Nutritional Wellness Blog from BeautifulandWell.com

Recent studies conclude that increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may prevent age-related vision loss, otherwise known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people aged 55 and older.

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

According to AMD Alliance International, a global coalition of vision and seniors’ organizations dedicated to raising awareness of AMD and the options available for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services to individuals and families around the world affected by AMD, AMD  is a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss and leaves only peripheral vision which qualifies as “legal blindness” in the Western world.  Although approximately 30 million people are affected by AMD globally, awareness of the condition is low.  Moreover, due to the aging population of Baby Boomers, the incidence and prevalence of AMD is expected to be on the rise and may triple by 2025.

Two types of AMD exist- dry and wet.  Dry AMD, on the other hand, occurs when normal tissue in the macula disappears slowly resulting in a pale area of the macular called central geographic atrophy (a medical term for dryness).  Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels grow abnormally beneath the macular and eventually leak causing scarring to the macular, thereby obscuring sight.

Studies support increase intake of omgea-3 to prevent AMD

According to the US National Eye Institute, increased consumption of omega-3 fatty-acids contribute to the prevention of age-related vision loss by up to 30%.  In another major study, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), omega-3 intake supports the prevention of AMD by 30%.  Moreover, according to findings published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the risk of both dry AMD and wet AMD are reduced through the intake of omega-3 fatty acids by 32% and 35% respectively.

Omega-3’ eye health benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids, and in particular DHA, play an important role in the layer of nerve cells in the retina, and studies have already reported that omega-3 may protect from developing AMD.

Indeed, a meta-analysis published in the June 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of AMD by up to 38 per cent.

The new study supports these earlier findings. SanGiovanni and his co-workers looked at  1,837 people participating in an Age-Related Eye Disease Study. All the participants were considered to be at a moderate-to-high risk of advanced AMD.

Based on 12 years of research, the scientist found out that the participants with the highest omega-3 intakes had a 30 percent lower risk of developing AMD than people with the lowest intakes.

“The 12-year incidence of central geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD in participants at moderate-to-high-risk of these outcomes was lowest for those reporting the highest consumption of omega-3 fatty acids,” concluded the researchers.

Educating ourselves about how to protect our eye sight and decrease the risk of vision loss should be a priority.  Taking a good nutritional supplement, especially one that can help to slow macular degeneration, is a good insurance policy.  One such high quality nutritional supplement specifically formulated to protect eyes and lower the risk for AMD is TOZAL Eye Health Formula make by AmeriSciences.  TOZAL contains a high percentage of Omega 3, as well as Lutein & Zeaxanthin, which all promote vision health. To learn more about TOZAL or to purchase TOZAL from a reputable AmeriSciences distributor, click here.

According to the NutraIngredients cognitive health series, which examines the market, supply, science and regulation behind the cognitive health category, the cognitive health functional category is defined as foods, beverages or dietary supplements that help promote mental health, improve mental performance and uplift mood.

More specific benefits of cognitive health functional foods and nutritional supplements include: enhancing cognitive ability, protecting the brain from damage, fighting the effects of aging (such as memory loss or dementia), addressing depression, and concentration problems, aiding in relaxation, and even helping to reduce aggressive behavior.

Data pooled from market analysts including Euromonitor, Datamonitor and Frost & Sullivan identify a number of key ingredients in the category that can support brain function. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Omega-3, ginko biloba, ginseng (improved memory)
• CoQ10 (slows Parkinson’s disease)
• Phospolipids: Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine – e.g. soy lecithin (fight dementia, cognitive decline)
• St John’s wort, soy lecithin (combat depression)
• Omega-3, PS (phosphatidylserine), Gaba, creatine (brain function)
• Green tea, tryptophan, Gaba, ginko biloba (mood)
• Guarana, caffeine, ginseng (energy boosting)

Supplements lead the Cognitive Health Category

In the food and beverage category, GNPD tracked 276 new cognitive health products launched globally in 2008, and 388 new products in 2009 to date. Europe and the US accounted for 45 and 56 new products respectively in 2008, and 44 each in 2009.  Teas and infusions, water-based drinks and energy drinks are leading the way in beverages. Omega-3 fortified yoghurts, milk and drinking yoghurts are leading the way in dairy.

However, according to Frost & Sullivan, dietary supplements are leading the way in the cognitive health market – and Euromonitor confirms that supplements are “increasingly garnering favor with consumers”.

Euromonitor splits the market up into three main areas: Brain function, energy boosting and mood.

Japan ahead

According to Euromonitor, Japan is the biggest market for cognitive health food and supplements.

US Market for Cognitive Health Supplements Growing

Due to the ageing population of Baby Boomers in the U.S., and the related increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for cognitive health nutritional supplements to support brain function.

There are many cognitive health nutritional supplement formulations on the market.  One of the most recognized is Cognivite from AmeriSciences, a privately-held specialty nutritional supplement company based in Houston, TX which has a joint development agreement with NASA/Johnson Space Center.  The Cognivite formula was developed by renowned geriatric neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh and was launched in 2008.  To learn more about Cognivite, click here.

National Press Release

While B vitamins may not be beneficial once disease starts, some nutritional supplements may have preventitve effect

HOUSTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ — While a study in the October 15, 2008 JAMA demonstrates that B vitamins do not slow cognitive decline once Alzheimer’s disease has struck, there is a large body of scientific evidence showing that some nutrients may help keep the brain healthy as one ages. A leading expert thinks the time is now for Baby Boomers to look seriously at maintaining cognitive wellness. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10 million Boomers can expect to get Alzheimer’s disease as they age.

“There are many things like heredity that are outside our control, but there are also concrete steps we can take to maintain optimal brain health,” says Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN, a leading Alzheimer’s researcher and physician who has written extensively on the disease. “The time to think about this is long before memory problems start.”

Dr. Sabbagh has looked exhaustively at published research on Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, and he has identified a number of important factors in maintaining cognitive wellness. Among the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s are hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, high homocysteine levels, diabetes-elevated insulin levels, and obesity, especially during midlife.

There is also evidence that dietary modifications can help maintain cognitive wellness. Combing through published research on the topic, Dr. Sabbagh has identified a group of nutrients that have strong evidence of protective effects.

“The use of these nutrients to support cognitive wellness is well documented in the scientific literature,” says Dr. Sabbagh. “The JAMA article underscores the need to consider supplementation long before disease starts.”

To help American consumers make good supplement choices, Dr. Sabbagh worked with AmeriSciences, a leading science-based nutraceutical company, to develop a formulation that includes ingredients with strong scientific merit. AmeriSciences’ Cognivite Complete was specially formulated under Dr. Sabbagh’s guidance to provide nutritional support to help combat declining mental function and memory loss associated with aging. Dr. Sabbagh’s expertise in this area led AmeriSciences to recently appoint him to chair the company’s Scientific Advisory Board.*

Cognivite Complete’s ingredients include: Gingko biloba; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); turmeric root (curcumin); and phosphatidylserine. Gingko biloba helps maintain normal blood flow to the brain and is rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which may offer protection against neuron damage.** Turmeric root, a common spice in Asia and a constituent of many curries, has been shown to exhibit a variety of protective effects in the brain, from stimulation of normal anti-inflammatory functions to the reduction of natural oxidative damage.** DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is a vital component of the cell membranes of the brain. Studies suggest that it may help overall cognitive maintenance.** Phosphatidylserine is a fat derivative (phospholipid) found in soybeans and other foods, which is involved in brain signal activity and is an important part of neuronal membranes.**

According to Dr. Sabbagh’s research, a modest decline in cognitive health is an expected part of the aging process; however, this decline can be exacerbated by factors such as poor nutritional habits and stress. Through lifestyle modifications and a consistent nutritional regimen that includes supplementation, Dr. Sabbagh believes people can help preserve normal brain function and ensure cognitive wellness.

Dr. Sabbagh serves as Chief Medical-Scientific Officer and Director of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona.*

For more information on Cognivite Complete, please visit www.AmeriSciences.com or www.Cognivite.com.

* Disclosure: Dr. Sabbagh receives royalties from sales of Cognivite Complete, and is in a partnership that distributes AmeriSciences products. Dr. Sabbagh’s relationship with AmeriSciences is separate from his work with Sun Health.

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with your physician before taking any nutritional supplement.

Source: AmeriSciences

See also: http://houston.bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/Texas/2008/10/15/NE39188

Press Release

HOUSTON, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriSciences, a leading developer of science-based nutritional supplements, is poised to revolutionize the way eye-care practitioners treat age-related visual deterioration with the launch of its clinically-proven TOZAL Eye Health Formula. Research indicates that by 2030, as many as 68 million Americans will be over the age of 65, and a significant number of these older Americans will suffer from low vision or blindness.

Since 2001, the eye-care industry’s standard of care for patients suffering from age-related vision loss has been nutritional supplements based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). While AREDS provided clinical proof that nutritional supplements can positively affect a degenerative health issue, scientific discoveries over the last seven years have revealed other micronutrients that are more effective in maintaining and supporting good health and vision. Among these beneficial compounds are taurine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants and lutein, which are the main ingredients in the TOZAL Eye Health Formula.

“TOZAL exemplifies AmeriSciences’ commitment to providing the safest, most effective science-based nutritional products on the market today,” said Carlos Montesinos, Product Development & Quality Assurance Director, AmeriSciences. “We believe that TOZAL will set a new standard of care for nutrition-based eye care. Like all of our products, TOZAL also meets or exceeds pharmaceutical industry quality benchmarks for over-the-counter products.”

Two years ago, TOZAL became the focus of a multicenter study that ultimately demonstrated through clinical testing how the proper combination of these compounds was effective at reducing the onset of age-related visual impairment after six months of consistent supplementation. The results of this study, which were published in the February 2007 issue of BMC Ophthalmology, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal, affirmed that regular use of the TOZAL formula impeded the natural course of visual degeneration in 77 percent of the treated test subjects. Evidence from the TOZAL study also indicated that visual acuity actually improved by as much as one-half line (eye chart) among 57 percent of those tested. All patients receiving the AREDS-type nutritional supplement lost some vision.

A large new study, published in August in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, also supports the use of TOZAL in preventing vision loss. The study, which took place across seven European nations, found that seniors given omega-3 fatty acids reduced their risk of developing macular degeneration by up to 70 percent. TOZAL is the only eye-health supplement that includes omega-3 acids.

“The TOZAL study demonstrates that treatment with this supplement can help patients with age-related vision loss,” said Francis E. Cangemi, M.D., a macular degeneration specialist affiliated with Vitreo-Retinal Associates of New Jersey who led the TOZAL study.

As a result of the landmark TOZAL study, AmeriSciences collaborated with TOZAL developer and prominent optometrist Dr. Edward Paul to create the only nutritional supplement on the market based on his patented formula. TOZAL Eye Health Formula was released in February exclusively through independent distributors of AmeriSciences nutritional products with incredible response from consumers and vision-care specialists alike.

“I grew tired of telling my patients with age-related vision loss that there was nothing I could do for them,” said Dr. Paul about developing his breakthrough TOZAL formula. As a highly-respected optometrist and nutritionist, Dr. Paul has been in private practice in Wilmington, North Carolina, for more than 20 years helping people to see better and live healthier lives through a combination of traditional and complementary medicine.

“I think that because of AREDS, the eye-care industry was the first in the health field to really embrace nutritional supplementation as a way of helping patients with age-related health issues,” Dr. Paul said. “But now we have something better and more effective with TOZAL. We would be remiss if we did not give our patients the option of using these supplements given the statistical and clinical proof that TOZAL can help them.”

In addition to his research and eye-care practice, Dr. Paul is the author of several books, including “Conquering Macular Degeneration” and “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health.” An authority on the subject of age-related vision impairments, Dr. Paul also serves as a contributing writer for several national medical magazines and is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs. Dr. Paul is a member of the AmeriSciences Scientific Advisory Board.

A specially-packaged combination of two premium nutritional products- AmeriSciences Antioxidant Plus and AmeriSciences Omega Max-TOZAL Eye Health Formula has been hailed by health-care professionals from across the United States as a product that is destined to revolutionize the eye-care industry.

AmeriSciences is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

For more information on AmeriSciences’ new TOZAL Eye Health Formula, visit www.tozalformula.com or www.amerisciences.com.

Source: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080918/neth047.html?.v=70

Multicenter study finds unique combination of micronutrients superior to current ‘AREDS’ standard of care; Results supported by new omega-3 study

HOUSTON, Texas– A landmark study at five university-based research centers found that TOZAL(R), a patented combination of antioxidants and micronutrients, enabled patients with “dry” maculardegeneration to improve their vision. Patients in the study’s placebo arm, who received the “AREDS-type” nutritional formulation (the current standard of care), continued to lose their eyesight. Results of the TOZAL study are supported by a major new study, which shows that omega-3 acids cut the risk of developing “wet” macular degeneration.

“The TOZAL study demonstrates that treatment with this supplement can help patients with age-related vision loss,” said lead investigator Francis E. Cangemi, M.D., a macular degeneration specialist affiliated with Vitreo-Retinal Associates of New Jersey.

At six months, 57 percent of those in the TOZAL treatment group improved an average of one-half eye-chart line of visual acuity, and 20 percent stayed the same. All patients in the placebo (AREDS-type nutritional supplement) arm lost visual acuity, with an average loss of 1.49 lines at the end of six months. The treatment group continued to show improvement over time, while most in the placebo group continued to lose visual acuity over time. The study was published in the February 2007 issue of BMC Ophthalmology, a peer-reviewed open-access medical journal.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive disorder associated with central vision loss and is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in people over age 60. More than 15 million Americans have macular degeneration, and an additional 50 million are at risk. Ninety percent of those with macular degeneration have the atrophic or “dry” form of the disease.

Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, the accepted standard of care since 2001 has been the use of nutritional supplements based on the federally funded Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). Further studies have suggested that the AREDS formulation is not optimal and clinical trials of a new formulation — dubbed “AREDS II” — are now underway. TOZAL’s ingredients are similar to those in AREDS II, with some additional components. TOZAL is made from taurine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants and lutein.

While the TOZAL study shows how a combination of nutritional components can arrest macular degeneration, a study published in an August 8 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrates that one critical ingredient in the TOZAL formulation — omega-3 fatty acids — can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. In a large population-based study in seven European countries, researchers found that seniors who had higher intakes of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) had far lower risks of developing wet macular degeneration. Those in the top 25 percent of DHA and EPA levels — 300 milligrams a day and above — reduced their risk by 70 percent. TOZAL is the only currently available eye-health formulation that contains these acids.

“While the AREDS II study will not be completed for five years, both of these studies demonstrate the value of trying this new nutritional approach right now to stave off five years of age-related vision loss,” said Dr. Cangemi.

Dr. Cangemi enrolled 75 elderly patients in the TOZAL study who had at least one of their eyes diagnosed with dry macular degeneration. Study sites included New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Ohio State University, University of California, Irvine and University of Texas, Austin. All patients were treated with the TOZAL formulation for six months.

Study participants saw the researchers during five visits over the six months, during which they repeatedly received a battery of eye tests. Participants were instructed to take TOZAL three times a day and to maintain a log, which was checked by researchers on each visit. The primary objective of the study was to measure change in visual acuity, while a secondary objective was to find improved macular function as measured by these tests.

“We saw significant improvements in visual acuity, but did not see demonstrated improvements in function,” said Dr. Cangemi. “This is likely due to the short duration of the study.”

The study’s Institutional Review Board determined that all patients must receive the standard of care, so no true placebo arm was permitted. Instead, Dr. Cangemi used a widely accepted placebo protocol and constructed comparisons with placebo data from the “MIRA-1″ study, which followed the same inclusion and exclusion criteria as TOZAL. All patients in the MIRA study — including those in the placebo arm — received AREDS supplements.

Patients in the TOZAL study were initially divided into two groups: those receiving TOZAL plus electrical microcurrent stimulation (MCS) and those receiving TOZAL and sham MCS. MCS was abandoned early in the study. Reported results are based on the arm of the study in which 37 patients received TOZAL and sham MCS.

TOZAL was developed by Edward L. Paul, O.D., Ph.D., an optometrist and nutritionist who is an authority on nutrition and vision loss. Dr. Paul has licensed the TOZAL formulation to AmeriSciences, a leading developer of science-based nutritional supplements that is based in Houston. He serves on the AmeriSciences Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Cangemi received funding for the study and manuscript preparation from Atlantic Medical, Inc., a company that holds patent rights to TOZAL.

Source: PRNewswire / Atlantic Medical, Inc.

PR Contact: Rexy Legaspi of Widmeyer Communications, +1-646-213-7245, rexy.legaspi@widmeyer.com

HOUSTON, Texas (October 24, 2005)- Two Texas companies are teaming up with NASA’s Johnson Space Center on technology development.

The Woodlands-based Houston Advanced Research Center and Houston’s AmeriSciences recently signed separate NASA Space Act Agreements with JSC. HARC is pursuing technologies related to commercial fuel cell systems, while AmeriSciences is focused on developing and testing multivitamin nutritional supplements intended for astronaut use before and during flights.

The two-year NASA-HARC agreement calls for NASA to offer expertise to HARC in the area of fuel cell test stands and system designs. HARC’s analysis and testing efforts could eliminate the need for NASA to develop on-site testing, officials say.

NASA says that working with HARC’s Center for Fuel Cell Research and Applications also may benefit NASA’s future space missions through improved fuel cell performance.

Meanwhile, NASA has partnered with AmeriSciences to develop a multivitamin formulation for potential use by astronauts. Based on NASA’s need to provide increased nutritional support for long-duration spaceflight, scientists at JSC have compiled information on multivitamin formulations. AmeriSciences manufactures a multivitamin that meets many of NASA’s needs, according to the agency.

The agreement with AmeriSciences includes the co-development of the multivitamin, shared responsibilities for product testing, participation in project reports, identification and assessment of related technologies, and demonstrations and other activities.

Created in 1982, HARC is a nonprofit organization that created the Center for Fuel Cell Research and Applications in July 1998.

Founded in 1999, AmeriSciences is a producer and distributor of nutritional, dental and skincare wellness products.

Source: Houston Business Journal

HOUSTON, Texas (July 2005) – NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC) has agreed with AmeriSciences® to participate in a joint venture with NASA/JSC scientists to develop and test nutritional supplements intended for astronauts to use during earth-bound conditioning and in-flight physical maintenance. The Space Act Agreement between NASA/JSC and AmeriSciences sets the stage for the development of two products: a complete multivitamin regimen for general astronaut health and a specialized supplemental vitamin for in-flight nutritional needs.

AmeriSciences and NASA: Working Together to Develop Astronaut-specific Multivitamins

Out of a need for providing increased nutritional support for long duration space flight, NASA/JSC has spent the last couple of years compiling scientific data on the basis of an astronaut-specific multivitamin formulation, with similarities to the AmeriSciences Men’s Master-Multi formulation.

The Space Act Agreement sets forth both short-term and long-term objectives for both parties. These include not only the co-development of the supplement formulations, but shared responsibilities for extensive product testing, participation in project reports, identification and assessment of related technologies, and participation in demonstrations and other activities of mutual interest.

“Combining the expertise of AmeriSciences and NASA to develop products that meet the extreme needs of the astronauts will truly set a new standard in supplementation. We are proud to be a part of this important project.”

-Lou Gallardo, Chairman of AmeriSciences