COPPELL, Texas, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global wellness provider Mannatech, Incorporated , has received a first-place award for research indicating bacteria from the human digestive tract can break down complex carbohydrates in the company's glyconutritional supplements.
Home to nearly two-thirds of the body's immune system, the digestive tract is a biological ecosystem that is still an enigma to medical science. While it is recognized that some plant-based carbohydrates are among the best-known immune system regulators, science knows little about whether the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can assimilate some of these complex substances or, once metabolized, how these substances might exert their immune-modulating effects.
Mannatech's research showed that GI bacteria, indeed, are capable of breaking down these complex carbohydrates. Further research may lead to a better understanding of how complex carbohydrates, once metabolized by the body, can support the immune system.
Mannatech presented its GI bacteria research in a poster that received a first-place award during the 4th annual conference on natural supplements sponsored by the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, California. Mannatech's research is scheduled to be published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
The complex functions of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and the major impact these functions have on health are among the emerging topics in science. Since these bacteria primarily rely upon plant saccharides for food, scientists increasingly are spending more time determining how immune- modulating dietary saccharides are broken down by GI bacteria.
Mannatech collaborated with Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc., of San Antonio to determine if GI bacteria could break down stabilized aloe vera gel, larch arabinogalactan and Advanced Ambrotose. Ambrotose complex and Advanced Ambrotose, Mannatech's flagship glyconutritional supplements, contain proprietary blends of plant-derived saccharides, including aloe vera gel and larch arabinogalactan.
This in vitro study assessed how bacteria normally found in the human intestinal tract broke down aloe vera gel, larch arabinogalactan and Advanced Ambrotose. The study concluded that GI bacteria broke down these complex carbohydrates, suggesting that the carbohydrates could also be broken down within the GI tract itself.
"Although we weren't surprised that gut bacteria can partially degrade these complex polysaccharides, we were very interested to learn that there was a great variation between the GI flora's ability to utilize high molecular weight components in aloe vera gel," said Dr. Robert A. Sinnott, Mannatech's chief science officer.
"Even more fascinating was finding that bacterial utilization of Advanced Ambrotose was different than how the bacteria utilized aloe vera gel or larch arabinogalactan, generating an abundance of relatively small polymers. Something unique appears to be happening when the blend of ingredients found in Advanced Ambrotose interact with GI bacteria. We still have much to learn,
and we are committed to finding additional answers by employing stringent research methods," Sinnott added.
Carbohydrate research is growing throughout the scientific community. Recognizing that certain plant polysaccharides exert potent effects, Mannatech is focused on finding the most efficacious and powerful sources of immune- modulating saccharides found in nature.
Founded in 1993, Mannatech is a leading wellness company and a pioneer in the field of proprietary glyconutritional supplements and wellness products. In 1996, the company announced a ground-breaking formulation of a nutritional supplement comprised of a unique blend of plant-based saccharides, which are also known as glyconutrients ('glyco' is the Greek word for 'sweet').
Medical research acknowledges that certain sugars are needed at the cellular level for optimum cellular function.* Considering that most of these sugars are often lacking in modern diets, Mannatech sought new and better sources of the nutrients. The effort culminated in 1996 with the Ambrotose complex.
More than 10 years of research, including in vitro studies, animal studies, human case reports and human clinical studies, suggest that Ambrotose complex may provide a wide range of support for immune system functions.* Mannatech now holds more than 20 patents worldwide -- including two from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office -- for technology related to the Ambrotose complex formulation.
Today Mannatech has more than two dozen glyconutritional products for adults and children that address health and nutrition, sports performance, weight management and skin care.
About Mannatech, Incorporated
Mannatech, Incorporated, is a global wellness solutions provider that develops innovative, high-quality, proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight management products that are sold through approximately 536,000 independent associates and members located in the United States and the international markets of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Denmark and Germany. For additional information about Mannatech, please visit http://www.mannatech.com/ . Media may contact Alan A. Van Zelfden at 972-471-7334 or by e-mail at
About Hyperion, Biotechnology, Inc.
Hyperion is a research company focused on the development of biomarkers that can be used to objectively evaluate physical performance capability. Other active research programs include work with probiotics, wound healing, and areas related to reducing the threats posed by terrorism. Founded in 1998, Hyperion is a woman- and veteran-owned, small, disadvantaged business, certified as an 8(a) company by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Hyperion performs its research at a state-of-the-art research facility on Brooks City-Base, near San Antonio, Texas. Hyperion has partnerships with the US Air Force and Army, the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Montana.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
Please Note: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of phrases or terminology such as "expressed optimism" and "expected," or other similar words or the negative of such terminology. Similarly, descriptions of Mannatech's objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets contained herein are also considered forward-looking statements. Mannatech believes this release should be read in conjunction with all of its filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and cautions its readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to certain events, risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Some of these factors include, among others, Mannatech's inability to attract and retain associates and members, increases in competition, litigation, regulatory changes, and its planned growth into new international markets. Although Mannatech believes that its expectations, statements, and assumptions reflected in these forward- looking statements are reasonable, it cautions its readers to always consider all of the risk factors and any other cautionary statements carefully in evaluating each forward-looking statement in this release, as well as those set forth in its latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including its current reports on Form 8-K. All of the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release.
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