An Examination into the Effects of a Nutraceutical Supplement on Cognition, Stress, Eye Health, and Skin Satisfaction in Adults with Self-Reported Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a nutritional supplement on changes in cognitive performance. Methods: In adults aged 40 to 70 years with subjective memory complaints, participants were randomly allocated to take a supplement containing vitamin E, astaxanthin, and grape juice extract daily for 12 weeks or a matching placebo. The primary outcomes comprised changes in cognitive tasks assessing episodic memory, working memory, and verbal memory. Secondary and exploratory measures included changes in the speed of information processing, attention, and self-report measures of memory, stress, and eye and skin health. Moreover, changes in plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were measured, along with changes in skin carotenoid concentrations. Results: Compared to the placebo, nutritional supplementation was associated with larger improvements in one primary outcome measure comprising episodic memory (p = 0.037), but not for working memory (p = 0.418) or verbal learning (p = 0.841). Findings from secondary and exploratory outcomes demonstrated that the nutraceutical intake was associated with larger improvements in the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (p = 0.022), increased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p = 0.030), decreased plasma malondialdehyde (p = 0.040), and increased skin carotenoid concentrations (p = 0.006). However, there were no group differences in changes in the remaining outcome measures. Conclusions: Twelve weeks of supplementation with a nutritional supplement was associated with improvements in episodic memory and several biological markers associated with cognitive health. Future research will be essential to extend and validate the current findings.

Cyanidin and delphinidin restore colon physiology in high fat diet-fed mice: Involvement of TLR-4 and redox-regulated signaling.

Consumption of high fat diets (HFD) mimics a modern or "Western style" diet pattern and can impair intestinal barrier integrity, leading to endotoxemia and associated unhealthy conditions. This study investigated if supplementation with an anthocyanin (cyanidin and delphinidin glucosides)-rich extract (CDRE) could revert or mitigate HFD-induced alterations of colonic physiology in part through the regulation of Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR-4)- and redox-regulated signaling. C57BL/6J male mice were fed for 4 weeks with a control or an HFD. Then, mice were divided in four groups fed either control or HFD, or these diets supplemented with CDRE for the subsequent 4 weeks. After 8 weeks on the HFD we observed in the colon: i) disruption of tight junction structure and function; ii) increased TLR-4 expression; iii) increased NADPH oxidase NOX1 expression, and iv) activation of redox-sensitive and TLR-4-triggered pathways, i.e. NF-κB, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, PI3K/Akt. All these events were prevented or reverted by CDRE supplementation. Supporting the relevance of CDRE-mediated downregulation of TLR-4 on its colon beneficial effect; in vitro (Caco-2 cell monolayers), cyanidin, delphinidin and their metabolites protocatechuic and gallic acid, mitigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monolayer permeabilization by restoring tight junction structure and dynamics and preventing lipid/protein oxidation. The CDRE also mitigated HFD-mediated alterations in parameters of goblet cell differentiation and function, including the downregulation of markers of goblet cell differentiation (Klf4), and intestinal mucosa healing (Tff3). Results show that a short-term supplementation with cyanidin and delphinidin, protect from HFD-induced alterations in colon physiology in part through the modulation of TLR-4- and redox-regulated signaling.

A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study on the effects of anthocyanins on inflammatory and metabolic responses to a high-fat meal in healthy subjects.

This study investigated the effects of supplementation with a cyanidin- and delphinidin-rich extract (CDRE) on the postprandial dysmetabolism, inflammation, and redox and insulin signaling, triggered by the consumption of a high fat meal (HFM) in healthy individuals. Participants (n = 25) consumed a 1026-kcal HFM simultaneously with either the CDRE providing 320.4 mg of anthocyanins (90% cyanidin and delphinidin) or placebo. Diets were randomly assigned in a double blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Blood was collected prior to (fasted, time 0), and for 5 h after meal consumption; plasma, serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated. AC metabolites were detected in serum as early as 30 min after CDRE consumption. The CDRE mitigated HFM-induced endotoxemia, reducing increases in plasma LPS and LPS-binding protein. The CDRE also reduced other events associated with HFM-triggered postprandial dysmetabolism including: i) plasma glucose and triglyceride increases; ii) TNFα and NOX4 upregulation in PBMC; and iii) JNK1/2 activation in PBMC. The CDRE did not significantly affect HFM-mediated increases in plasma insulin, GLP-1, GLP-2, GIP, and LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, and IKK phosphorylation in PBMC. In summary, dietary AC, i.e. cyanidin and delphinidin, exerted beneficial actions against unhealthy diets by modulating the associated postprandial dysmetabolism, endotoxemia, alterations of glycemia and lipidemia, and redox and insulin signaling.

Supplementation with cyanidin and delphinidin mitigates high fat diet-induced endotoxemia and associated liver inflammation in mice.

Consumption of high fat diets (HFD) and the associated metabolic endotoxemia can initiate liver inflammation and lipid deposition that with time can progress to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We previously observed that 14 weeks supplementation with the anthocyanidins cyanidin and delphinidin mitigated HFD-induced metabolic endotoxemia and liver insulin resistance, steatosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. This work investigated if a 4-week supplementation of mice with a cyanidin- and delphinidin-rich extract (CDRE) could mitigate or reverse HFD (60% calories from lard fat)-induced liver steatosis and inflammation. After a first 4-weeks period on the HFD, mice showed increased endotoxemia and activation of liver proinflammatory signaling cascades. Supplementation with CDRE between weeks 4 and 8 did not mitigate liver steatosis or the altered lipid and glucose plasma levels. However, CDRE supplementation reverted HFD-induced metabolic endotoxemia, in parallel with the mitigation of the overexpression of hepatic TLR2 and TLR4, and of the activation of: (i) NF-κB, (ii) AP-1 and upstream mitogen-activated kinases p38 and ERK1/2, and (iii) HIF-1. Thus, even a short-term consumption of cyanidin and delphinidin could help mitigate the adverse consequences, i.e. metabolic endotoxemia and associated liver inflammation, triggered by the regular consumption of diets rich in fat.

Glucosamine Supplementation Improves Physical Performance in Trained Mice.

INTRODUCTION: d-Glucosamine (GlcN) is one of the most widely consumed dietary supplements and complementary medicines in the world and has been traditionally used to attenuate osteoarthritis in humans. GlcN extends life span in different animal models. In humans, its supplementation has been strongly associated with decreased total mortality and improved vascular endothelial function. GlcN acts as a suppressor of inflammation, and by inhibiting glycolysis, it can activate the metabolism of stored fat and mitochondrial respiration. METHODS: The conventional human GlcN dose is 1500 mg·d-1, but extensive evidence indicates that much higher doses are well tolerated. GlcN is one of the supplements that has experienced a greater use in the last years in elite athletes mainly because of its potential chondroprotective effects that may promote cartilage health. However, the possibility of it being an ergogenic aid has not been explored. We aimed to study the potential beneficial effects of GlcN on mitochondrial content, physical performance, and oxidative stress in mice that were aerobically trained and supplemented with three different doses of glucosamine (250, 500, and 1000 mg·kg-1) for 6 wk. We measured exercise performance (grip strength, motor coordination, and running capacity) before and after the training period. Proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (AMPK, PGC-1, NRF-1, SIRT-1, cytochrome c, citrate synthase), markers of oxidative stress (GSSG/GSH) or damage (malondialdehyde, carbonylated proteins), antioxidant enzymes (NRF-2, SOD1, SOD2, catalase, and PRDX6), and MAPKs (p38 and ERK1/2 were also determined in skeletal muscle. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that GlcN supplementation in aerobically trained mice, at doses equivalent to those conventionally used in humans, increases the protein levels of mitochondrial biogenesis markers, improves motor coordination, and may have a synergistic effect with exercise training on running distance.

Supplementation with a putative calorie restriction mimetic micronutrient blend increases glutathione concentrations and improves neuroenergetics in brain of healthy middle-aged men and women.

BACKGROUND: Caloric restriction (CR) without micronutrient deficiency has been shown to increase both lifespan and healthspan. In animals, CR has been demonstrated to increase glutathione (GSH), a neuroprotective antioxidant, in the brain and preserve brain mitochondrial function by altering neuroenergetics. In humans it has been associated with improvements in mood states and cognitive function. However, most CR studies have employed a 30-60% reduction in calories which is likely too stringent for most people to adhere to long-term. Thus, there is an unmet need for nutritional supplements which can mimic the biological effects of CR, without the need for calorie limitations. AIM: The purpose of the present randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to use Proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic (MRS) measurements to determine non-invasively whether a blend of micronutrients, a putative CR mimetic, positively modulates metabolites related to neuroprotection and neuroenergetics in the brain. METHODS: Healthy middle-aged men and women (N = 63 [33 women]; age: 40-60 years) were randomized in a double-blind manner to 6 weeks supplementation with either the putative CR mimetic or placebo. At baseline and 6 weeks, subjects underwent MRS at 3 T to investigate changes in brain chemistry, including the neurometabolites: GSH, Glutamate (Glu), Glutamine (Gln) and N-Acetylaspartate (NAA). RESULTS: GSH, a marker of antioxidant and cellular redox status, increased in the brain of participants in the supplement group. The supplement group also showed an increase in the Glu/Gln ratio, a marker of excitatory neurotransmission and bioenergetics. A trend for an increase in NAA/H2O, a marker of neuronal integrity, was observed in females in the supplement group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that 6-weeks daily supplementation with a micronutrient blend elicits positive changes in brain neurochemistry. This is the first study to demonstrate that a putative CR mimetic increases brain GSH concentrations and improves neuroprotection and neuroenergetics in the brain of healthy humans. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02439983.

A Novel Micronutrient Blend Mimics Calorie Restriction Transcriptomics in Multiple Tissues of Mice and Increases Lifespan and Mobility in C. elegans.

BACKGROUND: We previously described a novel micronutrient blend that behaves like a putative calorie restriction mimetic. The aim of this paper was to analyze the beneficial effects of our micronutrient blend in mice and C. elegans, and compare them with calorie restriction. METHODS: Whole transcriptomic analysis was performed in the brain cortex, skeletal muscle and heart in three groups of mice: old controls (30 months), old + calorie restriction and old + novel micronutrient blend. Longevity and vitality were tested in C. elegans. RESULTS: The micronutrient blend elicited transcriptomic changes in a manner similar to those in the calorie-restricted group and different from those in the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that nuclear hormone receptor, proteasome complex and angiotensinogen genes, all of which are known to be directly related to aging, were the most affected. Furthermore, a functional analysis in C. elegans was used. We found that feeding C. elegans the micronutrient blend increased longevity as well as vitality. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a micronutrient supplement that causes similar changes (transcriptomic and promoting longevity and vitality) as a calorie restriction in mice and C. elegans, respectively, but further studies are required to confirm these effects in humans.

Efficacy of an Anthocyanin and Prebiotic Blend on Intestinal Environment in Obese Male and Female Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Anthocyanins and prebiotics impact overall health and wellness, likely through modulation of the microbiota and the intestinal ecosystem. OBJECTIVES: An 8-week open-label study in male and female volunteers with uncomplicated obesity was designed to study the efficacy of an anthocyanin and prebiotic blend in modulating intestinal microbiota and intestinal inflammation. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of daily supplementation, participants had a significant decrease in Firmicutes (p < 0.001) and Actinobacteria (p < 0.001) and a significant increase in Bacteroidetes (p < 0.001). Bowel habits were improved as evidenced by reductions in the severity of bloating (p < 0.05), gas (p=0.035), and abdominal pain (p=0.015) as well as significant improvements in stool consistency (p < 0.05). Finally, a nonsignificant decrease in the inflammatory marker fecal calprotectin was seen (p=0.107). The supplement was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regular consumption of the anthocyanin-prebiotic blend positively modulated the intestinal ecosystem and provided insights into the mechanisms of action and its impact on health benefits.

Cyanidin and delphinidin modulate inflammation and altered redox signaling improving insulin resistance in high fat-fed mice.

Consumption of diets high in fat and/or fructose content promotes tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, activating signals (e.g. NF-κB/JNK) that downregulate the insulin cascade. Current evidence supports the concept that select flavonoids can mitigate obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This work investigated if supplementation with the anthocyanidins (AC) cyanidin and delphinidin could attenuate the adverse consequences of consuming a high fat diet (HFD) in mice. Consumption of an AC-rich blend mitigated HFD-induced obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (impaired responses to insulin and glucose). HFD-fed mice were characterized by increased liver lipid deposition and inflammation, which were also attenuated upon AC supplementation. HFD caused liver oxidative stress showing an increased expression of NADPH oxidases, generators of superoxide and H2O2, and high levels of oxidized lipid-protein adducts. This was associated with the activation of the redox sensitive signals IKK/NF-κB and JNK1/2, and increased expression of the NF-κB-regulated PTP1B phosphatase, all known inhibitors of the insulin pathway. In agreement with an improved insulin sensitivity, AC supplementation inhibited oxidative stress, NF-κB and JNK activation, and PTP1B overexpression. Thus, cyanidin and delphinidin consumption either through diet or by supplementation could be a positive strategy to control the adverse effects of Western style diets, including overweight, obesity, and T2D. Modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and NF-κB/JNK activation emerge as relevant targets of AC beneficial actions.

Anthocyanins inhibit tumor necrosis alpha-induced loss of Caco-2 cell barrier integrity.

An increased permeability of the intestinal barrier is proposed as a major event in the pathophysiology of conditions characterized by chronic gut inflammation. This study investigated the capacity of pure anthocyanins (AC), and berry and rice extracts containing different types and amounts of AC, to inhibit tumor necrosis alpha (TNFα)-induced permeabilization of Caco-2 cell monolayers. Caco-2 cells differentiated into intestinal epithelial cell monolayers were incubated in the absence/presence of TNFα, with or without the addition of AC or AC-rich plant extracts (ACRE). AC and ACRE inhibited TNFα-induced loss of monolayer permeability as assessed by changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular transport of FITC-dextran. In the range of concentrations tested (0.25-1 µM), O-glucosides of cyanidin, and delphinidin, but not those of malvidin, peonidin and petunidin protected the monolayer from TNFα-induced decrease of TEER and increase of FITC-dextran permeability. Cyanidin and delphinidin acted by mitigating TNFα-triggered activation of transcription factor NF-κB, and downstream phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC). The protective actions of the ACRE on TNFα-induced TEER increase was positively correlated with the sum of cyanidins and delphinidins (r2 = 0.83) content in the ACRE. However, no correlation was observed between TEER and ACRE total AC, malvidin, or peonidin content. Results support a particular capacity of cyanidins and delphinidins in the protection of the intestinal barrier against inflammation-induced permeabilization, in part through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Identification of tissue-specific transcriptional markers of caloric restriction in the mouse and their use to evaluate caloric restriction mimetics.

Caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition has been shown to retard several aspects of the aging process and to extend lifespan in different species. There is strong interest in the identification of CR mimetics (CRMs), compounds that mimic the beneficial effects of CR on lifespan and healthspan without restriction of energy intake. Identification of CRMs in mammals is currently inefficient due to the lack of screening tools. We have performed whole-genome transcriptional profiling of CR in seven mouse strains (C3H/HeJ, CBA/J, DBA/2J, B6C3F1/J, 129S1/SvImJ, C57BL/6J, and BALB/cJ) in white adipose tissue (WAT), gastrocnemius muscle, heart, and brain neocortex. This analysis has identified tissue-specific panels of genes that change in expression in multiple mouse strains with CR. We validated a subset of genes with qPCR and used these to evaluate the potential CRMs bezafibrate, pioglitazone, metformin, resveratrol, quercetin, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and L-carnitine when fed to C57BL/6J 2-month-old mice for 3 months. Compounds were also evaluated for their ability to modulate previously characterized biomarkers of CR, including mitochondrial enzymes citrate synthase and SIRT3, plasma inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and adipocyte size. Pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, and L-carnitine, an amino acid involved in lipid metabolism, displayed the strongest effects on both the novel transcriptional markers of CR and the additional CR biomarkers tested. Our findings provide panels of tissue-specific transcriptional markers of CR that can be used to identify novel CRMs, and also represent the first comparative molecular analysis of several potential CRMs in multiple tissues in mammals.

Protective effects of a novel nutritional and phytonutrient blend on ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage and inflammatory response through aging defense mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: The human body relies on several aging defense mechanisms (ADMs) to limit damage induced from pro-aging stressors (aging aggressors). However, such protective mechanisms can be compromised, leading to accelerated aging. The skin provides a model to probe the effects of an oral nutritional intervention on ADMs in response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced damage. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether supplementation with a novel nutritional and phytonutrient blend could protect against UVR-induced skin damage and positively influence facial skin attributes and characteristics by bolstering ADMs. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy, nonsmoking women (40-75 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II were recruited. UVR-induced erythema and the number of apoptotic cells were determined before (pre-) and after 8-week (post-) supplementation. Other clinical variables included skin carotenoid concentrations, facial skin attributes and characteristics. RESULTS: Eight-week supplementation led to protection against UVR-induced skin damage as evidenced by reductions in erythema at all three minimal erythema doses (MEDs) (9.1 to 7.4 [P = 0.10]; 15.8 to 13.6 [P = 0.02]; and 19.6 to 17.3 [P = 0.01] for one, two, and three MEDs and a reduction in the average number of apoptotic cells [11.3 to 5.3, P < 0.0001] pre- and post-supplementation, respectively). Skin carotenoid concentrations increased from 28 111 Raman intensity units to 38 472 (P < 0.0001) along with noticeable improvements in facial skin attributes and characteristics: elasticity, transepidermal water loss, radiance, texture, and overall appearance (all P < 0.05) following supplementation. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of oral supplementation positively impacted ADMs resulting in protection against UVR-induced skin damage and improvements in facial skin attributes and characteristics.

Age-related changes in cellular protection, purification, and inflammation-related gene expression: role of dietary phytonutrients.

Oxidative injury and inflammation are intimately involved in the aging process and the development of age-related diseases. To date, most nutritional antiaging strategies have focused solely on the delivery of exogenous antioxidants to combat the negative effects of aging. A promising new strategy is to identify nutrients and phytochemicals that can directly target intrinsic cytoprotective mechanisms, including modulation of the expression of (1) genes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, (2) genes involved in the synthesis and regulation of intrinsic antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes, (3) genes involved in the regulation of inflammation, and (4) vitagenes. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the age-related changes in gene expression related to oxidative stress, detoxification, and inflammatory processes, and to discuss natural compounds with the potential to oppose age-related changes in gene expression related to these processes, which therefore may be suitable for use in human antiaging research.

The effect of GSM and TETRA mobile handset signals on blood pressure, catechol levels and heart rate variability.

An acute rise in blood pressure has been reported in normal volunteers during exposure to signals from a mobile phone handset. To investigate this finding further we carried out a double blind study in 120 healthy volunteers (43 men, 77 women) in whom we measured mean arterial pressure (MAP) during each of six exposure sessions. At each session subjects were exposed to one of six different radio frequency signals simulating both GSM and TETRA handsets in different transmission modes. Blood catechols before and after exposure, heart rate variability during exposure, and post exposure 24 h ambulatory blood pressure were also studied. Despite having the power to detect changes in MAP of less than 1 mmHg none of our measurements showed any effect which we could attribute to radio frequency exposure. We found a single statistically significant decrease of 0.7 mmHg (95% CI 0.3-1.2 mmHg, P = .04) with exposure to GSM handsets in sham mode. This may be due to a slight increase in operating temperature of the handsets when in this mode. Hence our results have not confirmed the original findings of an acute rise in blood pressure due to exposure to mobile phone handset signals. In light of this negative finding from a large study, coupled with two smaller GSM studies which have also proved negative, we are of the view that further studies of acute changes in blood pressure due to GSM and TETRA handsets are not required.

Nonrigid image registration for head and neck cancer radiotherapy treatment planning with PET/CT.

PURPOSE: Head and neck radiotherapy planning with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) requires the images to be reliably registered with treatment planning CT. Acquiring PET/CT in treatment position is problematic, and in practice for some patients it may be beneficial to use diagnostic PET/CT for radiotherapy planning. Therefore, the aim of this study was first to quantify the image registration accuracy of PET/CT to radiotherapy CT and, second, to assess whether PET/CT acquired in diagnostic position can be registered to planning CT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Positron emission tomography/CT acquired in diagnostic and treatment position for five patients with head and neck cancer was registered to radiotherapy planning CT using both rigid and nonrigid image registration. The root mean squared error for each method was calculated from a set of anatomic landmarks marked by four independent observers. RESULTS: Nonrigid and rigid registration errors for treatment position PET/CT to planning CT were 2.77 +/- 0.80 mm and 4.96 +/- 2.38 mm, respectively, p = 0.001. Applying the nonrigid registration to diagnostic position PET/CT produced a more accurate match to the planning CT than rigid registration of treatment position PET/CT (3.20 +/- 1.22 mm and 4.96 +/- 2.38 mm, respectively, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Nonrigid registration provides a more accurate registration of head and neck PET/CT to treatment planning CT than rigid registration. In addition, nonrigid registration of PET/CT acquired with patients in a standardized, diagnostic position can provide images registered to planning CT with greater accuracy than a rigid registration of PET/CT images acquired in treatment position. This may allow greater flexibility in the timing of PET/CT for head and neck cancer patients due to undergo radiotherapy.

A nutritional strategy to improve oxygenation and decrease morbidity in patients who have acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Enteral nutrition is increasingly becoming the standard of care for critically ill patients with the goal of providing nutritional support that prevents nutritional deficiencies and reduces morbidity. Furthermore, the development of nutritional strategies that dampen inflammation is an encouraging advance in the management of patients who have acute respiratory distress syndrome. This article discusses evidence from randomized, controlled studies that the use of a specialized nutritional formula containing eicosapentaenoic acid plus gamma-linolenic acid and elevated antioxidants offer physiologic and anti-inflammatory benefits over standard formulas.

Nutritional formula improved immune profiles of seniors living in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether an experimental nutritional formula (EXP) supports immune function in seniors living in long-term care facilities. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted September 2002 through January 2003. SETTING: North central Florida nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects aged 65 and older (n = 157). INTERVENTION: Subjects received 240 mL/d of EXP or standard liquid nutrition (CON) for 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after an influenza vaccination. MEASUREMENTS: Influenza vaccine antibody responses, immunophenotyping, lymphocyte activation, cytokines, and clinical measures (fever, number of prescribed antibiotics). RESULTS: Ninety-two subjects (n = 40, CON; n = 52, EXP) completed the study. Geometric mean antibody titers were similar between groups, yet the percentage of subjects with H1N1 antibody titers greater than 100 postvaccination was higher in the EXP group than in the CON group (43% vs 23%, P=.047). Similar trends were found for the percentage of subjects (intent to treat) with fourfold increases against the B/Hong Kong component (64% vs 46%, P = .09) or with H3N2 antibody titers of 40 or more (97% vs 89%, P=.06). EXP subjects had higher levels of influenza-activated lymphocytes (CD69+ and CD25+). Cytokine production after mitogen activation was lower in EXP than CON subjects (interleukin (IL)-6: 20+/-3 vs 29+/-3 ng/mL, P = .045; IL-10: 310+/-60 vs 603+/-140 pg/mL, P = .06). Fewer EXP subjects were treated for fever (5% vs 16%, P = .02) or prescribed antibiotics (7 vs 11 new antibiotics/100 days of study, P = .06). CONCLUSION: Seniors consuming the EXP formula demonstrated enhanced immune function, indicated by increased influenza vaccine response and lymphocyte activation, less fever, and fewer newly prescribed antibiotics than those consuming a standard ready-to-drink nutritional supplement.

Novel nutritional immune formula maintains host defense mechanisms.

Military combat and training stress induce immune changes that increase the risk of infection and ultimately influence soldiers' performance and readiness. Strenuous military training/assessment provides a uniform stress and the opportunity to evaluate nutritional strategies to minimize stress-induced immune changes that predispose soldiers to infection. Immunological changes and effects of a novel nutritional immune formula (NNIF) were examined prospectively in a double-blind, controlled study of 200 soldiers attending Special Forces Assessment and Selection School. Immune function was measured by skin delayed-type hypersensitivity, lymphocyte phenotyping, mitogenic proliferative responses, and granulocyte function. Approximately 50% of soldiers completed the study (control, n = 57; NNIF, n = 50). Several stress-induced lymphocyte changes were observed (decreased mitogen-induced proliferation, T and total lymphocytes, and interferon-gamma-producing lymphocytes and increased percentage of neutrophils). NNIF modified several changes, including delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (NNIF, 78%; control, 59%; p < 0.05), increased proportions of helper T cells, activation of B cells, enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis, and attenuation of declines in certain functional subpopulations (i.e., cytotoxic/ suppressor lymphocytes). Soldiers who consumed NNIF experienced less stress-induced immune impairment, thereby lowering the risk of infection.

Nutritional formula enhanced immune function and reduced days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in seniors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether an experimental nutritional formula, given as a supplement, would reduce days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and affect antibody and lymphocyte proliferative responses to influenza vaccine. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted between October 1999 and April 2000. SETTING: Assisted- and independent-living facilities in North Central Florida. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six individuals, aged 65 and older. INTERVENTION: Subjects received 8 oz/d of an experimental formula containing antioxidants, zinc, selenium, fermentable oligosaccharides, and structured triacylglycerol or an isoenergetic, isonitrogenous control formula for 183 days. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects recorded daily symptoms of URTI. Antibody titers and lymphocyte proliferation to three influenza vaccine components were measured on Days 57 and 183. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects in the control group and 16 subjects in the experimental group consumed an average of 7 ounces of formula daily and completed the 183-day study. Median days of symptoms of URTI were 3 (range 0-69, total days=156) and 0 (range 0-49, total days=78) for the control and experimental groups, respectively (P=.049). On Day 57, seven of 17 (41%) subjects in the control group and 13 of 15 (87%) subjects in the experimental group achieved a fourfold or greater increase in serum antibody titer to A/Beijing (P=.012). Lymphocyte proliferation to influenza vaccine components was greater in the experimental (median=1,365 cpm, range=0-14,955 cpm) than the control group (median=136 cpm, range=0-4,270 cpm) (P=.013). CONCLUSION: Subjects consuming an experimental nutritional formula experienced enhanced immune function and fewer days of URTI symptoms.