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Don t miss a single issue of VR in 2017...go online to renew your free subscription today VitaminRetailer.com Jan17 www.vitaminretailer.com Go to www.vitaminretailer.com nahs for info about this advertiser Go to www.vitaminretailer.com wakunaga for info about this advertiser d o ou ter Pr or p up S f TABLEOFCONTENTS JANUARY17 VOLUME 24 NUMBER 1 22 26 30 38 Features 22 Natural Woman Women are seeking targeted supplement formulations. 26 Strengthening the Body s Scaffolding Manufacturers are looking toward more comprehensive formulas to address bone muscle and joint health. www.facebook.com vitaminretailermagazine 30 Herbal Expectations Botanical and herbal product sales continue to grow but manufacturers must step up to consumer demand. Visit VitaminRetailer.com FreeProductInfo for FREE Product Information orSamples from All Vitamin Retailer Advertisers Also Sign Up for the FREE E-newsletter VitaminRetailer.com Columns 4 18 34 Off the Cuff Retail Fundamentals Supplement Science 36 38 41 Product Spotlight Health & Nutrition Natural Medicine Departments 6 8 10 14 16 44 Hot Sellers Behind the Counter Industry News Association News Research Update New Products 47 47 47 47 48 Off the Press Advertiser Index Industry Events Classified Ad Back Talk Copyright 2017. Vitamin Retailer (ISSN 1537-503x & USPS 0019-972) Volume 24 Number 1 January 2017. Vitamin Retailer is published monthly by VRM Media 431 Cranbury Road Suite C East Brunswick NJ 08816 USA Phone (732) 432-9600 Fax (732) 432-9288. All rights reserved including the right to reproduce in whole or in part. Not responsible for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles or advertisements are not necessarily those of Vitamin Retailer or its owners. Publisher is not liable for advertiser product claims or representations. Advertisers assume total responsibility for the contents of their advertisements. Printed in U.S.A. Basic annual subscription rate is 60. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick NJ 08899 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER Send all UAA to VRM Media 431 Cranbury Road Suite C East Brunswick NJ 08816. NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES send address corrections to Vitamin Retailer P.O. Box 15186 North Hollywood CA 91615-5186. Subscription Customer Service Vitamin Retailer P.O. Box 15186 North Hollywood CA 91615-5186 USA Phone (818) 286-3168 Fax (800) 869-0040 vrecs magserv.com www.vitaminretailer.com. Back Issues & Single Copies For order information contact (732) 432-9600 or general vitaminretailer.com. August issue is 25.00. October issue is 45.00. All other issues are 8.00 each. 2 VITAMIN RETAILER WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com xlear for info about this advertiser OFFTHECUFF Cutting the Line love to shop and I don t mean just online browsing. That s great but I prefer bringing my business to brick and mortar stores where I can discover inspect compare or try on the merchandise. But despite my deep affection for great retail establishments there is one aspect of shopping I m not fond of--that is waiting in a long line at checkout. Does anyone actually like it Enter the soon-to-open Amazon Go store in Seattle WA which will use combined technologies to eliminate the checkout process entirely. Amazon created a small grocery convenience store that will allow customers to take drinks prepared meals and other items off shelves and walk out without having to wait in a checkout line the company said. For now only Amazon employees can shop in the 1 800-square-foot store which is on the ground floor of one of the company s new office towers in Seattle. The company said that it planned to open the store to the public early this year. Amazon Go appears to rely on lots of cameras and microphones. The technology is similar to what s used to allow self-driving cars to navigate the world the company stated. Each customer entering the store would be tagged as they entered. In Amazon s video announcing the new concept they tag the customer s smartphone which contains the Amazon Go app as they walk in. That then allows the store s surveillance system to identify the customer so that it can track them as they move throughout the space. Cameras pick up images of when they stop in front of shelves what items they picked up and whether the item stayed in their hand or went back to the shelf. The company stated When the user s hand is removed from the inventory location one or more images may be captured of the user s hand as it exits the inventory location. Those images may be compared to determine whether a user has picked an item from I the inventory location or placed an item in the inventory location. According to an article in USA Today the cameras would even know the customer s skin tone to determine if it was indeed the hand of the person the system thinks it is. However unanswered for now are questions regarding how the stores would handle shoplifting. And in a country smarting over job loss by technology there s also the question of whether Amazon Go will be a job killer. But the Amazon Go store seems more focused on customer experience than job cutting. Food items such as sandwiches need to be made someone has to stock the shelves and answer customer questions. If a customer changes their mind after picking up an item they may return it to the wrong place and someone needs to put it back where it belongs. If a customer drops a beverage someone has to clean it up. Will there be security guards if thieves grab what they can and go What if someone replaces a full container on the shelf with an empty one or bypasses the scanners another way It appears that if the Amazon Go concept is successful job loss may be limited to cashiers. Publisher Daniel McSweeney Editorial Director DanM VRMmedia.com Associate Russ Fields Publisher RussF VRMmedia.com Advertising Gary Pfaff Sales Manager GaryP VRMmedia.com Editor-in-Chief Janet Poveromo JanetP VRMmedia.com Managing Editor Shari Barbanel ShariB VRMmedia.com Associate Nicholas Saraceno Editor NicoS VRMmedia.com Art Director Robert Certo Production Manager RobertC VRMmedia.com Production Assistant Bryan Zak Graphic Designer BryanZ VRMmedia.com Contributing Writers Gene Bruno MS MHS Terry Lemerond Maryanne ChristianoMistretta Michael T. Murray ND Cheryl Myers Big Brother Watching Amazon already knows about us via our online shopping habits. With this new app and technology they ll also know what we re up to when we re not looking at a screen. In the USA Today s article comment section a reader summed up the idea with a one-word post Creepy. But nevertheless beware of being averse to change and technology--Amazon Go can help pave the way for a more positive retail customer experience. P.S. Please check out Vitamin Retailer s website www.vitaminretailer.com where we are adding monthly blog posts from Holli Lapes RD LD N and industry veteran Mark Kaylor. Both have a lot of great information to share about health and the natural products industry. Circulation Rosie Brodsky Manager Rosie StarkServices.com VRM Media Phone Fax E-mail Website President 431 Cranbury Road Ste. C East Brunswick NJ 08816 (732) 432-9600 (732) 432-9288 info VRMmedia.com www.vitaminretailer.com Daniel McSweeney DanM VRMmedia.com information for and about the dietary supplement industry in order to foster industry growth and help preserve the rights of dietary supplement suppliers and retailers. Subscription Customer Service To order a subscription or manage your account please contact us at Vitamin Retailer P.O. Box 15186 North Hollywood CA 91615-5186 USA Phone (818) 286-3168 Fax (800) 869-0040 vrecs magserv.com www.vitaminretailer.com Mission Vitamin Retailer magazine Statement is dedicated to providing Connect With Us Back Issues See the Table of Contents page for price and order information. www.twitter.com www.facebook.com vitaminretailer vitaminretailermagazine www.linkedin.com company vrm-media www.instagram.com www.pinterest.com vitaminretailermagazine vrm_media 4 VITAMIN RETAILER WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com scandinavian for info about this advertiser HOTSELLERS Hot Sellers is a monthly what s hot at retail snapshot of six categories of products sold in health food stores across the U.S. by region provided by a Retailer Advisory Board of participating stores. Rescue PLUS has been selling well because it s a stress reliever and it s new. --Mandy Shannon Annyes Whole Foods NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST ANNYE S WHOLE FOODS Nantucket MA VITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENT Full Spectrum Curcumin by Solgar SPECIALTY SUPPLEMENT Sublingual B-Total Liquid Energy by Vita 5 Nutrition HERBS BOTANTICALS Slippery Elm Bark by Nature s Way FUNCTIONAL FOOD BEVERAGE Organic Nantucket Rocket Cider by Fare Isle PERSONAL CARE Magnesium Deodorant by Nfuse HOT PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Rescue PLUS Stress Complex with B Vitamins by Bach Flower Chatham Marketplace Co-op Pittsboro NC VITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENT Active Adult 50 by Rainbow Light SPECIALTY SUPPLEMENT CBD Oil by CV Sciences HERBS BOTANTICALS Turmeric Supreme by Gaia Herbs FUNCTIONAL FOOD BEVERAGE Turmeric Golden-Milk by REBBL PERSONAL CARE Arnica (T-Relief) by MediaNatura HOT PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Chapel Hill Toffee MIDWEST CENTRAL SPIRAL NATURAL FOODS (CO-OP & GROCERY) Hastings MN VITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENT Adam & Eve Multivitamins by NOW SPECIALTY SUPPLEMENT Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotic by Flora Udo s Choice HERBS BOTANTICALS Curamin Extra Strength by Terry Naturally FUNCTIONAL FOOD BEVERAGE Aloe Vera Liquid by George s PERSONAL CARE Essential Oils by NOW HOT PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Chaga Tea by Buddha Teas GREENTREE COOPERATIVE GROCERY Mount Pleasant MI VITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENT Vitamin D3 by Jarrow Formulas SPECIALTY SUPPLEMENT PB8 Vegetarian Probiotic by Nutrition Now HERBS BOTANTICALS Panax Ginseng Single Shots by Prince of Peace FUNCTIONAL FOOD BEVERAGE Kombucha by KeVita PERSONAL CARE Paraffin Ear Cones by G&S HOT PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Natural Salt Lamps by Evolution Salt Co. NORTHWEST WEST MILL CREEK NATURAL FOODS Union Gap WA VITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENT Natural Calm by Natural Vitality SPECIALTY SUPPLEMENT Vitamin B17 Amygdalin by Apricot Powder HERBS BOTANTICALS Turmeric Curcumin by Doctor s Blend FUNCTIONAL FOOD BEVERAGE Organic Apple Cider Vinegar by Bragg PERSONAL CARE Entire Product Line by Dr. Bronner s HOT PRODUCT OF THE MONTH CBD Oil by CV Sciences PACIFIC COAST GREENS Malibu CA VITAMIN MINERAL SUPPLEMENT Men s & Women s Multivitamins by MegaFood SPECIALTY SUPPLEMENT Turmeric Force by New Chapter HERBS BOTANTICALS Entire Product Line by Herb Pharm FUNCTIONAL FOOD BEVERAGE Enlightened Synergy Kombucha by GT s PERSONAL CARE Feminine Care Products by Natracare HOT PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Elderberry Syrup by Gaia Herbs Retailers interested in having their stores featured in Hot Sellers can visit vitaminretailer.com hotsellers. 6 VITAMIN RETAILER WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com cvc for info about this advertiser BEHINDTHECOUNTER A Personal Touch ocated in White Bear Lake MN Sassafrass Health Foods has been in operation for 24 years. While ownership has changed hands twice since it opened Paula Comstock NC said she purchased the store in 2007 at the beginning of the Great Recession confident that the natural health industry had legs. Comstock was introduced to natural products by way of her own health problems. After being put through a battery of tests for low white blood cell count that were inconclusive she changed her diet and started taking multivitamins. The results were so positive Comstock was inspired to enroll in online courses at the Global College of Natural Medicine (which has since closed). After graduating she worked at a local health food store learned about products the ordering process and how to work with people on a teaching floor. When Comstock heard Sassafrass-- the first health food store she set foot in--was for sale she decided to purchase it. L Products & Events Under Comstock s leadership Sassafrass Health Foods a 2 200square-foot store carries a large assortment of vitamins from brands including New Chapter MegaFood Enzymedica Therelac Probiotics Kyolic Barlean s Carlson Labs Vega Get Real Nutrition NOW Country Life Standard Process and Natural Factors. We focus on Natural Factors because Dr. Michael Murray comes to our store every year to give a talk Comstock said. We get about 200 customers together and rent a large venue to house everyone. His name goes a long way with our customers because hearing a doctor tell them the truth about nutrition and the falsities of the pharmaceutical companies resonates with them. In addition to events with Murray Dwight Lundell MD a heart surgeon 8 VITAMIN RETAILER from Arizona has spoken at Sassafras many times to discuss heart disease with customers. Further the store hosts other classes and events including a screening of the film Vaxxed a documentary about vaccinations and autism. We also have classes at the store on a smaller scale--we can fit about 30 people she noted. We have hormone classes and nutrition classes. In addition we have Terra Drude from the internationally known Veriditas by Pranorom essential oils give classes about six times a year. While the store carries only a small amount of food products such as snacks and baking goods it prides itself on selling local limousin beef from a nearby family farm. According to Comstock the cattle have never been crossbred and the purebred line s exceptional meat can be found exclusively at high-end restaurants and at Sassafrass. And because our purpose is to teach people about healthy fats versus bad fats we also sell Kerrygold butter and local organic Amish farm eggs and meat sticks from an organic farm in Iowa. Sassafrass also carries a selection of body care including Acure and Alaffia products. SASSAFRASS HEALTH FOODS (WHITE BEAR LAKE MN) teach them the difference between our vitamins and a drugstore or big box store line of vitamins Comstock explained. While holding events and one-onone time with customers are great opportunities for education Comstock noted that the store also offers materials to teach shoppers about issues such as GMOs (genetically modified organisms). We want people to know about GMOs and chemical spraying on their foods so we have some DVDs we lend out to anyone who wants to learn more she said. It takes a lot of discussion to teach people what it all means and films do a better job. As for pricing Sassafrass customers receive a discount card for 10 off every 50 purchase and 20 off every 100 purchase (excluding food). I want people to create their own sale--not have me tell them what is on sale. Comstock said that the discount cards work really well. If someone comes in with a coupon or even asks for a discount they get a discount card. Party On Serving the Customer Making sure that their customers are well informed doesn t stop with educational events. The staff of the family-run business (Comstock s mother Ginger Comstock and daughter Kelli Bornholdt both work at the store) makes sure that each shopper gets time with store employees. People keep coming back to Sassafrass because of the personal time we give them and No wallflowers the Sassafrass staff enjoys a reason to celebrate and invites customers for a yearly anniversary event. Their community enjoys a party too. In fact at Sassafrass eighth anniversary celebration of Comstock s ownership the store had nearly 100 patrons waiting for the doors to open. Customers were feted with lots of food vendors music and sales--everything was 20 percent off during the anniversary weekend. We like a good party here at Sassafrass so every year for our anniversary we hand out gift bags-- many suppliers send us free items to put in the bags and I donate much to them myself ... they are a hit VR WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com naturalfactors for info about this advertiser INDUSTRYNEWS Got News Send news press releases to Editor Vitamin Retailer 431 Cranbury Road Ste. C East Brunswick NJ 08816 JanetP VRMmedia.com FTC Issues Statement on Homeopathic Drug Marketing Claims he Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new Enforcement Policy Statement on Marketing Claims for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Homeopathic Drugs. The policy statement was informed by an FTC workshop held last year to examine how such drugs are marketed to consumers. The FTC also released its staff report on the workshop which summarizes the panel presentations and related public comments in addition to describing consumer research commissioned by the FTC. The policy statement explains that the FTC will hold efficacy and safety claims for OTC homeopathic drugs to the same standard as other products making similar claims. That is companies must have competent and reliable scientific evidence for health-related claims including claims that a product can treat specific conditions. The statement describes the type of scientific evidence that the Commission requires of companies making such claims for their products. Homeopathy which dates back to the 1700s is based on the theory that disease symptoms can be treated by minute doses of substances that produce similar symptoms when T provided in larger doses to healthy people. Many homeopathic products are diluted to such an extent that they no longer contain detectable levels of the initial substance. According to the policy statement homeopathic theories are not accepted by most modern medical experts. For the vast majority of OTC homeopathic drugs the policy statement notes the case for efficacy is based solely on traditional homeopathic theories and there are no valid studies using current scientific methods showing the product s efficacy. As such the marketing claims for these products are likely misleading in violation of the FTC Act. However the policy statement also notes that the FTC has long recognized that marketing claims may include additional explanatory information to prevent the claims from being misleading. Accordingly it recognizes that an OTC homeopathic drug claim that is not substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence might not be deceptive if the advertisement or label where it appears effectively communicates that 1) there is no scientific evidence that the product works and 2) the product s claims are based only on theories of homeopathy from the 1700s that are not accepted by most modern medical experts. The policy statement notes that any such disclosures should stand out and be in close proximity to the product s efficacy message and might need to be incorporated into that message. It also warns marketers not to undercut a disclosure with additional positive statements or consumer endorsements reinforcing a product s efficacy. The statement warns that the FTC will carefully scrutinize the net impression of OTC homeopathic marketing claims and that if an ad conveys more substantiation than a marketer has it will violate the FTC Act. For more information visit www.ftc.gov. PepsiCo Acquires KeVita Dr Pepper Snapple Group to Acquire Bai fter months of speculation PepsiCo (Purchase NY) recently announced the purchase of KeVita the sparkling probiotic beverage company in which it has held a minority investment stake since 2013 for an undisclosed sum. I am pleased to welcome KeVita into the PepsiCo family. Under the leadership of CEO Bill Moses KeVita has become an innovative high growth brand that is transforming the functional beverage space said Chris Lansing general manager and vice president PepsiCo Premium Nutrition. This announcement is further evidence of PepsiCo s focus on delivering performance with purpose by continuing to evolve our health and wellness offerings to meet consumers changing needs. A Sources close to the deal have put the purchase price at between 200 and 300 million. KeVita will retain independent control over its production and bottling operations based in Oxnard CA. Sources confirmed that Bill Moses CEO and his co-founder Chakra Earthsong would each remain involved in the company in undetermined roles after the deal is closed. As for Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) based in both Texas and New Jersey it announced its intention to acquire Bai Brands LLC (New Jersey) which markets a range of low-calorie antioxidant-infused beverages for 1.7 billion. The blockbuster deal was rumored for weeks and comes approximately 19 months after DPS Bai s primary distribution partner since 2013 purchased a 3 percent minority stake in the company for 15 million based on a 500 million valuation. DPS president and CEO Larry Young said that the company is excited to see this team continue the breakthrough and disruptive innovation providing consumers with great-tasting and low-calorie beverages and hailed the acquisition of Bai as one that makes a tremendous amount of sense for us. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017. WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 10 VITAMIN RETAILER Go to www.vitaminretailer.com mushroomwisdom for info about this advertiser INDUSTRYNEWS MegaFood Bares it All With Gummy Vitamin Initiative ew Hampshire-based MegaFood announced it will create a new line of gummy style supplements--while the world watches every step of the process. This MegaFood Gummy Bare All initiative will chronicle the complete development process from concept to finish including successes challenges and even failures. Additionally customers will have the opportunity to not only follow in real-time the evolution of the products from conception to market but will also be able to directly weigh in on key product decisions along the way. Our mission at MegaFood is to N improve lives said Robert Craven MegaFood CEO and with that comes a responsibility to offer the unique product solutions our customers are seeking. Nearly half of the population has trouble swallowing tablets so it s incredibly important for us to be able to offer our premium nutrition in various forms to provide them a choice. We thought this would be a great way to involve our customers on our journey to bring a gummy to market that meets the MegaFood promise. MegaFood has created a landing page www.megafood.com gummybare to chart the entire process via regular updates live videos and more to show how the supplements are being created while giving customers the opportunity to co-create the product by directly weighing in on key product decisions along the way. This first-hand look into the inner workings of the company is part of MegaFood s broader transparency initiative Big T Transparency announced officially in 2015 but really a guiding pillar of how the company has always operated. For more information visit www.megafood.com. Natural Calm Goes C.L.E.A.N. and R.A.W. atural Vitality (Austin TX) a subsidiary of Wellnext Health LLC has been awarded the esteemed C.L.E.A.N. and R.A.W. certifications for its Natural Calm and Natural Calm Plus Calcium product line. Certified C.L.E.A.N. and Certified R.A.W. are international standards that integrate strict quality guidelines for multiple elements of ingredient sourcing and safety to provide customers a holistic framework for assessing potential purchases. The C.L.E.A.N. Certification denoted by the acronym Conscious Live Ethical Active Nourishing and R.A.W. for Real Alive Whole successfully represent Natural Calm s ingredients. Neil Devine executive director of the International Center for Integrative Systems the organization that administers the standards said This standard provides a third-party insurance that the products are safe minimally processed and with clean ingredients. Justin Farmer president of Natural Vitality said We re honored to receive these certifications. Integrity honesty and transparency have been hallmarks of the Natural Vitality brand and we believe this has everything to do with our over 10-year leadership in the magnesium category. For more information visit www.naturalvitality.com. N Vibrant Health Moves to New Headquarters anufacturer Vibrant Health announced its move to a new headquarters in Shelton CT. After 12 years in North Canaan CT the company s growth necessitated a larger office and more expansive warehouse space. This move is a sign of Vibrant Health s period of growth said Elisa Jones creative director. The new Shelton location will allow us the expansion needed in staff and inventory as we mark our 25th year in business. We re so excited for the future of this company as we continue to formulate groundbreaking products and build a motivated and forward thinking team. Vibrant Health will expand numerous departments as part of the move including inside sales and social media. The company is also planning to serve smoothies featuring their products in the building s caf and utilize the onsite fitness center as part of their corporate wellness plan. Concurrently the company has upgraded to a new ERP software that will integrate purchasing production sales inventory and finance. For more information visit www.vibranthealth.com. M GNC Settles Dietary Supplements Case With U.S. Government G NC Holdings Inc. (Pittsburgh PA) has agreed to pay 2.25 million to avoid federal prosecution over its alleged sale of illegal dietary supplements stated the U.S. Department of Justice. GNC admitted no wrongdoing as part of the agreement. But a senior Justice Department official hailed it as a significant step forward in reforming an industry rife with alarming practices. Unlawful dietary supplements are an important enforcement priority Benjamin C. Mizer the department s principal deputy assistant attorney general said in a statement. 12 VITAMIN RETAILER The non-prosecution agreement under which GNC will reform some practices stems from allegations that it sold a misbranded supplement in 2013 called OxyElite Pro Advanced Formula made by Dallas TX-based USP Labs. USP Labs was indicted in November 2015 in a federal court in Dallas on charges that it engaged in a conspiracy to import ingredients from China using false certificates of analysis and false labeling according to the Justice Department. The case against the company has not yet gone to trial. But it was accused of falsely claiming its dietary supplements contained natural plant extracts when they actually contained synthetic stimulants made in China the department said. In a statement GNC said it was pleased to have resolved the misbranded supplements matter with the government and had removed certain USP Labs products from the shelves of its stores years ago. (Continued on page 46) WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com naturalfactors for info about this advertiser ASSOCIATIONNEWS ABC NPA AHPA Comment on Kratom n December 1 the American Botanical Council (ABC) filed comments in response to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Solicitation of Comments regarding the scheduling of two compounds in the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) plant into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). ABC set forth to the DEA in its comments that emerging science supports viable potential medical uses of the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in kratom and that scheduling these substances into Schedule I of the CSA may impede current and future medical research efforts. ABC also acknowledged the actions that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated to remove kratom products labeled as dietary supplements from the marketplace.1 ABC emphasized that these FDA enforcement efforts should continue to ensure that only kratom products that comply with FDA regulations are available in the market. On August 31 2016 the DEA filed a Notice of Intent to temporarily schedule the two substances mitragynine and 7hydroxymitragynine into Schedule I of the CSA.2 These substances are found in kratom a tree native to Southeast Asia. Due to the almost 15 000 comments received from the public Congressional members and the scientific community the DEA withdrew its original notice to temporarily schedule kratom alkaloids and instead opened a comment period until December 1 2016.3 The DEA intended to use this time to consider the extensive comments already received to solicit additional information from the public and to request FDA s expedited scientific and medical evaluation and scheduling recommendation for these substances. ABC has been reviewing the scientific literature related to kratom and recently published an extensive peer-reviewed article on this plant and the various issues related to its use.4 ABC s review explores the complex science of kratom and examines the data that the DEA cited to support the temporary scheduling of mitragynine and 7hydroxymitragynine. ABC s comments to the DEA stated that there is a body of evidence on kratom that demonstrates the medical and therapeutic potential of the plant and its constituents in particular the potential benefits to alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and the management of pain. ABC noted that further research is needed to fully discover kratom s medicinal value and to understand more fully the potential risks and safety considerations such as addiction potential. ABC also emphasized that by putting these O substances on Schedule I the medical research community will be subject to additional hurdles such as obtaining a registration from the DEA (and likely a state registration) along with other security inventory and record-keeping requirements5 that may impede and or curtail current and future research efforts. The American Herbal Product Association (AHPA) also submitted comments. AHPA President Michael McGuffin said AHPA is opposed to DEA using its scheduling authority in a manner that would have the effect of removing from the existing marketplace an herbal article simply because of the naturally occurring presence of one or more constituents that have become subject to scheduling under the broad standards established in the CSA. In AHPA s view such scheduling would be an abuse of discretion. However in its comments to the DEA the Natural Products Association (NPA) said that adding kratom to the U.S. food supply could likely be dangerous leading to serious unintended consequences as our nation struggles with the crisis of opioid addiction. For more information visit www.herbalgram.org www.npainfo.org or www.ahpa.org. References 1 Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) 413 (21 USC 350b). 2 The DEA has the authority to temporarily schedule a substance if it finds that such action is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. (21 USC 811(h)(1)). 3 The possible outcomes post December 1 2016 include DEA proceeding with a temporary or permanent scheduling (or both) of these substances. If the DEA determines a permanent scheduling is warranted the DEA will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register which will allow the public another opportunity to provide comments and request a hearing. 4 Yearsley C. Kratom Medicine or Menace HerbalGram. November 2016 112 46-59. 5 21 CFR 1301 Registration of Manufacturers Distributors and Dispensers of Controlled Substances. FDA Publishes Adverse Events on Dietary Supplements and Conventional Foods CRN Approves of Decision O n December 6 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would publish on a quarterly basis data that was extracted from the agency s adverse event reporting system. The first adverse event data released by FDA covers the period from 2004 through September 2016 and includes reports submitted by consumers medical professionals and industry. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) said it embraces FDA s decision to make public data from FDA s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition s (CFSAN) Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) calling it a demonstration of the agency s commitment to transparency. CRN notes however that publishing these reports online increases the potential for public misinterpretation of adverse event reports and stresses the importance of FDA providing context for its data. We re encouraged by FDA s move to make this information public as consumers expect and deserve transparency said Duffy MacKay ND senior vice president scientific and regulatory affairs CRN. When the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Act was introduced our industry was a strong proponent of its passing and emphasized the benefits it would provide consumers. Since the law s passage in 2006 the industry s track record demonstrates a strong safety profile for our industry both in comparison to other FDAregulated industries and considering that more than 170 million Americans take dietary supplements each year. This law gave the FDA a valuable tool to identify potential safety concerns through patterns and signals. It s essential to understand however that an AER does not demonstrate a causal relationship. In its announcement FDA noted that adverse events about a particular product and the total number of adverse event reports for a product in the CAERS database only reflect the information reported and do not represent any conclusion by FDA about whether the product actually caused the adverse event(s). We advise the public to be cautious when reviewing these reports and to consider the fuller picture MacKay continued. If consumers are looking to make decisions about safe or unsafe products they would do best to pay attention to FDA s consumer advisories rather than looking at individual adverse event reports which at the end of the day may not be related to the supplement product. For more information visit www.crnusa.org. 14 VITAMIN RETAILER WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com xlear for info about this advertiser RESEARCHUPDATE Omega-3 Benefits Noted for Brain Health ew research published online in The FASEB Journal suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which are found in fish oil could improve the function of the glymphatic system which facilitates the clearance of waste from the brain and promote the clearance of metabolites including amyloid- peptides a primary culprit in Alzheimer s disease. To make this discovery scientists first used transgenic fat-1 mice which express high endogenous omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the brain to investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs on the clearance function of the glymphatic system. Compared to the wildtype mice the fat-1 mice with enriched endogenous omega-3 PUFAs significantly promote the clearance function of the N lymphatic system including the A clearance from the brain. Wild-type mice were supplemented with fish oil which contains high concentrations of omega-3 PUFAs and found that fish oil-supplemented mice also improved the clearance function of the glymphatic system compared to the control mice without fish oil supplementation. Omega-3 PUFAs help maintain the brain homeostasis which may provide benefits in a number of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer s disease traumatic brain injury and sleep impairment among others. These now-famous fatty acids have been the subject of major studies both in academia and industry. Just when we thought we had heard everything here is something new and it is provocative indeed said Thoru Pederson PhD editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. This study should not turn attention away from the roles of these substances in maintaining vascular health but neither should they restrict our view. The brain is an extremely vascularized organ while we might also bear in mind that omega-3 fatty acids may impact neurons glia and astrocytes themselves. For more information visit www.faseb.org. Vitamin E May Modify Pneumonia Risk in Some Older Men he effect of vitamin E on health outcomes may depend on various characteristics of people and their lifestyles. Therefore a single universal estimate of the vitamin E effect might be substantially misleading for some popula- T tion groups. Many people have been advised to take vitamin supplements to boost their immune systems. However a recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that taking vitamin E supplements led to an increased risk of pneumonia for more than one in four older men (28 percent) who smoked and did not exercise. However the opposite effect was true for older men who exercised and did not smoke--in that vitamin E actually decreased their risk of contracting pneumonia. The findings of this study--which focused on men aged 50 to 69 years old at the baseline of the trial are particularly striking because analyses in nutritional epidemiology usually assume a uniform effect of a nutrient. However the author of the study--Dr. Harri Hemil of the University of Helsinki Finland--found that the effect of vitamin E on health outcomes might depend on various characteristics of people and their lifestyles. Therefore a single universal estimate of the vitamin E effect might be substantially misleading for some population groups. The author studied the effect of vitamin E on the risk of pneumonia in a large randomized trial (Alpha-Tocopherol BetaCarotene Cancer Prevention Study [ATBC]) conducted in Finland between 1985 and 1993. There were 898 cases of pneumonia among 29 133 participants of the study. Drawing on the I2 statistic for the first time for this type of analysis Hemil concluded that nearly all variation in the vitamin E effect on pneumonia risk over five subgroups was explained by true differences in the vitamin E effect rather than by chance variation. Vitamin E increased pneumonia risk by 68 percent among men who had the highest exposure to smoking and who did not exercise (22 percent of the ATBC participants) while vitamin E actually decreased pneumonia risk by 69 percent among participants who had the least exposure to smoking and who exercised during their leisure time (76 percent of the ATBC participants). The author claims that these findings refute there being a uniform effect of vitamin E supplementation on the risk of pneumonia. For more information visit www.helsinki.fi en. WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 16 VITAMIN RETAILER Go to www.vitaminretailer.com genesistoday for info about this advertiser RETAILFUNDAMENTALS SUPPLEMENTS EXPANDING BEYOND Steps to Success 5 Y By Terry Lemerond ou may be at a point with your store when it is time to move beyond supplements and expand to include specialty groceries health and beauty aids essential oils and more. This is a big step and an exciting one. But before you take the plunge there are important things to keep in mind. 1. Think of your space If you re thinking of expanding your store s lineup you probably already have the square footage to do it. And you can certainly fit a lot in a smaller space but be sure that it doesn t distract from your store layout or make your customers feel claustrophobic. I ve seen many excellent stores that defy their limitations by offering more than you would think was possible judging from the outside space but it is a delicate balance. Make sure you keep your space well lit organized and welcoming. 18 VITAMIN RETAILER Once you ve made the decision to add more to your store it s important to let your customers know ahead of time so that they ll be prepared for a little work in progress as you get things situated. 2. Consider expenses thoughtfully Aside from the cost of purchasing more items to stock you ll need to set aside more in your budget to cover other matters of overhead. For instance you may already have refrigeration for your probiotic selection but if you start adding perishable foods you re going to need more. This will add to your expenses as will the increased energy usage. You ll also need to schedule more training time for the products and possibly even hire on someone to handle the additional stocking and inventory. So I d recommend budgeting all of those considerations in beforehand so that you re ready to handle any unfore- seen circumstances like rewiring building different display shelves changing the checkout lane registers and scanners or any of the hundreds of other challenges that pop up during the process. However don t let this stop you from making the decision to take your business to a new level. As long as you are bringing in new products that help people live their best and have the best intentions a lot of the bottom line will ultimately take care of itself. Since you ve been hiring the best people paying them accordingly and seeing the positive results consider this simply the next logical step. 3. Maintain premium sourcing and selection When you carry only premium supplements carry that same sense of mission to your other non-supplemental items too. For example every one of the additional WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com probioticsinternational for info about this advertiser RETAILFUNDAMENTALS products we carry in our store is something I would feel great about recommending to any family member or friend. I think that might be one of the real tests--does it pass that gut feeling test Would you use this product yourself And like supplements I think it s important that these products are unique--not something that can be found in every big box store. 4. Promote relentlessly Be sure to spread the word that this expansion in selection will make you even more of a destination. If you expand to include food have a cooking night at your store or offer taste tests and demonstrations from your more culinary-minded employees. For that matter whenever you do anything with your store make sure to carry that sense of excitement to your customers and definitely advertise it online on the radio and in your local media outlets. 5. Always keep your customers in mind This sounds obvious on its own but when we make decisions for a business sometimes it can be easy to get hooked on the idea of the change rather than the needs of the customers. Always remember that they ultimately sign your paycheck and are the true life of the store. If you ve been listening to them all along then you probably know exactly what to bring in to your store. But good old-fashioned conversations with your customers can be one of the best ways to determine which direction to launch next. Of course keeping your customer service at an outstanding level--even in the midst of change is a must. Expanding your store s lineup is exhilarating. It can help you take your store to an entirely new level and introduce even more people to the joy of living in good health. And it is a great idea that helps keep your success moving along. But it s a big step too. In a sense it s one of the biggest store promotions your business will see aside from expanding its physical space or adding another location. So plan ahead consider each step carefully and you and your customers will soon be celebrating your efforts VR A highly regarded leader in the natural products industry Terry Lemerond is founder and president of EuroPharma Inc. He also founded Enzymatic Therapy Inc. and PhytoPharmica Inc. and is currently co-owner of the Terry Naturally Health Food Store in Green Bay WI which recently won its sixth consecutive consumer choice award as Best of the Bay. With more than 40 years in the natural products industry Lemerond has researched and developed more than 400 nutritional and botanical formulations that continue to be top-selling products in the market. Lemerond shares his wealth of experience and knowledge in health and nutrition through his educational programs including the Terry Talks Nutrition website newsletters podcasts webinars and personal speaking engagements. He is the author of two books Seven Keys to Vibrant Health and the recently updated Seven Keys to Unlimited Personal Achievement. 20 VITAMIN RETAILER WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Women are seeking targeted supplement formulations. By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta hile women live longer than men on average women tend to suffer more ill health than men. This creates an abundance of opportunities for manufacturers and retailers that offer dietary supplements for women. W More Aware of Natural Whether it s hormonal issues not sleeping low energy or low vitamin D women are buying more product than men according to Nathalie Reed owner of Thyme Natural Market and Caf in Kew Gardens NY. And with more research coming out women are becoming more aware of natural products. Patricia Bassett owner of Bassett s Health Foods in Toledo OH said she feels that product ingredients are evolving. Top sellers for women at her store include black cohosh vitamin E and women s multivitamins. Jeff Brucker vice president of marketing at Florida-based Genesis Today confirmed the women s health category is strong as it experienced double-digit growth in 2015 and was on track for 22 VITAMIN RETAILER similar results in 2016. Over the past 24 months the category has evolved from the initial beauty hair skin and nails products to condition specific items such as urinary tract support health specialized bone support formulas targeted probiotic formulas and unique collagen building ingredients Brucker said. While the women s health category is continuing to grow it can be attributed to many factors--most notably the fact that many women are seeking to proactively fortify their general health and perhaps stave off the inevitable process of aging said Marci Clow MS RDN at California-based Rainbow Light. Clow added that the Council for Responsible Nutrition s (CRN) 2015 Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements suggested that 56 percent of the females who use dietary supplements take them to support overall wellness while 34 percent said they take them to fill in nutrient gaps and 31 percent use supplements to support their bone health. In the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) 2016 Supplements OTC Rx Consumer Trends Report female consumers report the top supplements used are multivitamin mineral calcium vitamin D fish oil and vitamin C followed closely by probiotics B12 antioxidants and magnesium. The NMI report also indicates an increased growth in overall supplement use among all generations with the biggest increase being reported for millennials. Most important for supplement users is safety with 65 percent reporting this at the top of the list for supplement purchase criteria followed by price evidence that it works and if it is easy to digest. Clow said she feels that any credible supplement manufacturer is going to be interested in studies that are supportive of the claims that they make on their products giving a benefit to the end consumer. Dr. Nick Bitz CSO of the Californiabased Youtheory agreed. I look for well-designed studies on healthy nondiseased human populations that can help support my structure function claims on products he said. WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM MAY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2014 Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence 1994-2014 Probiotics With demand growing for specific women s health products to help combat different indications such as thrush or urinary tract infections probiotics for women have a strong future. Natalie Lamb nutritional therapist and technical advisor for Bio-Kult Probiotics from Protexin (Probiotics International Ltd.) in the U.K. said she is seeing this trend with their products. Combination probiotic products such as those found in the Bio-Kult range are helping to address this consumer demand Lamb noted. Bio-Kult Advanced Multistrain formula offers 14 different strains of beneficial bacteria. As each different probiotic strain has a slightly different beneficial effect within the body a multi-strain is believed to have more positive benefits overall and therefore be able to help a more diverse range of gastrointestinal disorders Lamb said. Bio-Kult Cand a is a multistrain probiotic supplement with added garlic and grapefruit extract. Taken daily it could help strengthen the body s natural defenses against candida overgrowth and may help to prevent it changing from its yeast-like form to the invasive filamentous fungus form Lamb noted. Bio-Kult Cand a contains seven strains of probiotic bacteria to reinforce the gut microflora helping to prevent candida from finding sites in the gut to grow. They [the probiotic strains] also lower the gut pH so that candida which prefers a more alkaline environment cannot thrive she reported. Garlic and grapefruit extract are both wellknown natural antifungals. They are also proven to be compatible with the probiotic bacteria in Bio-Kult Cand a. Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is a triple-action formula that works with the body to help maintain normal levels of bacteria in the gut for maintaining a healthy urinary tract. Two capsules contain cranberry extract standardized to give a minimum of 36 mg proanthocyanidins (PACs containing A-type) known to restrict the adhesion ability of bad (pathogenic) bacteria. Pro-Cyan also contains two specifically selected probiotic strains and vitamin A which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of mucous membranes. The strains within the Bio-Kult probiotic range are extensively researched and form part of an on-going investment in clinical trials in adults and children Lamb said. Only recently these strains were shown to greatly increase the efficacy of conventional treatment in the management of bacterial vaginosis in women. Bath. Though these ingredients are primarily magnesium these are alternative ways to supplement Koch noted. Key Concerns Terry Naturally EuroPharma has developed new formulas directed at some key concerns that women share. Cheryl Myers chief of education and scientific affairs explained what their new products offer. For example CuraMed Breast and CuraMed DIM Complex expands the already strong line of supplements that feature clinically studied curcumin that is blended with turmeric essential oil for enhanced absorption and additional cell-protecting benefits by the value of its tumerones. I think you re going to see tumerones becoming much better known in the near future Myers said. These components from turmeric have many of the same attributes of curcumin and show some amazing cell-protecting and tumor-fighting potential. CuraMed Breast is focused on the health of breast tissue. It features clinically studied CuraMed curcumin French Grape Seed VX1 pomegranate seed oil and fruit extract plus vitamin D. Curcumin has a wide spectrum of benefits said Myers which is why we include it in a variety of formulas. In CuraMed Breast Myers said curcumin is included because it stops damaging inflammation and free radical damage. Inflammation and oxidative damage set up a spiral of circumstances that can lead to tumor formation because it damages DNA she said. Curcumin stops the body from overexpressing various inflammatory markers that fuel cancer growth including interleukin 1b (IL-1b) interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a). According to Myers in the case of breast cancer there is research that shows that curcumin stops the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. You ll see that line of cancer cells used as a standard in much of the research and ingredients we provide in CuraMed Breast have been shown to have an effect on them preventing them from spreading and growing she said. An interesting plus with curcumin is that it also has been used as an addition to chemotherapy or radiation treatment according to Myers. That s because it increases the activity of cancer drugs and protects healthy cells from the effects of conventional cancer interventions she said. VITAMIN RETAILER 23 Magnesium Deficiencies Excluding multivitamins protein and obvious male-specific products Andreas Koch vice president of marketing at Texasbased Natural Vitality said the majority of supplement purchases ultimately come from the pockets of women. With the natural product industry seeing continual year-over-year growth this too means women s health product sales will continue to rise he said. Women s lives today have become more stressful juggling multiple tasks and over-extending themselves beyond any prior generation. As a result women are experiencing more anxiety sleeplessness headaches and muscle tension to name a few issues Koch added. These are classic symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Women are so concentrated on activity and stimulants of one kind or another to pump up their activities that women are increasingly ignoring their resting balance. More women are stuck in temporary or chronic circles of stress. Researchers suggest that the ideal balance of calcium (the action mineral) to magnesium (the resting mineral) should not exceed two parts calcium to one part magnesium. This is from all sources including food water and supplementation. But approximately 70 percent of Americans are magnesium deficient according to Koch which is why it s important that women supplement daily with magnesium. Ionic magnesium citrate is highly absorbable and the most effective Koch said. Magnesium can also be absorbed trans-dermally with cream (Natural Vitality makes a Natural Calm Cream). Magnesium can also be soaked in a relaxing tub using Natural Calm JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM noted that in a cellular study it inhibited proliferation of two types of cancer cells by 92 percent and 96 percent respectively. In that same study omega-5 fatty acid (punicic acid) also supported apoptosis in two types of breast cancer cells by 86 percent and 91 percent she noted. Grape seed extract in the form of French Grape Seed XV1 is in CuraMed Breast for very specific reasons according to Myers. Grape seed extract has been shown to inhibit aromatase an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen she explained. Understandably breast tissue typically has higher levels of aromatase. A study published in the journal Cancer Research discussed the valuable potential of grape seed extract when research showed that it inhibited aromatase activity and reduced growth in MCF-7 breast cancer cells--the same cell growth inhibited by curcumin. Grape seed extract also stops cancer by preventing cancer cells from connecting to blood vessels depriving them of oxygen and nutrients Myers continued. A natural protein associated with the development of blood vessel growth is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the drug Avastin is a conventionally used inhibitor of VEGF. But the drug has the potential for severe side effects including high blood pressure headache dry skin and rectal bleeding. But the process of blood vessel creation--angiogenesis--involves many steps and in each one grape seed can intervene and prevent it without side effects Myers added. The grape seed we use in all of our formulas French Grape Seed VX1 is a tannin-free highabsorption extract. Many extracts include tannins which do not absorb and do not provide the benefits of tannin-free oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs.) For women s health specifically breast cell health omega-5 from pomegranate seed oil has emerged as a very strong natural therapeutic agent Myers noted. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family or have concerns about it yourself the strong omega-5 power of pomegranate seed oil is a must she said. Punicic acid from pomegranate seed oil has the ability to inhibit estrogensensitive and estrogen-insensitive breast cancer cells according to Myers who 24 VITAMIN RETAILER Grape seed extract has been shown to inhibit aromatase an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen. -- Cheryl Myers Chief of Education and Science Affairs. Terry Naturally EuroPharma One of the reasons for pomegranate seed oil s protective activity for breast tissue is it that it is an aromatase inhibitor Myers explained. Aromatase is an enzyme that affects the body s steroid metabolism. Imbalances have been linked to issues with both breast and prostate health. In other research according to Myers pomegranate extracts including seed oil extract were found to inhibit aromatase activity by 60 to 80 percent. This study also found that pomegranate seed oil showed a 90 percent inhibition of MCF-7 cells. The researchers stated that pomegranate has excellent chemo-preventive potential--either on its own or as an addition to conventional therapy--meaning less dependence on dangerous drugs. Myers said that in CuraMed Breast the company includes a complete pomegranate extract combining the seed oil and the fruit for the most effective strength. association between low vitamin D levels and advanced stages of breast cancer presenting with large tumors according to Myers. In Europe a French observational study found that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women who were also undergoing hormone therapy she noted. Myers pointed out that vitamin D3 is important because it stops some of the inflammatory factors involved in tumor generation by inhibiting the replication of inflammatory NF-kB which can lead to increasing tumor risk. But genetics can also greatly determine how vitamin D levels affect susceptibility to breast cancer. If we have a variance in our vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene we may be more susceptible to breast cancer (or other diseases) because our body can t utilize vitamin D efficiently. This can be an issue for many people and studies around the world have examined this issue as well Myers remarked. It s all the more reason why higher levels of vitamin D3 supplementation can be so helpful--the higher the level the more likely you ll be able to overcome any built-in tendency toward deficiency. We include vitamin D3 in our CuraMed Breast formula because it is already in a form that the body synthesizes from sunlight Myers continued. While there is vitamin D2 derived from vegetable sources it still needs to be converted after consuming it in order to be protective. And chances are it will lose some potency in the process. Estrogen At Terry Naturally EuroPharma CuraMed formula for women is CuraMed DIM Complex. I think we all hear a lot about estrogen and there may be some misunderstandings regarding it Myers said noted that estrogen has three major types called estrone (E1) estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). These subtypes occur in different forms too so it s a big family. And like many families some of the members are safer and more helpful and a few may be dangerous and problematic. When these estrogens metabolize down good pathways there s little risk. When estrogens or estrogen mimics Vitamin D Research conducted by the National Cancer Institute of Thailand found an (Continued on page 40) WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com neocell for info about this advertiser Strengthening the Scaffolding Body s Manufacturers are looking toward more comprehensive formulas to address bone muscle and joint health. By Nicholas Saraceno n an era defined by innovation manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to solve health issues such as those pertinent to the bones muscles and joints. Just as holistic health entails considering a person s entire being as opposed to focusing on one illness companies are beginning to formulate products that target an entire structure of the body not one portion of it. This is in response to several factors including consumer concerns that have developed over the years product ingredients market status and research in the field. I Main Concerns Many individuals with health conditions find themselves consuming numerous pills. In some instances soluble mixes and other mediums may not be an ideal option for consumers. However manufacturers are well aware of this issue and are looking to resolve the matter at hand. Innovative delivery systems have 26 VITAMIN RETAILER addressed the main concerns of bone and joint health consumers said Timothy Mount CN CCMH director of education for California-based NeoCell a manufacturer of collagen-based products. People have felt pill fatigue and are often reluctant to add another tablet to their existing regimen. Offering delicious soft chews convenient premixed liquids and powders that can be mixed into a beverage or added to recipes such as soups have appealed to customers. For example NeoCell s Joint Bursts soft chews exploded onto the joint health scene in 2016 because people love the taste and look forward to taking it. Tablets and capsules will always have their place but consumer demand is increasing for delivery systems that fit into their lifestyle. In fact with the help of retailer input Joint Bursts made Vitamin Retailer s list of 2016 Best New Products. Another idea for innovative bone joint and muscle health products according to Stacey Littlefield chief product formu- lator with Illinois-based Redd Remedies entails a systematic approach. Redd Remedies creates formulas from a holistic perspective said Littlefield. For example we offer products in what we call the Body Structure category--a category that focuses on the sum total of healthy movement and the body systems involved in movement. These systems include not only cartilage but also the entire joint structure the bones that create the skeletal scaffolding and the muscles that facilitate movement. Healthy movement and flexibility will not take place if any of these body systems are ignored. Most supplements are focused on single areas or single tissues for example using only calcium for bone health or glucosamine sulfate for joint health. Only recently within the past three to five years have we seen novel and innovative raw materials that provide support for the joint and bones as systems. The demographic of consumers who use products pertinent to maintaining WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM MAY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2014 Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence 1994-2014 bone muscle and joint health may be apparent to many but a transformation to other age groups is taking place. Pain in joints back and muscles drive consumers to natural solutions noted Trip Campbell collagen educator for Genacol Canada Corporation Inc. The aging and the active are prime purchasers. Though not always related to bone muscle and joints I should mention aesthetics. Vanity is a powerful driver. Skin tone texture wrinkles and those wishing for a lifting effect are beneficiaries of healthier collagen in the body. Baby Boomers have been a major sector but now here comes the Millennials. However supplements are only as effective as their ingredients. Trending Ingredients Although there may be a customary set of materials that comprise everyday supplement products (calcium to address bone health for instance) other ingredients are effectively being added to the mix. Calcium and vitamin D have been the standard but now recent research shows that rosemary sage and oregano along with raw bone from New Zealand grassfed cattle are more effective in addressing the root cause of bone loss and promoting regeneration said Dr. Cass Ingram author of The Bone Building Miracle. This perspective is based upon Ingram s way to prevent and even reverse osteoporosis which involves using food concentrates to not only block bone loss but rebuild bone mass as well. These common materials are certainly trending as Corey Friese vice president of product strategy at Illinois-based Vital Proteins LLC agreed. Typical ingredients that are used in bone muscle or joint health products include calcium vitamins D and K glucosamine chondroitin as well as new ingredients such as collagen peptides and eggshell membrane that have been gaining traction in the market said Friese. These ingredients are trusted over many others because of their long history and wide range of clinical studies showing effectiveness for joint muscle and bone health. Similarly Mount was in agreement. In fact he said he believes that glucosamine and chondroitin helped provide an important piece to the collagen puzzle. For years glucosamine and chondroitin dominated the joint category and calcium the bone category he noted. However a growing body of literature uncovered a key link between both categories--the importance of collagen the main structural protein for both bone and joint tissue. The discovery of hydrolyzing collagen which turns the protein into an absorbable and bioactive substance within the body was a major breakthrough in the 1980s and researchers were able to test a nutrient that previously didn t exist in the dietary history of humanity. Hydrolyzed collagen acts as a cellular stimulant within bone and joint tissue and not as a building block like calcium. The results of increasing the rate of cellular collagen production using a supplement far exceeded the benefits of traditional bone and joint nutrients and the industry took notice. Although building block nutrients are still important to make up for dietary insufficiencies the stimulatory effect of hydrolyzed collagen has become the preferred method of joint and bone health supplements. At NeoCell we were on the forefront of this new collagen category and have specialized in collagen supplements for over 20 years. State of the Market Currently being that the Baby Boomer generation is a major consumer of products when it comes to bone muscle and joint health one can postulate that generally as one grows older bones weaken and become more brittle than what they once were. As long as people continue to age as expected and barring any medical technological breakthroughs there continues to be optimism in regard to the supplement market. Bone and joint health continues to be one of the most purchased category of products in the supplement industry a trend that will likely increase as the Baby Boomer population approaches its golden years said Mount. Quality of life is directly impacted by a person s mobility and consumers are searching for products that nourish their joints internally. Two main focuses of this consumer group lead the way--supporting structural Research Highlights Efficacy of Oral Enzyme Combination over NSAID for Osteoarthritis new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Pain Research indicates that Wobenzym an oral enzyme combination (OEC) containing proteolytic enzymes and bioflavonoid showed comparable efficacy and a superior tolerability and safety profile--associated with a significantly lower risk of treatment-emergent adverse events--compared to nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) Diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis of the knee affects on average 25 percent of the general population in the Western world and is the most prevalent cause of pain and locomotor disability worldwide. Researchers at the Institute of Neurological Sciences Nuremberg Interdisciplinary Center for Pain and Palliative Care Medicine G ppingen Interdisciplinary Center for Rheumatology and Immunology Frankfurt and O. Meany Consultancy Hamburg Germany conducted this meta-analysis of six different doubleblind comparator-controlled intervention studies of Wobenzym versus NSAIDs in osteoarthritis. In the meta-analysis the authors report that while treatment with both A OECs and NSAIDs resulted in significant and comparable improvements in pain function and daily living as compared to baseline OEC treatment resulted in significantly fewer treatmentemergent adverse effects (TEAEs) and virtually no change in key hepatic enzymes a common side effect of NSAID treatment. Our analysis concludes that Wobenzym is a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs in the management of pain and is better tolerated by patients said lead researcher Michael berall of the Institute of Neurological Sciences. We are encouraged by the results which indicate that a safer alternative exists for patients who may have discontinued NSAID use due to adverse effects and still struggle with the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. In total researchers evaluated 774 patients from six prospective randomized double-blind parallel-group studies comparing the effects of Wobenzym to diclofenac in subjective pain scores and quality of life measures. The original studies were sponsored by Mucos Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Germany a subsidiary of Atrium Innovations Inc. and all work was conducted independently without influence from the sponsor. VITAMIN RETAILER 27 JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM Strengthening the Scaffolding Body s issues from age-related joint collagen degeneration and pain or inflammation supplements to relieve joint discomfort. In some cases a major factor that has allowed bone muscle and joint products to be successful is old age. Older age can sometimes come with its complications as the body is not what it once was years earlier. Bone muscle and joint health products and supplements have gained prominence as the general population is aging added Friese. Increases in conditions such as low bone density and muscle mass injuries or arthritis have caused more attention to be drawn to this area of health. Evolving Research When it comes to properly formulating products it would not be possible without the plethora of in-depth trials and research that occurs behind the scenes. When it comes to bone muscle and joint health the discovery of collagen opened up the door to more developments. From rather lackluster treatments for diseases and ominous reduction in collagen production as we age collagen burst on the scene said Campbell. The recognition of hydrolyzed collagen as an effective agent in bone muscle and joint building and remodeling is widely accepted and rising rapidly. Genacol is a leader in scientific intellectual contributions in collagen research and product formulation. Decades ago there was less data available to manufacturers as to supplements effectiveness. However according to Friese this research has improved significantly. Compared to 20 years ago noted Friese there has been a breadth of research on bone muscle and joint health and how supplements can possibly benefit them. Research is becoming more targeted and specific and newer research will need to be completed in order to keep up with an ever-changing market ... we re most interested in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies focused on the effectiveness of ingredients in real-world settings. Not only do we prefer these types of studies but we also consider them the gold standard. With many new supplements on the market clinical studies have been integral to helping us substantiate claims and increase consumer confidence. The intricacy of the human body has guided research. Bodies are extremely complex with multiple systems involved in the maintenance and repair of bones muscles and joints said Mount. As we learned more about these interactions over the past two decades there was a shift in research from studying individual ingredients to combining substances to create a more comprehensive formula with multiple mechanisms of action. Researchers began to look at other aspects of supplements instead of simply focusing on singular nutritional building blocks that compose the physical structure of tissues. Cellular stimulation hormonal support nutrients and ratio balancing between minerals and vitamins are just a few of the areas that have been investigated more recently. There is no doubt that now is an interesting time to be involved with the vitamin supplement industry. Collagen and hyaluronic acid among other products have contributed to making bone muscle and joint problems easier to combat for individuals who struggle with these issues and future research may provide new ways and potential solutions for resolving problems. This responsibility is now focusing on Millennials. With Millennials as a large segment of the market companies need to find ways and approaches to expand the joint health market to these younger populations said Littlefield. Studies that show ingredients can maintain joint health and prevent damage are key in reaching this population. VR Extra Extra Visit www.vitaminretailer.com to read about a study on the effects of collagen hydrolysate on joint pain. i For More Information Genacol Canada Corporation Inc. (888) 240-3002 NeoCell Corporation (800) 346-2922 North American Herb and Spice (800) 243-5242 Redd Remedies Inc. (888) 453-5058 Vital Proteins LLC (224) 544-9110 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com healthplus 28 VITAMIN RETAILER Go to www.vitaminretailer.com naturalfactors for info about this advertiser Herbal Expectations Botanical and herbal product sales continue to grow but manufacturers must step up to consumer demand. By Janet Poveromo ccording to the American Botanical Council (ABC) a recent market report showed sales of herbal dietary supplements in the United States increased by 7.5 percent in 2015. In fact in 2015 sales for herbal supplements totaled an estimated 6.92 billion a new record. Neil E. Levin CCN DANLA senior nutrition education manager with Illinoisbased NOW Foods said Similar to U.S. data showing that sales of herbal dietary supplements increased by 7.5 percent NOW Foods continues to see strong sales of botanical products despite frequent negative reports in the media. We are seeing strengthening sales in special delivery systems that enhance bioavailability and in standardized formulas that assure potency. Mark Timon MS Clinical Nutrition Founder Formulator and R&D with Connecticut-based Vibrant Health said that although his viewpoint as a manufacturer is narrow my relatively uninformed perception is that botanical sup- A plements have become a mainstay of the industry and are looked upon as the focal point of innovation. Formulating and selling botanical-derived products has been the backbone of Vibrant Health since its inception in 1992 so our anticipation of expectations for the industry may be somewhat different than what is experienced on the retailer s sales floor. President and founder of New Jerseybased Herbalist & Alchemist David Winston RH(AHG) added that in spite of media criticism of herbal products the company has seen continued growth as has the category overall. The really dedicated herbal companies have taken care to transparently address the concerns raised by the media and be responsive to customers so overall the industry has stepped up to earn and keep consumer loyalty and trust. Addressing those concerns has impacted Christian G. Krueger CEO of Complete Phytochemical Solutions LLC in Cambridge WI which provides intel- lectual and technical expertise in phytochemistry to ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. The biggest evolution that we have seen over the past two years is the increasing demand for consulting and analytic services to support authenticity and standardization of raw materials ingredients and formulated products Krueger said. We are seeing growth in all sectors of the supply chain (growers processors formulators and retailers). We are most excited to see that growers of herbals and botanicals are using new analytic tools to better understand the unique properties of their crops. This additional knowledge enables growers to implement agricultural practices that meet their customers demands for specific levels of bioactive compounds resulting in increased crop value and improved herbal and botanical products. New for Herbal Supplements Especially strong in consumer demand are botanicals that target joint health WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM MAY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2014 30 VITAMIN RETAILER Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence 1994-2014 and function such as boswellia and turmeric noted Levin. A lower number of pills needed and increased bioavailability are also important trends though bioavailability has been misrepresented as equivalent to increased efficacy even in cases where that isn t true. Winston author of Adaptogens Herbs for Strength Stamina and Stress Relief said that the use of adaptogens for enhancing overall health is a growing trend in the herbal marketplace. An adaptogen he explained is an herb that helps re-regulate HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) axis and SAS (sympatho-adrenal system) function while also inhibiting stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. By enhancing the activity of these master controls of the body they help normalize endocrine nervous system GI (gastrointestinal) cardiovascular and immune function. Adaptogens help create a non-specific state of resistance to stress no matter its source--psychological noise temperature physiological etc. With the increasing popularity of this group of herbs also comes increased confusion about them and how they are best used Winston said. Adaptogens are not a one-size-fits-all product. Some adaptogens are calming some are stimulating others are warming or cooling moistening or drying some are more appropriate for everyday use while others may be more beneficial for either men or women. It is important to differentiate which ones are appropriate for a given customer to get the maximum benefit. Another trend according to Timon is that research into clinical applications of botanicals is heating up. Medicinal applications claimed by Chinese medicine and ayurveda have at last stimulated meaningful investigation among the scientific community he said. Manufacturers of botanical raw materials are increasingly investing in laboratory and clinical trials in order to substantiate the efficacy of their branded materials. These two trends one deep within the scientific community and the other within the commercial community are reinforcing a basis of legitimacy much needed by our industry. Also enforcing legitimacy is authentication. In 2016 Complete Phytochemical Solutions launched Polyphenol-Fingerprinting as a novel analytical service utilizing an advanced MALDI-TOF mass spectral technique that authenticates and standardizes bioactive compounds in functional foods and dietary supplements providing data for certificates of analysis and labeling claims in compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is an immediate need for sophisticated analytical tools like Polyphenol-Fingerprinting as the dietary supplement market continues to grow and is flooded with consumer products targeting health said Krueger. He pointed to a flow of product entering the U.S. from around the globe where there is little regulation of authenticity and adulteration can be a huge problem. Polyphenol-Fingerprinting was named the 2016 Business Service winner in the Wisconsin Governor s Business Plan Contest and was also named as a finalist for a 2016 Wisconsin Innovation Award. Product Introductions New botanical product releases have been plentiful. Levin listed two of NOW s herbal botanical recent introductions NOW Seasonal Rapid Relief has a faster acting quercetin--enzymatically modified isoquercitrin--with enhanced bioavailability compared with ordinary quercetin. This form has up to 40 times greater absorption than quercetin and reaches peak plasma levels rapidly typically within 30 minutes according to the company. NOW Extra Strength Silymarin soft Standardizing Cranberry Ingredients anada-based Fruit d Or Nutraceuticals an ingredient supplier has come out in support of a recent Cranberry Institute Symposium Summary which closely mirrors the company s ongoing work to strengthen the three primary pillars it says are essential to the future growth and survival of the cranberry industry authenticity standardization and efficacy. The Cranberry Institute provides health research funding to academic and industry laboratories. However the concerns of no standardization of biomarkers in natural cranberry products the lack of continuity between products used and similar lack of understanding of the correlation between product composition and the ultimate health outcome had become increasingly problematic. To support research conducted and underwritten by the Cranberry Institute the organization developed its own whole cranberry powder from the fruit itself. Then working with Complete Phytochemical Solutions a Wisconsinbased third-party consulting and testing botanical ingredient company a specification sheet was created to send to researchers along with the materials. That specification sheet includes the material s entire composition including fiber protein flavonols and proanthocyanidins (PACs) levels. The Cranberry Institute contracted with us to conduct the analysis said Complete Phytochemical Solutions CEO Christian Krueger who has introduced breakthrough test methods for measuring cranberry s soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidins PACs and has also C developed new reference standards such as C-PAC. The material s certificate of analysis provided to researchers incorporates the standard reference material which is an improvement over the previous HPLC or DMAC A2 testing standard results of a butanol-HCl assay for quantification of insoluble (non-extractable) proanthocyanidins DMAC C-PAC assay for quantification of soluble proanthocyanidins and fingerprint analysis for identification and prevention of adulteration via MALDI-TOF testing. Each powder produced is also tested for efficacy. Fruit d Or is praising the synergies between this approach and its own initiatives. This action by the Cranberry Institute acknowledges that there are many important constituents to cranberry fruit that aren t often captured in either cranberry extracts or juice powders said Stephen Lukawski director of sales and business development for Fruit d Or. He emphasized that the Institute s decision to verify its cranberry material is also meaningful because Fruit d Or has been following this protocol with its own whole-food cranberry powders Cran d Or and Cran Naturelle and is advocating for the entire cranberry industry to follow suit. This Cranberry Institute study rubber stamps all of the work that Fruit d Or has been doing. It also dovetails with the work of the Cranberry Quality Assurance Program (CQA) a fivestar supplier quality testing program designed for cranberry suppliers to guarantee that the cranberry being manufactured and sold has been tested to ensure identity safety purity and efficacy. VITAMIN RETAILER 31 JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM Herbal Expectations gels have three times the milk thistle extract (450 mg per soft gel 80 percent silymarin) as in its regular strength product (150 mg per capsule). NOW uses organic sunflower oil sunflower lecithin and organic caramel color with vegetable glycerin in bovine gelatin soft gel capsules. Soft gels are preferred by many consumers and are a way to enhance absorption of fat-soluble fractions of the botanical Levin explained. Being able to increase the potency to triple that of an ordinary capsule without using flow agents such as magnesium stearate means that fewer capsules are needed and they appeal to consumers who avoid added stearates. NOW has also seen a nice increase in sales of its CurcuBrain Longvida Optimized Curcumin. Longvida exhibits up to 65 times the bioavailability of free curcuminoids compared with generic curcumin Levin said. Longvida is absorbed by the GI tract and delivered to the rest of the body as free curcumin the active form in the body. He added that the ingredient is shown to penetrate the blood-brain barrier for the support of healthy neuronal tissues and cognitive function. It also shows efficacy in muscle recovery and other factors related to the traditional curcumin uses. Vibrant Health has recently introduced Bullseye a botanical antimicrobial Vibrant Flora Improved Bowel Support a botanical and probiotic supplement to support and help restore intestinal health and Vibrant Flora Lean Body Support a botanical and probiotic supplement designed to support healthy weight control. Timon noted that human microbiota are populated by both beneficial and harmful bacteria. An equitable balance between the two opposing groups is usually maintained but can also go awry when exposure to an environmental or foodborne pathogen upsets the balance. Bullseye combines selected botanical antimicrobials to form a broadbased low potency microbicide that when taken daily can help maintain the normal healthful balance within the human microbiome. 32 VITAMIN RETAILER According to Winston at Herbalist & Alchemist the company is introducing new formulas to add to its adaptogen line in early 2017. New formulas Men s Adapt Women s Adapt Calm Adapt Energy Adapt and Daily Adapt will join the company s popular Immune Adapt Fit Adapt and single extract adaptogens American Ginseng Amla Ashwagandha Red Ginseng Astragalus Crodyceps Dang Shen Eleuthero He Shou Wu Holy Basil Licorice Lyciurm Prince Seng Reishi Rhodiola Schisandra and Shatavari. Category Innovation While some supplement manufacturers benefit by innovative ingredients and delivery mediums others find it beneficial to focus elsewhere. Herbalist & Alchemist is not a latest bells and whistles kind of herb company but rather one that focuses on producing the sort of products practitioners look to provide their clients said Winston. That said we ve been innovating in sourcing ingredients to adapt to climate change which is definitely having an impact of when and where herbs grow. When raw material supplies that meet our quality standards become difficult to source we change the impacted formula to substitute a different herb that has a similar effect and also works in synergy with the other ingredients since all our formulas are designed with how the ingredients work together in mind. NOW has found increasing the potency of each capsule reduces the number of capsules needed to match clinical strength the amount used in clinical trials Levin pointed out. Also he said improving swallowing by offering soft gels is another consumer advantage. And improving bioavailability of ingredients that also have proven efficacy speeds the results while keeping serving sizes reasonable. But it has been improved focused science in the development of efficacious raw materials that will make it become increasingly more difficult for critics of the industry to malign natural products as worthless and ineffective as the body of hard science accumulates Timons said. As for transparency he noted that reputable companies are following cGMPs and making all the data utilized in the process available for review to both retailers and consumers. Krueger confirmed that companies rely on certificates of analysis and health research studies to support transparency standardization and efficacy. Companies that document a farm-to-finish production process are uniquely positioned to meet consumer demand for transparency. Another key way of being transparent said Levin is to use trademarked ingredients that have independent evidence of quality and efficacy. Being a basic manufacturer NOW Foods has much more information on raw materials than those who use contract manufacturers sourcing processing and flow charts potential allergens and GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and certifications (kosher halal organic). For Herbalist & Alchemist Winston added We do not standardize to constituents as we believe this often leads to inferior products. We focus on the quality identity the increased absorption of tinctures and careful formulating to create herbal synergy in each product. He pointed out that these herbs have been used for millennia in China India and North America because they work. Modern research has also shown that adaptogens have real benefits physiologically in both human and animal studies. H&A has always been a transparent company because we are so proud of what we do. We have comprehensive information on our website via our newsletters the monthly herbal seminars we hold for customers and in all our communication. Retailers Krueger suggested should look for herbal and botanical products that are supported by a strong scientific foundation of efficacy supply chain traceability and assurance of authenticity. VR These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose treat cure or prevent any disease. Extra Extra Visit www.vitaminretailer.com to read more about the American Botanical Council s market report on herbal supplement sales in the U.S. i For More Information Complete Phytochemical Solutions (608) 423-1327 Herbalist & Alchemist (908) 689-9020 NOW Foods (800) 999-8069 Vibrant Health (203) 922-8000 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 THE GO TO RESOURCE FOR HEALTH AND NATURAL PRODUCT RETAILERS LIKE US ON VR s Upcoming Issue Highlights March April May June July 1 27 17 ad closing 3 10 17 ad closing 4 4 17 ad closing 5 3 17 ad closing 6 7 17 ad closing Digestive Health Natural Products Expo West Issue Sports Nutrition Pet Health Vision Health Science of Supplements--Summer Issue Men s Health Vity Awards Issue Pain & Inflammation Product Sales Training for Retailers Our 2017 Media Planner Is Now Available At VitaminRetailer.com 2017-Media-Planner Contact One of Our Ad Specialists Today Russ Fields at (732) 432-9600 ext. 102 e-Mail RussF VRMmedia.com Gary Pfaff at (732) 432-9600 ext. 103 e-Mail GaryP VRMmedia.com SUPPLEMENTSCIENCE Magnolia officinalis & Phellodendron amurense Powerful Herbal Blend for Stress Management By Gene Bruno MS MHS RH(AHG) Provost & Chief Academic Office-- Huntington College of Health Sciences tress is not fun and is quite prevalent in American society. According to the American Psychological Association s annual Stress in America survey 1 more than three-quarters of adults report experiencing one or more symptoms of stress while 24 percent of adults report experiencing extreme stress (a rating of 8 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale)--and it doesn t seem to get better. More than onethird report that their stress increased over the past year. S Common Stress-related Challenges Along with greater stress the survey2 reports that many adults are coping with health and lifestyle challenges-- which makes sense given the ever increasing recognition of the relationship between stress and physical and mental health. In fact almost one-third of adults report that stress has a very strong or strong impact on their 34 VITAMIN RETAILER body physical health and mental health. With regard to mental health-related symptoms significant percentages of stressed adults report Feeling nervous or anxious (42 percent) Feeling depressed or sad (37 percent) Constant worrying (33 percent) Irritability or anger (37 percent) Overeating or eating unhealthy foods (39 percent) Adults also are more likely to report changes in sleeping habits (33 percent) headaches (32 percent) an inability to concentrate (27 percent) and lying awake at night (46 percent) due to stress. Benzodiazepines for Stress and Anxiety A common conventional class of medicines used in the treatment of stress and anxiety are benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax Valium)--with hundreds of mil- lions of prescriptions written every year.3 While benzodiazepines can certainly be effective pharmacological agents for treating stress and anxiety they are not without adverse effects. Common adverse effects include drowsiness lethargy and fatigue while higher doses of benzodiazepines can result in impaired motor coordination dizziness vertigo slurred speech blurry vision and mood swings as well as hostile or erratic behavior. Furthermore benzodiazepines are slowly eliminated from the body which means that repeated doses over a prolonged period can result in significant accumulation in fatty tissues. Consequently some symptoms of overmedication (impaired thinking disorientation confusion slurred speech) can appear over time.4 While there are certainly cases where pharmaceutical intervention is indicated research suggests that over-prescribing of benzodiazepines is common. In 2012 prescribers wrote 37.6 benzoWWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 diazepine prescriptions per 100 persons in the United States.5 A natural solution makes sense for many stressed out people. The proprietary natural blend of Magnolia officinalis bark and Phellodendron amurense bark offers natural clinically studied benefits. The Traditional Use of M. officinalis and P. amurense M. officinalis and P. amurense are plants with a long history of use in traditional medicine of Asia. M. officinalis has been used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis headache lack of appetite respiratory congestion neurosis and fever and as a uterine stimulant in Traditional Chinese medicine and the Pharmacopoeia of the People s Republic of China indicates that it is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation dyspepsia gastritis nausea and vomiting as well as to treat anxiety coughs and shortness of breath.6 Likewise P. amurense has been used traditionally to treat burns cough fever jaundice malaria skin wounds and sores and the Pharmacopoeia of the People s Republic of China indicates that it is used to treat abdominal pain diarrhea gastroenteritis and urinary tract infections.7 Now aside from M. officinalis being used to treat anxiety the traditional use of these two plants do not immediately suggest their application for stress. However when the two plants are combined together as herbal extracts that s when a profound effect upon stress occurs. the proprietary natural blend a statistically significantly difference (p 0.05) versus placebo. Various mood parameters were also significantly better (p 0.05) with the proprietary natural blend. This included 11 percent lower indicators of overall stress 13 percent lower tension 20 percent lower depression 42 percent lower anger 31 percent lower fatigue and 27 percent lower confusion in people taking the proprietary natural blend at week four compared to placebo. In addition overall mood state was 11 percent higher and vigor was 18 percent higher with the proprietary natural blend compared to placebo. The researchers concluded that daily supplementation with the proprietary natural blend reduces cortisol levels and perceived daily stress while improving various aspects of mood including fatigue and vigor. Furthermore there were no serious adverse events or side effects reported in this study which suggests it is well tolerated. blend may offer relief for premenopausal women experiencing mild transitory anxiety. There were no major adverse events observed in this study. Why Measure Cortisol ortisol is an adrenal gland hormone released in response to stress-- which is fine when there is a physical release of fight or flight. Without the physical release cortisol levels build up which can wreak havoc on the mind and body. This can include interference with learning and memory lower immune function and bone density increase weight gain blood pressure cholesterol heart disease depression mental illness and lower life expectancy. Consequently lower cortisol levels are good for health in general and is a reflection of reduced stress. C Clinical Research on the Combination of M. officinalis and P. amurense Proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis and P. amurense extracts in moderately stressed people A four-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study8 was conducted to assess the effects of a proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis bark extract and P. amurense bark extract (250 mg 2X day Relora InterHealth a Lonza Group Company) standardized to honokiol and berberine or placebo on cortisol levels and the perception of stress anxiety in 56 subjects (35 men and 21 women) with moderate levels of psychological stress. The results showed some pretty impressive differences between the proprietary natural blend and the placebo groups at week four. Cortisol levels were 18 percent lower in Proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis and P. amurense extract in premenopausal women A six-week randomized parallel placebo-controlled clinical study9 was conducted to assess the effects of the same proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis bark extract and P. amurense bark extract used in the previously discussed study (250 mg 3X day Relora) or placebo on stress and anxiety in 26 healthy premenopausal women (aged 20 to 50 years). The results showed that the proprietary natural blend significantly decreased temporary transitory anxiety compared to the placebo (p 0.045). Likewise those using the proprietary natural blend reported a significant (p 0.043) reduction in perceived anxiety stress levels compared to those in the placebo group. The researchers concluded that the proprietary natural Proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis and P. amurense extract in stress eaters A six-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study10 was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the same proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis bark extract and P. amurense bark extract (250 mg 3x day Relora) or placebo on weight control cortisol levels stress and anxiety in 28 overweight (BMI 25 to 34.9) healthy premenopausal women (aged 20 to 50 years) who typically eat more in response to stress and have higher self-reported anxiety. Results showed that during the study there was a significant 3.3-lb. weight gain for the placebo group (p 0.01) but no change in weight for the group receiving the proprietary natural blend. During the evening cortisol levels tended to be higher in the placebo group and about 33 percent lower in the proprietary natural blend group which (Continued on page 46) JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM VITAMIN RETAILER 35 PRODUCTSPOTLIGHT Water With Benefits ater is vital to our health and survival we simply cannot exist without it and it is essential that we be well hydrated so the body can work properly. Further while humans are able to go weeks without food we can only survive about three days without water. The human body is 80 percent water W B Y S H A R I B A R B A N E L and water makes up 85 percent of the brain 80 percent of the blood and 70 percent of lean muscle. While water is incredibly beneficial some people may not enjoy drinking it and may desire something else. Fortunately as a large number of consumers are interested in leading healthier lifestyles companies are introducing products with a little something extra that not only hydrate but also offer added benefits including delicious flavors vitamins nutrients and more. Below are a few examples of beneficial water products that are available on the market today. Blossom Water Founded in 2013 Massachusetts-based Blossom Water LLC produces a distinctive and premium line of floral-enhanced natural essence waters. Blossom Water s goal is to contribute to health and wellness by making water more enjoyable and suited to all occasions. The company s products are currently available in four flavors lemon rose plum jasmine grapefruit lilac and pomegranate geranium. Blossom Water is unique in this botanical pairing of blossoms with fruit. Each flavor is simply pure water infused with essences of the fruit and flower and balanced by a touch of natural sweetener. All Blossom Water drinks (MSRP 1.99 16-fl.-oz. bottle) are vegan kosher certified non-GMO (genetically modified organism) and are free of gluten caffeine and sodium. In addition Blossom Water has no artificial colors flavors sweeteners or preservatives. The result is an all-natural and low-calorie drink which fits into health-conscious lifestyles and also delivers bright thirst-quenching fruit upfront with a delicate floral note finish that is subtly aromatic yet crisp. For more information call (855) 325-5777 or visit www.drinkblossomwater.com. Harmless Harvest Harmless Harvest (San Francisco CA) producer of the world s first Fair for Life (FFL)-certified organic coconut water delivers great-tasting coconut water with naturally occurring electrolytes. According to the company Harmless Coconut Water is the first and only beverage in the world using multi-step micro-filtration to preserve the integrity of taste and nutrients from the source while keeping the highest quality and safety standard. As part of the FFL commitment Harmless Harvest contributes funds to an FFL Premium Fund Committee that allows the company to invest in local Thai farming communities providing farmers and their communities with investments that support health care education and equality. Harmless Coconut Water is available in 8.75- 16- and 32-oz sizes for 2.99 4.99 and 9.99 respectively. For more information call (347) 467-0733 or visit www.harmlessharvest.com. Chlorophyll Water Verday Chlorophyll Water from New York-based Chlorophyll Brands LLC is refreshing like water with a delicious taste and the antioxidant and cleansing power of a Green Juice. Available in Watermelon Coconut Blueberry Cucumber and Lemongrass Ginger Verday Chlorophyll Water (MSRP 2.99 16-oz. bottle) has 0 calories no diet sweeteners or preservatives and is non-GMO vegan gluten free and paleo. Verday s secret is chlorophyll the nourishing green nutrient that allows plants to harness energy from the sun. The company packs every bottle of Verday with 100 mg of chlorophyll that s more chlorophyll than found in two shots of wheatgrass four cups of spinach or 12 cups of arugula. For more information call (212) 245-1601 or visit www.drinkverday.com. HFACTOR Introducing HFACTOR--the functional brand poised to start a hydrogen-hydration movement in the market. HFACTOR s (New York NY) water is sourced and packaged in the U.S. and utilizes a patent-pending chemical-free and magnesium-free process to infuse hydrogen--the super element documented to offer multiple anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits--into pure water for refreshing functional hydration. An award-winning environment healthfriendly and ergonomic pouch keeps the hydrogen benefit potent pure and super-portable. For more information call (888) 501-0908 or visit www.h-factor.com. 36 VITAMIN RETAILER (Continued on page 42) WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Don t miss a single issue of VR in 2017...go online to renew your free subscription today VitaminRetailer.com Jan17 HEALTHANDNUTRITION Boosting Fertility Naturally By Cheryl Myers H umans historically are pretty good at fertility or else we wouldn t be here today. At one time the world population of humans dropped to a mere 10 000 individuals. Our species was poised on the edge of a knife--one single catastrophe and those early people could have been wiped out. But they weren t and now the world population is over seven and a half billion and climbing by nearly 400 000 babies every day For many people having children is one of the most--if not the most-- important aspect of their lives and so it is especially troubling when there is difficulty conceiving. Unfortunately there are a myriad of reasons why a couple might have difficulty conceiving so there is not a onesize-fits-all answer to improving fertility. However there are steps that men and women can take to help improve their reproductive health. Beyond Birds and Bees To make a baby you need two things. No not those two things What you 38 VITAMIN RETAILER need is a healthy mechanical system and a healthy hormonal system. The first questions to explore are mechanical is semen being made Is it traversing the male genitourinary tract successfully Is the uterus ready for and capable of implantation Is the cervix strong enough to hold everything in place Are the fallopian tubes open and ready for egg transport The second part is hormonal. How much semen is being made How vigorous are the sperm Are eggs being released Are the eggs open for sperm penetration Is the body temperature sufficient for pregnancy to occur Are there enough hormones to tell the uterine lining to prepare a proper nest for the baby to rest upon and be protected for the next nine months Are the hormones signaling the immune system that a baby is on the way and do not attack it as a foreign object--it is meant to be there The complexities of fertility can seem overwhelming but there are dietary supplements that may improve the chances. The following list is by no means complete but is rather some of my favorites for helping to set the stage for a new life to enter the world. One of the best things you can do to assure a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby is to plan in advance. It may shock you to know that about half of the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Start working on your reproductive health several months before you commence active pursuit of conception. Set the Stage It takes about three to four months to make new sperm. So if the man is a smoker drug user or has heavier than average alcohol consumption stop at least four months in advance of conception attempts. This helps to make sure that there are no additional chemical stressors that might create genetic abnormalities or damaged DNA in the sperm. If an egg is fertilized by sperm that has some damage to the DNA it may not implant and if it does may not last more than a few days or weeks. Try WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 to eat healthy foods and drink purified water. Sometimes fluoride and or chlorine are added to water and this should be avoided as it can interfere with thyroid hormone product which is much needed for a successful pregnancy to occur. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. It is important to avoid as much toxic exposure as possible to keep the eggs healthy. To make sure there are no underlying nutrient deficiencies both men and women should take a quality multivitamin and mineral formula at least twice daily. This is because water-soluble vitamins do not stay in the body very long and need to be replenished. You cannot accomplish that with once-per-day dosing. I also prefer multivitamins that have the minerals as amino acid chelates as this form is much easier to absorb. Lastly the B vitamins are crucially important for health but up to 30 percent or more of the population cannot efficiently convert them into their active form. For that reason I encourage people to look for a multi with B vitamins and folate that are already in the active form. Sometimes manufacturers will refer to this as Active Bs or Methylated Bs. When in doubt ask questions. Make sure selenium is in the formula because this mineral plays an important role in sperm activity and movement. group received the drug plus CoQ10. The results were highly significant. The authors reported Ovulation occurred in 54 82 cycles (65.9 percent) in the CoQ10 group and 11 71 cycles (15.5 percent) in the control group. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the CoQ10 group (19 51 37.3 percent) versus the control group (3 50 6.0 percent). This means that women also taking the CoQ10 ovulated five times (500 percent) more and had six times (600 percent) higher pregnancy rates. In men low levels of CoQ10 can mean less active sperm and may contribute to infertility. Therefore supplementing with 100 to 300 mg of a quality CoQ10 for both men and women starting a few months before conception is attempted can be quite beneficial. There are two forms of CoQ10 ubiquinone and ubiquinol. The ubiquinol form is the more active form but either can be used successfully. However if you are older have a chronic illness or past damage to your liver the ubiquinol form might be more beneficial for you. are given a bouquet of rhodiola complete with the roots as a blessing for having many healthy children. With regard to sperm activity rhodiola has been shown to protect sperm and improve physical characteristics in scientific studies. Both rhodiola and ashwagandha improve the body s ability to withstand stress. Sometimes that stress is physical like working outside in the freezing cold or having very physically demanding tasks. Sometimes that stress is mental like high-pressure jobs or illnesses in the family. Regardless high levels of stress can suppress fertility. It just makes sense. Mother Nature wants us to survive and thrive so if potential parents are in stressful and dangerous situations it may not be the optimal time to conceive. Heat and Thyroid When you think of pregnancy you probably think of the ovaries and testes and these glands are indeed crucially important. However you may not consider your thyroid gland. The thyroid makes thyroid hormone and dictates the rate that the body burns fuel (calories) to make energy. This is not just energy to run to the store or play a round of golf but energy for your heart to beat your lungs to pump your kidneys to filter and your ovaries and testes to do what they are supposed to do. No gland in the body is more dependent upon a single mineral than is the thyroid gland which needs healthy levels of iodine to make adequate thyroid hormone. And yet people in the United States are getting about half the dietary iodine they consumed in the 1970s. Suboptimal levels of iodine mean suboptimal thyroid function. In a 2012 study it was found that 23 percent of infertile women were hypothyroid and that 76 percent of them conceived when thyroid deficiency was corrected. One natural way to improve thyroid hormone production is to supplement with iodine. Men need excellent thyroid function as well to make healthy energetic sperm. If you have ever tried to get pregnant by determining ovulation using the thermometer method you might have noticed that your morning temperatures VITAMIN RETAILER 39 Immune Hormone Signaling and Inflammation There are two adaptogenic herbs well known for promoting fertility and healthy sexual function rhodiola (Rodiola rosea) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Both exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Whether it is inflammation that reduces sperm production or narrows the fallopian tubes or affects any of the many glands that have to function in concert to produce a successful pregnancy inflammation can be a powerful silent contributor to problems with fertility. Helping to lower levels of inflammation with diet and these herbs can be very beneficial. But perhaps where these herbs shine is in immune system and hormone signaling. Both have been shown to improve sexual function. Ashwagandha can improve testosterone production which is important to the creation of sperm. It can also stimulate the secretion of non-sex hormones in both men and women that are crucial to successful pregnancy outcomes. Rhodiola has been shown to promote regular ovulation and menses. In fact there is a folk practice in eastern Russia and norther China in which new brides Metabolic Energy One issue that often arises in fertility is the need for metabolic energy to have healthy reproductive activity. Metabolic energy means the energy within the cell for the cell to do its job. In a sperm cell it means the energy to swim like the dickens and get to the Promised Land first. It means the energy to burrow into the egg and release its genetic material to make a baby. Metabolic energy is also needed by the woman for release of the egg its movement through the fallopian tube and the proper development of the lining of the uterus to be ready for the egg should it be fertilized. A study last year published in Aging Cell found that especially in women over 40 lack of CoQ10 production in the body and low levels in the cell can cause infertility. Clomiphene is a drug that stimulates the pituitary gland to release a hormone that stimulates ovulation. Many women have fertility issues because they do not release eggs very often. One reason for this can be polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. In a recent study women with PCOS having difficulty conceiving were given the drug alone while another JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM HEALTHANDNUTRITION run a bit low. If the body does not have sufficient thyroid hormone the temperatures will be slightly below normal especially first thing in the morning. Increasing thyroid hormone production increases proper body temperature and ovulation as well as improving your chances of conception. Thyroid experts recommend somewhere between 6.25 to 12.5 mg a day as a dose range. I prefer mixed iodines of more than one form for example combinations of sodium iodide potassium iodide and molecular iodine. physiopathology and therapy. Biofactors. 2011 SepOct 37(5) 374-80. doi 10.1002 biof.164. Review. Sahin K Orhan C Akdemir F Tuzcu M Gencoglu H Sahin N Turk G Yilmaz I Ozercan IH Juturu V. omparative evaluation of the sexual functions and NF-B and Nrf2 pathways of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts in male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Aug 26 16(1) 318. doi 10.1186 s12906-016-1303-x. PubMed PMID 27561457 PubMed Central PMCID PMC5000417. Rahmati B Ghosian Moghaddam MH Khalili M Enayati E Maleki M Rezaeei S. Effect of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal on Sex Hormone and Gonadotropin Levels in Addicted Male Rats. Int J Fertil Steril. 2016 Jul-Sep 10(2) 239-44. PubMed PMID 27441058 PubMed Central PMCID PMC4948077. Dongre S Langade D Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women A Pilot Study. Biomed Res Int. 2015 2015 284154. doi 10.1155 2015 284154. PubMed PMID 26504795 PubMed Central PMCID PMC4609357. Ihsan H Khan MR Ajmal W Ali GM. WsMAGO2 a duplicated MAGO NASHI protein with fertility attributes interacts with MPF2-like MADS-box proteins. Planta. 2015 May 241(5) 1173-87. doi 10.1007 s00425-015-2247-y. PubMed PMID 25630441. Ambiye VR Langade D Dongre S Aptikar P Kulkarni M Dongre A. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males A Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013 2013 571420. doi 10.1155 2013 571420. PubMed PMID 24371462 PubMed Central PMCID PMC3863556. Mahima Rahal A Deb R Latheef SK Abdul Samad H Tiwari R Verma AK Kumar A Dhama K. Immunomodulatory and therapeutic potentials of herbal traditional indigenous and ethnoveterinary medicines. Pak J Biol Sci. 2012 Aug 15 15(16) 754-74 Riaz A Khan RA Ahmed S Afroz S. Assessment of acute toxicity and reproductive capability of a herbal combination. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2010. Jul 23(3) 291-4. Bhattarai JP Ah Park S Han SK. The methanolic extract of Withania somnifera ACTS on GABAA receptors in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in mice. Phytother Res. 2010 Aug 24(8) 1147-50. doi 10.1002 ptr.3088. PubMed PMID 20044800. Mahdi AA Shukla KK Ahmad MK Rajender S Shankhwar SN Singh V Dalela D. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Sep 29. Uyeturk U Terzi EH Gucuk A Kemahli E Ozturk H Tosun M. Prevention of torsion-induced testicular injury by Rhodiola rosea. Urology. 2013 Jul 82(1) 254.e1-6. doi 10.1016 j.urology.2013.04.018. Zhao HW Li QW Ning GZ Han ZS Jiang ZL Duan YF. Rhodiola sacra aqueous extract (RSAE) improves biochemical and sperm characteristics in cryopreserved boar semen. Theriogenology. 2009 Mar 15 71(5) 849-57. doi 10.1016 j.theriogenology.2008.10.006. Indu Verma Renuka Sood Sunil Juneja 1 and Satinder Kaur. Prevalence of hypothyroidism in infertile women and evaluation of response of treatment for hypothyroidism on infertility. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2012 Jan-Jun 2(1) 17 19.doi 10.4103 2229-516X.96795. PMCID PMC3657979 Cheryl Myers is an integrative health nurse author and an expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times Wall Street Journal and Prevention magazine. Her many articles have been published in such diverse journals as Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Nutrition in Complementary Care and her research on botanicals has been presented at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the North American Menopause Society. Myers is the head of Scientific Affairs and Education for EuroPharma Inc. Good Luck If you are working with a health care practitioner to improve fertility it is important to share your decision to add supplements to your daily regimen. I think the most optimal health outcomes occur when everyone on the health team is on the same page. Adding validated healthy supplements to men and women s daily regimens can result in excellent reproductive benefits. VR References Ben-Meir A Burstein E Borrego-Alvarez A Chong J Wong E Yavorska T Naranian T Chi M Wang Y Bentov Y Alexis J Meriano J Sung HK Gasser DL Moley KH Hekimi S Casper RF Jurisicova A. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell. 2015 Oct 14(5) 887-95. doi 10.1111 acel.12368. El Refaeey A Selem A Badawy A. Combined coenzyme Q10 and clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in clomiphene-citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome. Reprod Biomed Online. 2014 Jul 29(1) 119-24 Mancini A Balercia G. Coenzyme Q(10) in male infertility (Continued from page 24) also known as xenoestrogens commonly found in pesticides herbicides and the BPA in plastics linger in the body they can cause a great deal of trouble. The proper metabolism of estrogen can mean the difference between hormonal health or risk of breast uterine or cervical cancer. Poor estrogen metabolism is also linked to endometriosis and problematic PMS or 40 VITAMIN RETAILER perimenopause symptoms. It is critically important Myers said. Therefore clinically studied BioResponse DIM (diindolylmethane) is featured in the formula. Most people are familiar with DIM a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables she noted. As a component for women s health you couldn t do better than DIM. It shifts estrogen toward a healthy pathway for better hormonal health reduced risk of certain hormonally related cancers and reduction in fat deposits. Some women are more at risk of breast cancer risk because they lack the required levels of one of the body s methods of fighting off tumors--a gene and its protein called BRCA1. According to Myers a Canadian clinical study found that women taking supplemental DIM group saw a 34 percent increase in BCRA1 expression. Using DIM in this fashion could be a potentially major shift in the way we think about breast health--using a natural compound to reduce genetic risk--and mark real progress Myers concluded. VR Extra Extra Visit www.vitaminretailer.com to learn about how working too much may have an effect on a woman s health. i For More Information Genesis Today (800) 383-6008 Natural Vitality (800) 446-7462 Probiotics International Ltd. 44 (0) 1460 243230 Rainbow Light (800) 475-1890 Terry Naturally EuroPharma Inc. (866) 598-5487 YouTheory (949) 395-4417 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 NATURALMEDICINE with Dr. Michael Murray Mulberry Leaf Extract Benefits B Y M ICHAEL T. M URRAY ND he mulberry plant (Morus alba) is probably best known as the food for silkworms but it has also been highly regarded in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Recently human studies have confirmed the benefits of mulberry leaf extract in helping to improve blood sugar control promote weight loss prevent and treat type 2 diabetes as well as exerting favorable actions against the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Based upon its science mulberry extracts should be among the more popular products in American health food stores. T Composition Mulberry leaf extract contains many important phytochemicals including moranoline (also known as 1-deoxynojirimycin or DNJ) flavonoids and related compounds like chlorogenic acid glycopeptides and ecdysteroids. Although DNJ has received the most attention there is tremendous synergy among the key components of mulberry leaf extract. bohydrates starches maltose and sucrose (white sugar) from breaking down into highly absorbable glucose molecules. This inhibition greatly assists blood sugar control. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are wellaccepted oral hypoglycemic drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Examples of prescription alpha-glucosidase inhibitors include acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset). In addition to many detailed animal studies showing considerable effects of mulberry extracts promoting improved blood sugar control through its alpha-glucosidase inhibition there are additional mechanisms of action including an ability to achieve increased insulin sensitivity. Human clinical studies using mulberry preparations concentrated for DNJ have also shown excellent results in improving blood sugar control and also indicate a complex set of interactive beneficial effects on blood sugar control including an ability to improve insulin sensitivity by 30 percent in healthy volunteers. Mulberry Extract How it Works DNJ inhibits an enzyme in the intestinal tract (alpha-glucosidase) that is involved in the digestion of carbohydrates. Specifically it has been shown to prevent complex car- Mulberry Extract in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes In addition to human studies showing improved blood sugar control enhanced insulin sensitivity and promotion of weight loss mulberry has also been studied in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The results are excellent. In fact in one of these studies the results are superior to standard drug therapy. In the study researchers compared mulberry s blood sugar lowering actions to the oral diabetes drug glyburide (also known as glibenclamide and Micronase). Patients were given either mulberry dried leaves at a dose of 3 g day (approximate DNJ level of 0.1 percent or 3 mg) or one tablet of glyburide (5 mg day) for four weeks. The results clearly show that the fasting blood glucose concentrations were significantly lowered with mulberry therapy suggesting mulberry therapy is effective in controlling diabetes. Compared to glyburide treatment mulberry therapy significantly reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations of diabetic patients by 27 percent. However in those subjects getting glyburide there were no significant differences observed between pre- and posttreatment. Mulberry extract was also superior to the approved drug in its ability to decrease hemoglobin A1C--a marker of long-term blood sugar control. While gliburide subjects enjoyed some minimal improvements in their blood lipid profile the changes were not statistically significant except for triglycerides which VITAMIN RETAILER 41 JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM NATURALMEDICINE insulin sensitivity mulberry extracts have also been investigated in animal and human studies in weight-loss promotion and type 2 diabetes. In regards to weight loss in addition to its effects on blood sugar control several other mechanisms have been elucidated to explain mulberry extract s weight-loss promoting effects. One of the more interesting effects of mulberry extract is its ability to increase adiponectin levels. The development of obesity is linked to alterations in two opposing hormones secreted by fat cells in the abdomen--adiponectin a compound that helps insulin work better and resistin a compound that blocks insulin s action. With increasing body weight levels of adiponectin decreased while levels of resistin increase. Mulberry extract s ability to increase adiponectin levels helps to restore insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss. In addition to DNJ other mulberry leaf components especially the polyphenols such as gallic acid chlorogenic acid rutin and anthocyanins also show effects in proMulberry Extract in the Fight moting weight loss. In one study in hamAgainst obesity sters a mulberry extract rich in these On the basis of its effects on improving polyphenols was shown to inhibit Table 1 - Influence of mulberry and glyburide treatments on blood the manufacture glucose glycosylated hemoglobin and serum lipids of the patients of triglycerides with type 2 diabetes. and other fats Glyburide Mulberry within the liver. There is also Change Change Parameter Before After Before After (percent) (percent) emerging human clinical Fasting blood -27 154.4 141.8 -8 152.7 110.5 data supporting glucose (mg dl) percent mulberry s A1C (percent) 12.5 12.4 0 12.5 11.2 -10 weight-loss promoting ability. In Cholesterol 190 182 -4 193.7 170.3 -12 one human clini(mg dl) cal trial mulberLDL-cholesterol 102.5 95.5 -7 102.1 78.7 -23 ry extract pro(mg dl) duced weight HDL-cholesterol 49.8 51.3 3 50.1 59.2 18 (mg dl) loss that averTriglycerides aged about 20 199.5 180 -10 200.4 168.0 -16 (mg dl) pounds in three Free fatty acids months that was 589.8 580 -2 590.1 520 -12 (pmol dl) nearly three fell by 10 percent. Mulberry patients on the other hand experienced striking improvements across all lipid parameters including a dramatic drop in harmful LDL by 23 percent along with an 18 percent increase in highly desirable HDL. The research team also measured changes in lipid peroxidation in plasma urine and red blood cell membranes. Lipid peroxidation occurs when lipids are oxidized in the body rendering them damaged and yet more harmful. One of the goals of antioxidant therapy is to prevent lipid peroxidation from occurring. In this study plasma and urinary lipid peroxidation dropped significantly in both groups but the effect was stronger among mulberry patients. Only mulberry significantly improved lipid peroxidation and decreased cholesterol in red blood cell membranes. These results indicate that mulberry not only reduces harmful lipids and apparently improves sensitivity to glucose but also possesses beneficial antioxidant properties. times the level achieved in the placebo group. Waist circumference and thigh circumference (in women) decreased in all participants in the mulberry group. Mulberry Extract Effects on Blood Lipids and CRP Levels Mulberry extract shows tremendous effects in reducing risk for cardiovascular disease by reducing blood lipids as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) levels--an inflammatory marker that represents inflammation in blood vessels and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In one 12-week study mulberry extract reduced total cholesterol triglyceride and LDL by 4.9 percent 14.1 percent and 5.6 percent respectively while raising HDL by 19.7 percent. Dosage Interactions and Side Effects The recommended dosage is a dosage equal to 1 000 mg of the dried herb or roughly 1-2 mg of moranoline three times daily. Mulberry leaf extract has no known toxicity but as the effects during pregnancy and lactation have not been sufficiently evaluated it is not recommended for use during these times unless directed to do so by a physician. Since mulberry leaf extract improves blood sugar control individuals on oral hypoglycemic drugs for type 2 diabetes will need to monitor blood sugar levels and work with their physician to adjust drug dosage as needed. VR Michael T. Murray ND is widely regarded as one of the world s leading authorities on natural medicine. A graduate former faculty member and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle Washington he is the author of more than 30 books on health nutrition. For more information visit www.doctormurray.com. PRODUCTSPOTLIGHT (Continued from page 36) Flavored Probiotic Water New from Florida-based Uncle Matt s Organic s are fruit-infused cold-pressed probiotic waters. Offered in three refreshing citrus flavors this functional line of water beverages combines proven and patented GanedenBC30 probiotics with cold-pressed fresh-squeezed organic citrus juice as well as real organic citrus peel which contains antioxidant flavonoids. Each refreshing flavor of lemon orange and grapefruit is 10 calories or less per serving with only two grams or less of natural fruit sugar. Uncle Matt s Organic Fruit-Infused Probiotic Water is available for 3.49 for a 16.9-oz bottle. For more information call (352) 394-8737 or visit www.unclematts.com. 42 VITAMIN RETAILER WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Branch Out and Join VRM Media s FAMILY OF PUBLICATIONS VitaminRetailer.com NIEmagazine.com FitnessTrainerMag.com NaturalPractitionerMag.com Contact One of Our Ad Specialists Today Russ Fields at (732) 432-9600 ext. 102 e-Mail RussF VRMmedia.com Gary Pfaff at (732) 432-9600 ext. 103 e-Mail GaryP VRMmedia.com NEWPRODUCTS VR s New Products section is a FREE service to industry members. Send new product press releases and photos to Janet Poveromo Vitamin Retailer 431 Cranbury Road Ste. C East Brunswick NJ 08816 or email to JanetP VRMmedia.com Nature-enhanced Water NASHVILLE TN--According to the company NEW water has achieved something no other water company has to date taking ionic elements to create an alkaline hydration water superior to anything else in the category. NEW Nature Enhanced Water by Aquation Enterprises LLC offers three formulas elite energy and smile designed to improve overall health and wellness conveniently through premium hydration with additional benefits including mineral electrolyte replacement alkalizing factors oral health maintenance and clean energy benefits. Each 17-oz. bottle retails for 1.39. For more information call (888) 909-9433 or visit www.drinknewwater.com. Carib Exotic Beverages WASHINGTON D.C.-- Carib utilizes smart sweeteners that are all natural and non-GMO plants. They are naturally low to zero calorie and have less effect on blood sugar levels of the body. Carib has two drink lines--one is juice like it has never been made before. It is full of flavor and nutrition yet low in sugar and calories. This line is fruity low calorie and only features five natural organic ingredients. Carib s other line uses raw pressed cane juice as a base. Cane juice an unprocessed raw source of sugar is the national drink in many countries. It also has a lot of vitamins and nutrients making it the perfect base to make juice. Each 10-oz. bottle retails for 2.99. For more information visit www.caribejuice.com. Allprovide Raw & Gently Cooked Dog Foods ATLANTA GA--Made with human-grade fresh ingredients Allprovide dog food contains everything a dog needs for optimum health. According to the company it never uses corn grains fillers colorants or preservatives and its recipes have been formulated with the assistance of award-winning vet and certified food therapist Judy Morgan DVM. It is available frozen in either 1lb. raw pouches ( 7.75- 8.95) or gently cooked in 2-lb bags ( 9.50- 10.50) making portioning easy and convenient. For more information call (678) 585-1606 or visit www.allprovide.com. Black Is White Teeth Whitening System CINCINATTI OH--Black in color this toothpaste by CURAPROX safely whitens teeth by effectively absorbing dirt and discoloration particles according to the company. The charcoal acts as a magnet by pulling stains off the teeth to restore a natural white smile. It contains very low abrasive particles and no bleaching agents plastic particles triclosan or sodium lauryl sulphate so consumers can regain those natural pearly whites without the danger of breaking down enamel the company stated. Each 90-ml tube retails for 29.99 and includes the Black Is White version of the CS 5460 ultra soft toothbrush. For more information call (513) 871-9200 or visit www.curaprox.com. ALOHA Greens NEW YORK NY--ALOHA Greens are made with clean whole-food ingredients such as moringa spirulina and wild blueberries. According to the company its patented infrared drying process maintains the essential nutrients. Mix into water blend into smoothies stir into soups or add to any meal for extra oomph Get organic super foods naturally occurring vitamin D and a full serving of fruits and vegetables--all in one convenient onthe-go pouch Fifteen single-serve pouches are available for 45 while a 30-pack is valued at 75. For more information call (866) 850-4585 or visit www.aloha.com. Honey Peanut Butter Banana Chips Snack Pack BOULDER CO--The world s first nonperishable fruit and nut butter pairing Justin s Peanut Butter and Banana Chip Snack Pack comes in two mouth-watering flavors Classic Peanut Butter Banana Chips and Honey Peanut Butter Banana Chips. The latest innovation in the brand s extensive portfolio adds a twist on a classic duo with one side Justin s Peanut Butter and one side organic banana chips. The next generation of the original Snack Packs this new product is a result of the intersection of two high-growth and trending categories (nut butter and dried fruit) and was created with the whole family in mind. Each 1.3-oz. snack pack has a retail value of 1.99. For more information call (844) 448-0302 or visit www.justins.com. WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Bai Bubbles Line HAMILTON NJ--Bai Bubbles by Bai Brands are antioxidant infusion beverages with a carbonated twist and kick of flavor. Like bubbles they re light--only five calories and 1 g of sugar with no artificial sweeteners. Designed with taste buds in mind customers can ditch sugary soda and bland seltzer for a beverage that will do right by their body mind and tongue. The retail price is 1.99 per 11.5-oz. can and they are offered in 12-count variety packs as well. For more information call (855) 411-4BAI or visit www.drinkbai.com. 44 VITAMIN RETAILER Ellyndale Foods Q Cups BLOOMINGDALE IL--New Ellyndale Q Cups by NOW are gourmet ready-to-eat single-serve packages of quinoa that offer a delicious convenient and portable way to get the fiber and protein boost from this ancient grain. Made from premium ingredients three varieties--Organic with Sea Salt Savory Garlic & Mushroom and Southwestern Barbeque--are packed with flavor lower in sodium than other meal cups and ready in five minutes. Perfect for on-the-go lunches snacks and simple side dishes these are a must-have for an on-the-go snack or meal. Like everything in the Ellyndale line of quality foods Q Cups are non-GMO and are also vegan and certified gluten free. Each 2-oz. cup retails for 3.39. For more information call (888) 669-3663 or visit www.nowfoods.com. BullsEye CANAAN CT--Inspired by the rise in specific bacterial infections particularly in the Northeastern portion of the United States Vibrant Health introduces the first product of its kind BullsEye. A modern more hygienic lifestyle is a double-edged sword which has rendered us more vulnerable to infection. BullsEye is an innovative new product with specific plant extracts that may help destroy harmful bacteria while letting good bacteria flourish. BullsEye is gluten- and soy free non-GMO and utilizes full disclosure labeling. Sixty vegetable capsules are available for 29.95. For more information call (800) 242-1835 or visit www.vibranthealth.com. Probiotic Gripe Water SCOTTSDALE AZ--Wellements Probiotic Gripe Water is a USDA-certified organic herbal dietary supplement for infants containing ginger fennel and chamomile to help with occasional stomach discomfort associated with gas colic fussiness and hiccups. The addition of probiotics helps support overall digestion and immune function. Wellements Probiotic Gripe Water contains the probiotic strain Bacillus Coagulans under the trade name Lactospore. This product is free from preservatives artificial ingredients alcohol parabens gluten dairy and soy. One package consisting of a 4-oz. bottle and one probiotic stick has an MSRP of 18.99. For more information call (800) 255-2690 or visit www.wellements.com. Bare Beauty ORANGEBURG NY--Think beauty is only skin deep Think again Healthy locks strong nails and a vibrant complexion start with the fundamentals and that s why Bare Beauty brings together a comprehensive selection of high-quality vitamins that may help to fortify hair nails and skin for a better looking--and better feeling--you Each 90-capsule bottle has a retail value of 35.99. For more information call (885) 683-8748 or visit www.nudtrition.com. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose treat cure or prevent any disease. Wholesome Organic Frostings SUGAR LAND TX-- Available in stores nationwide the Wholesome line of Organic and Non-GMO Frostings are sure to take the stress out of last minute bake sales and birthday parties. Convenient and ready-to-use the frostings smooth spreadable texture and delicious Chocolate Vanilla and Wild White Strawberry flavors are perfect for any quick baking need The frostings are free of artificial preservatives and flavors and their vegan gluten-free and kosher certifications make them an easy baking solution for every kind of sweet tooth and occasion. The frostings are made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients so each purchase helps improve the lives of farmers in other countries. The suggested retail price for a 12.5-oz. box is 5.99. For more information call (800) 680-1896 or visit www.wholesomesweet.com. 35 Mom & Baby Pre & Postnatal Multivitamin SANTA CRUZ CA--According to Rainbow Light this product is the only pre- and postnatal multivitamin formulated for the unique nutritional needs of 35 Moms in just one tablet per day and uniquely formulated for moms aged 35-plus. It delivers scientifically based potencies nourishing super foods and a digestion enhancing blend to ensure moms get the best nutrition for themselves and their baby. It is made with natural purity-tested ingredients and has no artificial preservatives colors flavors or sweeteners. A 60-tablet bottle has an MSRP of 59.99. For more information call (800) 635-1233 or visit www.rainbowlight.com. FMB (Feed My Brain) OGDEN UT--Parents want their child to have every opportunity to learn and achieve their potential. Over the last 40 years numerous studies have been conducted around the world to demonstrate a correlation between a child s diet and their intellectual physical and social development. FMB (manufactured by Trace Minerals) an exclusively formulated dietary supplement developed by Alexander Schauss PhD a fellow of the American College of Nutrition (FACN) and a certified food scientist (CFS) based on nearly 40 years of research. FMB has been scientifically formulated to provide nutritional support to the brain during a child and young adult s formative years to help optimize its function particularly to support academic achievement. A bottle of 60 chewable wafers retails for 31.49. For more information call (801) 731-6051 or visit www.traceminerals.com. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose treat cure or prevent any disease. JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM VITAMIN RETAILER 45 NEWPRODUCTS Hypoallergenic Pure Perfume MALIBU CA--V ra Essence by Zorica of Malibu is an essential oil-based perfume that captures the life force of nature s most celebrated plants. An elusively captivating scent this perfume uplifts and relaxes while respecting the most delicate chemical and fragrance sensitivities. It is lovingly handcrafted with certified 100 percent pure steam distilled Bulgarian rose otto and other high-grade steam distilled pure essential oils for optimum health and happiness. Steam distilled is the purest way to extract oil from the flower and rose sourced from Bulgaria is the highest quality rose essential oil available in the world. Sixty-five thousand petals are used to produce one single drop of this luxurious oil. Each 10-ml container has an MSRP of 56. For more information call (310) 457-9041 or visit www.veraessence.com. INDUSTRYNEWS (Continued from page 12) Alexander George Panossian PhD Dr. Sci. has joined EuroPharma Inc. (Wisconsin) as a consultant and research and science director for product development as an expert in herbal products. Nellson Nutraceutical (California) a full-service nutrition bar and powder provider in North America announced a realignment of their organization naming Jean Filion as chief operating officer and Bart Child as senior vice president of commercial development. You re Hired JEAN FILION BART CHILD SUPPLEMENTSCIENCE (Continued from page 35) showed a trend toward statistical significance (p 0.06). There was a correlation between perceived stress and weight change with those in the proprietary natural blend group who maintained their weight having significantly less perceived stress (p 0.02) compared to baseline. The researchers concluded that people who eat in response to stress may benefit from using a dietary supplement containing the proprietary natural blend which appeared to reduce cortisol levels and perceived stress thereby helping participants avoid overeating and maintain body weight. reduce perceived stress and short-term anxiety as well as the stress hormone cortisol when 250 mg was taken two to three times daily (total daily dose of 500750 mg). Furthermore the research showed that Relora is well tolerated under the condition of the study. Consequently Relora offers a safe and effective natural approach to management of stress and anxiety. VR officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 10 37. 9 Kalman DS Feldman S Feldman R Schwartz HI Krieger DR Garrison R. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women a pilot double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutr J. 2008 Apr 21 7 11. 10 Garrison R Chambliss WG. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on weight management a pilot double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2006 Jan-Feb 12(1) 50-4. References 1 American Psychological Association. Stress in America The impact of discrimination. Stress in America Survey 2016. 2 American Psychological Association. Stress in America The impact of discrimination. Stress in America Survey 2016. 3 Cascade E Kalali AH. Use of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety. Psychiatry (Edgmont) 2008 Sep 5(9) 21 22. 4 Fox C Liu H Kaye AD. Antianxiety Agents. In Manchikanti L Trescot AM Christo PJ et al (eds). Clinical Aspects of Pain Medicine and Interventional Pain Management A Comprehensive Review. Paducah KY ASIP Publishing 2011 543 552. 5 Paulozzi LJ Mack KA Hockenberry JM. Variation among states in prescribing of opioid pain relievers and benzodiazepines--United States 2012. J Safety Res. 2014 Dec 51 125-9. 6 WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Vol. 4. Geneva Switzerland World Health Organization 2009 166-178. 7 WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Vol. 4. Geneva Switzerland World Health Organization 2009 244-257. 8 Talbott SM Talbott JA Pugh M. Effect of Magnolia Conclusion Stress affects most in American society with one-third of those reporting increased stress over the past year. Increased levels of stress have been shown to negatively impact body physical health and mental health. While benzodiazepine drugs can help treat stress and anxiety they can have many adverse effects and are frequently overprescribed. A proprietary natural blend of M. officinalis bark extract and P. amurense bark extract known as Relora has been shown in clinical research to help significantly 46 VITAMIN RETAILER Gene Bruno MS MHS the dean of academics for Huntington College of Health Sciences is a nutritionist herbalist writer and educator. For more than 30 years he has educated and trained natural product retailers and health care professionals has researched and formulated natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies and has written articles on nutrition herbal medicine nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade consumer magazines and peerreviewed publications. He can be reached at gbruno hchs.edu. WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 OFFTHEPRESS Book Publishers--Submit new books to Janet Poveromo Vitamin Retailer 431 Cranbury Road Ste. C East Brunswick NJ 08816 JanetP VRMmedia.com Adaptogens 75 Herbal Recipes and Elixirs to Improve Your Skin Mood Energy Focus and More Adaptogens are a unique class of plants that help to improve the health of the adrenal system which manages the way a body reacts to emotional and physical stress. Used for centuries in Chinese and ayurvedic medicine adaptogens counteract the adverse effects of stress and fatigue while stimulating the immune system and increasing energy stores. In Adaptogens Herbalist Agatha Noveille introduces readers to the health and wellness benefits of 23 adaptogenic herbs including ashwagandha maca He Shou Wu and holy basil. Readers will also find more than 80 recipes for potions and remedies to improve sleep mood mental focus immune function stamina and for general wellness and beauty. With Adaptogens readers will learn the secrets to vibrant health and natural healing. Author Agatha Noveille Pages 224 Price 16.99 (paperback) Publisher Adams Media Contact Bethany Carland-Adams (508) 427-6726 Living Well Six Pillars for Living Your Best Life Living Well is a book for anyone who wants to get the most out of life with clear answers about health diet exercise and personal habits that can make all the difference. Living Well is the only program that incorporates all the elements of good health into one whole life plan by using Six Pillars Thinking Well Eating Well Moving Well Sleeping Well Hosting Well and Staying Well. Written by health and nutrition expert Greg Horn in the same engaging and accessible style that made Living Green a best seller Living Well connects the science to the art of living well consolidating the latest scientific research into common sense insights and offering a prescriptive action plan that readers can incorporate into their lives. Author Greg Horn Pages 194 Price 16.95 (paperback) Publisher Dog Ear Publishing Contact Lisa Cagle (954) 941-4347 ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER Bluebonnet Nutrition Corp. Continental Vitamin Company Genesis Today Health Plus Inc. Mushroom Wisdom Natural Factors Natural Factors Natural Factors NeoCell Corporation North American Herb & Spice Now Foods Protexin Scandinavian Formulas Inc. Wakunaga of America Xlear Inc. Xlear Inc. PAGE C4 7 17 28 11 9 13 29 25 C2 C3 19 5 1 3 15 PHONE (281) 240-3332 (800) 421-6175 (800) 916-6642 (800) 822-6225 (800) 747-7418 (800) 322-8704 (800) 322-8704 (800) 322-8704 (949) 699-1626 (800) 243-5242 (888) 669-3663 (800) 899-3413 (800) 688-2276 (949) 855-2776 (877) 599-5327 (877) 599-5327 WEB www.vitaminretailer.com bluebonnet www.vitaminretailer.com cvc www.vitaminretailer.com genesistoday www.vitaminretailer.com healthplus www.vitaminretailer.com mushroomwisdom www.vitaminretailer.com naturalfactors www.vitaminretailer.com naturalfactors www.vitaminretailer.com naturalfactors www.vitaminretailer.com neocell www.vitaminretailer.com nahs www.vitaminretailer.com nowfoods www.vitaminretailer.com probioticsinternational www.vitaminretailer.com scandinavian www.vitaminretailer.com wakunaga www.vitaminretailer.com xlear www.vitaminretailer.com xlear INDUSTRYEVENTS March 8-12 2017 Natural Products Expo West Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim CA (866) 458-4935 www.expowest.com April 18-20 2017 Ingredient Marketplace Orlando World Center Marriott Orlando FL www.marketplace.supplysideshow.com JANUARY 2017 WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM CLASSIFIEDAD Health Food Supplement Store Well Stocked Ship to Our Customer No Customer Contact Necessary Immediate Payment P (732) 775-7575 F (732) 502-0899 VITAMIN RETAILER 47 Back Talk THIS MONTH Kat James is an award-winning author transformational nutrition and beauty pioneer and syndicated radio host who s been called a master of self-transformation by SELF magazine in response to her stunning recovery from liver autoimmune and eating disorders that nearly took her life. Her controversial original dietary method--now recommended at top neurologic fertility functional medicine bariatric and metabolic clinics--has left dramatic success stories in its wake and been featured at top spas and institutions such as Omega Institute as well as on the Today Show Fox and PBS among others. WITH JANET POVEROMO radio shows to share not only my own permanent (26 years and counting) health transformation and weight loss (10 dress sizes) without starvation struggle drugs surgery or even willpower but also that of countless others whom I ve taught to master a hormonal mechanism that I intuitively harnessed. Back in 1990 when my health started to fail from an eating disorder and autoimmune disorders including a failing liver I refused immunosuppressant drugs. Instead I used supplements to address every one of my failing health issues then set out to replicate my few rare moments of physical and emotional peace by identifying a surprisingly strange (especially at the dawn of the fat-free era) way of eating that eventually broke my 12-year heroine-like addiction to food and reversed my head-totoe health issues. In recent years the largest dietary studies in history by far such as Stanford s A to Z study and the Swedish Council on Health and Technology Assessment review of 16 000 dietary studies have clearly invalidated 40 years of faulty--and what many believe to be politically and economically driven dietary disinformation--and shown clearly that low-carb and especially very low carb (akin to my own protocol) high-fat diets reign supreme for both weight loss and health outcomes. The high-carb vs. low-carb debate is over. lost to most is leptin s regulation of virtually all hormonal (including huge impact on the thyroid) neurological immune inflammatory digestive and energy productive systems in the body. No leptinlike drug can bring our health-sustaining sensitivity to leptin back. Your book The Truth About Beauty was ahead of its time. What are some of the highlights of its update When the first edition was published in 2002 I did not yet understand the science behind my own transformation only the regimen. But in 2004 my protocol was identified by a top clinical expert on the hormone leptin as effectively helping people recover its function in the body. By the time of its 2009 re-release my regimen had been honed over nearly 10 years of my retreat-based coaching to be adaptable for a wide-array of metabolic thresholds (each person s differs affected by heredity and dietary history). Question Answer Kat James www.informedbeauty.com Question Answer Please discuss the new science that refutes last year s suggested hopelessness of successful weight loss. Question Answer In spring of 2016 the highly publicized Biggest Loser Study showed that all but one of the reality show s season-eight winners had gained their weight back. Virtually all destroyed their metabolisms with the show s low fat calorie-restricted and over-exercised regimen. Commentators remarked that even gastric surgery did not harm peoples metabolisms in the process of assisting weight loss (failing to mention its common malabsorption dumping and other often serious consequences). Life-long drugs were suggested by some medical commentators to be a more sensible solution than expecting weight loss from dieting and exercise due to the body s inevitable return to its so-called set weight. As if the harmful aforementioned regimen and its failure in eight people represents justification for a new dark age of drug and surgery solutions. This suggestion struck a troubling personal chord with me. I contacted several 48 VITAMIN RETAILER How would you advise natural product retailers helping their customers on providing the missing links for weight loss and self-transformation Question Answer What hormonal factors can turn the odds in one s favor for health and weight loss The critical key--yet rarely discussed secret to effortless weight loss and optimal health--the opposite of what I experienced for the first half of my obese diseased and ever-dieting life--is recovering our body s functioning of the master hormone leptin. When that is lost there is no satiety signal to the brain and no burning of fat. In fact the body will stay in a famine fatstoring mode and never know when to stop eating as long as your leptin signaling to your brain is compromised. Also Natural product retailers basically saved my life. I basically read my way out of the woods with classic books on supplements not only for my liver but also for depression candida blood sugar cravings thyroid sleep and adrenal health. Without my local health food stores I would have died back in 1990. As far as leptin signaling and supplements while no supplement contains leptin and leptin drugs have failed to perform as the drug industry had hoped it s been shown that what causes insulin resistance causes leptin resistance and therefore supplements that support blood sugar and hormonal balance and the mirobiome (another glycemic response factor) can help support leptin sensitivity. I discuss all of these supplement categories (plus many more) and how they helped me in my book. WWW.VITAMINRETAILER.COM JANUARY 2017 Go to www.vitaminretailer.com nowfoods for info about this advertiser Go to www.vitaminretailer.com bluebonnet for info about this advertiser