SHAKLEE LANDMARK STUDY
The Findings
The average person over age 65 has been on 19.1 different prescriptions.
The average person taking Shaklee has been on 0.6 different prescriptions. (Average age 62)
A Landmark study—the first of its kind and the largest long-term supplement study conducted in history—to lend even more scientific support to this claim.DRAMATIC COMPARISON
Prescription Drug Usage
The average person 50-65 has been on 7.9 different prescriptions.The average person over age 65 has been on 19.1 different prescriptions.
The average person taking Shaklee has been on 0.6 different prescriptions. (Average age 62)
The Landmark Food Supplement Study was conducted by Dr. Gladys Block, head of the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and considered one of the top epidemiologists in the US
Officially the study is named “Usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of long-term multiple dietary supplement users: a cross-sectional study.” It was published on October 24, 2007 in Nutrition Journal, a prestigious online peer-reviewed international scientific journal.
The scientific language of the conclusion of the study says that the Shaklee supplement users “were more likely to have optimal concentrations of chronic-disease-related biomarkers, and less likely to have suboptimal blood nutrient concentrations, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes compared to non-users and multivitamin/mineral users.” The more general, but accurate, interpretation is that the group that supplemented with Shaklee had dramatically better health than those who did not.
Published Study Explained
Dr. Block approached Shaklee with the idea for the study. She was concerned over the media distortions of vitamin supplementation and wanted to do a long-term study to show the benefits and to overcome some of the flaws in the “bad” studies. She asked Shaklee to provide subjects for the study. While Shaklee did fund the study, the design and execution of the study and the conclusions drawn and published were under the control of Dr. Block from the start. The structure of the study is to compare people who took a bunch of Shaklee supplements to those who took just a multi to those who took none. Finding people who took just a Shaklee multi for 20 years (for a direct comparison) would be nearly impossible, because Shaklee customers tend to be better nutritionally educated (because their distributors provide good information) and therefore take more supplements.
The first, and most obvious, point is that the Shaklee group scored a more healthy total on virtually every marker in the study—disease-related, nutrient-related, or general-health-related. There was absolutely no sign of any toxicity or “poisoning” from taking too many supplements—and this group took a lot of supplements. In addition, the Shaklee group was older than either of the other groups (almost 10 years older than the non-supplement group!), and it still scored better, including a lower Body Mass Index (BMI).
The nutritional numbers (“serum nutrient concentrations”) were quite revealing. In every comparative category, the Shaklee users had better results than either of the other two groups—most of them statistically significant. Interestingly, when ferritin (iron) was measured, the results were different between men and women. Women in general struggle with low iron—the Shaklee group had the highest measure at 117.4 (an optimal level). Men are more prone to elevated iron levels—the Shaklee group had the lowest measure at 117.6 (much lower than the other groups). So whichever gender was taking Shaklee supplements, whatever the tendency of that group, the score was right smack in the optimal range. And the one non-comparative measure in the study—Vitamin D—showed the Shaklee group right in the middle of the optimal range—and no single individual tested was outside the optimal range on either end.
While the study doesn’t directly draw this conclusion, it’s clear that taking Shaklee supplements, even in relatively high quantities compared to the population at large (only 3 out of 11,000 individuals in the entire NHANES study, which was used for the comparative data, took supplements at the level of the Shaklee group) is not only safe, but it resulted in serum nutrient levels that are about as good as they can get.
The serum biomarker concentrations section compares a number of non-nutrient blood components that are directly tied to health and disease. Some of these measures are quite familiar (cholesterol, triglycerides), while others are less commonly known (homocysteine, c-reactive protein). Again, in every category, the Shaklee users had better numbers. And this particular section produced two very dramatic results (as though winning every category isn’t dramatic enough!).
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a measure that is predictive of future cardiovascular disease risk (and has been strongly linked to the risk of developing certain cancers). In other words, the higher the level of CRP, the greater the risk of heart disease and some cancers. It’s one of those measures that you really want to be low in your bloodstream. Not only was the Shaklee group the only one that was within the optimal range (<.3), but not a single individual in the entire group was outside the optimal range. Let’s word that differently; while not one person in the Shaklee group had elevated levels of CRP, both of the other groups averaged in the elevated range.
Similarly, triglycerides are clearly linked to heart disease risk and metabolic syndrome. And similarly, not a single person in the Shaklee group had triglycerides over 150 (the top of the optimal range), while the Shaklee group as a whole averaged 121—really good. The non-supplement users averaged over 180!
While perhaps not quite as dramatic, the measures of homocysteine (another important cardiovascular disease predictor) in the non-Shaklee groups were approximately 50% higher (a bad thing) than in the Shaklee group. And again, while the Shaklee group measured well inside the optimal range (6.1, optimal is <9), each of the other two groups’ average was above the optimal range.
One of the very interesting findings concerned blood pressure. A positive link between serum nutrient levels and blood pressure has been shown in some studies (and not in others), but it has been difficult to show that any particular nutrient can reduce elevated blood pressure. In this study, the Shaklee group had “significantly lower” blood pressure than either of the other two groups, but the multi user group was not significantly lower than the non-user group. The authors speculate that Vitamins B and C (each of which has been studied individually, with mixed results, in relation to blood pressure, and each of which were present in optimal levels in the Shaklee group) together may have a synergistic effect—producing better results in combination than the sum of each of their individual benefits. Finally, in the area of incidence of disease, dramatic results can be seen in several areas. In the cardiac-related group, which includes coronary heart disease, heart attack, angina, and congestive heart failure, the Shaklee group—not surprisingly, given the blood readings discussed above—showed lower incidence of each disease. And be reminded again, the Shaklee group is 10 years older than the non-user group and 6 years older than the multi group. The Shaklee group also showed a lower incidence of emphysema.
Perhaps the most dramatic disease-related finding, however, was with diabetes. The non-user and multi- user groups had a 4-5 times higher incidence of diabetes than the Shaklee group—again, despite being younger. The study even posits that the comparatively high levels of multiple antioxidants found in the blood of the Shaklee group members could be a contributing factor to this finding.
It must be noted that the designers of the study eliminated cancer from the study. Anyone with a history of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) was removed from consideration in the study (in all 3 groups), because cancer and cancer treatment alter blood chemistry in a way that would have skewed the results.
And lastly, a measure of overall health that has been used in many studies and has been found to be a statistically accurate measure is self-assessed health status. In this study, the Shaklee group reported their health to be much better than either of the other groups, and there was little difference between those other two groups in their reporting. In other words, just taking a Brand X multi for 20 years did not result in a statistically significant difference in how people reported their health versus taking no supplements whatsoever.
So what does is all mean? Well, a lot. This study is a very big deal. Conclusions in a scientific journal have to be proven by solid data and procedures. Conclusions in a wrap-up paragraph like this one follow a somewhat looser set of requirements. They can actually use common sense and logic instead of just data.
First, the study shows very clearly that using a broad array of Shaklee supplements for at least 20 years produces some pretty dramatic health benefits—both in indicators as well as disease incidence. We’ve said for many years that you will pay for your health—whether it’s good health or bad health—so it makes more sense to pay for good health. With this study, it’s clear that paying for (and taking!) Shaklee supplements produces dramatic, positive impact on health. Now, the study results don’t mean that if you take Shaklee, you’re bulletproof. But they do indicate that if you take Shaklee, you’ll be better off than if you don’t. So now the question of “What is your health worth?” becomes a more meaningful one, because there are clear results to pin to the cost of the supplements.
Second, the study shows very clearly that taking a lot of Shaklee nutrients is a good thing for your health. We often run into fears about “overdosing” on vitamins in people (but strangely, we’ve never run into anyone afraid of “overdosing” on M&M’s or ice cream, which have virtually zero benefits and plenty of downside). The subjects in the Shaklee group took a lot of supplements, and the only results seem to be positive. There is NO indication of toxic effects, and there are LOTS of indications of substantial health benefits—some of which seem to be clearly tied to taking relatively large amounts of Shaklee nutrients. In other words, having plenty of a broad array of Shaklee nutrients in your system produces better health. It’s a simple equation. There may be (and likely are) limits beyond which there is diminishing effect, but this study gives no indication of where those limits may be.
Is the fact that the multivitamin-only group used Brand X (an assumption, but logically true) and the multiple-supplement group used Shaklee products a significant factor? That’s a harder question to answer based just on the data. But the fact that Shaklee supplements are scientifically tested in over 100 clinical studies, are manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, are tested and tested and tested for purity, are naturally-sourced from better-than-organic raw materials (not from chemicals produced in a lab), are produced in a way that preserves the “life” of the nutrients (no high temperatures, harsh solvents, etc.), and are unconditionally guaranteed by a company with more than 50 years of experience—the #1 natural food supplement company in the country—all would lead one by common sense to answer, “YES!” And when you consider that the multivitamins consumed by the multi-only group were almost certainly synthetic (since the vast majority of multivitamins are synthetic), and that there are a number of measures in the study in which the no-supplement group actually had better readings than the multi-only group, it only adds weight to that answer.
And finally, the study provides something that no other supplement manufacturer anywhere in the world has—proof that taking their supplements long-term provides substantial health benefits. No other company can make that claim and back it with evidence like this. If you want better health over the long run—from lower CRP and triglycerides and blood pressure to lower incidence of diabetes and heart disease; if you want to be able truthfully to report your health as very good or excellent; if you want to feel better—simply swallowing a few Shaklee supplements on a daily basis is a very easy—and very effective—way to start.
Healthy Adults
Over the past 50 years we've been helping people with their health. Thousands of health stories have been documented. These are just a few.Migraines-I had four children under five and was having migraines that would last for at least two days, two to three times a month. My mom thought Shaklee might help. I started using supplements and had amazing results. I went three months without a migraine! I tried to stop taking Soy Protein for a couple days but the headaches returned. Now, I won't go on vacation without my Shaklee. I live life to the fullest and don't worry about planning things around my migraines. My husband can go to work without the worry of possibly having to leave to come home and take care of me and the kids. This is my daily program: 3 Tbsp Soy Protein, 1/4 C Meal Shake, 2 Vita Lea, 3-4 OmegaGuard, 12 Alfalfa, 2 Fiber Tabs, 4 Cal Mag, 4 Lecithin, 1 CarotoMax, 2 Vita-E, 1 Iron, and 1 Zinc. -Lynn Burley
Fatigue-My health gradually declined after the birth of my daughter. Labor was very long and I was given lots of medications for complications. My biggest complaint was constant heart palpitations and fatigue. I had EKG's, ultra-sounds, blood work and other tests but everything came back normal. My doctor thought I was suffering from depression and anxiety and wanted me to take Prozac. I declined knowing that although I was feeling those things, they weren't the cause of my problems. Then I was introduced to a Shaklee distributor. She believed, as my naturopath did, my thyroid was weak after the childbirth ordeal. I started on Vita Lea, Vita-C, B-Complex, Vita-E, Soy Protein, and Optiflora. In 30 days I noticed my energy was up and after 90 days, I felt like I did before I was pregnant. Last year I caught everything my family brought home, but NOT this year, I feel great! I can work out, clean, chase a toddler, run errands and grow my Shaklee business all in the same day without running out energy. -Elizabeth Verduga-Lodbell
Better at 63 than 23-I was a sick child with colds, flu, pneumonia (8 times) and hypoglycemia. Add to that tranquilizers, antidepressants and heart palpitations. I noticed only a slight improvement with generic vitamins. After starting Shaklee, I slowly increased quantities until I was able to stay well. My doctor no longer detects my floppy mitral valve. I have lots of energy and stay busy from 6am to 11pm. I never get sick. If I feel a cold coming on, I attack it with Vita-C and Garlic (5 every 3-4 hours) and Defend and Resist (3 every 2 hours) symptoms disappear! Daily supplementation include: 9 Vita-C, 3 Vita-E, 2 Vita Lea, 12 Alfalfa, 3 Cal Mag, 1 Herb Lax, 3-Mental Acuity, 1 Optiflora, 6 Lecithin, 9 OmegaGuard, 6 GLA, 2 Carotomax, 2 CoQHeart, 9Tbsp Soy Protein, and Performance throughout the day. At 63 I feel 100% better that I did at 23! -Opal Hernandez
INITIAL RESULTS
Objective: to validate & quantify the effects of 20+ yrs of top brand vitamin supplementation and to verify safety & effectivenessHeaded by Dr. Bloch - one of the most well known nutritional epidemiologists.
Some background: The study was conducted by medical researchers at
THE NUMBERS
The Shaklee group had ZERO abnormal levels of C-Reactive Protein (marker for inflammation) or abnormal triglycerides.
Iron Levels Women:
Women: 100 is optimal level (below is increased risk for anemia)
Non-Supp - 109.5
Other Brands - 81.9
Shaklee Users - 124.5
Iron Levels Men: Men: Over 200 is dangerous and risk for liver & cardiac toxicity
Non-Supp - 200.2
Other Brands - 202.0
Shaklee - 117.7
Biomarkers for heart disease & cancer:
Homocysteine
Non-Supp - 9.9
Other Brands - 8.5
Shaklee - 6.3
C-Reactive Protein: should be below 3
Non-Supp - 5.1
Other Brands - 3.6
Shaklee - 2.2
HDL Cholesterol: over 55 is good
Non-Supp - 51.9
Other Brands - 53.4
Shaklee - 58.3
Triglycerides: Below 150 is good
Non-Supp - 173.8
Other Brands - 152.2
Shaklee - 116.5
Reported Incidences of Disease: Coronary Heart DiseaseNon-Supp - 7.9
Other Brands - 9.8
Shaklee - 5.0
*Note users of other brands actually had MORE reported heart disease than non-supp group.
Heart Attack
Non Supp - 7.4
Other Brands - 9.1
Shaklee - 2.5
Congestive Heart FailureNon Supp - 5.2
Other Brands - 5.1
Shaklee - 1.4
Diabetes Type 2
Non-Supp - 11.6
Other Brands - 13.1
Shaklee - 2.9
Quality of Life Questions:
Participants were asked to rate their quality of health.
Non Supp - 45%
Other Brands - 48%
Shaklee - 85%
DRAMATIC COMPARISON
Prescription Drugs
The average person 50-65 has been on 7.9 different prescriptions.The average person over age 65 has been on 19.1 different prescriptions.
The average person taking Shaklee has been on 0.6 different prescriptions. (Average age 62)
Sam and Bunny Sewell 239-591-4565
We do free nutritional counseling
For a more complete overview of how
Shaklee can be used to create wellness, read:
“I FIRED MY DOCTORS AND SAVED MY LIFE”
*Doctors, drugs & surgery are not always the best answer!
*Includes scientifically validated Total Life Saving Regimen!
*NOW ~ You can buy our new book:
“I FIRED MY DOCTORS AND SAVED MY LIFE”
Healthy, Natural Alternatives to Drugs and Surgery
and have it sent directly to family & friends at:
$19.95 PRINT ~ only $12.50 as PDF download
For autographed copies, call 239/591-4565
View videos at: www.ifiredmydoctors.blogspot.com
Read our famous Chapter 16 on Stress Management at
No comments:
Post a Comment