Who do you trust?

A segment from the National Agricultural Report's educational documentary featuring USANA Health Sciencies: People around the world are trust their health to USANA Health Sciences, a company that has proven it represents the future of nutrition.

Obesity and Diabetes: It Doesn’t Have to Be.

In October 2008, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that the incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes nearly doubled in the last 10 years. The human and economic cost of diabetes, in the U.S. and around the world, is rapidly becoming the most important of all public health problems. The good news is that diabetes, along with most other chronic degenerative diseases, can be prevented through modest lifestyle changes. Knowing the risk factors and learning how to reduce them can restore active and healthy lives to millions.

There is no chronic degenerative disease more epidemic today than type 2 diabetes. And yet it is among the most easily prevented of all diseases. That’s because the explosion of diabetes we see today is largely the result of two trends: rapidly increasing obesity and a dramatic drop in daily physical exercise. Those trends can be reversed and the incidence of obesity, diabetes, and their complications greatly reduced.

The reason I can say that with confidence is the result of an important study by the Diabetes Prevention Program, a major clinical trial performed by the National Institutes of Health. All 3,234 study participants in the study were overweight and had impaired glucose tolerance, recognized risk factors for diabetes.

One-third of the subjects took metformin, the most frequently-prescribed diabetes drug, twice a day, one-third received a placebo twice a day in place of the drug, and one-third received training in diet, exercise, and behavior modification.

The goals of the lifestyle intervention training were to:

• achieve and maintain a weight loss of 7 percent with healthy eating and increased physical activity, and
• maintain physical activity at least 150 minutes a week with moderate exercise, such as walking or biking.

Not what you would consider a radical change in lifestyle.

The results, however, were radical. While metformin was found to somewhat reduce the risk of diabetes in persons at high risk, lifestyle intervention was far more effective. Overall, healthy diet and exercise—without any drugs—reduced the likelihood of diabetes by nearly two-thirds. Of course there also were no negative drug side effects from eating right and exercising, only additional benefits that can last a lifetime.

These striking results tell us that millions of high-risk people can use diet, exercise, and behavior modification to avoid developing type 2 diabetes. Through nothing more than awareness of risk factors, and individual preventive action, families all around the world can be spared the burden of diabetes and its debilitating complications.

Further reading:
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Reduction in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metmormin. N. Engl. J. Med. 346(6):393-403. 2002.

Molitch, M.E., et al. The Diabetes Prevention Program and Its Global Implications. J. Am Soc Nephrol. 14:S103-07. 2003.

Kirtland, K. et al. State-specific incidence of diabetes among adults—participating states, 1995—1997 and 2005—2007. MMWR 57:1169-72. 2008.

A Mini-Guide to Plastic Bottles

Plastics have become such a pervasive part of our daily lives that it can be difficult to do without them, even when we are concerned about their safety. But most of the plastic bottles and containers we use carry a recycling symbol that can be a help in deciding how to use them.

You’ve been hearing all kinds of bad news reports about toxic chemicals leaching from plastic bottles and containers. If you heat these bottles or re-use them, you might be increasing your exposure to hormone mimics or any of a number of other chemicals.
But plastic is all around us, and not all of it is hazardous to your family’s health. How do you know which types of plastics are worse, and which are not as bad? One clue is the number inside the recycling symbol on the bottom of the bottles or containers. The numbers indicate which are accepted by recyclers, but they also indicate the class of plastic and its chemical characteristics:

No. 1 PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
No. 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene)
No. 3. V (vinyl) or PVC
No. 4. LDPE (low density polyethylene)
No. 5. PP (polypropylene)
No. 6. PS (polystyrene)
No. 7. Other or miscellanous

To sum up, if the bottle has the number 1, 2, 4, or 5 on the bottom, it’s made from one of the safer plastics. If the number says 3, 6, or 7, there is a greater likelihood that the bottle will be leaving a chemical residue in your beverage. Category No. 3, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, is the worst, followed by No. 7, which may contain polycarbonates (bisphenol-A).
Another rule of thumb is that the softer the plastic the more likely that leaching can occur. You can also use your nose. If you sniff a hint of plastic, find another container. Of course, your best bet is to avoid plastics for food and beverage altogether, and use glass, metal, or ceramic refillable containers whenever possible.

Keep Your Baby Safe from Toxins in Baby Bottles

We are constantly being exposed to numerous toxic compounds from air, water and consumer products. Young children are especially vulnerable to toxins because they have immature organ systems, high metabolic rates and are going through rapid physical development. A recent study shows that infants in the U.S. may be exposed to toxic chemicals even from their baby bottles.

Toxic Bisphenol A Leaches from Popular Baby Bottles

Two recent reports have found that six major brands of popular baby bottles leach bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic. Bisphenol-A is used to make numerous plastic products soft and flexible and also in the linings of metal food cans. It is a developmental, neural, and reproductive toxicant that mimics estrogen and can interfere with healthy growth and body function.

The brands of baby bottles tested included products made by Evenflo, Gerber, Dr. Brown’s and Playtex and were purchased at major retailers such as Babies R Us, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart. Laboratory testing showed that 5-8 ng/ml (parts per billion) of bisphenol A leached from all the bottles when heated to 80 degrees C (176 degrees F.). Scientific studies have shown that bisphenol A levels as low as parts per trillion may alter cell function. Heating bottles, pouring hot liquids into them, or using them to give babies acidic or basic beverages have all been shown to increase the rate of bisphenol A leaching from bottles. The use of bisphenol A in the manufacture of baby bottles should be phased out immediately.


Baby’s Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Brands of Baby Bottles. The Work Group for Safe Markets. www.babystoxicbottle org. 2008.

Gibson, R.L. Toxic Baby Bottles: Scientific study finds leaching chemicals in clear plastic baby bottles. Environment California Research & Policy Center. 2007.

Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

Five level-headed questions you should ask when selecting a nutritional supplement:

1. Complete?

"A little of every nutrient is better than lots of one or two"

A good supplement provides a broad spectrum of essential nutrients --- vitamins, minerals, and a variety of antioxidants such as bioflavanoids, alpha lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10. Many "multi" formulas miss out on the more costly nutrients.

2. Balanced?

"Nutrients work best together, in synergy --- not alone"

A good supplement delivers nutrients in balance, so our body can enjoy their synergistic benefits. Unbalanced formulations may be harmful, as excessive amounts of one nutrient can sometimes hamper the body's absorption of another.

3. Potent?

"Too much of any is harmful. But too little is ineffective"

The amount of each micronutrient we need is very small (often in thousandths of a gram a day). However, a good supplement provides sufficient amounts for optimal health. These amounts are often higher than the RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances), which are minimum levels to prevent deficiency diseases.

4. Bioavailable?

"What doesn't get absorbed and used is wasted"

Vitamins and minerals can come in various forms, some more easily absorbed and used by the body than others. A good supplement always uses the most bioavailable form. For example, chelated minerals, i.e., those bonded to amino acids, are more readily absorbed than mineral salts.

5. Safe?

"Above all, do no harm"

A good supplement avoids nutrients like iron and preformed vitamin A, which can be harmful with long-term use. It is also manufactured to more exacting standards to ensure purity and uniformity in every tablet. Products that are made to pharmaceutical standards are best.

Vitamin D Deficiencies Widespread Among Pregnant Women & Infants Despite Prenatal Vitamin Usage

At a Glance

Vitamin D deficiency early in life is associated with rickets, a disorder characterized by soft bones. New research has shown that despite taking a prenatal vitamin, vitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnant women and newborn infants. Higher-dose supplementation and increased sun exposure is needed to improve maternal and infant vitamin D status.

Even among those taking prenatal multivitamin supplements, vitamin D levels were found to be insufficient or deficient in pregnant women, particularly in women living in northern regions, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition. Researchers took blood samples from 400 pregnant women—200 African American women and 200 Caucasian women—before 22 weeks gestation and again after delivery.

More than 80% of African American women and nearly half of Caucasian women tested at delivery had levels of vitamin D that were insufficient, even though more than 90% of them used prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.

In addition, umbilical cord blood from newborns showed 92.4% of African American babies and 66.1% of Caucasian infants had insufficient vitamin D levels at birth, leaving them at risk for rickets and other health problems. A newborn relies completely on its mother for its vitamin D stores.

These results suggest that African American and Caucasian pregnant women and newborns residing in the northern U.S. are at high risk of vitamin D insufficiency, even when mothers regularly take prenatal vitamins. Higher-dose supplementation is needed to improve maternal and infant vitamin D status.

J. Nutr. 137:447-452, February 2007

USANA Athletes

For more than 15 years, athletes from around the globe have trusted USANA nutritional supplements to increase their energy levels and maintain their health.* USANA's team of highly trained scientists follow Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure the safety and quality of each product, products that have been proven so safe, effective, and free of contaminants that renowned organizations such as U.S. Speedskating, Speed Skating Canada, Biathlon Canada, the elite athletes of the WTA Sony Ericsson Tour and a myriad of other professional athletes worldwide trust their health to USANA.

Athlete Guarantee Program

Trust is a major issue for athletes competing for a place in the Olympics and other high profile athletic competitions. Taking nutritional supplements to help maintain health shouldn't place an athlete at risk for testing positive for a banned substance. Broadly publicized allegations of contaminants in supplements lead many top athletes to wonder if taking supplements will jeopardize their future ability to qualify for competition. In fact, national Olympic committees have written to their athletes warning them of the potential danger of contaminants, encouraging them not to consume any nutritional supplements.

To date, no nutritional supplement company has stepped forward to assume their portion of the liability that a banned substance contamination would create. USANA offers an ironclad solution through its Athlete Guarantee Program. This confident stance in a high stakes venture strengthens our industry-leading position and affirms our commitment to providing Nutritionals You Can Trust.

USANA is currently reviewing applications for the Athlete Guarantee Program from select members of the Canadian Olympic team who qualify under the terms of the agreement. For consideration the athlete must provide the following:

• Proof of membership on Olympic team
• Proof that the athlete has never tested positive for a banned substance
• Results of most recent test
• Verification of earnings from sport within past 12 months

Upon review and acceptance of the application, USANA will guarantee that, during the term of the agreement, should the athlete test positive for a banned substance included in the WADA list of banned substances as a result of taking USANA® nutritional products, USANA will compensate the athlete with up to two times his or her current annual earnings up to $1 million CAN. USANA will enter into an agreement with the athlete at the Company's discretion. USANA will mail the contract to the athlete with additional product ordering information.

Are you ready to take your place among the elite? Fill out the Sponsorship Form and enter “Athlete Guarantee Program” in the box titled “Monthly dollar amount of product.”

Sony Ericsson WTA Tour "Up until now, the inability of our players to take vitamins and health supplements without fear of accidentally ingesting a prohibited substance has been a real issue. In USANA, the Tour has found a manufacturer that cannot only meet the Tour's...rigorous anti-doping standards, but one that is also willing to back it up with both athlete and Tour guarantees. This is fantastic news for players, and a critically important step forward in ensuring player health while maintaining the strict anti-doping standards that are necessary to continue to ensure that women's tennis remains a clean sport." -Larry Scott, CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour www.sonyericssonwtatour.com

US Speedskating Team “US Speedskating thanks USANA for contributing to the sport of speedskating by meeting the nutritional demands of our athletes as we pursue greatness at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010.” —US Speedskating Team, 2008 www.usspeedskating.org

Biathlon Canada "Biathlon is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports on an athlete’s body. Our national team athletes train extensive hours throughout the year and staying healthy is critical to their pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to be partnering with an industry leader in providing the highest quality nutritional products to ensure our athletes are ready to train and perform at their best each day." — Joanne Thomson, executive director, Biathlon Canada www.biathloncanada.ca

Speed Skating Canada “For many years Speed Skating Canada’s unofficial motto has been ‘The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.’ To achieve excellence means to be partnered with excellence, and Speed Skating Canada is proud to have USANA as an official supplier to our national team athletes. We thank USANA for continuing to be a critical partner in our successes and quest for excellence.” —Speed Skating Canada, 2008 www.speedskating.ca

Cross Country Canada "USANA® products have been pivotal over the past two years in providing our team with an extensive line of quality dietary supplements, guaranteed clean products, necessary for high performance training in the sport of cross-country skiing." —Tom Holland, Director of High Performance, Cross Country Canada www.cccski.com

USA Luge "Finding a safe, tested, and reliable source of nutritional supplements for our athletes is not an easy task. We are glad to have a trusted, quality brand like USANA to help our teams train harder and recover faster."* -Gordy Sheer, marketing director, USA Luge http://luge.teamusa.org

Great Britain Short Track Speed Skating Team "The National Ice Skating Association (NISA) welcomes this exciting partnership between Great Britain Short Track Speed Skating and USANA…We are pleased to be associated with such a prestigious and internationally renowned company. This partnership will benefit the athletes and raise the profile of not only NISA but USANA as well.” —Keith Horton, NISA General Secretary http://www.iceskating.org.uk/

USA Team Radcliff (bobsled competitor) “I’m very pleased to be associated with such a great company and I look forward to the future, including Vancouver. I’ve known about USANA for years because of its association with the US Speedskating Team and appreciate the way the company stands behind its athletes.”

Team Kelly Scott, Curling “With all the traveling and competing the team does throughout the year, we feel that taking USANA supplements over the past two years has helped to keep us healthy and able to compete at our full potential.” http://www.teamscottcurling.ca/

Derek Parra, Olympic Gold and Silver Medal U.S. Speedskater “USANA was a key difference in my winning the gold and setting the world record at the 2002 Winter Games.”

Werner Berger, Expert Mountain Climber “I have taken USANA products for the past 12 years and have known throughout my journey that these tremendous products have helped make climbing at my age possible. I sincerely thank USANA for providing the high-quality nutritional supplements that have helped me make the most of my body and my life.”

Kelly Timberman, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) “Those who have health, have hope and those who have hope can accomplish anything.”

Ryan Ragan, Professional Surfer “USANA products give me the endurance I need both in and out of the water.*”

Jose Antonio Rivera, Professional Boxer “I started taking USANA Nutritionals and as a result I feel healthier and stronger.* Despite all that I put my body through, I now feel better than ever. Seeing and feeling the results that USANA products had on me inspired me to become a USANA Independent Associate. Let me tell you—I will never look back!”

Timothy Ray Bradley, Jr., Professional Boxer “I felt the difference in my energy levels right away after taking the USANA supplements. I felt so strong in the ring, I was starting to become afraid of myself! The RESET™ weight-management program, Nutrimeal™ drink mixes, and USANA® Nutrition Bars helped me get to my required weight, and it was so much easier than what I had done before. And, I have been able to train harder with more strength and endurance.”*

Vassiliy Jirov, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Boxing Champion “I am as determined and proactive with my health needs as I am with my boxing career. I’ve researched the best possible nutritional supplements in the world—not all supplements are equal. I stand by only the best quality. I have used numerous USANA® supplements, drinks, and other USANA products for over a year now, and I believe they are the most effective, best quality supplements on the market…I believe in USANA products and will continue to utilize them for many years to come.”

Jen Heil, CA Freestyle Mogul Skier “Being Olympic Champion, World Champion, and four-time World Cup Overall Winner in Freestyle Mogul skiing is no fluke; it’s the result of years of meticulous training and preparation. USANA products are part of my daily routine. They help ensure that I maintain good health along with proper energy levels to train, travel, and compete around the world.”

Jillian Vogtli, U.S. Freestyle Mogul Skier "I have been using the USANA products and I will use no other. I truly respect my body and am very aware of what I put in it. That is how I came to find USANA. I believe in the quality of the products as well as the research that is behind it."

Julia Murray, Canadian Ski Cross Team "I have taken USANA® vitamins for four years now, and they have helped me stay strong through the seasons of ski racing. I notice my recovery period is faster after a hard workout, which helps with the volume of training sessions I can put in. The USANA products give me a feeling of well-being every time I consume them. I know I have the essential vitamins I need to do what I do on the ski hill and off. USANA definitely plays a part on my road to the Olympics!"*

Audrey Robichaud, Freestyle Mogul Skier “I care a lot about my health and my physical condition, which is why I choose to use the USANA Nutritionals on a daily basis. When I’m on the road for training and competition, I cannot always find a balanced diet everywhere I go. The USANA products provide me with the nutrients I need. I first used the products a month before the end of my freestyle ski season. I felt a high level of energy, and I finished with a gold medal in dual-moguls at the Canadian national freestyle ski championships. I want to maintain this excellence in my sport, and I want to achieve the best performance I can. I believe that USANA increases my energy and helps me get to the end of a long season.”*

Bret Hedican, Ice Hockey NHLPA “I purchased USANA products for years before I was sponsored by USANA. The products have given me great consistency with my health and my athletic performance. I truly believe they helped me make the 2006 Olympic team and stay healthy to win the Stanley Cup in the same year.”*

Jennifer Botterill, Canadian National Women's Hockey Team "As athletes, we are continuously pushing ourselves and demanding a lot from our bodies each and every day. USANA Essentials™ and Optimizers supplements have been a great addition to my lifestyle and an important part of looking after myself. They help me sustain my energy, and they allow me to perform at my best!"

Darren Niedermeyer, Pole Vaulter “Not all supplement manufacturers are the same. After reading the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements, I decided to give USANA a chance because of their athlete guarantee and high quality. I realized my recovery time dropped significantly and ultimately allowed me to train harder. That is why I trust USANA and will continue to tell my family and friends about their products.”

Achraf Tadili, Olympic 800-meter Track & Field Runner “As a two time Olympian and Commonwealth and Pan American Games Medalist, I choose USANA® nutritional products as a part of a healthy lifestyle for my well-being and ability to perform to my full potential. USANA products enhance support my recovery after exercises, help me to achieve and maintain an optimal body weight, and improve daily training workouts.”*

Jared MacLeod, Olympic Track & Field Hurdler "As a full-time athlete, I really push my body to the limit with all the intense workouts and training I do. In the past, I found my body would easily get run down, and I would just feel exhausted, which had a negative impact on my training. However, since I've been taking the USANA products, I am able to maintain my good health throughout the training season and I recover much faster from workouts. This allows me to train harder and prepare better for competitions."*

Gina Grain, Olympic Cyclist “USANA has helped me push my body to new extremes. I am confident that by taking USANA supplements, my body is regenerating itself properly and safely.”*

Daniel Carruthers, Deaflympic Cyclist “I have been taking USANA products for seven months now and have noticed a dramatic improvement in my ability to train hard and recover quickly for the next training session. I have also noticed sustained energy during my races and this has boosted my ability to perform when it counts in the late stages of a race. In fact, 2008 was my best season in my three-year career of elite-level racing, and I can attribute a large part of this success to USANA products.” Photograph by Paul Doran

Jarred Rome, Olympic Track & Field Discus Thrower "I have been a professional track and field athlete for almost a decade, and one thing that I have learned in those years is the importance of supplementation. I do not train without them, as my energy and recovery would suffer. I have tried so many other companies’ products during my career and none of them match up to USANA. I get such a great, healthy feeling using their products*. Whether you are a professional athlete or someone looking for an improved lifestyle, I would strongly recommend USANA as your everyday supplement company. Some of my favorite products are the Essentials™, Proflavanol® 90, CoQuinone® 30, BiOmega™, Procosa® II, and Hepasil DTX™" supplements.

Doug LaBelle II, Professional Golfer on PGA Tour "I have been taking the USANA supplements since 2006 and they are an important part of my daily routine. These supplements enable me to battle fatigue due to all the traveling I do from week to week. Thanks to USANA, I am able to stay healthy and focused everyday*."

D.J. Carrasco, Pitcher, Major League Baseball "Through the course of a 200+ game schedule and the rigors of travel, I demand a lot from my body. With the help of USANA, I can count on being healthy and know my body is receiving the best vitamins and minerals possible. In turn, I know I can compete at the highest level possible."

Andy Studebaker, National Football League “As a professional football player, it is crucial for my body to perform and recover at optimal levels. USANA’s MyHealthPak™ has given me the edge I need during a competitive season, and the quality nutrition my body needs to stay in shape in the off-season. With negative media surrounding the supplement industry, USANA provides me with the comfort of knowing that I am worry free, and taking the best products available. As my belief continually grows in USANA, I cannot stop encouraging more friends and family to use the same products I do every single day!”

Nikola Girke, Olympic Windsurfer “During my Olympic campaign, I know anything can happen on race day. That’s why I want to be prepared. This starts with optimal health, which is why I chose USANA.”

Adam Pengilly, British Bob Skeleton Association
“I chose USANA as my supplement provider in order to maximize my potential and improve my performance. While working toward gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics, every hundredth of a second counts and USANA's safe, high-quality products should help me take a few off through superior training and recovery.”