Xtend-Life-Questionst
14th December 2004
Please click on the question of interest:
Question: From Lea. (Subject: Mannatech...)q1
(NOTE from Warren: This was in response to a question raised last week about Glyconutrients. You can access last weeks issue via the archive section)
I regularly use Xtend Lifes omega 3 product and therefore was happy to receive your newsletter. In reading 'your' answer to Delores on Glyconutrients, I would like to know specifically what products you sell that includes all eight of the necessary saccharides for correct cell to cell communication. Whether they are in one product or spread across a few, can you name them from each of the products please, and yes I do know their names. I would hate to stop taking these glyconutrients and change to other products, knowing what they have done for my wellness, if they won't provide me with what is needed for my immune system to work at optimal levels. What they have done for me is remarkable.
I'm sure that you are aware of www.glycoscience.org, Mannatech's award winning website that doctors and scientists around the world use for information pertaining to glyconutrients.
As far as what you say on the 'claim to fame' issue. I think personally that this is a pretty big deal. After all, they did discover the extraction process, and the fact that all eight saccharides are needed for proper cell to cell communication. The fact that all eight are needed is documented in many articles in highly respected medical and complementary med journals around the world, therefore wouldn't they have the right to this 'claim to fame', as you so begrudgingly put it. Wouldn't you do the same if you had the opportunity?
Acta Anatomica, a highly respected science journal, explains that these eight special glyconutrients make up the complete cellular alphabet for both inter- and intracellular communication. Accurate cellular communication is crucial for the restoration of health.
I do see that you too have a so called 'claim to fame' on the back of your bee pollen product stating that ' This technology is unique to Xtend life'. Is this not a marketing strategy considering that there are other bee pollen products available out there that make 'similar' claims. Fairs fair, and credit where credits due I say!
I would just like to point out that I have been so happy with the level of service that I have gotten from both Xtend Life and Mannatech and have happily given word of mouth on both. However, I am now disappointed and was sadly surprised at what I have read from your answer in the Xtend Life newsletter pertaining to Mannatech and their glyco products. It's disappointing to say the least, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if you've sent that newsletter to a lot of your other customers who also happily take glyconutrients. Looks like you may have shot yourself in the foot on that one Warren. Good luck keeping your customers after this.
Also, the answer you gave to Delores is not the short answer at all. Short in educated facts, yes, but I see that you have taken the opportunity to tell someone quite cleverly, that they basically don't need the glyco product. Saying that you personally wouldn't waste your money is as good as saying you don't recommend it and how can anyone recommend or not recommend anything if they haven't given it a good try.
If all eight essential saccharides are present in your products then I stand corrected and appologise in advance. But please tell me. Which of your products have these eight essential saccharides and what is your process of extraction? I'd like the cost of these products too please.
Answer: From Warren.
Thank you for your email. I do appreciate it. Actually, my expression 'claim to fame' was a figure of speech and certainly not intended to be in any way derogatory to Mannatech. They have done an excellent job in helping the public become more aware of the benefits of saccharides through their very effective marketing methods, and I certainly don't begrudge that, or anything else they do.
Nonetheless, they are by no means the only company that has carried out and continues to do research on these substances. I am not a scientist and therefore not a technical person, but I understand that there are 10, not 8 of the saccharides you refer to.
The product that we have which includes all these saccharides is Total Balance. You can review the ingredients and pricing here.
I was not attempting to put people off taking their glyconutrients from Mannatech or from anyone else. Rather I was trying to put the glyconutrients into perspective for an existing customer who was already taking Total Balance and was unaware that she would be 'doubling' up if she added them to her regime. As I mentioned she could still take them as it would not do her any harm, but she may be better off adding our Neurological formula instead which specifically targets the nervous system.
With regard to the technical aspects of your question I asked Dr Munem to comment further and his comments are posted below: The files that he refers to are attached. (NOTE: Subscribers to Xtend-Life-Questions can access these files by clicking here)
(Oh…with regard to our comment about the Bee Pollen in our Natural Energy formula, I truly don't know of any other Company in the world who has developed similar technology.)
I hope that you find this information helpful. Please get back to me if it raises any more questions.
COMMENT FROM PROF. DR. A. MUNEM
"I have attached some scientific research work on the subject... In 2002 two more monosaccharides have been discovered bringing the total to ten, up from the eight which were discovered in 1975. All are the core for carbohydrate and protein (glycoprotein's and glycopeptides) and are manufactured 100% by the human body in the majority of people. (Exceptions are those individuals with genetic or heredity defects).
Most of the herbal extracts and a few of the natural-ingredients in TB contain different types of monosaccharides, glycoprotein's and glycopeptides that supplement our body especially the Aloe Vera Polysaccharides, Beta 1,3-Glucan, Tea Polysaccarides, and ************ (NOTE FROM WARREN: This ingredient has been blanked out because we refer to it as natural fibers on the label. It is a key polysaccharide and the details we must keep confidential for business prudence).
Notes
Monosaccharides present in glycoprotein's and glycopeptides are xylose, fucose, mannose, galactose, glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, arabinose, 2-keto-3-deoxynonulosonic acid and N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid).
Glycans can be O-linked to proteins via the hydroxyl group of serine, threonine, tyrosine, hydroxylysine or hydroxyproline. Sometimes the glycan is O-linked to the hydroxyl group via a phosphodiester bond. The core monosaccharide residue may be N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, glucose, fucose, mannose, xylose or arabinose. These O-linked glycans can remain as a monosaccharide, but often a complex structure is built up by stepwise addition of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides known to be added include galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid and 2-keto-3-deoxynonulosonic acid. O-linked glycans can also contain sulfate and phosphate residues."
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Question: From Yvonne. (Subject: Calcium supplements?)
I am taking the recommended supplements for "heart attack/stroke". As a 67 year-old woman, should I also be taking calcium as well? I would appreciate your advice.
Answer: From Nicolien.
The question as to whether or not you should be taking our Calcium product as well, depends on your health and your diet, but you could certainly benefit from it. For example, the Coral Calcium with Phytonutrients may assist you in lowering blood pressure, if this is an issue for you. It may also be helpful in osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Other factors that increase demand for calcium are: bed rest, caffeine intake, diuretic use, depression, eating a diet high in protein and sugar, lack of exercise, and hypoglycemia. Of course these factors may not apply to you.
In summary I would say that it would be good for you, but I truly can't say if you really need it because of the variable factors that apply to each individual. For more info on our Calcium product please click here.
As a point of interest the foods that are rich in calcium are: almonds, buckwheat, dairy, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, molasses, salmon, sardines, soybeans and turnips.
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Question: From Kerry. (Subject: Should calcium be added?)
I am genuinely keen to trial your products (TB, Neuro formula and oils but I am not sure if I should use your calcium supplement as well). I really need you to answer some questions before I take the plunge and make a 2 months order for your range of products.
My health details:
I am 20 kilos overweight (conservative). I am not a junk food addict - I eat a lot of good food AND wine. A high protein & greens type of diet suits me well - I tend to get shaky blood sugar levels when I eat too much carb (especially the wrong carb). My mother developed type II diabetes later in life;
I was diagnosed with depression in May 97 - took antidepressants till October 2001 when I took leave from work and switched over to St John's Wort. It was beneficial and I have been taking it every day ever since. Family history of Schizophrenia, ADD, depression;
My GP diagnosed me with Leaky Gut Syndrome in 2002. I react adversely (but not instantly) to grain products and dairy. Either the effects of LGS, a true allergy or being silent coeliac.
Could you PLEASE answer the following questions first?
In regard to LGS and current reaction to grain & dairy - will there be any harm in using your product?
I take St John's Wort each day to keep serotonin levels good, your neuro formula doesn't have it. I notice it has SAMe though. Would taking St John's Wort be contraindicative to your product? Do you think it would be unnecessary?
My mother had problems with kidney stones - not the usual little hard stones, but stuff that filled the inside of the kidney like coral. I'm not sure whether to take your coral calcium product - what do you think?
I am thinking that candida may be a problem in my system - and was considering taking olive leaf extract regularly. Would this be contraindicative to your products?
Answer: From Nicolien.
Most of our products will be suitable for you and will very likely benefit your leaky gut syndrome problem. None of our products contain grains or dairy. Only the Coral Calcium with Phytonutrients may not be suitable for you as it contains small amounts of wheat grass and barley grass.
Our Total Balance (TB) and our Omega 3/DHA fish oil can play a beneficial role in addressing leaky gut syndrome. TB contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, myrrh, vitamin c, quercetin, rutin, and bioflavonoids. Turmeric also improves bile flow, thus improving digestive function, along with digestive enzymes in the formula (lipase, papain, betaine HCl, isolase) and is a liver-protective herb, as well as anti-oxidant and blood cleansing.
TB also contains Mahonia grape, its active ingredient berberine promotes digestion, is anti-diarrheal, anti-microbial and enhances the immune system. Other important ingredients for balancing (digestive) health are beta carotene, vitamin D, the B-vitamins, choline, folic acid, green tea extract, L-taurine (also liver health) and zinc. Aloe polysaccharides and beta glucans (present in TB) are also beneficial in inflammatory bowel conditions.
Fish oil plays an important role as an anti-inflammatory agent, I would suggest taking 2 - 4 capsules daily.
Click here for more info.
You can find the information on leaky gut syndrome in the Questions Newsletter of 27-7-04 useful (
click here).
The Neurological Formula (NF) and St. John's Wort can be taken together with no problems. How much St. John's Wort are you taking on a daily basis?
Regarding the Coral Calcium (CC) and kidney stones, calcium supplementation may actually reduce oxalate absorption and excretion (if you suffer from calcium oxalate stones), thus calcium supplementation may be effective in prevention of calcium oxalate kidney stones. However you may need to see if you can take wheat grass and barley grass which are present in the CC. I will attach a file with information about calcium oxalate stones to this email.
Regarding Olive leaf, you can safely take this as well as our products. However, did you know that TB contains Olive leaf extract? Let me know if you would like to receive some more information about treating Candida, or other subjects.
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Important notice: All material provided is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this publication. Consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this newsletter. The information provided in this newsletter is believed to be accurate based on the best judgment of the editor but the reader is responsible for consulting with their own health professional on any matters raised within.
