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