Product Info & Testimonials

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AN INTRODUCTION DOCUMENT

Supplements – Uses and Advantages...............................................................................3 Requirement of Minerals; Benefits and Deficiency Symptoms......................................4 NUTRILITE: BRAND STRENGTH.................................................................................10 PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS...........................................................................................14 USAGE OF SUPPLEMENTS FOR SPECIFIC AILMENTS...........................................26 About Hair Health..........................................................................................................26 Salmon Omega-3 for Heart health.................................................................................30 RESEARCH PAPERS & OTHER REFERENCES...........................................................34 Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis......................................................................................34 Soy protein ingredients and their health benefits...........................................................42 Rediff News: Protein Powder as a cure for Hair Loss...................................................45

Updated: Aug 2007

NEED FOR SUPPLEMENTS

Source : www.heart-health.org

Supplements – Uses and Advantages Supplement Vitamin E

Uses and Advantages • Antioxidant; protects blood fats; keeps cholesterol "happy". Prevents blood sticking, clots and artery damage. •

Vitamin C

•

C, easy to take for granted, hard to underestimate!

Vitamin B’s

• •

• • Calcium

•

Magnesium

•

• Selenium

•

• Vitamin F (Omega fatty acids)

•

Silicon

•

Chromium

•

Vanadium Boron

• •

Three very large studies found 40% heart disease risk reduction with supplements. Antioxidant. Works with and recycles vitamin E; prevents artery infection; strengthens blood vessels; raises good & lowers Lp(a) cholesterol; speeds up bowel, removing excess cholesterol. Improves general health & effects of diabetes They help digest fats and sugars, lower homocysteine (-best in higher than RDA amounts) and reduce plaque. Very high dose plain B3 niacin (about 0.7g taken after each of meals) is by far the best & cheapest cholesterol "modifying" drug, raising HDL while lowering LDL, Lp(a), fibrinogen and triglycerides -must take with a daily multi. B3 is also good for your liver and brain. The B's are needed for 100's of processes in the body. B2, B6, B12 & folic acid will lower artery toxic homocysteine in anyone. Calcium is heart healthy, helps in Bone, heart, general, blood pressure Crucial for heart function; it, and potassium regulate heart beat. Mg is needed for 325 reactions, not least the lowering of toxic blood homocysteine Helps in irregular heart beat, heart failure, bone, PMS, cramps, fatigue, diabetes, stroke, diuretic use. Antioxidant, works with vitamins E and C. A lack causes heart disease, some virus diseases & cancer which are, in part, selenium deficiency diseases Helps in cancer, heart muscle, muscle cataracts, BP, ageing True Vitamins, which the body cannot make it by itself. Helps for bones, joints, heart, skin, poor collagen Diabetes; helps insulin, cholesterol, acne, sugar use Diabetes; higher doses replace insulin Bone health, diabetes, infection,

Manganese

•

Copper

•

Zinc

•

Molybdenum Potassium

• •

Sodium

•

Iron

•

arthritis Bone, cartilage, heart, epilepsy, diabetes, cataracts Helps for Heart, arthritis, hair color, artery bursts (aneurysm, stroke), bad collagen, high LDL, poor clotting, Parkinson's Arthritis, skin, infection, bad collagen, vision, prostate, diabetes, Organs, enzymes, cancer Heart, heart failure, stroke, hypertension, cell function, sweating, diuretics, irregular heart beat, muscle, fatigue, nerves Cell function, always sufficient; raises blood pressure Blood; meno-pausal women; some infants, teens & elderly

Requirement of Minerals; Benefits and Deficiency Symptoms Minerals are elements that originate in the soil and cannot be created by living things, such as plants and animals. Yet plants, animals and humans need minerals in order to be healthy. Plants absorb minerals from the soil, and animals get their minerals from the plants or other animals they eat. Most of the minerals in the human diet come directly from plants, such as fruits and vegetables, or indirectly from animal sources. Minerals may also be present in your drinking water, but this depends on where you live, and what kind of water you drink (bottled, tap). Minerals from plant sources may also vary from place to place, because the mineral content of the soil varies according to the location in which the plant was grown. Note that I have listed only those foods which contain the listed vitamins in significant quantities. For more detailed information, please visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Center. Nutrient Estimated Amounts Needed

Benefits/Deficien cy Symptoms

Fruit Sources

Vegetable Sources

Nut/Seed Sources

Calcium eases insomnia and helps regulate the passage of Adults need 1000 mg/day. nutrients through Children need 800 to 1300 cell walls. Without mg/day. Recommended supplement: calcium, your muscles wouldn't Calcium contract correctly, your blood wouldn't clot and your nerves wouldn't carry messages. If you don't get enough calcium from the food you eat, your body automatically takes the calcium needed from your bones. If your body continues to tear down more bone than it replaces over a period of years in order to get sufficient calcium, your bones will become weak and break easily. Deficiency may result in muscle spasms and cramps in the short term and osteoporosis. The estimated safe and adequate intake for copper is 1.5 - 3.0 mg/day. Many survey studies show that Americans consume about 1.0 mg or less of copper per day

Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron and the formation of red blood cells. It also helps supply oxygen to the body. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to irondeficiency anemia.

Most fruits contain some calcium: Orange Blackberrie s Kiwi Tomatoes Watermelo n Lime Strawberry Lemon Grapes Apples Cantaloupe

Artichoke Peas Squash summer Broccoli Kale Lima Beans Squash winter Spinach Carrots Avocado Asparagus

Almonds Brazil Nuts Pistachios Peanuts Walnuts Chestnuts Macadamias Pecans Sunflower Seeds

Most vegetables have some copper, but Lima Beans have a significant amount. Artichoke Avocado Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Corn Cucumber Green Pepp er Kale Lima Beans Mushrooms Onions

Most nuts contain a trace amount of copper.

Filberts/Hazelnut s Pumpkin Seeds Cashews Pine Nuts/Pignolias

Bananas Peach

Most fruits contain a small amount of copper, but kiwi fruit has a significant amount. Apples Bananas Blackberrie s Cantaloupe Grapes Kiwi Fruit Lemon Lime Orange Peach

Strawberry Peas Tomatoes Potatoes watermelon Spinach Squash Summer Squash Winter Sweet Potat o

Adults should get 150 mcgs per day. The children's recommendation for iodine is 70 to 150 mcg (that is micrograms).

Iodine helps regulate the rate of energy production and body weight and promotes proper growth. It also promotes healthy hair, nails, skin and teeth. In countries where iodine is deficient in the soil, rates of hypothyroidism, goiter and retarded growth from iodine deficiency are very high. In developed countries, however, because iodine is added to table salt, iodine deficiencies are rare.

Most at risk of iron deficiency are infants, adolescent Women and teenage girls girls and pregnant need at least 15 mg a day, women. whereas men can get by on Iron deficiency in 10. infants can result in It is important that children impaired learning get about 10 to 12 mg of ability and iron per day, preferably from behavioral their diet. Breastfeeding is problems. It can the best insurance against also affect the iron deficiency in babies. immune system and cause weakness and fatigue. To aid in the absorption of iron, eat foods rich in vitamin C at the same time you eat the food containing iron. The tannin in non-herbal tea can hinder absorption

Fruits grown in iodine-rich soils contain iodine.

Vegetables grown in iodine-rich soils contain iodine.

While most fruits have some iron, probably the best source of iron for children is raisins, which are rich in iron. Other fruits which have a good amount of iron are: Blackberrie s Kiwi Strawberry Tomatoes watermelon Bananas Grapes

Vegetables: Most nuts Lima Beans contain a small Peas amount of iron. Avocado Kale Spinach Broccoli Squash summer Potatoes Sweet potato Squash winter Corn Carrots Mushrooms

Nuts grown in iodine-rich soils contain iodine.

of iron. Take iron supplements and your vitamin E at different times of the day, as the iron supplements will tend to neutralize the vitamin E. Vegetarians need to get twice as much dietary iron as meat eaters.

Adults need 310 to 420 mg/ day. Children need 130 to 240 mg/day.

Magnesium is needed for bone, protein, making new cells, activating B vitamins, relaxing nerves and muscles, clotting blood, and in energy production. Insulin secretion and function also requires magnesium. Magnesium also assists in the absorption of calcium, vitamin C and potassium. Deficiency may result in fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, heart problems, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, muscle weakness and cramps.

The functions of this mineral are not specific since other minerals can 2.0-5.0 mg/day for adults perform in its 2.0-3.0 mg for children 7 place. Manganese 10 1.5-2.0 mg for children 4 - 6 does function in enzyme reactions 1.0-1.5 mg for children 1 - 3 concerning blood sugar, metabolism, 0.6-1.0 mg for children 6 mo and thyroid hormone function. - 1yr Deficiency is rare 0.3-0.6 mg for infants 0-6 in humans. months

Fruits: Kiwi Bananas Tomatoes Blackberrie s Strawberry Orange

Most fruits contain manganes e, but the following fruits have a significant amount: Blackberrie s Strawberry

Vegetables: Avocado Artichoke Peas Squash summer Potatoes Corn Spinach Kale Broccoli Squash winter Sweet potato

Nuts: Brazil Nuts Cashews Pumpkin Seeds Pine Nuts/Pignolias Peanuts Walnuts Macadamias Sunflower Seeds

Most vegetables have some manganese, but these have a significant amount: Peas Lima Beans Sweet potato

Most nuts contain manganese, but the following nuts have a significant amount: Pine Nuts/Pignolias Pecans Walnuts Chestnuts

Kale Squash summer

Pecans Pistachios Chestnuts Filberts/Hazelnut s

Adults need 700 mg/day. Children need 500 to 1250 mg/day.

Estimated Minimum Requirements 2000 mg/day for adults and adolescents.

Men need 70 mcgs/day. Women need 55 mcgs/day.

In combination with calcium, phosphorus is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth and of the nerve cells. Phosphorus is second to calcium in abundance in the body. It is very widely distributed in both plant and animal foods so it is unlikely that deficiency would be a problem.

Fruits: Kiwi Tomatoes Blackberrie s Bananas Strawberry

Vegetables: Lima Beans Peas Artichoke Avocado Corn Potatoes Asparagus Orange Broccoli Peach Kale Lime Mushrooms Cantaloupe Sweet potato

Nuts: Sunflower Seeds

Potassium is essential for the body's growth and maintenance. It is necessary to keep a normal water balance between the cells and body fluids. Potassium plays an essential role in proper heart function. Deficiency may cause muscular cramps, twitching and weakness, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, kidney and lung failure.

Fruits: Bananas Tomatoes

Vegetables: Avocado Lima Beans Potatoes Blackberrie Peas s Artichoke Strawberry Squash Orange summer Cantaloupe Kale Sweet potato Peach Grapes Broccoli Apples Corn Lemon Squash Lime winter Carrots Spinach Asparagus Green Pepp er Mushrooms Onions Cauliflower Cucumber

Nuts: Chestnuts Sunflower Seeds

Selenium is a part of several enzymes necessary for the body to properly function. Generally, selenium functions as an antioxidant that works in conjunction with vitamin E. Selenium deficiency is rare in

Fruits: Bananas Kiwi Strawberry Blackberrie s Tomatoes Orange Peach Apples

Most nuts contain selenium, but the following nuts have a significant amount: Brazil Nuts Sunflower Seeds

Grapes

Vegetables: Lima Beans Peas Mushrooms Kale Corn Sweet potato Potatoes Squash winter Onions

Brazil Nuts Cashews Pine Nuts/Pignolias Pistachios Almonds Peanuts Walnuts Chestnuts Pecans Macadamias Filberts/Hazelnut s Pumpkin Seeds

Pistachios Pumpkin Seeds Almonds Brazil Nuts Peanuts Cashews Pine Nuts/Pignolias Walnuts Pecans Macadamias Filberts/Hazelnut s

Cashews Pistachios Peanuts

humans.

500 mg/day for adults 120 mg for infants Daily Value recommendation - no more than 2,400 to 3,000 mg/day

Men need 15 mgs/day. Women should get 12 mg/day. Children need 10 to 15 mg/day. Vegetarians need about 50 percent more zinc in their diet than meat eaters.

Squash summer Spinach

Walnuts Almonds Chestnuts Pecans

Sodium is required by the body to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. It helps regulate the fluid balance in your body. Sodium also helps in the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Many people get far more sodium than they need, which tends to cause health problems. Different body types need different amounts of sodium.

Sodium occurs naturally in almost all fresh, whole fruits.

Sodium occurs naturally in almost all fresh, whole vegetables

Nuts: Peanuts Pumpkin Seeds Cashews Pistachios Chestnuts Macadamias Almonds

This metal is important in a number of key activities, ranging from protein and carbohydrate metabolism to the immune system, wound healing, growth and vision. Severe deficiency can contribute to stunted growth. Deficiency can sometimes be seen in white spots on the fingernails.

Most fruits contain a small amount of zinc, but the following have a significant amount: Blackberrie s Kiwi

Most vegetables have some zinc, but these have a significant amount: Peas Lima Beans Squash summer Potatoes Corn Sweet potato

Most nuts have some zinc, but these have a significant amount: Pumpkin Seeds Pine Nuts/Pignolias Cashews Sunflower Seeds Pecans Brazil Nuts Almonds Walnuts

NUTRILITE: BRAND STRENGTH

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: [email protected] < [email protected]> Date: Jul 8, 2006 10:45 AM Subject: NUTRILITE - MOST TRUSTED BRAND IN ASIA To:

Dear ABO Leader There is GOOD NEWS for us. What more do we need - NUTRILITE VOTED AS MOST TRUSTED GOLD BRAND IN ASIA BY CONSUMERS. The May issue of READERS DIGEST proudly carries the NUTRILITE BRAND with them as Asia's most trusted brand in Health and Personal Care - Vitamin and Health Supplement category Given below is the background for this: Readers Digest had conducted their 8th annual survey of the brands consumers say have earned a trusted place in their everyday lives. TRUST key ingredient in the relationship between consumers and products they embrace. Brands most trusted are voted by readers in 7 Asian markets - HongKong, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand. There are two categories of brands - GOLD AND PLATINUM GOLD TRUSTED BRAND - AWARD GOES TO BRAND THAT SCORE WELL ABOVE THEIR COMPETITORS. PLATINUM TRUSTED AWARD - FOR TRULY OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AND GOES TO COMPETITORS THAT HAVE SCORED AT LEAST DOUBLE THAT OF THEIR NEAREST RIVAL They assigned a score for each brand for 6 core qualities: trustworthiness, credibility of image, value, brand ability to innovate, whether brand understands consumer needs. Attaching a scanned copy of the same for your use.

PRODUCT TESTIMONIALS ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: mohammed shafi Date: Sep 12, 2006 3:34 PM Subject: Thanks to NUTRILITE!! To: manoj66866, Priyamanoj Hi Vijai/Manoj/Priya, I really really missed the Open meeting this month. I could imagine how great it would had been to hear from the awesome leaders like Sooryah & Geeta. I write this mail to express the endless joy what my family is undergoing in which NUTRILITE had a great role to play. Four months back my sister gave birth to a baby girl.Our joy didn't last long after Doctor said that he could hear some noise from the baby's heart.Seeing the scan report we got socked to learn that the baby's heart had 2 holes One was small 0.3 mm but the other one was 3mm which is very big. The Doctor said that this was because of my sister who didn't take care of her health and food while she was pregnant.She always used to be very careless in her health. During her pregnancy I tried a lot to make my sister take Nutrilite products. Even Priya talked with her about Nutrilite products & how it helps in tissues growth in the baby & everything.But my sister was too careless & lazy. The doctor said that we should take utmost care and should not let the baby to get cold & should not let her expose to pollution through out her life until the holes gets closed by itself which may or may not happen.Even if it happens, it may take take a minimum of ten years.He said that we can try a surgery.The doctor also said that the baby should take only mother's milk. What happened after this was unbeleivable.Now my sister was very conscious about what she eats and she was very religious in taking Nutrilite products. She took 2.5 scoops of Protein powder,a daily, a calmag & an ironfolic everyday religiously in the exact timings which Priya recommended.Thanks to all the nutrilite sessions arranged by Ankur & Taru and all the PASE meetings which made me beleive the product very much and recommend it very very strongly to my sister. In these four months the baby took only mother's milk & my sister didnot take any medicine for this purpose as there were none discovered yet :( In four months the improvement the baby shown was phenomenal.Her weight rose to 4.5 kgs which the doctor said was extraordinary.The baby was no more looking pale & my sister could notice that the little noise that used to come while she breaths wasn't there.You would remember that I shared this in the PASE meeting three weeks back!.The doctor by seeing the looks of the baby asked us to scan once again to check for any improvement. I had the most pleasant surprise in my life that day when my sister came to me with tears and said that both the holes had been closed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even the doctors are very much surprised, in the Doctor's experience it took five years for a 2mm hole to close for a boy's heart & that had been the fastest!!..... It surprised them very much they asked us to repeat the scan in some other DIAGNOSTIC center. The result was the same!!! MASHA ALLAH! With whatever food the baby would take, it may take a min 10 years for the tissues to grow in that hole.But with Nutrilite, 4 months had been more than enough!!!!!!

And for me the doctor have said that it would take 2 months for my broken hand to get back to normal with whatever calcium supplements he had given.He doesn't know that I am taking NUTRILITE (protein powder, daily,calmag ) and would come to Bangalore in a month & will have a huge team to take to FED!!! Super Excited!!, Shafi,

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: kashyap Date: Sep 14, 2006 4:39 PM Subject: Nutrilite Triple Guard Achinacea Testimony To: [email protected] Hi CAM, 3-4 weeks back, I overheard a colleague of mine mentioning "WBC..." :-) music :-) I discovered his mother was not in a position to take 3rd Chemotherapy dose for Breast Cancer due to abysmally low WBC count (WBC count reduces to ~4000 upon dose administration and has to come back to ~9000 before subsequent doses are administered). I asked him to type "Echinacea" in Google and he got good relevant information on benefits of Echinacea on WBC count improvement. He sent 1 Triple Guard Echinacea to his mother in Kerala. After one week of use, the doctors were speechless to see a WBC count of ~9000, nothing else was working and Nutrilite Triple Guard proved magical ! The doctors actually got the WBC checked again in a different lab to verify the results ! Human body is God's handywork, if it's not cheated (read "given right Nutrition"), it is miraculously self-healing. Cheers! Kashyap and Pranati..

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Anshul < [email protected]> Date: Sep 15, 2006 12:00 PM Subject: Another Nutrilite magic !! To: Gaurav Gupta < [email protected]> Hi Gaurav/Divya, After reading Kashyap and Shafi's mail I thought I should share my magical Nutrilite experience also. I have been taking antioxidants i.e. Parse-E(1) and Bio-C(2-4) everyday since last 8 months regularly, supplemented by protein powder and Daily. Although I dint have any specific health issues but i was regulary taking all the supplements to make sure that I am always in good health. Two weeks back I suddenly had problems in my eyes (I have a power of -2.75 in the right eye and -2.5 in the left eye and it hasnt changed since last 6 years) followed by Redness and headache. WHen the problem persisted for 2 days I consulted an eye specialist in koramangala. I was surprised when he told me that you have been wearing an overpowered lense. After thorough check up he informed me that my eye power is -2.0 in right eye and -1.5 in left eye which is significantly lower than the earlier power. It's absolutely impossible that one can keep on using a high power for 6 years without any complain. The only logical conclusion is that my eye sight has improved in last few months and come down to the current readings. Once I told this to my father (he's also a Doctor), he consulted the eye specialist again who had given me the specs 6 yrs back. He was also not ready to believe and told that there is some mistake in the eye checkup. I got my eye check up done again with refractor and manual check up also twice each. Every time the result was same...reduced power. In the words of medical science it's impossible. If you ask any Eye specialist he will tell you that Myopic vision (negative power) cannot be cured at all. But again as Kashyap said, "Human body is God's handywork, if it's not cheated (read "given right Nutrition"), it is miraculously selfhealing" Now I believe that with Nutrilite, I can not only improve my eye sight but can get rid of my specs completely ! Anshul

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: murali hebbar <[email protected]> Date: Sep 28, 2006 8:11 PM Subject: The magic of Bone Health. To: [email protected] Hi Manoj/Priya, I dont know about Medically proven statement "Bone Mass Density cannot increase but can only be sustained", but i know one thing, that is the magic of Nutrilite's Bone health with Epriflavone Magic. My mom has osteoporosis (now it is "had osteoporosis"). about a month ago, when i had been to home, i put my mother on Bone health and calmag, she finished one course of bone health just a week before (60 tablets) and had checked her Bone Mass Density check up, the result was unbelievable. Before taking nutrilite she had BMD of -2.6, which is the osteoporosis stage, now it is -1.2 (normal is -1.0), it was so surprising for my dad who called me in the afternoon today, excitedly telling me how well it has helped my mom. I am happy that i am in this business because its not only helping me, its helping my parents and other people because of the quality amway products they use. People who think the products are costly, just think again. its not the cost that should matter you, its whether you want to help others with such quality products or not. God has presented me with that chance, i am no way gonna loose it. Thanks Manoj/Priya for giving me immense support and knowledge about the products and business. Going Eagle...... Murali M.S

> Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:41:41 +0530 > From: "arvind mishra" <[email protected]> > To: "Mohit Maheshwari" <[email protected]> > Subject: Nutrilite Magic > > Mohit, This is the Nutrilite magic that vinit has to > share. > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------> > Hi Arvind ! > > > > Here I have a good news to share . I am very > happy after taking > Neutrilite. It's really amazing and wondeful > healthcare products brand . > > I 've a small thing to share . I am wearing spects > from last 7 years > because I always had the eyes infection and weak > eyesight. > > But I started using Protein powder and Daily tablets > since last 4-5 months . > My right eye's power got decresed up to .25 , > Earlier it was -1.0 D . > > Now it is -.75 D . Day before yesterday I went to > optician for my eye check > up , because I was feeling some problem in eyes, I > thought may be my power > is increased so after the complete check –up > doctor told me the good > news that vinit , it is a rare case after a long > time that somebody 's eye > power is getting down , he said , it only happens > because of proper > neutritious diet. He told you are working in > software & you already have > infection in your eyes , even then it got improved >. > > I am now very happy , It all became possible by the > help of Neutrilite's > Protein powder and Daily tablets.My hair falling is > also stopped now due to > these amazing products… > > I really want to thank God and Neutrlite for my > health care .. I am very > very happy after taking these products .. > > Please forward this message to all our fired-up > leaders… > > Cheers Vinit

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: samarjit chowdhury <[email protected]> Date: Feb 27, 2007 4:27 PM Subject: testimony about Nutrilite PP To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Hi All, Pls find the mail below abt' the testimony of Protein Powder. Luv, Sam and Minati Gold Feb 2007 Done Deal Hi all I have read so many testimonies about the products from so many people that you have forwarded me but to be very frank , i thought that at least some of them were exaggerated. Not any more though.. My QA manager in Oracle who is pregnant has already bought 2 PP from me and today she asked for the 3rd one. i was suprised because its just 10-15 days since she had got her last bottle and that too a 500gm one. Out of curiousity i asked her how she is finishing it so fast.Thats when she said that she is taking the powder 2 times a day.Her baby's growth was very less till the day her doctor asked her to take Nutrilite PP. its like magic, there is a tremendrous improvement in her baby's growth now and thats why she is taking it 2 times a day now..she was telling me that she should have started taking this earlier as her date is just a month away now. Hope everything goes fine. i felt really bad after hearing this.We had this pdt in our hand and even then people who we know and who need it are not getting the right info and right access to these pdts. I was late in telling her because she was in our office and so i did not want to let others in office know that i am in biz. finally i send her a mail saying that my friend is distributing Nutrilite. She does not know that i am in the business even now. i feel so happy that i could do something so great in their lives. regards joe

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: amit sharma <> Date: Mar 23, 2007 9:16 AM Subject: I've improved my eyesight with Nutrilite To: bharat_ Cc: ashish_, ratishcam, akglobalmarketing, khusbucam Hi Bharat, How r u? This mail is to share my personal experience about Nutrilite, which happened last month. I improved my eyesight significantly. The power of lenses decreased by - 0.25 spherical in both eyes, and - 0.5 cylindrical in right, - 0.25 cylindrical in left eye. I've been taking Nutrilite Daily and Protein powder on a regular basis for the last 7-8 months. It's all been possible because of this. I'm really excited about this, earlier i'd read some mails, and heard it from Vikram, but personal experience is something extra special. Because of my excitement, my younger brother also has started taking these on a regular basis. And one more thing, we're not able to receive any mails related to Business from you all. Vikram told me that he's not able to forward mails from office as his seating arrangement doesn't allow that. So, for the mean time can we have the mails directly from you? And i'm switching my business mail id to akglobalmarketing. Please add this to your address book instead of er_amit Fired up !! Eagles Amit & Khushbu

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Mohammed Fayaz <[email protected]> Date: 8 Jun 2007 11:54:04 -0000 Subject: Re :Start to get as many blessings, take the help of Nutrilite Food supplements To: ankur668661 , kashyap1 < [email protected]> Cc: [email protected] Hi Ankur/Kashyap, Here is some more magic's from Nutilite products which will force people to believe in it. After this incident Jnanesh and Leela are super fired up about the business and they already sponsored 3 people. They are personally sponsored by Charles who is going to be with us in Aug 07 Eagle club.

75 People to Chennai Summer Conference from 9 Legs/ 5 Eagle to Eagle club Aug 07/Starting Platinums Aug 07 with 15 Growing working legs. Fayaz Fayiza On Fri, 8 Jun 2007 16:27:54 +0530 "Raghavaiah, Jnanesh" wrote Greetings, I am Jnanesh Raghavaiah, Software engineer, working in Bangalore. I am glad to share with team about the magic created by Nutrilite products to my family. I take this opportunity to thank my class mate Charles through whom I came to know about this Amway business and this incredible brand Nutrilite. We will be surely big in this business because of the kind of help and support we are getting from Charles. Really I thank god for making us meet each other in our life. First of all I would like to tell about the great help I got from Charles. In the month of March my mother got into a serious body injury due to an accident for which doctors' estimate around 2 months to recover to normal stage. During that time her whole body had blood clots, her muscles had been liquefied & also she had many fractures. Along with this she was running short of blood. That was the time, for god's grace Charles came into picture and suggested us to try this Food supplements. He made us to understand that; extra food supplement is requiring to reconstruct all her muscles, bone & to improve hemoglobin level. Hence we dint look behind to get this product. As per his instruction she started to consume 4 products Protein powder, Daily, Cal-Mag, and Iron-Folic on daily basis. Surprisingly within 3 weeks the Nutrilite food supplements started showing its result. She started to walk without any one's help, she started feeling healthy, blood clots started disappearing and her hemoglobin level went normal. She got discharged by 20 days instead of

2 months of doctors' expectation. We were really happy, & moreover my mom is happy about these products. And we got back our mom's life. So, why can't you also go ahead and help people who are in danger, who are in need of more food supplement to lead good health, instead of taking chemicals from medical shop? Now we are so confident of Nutrilite products and want to help as many people as possible to accumulate the blessings from them as it happened to my mother. Next mail will be followed by my wife Leela Jnanesh, where she writes about, how her sister lost 11 KGs of weight within 6 weeks of time. Regards, Jnanesh Raghavaiah Off (: - 91 80 66916940 |Mobile (: -9880406803

From: Jnanesh, Leela (GE Indust, ConsInd, consultant) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 12:41 PM To: Raghavaiah, Jnanesh Subject: FW: Positrim Weight Management – A Success story: Greetings, I am Leela Jnanesh, Software engineer, working in Bangalore. I would like to share a success story with team. Two months back I came to know about the Nutrilite Positrim Weight Management Program, which helps to lose weight scientifically. Just to brief about Positrim Weight Management, it is a scientific, comprehensive and easy to follow program. This program provides a simple plan for weight management, which comprises of losing weight sensibly and safely and thereafter maintaining the ideal weight.

I thought it might help my sister, as she weighs 74kilos, and also she wanted to reduce her weight at the least 20Kilos. I suggested her Nutrilite Positrim Weight Management Program. She started it and found positive results. After 1 month 15

days she saw a downfall in weight by 11 Kilos. That is she weighs 63kilos now. And she wants to continue it for 1 more month. With this my family is very much happy & looking for a handsome guy.

Positive results: · She is healthy & active than earlier, · No shrink marks on skin, even on face, an evenly reduce of weight all over the body. · Now my sister is so confident about this product and she wants to help as many people as possible to accumulate the blessings from them as it helped her. So, why can't you also go ahead and help those people who wants to lose their weight & want to lead a healthy life, instead of taking other X branded chemical based weight reducing program? Regards, Leela Jnanesh

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Mohammed Fayaz <[email protected]> Date: 15 Jun 2007 07:10:47 -0000 Subject: Take the help of Nutrilite Food supplements To: ankur668661 Cc: kashyap1

Hi Ankur and Kashyap, We are in the deal of accumulating the blessings of our family, friends and relatives and many more people because of this crazy business. Here is one more testimony from Nutilite products from Sharada's mom. Sharada and Dilip's faith in the products and business helps them to retail 500 PV each and every months before we even realize it. We believe they will set a trend of 20 people like them in their group to have 10000 pv volume. 75 People to Chennai Summer Conference from 9 Legs/ 5 Eagle to Eagle club Aug 07/Starting Platinums Aug 07 with 15 Growing working legs. Fayaz Fayiza sharada shenoy wrote:

hi FAYAZ/FAYIZA i just read Jnanesh & leela's experience about the magic nutralite products have done in their life i would like to add to this.... my mom was having untollerable pain in the ankles 3months ago we had been to 6 doctors and they dint know what the reason was for the pain as well how to reduce it.....it was so bad that she couldnt walk without support and she started being at home all day her outdoor activities got reduced.... it was the same time dilip n me got into the business because of u and fayiza. we started with nutralite with the faith that it would reduce my mom's pain but now no one can tell she was going through all this.....with the help of protien powder her pain is reduced to the extent that she doesnt have them at all and now she is more active in her day today work as well she goes for her regular walk!! not only her leg pain decreased her DIABITIES is reduced to normal...... she is soo happy about the product that she helped me retail a nutralite protien powder to two of her friends yesterday!!now my mom has started taking iron folic and call mag too....... thanks to u both for being there with us all the time sharada dilip!!

USAGE OF SUPPLEMENTS FOR SPECIFIC AILMENTS About Hair Health Healthy hair is not only a pleasure to behold, it is pleasing to the person that has it. A single follicle on the human scalp produces approximately .35 millimeters of hair shaft per day. The cycles of growth of each follicle consist of the building up and tearing down of the structure. After a period of rest the follicle is built anew from raw materials and each hair follicle goes through these identical processes as it grows longer and stronger. A high-quality liquid multivitamin supplies the body with the proper amino acids, vitamins and minerals that you may not be receiving in your diet to help create beautiful hair. It is important to point out at this point that many of the metabolic requirements of the cells of the hair follicle must be met at this time or adequate and optimal hair growth will not occur. This means that certain vitamins and minerals must be present in adequate proportions or there will be faulty or nonexistent hair growth. Research has shown that in our hurry up world of fast food, and extreme work schedules we have developed extraordinarily poor eating habits. This extremely poor diet affecting our general health and energy levels and makes our fingernails weaker and our hair thinner and far less healthier. Along with stress, toxins in the environment, exposure to the sun, cigarette smoke (actively or passively inhaled), excess alcohol consumption and lack of sleep sometimes makes our bodies work overtime to maintain a standard of marginal health - not optimal. These factors may lead to a decline in our cosmetic appearance, including our hair, being compromised and weakened. Because we consider our hair to be expendable and not needed to maintain your health, at least our physical health, it tends to be the last part of us to receive attention. The result of this is dull, lifeless hair, or even retarded (slowed) hair growth. What should enhance our best features has become a deterrent to our beauty as individuals and the way others possibly perceive our health and how attractive we appear to them. This does not have to be so. Remember, people subconsciously use triggers like how healthy your face or hair is to make a subconscious judgment about your overall health. Taking proper, daily vitamins and minerals plays a huge role in keeping your hair healthy. Any nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning hair or even total baldness. It is a well-known fact that an under-active thyroid can result in frizzy or brittle hair while an overactive thyroid turns hair greasy and limp. The goal is proper supplementation and proper nutritional balance. In an older person the total number of the capillary loops (blood source) supplying the hair follicles is considerably diminished. This diminution (reduction) of blood supplied to the hair follicle would require either greater blood flow through these follicles or an increased amount of nutrients of various types such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids in order to supple the hair follicle with the same amount of these materials. Since the former is unlikely, as blood vessels are decreasing instead of increasing, it appears that the latter course, mainly supplying more nutrients, would be the most logical way to keep the hair follicle in its “younger” state. Your hair ultimately reflects the overall condition of your body. If your body is healthy and wellnourished, your hair will be your shining glory. If you are having any health problems or suffering from any nutritional deficiencies, your hair may stop growing or show damage or become brittle. If your body is in good health, you can maximize your genetic growth cycle through taking the

proper blend of amino acids and B-vitamins. It is also important to include B-6, biotin, inositol and folic acid in the supplemental program. It has been found that certain minerals including magnesium, sulfur, silica and zinc are also very important toward maintaining healthy hair. Beta-carotene is also important to hair growth. This is so because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A as the body needs it, helps maintain normal growth and bone development, protective sheathing around nerve fibers, as well as promoting healthy skin, hair and nails. Besides making lifestyle changes, taking the following supplements every day is recommended to boost your hair growth: Certain vitamins, minerals and amino-acids are crucial to the metabolic pathways involved in keratin protein (hair) metabolism. Without the nutrients cited, it is well known that the hair growth process will slow or cease, leading to a potential loss of hair and substantial degradation of hair health. There is a rather adequate research basis to justify product effectiveness claims for a vitamin, mineral and amino-acid complex designed to supply the nutrients needed by healthy growing hair. Think about it. How many sick people do you know with a full head of healthy hair? A good multivitamin is the foundation of health and nutrition Healthy Hair Vitamins •

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Vitamin A - Antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. o Food sources: Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, apricots and peaches. o Daily Dose: 5,000 IU. o Warnings: More than 25,000 IU daily is toxic and can cause hair loss and other serious health problems. Vitamin C - Antioxidant that helps maintain skin & hair health. o Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. o Daily Dose: 60 mg. Vitamin E - Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. o Food sources: Cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. o Daily dose: Up to 400 IU. o Warnings: Can raise blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. People taking high blood pressure medication or anticoagulants should check with their doctors before taking Vitamin E supplements. Biotin - Helps produce keratin, may prevent graying and hair loss. o Food sources: Brewer's yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. o Daily dose: 150-300 mcg. Inositol - Keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. o Food sources: Whole grains, brewer's yeast, liver and citrus fruits. o Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg. Niacin (Vitamin B3) - Promotes scalp circulation. o Food sources: Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat. o Daily dose: 15 mg. o Warnings: Taking more than 25 mg a day can result in "niacin flush" - a temporary heat sensation due to blood cell dialiation. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - Prevents graying and hair loss. o Food sources: Whole grain cereals, brewer's yeast, organ meats and egg yolks. o Daily dose: 4-7 mg. Vitamin B6 - Prevents hair loss, helps create melanin, which gives hair its color.

Food sources: Brewer's yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. o Daily dose: 1.6 mg. o Warnings: High doses can cause numbness in hands and feet. Vitamin B12 - Prevents hair loss. o Food sources: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk. o Daily dose: 2 mg. o

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All the suggested Vitamins and the quantities are present in one Daily tablet Healthy Hair Minerals •

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Calcium - Essential for healthy hair growth. o Food sources: Dairy, tofu, fish, nuts, brewer's yeast, beans, lentils and sesame seeds. o Daily dose: Up to 1,500 mg. o Warnings: Too much calcium can inhibit the absorption of zinc and iron; An acid found in chocolate can inhibit calcium absorption. Chromium - Helps prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both of which can cause hair loss.. o Food sources: Brewer's yeast, liver, beef and whole wheat bread. o Daily dose: Up to 120 mg. o Warnings: People who are allergic to yeast should not take chromium supplements. Copper - Helps prevent hair loss as well as defects in hair color and structure. o Food sources: Shellfish, liver, green vegetables, whole grains, eggs, chicken and beans. o Daily dose: Up to 3 mg. o Warnings: High levels can lead to dry hair, hair loss and sever health problems. Iodine - Helps regulate thyroid hormones and prevents dry hair and hair loss. o Food sources: Fish, seaweed, kelp, iodized salt, garlic. o Daily dose: 150 mcg. Iron - Prevents anemia and hair loss. o Food sources: Liver, eggs, fish, chicken, whole grains, green vegetables and dried fruits. o Daily dose: 15 mg. o Warnings: Too much can lead to malfunctions of the liver and spleen. Magnesium - Works with calcium to promote healthy hair growth. o Food sources: Green vegetables, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, soy beans, chickpeas and fish. o Daily dose: 280 mg. Manganese - Prevents slow hair growth. o Food sources: Whole grain cereals, eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, fish, meat and chicken. o Daily dose: 3-9 mg. Potassium - Regulates circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. o Food sources: Avocados, bananas, lima beans, brown rice, dates, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, yams and yogurt. o Daily dose: 3,500 mg. Selenium - Keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic. o Food souces: Brewer's yeast, meat, fish, grains, tuna and broccoli. o Daily dose: 55 mcg. o Warnings: An excess of Selenium can be toxic, leading to the loss of hair, nails and teeth. Silica - Strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. o Food sources: Seafood, rice, soybeans, green vegetables.

Daily dose: 55 mcg. Warnings: An excess of Selenium can be toxic, leading to the loss of hair, nails and teeth. Sulfur (methyl-sulfonyl-methane or MSM) - Sulfur is a main component to hair's structure. o Food sources: Onions, garlic, eggs, asparagus, meat, fish and dairy products. o Daily dose: 1-3 g. Zinc - Zinc and Vitamin A work together; a deficiency in either can lead to dry hair and oily skin. o Food sources: Spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, whole grains, red meat and brewer's yeast. o Daily dose: 12 mg. o Warnings: Too much can interfere with iron absorption. o o

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Recommendation: Daily, Parselenium E, Salmon Omega and Cal-Mag combined have all the ingredients in necessary quantities. Except for the ones marked in blue. Looking at the above vitamins/minerals and quantities, Nutrilite Daily is must for any one who wants to maintain healthy hair and for people suffering for Hair loss.

Salmon Omega-3 for Heart health Currently 170 million people in India are suffering from heart diseases. That’s close to 17% of the population now. 60% of heart patients across the world would be Indian by 2010 – WHO By looking at the above facts and results, it becomes obvious that we need to take care of our heart and make sure that we are less prone to heart related problems. To take care of heart, we need to check and maintain the levels of fatty acids present in our body. Human body has two types of fatty acids. a. Poly unsaturated fatty acids b. Saturated fatty acids Poly unsaturated fatty acids are not synthesized in the body and they need to come through our food. They are also called essential fatty acids. They are of two types Omega-6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids come through sunflower oil, corn flower oil etc. Omega-3 refers to a category of long-chain polyunsaturated fats in which the first unsaturated bond, a double bond, is in the third position from the first carbon. There are three main types of these fatty acids: • • •

Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular disease incidence. People at a risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources. Sources that contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acid include fish and fish oil. Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes. For alpha-linolenic acid, a total intake of 1.5–3 grams per day seems beneficial. The AHA Dietary Guidelines recommendation is to include at least two servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) per week. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes). They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular event. Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help people with high

triglycerides, who need even larger doses. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use. Source: American Heart Association (AHA) Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency symptoms Dry +/- scaly +/- flaky +/- lackluster skin Dry, lackluster or unruly hair Dandruff or hair loss Soft, fraying or brittle fingernails Slow growing fingernails Cracking/peeling skin (e.g. fingertips) Patchy dullness on skin Raised nodules on the back of the upper arm Menstrual cramps & premenstrual breast pain Excessive ear wax Frequent urination & excessive thirst Impaired memory Vision impairment Depression Crave fatty foods People with conditions such as autism and schizophrenia often have abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism, in which case the optimum intake of fatty acids would be different to that of the general population. Any one with a serious health condition would ideally work with a health professional who can give individualized nutritional advice. It is not enough to simply increase omega-3 fats, omega-6 fats must also be reduced for an optimum effect. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids compete for sites in cell membranes where they play an important role in regulating cellular function. ======================================================================= Heart Vitamins An essential part of maintaining your health, heart vitamins contribute to the well-being of your cardiovascular system as well as the rest of your body. Therefore, you have to be sure to include them in your diet to prevent heart disease and the onset of other preventable conditions. What are heart healthy vitamins? Of all the essential nutrients that our bodies need on a regular basis, vitamins are perhaps the most researched and well-known. Ever since we were children, we were told of the importance of taking our vitamins. These nutrients help our body perform hundreds of different functions and without we simply cannot survive. Heart vitamins are specific vitamins which contribute to overall heart health and function, while helping prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. The most important group of vitamins specifically for heart health is the B Vitamin Family. These vitamins serve specific functions that can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. The B Vitamins, specifically folic acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are all responsible for helping the body remove homocysteine from the blood. High levels of

homocysteine can cause artery damage. Meat is a good source of B vitamins, which is why vegetarians have an increased risk of dangerous homocysteine levels. It is especially important that they supplement these important heart healthy vitamins. Vitamin B3, known more commonly as niacin, may also reduce cholesterol in high concentrations, although further testing is needed to prove this conclusively. As far as other heart vitamins are concerned, Vitamin E and Vitamin C work in conjunction with each other to prevent heart disease and other ailments through their antioxidant abilities. Antioxidants are substances that remove toxic byproducts of chemical reactions in the body. That's why you hear so much about antioxidants - they are responsible for clearing out highly reactive chemicals that circulate in the body, making sure they don't cause cell and tissue damage. It is this damage that is believed to cause heart disease, cancer and premature aging. Although these are extremely important, there are many other nutrients that you need to maintain the health of your heart. Remember that your heart is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your entire body, so not only do you need nutrients that strengthen the heart but also nutrients for the rest of your body. These include heart vitamins as well as minerals, amino acids, Omega 3 fatty acids and herbal extracts, many of which offer more potent health benefits than vitamins. Soy and Cholesterol The link between soy and cholesterol has been a hot topic in recent years, as nutritionists have been comparing soy-based diets of Asian cultures with non soy-based diets of the West. Recent research suggests that soy may play a role in the fact that the cardiovascular disease death rate in Americans is more than double that in Japan. What is soy and how are soy and cholesterol related? Soy comes from the soy bean, which is a member of the pea family. Soy is a legume, meaning it takes in nitrogen and converts this nitrogen into protein. Soy protein contains all of the amino acids the body needs, and has become very popular in recent years as a substitute for animal protein. In 1999, the FDA boosted soy protein's popularity by allowing manufacturers to indicate that these products may help reduce the risk of heart disease. In terms of the link between soy and cholesterol, 27 clinical studies pointed to soy protein's ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels. One of the studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995 concluded that soy protein can significantly lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as triglycerides (fats), another leading risk factor of heart disease. What are soy isoflavones? Soy, like all plants, contains many different chemical components. One of these components is a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones, which are a relatively weak form of estrogen. Isoflavones have been the topic of much recent debate, as evidence of their effect on the body is mostly inconclusive. Many believe the benefits of soy isoflavones are as follows: Some say soy isoflavones may help protect against cancer. They can suppress the production of stress proteins, which facilitate cancer cell survival. Soy isoflavones also have antioxidant abilities, meaning they can help rid the body of toxic chemicals called free radicals, therefore warding off disease, illness, and premature aging. For women, soy isoflavones have been shown to prevent estrogen-related bone loss and can reduce some of the symptoms of menopause.

However, much more research has to be conducted regarding soy isoflavones' role in cancer prevention and menopause alleviation. Pls refer to for detailed info: http://www.healthy-heart-guide.com/ http://www.healthy-heart-guide.com/heart-nutrients.html

RESEARCH PAPERS & OTHER REFERENCES Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:04:42 -0800 (PST) From: Madhu Ramanna < [email protected]> Subject: Arthritis papers and gifs + glucosamine To: Sapna <[email protected] > Hi Sapna, Glucosamine is a supplement that is known to help arthritis. In some cases it has reversed osteo arthritis. Its use has resulted in marked decrease of knee replacement surgeries as reported in Annual European Congress of Rheumatology 2005 in Vienna by Karel Pavelka, M.D., I'm attaching a paper published in British Society of Rheumatology about taking glucosamine for arthritis. Have attached pictures showing healthy joint, arthritis joint and info about glucosamine. Have also attached abstract by Karel Pavelka. regards, Madhu

Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis

Rheumatology 2004;43:100–101 doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg458 Advance Access publication 16 July 2003 Debates in Rheumatology This house believes that we should advise our patients with osteoarthritis of the knee to take glucosamine J. J. Manson and A. Rahman Introduction Glucosamine is a natural aminomonosaccharide, which is a normal constituent of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. Oral glucosamine is taken by patients with osteoarthritis in the belief that it can improve symptoms and act as a diseasemodifying agent. It is not available for prescription as a drug, so that patients generally have to buy it. This can represent a significant cost. Rheumatologists have not reached a consensus as to whether the evidence in favour of glucosamine is strong enough to justify our advising patients to take it [1]. This issue was debated at the Centre for Rheumatology, University College Hospitals London NHS Trust on 6 February 2003. The debate is summarized below. Proposition Osteoarthritis of the knee is very common, and patients with this condition often suffer greatly from symptoms that may respond poorly to the available treatments. Some of those treatments, notably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have major adverse effects. Therefore, any new medication which is safe and which shows evidence of even mild beneficial effects should be welcomed. Glucosamine is the most convincing product of this type. There are good biological reasons to believe that glucosamine could have beneficial effects on cartilage in osteoarthritis. Experiments on cultured human chondrocytes have shown that glucosamine increases the production of aggrecans [2], and reduces the formation of nitric oxide and interleukin 6 in response to interleukin 1_ [3]. It may therefore exert both chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, experiments in animals have suggested that circulating glucosamine can localize in cartilage. Although early trials were often of short duration and had methodological flaws, a meta-analysis by McAlinden et al. [4] showed that the evidence favoured a modest beneficial effect. Subsequently, two large trials of approximately 200 patients, followed for 3 yr in each case, have confirmed that impression. Both Pavelka et al. [5] and Reginster et al. [6] carried out methodologically sound, randomized, placebo-controlled doubleblind studies. In each case, the group of patients treated with glucosamine showed reduced narrowing of the tibiofemoral joint space at 3 yr compared with the placebo group. This supports the hypothesis that glucosamine acts as a disease-modifying drug in osteoarthritis of the knee. Pavelka’s group also reported that fewer patients in the glucosamine group reached a cut-off value of 0.5mm joint space narrowing during the period of the study. This level was considered to represent severe narrowing of the tibiofemoral joint space. Furthermore, the glucosamine-treated group in each study had significantly better functional outcomes than the placebo group, as measured on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities

(WOMAC) index. Although mild adverse effects such as abdominal pain and dyspepsia were reported, these tended to be transient. There was no convincing evidence that glucosamine causes severe adverse effects such as diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, glucosamine is a safe drug for which a body of evidence suggests effectiveness in relieving symptoms, increasing function and modifying disease progression in osteoarthritis of the knee. We should recommend it to our patients. Opposition Glucosamine is unproven as a treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee. Advising patients to buy it on the basis that it will improve their osteoarthritis cannot be justified on the basis of the available evidence, much of which is flawed. The evidence from the study of cultured chondrocytes in vitro is of dubious relevance to the treatment of osteoarthritis in vivo. No evidence was advanced in these studies to suggest that osteoarthritic cartilage is deficient in glucosamine, or that the particular functional changes demonstrated in the cultured cells could reverse the changes found in cartilage of osteoarthritic joints. A more important criticism is that the concentrations of glucosamine used in these experiments probably exceed those which could be achieved in cartilage following oral administration of glucosamine. For this reason, the author of a paper on cultured chondrocytes stated that his results could not be applied for explanation of the therapeutic efficacy of glucosamine [3]. Although the systematic review of McAlinden et al. [4] of early trials of glucosamine in osteoarthritis concluded that there was a modest beneficial effect, these authors raised a number of serious concerns about the six trials that they reviewed. In particular, four were funded by drug manufacturers, five had inadequate evidence of allocation concealment and there was a suspicion of publication bias in view of the absence of small trials with negative results. Despite the plea of McAlinden et al. for further studies independent of pharmaceutical industry funding, the three major placebo-controlled studies carried out since that systematic review were all supported by drug manufacturers. Although the studies of Pavelka et al. [5] and Reginster et al. [6] did show statistically significant differences between groups of patients treated with glucosamine and with placebo, the clinical implications of these differences are not clear. Patients recruited to these studies had mild to moderate osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence grades 2 and 3 on radiographs). The mean scores on the WOMAC index at baseline were below the midpoints of the scales and many patients were not complaining of symptoms severe 100 Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK. Rheumatology Vol. 43 No. 1 _ British Society for Rheumatology 2003; all rights reserved enough to require analgesia; 51% of the patients studied by Reginster et al. [6] had not required any pharmacological treatment for osteoarthritis in the 6 months prior to enrolment. It is therefore unclear whether the patients in this trial are representative of the majority of patients referred to rheumatology clinics with osteoarthritis of the knee. It is also unclear whether the differences in tibiofemoral joint space between the glucosamine and placebo groups represent an outcome that is relevant to the progression of disease in these patients. There was no correlation between radiological outcome and symptoms in either trial. Furthermore, neither trial demonstrated any difference in the use of rescue medications (paracetamol

and/or NSAIDs) between the glucosamine and placebo groups. This argues against the use of glucosamine as a drug that can reduce the need for NSAIDs in osteoarthritis of the knee. In contrast, a third placebo-controlled trial studied an outcome of immediate clinical relevance in a less circumscribed population. The patients studied by Hughes and Carr [7] had a wide range of degrees of severity of osteoarthritis (including some with Kellgren and Lawrence grade 4 disease) and all of them had suffered discomfort in the affected knee on most days in the 3 months before enrolment. The primary outcome measure was global assessment of pain, analysed by an area under the curve technique. These authors found no difference between glucosamine and placebo groups in the primary outcome measure or WOMAC scales, despite the fact that the study was adequately powered. Thus, whereas two studies (funded by a single company) concluded that glucosamine is better than placebo, a third study (funded by a different company) found no such difference. The third study was smaller (80 patients) and of shorter duration (6 months) than the first two. However, the first two studies had much higher dropout rates (33–46%) in both the glucosamine and placebo groups than the third (5 patients out of 80 dropped out), though statistical calculations allowed for this and still showed a difference between glucosamine and placebo in those studies. The opposition therefore concluded that, at best, the published data could only show that glucosamine manufactured by one particular company has a mild beneficial effect in patients who have mild symptoms in the first place. This is not sufficient evidence to justify asking patients to spend their money on this product, especially as there is no clear rationale to explain its mode of action in osteoarthritis. Discussion Contributions from the floor showed a range of opinions, underlining the difficulty of reaching a consensus about this issue. A number of speakers explained that they already recommend glucosamine to some patients with osteoarthritis because it is safe and may offer some symptomatic relief in patients who have few other therapeutic options. This particularly applies to patients who are highly symptomatic, but in whom structural damage is not sufficient to justify knee replacement surgery. These speakers felt that the range of patients included in the trials of Pavelka et al. and Reginster et al. was broad enough to be relevant to their own populations of patients. The cost of purchasing glucosamine may be a barrier for some patients, and may be considered before recommending it in individual cases. In contrast, some other speakers were troubled by the fact that most of the major studies supporting use of glucosamine were funded by manufacturers of this product. Some felt that, in advising a patient to spend his or her money on glucosamine, rheumatologists might confer a degree of approval on this product that is not justified by the evidence. Conversely, it could be argued that many drugs of undisputed efficacy are available today as a result of trials funded by the pharmaceutical industry. The beneficial effects of glucosamine seem to be relatively modest, and it may be unreasonable to deprive patients of this therapeutic option just because the evidence is not yet perfect. Interestingly, the vote showed equal numbers for and against the motion, with several abstentions. We were unable to reach a clear decision and have therefore not adopted a policy on glucosamine. Individual doctors in our unit must continue to make their own decisions about whether to recommend this

product to patients, and it is hoped that this debate will help them to make that choice. The authors have declared no conflicts of interest. References 1. Chard J, Dieppe P. Glucosamine for osteoarthritis: magic, hype or confusion? Br Med J 2001;322:1439–40. 2. Bassleer C, Rovati LC, Franchimont P. Glucosamine sulfate stimulates proteoglycan production in human chondrocytes in vitro. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998;6:427–34. 3. Shikhman AR, Kuhn K, Alaaeddine N, Lotz M. N-acetylglucosamine prevents IL-1_ mediated activation of human chondrocytes. J Immunol 2001;155:5155–60. 4. McAlinden TE, Lavalley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. J Am Med Assoc 2000;283:1469–75. 5. Pavelka K, Gatterova J, Olejarova M, Machacek S, Giacovelli G, Rovati LC. Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:2113–23. 6. Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC et al. Long term effects of glucosamine sulfate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001;357:251–6. 7. Hughes R, Carr A. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of glucosamine sulfate as an analgesic in osteoarthritis of the knee. Rheumatology 2002;41:279–84. Debate: efficacy of glucosamine in OA of the knee 101 http://www.abstracts2view.com/eular/view.php?nu=EULAR05L1_2005SAT0227&terms= 1 of 1 12/21/2006 9:25 AM [2005] [SAT0227] EFFECT OF GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE ON TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT, TIME TO SURGERY AND OUTCOME PREDICTORS: 5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF A 3-YEAR TRIAL IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS K. Pavelka1, J. Gatterova 2 , G. Giacovelli 3 , M. Olejarova 2 , L.C. Rovati 3 1Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, 2Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Prague 2, Czech Republic, 3Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Rotta Research Laboratorium-Rottapharm, Monza, Italy Background: Glucosamine sulfate prevented radiographic joint space narrowing (JSN) and relieved symptoms in two randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 3-year trials in knee osteoarthritis (OA) (1,2). Objectives: To assess and characterize the effect of glucosamine sulfate on the incidence of joint replacement after a further long-term follow-up. Methods: Knee OA patients from our 3-year study (2), who had been in the trial for at least 12 months and then followed by standard care after discontinuation of the study medication, were sistematically contacted. Onehundred-thirty-six patients (67 formerly on placebo and 69 on glucosamine sulfate), i.e. 78.6% of this original cohort, could be retrieved. Occurrence of joint surgery was assessed by a standardised questionnaire, checked against patient medical records. Incidence of total knee replacement was compared between the two former groups and within possible outcome predictors by the chi-square test, with calculation of Relative Risk (RR). A survival analysis on time to surgery was performed by the Log Rank test. Finally, a subset of 101 patients (47 and 54 from the two groups, respectively) accepted to perform also a standing AP knee radiograph according to the standardised technique used in the trial, for measurement of medial tibiofemoral minimum joint space width (JSW) with a

magnifying glass by two readers, randomising the sequence of radiographs; comparisons were performed by ANOVA. All assessments were double-blinded. Results: Median duration of follow-up after the trial was for additional 5 years (64 months, range 40-90 months). A total of 14 patients, out of the 136 retrieved, had undergone knee replacement: 11/67 previously on placebo (16.4%) and 3/69 on glucosamine sulfate (4.3%), with a 73% decrease in risk with the latter (RR=0.27, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.91, p=0.021). The survival analysis also pointed out a significant difference in favour of glucosamine sulfate in delaying the recourse to surgery (p=0.023). JSN>0.5 mm during the former 3-year trial was a good predictor of knee replacement during follow-up, since these patients had a significant increase in the risk of undergoing this surgery [RR=3.23 (1.15 to 9.02)]. Glucosamine sulfate had decreased by over 60% (from 14% to 5%) the proportion of patients with JSN >0.5 mm during the trial. The former placebo patients in which a radiograph was taken at follow-up showed a significant JSN during the trial compared with those on glucosamine sulfate [mean (and 95% CI) difference in JSW from baseline: -0.07 mm (-0.19 to 0.07) vs. 0.17 mm (0.03 to 0.31), respectively; p=0.017], and still tended to have a greater JSN on the overall 8-year observation period [-0.62 mm (-0.82 to –0.41) vs. –0.47 mm (-0.66 to –0.28); NS: p=0.30]. Conclusion: Treatment for up to 3 years with glucosamine sulfate decreased and retarded total knee replacement in knee OA patients during an additional follow-up of 5 years after drug withdrawal. This result might be explained by the effect on joint structure achieved during treatment. References: 1. Reginster et al, Lancet 2001;357:251-6; 2) Pavelka et al, Arch Intern Med 2002;162:2113-23 Osteoarthritis Clinical aspects and treatment Citation: Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64(Suppl III):481 Close Window

Glucosamine - Supplements http://www.supplementwatch.com/suplib/supplementPrintFriendly.asp?D... 1 of 2 12/21/2006 8:29 AM << Back to Review Print Glucosamine Description Glucosamine is an aminopolysaccharide (a combination of an amino acid glutamine and a sugar - glucose). Glucosamine is concentrated in joint cartilage where it is incorporated in longer chains known as glycosaminoglycans and finally into very large structures known as proteoglycans. The proteoglycans function to attract water into the joint space for lubrication of the cartilage during movement. Claims Reverses osteoarthritis Protects joints and tendons from injury Decreases inflammation Theory The principle behind glucosamine supplementation is that the glucosamine is delivered to the joint space and incorporated into proteoglycans of joint cartilage to maintain structure and repair damage. Glucosamine may also stimulate chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to begin producing healthy new cartilage matrix (both collagen and proteoglycans). Scientific Support There are numerous European studies showing a clear benefit of glucosamine supplements for relief of joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Many of the studies have been criticized for lack of scientific control, short duration and small size, but recent meta-analyses of the smaller studies have supported the beneficial role of glucosamine supplements as a safe and effective approach to treating osteoarthritis. In general 1-3 months of glucosamine supplementation seems to be more effective than a placebo and at least as effective as analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, in reducing the joint pain of osteoarthritis. Until more rigorous studies are conducted in the United States, the Arthritis Foundation has stated that it cannot recommend glucosamine supplements as a treatment for osteoarthritis, but this stand has not stopped the Foundation from accepting financial support from the producer of the best selling brand of glucosamine supplements on the market – Rexall Sundown’s Osteo-Bi-Flex. Perhaps the supplements with the best clinical substantiation are Dona from Rotta Labs and Cosamin from NutraMax Labs. Safety Occasional symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort have been noted, but no significant adverse effects have been noted with glucosamine supplementation. Although there have been no long-term safety studies conducted in humans, animal studies on glucosamine have found it to be non-toxic. Diabetics may want to exercise a degree of caution when using glucosamine supplements, as there have been several animal studies and one small human pilot study that have suggested an increase in blood sugar levels during regular glucosamine consumption (though most of the animal studies have used injections of glucosamine). Value Glucosamine supplements tend to be among the more expensive products on the shelf. A one-month supply of capsules can range from $15 to well over $100. Because they have to be consumed for 1-3 months before any noticeable benefit is apparent, you may need to invest a significant amount of money before you realize any benefits. However, because arthritis pain is one of the most debilitating conditions, most people dealing with such pain would gladly invest a dollar or so per day in a supplement that relieved their discomfort and helped repair their damaged cartilage tissue. For people with existing chronic joint pain, glucosamine supplements are probably worth the significant dollar investment for the benefits that they deliver. For those individuals with intermittent joint pain or those with more mild joint stiffness, the high cost associated with glucosamine supplements may not be justified - and the money might be better spent on other more relevant supplements. Dosage No dose-response studies have been conducted with glucosamine supplements. Virtually all oral supplementation studies on glucosamine have used 1500mg per day - usually in 3 divided doses of 500mg each. While this level appears to be an

Glucosamine - Supplements http://www.supplementwatch.com/suplib/supplementPrintFriendly.asp?D... 2 of 2 12/21/2006 8:29 AM effective dose, there is no information to suggest that a higher does would work better or faster - or that a lower dose would be less effective. A common supplementation strategy, which can decrease the daily cost of supplements, is to consume 1500mg of glucosamine per day for the first 60-90 days of your regimen, followed by a reduced intake of 250-750mg per day as a "maintenance level." Following the initial 60-90 day period, dosage levels can be increased or decreased based on individual pain and stiffness levels. Related Supplements Chondroitin References 1. Barclay TS, Tsourounis C, McCart GM. Glucosamine. Ann Pharmacother. 1998 May;32(5):574-9. 2. da Camara CC, Dowless GV. Glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis. Ann Pharmacother. 1998 May;32(5):580-7. 3. Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999 May;25(2):379-95. 4. Delafuente JC. Glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000 Feb;26(1):1-11. 5. Denham AC, Newton WP. Are glucosamine and chondroitin effective in treating osteoarthritis? J Fam Pract. 2000 Jun;49(6):571-2. 6. Donohoe M. Efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis. JAMA. 2000 Sep 13;284(10):1241; discussion 1242. 7. Houpt JB, McMillan R, Wein C, Paget-Dellio SD. Effect of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 1999 Nov;26(11):2423-30. 8. Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K, Smolen JS. A metaanalysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000 Jan;27(1):205-11. 9. Leffler CT, Philippi AF, Leffler SG, Mosure JC, Kim PD. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese ascorbate for degenerative joint disease of the knee or low back: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Mil Med. 1999 Feb;164(2):85-91. 10. Mautone G. Efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis. JAMA. 2000 Sep 13;284(10):1241; discussion 1242. 11. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Felson DT. Efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis. JAMA. 2000 Sep 13;284(10):1241. 12. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2000 Mar 15;283(11):1469-75. 13. Rindone JP, Hiller D, Collacott E, Nordhaugen N, Arriola G. Randomized, controlled trial of glucosamine for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. West J Med. 2000 Feb;172(2):91-4. 14. Towheed TE, Anastassiades TP. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis: evidence is widely touted but incomplete. JAMA. 2000 Mar 15;283(11):1483-4. copyright supplementwatch Inc. 2006

Soy protein ingredients and their health benefits SHANNON L. KOSKI Protient, Inc. 1751 West County Road B Suite 200 St. Paul, Minnesota 55113, USA ABSTRACT This paper is a literature review and summary of studies conducted worldwide evaluating the health benefits of soy protein ingredients. The focus is on soy proteins and isoflavones and their role in maintaining women's health, heart health, bone health, muscle mass and prostate health in men. In each case, consumption of soyfoods is attributed to positive changes in health attributes in men and/or women. INTRODUCTION In supermarkets everywhere, retailers are reorganizing shelves to make room for soy containing foods. This trend can be attributed to the increased consumer acceptance of soy, which is linked to the growing awareness of soy as a healthy food ingredient. Soy as an ingredient comes in several forms including soy oil, lecithin, meal, flour, protein concentrates and isolates. The healthy attributes of soy have been linked to the isoflavones naturally occurring in soy in conjunction with the soy protein. Therefore, this paper will focus on the latter four soy ingredients (meal, flour, concentrates and isolates) as these are shown to result in the most health benefits. Soy isoflavones are phytochemicals that offer specific biological effects. They are considered to be possible selective estrogen receptor modulators but possess nonhormonal properties that also may contribute to their effects (1). Soybeans contain two primary isoflavones, genistein and daidzein. A third isoflavone, glycitin is present in smaller amounts. Typically, genistein is found at the highest level in soyfoods, although the source of beans and how they have been processed does have an effect on the ratio of isoflavones (2). Soybeans are the only food source that contains nutritionally significant amounts of isoflavones, adding to their allure. Isoflavones are not water soluble and can be lost during processing as they may be washed away during alcohol extraction. There can be as much as an eightfold variation in isoflavone content in soy ingredients making it imperative that formulators consider isoflavone levels of an ingredient before choosing it for their soy food (2). The second constituent of high nutritional regard in soy is the protein component. Soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the indispensable amino acids required by the body in the correct proportions and amounts to meet human needs for growth, maintenance and repair of living tissues. Soy protein is the only complete plant based protein which is available to those maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle and is equal in protein quality to milk, whey, meat and egg proteins. Soy protein and the component parts, the amino acids, serve as building blocks for synthesis of protein into skeletal muscles. Muscles need protein to repair, rebuild and grow. In accordance with the guidelines given by WHO/FAO/UNU, soy protein used as a sole source of protein in the daily diet will support normal muscle formation and maintain nitrogen balance in both children and adults (3). A great deal of research has been conducted in both animals and humans to determine the healthy effects of soyfoods. Because of the chemical similarity of isoflavones to estrogen, much of the research has been centered on women's health issues where a variety of benefits have been shown. Some of these include reduction of menopausal symptoms and breast health. General population studies have also been conducted and have found that soyfoods may promote heart health and cholesterol reduction, bone health, muscle mass, and prostate health in men. Each of these topics will be discussed in detail, with only human studies included and cited as the animal studies are less relevant. WOMEN'S HEALTH For many women, menopausal hormonal changes lead to uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms. An increasing number of women are avoiding oestrogen treatment due to side effects and fear of increased risk of cancer. Due to a much higher incidence of Western women reporting hot flashes than Asian women, it is thought that soy isoflavones

may exert oestrogenic effects. The effectiveness of phytooestrogen is supported by a prospective study of post menopausal Japanese women that suggests an inverse association between hot flashes and soyfood consumption. In this study, women taking 51mg/day isoflavones were half as likely to have symptoms as those taking 20 mg/day (4). Nearly all studies reported a 20-30 percent reduction in symptoms in the placebo group, and additional reductions of 10-20 percent were seen in intervention studies using soy foods, soy protein isolate and soy extracts providing 30-100 mg/day isoflavones (5). The epidemiologic data supporting an inverse association between phyto-estrogens and breast cancer risk are suggestive of benefits, but not strongly so. Data from a study conducted in China reports that women who consume greater quantities of soy foods as adolescents have lower breast cancer risk as adults (6). A study performed using Asian-American subjects confirmed these results. Thus, it appears that soy phytoestrogens are cancer preventative, particularly when consumed early in life (5). HEART HEALTH The effects of soyfoods on cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels are by far the most studied aspects of soy health effects. In human clinical intervention trials, soy product consumption reduces levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Soy consumption also can improve plasma lipids while the isoflavones reduce low-density lipoprotein oxidation and improve vascular reactivity (7). In 1995, meta-analysis of thirty eight controlled clinical trials examining the relationship between soy protein consumption and serum lipid concentration in humans was completed and prompted the US Food and Drug Administration to approve a health claim for the relationship between consumption of soy protein and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The results of this meta-analysis found that the consumption of soy protein rather than animal protein significantly decreased serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides without significantly affecting serum HDL cholesterol concentrations (8). This health claim has significantly raised awareness in the US of the healthy attributes of soyfoods. Another important study because of its size was conducted on Chinese women and confirmed an inverse relationship between soy intake and cardiovascular disease. 75,322 women living in Shanghai, China between the ages of 40 and 70 years participated in a study to examine the relationship between soyfood intake and incidence of coronary heart disease. After a mean of 2.5 years of follow-up, sixty two incident cases of coronary heart disease were documented. There was a clear monotonic dose relationship between soyfood intake and risk of total coronary heart disease (P for trend=0.003) with an adjusted relative risk (RR) of 0.25 observed for women in the highest versus the lowest quartile of total soy protein intake. The inverse association was more pronounced for nonfatal myocardial infraction (RR=0.14; P for trend=0.001) for the highest versus the lowest quartile of soy intake (9). This study provides direct confirmation that soyfood consumption may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. MUSCLE MASS Protein plays an important role in building and maintaining muscle mass. Studies have shown that soy protein, a high quality protein, supports formation of lean body mass, enhances muscle recovery and reduces the oxidative stress or muscle inflammation in exercising individuals (13). Soy protein contains higher levels of the essential amino acids arginine and glutamine. Arginine promotes anabolic activity of muscles that result in muscle formation while glutamine buffers lactic acid build-up to reduce fatigue during and after exercise. In the past decade several studies have been conducted in the United States and European Universities and Sport Physiology Research Institutes on the favorable effects of soy protein on lean muscle mass development, performance and chemical markers of muscle fatigue as well as muscle recovery time following strenuous training. The results of these studies comparing soy protein to whey protein or casein indicate that soy protein supplementation results in measurable effects in strength and endurance and a favorable effect on the chemical markers of muscle fatigue in athletes using soy versus other protein sources (13). In another study, lean body mass was examined in males from a university weight training class given daily servings of protein bars containing whey or soy (33 g protein/day, 9 weeks, n=9 for each protein treatment group). A control group did the training, but did not consume either type of bar. Both the whey and the soy treatment groups showed a gain in lean body mass, but the training-only group did not. Only the soy group showed the added benefit of preserving two aspects of antioxidant function, while the

whey and training only groups saw and increase in radical scavenging capacity (a negative antioxidant activity) (14). Thus, there are strong supporting results that soy is an appropriate protein source for improved muscle mass and potentially for improved antioxidant activity as well. PROSTATE HEALTH Data on soy effects in men's health is much more sparse compared to women, but several studies show promising results. Soyfoods are a unique dietary source of isoflavones, which have both hormonal and non-hormonal effects related to prostate cancer prevention. In vitro, the main soybean isoflavone, genistein, inhibits prostate cancer cell growth. Currently, there is limited epidemiologic data to indicate soy intake reduces cancer risk, but results from a pilot intervention trial suggest that isoflavones may be beneficial to prostate cancer patients. For several reasons, men concerned about their prostate health may consider incorporating soy into their diets (3). BONE HEALTH After menopause, women experience up to a ten fold increase in the rate of bone loss (10). Since bone loss is generally thought to be related to a decline in estrogen levels, there has been great interest in the possibility that soy phyto-estrogens might exert similar effects as endogenous estrogen and prevent the development of osteoporosis. Due to the high intake of soyfoods in the Asia-Pacific diet, much data is available from the region on the effect of soy intake as related to bone mass. One study was conducted using a cross-sectional study of the effects of soybean protein intake on bone mineral density and biochemical markers in eighty five postmenopausal Japanese women. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that soy protein intake is significantly associated with the Z-score for lumbar spine bone mineral density (beta=0.225, p=0.04) and urinary deoxypyridinoline among four nutritional factors. These results suggest that high soy protein intake is associated with a higher bone mineral density and a lower level of bone resorption (11). Another study investigated the effect of soy isoflavone intake on the maintenance of peak bone mass in 132 Hong Kong Chinese women ages 30-40 years old. Baseline measurements of spinal bone mineral density were obtained as well as dietary intake of soy foods and other key nutrients including calcium were recorded. Repeated measurements were obtained yearly for three years. At the conclusion of the study, it was shown that soy intake had a significant effect on the maintenance of spinal bone mineral density in women 30-40 years of age (12).The evidence that isoflavones have clinically important benefits on bone health is suggestive but not conclusive, and more research is needed in this area (5) CONCLUSION Though stronger research and data exists in some areas more than others, soyfoods have been found to have advantageous health benefits for many ailments. Soy protein and isoflavones can help reduce menopausal symptoms in women as well as prevent breast cancer if consumed at an early age. Soy also is beneficial to maintain heart health and low cholesterol, bone health, muscle mass and prostate health in men. Given the increasing number of products containing soy, and the improving flavor of such products, soyfoods should be incorporated into the diet of most adults for their numerous health benefits.

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Going bald? Try these solutions Dr Parul Kolhe

August 09, 2005

Name the one hair problem that causes the most amount of anguish among men? You're right. It's baldness. In the past, men would simply accept it and get on with their lives. But today's generation is more conscious about their looks. They demand explanations and, luckily for them, in some cases there are solutions as well. This is where we dermatologists can help Blame it on testosterone The basic cause of male pattern hair loss -- or Androgenetic Alopecia as it is technically known -- are the male hormones. The hair's response to these hormones is genetically determined. The more baldness genes you inherit, the worse your problem. So, if your father and mother's family have the baldness gene, you are much more likely to develop this problem. When will you hair begin to fall? Once you reach adolescence and your male hormones activate, they start affecting your hair which is genetically programmed to fall in response to testosterone. The hair fall may start as early as adolescence but becomes visible a bit later. This depends on factors like your initial hair density, the speed with which you are losing hair and how vigilant you are about your problem. The loss of 50-70 hair strands a day is normal. Any more, and visible thinning is apparent. Your hairline first begins to recede from the forehead and the sides. The next stage is thinning on the top of your scalp. The progressive final stages are when this receding hairline meets the baldness on top. Finally, only a thin fringe of hair around the sides and back of the head is left. Most men realise they are faced with a balding problem when they are 25-35 years old but it is not uncommon to see this problem manifesting itself much earlier these days.

Baldness vs other types of hair loss Hair loss could be caused by many other reasons -- the most common being stress, prolonged illness or poor nutrition. Hair falls about eight to 10 weeks after the occurrence of these causes. If you have worked late nights and long hours on a project, been sick with typhoid or had any long illness or surgery, or have been on a strict diet two months ago, that could be the cause of your present hair loss. This type of hair loss does not follow the pattern of frontal recession like male pattern baldness. It also stops after a few weeks of consuming a high protein nutritious diet, iron and multivitamin supplements and destressing. Dieticians recommend protein powders like Nutrilite (an Amway product that costs Rs1,550) or Ensure (Rs175, available at all chemists). Help is at hand Most men, especially those who fall in the younger age group, get extremely upset about male pattern balding. Don't worry, several solutions are available nowadays. Get in touch with your dermatologist to assess the severity of your hair loss. S/ he will then get you started on a treatment programme (these medications need a prescription). ~ You may be started on a lotion called Minoxidil, available as Mintop (with all chemists, Rs 175 for two percent and Rs 375 for five percent) or Coverit (Rs 135 for two percent and Rs 300 for five percent). ~ Combinations of Minoxidil with other drugs are also available as Trigaine liquid (Rs180). This must be applied very carefully. Exactly one millilitre should be measured out and spread over the scalp twice a day. ~ Do not apply any hair oil as the medication will not get absorbed. The medicine takes about six weeks to show its effect and will have to be used in the long term. ~ Oral medications like Finasteride may also be used to treat severe cases, but this MUST be taken under medical supervision. The alternatives ~ Hair transplants are fairly common these days. They cost approximately between Rs 1 and Rs 1.5 lakhs and involve transplanting single hair strands from the back and side of the scalp to the front and top. However, keep your expectations realistic -- you can't look as good as you did 10 years ago. ~ If that option is too expensive, hair weaves can be made on order (about Rs 7,000-Rs 15,000 depending on the size of your bald patch). These are synthetic hair strands, carefully chosen to match your hair type, woven into a skin coloured mesh that approximates the shape and size of your bald patch and can be clipped or glued on your scalp. They look quite natural and are indistinguishable from the real thing. So, whatever your budget, there are ways to tackle this problem. Do not lose heart, because you CAN control that receding hairline. Do you have a skin query for Dr Parul Kolhe? Write to us.

Dr Parul S Kolhe is an M B B S, DDV and DNB in dermatology.