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Greetings!
Everyone has heard the expression that "Talk is Cheap". This warning is especially relevant when reviewing the outlandish claims made by supplement manufacturers and their distributors. Although there are thousands of studies discussing the health benefits of various single nutrients, like beta carotene or vitamin C, no study had every explored the long-term impact of taking supplements. That is, until Shaklee conducted the Landmark Study. (www.landmarkstudy.com)
We are pleased to bring you a two-part article by Dr. Frank M. Painter and our friends at HealthQuest detailing the decision by Shaklee to put their products through this rigorous study and the phenomenal results!
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The Landmark Study
by Dr. Frank M. Painter and HealthQuest
Shaklee is unique among supplement manufacturers because for the last 32 years they have funded basic-science research. They also regularly conduct clinical trials to demonstrate the bioavailability and health benefits of their products, before they are released. These studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals, following critical scrutiny by leading researchers within the nutrition field. Each study costs tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and may take as long as three years to reach publication. Those are a few of the reasons why other supplement manufacturers don't conduct these types of studies.
Here it is, almost six years later, and no other manufacturer has had the courage to put their products through the same rigorous process. In fact, some of them even cite the Landmark Study as all the proof they need, even though Landmark clearly suggests that the "other" supplements didn't deliver the same health benefits. But, I am getting ahead of myself. We'll review those statistics shortly.
The Shaklee family includes many thousands of individuals who have been using supplements for 20, 30 or even 40 years! When new owner Roger Barnett first started meeting with large groups of sales leaders, he was continually surprised when they mentioned their age, because they all appeared so much younger and healthier than their years might suggest. Impressed with their health and vitality, and seeing the need to show the world what Shaklee supplementation had done for them, a research project was proposed, to compare Shaklee products with other generic supplements.
 Shaklee contacted the esteemed epidemiologist, Dr. Gladys Block, from the Berkeley School of Public Health, and asked her to conduct a clinical trial. It was agreed that her team would collect and analyze the health histories, physical exams, and blood test results. They would run all the statistical analyses, write the paper, and shepherd it through the peer-review process. Although Shaklee funded the study, UC Berkeley maintained absolute control over publication of the results, good or bad.
You can't imagine the courage it takes for a supplement manufacturer to expose themselves to that kind of risk. If their products didn't measure up, it would be published in the medical literature, followed by endless ridicule in the media. This is another reason why Landmark was a first-of-its-kind study. No one else had the confidence to put their products to the test. Once again, Shaklee led the way!
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The Study Contrasted Three Groups
Shaklee members, who used supplements for at least 20 years, were compared with age and gender-matched people who took at least one multivitamin a day, and a control group that did not supplement at all.
Beginning at the 2005 Chicago Convention, they started gathering blood samples and other demographic and physical data from over 300 Shaklee members. The requirements for eligibility were that participants had to have been using Shaklee supplements for at least 20 years. The average age in the study group was around 65 years, with an age range from the 40's to the 80's. Originally referred to as the 50th Anniversary Study, it is now known as the Landmark Study.
There are 5 different components to the Study:- Amount of nutrients in the blood
- Incidence of disease states
- Quality of life statistics
- Safety of long-term use
- Scores for Biomarkers of Disease
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In our next e-newsletter we will continue with Dr. Painters review of the Landmark Study and bring you his analysis of the findings and statistics from this study. In the meantime feel free to view the study manuscript published in Nutrition Journal.
Yours in Health,
Karen & Dan Visnic
Visnic Shaklee Distributors
Shaklee Senior Executive Coordinators
1-888-356-6433  Since this newsletter contains testimonials and other information as opposed to material directly from the manufacturer it is important for you to note that the information shared have not been recommended or approved by the manufacturer, and it is not intended to be used or promoted as such. No claims, guarantees, warranties or assurances are implied or promised. The health statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The stories contained herein are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness or injury, or in any way substitute for medical advice. The only legally recognized use of vitamin/mineral supplements is to prevent or treat specific vitamin/mineral deficiencies. The authors and distributors of the enclosed information will not be held responsible for any misconceptions or misuse of the information presented herein. If you have a health problem, see your physician.
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