Guest Blog by: Dr. Arland Hill (D.C.)
Homocysteine continues to gain acceptance as a risk factor in a number of conditions. Once thought to be associated with mostly cardiovascular disease, homocysteine is now recognized as a contributor to numerous states of dysfunction, including arthritis, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and many more. Given the vast reaching effects of homocysteine, having an ideal treatment protocol in place to address elevations seems necessary, if not even absolutely crucial.
Examination of the literature to lower homocysteine can be confusing at times, with some studies showing lack of efficacy of B vitamins. However, these studies were not without criticism and ultimately a return to the basics of physiology has shown B vitamins to be an efficacious intervention. When looking at the methionine cycle and delving deeper into the biochemistry of homocysteine, it becomes rather clear that without methyl donors, 
homocysteine conversion to methionine gets stalled and homocysteine begins to build up. As such, the methyl donors B12 and folate have become the primary interventions for homocysteine lowering therapy.
For some however, B12 and folate therapy are not enough. Most of these individuals fall under the category of having a variant for the methyltetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme, commonly abbreviated MTHFR. Variants in this enzyme impair the ability to reduce folate, thus making the conversion of homocysteine to methionine inefficient and promoting accumulation. This is seemingly overcome fairly easily in elevated cases by the use of L 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Upon normalization of homocysteine in this manner, levels can generally be kept in an ideal range by the use of folate, a non-synthetic, as compared to folic acid.
As relatively straightforward as this all seems, the story does not end here. A deeper look at the influences on our genes shows the complexity of modulating homocysteine. There must exist a constant balance between homocysteine and methionine. If the objective is to lower homocysteine, downregulating the enzymes that lead to its conversion and upregulating those that convert it to methionine would appear ideal. To do this very thing, one should look no further than omega 3’s. The polyunsaturated omega 3’s, known to most of us as fish oils, can
directly affect the expression of the genes that control the enzymes linked to homocysteine metabolism. Since the omega 3’s do not directly insert into the biochemical pathway of the methionine cycle, their actions clearly have to be based on another mechanism of action, one we now recognize as genetic.
Consider the therapeutic potential here for a number of patients. Let’s take the aforementioned conditions for which homocysteine is known to affect. Equally validated in the literature to support cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis, omega 3’s will not only reduce inflammation but will also modify genetic expression of those enzymes metabolizing homocysteine. This makes testing and adding omega 3’s to any clinical protocol at minimum a consideration given the considerable effects of homocysteine and the therapeutic potential of omega 3’s.
Please review the website below for more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22260268
Arland Hill, DC, MPH, DACBN- Complete Care Chiropractic and Wellness
For more information about our client Dr. Hill, please visit his website or his blog. Or contact him at 281-557-7200.
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ADHD and AUTISM ON THE RISE
Recent years has seen an unprecedented rise in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Although researchers speculate on the reason for this rise, many factors likely contribute, including more accurate diagnosis. However, overwhelming evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ARE KEY
Our brain and nerves are composed mostly of fat. The most important of these are called omega-3 fatty acids and are found primarily in fish or fish oil supplements. Also called EPA and DHA, they are absolutely necessary for human health, and their concentration in the brain makes them key players in neurological disorders such as autism and ADHD. Brain and nerve growth throughout childhood is extraordinarily rapid, and the need for omega-3 fatty acids remains critical all the way through adolescence and into adulthood. Overwhelming evidence implicates deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids for the rise in autism and ADHD. Research shows that children with low scores on behavioral assessment tests consistently have lower omega-3 fatty acids levels, and when supplemented with fish oils, the symptoms of ADHD in these children such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inability to pay attention - dramatically improve.
WHY MEASURE THE OMEGA-6 TO OMEGA-3 RATIO?
We are familiar with the expression that a child’s brain is like a sponge, ready to absorb information at an astounding rate. A truly appropriate analogy, it stems from the fact that our brains can actually create nerve pathways in response to new experiences and learning environments. Called “neuronal plasticity,” this phenomena is crucial for long-term memory and learning. Proper levels of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is important for membrane fluidity. The ratio of omega-6 fatty acids, which differ in structure and function, to omega-3 fatty acids affect neuronal plasticity as well. Scientists now agree that the ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats is as important as the actual levels, especially in autism and ADHD. A lower ratio is better and when this ratio is improved, symptoms of autism and ADHD can improve as well.
ZINC – THE MOOD MINERAL
Zinc deficiency is often implicated in ADHD because it is an important co-factor to several neurotransmitters, which directly affect mood and learning ability. Specifically, zinc affects the production of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in our brains that is needed for learning and certain emotions like motivation and pleasure. In fact, studies show that zinc levels correlate with anxiety and behavioral problems, as well as have a significant effect on information processing in boys with ADHD. Since zinc levels are much lower in autistic and ADHD individuals, children with ADHD show positive behavioral and cognitive results after zinc supplementation.In addition, zinc is essential for proper elimination of the toxic metal mercury from our brain tissue, which has also been linked to autism and ADHD.
VITAMINS AND AUTISM
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with autism and in some cases of severe deficiency, high-dose vitamin D therapy actually reversed some of the autistic behaviors. Some research even suggests that the nutritional status of the mother during gestation can affect behavior in children. One study confirmed that low folate status in pregnancy was associated with hyperactivity in children. Other studies show that persons who carried a common gene that predisposes them to folate and vitamin B12 deficiency (called the MTHFR gene) were more likely to suffer from ADHD. Supplementation with thiamine (vitamin B1) has shown clinical benefit to some autistic children. Specifically, a deficiency in vitamin B1 has been associated with delayed language development in childhood.When deficient, biotin (vitamin B7) can potentially cause neurological problems associated with autism since the brain is quite vulnerable to biotin deficiency.
MAGNESIUM AND VITAMIN B6 – A WINNING COMBINATION
Like most nutrients, magnesium and vitamin B6 work together in improving clinical symptoms of autism and ADHD.
When a group of autistic children were supplemented with magnesium and vitamin B6, 70% of the children showed improvement in social interaction and communication. Interestingly, when the supplements were stopped, the clinical symptoms reappeared. In another study, physical aggression and inattention improved after supplementation with magnesium and vitamin B6 for a few months.
THE ROLE OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Neurotransmitters are tiny chemicals that transmit information from the outside world to various parts of our brains and from our brains to the rest of our bodies. Although neurotransmitters, such as choline, glutamine, asparagine and inositol may not be recognized as household names, they profoundly affect emotions, thinking and social behavior. For example, levels of glutamine and asparagine are lower in autistic children and some adults with ADHD.
AN AMINO ACID THAT IMPROVES CARNITINE – BEHAVIOR
Carnitine is an amino acid whose primary function is to transport fatty acids, including the ever-so-important omega-3 fatty acids into cells so they can be used for energy. In autistic individuals, carnitine levels are significantly reduced, which then affects the patient’s ability to use the fatty acids that are so critical to their learning and social development.
A recent study demonstrated that carnitine can reduce hyperactivity and improve social behavior in boys diagnosed with ADHD, and may actually represent a safe alternative to the use of stimulant drugs for the treatment of ADHD in children.
ADHD AND AUTISM – AN OXIDATIVE STRESS DISORDER?
Oxidative stress is a term used to describe damage to our cells that occurs on a daily basis throughout our bodies. Fortunately, our bodies have built-in defenses against the onslaught of internal and external toxins causing oxidative stress in our tissues. Interestingly, several studies show an increase in oxidative stress in both autism and ADHD, resulting in an impaired ability to eliminate toxins. Specifically, adults with ADHD have extremely low levels of some of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. One study linked damage in fatty tissue surrounding our cells to symptoms of autism and ADHD. Minerals such as selenium and copper, antioxidants such as cysteine and vitamin E and several other nutrients ensure the body’s powerful defense systems work optimally.
A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH
Since so many nutrients are needed to keep our amazingly complex brain and nervous system functioning properly, a comprehensive assessment of your nutritional status is key. In disorders like autism and ADHD, the potential improvement of symptoms when even a single deficiency is corrected can often be quite dramatic.
For more information, contact us at spec1@spectracell.com or call 800-227-5227.
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What Does the Immunidex Measure?A patient’s Immunidex score is one measurement to evaluate a person’s cell-mediated immune system performance. Specifically, it measures T-cell lymphocyte proliferation. Since immune function is a systemic measure of general health, a higher Immunidex score is generally desired since it means a person can respond efficiently not only to exogenous threats such as pathogens or allergens, but also to endogenous threats like tumors. The immune system, comprised of both cell-mediated (Th1) and humoral (Th2) components, when balanced and performing optimally, affords us critical protection and promotes health and wellness.
How is the Immunidex Performed?A patient’s lymphocytes are isolated from whole blood and introduced to a protein that stimulates growth. The protein mitogen used to trigger mitosis, or cell division, is PHA (phytohemagglutinin), which stimulates T-lymphocytes to proliferate. The proliferative response is measured by the incorporation of radioactive thymidine into newly synthesized DNA. Your patient’s response is compared to responses of a reference population and results are reported to you as an Immunidex score.
What Affects the Immunidex Result?Micronutrient deficiencies will undermine a person’s immune function, and thus lower the Immunidex. Since the highly complex immune system is dependent on the intracellular availability of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, correcting specific micronutrient deficiencies typically raises the Immunidex and contributes to tangible clinical benefits, such as reduced infections and may assist in achieving Th1/Th2 balance.
How does the Immunidex correlate with antioxidant function?In general, the higher the antioxidant score (Spectrox™), the higher the Immunidex score. Antioxidant function plays an important role in promoting optimal T-cell (lymphocyte) function. It is important to find out if a patient has deficiencies in specific antioxidant nutrients so they can supplement wisely. But it is also important to measure a total antioxidant function because the metabolic pathways in which antioxidants are involved are
highly complex, sometimes redundant and often overlapping. Research confirms that taking excess antioxidants that are not needed (i.e. where no deficiency exists) can actually cause them to become pro-oxidants and decrease antioxidant function.
How is Immunidex related to aging?As we age, our immune function typically decreases as seen in the figure below. Although many factors are involved in this complicated process of decline, the Immunidex is one of many relevant aging biomarkers since age diminishes the ability of a person’s lymphocytes to respond to challenges. The effects of both good and poor antioxidant function on the Immunidex is shown and emphasizes the importance of testing for antioxidant function (Spectrox™) and individual antioxidant deficiencies.
How do you order the Immunidex?The Immunidex is part of SpectraCell’s Micronutrient Testing panel. There is no additional charge for this calculated test result. Ordering instructions are the same – same kit, same blood draw instructions.
Please contact your local representative for more details or email us at spec1@spectracell.com with any questions or comments! Thank you.Contact our bloggers at
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SpectraCell has created an educational guide to discovering the important role micronutrients play in sports medicine. In this guide, you will find information about:
- Individualized nutrition for the athlete
- Demand, synergy and balance of micronutrients
- Muscle recovery and fatigue
- Cellular energy production
- Minimizing oxidative stress
- Omega-3 fats for concussion protection
- Immunity and hormone regulation in the athlete
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Guest Blog by: Dr. Arland Hill (D.C.)
Most of us are familiar with the saying use it or lose it. Many times when individuals say this, they are likely referring to muscle tissue. However, this saying is equally valid regarding the health of the brain and nervous tissue. Since the brain has impact on every system in the body, keeping it healthy is of the utmost importance. Doing so takes 3 key ingredients; energy, fats, and stimulation.
While most probably don’t think about the energy demands of the nervous system, they are in fact quite high. The production of energy for a neuron, or nerve cell, goes beyond just good function. The ability to produce energy is the difference between life and death. As with all cells, an energy substrate must be available, preferably glucose. Uptake of glucose by neurons depends on healthy insulin receptors. Healthy insulin receptors that are sensitive optimize neuron function by efficiently controlling synapse density, promoting neuronal growth, or neuroplasticity, and refining the function of the involved neurocircuitry. In short, neurons function better and extend their network when insulin receptors are sensitive. But as attractive as this sounds, it fails to happen when nutrient deficiencies such as chromium and B3 exist. Chromium and niacin help make up the glucose tolerance factor which has significant bearing on the glucose-insulin interaction.
Once glucose is taken in by the neuron, it must enter the mitochondria to produce ATP, the energy molecule. However, to get ATP, several key nutrients must be available. These nutrients fuel each step of the energy cycle and include B1, B2, B3, B5, glutamine, and magnesium just to name a few. For the neuron, the importance of this cannot be understated.
When the neuron is able to receive adequate oxygen, it can combine the metabolites formed from the energy production cycle and generate ATP. In the absence of adequate nutrient stores, ATP is not produced efficiently leading to the demise of the neuron. This can be the early onset of neurodegeneration. Moreover, since neurons depend on stimulation from each other to maintain functional neurocircuitry, losing a neuron will in turn have effects on adjacent neurons. The potential “snowball-like” effect of neurodegeneration emphasizes the consequence of allowing seemingly harmless nutrient deficiencies to persist.
Lastly, a protective coating is needed. Think about this as insulation for the wiring of your neurocircuity. With it, neurological impulses are transmitted at a faster rate. Our insulation is fat. Micronutrient assessment provides a window into how we might be producing insulation 
around our neurological tissue. Not only does such testing show how fats are being utilized by living cells, it also illustrates the status of nutrients such as B12 that are equally needed for production of our insulation, otherwise known as myelin.
The health of the nervous system is a commonly overlooked. When it is functioning appropriately, it is given little attention. In contrast, by the time a neurological condition manifests, it is difficult to make up lost ground to neurodegeneration. However, altering its effects can take place, but only in the presence of adequate nutrient status. Given proper precursors and stimulation, the ability of the neuron to produce energy is regained, promoting an environment of neuroplasticity.
Arland Hill, DC, MPH, DACBN- Complete Care Chiropractic and Wellness
For more information about our client Dr. Hill, please visit his website or his blog. Or contact him at 281-557-7200.
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spec1@spectracell.com.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Vitamin E Triggers Gene that Kills Breast Cancer Cells
Researchers uncovered a unique mechanism of action of the vitamin E form gamma-tocotrienol on breast cancer cells. Specifically, the gamma-tocotrienols (one of eight biologically active forms of vitamin E), triggered a gene that causes cell death to cancerous, but not healthy cells in breast tissue. This discovery lends further credence to the argument that the recently published results of the SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) trial are not valid because in that trial, only supplements of alpha-tocopherol were given, which many argue caused a deficiency in gamma-tocotrienol. (Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, January 2012)
LINK to ABSTRACT Gamma-tocotrienol induced apoptosis is associated with unfolded protein response in human breast cancer cells.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Can Omega 3 Index Be Used to Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
The level of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the red blood cells of 350 people who were undergoing sleep analysis was measured. Researchers found that the severity of sleep apnea was inversely related to a patient’s omega 3 index, suggesting that DHA’s role in neural tissue might play a role in autonomic sleep functions. (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, August 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Membrane level of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid is associated with severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Vitamin B5 Lowers LDL Cholesterol
120 people were divided into two groups: 60 received 600mg per day of pantethine (a form of vitamin B5) for eight weeks when the dosage was then increased to 900mg per day for another eight weeks and the other 60 people received identically labelled placebo pills. Both groups followed the same lifestyle changes during the trial. At the end of four months, only the supplemented group had about 5% lower LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Authors of the study emphasized that for every 1 mg/dL reduction in LDL, there is a 1% reduction in overall cardiovascular risk. (Nutrition Research, August 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B(5) used as a nutritional supplement, favorably alters low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk North American subjects: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Correcting Glutathione Deficiency Reduces Signs of Aging
When a group of elderly people were compared to a younger group, the levels of glutathione were much lower and markers of oxidative stress such as isoprostanes were much higher in the elderly group, which was expected. But interestingly, once the elderly group was supplemented with dietary cysteine and glycine (precursors to glutathione synthesis) for two weeks, the differences listed above were no longer observed – the supplemented elderly and unsupplemented younger groups has the same levels of oxidative stress and glutathione concentrations. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Cysteine Supplements Reduce Muscle Fatigue After Exercise
Short term supplementation of 1200 mg of N-acetyl-cysteine for seven days significantly improved muscle endurance (reduced muscle fatigue), increased maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in a group of sedentary men. (Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT N-acetylcysteine supplementation controls total antioxidant capacity, creatine kinase, lactate, and tumor necrotic factor-alpha against oxidative stress induced by graded exercise in sedentary men.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
CLINICAL UPDATE - Supplements that Promote Heart Function Also Help Erectile Dysfunction
In a small study, 54 men were given propionyl-L-carnitne, L-arginine and vitamin B3 (niacin) for three months. Sexual function improved in 77% of the enrolled subjects, suggesting that nutraceutical treatment for erectile dysfunction may be feasible. (Andrologia, October 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin in sexual medicine: a nutraceutical approach for erectile dysfunction.
For more clinical updates, please visit the archives within our Clinical Education Center here.
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During this time of year, our thoughts turn to those who have made our success possible!
We want to thank our valued clients and their patients. We greatly appreciate your ongoing relationship with us and know that we are committed to assisting you in any way we can.
As always, if you'd like to discuss how we can support you, please call us at 1.800.227-5227 or visit us online.
We hope you've had a good year, and we wish you the best for 2012!
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Access and download SpectraCell's 2011 webinar presentations, including MP3 files and presentation slides below:
If you have any suggestions on future topics you would like to learn about, please email us at spec1@spectracell.com. We would love to hear from you!Contact our bloggers at
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CLINICAL UPDATE - Vitamin Status During Pregnancy Affects Language Skills of Children, Even at Age Three
Mothers were given questionnaires on their use of folic acid and other supplements during pregnancy in a large study in Norway. Almost 39,000 children were evaluated for language competency and it was found that those children whose mothers took folic acid during pregnancy had about half the risk of severe language delay at three years old as those whose mothers took no supplements. (Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Folic acid supplements in pregnancy and severe language delay in children.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Carnitine to Combat Oxidative Stress?
A single dose of 2.0 grams of L-carnitine was given orally to 12 healthy volunteers and plasma levels of antioxidants were subsequently measured. After carnitine was ingested, levels of the potent antioxidants increased (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidise, and catalase) as well as total antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant levels returned to baseline within 24 hours, but researchers concluded that L-carnitine may be a useful therapy for illnesses involving excessing oxidative stress. (The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, October 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Single dose administration of L-carnitine improves antioxidant activities in healthy subjects.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
CLINICAL UPDATE - CoQ10 Protects Muscles in Endurance Athletes
A group of athletes were given oral coenzyme Q10 prior to running 50 kilometers and compared to athletes who also ran but received placebo. Runners who took coQ10 had lower levels of common inflammatory markers such as isoprostanes, cell membrane hydroperoxides and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), thus exhibiting less muscle damage that occurs with intense physical training. (European Journal of Nutrition, October 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Coenzyme Q(10) supplementation ameliorates inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise.
CLINICAL UPDATE - Adding Niacin to Statin Therapy Shows No Benefit Says Study, but Critics Don't Agree
In the large AIM-HIGH clinical trial, a total of 3414 patients with established heart disease were randomized to receive simvastatin plus either placebo or extended release niacin (Niaspan). Although the group receiving niacin (also known as vitamin B3) showed significant improvement in HDL and triglyceride levels, researchers concluded that there was no reduction in cardiovascular events after 3 years, when the study was halted. Critics contend that one of the biggest flaws of the study was that the placebo group was given immediate release niacin so that both the placebo and extended-release niacin would experience flushing, a common side effect of niacin treatment and therefore not know to which group they were assigned. With both groups receiving niacin treatment, critics argue the results are not definitive and await results of the larger HPS2-THRIVE trial data (also evaluating the potential benefit of adding niacin to statin therapy) that is expected in about a year. (New England Journal of Medicine, November 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Niacin in Patients with Low HDL Cholesterol Levels Receiving Intensive Statin Therapy.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
CLINICAL UPDATE - A New Paradigm for the Treatment of Concussion
In what may be “one of the first [papers] to suggest what may become a paradigm shift in the treatment of post concussion syndrome,” this comprehensive review presents clinical evidence on the efficacy of natural compounds such as omega 3 fatty acids, curcumin and vitamins C, D and E to treat concussion. Additional commentary(page 19) explicitly outlines the common flaws and study design errors in clinical trials of antioxidants. Similar research shows coenzyme Q10 decreases ischemia and the harmful post-traumatic brain injury inflammatory cascade in rats. (Surgical Neurology International, October 2011; BioMed Central Neuroscience, July 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Stuck at the bench: Potential natural neuroprotective compounds for concussion.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
LINK to ABSTRACT Effect of coenzyme Q10 on ischemia and neuronal damage in an experimental traumatic brain-injury model in rats.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
CLINICAL UPDATE - The Micronutrient-Telomere Interaction Gains Acceptance
The emerging field of nutrigenomics – the study of how individual genes interact with diet and nutrition – is gaining acceptance as science uncovers the ways in which genes are influences by specific nutrients. In particular, research on telomeres and micronutrients such as folate shows how various nutrients are vital in protecting DNA and therefore preserving telomere length. (Journal of Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics, May 2011; Genome Integrity, August 2010; Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, July 2011)
LINK to ABSTRACT Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics: viewpoints on the current status and applications in nutrition research and practice.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
LINK to ABSTRACT Nutriomes and nutrient arrays - the key to personalised nutrition for DNA damage prevention and cancer growth control.
LINK to FREE FULL TEXT
LINK to ABSTRACT Telomere dynamics: the influence of folate and DNA methylation.
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Presented by Ron Grabowski, R.D., D.C.What you will learn:
- Do you know which nutrients are most commonly deficient in the elderly?
- Nutrient - Drug Interactions commonly seen in the elderly
- How can certain nutrients support the immune system in the elderly?
- Case study review
View the recorded webinar and download the presentations slides HERE!
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