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Mannatech Applauds Cover Story of The Economist: Microbes Maketh Man

COPPELL, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2012-- Mannatech, Incorporated (NASDAQ: MTEX), the leading innovator and provider of naturally sourced supplements based on Real Food Technology® solutions, announced today that it applauds the cover story of the August 18th edition of The Economist, which introduced its readers to the human microbiome—the roughly 100 trillion bacteria that populate our bodies, inside and out. According to “Microbes Maketh Man,” the composition and behavior of bacteria in the gut is critically important for human health.

“At Mannatech, we have known for quite some time that the gut is fundamentally important for one’s overall wellness,” commented Dr. Rob Sinnott, CEO and Chief Science Officer at Mannatech. “In fact, we’ve been leading innovators in the design and testing of health products that positively influence the human microbiome. I’m excited to see this important area of scientific research get the attention it deserves by one of the most widely read and influential weekly publications in the world. It’s a surprising departure from the journal’s typical politics- or economics-focused cover story.”

Mannatech‘s interest in the ability of the gut to influence overall health increased in 2005, when the prestigious journal Science devoted much of an issue to “The Gut, Inner Tube of Life.” At that time, Mannatech knew that many people who consumed their glyconutritional supplements (Ambrotose® products) experienced wide-ranging, powerful benefits, some of which were enhanced digestive health.* However, little was known about what happens to dietary glycans in the gut, and how their intake shapes gut bacterial populations, gut health and overall health. Given these scientific gaps, Mannatech’s Research and Development team began to devote significant scientific muscle to get some answers.

Since then, Mannatech scientists have presented research at scientific meetings and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. These studies have reported basic glycan chemistry data,1, 2, 3 in vitro data reporting the molecular weight of glycan polymers following digestion by human gut bacteria,4 and prebiotic effects—including the possibility of enhancing species belonging to Bacteroidetes, a group of bacteria associated with weight management.5*

Preclinical research indicates that oral intake of Ambrotose products can impact the colon, including exerting positive effects on colonic cell gene expression.6 Mannatech scientists have also published literature reviews reporting the impact of dietary glycans on the immune system7 and the brain8—areas of particular interest to Mannatech because of studies indicating that intake of glyconutrients can benefit the gut and the immune system.*

“We are proud to be a leader in developing innovative dietary supplements that positively impact the gut microbiome based on science derived from an understanding of how glycans impact the gut: a small contribution to the extraordinary advances in microbiome research,” said Dr. Sinnott.

In addition to Mannatech’s Ambrotose products, Mannatech offers GI-ProBalance™ slimsticks, a yogurt-flavored pre/probiotic supplement that can positively affect health by improving the survival and growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

“The time is now for consumers to get on board with taking care of their guts, because when we take care of our guts, we are taking care of our entire bodies,” concluded Dr. Sinnott.

Reference List

1. Duncan, C., Ramberg, J., Sinnott, R. Striking differences in Aloe vera gel carbohydrate composition, molecular weight and particle size distributions following processing will not be addressed by dietary supplement GMPs. Poster Presentation at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine's 5th Annual Natural Supplements Conference, San Diego, California, January 17-20, 2008.

2. Luta, G., Duncan, C., Sinnott, R. Chemical characterization of polysaccharide-rich ingredients from Aloe vera, Larix laricina and Larix occidentalis, and Undaria pinnatifida. Poster Presentation at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine's 6th Annual Natural Supplements Conference, San Diego, California, January 22-25, 2009.

3. Duncan, C., Luta, G., Ramberg, J., et al. Intestinal microbiota's naturally occurring enzymes and their effects on plant polysaccharide digestion. Poster Presentation at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine's 6th Annual Natural Supplements Conference, San Diego, California, January 22-25, 2009.

4. Sinnott, R., Ramberg, J., Kirchner, J., et al. Utilization of arabinogalactan, aloe vera gel polysaccharides, and a mixed saccharide dietary supplement by human colonic bacteria in vitro. Int J Probiotics Prebiotics 2007; 2(2/3): 97-104.

5. Marzorati, M., Verhelst, A., Luta, G., et al. In vitro modulation of the human gastrointestinal microbial community by plant-derived polysaccharide-rich dietary supplements. Int J Food Microbiol 2010; 139(3): 168-76.

6. Zhang, T., Ramberg, J., Sinnott, R. Plant polysaccharide supplement inhibits the expression of GI tract cytokines and chemokines in normal rats and rats with DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. Poster Presentation at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine's 6th Annual Natural Supplements Conference, San Diego, California, January 22-25, 2009.

7. Ramberg, J., Nelson, E., Sinnott, R. Immunomodulatory dietary polysaccharides: a systematic review of the literature. Nutr J 2010; 9(54): 1-60.

8. Nelson, E., Ramberg, J., Sinnott, R. Neurologic effects of exogenous saccharides: A review of controlled human, animal, and in vitro studies. Nutr Neurosci 2012; 15(4): 149-62.

* 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.

Individuals interested in Mannatech’s products or in exploring its business opportunity can learn more at Mannatech.com.

About Mannatech

Mannatech, Incorporated, develops high-quality health, weight and fitness, and skin care products that are based on the solid foundation of nutritional science and development standards. Mannatech is dedicated to its platform of Social Entrepreneurship based on the foundation of promoting, aiding and optimizing nutrition where it is needed most around the world. Mannatech’s proprietary products are available through independent sales Associates around the globe including the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Estonia, Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, the Republic of Korea, Mexico and Namibia. For more information, visit Mannatech.com.

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 “believe,” “intend” 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 the expectations, statements and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cautions 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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.

Source: Mannatech, Incorporated

Mannatech, Incorporated
Brett Duncan, 972-471-7367
bduncan@mannatech.com