking Red Wine Cuts Risk of Colorectal Cancer
New research finds that the consumption of more than three glasses of
red wine a week reduced the risk for significant colorectal neoplasia
(SCRN), or colon cancer. Researchers suspect the high content of the
compound resveratrol in red wine plays a key role. Resveratrol is an
anti-fungal chemical that occurs naturally under the skin of red wine
grapes. (Embargo expired on 23-Oct-2006 at 00:00 ET)
American College of Gastroenterology 71st Annual Scientific Meeting
--American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524383/?sc=dwtp

Scientists ID Switch for Brain's Natural Anti-Oxidant Defense
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report they have found how
the brain turns on a system designed to protect its nerve cells from toxic
"free radicals," a waste product of cell metabolism that has been
implicated in some degenerative brain diseases, heart attacks, strokes,
cancer, and aging. (Embargo expired on 19-Oct-2006 at 12:00 ET)
Cell, 20-Oct-2006
--Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524339/?sc=dwtp

Genetic Repair Mechanism Clears the Way for Sealing DNA Breaks
Scientists investigating an important DNA-repair enzyme now have a
better picture of the final steps of a process that glues together, or
ligates, the ends of DNA strands to restore the double helix. (Embargo
expired on 19-Oct-2006 at 12:00 ET)
Molecular Cell, 20-Oct-2006
--Washington University in St. Louis
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524478/?sc=dwtp

NSF Dietary Supplement & Functional Food Certification Program Summary & News

So NSF has three programs currently that are not so easy to sort out on their web site. Program 2 & 3 are the focus of athletic populations trying to find dietary supplements that are free of banned substances.

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1) Certification for industry focused on label claim: www.nsf.com/business/dietary_supplements/index.asp?program=DietarySups

• Link for list of supplements: www.nsf.com/Certified/Dietary/
• Link for list of functional foods and beverages: www.nsf.com/Certified/FuncFoodBev/

NOTE: So if I am looking for a list of products that I can feel good about the formulation and label statements matching then this certification program helps us identify a list of products who have distinguished themselves. Many other certifications also exist that are similar in nature.
---------------------------------------------------------------

2) Certification for dietary supplements for sports now called "Certified For Sports Program" (formerly Athletic Banned Substances Program) focused on label claim and banned substances:
www.nsf.com/business/athletic_banned_substances/index.asp?program=AthleticBanSub

• Link for list of approved supplements: www.nsf.com/Certified/BannedSub/Listings.asp

NOTE: This program was launched in '06 to give sports other then the NFL a more cost effective and objective way to have products tested then the NFL/NFLPA SupCert and was primarily driven by request of MLB/MLBPA. In the end this program will be an attractive standard for all professional and Olympic sports who wish to have a safe list of supplements that they can fund or supply to their athletes. Unlike the NFL/NFLPA program the application and testing process is handled by NSF. While as RD's we may not feel comfortable with all the pay to go through this certification, we have to at least respect the fact that they desire to illustrate Good Manufacturing Practices that are free of banned substances. Hopefully this program will grow rapidly in '07.

---------------------------------------------------------------
3) Certification for dietary supplements for NLF/NFLPA which is also focused on label claim and banned substances:
www.nsf.com/business/nfl_nflpa/index.asp?program=NFLPA

• Link for list of approved supplements: www.nsf.org/Certified/Common/nflCertlink.asp

NOTE: This program was launched in '05 where the application process is handled by the NFL/NFLPA & Medical Advisors and the testing process is handled by NSF. Many products that have filed application for certification have been rejected as being "muscle building" in nature (a very similar stand to that seen with the NCAA. No surprise as many of the medical advisors for the NFL/NFLPA were also advising the NCAA in '01 when their new rules governing which supplements could be funded or supplied were being revised). The cost of this program and the rate limiting issues with the application progress has resulted in very low participation and approval. Not sure if the NFL athletes are getting a fair shake here and suspect the NFLPA will be challenging the administration of the application process in the near future. Consolidation of this program with the "Certified For Sports Program" above would be a wise move.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Good news for those using Muscle Armor.....

Muscle Armor has been approved under the ABS - Athletic Banned Substance Certified for Sport (2) listing that is done by NSF International. The program certifies the product to be banned substance free at currently known detection levels for a variety of banned substances. In addition, the product is tested to assure nutritional composition. This program ABS is essentially for all other sports since the NFL/NFLPA has a certain set of products that they are endorsing under a different program administered by NSF Int'l. Both certifications essentially give the end user confidence that the product is banned substance free and that nutritional composition is as stated on the label.

NOTE: The predecessor to Muscle Armor (Juven) is not targeted for NSF Certification due to it's medical distribution vs. athletic distribution. The two products at last check were not made in the same plant so as safe as I feel about Juven from using it with athletes over the last 10 years I would have to say move forward at their own risk. The good news is that a GMP savvy company like Abbott-Ross is more then on top of GMP for all their products and you can bet Juven is handled in a fashion that helps ensure it's label claim while minimizing the potential for cross contamination.

J. Nutr. -- Table of Contents Alert

A new issue of Journal of Nutrition
has been made available:

1 November 2006; Vol. 136, No. 11

URL: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/vol136/issue11/?etoc

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Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Mechanisms
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Quercetin Induces Apoptosis via Caspase Activation, Regulation of Bcl-2,
and Inhibition of PI-3-Kinase/Akt and ERK Pathways in a Human Hepatoma Cell
Line (HepG2)
Ana Belen Granado-Serrano, Maria Angeles Martin, Laura Bravo, Luis
Goya, and Sonia Ramos
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2715-2721
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2715?etoc

Reduction in Cholesterol Absorption Is Enhanced by Stearate-Enriched Plant
Sterol Esters in Hamsters
Heather E. Rasmussen, David M. Guderian, Jr., Curtis A. Wray, Patrick
H. Dussault, Vicki L. Schlegel, and Timothy P. Carr
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2722-2727
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2722?etoc

Benzyl Isothiocyanate-Induced DNA Damage Causes G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and
Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Ruifen Zhang, Sivakumar Loganathan, Ian Humphreys, and Sanjay K.
Srivastava
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2728-2734
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2728?etoc

Drosophila melanogaster Holocarboxylase Synthetase Is a Chromosomal Protein
Required for Normal Histone Biotinylation, Gene Transcription Patterns,
Lifespan, and Heat Tolerance
Gabriela Camporeale, Ennio Giordano, Rosaria Rendina, Janos Zempleni,
and Joel C. Eissenberg
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2735-2742
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2735?etoc

Trans-10, Cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid Inhibits Prolactin-Induced
Cytosolic NADP+-Dependent Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Expression in Bovine
Mammary Epithelial Cells
Wenjing Liu, Stephanie C. Degner, and Donato F. Romagnolo
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2743-2747
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2743?etoc

Global DNA and p53 Region-Specific Hypomethylation in Human Colonic Cells
Is Induced by Folate Depletion and Reversed by Folate Supplementation
Gillian R. Wasson, Angela P. McGlynn, Helene McNulty, Sharleen L.
O'Reilly, Valerie J. McKelvey-Martin, George McKerr, J. J. Strain,
John Scott, and C. Stephen Downes
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2748-2753
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2748?etoc

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Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Megalin-Mediated Endocytosis of Vitamin D Binding Protein Correlates with
25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Actions in Human Mammary Cells
Matthew J. Rowling, Carly M. Kemmis, David A. Taffany, and JoEllen
Welsh
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2754-2759
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2754?etoc

Human Plasma Kinetics and Relative Bioavailability of Alkylresorcinols
after Intake of Rye Bran
Rikard Landberg, Anna-Maria Linko, Afaf Kamal-Eldin, Bengt Vessby,
Herman Adlercreutz, and Per Aman
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2760-2765
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2760?etoc

Triglycerides in Fish Oil Affect the Blood Clearance of Lipid Emulsions
Containing Long- and Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Mice
Kemin Qi, Toru Seo, Zaifang Jiang, Yvon A. Carpentier, and Richard J.
Deckelbaum
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2766-2772
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2766?etoc

High Urinary Isoflavone Excretion Phenotype Decreases Plasma Cholesterol in
Golden Syrian Hamsters Fed Soy Protein
Zhong Ye, Mathieu Renouf, Sun-Ok Lee, Cathy C. Hauck, Patricia A.
Murphy, and Suzanne Hendrich
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2773-2778
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2773?etoc

First-Pass Metabolism Limits the Intestinal Absorption of Enteral
{alpha}-Ketoglutarate in Young Pigs
Barry D. Lambert, Rafal Filip, Barbara Stoll, Peter Junghans, Michael
Derno, Ulf Hennig, Wolfgang B. Souffrant, Stefan Pierzynowski, and
Douglas G. Burrin
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2779-2784
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2779?etoc

Dietary Genistein Stimulates Anion Secretion Across Female Murine Intestine
Layla Al-Nakkash, Lane L. Clarke, George E. Rottinghaus, Yinchieh J.
Chen, Kim Cooper, and Leona J. Rubin
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2785-2790
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2785?etoc

Epigallocatechin Gallate and Caffeine Differentially Inhibit the Intestinal
Absorption of Cholesterol and Fat in Ovariectomized Rats
Shu Wang, Sang K. Noh, and Sung I. Koo
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2791-2796
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2791?etoc

Dietary Eritadenine Suppresses Guanidinoacetic Acid-Induced
Hyperhomocysteinemia in Rats
Shin-ichiro Fukada, Minoru Setoue, Tatsuya Morita, and Kimio Sugiyama
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2797-2802
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2797?etoc

The Components of VARA, a Nutrient-Metabolite Combination of Vitamin A and
Retinoic Acid, Act Efficiently Together and Separately to Increase Retinyl
Esters in the Lungs of Neonatal Rats
A. Catharine Ross, Nan-qian Li, and Lili Wu
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2803-2807
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2803?etoc

Meat Protein Fractions Enhance Nonheme Iron Absorption in Humans
Richard F. Hurrell, Manju B. Reddy, Marcel Juillerat, and James D.
Cook
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2808-2812
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2808?etoc

Serum Testosterone Is Reduced Following Short-Term Phytofluene, Lycopene,
or Tomato Powder Consumption in F344 Rats
Jessica K. Campbell, Chad K. Stroud, Manabu T. Nakamura, Mary Ann
Lila, and John W. Erdman, Jr.
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2813-2819
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2813?etoc

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Nutrient Requirements and Optimal Nutrition
-----------------------------------------------------------------

One-Third of Pregnant and Lactating Women May Not Be Meeting Their Folate
Requirements from Diet Alone Based on Mandated Levels of Folic Acid
Fortification
Kelly L. Sherwood, Lisa A. Houghton, Valerie Tarasuk, and Deborah L.
O'Connor
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2820-2826
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2820?etoc

Two Low Protein Diets Differentially Affect Food Consumption and
Reproductive Performance in Pregnant and Lactating Rats and Long-Term
Growth in Their Offspring
Ganesh Cherala, Bernard H. Shapiro, and Anil P. D'mello
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2827-2833
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2827?etoc

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Ingestive Behavior and Neurosciences
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Chronic Administration of UMP Ameliorates the Impairment of
Hippocampal-Dependent Memory in Impoverished Rats
Lisa A. Teather and Richard J. Wurtman
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2834-2837
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2834?etoc

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Nutrition and Disease
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Spray-Dried Animal Plasma Prevents the Effects of Staphylococcus aureus
Enterotoxin B on Intestinal Barrier Function in Weaned Rats
Anna Perez-Bosque, Concepcio Amat, Javier Polo, Joy M. Campbell, Joe
Crenshaw, Louis Russell, and Miquel Moreto
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2838-2843
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2838?etoc

Flaxseed Oil Supplementation Does Not Affect Plasma Lipoprotein
Concentration or Particle Size in Human Subjects
Charles R. Harper, Megan C. Edwards, and Terry A. Jacobson
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2844-2848
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2844?etoc

Supplementation with Fruit and Vegetable Soups and Beverages Increases
Plasma Carotenoid Concentrations but Does Not Alter Markers of Oxidative
Stress or Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Elaine Paterson, Michael H. Gordon, Chutamat Niwat, Trevor W. George,
Laura Parr, Saran Waroonphan, and Julie A. Lovegrove
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2849-2855
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2849?etoc

Glucosamine Supplementation Accelerates Early but Not Late Atherosclerosis
in LDL Receptor-Deficient Mice
Lisa R. Tannock, Elizabeth A. Kirk, Victoria L. King, Renee LeBoeuf,
Thomas N. Wight, and Alan Chait
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2856-2861
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2856?etoc

Quercetin, but Not Its Glycosidated Conjugate Rutin, Inhibits
Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Carcinogenesis in F344 Rats
Ashwin A. Dihal, Vincent C. J. de Boer, Hester van der Woude, Chantal
Tilburgs, Joost P. Bruijntjes, Gerrit M. Alink, Ivonne M. C. M.
Rietjens, Ruud A. Woutersen, and Rob H. Stierum
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2862-2867
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2862?etoc

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Nutritional Immunology
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Supplementation with Active Hexose Correlated Compound Increases the Innate
Immune Response of Young Mice to Primary Influenza Infection
Barry W. Ritz, Shoko Nogusa, Elizabeth A. Ackerman, and Elizabeth M.
Gardner
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2868-2873
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2868?etoc

Sodium Cromoglycate Inhibits Absorption of the Major Soybean Allergen, Gly
m Bd 30K, in Mice and Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells
Thanakorn Weangsripanaval, Kaeko Murota, Yoko Murakami, Masaru
Kominami, Tatsuya Kusudo, Tatsuya Moriyama, Tadashi Ogawa, and Teruo
Kawada
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2874-2880
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2874?etoc

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Nutritional Epidemiology
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Risk of Ovarian Cancer Associated with BMI Varies by Menopausal Status
Gregory P. Beehler, Manveen Sekhon, Julie A. Baker, Barbara E. Teter,
Susan E. McCann, Kerry J. Rodabaugh, and Kirsten B. Moysich
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2881-2886
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2881?etoc

The Relation between Trans Fatty Acid Levels and Increased Risk of
Myocardial Infarction Does Not Hold at Lower Levels of Trans Fatty Acids in
the Costa Rican Food Supply
Uriyoan Colon-Ramos, Ana Baylin, and Hannia Campos
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2887-2892
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2887?etoc

Distributions of Mortality Risk Attributable to Low Nutritional Status in
Niakhar, Senegal
Michel Garenne, Bernard Maire, Olivier Fontaine, and Andre Briend
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2893-2900
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2893?etoc

Adults with Healthier Dietary Patterns Have Healthier Beverage Patterns
Kiyah J. Duffey and Barry M. Popkin
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2901-2907
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2901?etoc

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Adherence Index: Development and
Application
Jeanene J. Fogli-Cawley, Johanna T. Dwyer, Edward Saltzman, Marjorie
L. McCullough, Lisa M. Troy, and Paul F. Jacques
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2908-2915
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2908?etoc

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Methodology and Mathematical Modeling
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The Potential of AGE MODE, an Age-Dependent Model, to Estimate Usual
Intakes and Prevalences of Inadequate Intakes in a Population
Patricia M. C. M. Waijers, Arnold L. M. Dekkers, Jolanda M. A. Boer,
Hendriek C. Boshuizen, and Caroline T. M. van Rossum
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2916-2920
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2916?etoc

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Community and International Nutrition
-----------------------------------------------------------------

A More Diversified Diet among Mexican Men May Also Be More Atherogenic
Xochitl Ponce, Estanislao Ramirez, and Helene Delisle
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2921-2927
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2921?etoc

Poor Compliance with Appropriate Feeding Practices in Children under 2 y in
Mexico
Teresa Gonzalez-Cossio, Juan Rivera-Dommarco, Hortensia Moreno-Macias,
Eric Monterrubio, and Jaime Sepulveda
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2928-2933
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2928?etoc

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Reduced 3-Year
Incidence of Obesity
Michelle A. Mendez, Barry M. Popkin, Paula Jakszyn, Antonio Berenguer,
Maria Jose Tormo, Maria Jose Sanchez, Jose R. Quiros, Guillem Pera,
Carmen Navarro, Carmen Martinez, Nerea Larranaga, Miren Dorronsoro,
Maria Dolores Chirlaque, Aurelio Barricarte, Eva Ardanaz, Pilar
Amiano, Antonio Agudo, and Carlos A. Gonzalez
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2934-2938
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2934?etoc

Seasonal Variation in Food Insecurity Is Associated with Heating and
Cooling Costs among Low-Income Elderly Americans
Mark Nord and Linda S. Kantor
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2939-2944
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2939?etoc

Socio-Economic and Environmental Factors Influence Energy Utilization in
Brazilian Breast-Fed Infants
Hinke Haisma, W. Andrew Coward, G. Henk Visser, Roel Vonk, Jonathan C.
K. Wells, A. Wright, and Cesar G. Victora
J. Nutr. 2006;136 2945-2951
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/136/11/2945?etoc

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Announcements
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Announcements

J. Nutr. 2006;136 2952
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/136/11/2952?etoc

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is now showing up in lots of prenatal vitamins such as Citracal Prenatal + DHA, DuetDHA, OptiNate, and others. That's because DHA plays an important role in the development of baby's visual and nervous system. The question is whether additional maternal intake of DHA really offers any additional benefit to the baby. Some experts say yes. But so far there is no proof that added intake is beneficial. For now, advise women to focus on the main concern...getting enough folic acid, iron, and calcium. naturaldatabase.com

Echinacea continues to be one of the hottest herbal remedies around. It's the second best seller in the United States with over $21 million in annual sales (Garlic is number one with over $26 million in sales). With the cold season upon us, more patients will be trying echinacea. But does it work? Despite numerous studies, there is still no definite answer. Studies have been inconsistently designed, using a variety of methodologies and many different formulations of echinacea. Due to these differences, it's not surprising that studies have produced mixed results. A new 2006 analysis of echinacea studies suggests that echinacea probably does MODESTLY improve symptoms of the common cold. The best evidence appears to be for preparations from Echinacea purpurea. If a patient decides to try echinacea, recommend using products containing this species. But explain to patients that there is no proof that taking echinacea daily during cold season can decrease the chance of catching a cold. naturaldatabase.com

Oligofructose cuts infections and sickness in kids, says study

By Stephen Daniells
20/10/2006 - A daily supplement of the prebiotic oligofructose significantly improved the intestinal health of young children in day care, and cut the number of bacterial infections and illness episodes, says new research from France.

“Our study is the first one to evaluate the effects of OF supplementation on modulation of microflora with tolerance and well-being in young children attending day-care centres,” wrote lead author Anne-Judith Waligora-Dupriet from the Université René Descartes, Paris.
Considerable research has already focused on the role of inulin and oligofructose in bone health and colorectal cancer, and the science is now expanding in ever-increasing circles to cover potential benefits for the immune system, weight management, and intestinal health.
Belgium's Orafti, who supported this new research, has been influential in building the science behind inulin and oligofructose, backing research into potential benefits for a variety of health conditions.
The new study, published on-line ahead of print in the International Journal of Food Microbiology recruited 35 healthy children aged between 7–19 months and after eight days of observation randomly assigned them to receive either an oligofructose (OF) supplement (Beneo P95, Orafti) or a maltodextrin placebo for 21 days.
Dr. Waligora-Dupriet and her colleagues collected faecal samples in order to determine intestinal flora populations, as well as recording health information every day.
In the OF group, the researchers found that levels of bifidobacteria increased as a result of supplementation, rising from 9.1 to 9.5 log10 CFU/g of faeces, while decreasing slightly in the control group from 9.2 to 9.0 log10 CFU/g of faeces.
“Bifidobacteria are thought to lower the intestinal pH through their fermentation end-products, i.e. acetic and lactic acids, leading to the inhibition of the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria,” said the researchers.

At the same time, prebiotic supplement resulted in a significant decrease in the potential pathogen, clostridia, but not staphylococci, and these changes did not continue after the supplementation was stopped.

“The number of infectious diseases requiring antibiotic treatment, the number of episodes of flatulence, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever were significantly lower in the OF group as compared to the control group as well as the number of children who start to vomit,” reported the researchers.

A decrease in flatulence was also recorded for the prebiotic group, linked to the reduced intestinal population of clostridia, which are known gas-producing bacteria.

“Our results confirm that oligofructose exerts beneficial effects to health and well-being,” wrote Waligora-Dupriet.

“The results of this study indicate good tolerance and clinical benefits of OF supplementation. Despite the slight modulation of intestinal microflora, a link between clinical benefits and flora's modification cannot be excluded. Further studies on a larger number of children are needed,” she concluded.

Danisco intros probiotic studied for antibiotic recovery

By staff reporter
20/10/2006 - Danisco is introducing a new addition to its Howru probiotics line, which it says was seen in the first of a series of condition-specific studies to help restore the beneficial bacteria in the human gut after taking antibiotics.
Antibiotics,, commonly taken to address a range of health conditions, may have an unfortunate affect on gut health as they do not discriminate between disease-causing and beneficial bacteria, thus disrupting the balance of microflora in the gut. This can result in gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea, rashes and fever, and allergic reactions.
In an effort to address this, the Danish company developed a mixture of probiotic strains, which it says was shown in a placebo-controlled study to return bifidobacteria to normal baseline levels within two weeks of stopping taking antibiotics.
Moreover, the population and balance of microintestinal flora was seen to be better in the Howaru Restore group.
“The research team was able to obtain these results and track the bacterial environment in the gut due to the breakthrough use of new and novel genomic methods of strain tracking and identification,” said Danisco.

It has not indicated whether the study is intended for publication and NutraIngredients.com has not seen the full methodology or results.

With pharmacists filling in more than 900m prescriptions for antibiotics around the world each year, according to Kalorama, a division of PackagedFacts.com, the potential for Howaru restore to be used in probiotic products is significant.

At present, doctors tend to advise yoghurt consumption to deal with the effects of antibiotics on the gut, but not all yoghurts are active and those that are contain lower doses of beneficial bacteria than Howaru Restore, according to the company.

The ingredient is suitable for use in supplements and has demonstrated survivability of up to two years in dry, capsule form. “Many probiotic suppliers employ a one-strain-does-it-all approach to probiotic efficacy,” said Scott Bush, global probiotics business director. “[Danisco's screening strategy] creates products that consumers can be confident will deliver maximum efficacy and an optimum delivery of health benefits”.

In the current fragmented regulatory environment for health claims, manufacturers tend to err on the side of caution and make only nebulous claims.

Probiotics represent one area that is expected to particularly benefit from the new EU legislation on health claims, expected to come into force in January 2007.

Even though the European market for spoonable probiotic yoghurts alone was worth US$1.6bn (€1.25bn) at retail in 2005, according to Euromonitor International, to date probiotics have tended to err on the side of caution with their claims, making only nebulous marketing statements to the tune of ‘makes you feel better', or boosting energy.

Fabienne Saadane-Oaks, president of Danisco Cultures, told NutraIngredients.com in August that she expects that health claims will clarify the message for the consumer. In order for claims to be approved, however, there needs to be a solid scientific evidence of health efficacy.

“We have a continuous pipeline of health efficacy studies,” she said, “and this has been our strategy from the start.”

Danisco's probiotics fall within its global cultures division, which screens culture strains to pin point the best strain for a particular use. Howaru Restore is having its first industry outing in the US at SupplySide West in Las Vegas.

Low-dose folic acid could reduce homocysteine levels

By Stephen Daniells
20/10/2006 - A low-dose daily supplement of folic acid improved levels homocysteine in people with high levels of the amino acid and could reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, suggests a small study from Taiwan.

Folic acid is known to lower plasma homocysteine levels, and high levels of the amino acid, hyperhomocysteinemia, are a marker for heart disease and thought to be a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, which contributes to heart attacks.
The findings may also have an impact on cognitive function with epidemiological studies reporting that high levels of homocysteine associated with suspected or confirmed dementia. Indeed, the Framingham study reported that people with homocysteine levels above 14 micromoles per litre of serum had twice the risk of dementia.
This has led to the hypothesis that by lowering circulating levels of homocysteine by B vitamin supplements, the risk and occurrence of dementia could be reduced.
The new study, published in the journal Nutrition Research (Vol. 26, pp. 460-466), reports that even a low-dose folic acid supplement (400 micrograms) could lead to significant reductions in hyperhomocysteinemic elderly people.
Lead researcher Ping-Ting Lin from the Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, and co-workers recruited 46 people (42 men, average age 73) and randomly assigned to either a placebo group or a folic acid group (General Nutrition Corp.) for eight weeks. Compliance was ensured by 24-hour diet recalls at week 0 and week 8.
The researchers report that, while the low-dose folic acid supplements had no significant effect on homocysteine concentrations in the general study population, levels did significantly decrease in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects by 1.8 micromoles per litre.
“The significant result of this study was that a low dose of folic acid supplementation (400 microg/d) could significantly decrease plasma homocysteine concentration in hyperhomocysteinemic patients with CAD but not in normohomocysteinemia patients,” wrote the researchers.

Analysis of specific genotypes also showed a significant effect. The researchers looked at potential genetic defects in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine involving the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation. People with the so-called TT homozygote genotype with low folate status are reported to have higher homocysteine concentrations than the other genotypes, putting this subset at increased risk of CAD and cognitive decline.

Low-dose folic acid supplementation for eight weeks for the TT genotype people led to a significant 2.1 micromoles per litre reduction in homocysteine levels, and 1.4 micromoles per litre for people who carry the T-allele either hetero- or homozygously.

The study does have several limitations, most notably the small number of participants and the short supplementation period. Nevertheless, the researchers concluded: “A low-dose (400 microg/d) rather than a high-dose of folic acid supplementation may be sufficient to reduce plasma homocysteine concentration in hyperhomocysteinemic patients with CAD.”

“However, folic acid supplements do not seem to lower plasma homocysteine in patients with CAD with normal plasma homocysteine level. Risk factors other than homocysteine level in these normohomocysteinemic patients with CAD need to be investigated further,” they said.

The link is being further examined by the B-Vitamin Treatment Trialists' Collaboration which should soon be better able to address the link between B-vitamins, homocysteine levels, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.

Data should soon be available on three to seven years of supplementation with B vitamins on cognitive function on about 20,000 of the 50,000 participants with previous cardiovascular or renal disease in the 12 large homocysteine-lowering trials for the prevention of cardiovascular events.

It has been reported that vitamin B12 is a more important determinant of high homocysteine levels in people over 70 than folate, and some experts have called for future studies to focus on dietary supplementation of 1000 micrograms of B12 in elderly people

Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS
15810 Holbein Drive • Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Cell 402/250/5406 • dave_ellis@mac.com • FAX 719/481/0692

• Chair National Strength & Conditioning Association - Nutrition Special Interest Group
• Advisor Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society, USADA & Taylor Hooton Foundation
• USA Hockey Level V Coach • Official Provider of Sports Nutrition & Body Composition Services to USA Hockey
• Author Fundamental & Advanced Fueling Tactics® DVD's & Food First Nutrition Poster • www.fuelingtactics.com

Fueling Tactics Nutrition in 2 minutes

Heatstroke Prevention from fuelingtactics.com

What others are saying about Dave Ellis

and the Fueling Tactics sports nutrition system

Sports dietitian and strength coach Dave Ellis has been refining and field-testing his three-step Fueling Tactics® sports nutrition system for 25 years now and in the summer of ’06 released his nutrition system on DVD for the first time (see www.fuelingtactics.com - a one-hour version for athletes and a two-hour version for coaches and teachers).

Ellis directed nutrition services during the University of Nebraska’s three national championship football seasons in 1994, ’95 and ’97. And he was on board when the New England Patriots won their third Super Bowl capping off their 2004 season, but as you can see from the quotes below Dave’s practice now spans every aspect of sports:

“A well organized approach to educating and feeding athletes can make a difference, especially at the highest levels of sport. Dave’s Fueling Tactics system is a time-tested performer.”
--Head coach Bill Belichick, three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots

“We knew early in Dave's career that he could help us sell athletes on the value of nutrition. He has endless curiosity in this area. Dave was a big part of our three national championship teams.”
--U.S. Congressman Tom Osborne (Neb.); head football coach (1973-97) at the University of Nebraska

"When we were ready to evolve our nutrition and body composition services for basketball we brought in a professional in Dave Ellis. Dave's ability to work with all aspects of our organization was evident starting with the positive changes made in our travel meals. Being able to work with administration, sports medicine and strength and conditioning is key in making changes that really work and Dave has the experience to navigate them all."

--Lute Olson, Head Basketball Coach, University of Arizona

“It's great to see the evolution in Dave's nutrition system over the years. It's obvious that he keeps up with the research as well as the trends that top athletes and coaches are exposed to. Dave has become one of the true Professionals in his field."

--Barry Alvarez, Athletic Director & Former Football Coach, University of Wisconsin Athletics

“Dave Ellis is one of the few people that a head coach can put in front of the entire team with confidence that he’s going to deliver concise messages with credibility. Few people in sports have been behind the scenes of more organizations, and he’s learned something from all of them.”
--Bob Stoops, Head Football Coach, University of Oklahoma

“Dave has always been able to communicate complex nutrition concepts to athletes with the energy it takes to keep their attention. Dave is one of the few in the field with the credibility to influence athletes at every level of competition.”
--Jerry Schmidt, Head Strength Coach, University of Oklahoma

“I’ve witnessed from day one how Dave’s been blazing a trail in sports nutrition and strength training. He always seems to be ahead of the curve. He’s the only person I know who has a system to determine athletes’ weight-carrying capacity. Knowing the limitations of an athlete’s frame adds much needed objectivity in determining the position an athlete may be best suited to play.”
--Frank Solich, Head Football Coach, Ohio University

“Dave was one of the first to realize there could be diminishing returns when adding body weight to athletes, even if it was lean weight. As an orthopedic surgeon, that kind of insight, which came early in Dave's career, is characteristic of his overall success. Dave is an innovator!”
--Pat Clare, Head Orthopedic Surgeon, University of Nebraska Athletics Orthopedic Group

“As an N.B.A. strength coach it is very important to determine the optimal body weights of our players. The unique frames of NBA athletes make it particularly challenging but Dave has devised an objective method of determining frame size that looks at skeletal parameters beyond height. The end result is a customized, easy to use nutrition program that lays the foundation for optimized athletic performance."

--John Murray, Strength Coach, Golden State Warriors

“It's great to find someone who delivers a message that athletes can wrap their arms around. Dave presented data in a sex specific manner so that our female athletes related to it and were motivated by it. We saw immediate results because our athletes listened!”
--Sherri Coale, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Oklahoma

"Dave has the experience and credibility to have an immediate impact with athletes. However, his ability to connect with them in an organized and highly informative way is what has kept our athletes talking about his Fueling Tactics system long after his visit. He is an asset we plan to continue to use with our football team well into the future. As a matter of fact, we plan on sharing him with all our athletics teams at Boston College."
--Todd Rice, Head Strength Coach, Boston College

“Dave’s 3-step Fueling Tactics system helps athletes outwork the competition with the power of food! Fueling Tactics is a program we are introducing to our USA Hockey athletes in 2006.”
--Mark Tabrum, Director of Coaching Education, USA Hockey

"Dave is one of the few Sports Dietitians who can illustrate how professional athletes routinely gain muscle in a safe and ethical fashion. Young male and female athletes need to hear this message so they don't lose perspective on just how many athletes are doing it right.”
--Don Hooton, Founder of the Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton.org)

“Both my wife and I were immediately impressed with Dave's down-to-earth approach and motivational style. He has vast experience and stays on top of the latest research.”
--Mike Wahle, All Pro Offensive Lineman, Carolina Panthers

“Dave’s counsel and advice on nutrition and supplementation has been greatly valued by the Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society.”
--Tim Maxey, Cleveland Indians Strength & Conditioning Coach

“If you’re looking for state of the art research and application in the areas of nutrition, metabolism, body composition and frame estimation, the leader in the field is clearly Dave Ellis.”
--Paul Golberg, MS, RD, CSCS, Strength & Conditioning/Dietitian, Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club

“As an N.B.A. strength coach it is very important to determine the optimal body weights of our players. The unique frames of NBA athletes make it particularly challenging but Dave has devised an objective method of determining frame size that looks at skeletal parameters beyond height. The end result is a customized, easy to use nutrition program that lays the foundation for optimized athletic performance. “

--John Murray, Strength Coach, Golden State Warriors

“In all my years of being around athletics I have never heard a nutrition message that is more grounded and easy to understand than Dave's. It's a message that is applicable to everyone, not just athletes. Americans in general need the wake-up call that Dave's Fueling Tactics system delivers.”
--Brian Boitano, Olympic Gold Medalist, Professional Figure Skater

"I send athletes and coaches to Dave to benefit from his extremely professional and effective Fueling Tactics system, and the results have been outstanding. For those whose schedules don't yet permit for them to consult with Dave personally, I provide them a copy of his DVD and poster, which is an easily understood, excellent educational tool. I highly recommend Fueling Tactics System as a key component to athletic success."
--Neil M. Cornrich, NC Sports, LLC

“Dave’s depth of knowledge and practical application of sports nutrition is at the world class level. He can go from cellular metabolism to “coaching” athletes about a food first approach in the same breath. That is what makes Dave an invaluable resource to the athletic community.”
--Michael Barnes, National Strength & Conditioning Association, Director of Education


“A lot of people talk about sports nutrition, but few practice it on a full time basis. Even fewer have done it for 25 years! Dave is the real deal and has been doing it longer than anyone in the business."
--Rob Skinner, Director of Sports Nutrition, Georgia Tech Athletics

“I don't know of any other sports dietitian who practices at the competitive level of sports that Dave does. He has the practical expertise that can actually help us determine what direction we need to take some of our clinical research. Dave often knows what works long before we have the data to validate it. If Dave says it works for his athletes, you can bet he has first hand knowledge."
--Wayne Askew, PhD, Professor and Director, Division of Nutrition, College of Health, University of Utah

“Few people outside the highest levels of sport get to witness Dave behind the scenes. Having seen his practice evolve over the years, and having tracked his successes, it’s clear to me that his methods have become highly refined, and that he offers one-of-a-kind expertise that you simply won’t find anywhere else."
--Mitchell Kanter, Director of Nutrition, Cargill Inc.
"Dave's 25+ years in the sports nutrition world are unsurpassed; I don't know anybody in the sports nutrition world who is better connected or grounded on the realities of feeding athletes than Dave Ellis. You can always get a realistic perspective on what works with Dave which has made him a valuable advisor with my practice as a Sports Dietitian."

--Christopher R. Mohr, PhD, RD, Ownder www.MohrResults.com

“Dave is light years ahead of anyone in sports nutrition. His Fueling tactics are a unique blend of cutting edge nutritional science and 25 years of personal experimentation with feeding athletes. His basic and applied knowledge on nutrition, metabolism, and performance is unmatched – Dave is the total package when it comes to optimally feeding athletes.”
--Jeff S. Volek, PhD, RD Nutrition and Exercise Researcher, University of Connecticut

"We have gotten a great deal of mileage out of Dave's Advanced Fueling Tactics DVD as a class room educational tool or just by playing it in areas where the athletes congregate. It's a message they need to hear over and over. The ability to send a copy of the Fundamental Fueling Tactics DVD home to educate those cooking for the athletes is also key in closing the circle.”
--Zach Duval, General Manager, Explosive Edge Training, Omaha NE

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