Curcumin may improve the outcome of tendonitis.

Turmeric has long been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of a range of health related conditions. Curcumin, a natural component of this spice, has been identified as being primarily responsible for turmeric’s activities. Research on curcumin has shown that it provides a variety of benefits such as improving antioxidant status, inflammatory conditions, immune functions, and cognitive health.
Preliminary research in people with arthritis found curcumin to be helpful in reducing inflammation and symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Based on this information, a recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (August 2011) looked into the affects of curcumin on the inflammatory process of tendonitis. Tendonitis can cause swelling, pain, stiffness, and burning around a joint which not only can affect movement but can also last for months depending on the damage and treatment. This study looked at the direct impact of curcumin on human tendon cells. Researchers found that the curcumin not only helped to reduce existing inflammatory markers, it also helped to reduce the initiation and promotion of inflammation. Though more research is necessary, this study supports the potential role for curcumin in treating inflammatory conditions, especially those in relation to tendons and joints.

To read more on this study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151097/

Welcome to the new look of nutraMetrix®!

nutraMetrix is excited to welcome you to the launch of its redesigned Web portal. The changes made highlight the revamped nutraMetrix brand and will help you take full advantage of your nutraMetrix Web portal. It is a great place to guide Health Professionals and their patients to the best nutraMetrix products and services. The new nutraMetrix Web portal serves as a central location for resources and information for patients. The new nutraMetrix.com includes:

• Detailed health regimens for reference
• Customizable profiles
• Product news & announcements
• Access to the latest studies and industry updates
• Navigation to nutraMetrix social media outlets

So start exploring the new nutraMetrix Web portal and let us know what you think!

Vitamin D may help to reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Vitamin D is rapidly becoming one of the most studied vitamins of our time. These studies have indicated that vitamin D is closely linked with several aspects of human health and survival. A new meta-analysis (collective review and analysis of previous studies) published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (July 2011), reported finding a clear correlation between vitamin D intake of greater than 500 IU per day and a 13% reduced risk for developing type-2 diabetes. It was also noted that those individuals with the highest blood levels of vitamin D (>25 ng/dl) had a 43% lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes than
those individuals with the lowest blood levels (<14 ng/ml). This research review shows that vitamin D may play a role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes; however, more high quality studies will be needed to find how and to what extent it may be used in the course of this health-related condition.

To read more on this study:
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ejcn2011118a.html

Vitamin E tocotrienols provide cholesterol benefits.

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family that have been proven to influence several aspects of health such as neurological conditions and free radical reduction. Over the years, tocotrienols have often been overshadowed by a more commonly known form of vitamin E - tocopherol. Though both forms share some health related aspects, research is finding that tocotrienols might have a greater impact on human health than previously believed. A recent study published in Nutrition & Metabolism (June 2011) reported that 6 months supplementation with tocotrienols was associated with an improvement in plasma cholesterol levels, decrease in advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), and increased vitamin E levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. This study included 62 subjects from two age groups, 35-49 years and 50+ years, who were randomly assigned to receive either the tocotrienols or placebo for the 6 month period. Both HDL cholesterol levels and total plasma HDL to cholesterol levels improved. The reduction in AGEs, which are normally occurring by-products of metabolism and aging that have been associated with the progression of age-related diseases, was correlated to a reduction in oxidative stress and protein damage. Though more research is needed to discover all of the benefits tocotrienols have to offer, this study supports the necessity for that research.

To read more on this study:
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-8-42.pdf

Probiotics may ease bloating

Defined by the World Health Organization, probiotics are “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology has evaluated the effects of probiotic supplementation on bloating for people with bowel disorders. For this study, researchers recruited 60 people with functional bowel disorders but no constipation. Forty three of the test subjects were women and the average age of subjects was 37. A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 or placebo was used for eight weeks. Questionnaires were completed by volunteers who also were asked to rate their relief of gastrointestinal symptoms on a seven-point scale. After eight weeks of treatment, subjects taking the probiotic combination had improved symptoms of bloating compared to placebo. This study adds to the growing base of data which supports probiotic use for certain bowel disorders and the role of probiotic bacteria in human health.

To read more on this study click here

Great Feedback from the Field

We are excited to share some great feedback from Jonathan, a Heath Professional from Washington, DC. Jonathan started off as a Preferred Customer; however, after trying nutraMetrix products himself, he began offering nutraMetrix products to his patients.

Since becoming a distributor for nutraMetrix, Jonathan says he was struck by two things: first, that he can offer alternatives to prescription drugs when clinically appropriate, and second, other health professionals are very interested in his findings.

Many of my patients had expressed a desire for a natural alternative to
their prescription medications, and before nutraMetrix, I never had an option
for them.

Jonathan’s story is an example of how nutraMetrix products can be beneficial to every type of health professional. nutraMetrix is getting more exposure each day and proving to be a leader in advanced nutraceuticals.

We encourage everyone to write in and tell us about your success stories. Email us at nutraMetrix@nutraMetrix.com or comment below!

Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in type-2 diabetics.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in a variety of vegetation such as grapes (skins) and Japanese knotweed, has been the focus of many studies over the last several years. Believed to affect a wide variety of processes within the body, resveratrol has been shown to produce many health related benefits. A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition (April 2011) reported a positive affect on insulin resistance and oxidative stress in humans.. Researchers recruited 19 (male) type-2 diabetics to receive a supplement containing 10 mg of resveratrol or placebo daily, for 4 weeks. When compared with the placebo group, those receiving resveratrol showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels, as well as delayed appearances of glucose peaks after test meals. Though more research is necessary to solidify resveratrol’s importance in combating high blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity, this is the first study in humans to demonstrate that it does have some application this effect.

To read more on this study:
http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FBJN%2FS0007114511000316a.pdf&code=36b8f83cdc8121f2d69390f92ddf4fcd