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LE Magazine December 2002
Great Health, Poor Brain
Function?
Supplements can help
Q My grandfather is 89 years old and just
doesn't seem to be himself. Sometimes he has a hard time finishing a
sentence because he forgets what he was talking about. He is
forever misplacing things like his keys and glasses and just
doesn't seem to be interested in socializing anymore. Other
than that, he is in great health and does not take any
medications. It's a shame to be in such good health, but not
have good brain function to enjoy it. Do you think that
supplements can help at his age? I was on your web site, but
there are so many to choose from, can you help?
A Phosphatidylserine (PS)
is a phospholipid that is found in all cells but is especially
concentrated in high amounts in the membranes of brain cells.
PS makes up about 70% of the brain's nerve tissue mass. The
brain produces it, but aging slows the production to
sub-optimal levels, which precludes us from functioning at
full mental capacity. Studies have shown that supplementation
with PS can slow and may even reverse the decline of learning,
mood, memory, concentration and word recall related to
dementia or age-related cognitive impairment in middle-aged
and elderly subjects [Altern Med Rev 1999 Jun;4(3):144-61]. A
double blind, placebo-controlled study in geriatric patients
(ages 65 to 93 years of age) showed that PS supplementation
improved behavior, increased motivation, initiative and
socialization. These patients suffered moderate to severe
age-related cognitive decline before starting therapy. The
patients received 300 milligrams of PS treatment for six
months. [Aging (Milano) 1993 Apr;5(2):123-33]. For more
information on our PS capsules, please go to www.lef.org.
Also, see the September 2002 issue of the magazine.
Q I have been exploring other health
related sites and noticed some places touting the advantages
of liquid vitamins. They state that vitamins in capsule or
pill forms do little because they are not broken down and
cannot be absorbed by the body. Is this true?
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A All supplements
manufactured by the Foundation are issued a Certificate of
Analysis, which specifies a maximum disintegration time.
However, if you are concerned with absorption, that is a
different issue. The ability to absorb nutrients will vary
from person to person and depends largely on their digestive
system. A healthy digestive system is essential for the body
to absorb and fully use food and supplements. Many members
take Super Digestive Enzymes to ensure that they are absorbing
all the nutrients from food and supplements. This product
contains the primary digestive enzymes-proteases, amylases and
lipases. These function as biological catalysts, helping to
break down protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also contains
enzymes derived from the Aspergillus oryzae fungus, which have
been shown in numerous studies to support healthy digestive
function. These enzymes contain no fungal residue. Modern
filtration technology enables these fungal enzymes to be ideal
for human consumption. [Clin Nutr Insights 1997;5(10)]. For
more information on digestive enzymes, please go to
www.lef.org.
Q I am having a hard time deciding which
essential fatty acids I should be taking, flax seed oil, GLA,
fish oil or all of them? I am confused. Can you help
me?
A There are two families of
essential fatty acids (EFAs): omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Fatty acids serve as building blocks for nerve cells, cell
membranes and biochemical messengers such as prostaglandins.
Essential fatty acids cannot be produced within the body and
therefore must be provided through the diet. If the diet is
lacking in EFAs, saturated fats will take the place of EFAs
within cell membranes, reducing membrane fluidity and
efficiency, to start a process of premature aging and disease
development.
To get the maximum effect of EFAs, it is important to take
them in the right proportions, in order to maximize the
production of beneficial prostaglandins and other chemical
messengers, while minimizing the production of harmful ones.
Experimental studies confirm that a balanced combination is
essential for maximal effect in lowering blood pressure,
improving one's serum lipid profile and fighting inflammation.
The Life Extension Foundation has a product called Super
GLA/DHA with an optimal balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty
acids. For more information, please refer to the Directory of
Life Extension Technologies or our web site at:
www.lef.org.
Q Is there a connection between bone loss
and cancer cell growth?
A Yes, some types of cancer
(breast and prostate) have a tendency to metastasize to bone.
This may result in weakening of the bones and an increased
risk of fractures. A large percentage of men with prostate
cancer also seem to have a high incidence of osteoporosis even
before the use of therapies to lower the male hormone
testosterone. When excessive bone loss is occurring, there is
a release of bone-derived growth factors, such as transforming
growth factor beta-1, which stimulate the prostate cancer
cells to grow further. To make matters worse a substance
called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is usually elevated in the
presence of cancer cells, causes further breakdown of bone.
There are several bisphophonate drugs, Aredia®,
Zometa® (intravenous), Fosamax® or Actonel®, that
your doctor can prescribe which can help prevent further bone
loss and favor bone formation. It is also important to take
bone-protecting supplements so that the body has an adequate
supply of raw material to make healthy bone. These supplements
include calcium, magnesium, boron and vitamin D. All of these
ingredients and more can be obtained by taking Bone Assure.
Also, consider taking vitamin K and Mega Soy Extract. For more
information and references, please refer to the July 2002
issue of the magazine.
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Q I was
reviewing your Life Extension Mix and was impressed by its
comprehensive nature.
However, there were a few ingredients that I have never seen
before. Calcium D-Glucarate and Ellagic Acid. Are these
antioxidants? Can you provide more information?
A D-glucarate is a phyto-nutrient that
protects against cancer-causing agents in a different way than
standard antioxidants like vitamins C and E. The vitamins work
by neutralizing free radicals in the body, but there are other
ways the body can rid itself of DNA-damaging toxins that can
cause cancer and other diseases. Another pathway of
detoxification occurs when toxins or carcinogens are combined
with water-soluble substances, making them easier to remove
from the body. This process is called glucuronidation. The
phyto-extract, D-glucarate has been shown to support this
important detoxification mechanism. In one rat study, the
administration of D-glucarate for five months inhibited the
initiation stage of liver cancer after the rats had been
intentionally exposed to a known carcinogen. Researchers
concluded that D-glucarate has a direct effect in preventing
liver cancer. [Toxicology 1992;74 (2-3):209-222].
Ellagic acid is another cancer preventing antioxidant.
Ellagic acid acts as a detoxifying agent by binding to
carcinogens and making them inactive. Clinical tests conducted
at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) showed that
ellagic acid may help to prevent cancer, inhibit the growth of
cancer cells, and arrest the growth of cancer in persons with
a genetic predisposition for the disease. These studies showed
that ellagic acid induces cervical cancer cells to undergo
apoptosis (normal cell death). [Cancer Lett (Ireland)
1999;136(2):215-221; Nutr Cancer (United States)
1995;23(2):121-130; Carcinogenesis 1994 Sep;15(9):2065-8;
Cancer Lett (Ireland) 1987;36(2):203-211]. For more
information on The Life Extension Mix please refer to the
November 2000 issue of the magazine.
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