By Stephen Daniells, 27-May-2009

The cells of multivitamin users may have a younger biological age than cells from non-users, according to new research from the US.

Researchers led by Honglei Chen, MD, PhD from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences looked at the length of telomeres, DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that shorten as cells replicate and age.

The ageing and lifespan of normal, healthy cells are linked to the so-called telomerase shortening mechanism, which limits cells to a fixed number of divisions. During cell replication, the telomeres function by ensuring the cell’s chromosomes do not fuse with each other or rearrange, which can lead to cancer. Elizabeth Blackburn, a telomere pioneer at the University of California San Francisco, likened telomeres to the ends of shoelaces, without which the lace would unravel.

With each replication the telomeres shorten, and when the telomeres are totally consumed, the cells are destroyed (apoptosis). Previous studies have also reported that telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative stress.

Dr Chen and his co-workers noted that telomere length may therefore be a marker of biological ageing, and that multivitamins may beneficially affect telomere length via modulation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

According to results published in the new issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the telomeres of daily multivitamin users may be on average 5.1 per cent longer than in non-users.

“To our knowledge, this was the first epidemiologic study of multivitamin use and telomere length,” wrote Dr Chen and his co-workers. “Regular multivitamin users tend to follow a healthy lifestyle and have a higher intake of micronutrients, which sometimes makes it difficult to interpret epidemiologic observations on multivitamin use.

“Further investigations would be needed to understand the role of multivitamin use and telomere length and its implication in the etiology of chronic diseases.”

Multivitamin use

According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-of-the-Science Panel, half of the American population routinely use dietary supplements, with their annual spend estimated at over $20 billion.

Recent results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that 35 per cent of the US adult population regularly consumes one or more types of multivitamin product (Am. J. Epidemiol., 2004, Vol. 160, Pages 339-349).

New study

Dr Chen and his co-workers analysed multivitamin use and nutrient intakes, as well as telomere length of 586 women aged between 35 and 74 in the Sister Study. A 146-item food-frequency questionnaire was used to determine multivitamin use and nutrient intakes.

Compared to non-multivitamin users, the researchers noted that that telomeres were on average 5.1 per cent longer for daily multivitamin users.

In an attempt to identify specific nutrients that could be behind the observations, a positive relationship between telomere length and intakes of vitamins C and E from foods was observed.

“Whereas the evidence is not sufficient to conclude that these 2 dietary antioxidants mediated the observed relation, the results are consistent with experimental findings that vitamins C and E protect telomeres in vitro,” wrote the researchers.

Being the first study to report such an association, Dr Chen and his co-workers emphasized that the evidence is only preliminary and that additional epidemiologic studies are required to further explore the association. The implications of the findings in terms of ageing and the etiology of chronic diseases should be carefully evaluated.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
June 2009, Volume 89, Number 6, Pages 1857-1863, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.26986
“Multivitamin use and telomere length in women”
Authors: Q. Xu, C.G. Parks, L.A. DeRoo, R.M. Cawthon, D.P. Sandler, H. Chen

Jennifer had an opportunity to visit Encinal High in Alameda, California, on Friday. John Murray, the Warriors strength and conditioning coach, and Jennifer were speaking to the kids about their health and how important it is that you take care of your body by eating right and exercising.

Here’s a brief video of her talk as well as a couple of photos (Jennifer wrote, “got to love the USANA sweatshirt! This may become my trademark!”)

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I have a feeling Rev3 Energy is quickly making a name for itself in marathon circles. Just like at last month’s Salt Lake City Marathon, the folks at today’s Ogden Marathon couldn’t get enough of the cleaner, smarter, stronger energy drink.

It’s interesting to interact with these elite athletes. For most of them, the first thing they look at is the ingredient list on the back of the can. They’re happy to hear that Rev3 is a healthier alternative, lightly carbonated, and provides sustained energy.

Here are a few photos from the event. A special shout-out to USANA online writer Doug Giddings (right) and USANA senior writer Camille Fletcher, who both ran in and finished today’s marathon. Awesome job!

If anyone else with ties to USANA ran in any of the Ogden events, drop me a line and I’ll throw out a mention in next week’s video recap of the marathon.

See you at the next event! Keep your eyes on Rev3 Energy Facebook and @drinkrev3 on Twitter…you never know where we’ll show up next.

We just received more great news! USANA has been named a finalist in three categories for The 2009 American Business

Awards. It’s quite an accomplishment, considering the awards committee received more than 2,600 entries from companies of all sizes!

We’ll find out if we won when the 7th annual Stevie® Awards, as they are commonly known, are presented in New York City on June 22.

USANA is receiving more and more recognition, which is a testament to all the hard work everyone in the field is doing. Here’s a great big virtual pat on the back for all you do!

Here are the categories in which USANA is a finalist:

1. Management Team of the Year — Recognized for our successful international expansion, new product development, and dedication to independent distributors.
2. Best Tradeshow or Convention — Recognized for the 2008 USANA International Convention.
3. Marketing Campaign of the Year — Recognized for the Rev3 Energy™ marketing plan.

The American Business Awards is the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the United States are eligible to submit entries to the ABAs.

USANA, along with Vérité, a digital communications agency, was presented with a Stevie in the Interactive Multimedia category for Consumer Entertainment/Information at the 2008 American Business Awards for USANA’s MyHealthPak™ Builder Flash site.

Earlier this month, USANA received three Utah Best of State medals for Rev3 Energy™, MyHealthPak™, and Sensé™.

We’re incredibly excited! Please share the news and keep your eyes peeled for what’s sure to be a summer filled with accolades for USANA.