GLUCO BENEFITS™

GLYCATION AND INSULIN SENSITIVITY

It’s important to discuss glycation when we examine the body’s metabolic health because AGEs may contribute to insulin resistance by a variety of mechanisms, including:

• Generation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
• Direct modification of the insulin molecule
• Oxidative stress
• Impairment of mitochondrial function

AGE receptor interaction perpetuates both AGE formation and cellular stress. It does so by inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and a reduction in the expression and activity of the enzyme glyoxalase I. Glyoxalase 1 detoxifies the AGE  recursor, methylglyoxal.

The glycation-promoting mechanisms may further stimulate AGE production and reduce insulin responsiveness by targeting tissue stresses (Song & Schmidt, 2012). Therefore, any consideration of support for normal rates of AGE formation may be beneficial in addressing overall insulin sensitivity.*

GLYCATION AND NERVE HEALTH

Glycation end products can disrupt function in many tissues, including nerves (Brownlee, 2001; Feldman, 2012; Morales-Vidal, Morgan, McCoyd, & Hornik, 2012).

One study found that while the exact mechanisms that drive some insulin sensitivities remain unclear, they found some evidence that hyperglycemia causes formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGE’s modify myelin sheath, which may then undergo phagocytosis by macrophages, causing segmental demyelination. With the modification of major axonal cytoskeletal proteins including tubulin, neurofilament, and actin by AGEs causes axonal degredation and has a negative effect on axonal transport. The glycation of extracellular matrix protein laminin can impair regenerative activity in those with insulin sensitivity. (Sugimoto, Yasujima, & Yagihashi).

Another possible mechanism is binding: AGEs can trigger a cytokine response by binding to nerve cell surfaces (Vincent, Callaghan, Smith, & Feldman, 2011).

LIVER HEALTH

Given the emergence of understanding surrounding the glycemic index, high glycemic foods have earned a negative status with regard to health. In 2007, researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston demonstrated a clear relationship (in mice) between consuming carbohydrates with a high glycemic index and the development of fatty liver.

One study found that mice eating a diet containing rapidly absorbed carbohydrates had high levels of fatty acids in the liver, adipose tissue, and plasma. The researchers concluded that a diet consisting of low glycemic index foods may help improve poor liver health. (Scribner, Pawlak, & Ludwig, 2007). It appears that the primary mechanism behind the damage caused by a high-glycemic diet is actually increased insulin production. The study also found higher plasma levels of insulin in mice fed the highglycemic diet compared to those fed the low-glycemic diet (Cutler, 2007).

These results reveal the causal nature of the diet’s impact on insulin, and remind us that healthy nourishment is an important factor in metabolic health. Further, these results bring to light the value of the liver in the conversation about insulin and metabolic health.

The liver both stores and manufactures (depending on need) the body’s glucose and helps keep circulating levels steady. The signal to release or store comes from insulin or glucagon respectively. When the body is taking sugar in (during mealtime), glucose should be stored as glycogen. When the body needs to produce glucose (overnight, for example), the liver can either convert glycogen to glucose or produce glucose from fat byproducts, waste products and/or amino acids (Nolte Kennedy, Bedrich, White Gray, Kroon, & Demetsky, 2015).

The liver, whose function is so greatly affected by refined carbohydrate consumption, is also the site for much of the estrogen metabolism that occurs in the human body. The deep connections between the liver and the endocrine system tell us that metabolic health and insulin sensitivity support regimens should include support for healthy liver function--and for hormonal balance, as well.

HORMONAL BALANCE

Insulin’s status as a hormone tells us how important the endocrine system is to healthy insulin sensitivity. Beyond insulin there exists an intricate web of hormones directly linked to metabolism, insulin sensitivity and peripheral nerve function.

Glucagon, which is released between meals and overnight, helps maintain sugar balance by signaling the liver to break down its stores. After a meal when the liver no longer needs to make sugar (the food sugar is introduced), glucagon levels drop. In people with metabolic challenges, glucagon levels rise after a meal. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and amylin, three other hormones, help regulate mealtime insulin. These hormones participate in decreasing glucagon levels, thereby decreasing the liver’s mealtime sugar production, preventing levels from skyrocketing (Nolte Kennedy, Bedrich, White Gray, Kroon, & Demetsky, 2015).

Three other hormones still, epinephrine, cortisol and growth hormone, also help maintain blood sugar levels. Simply put, these “stress” hormones make blood sugar rise.

Epinephrine (adrenaline) does this through acting directly on the liver and through promoting fat nutrient breakdown. Those nutrients travel to the liver for conversion. Cortisol, also secreted from the adrenal gland, is incredibly important in our discussion of metabolism. It enhances glucose production by the liver and contributes to fat and muscle cell resistance to insulin. In a healthy body, cortisol works to counterbalance insulin action. In a stressed condition, it may become elevated to the point that insulin resistance could develop as a result.

Growth hormone comes from a different gland - the pituitary. Like cortisol, it acts as a counterbalance to insulin’s effect. And, as is also true of cortisol, elevated levels of growth hormone may cause resistance to insulin’s action.

Still another hormone, thyroid hormone, may also play a role in metabolic health through regulation of insulin’s effect on adipose tissue (Arner, Bolinder, Wennlund, & Ostman, 1984).

NUTRIENTS TO SUPPORT METABOLIC HEALTH*

Gluco Benefits™ provides a three-pronged approach to metabolic support*:

• Botanicals to support healthy glucose levels*
• Nutrients to support normal insulin sensitivity*
• B vitamins to support healthy nerve innervation*

Glucevia®, the fruit and seeds of Fraxinus angustofolia, has long been used, just like Ash Bark and leaves, for medicinal purposes. In recent years, researchers have found its properties are supportive of metabolic health.* In one human study, researchers concluded that “The administration of an
extract from Fraxinus angustofolia seeds/fruits in combination with a moderate hypocaloric diet may be beneficial in metabolic disturbances linked to impaired glucose tolerance, obesity and insulin resistance, specifically in older adults”* (Zulet et al., 2014).

Another study published in 2015 found that, after seven months of administration, Glucevia® supported insulin sensitivity while supporting healthy liver in mice.* The liver of supplemented mice presented 54% fewer fat droplets than the control group. This demonstrates that non-alcoholic steatosis in the liver was markedly reduced in treated mice thanks to Glucevia® (Gomez-Garcia et al.,2015).

GlucodOX™, a combination of a Commiphora mukul (guggul) extract and a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil composed of C8 and C10 fatty acids, is a well-researched ingredient to support healthy lipid and glucose metabolism.*

In one study, four groups of rats were given C. mukul gum resin ethanolic extract (CMEE) for 60 days. The “rats showed increased level of enzymatic activities aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) in liver and kidney and oxidative markers like lipid peroxidation (LPO)
and protein oxidation (PO) in pancreas and heart. Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly decreased in the pancreas and heart compared to control group. Administration of CMEE (200 mg/kg bw) to diabetic rats for 60 days significantly reversed the above parameters towards normalcy,” leading the researchers to conclude that the plant may be of use as an adjuvant therapy to support oxidative and glucose balance (Ramesh et al., 2012).*

GlucodOX™’s action may support normal insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels within normal ranges, regulate pre-adipoctye to adipocyte transformation balance, and support healthy glucose transport based on AMPK activity stimulation* (“GlucodOX™ - Natural metabolic support*,” 2013).

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 that also supports glucose balance and addresses glycation through helping to protect the body’s tissues from AGEs. Vitamin B1, or thiamin is known for its support of normal nerve health and function.* A required cofactor in the production of certain enzymes (such as those involved in glucose metabolism pathways), thiamin is critical for healthy metabolic function.* Benfopure® is a benfotiamine formulation, an analog of thiamin.

As a lipid-soluble compound, it is both more ready for use and more active than traditional forms of thiamin. Benfotiamine is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa, then converted to its biologically active form, thiamin. Researchers have found that peak plasma concentrations of this form are at least five times greater after oral benfotiamine administration than the concentrations observed when water-soluble thiamine salts were administered (“Benfotiamine,” 2006).*

Relative to glucose metabolism, benfotiamine supports healthy transketolase activity, thereby blocking certain molecular pathways that may lead to hyperglycemic concerns.* Further, it supports the health of pathways that address the formation of AGEs.* Benfotiamine also supports eye health through
supporting normal, healthy activation of NF-B in the diabetic retina.* Through supporting normal cell replication rates and healthy apoptosis, benfotiamine can also support the healthy of endothelial cells*(“Benfotiamine,” 2006).

R-alpha lipoic acid supports both normal macronutrient metabolism and insulin utilization and offers free radical scavenging support to address glycation.* Importantly, it helps support and restore healthy intracellular glutathione levels.* The Linus Pauling Institute writes: “R-LA is the isomer that is synthesized by plants and animals and functions as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes in its proteinbound form. Direct comparisons of the bioavailability of oral LA and R-LA supplements have not been published. After oral dosing with LA, peak plasma concentrations of R-LA were found to be 40%-50% higher than S-LA, suggesting R-LA is better absorbed than S-LA” (“Lipoic Acid | Linus Pauling Institute| Oregon State University,” n.d.).

Chromium at a relevant dose is key to any glucose support product.* When insulin binds to its receptor, chromium assists in the message and is then excreted from the cell, a process which appears to occur in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning that higher sugar means greater insulin binding,
which means greater loss of chromium. The idea that chromium may be an appropriate support agent for people who experience glucose concerns is supported by findings that blood chromium levels are lower in people with metabolic challenges than in those without (“Scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance,” 2004). Supplementing with Chromium can help the body to build lean muscle mass, maintain glucose and cholesterol levels within normal ranges, and metabolize fat more efficiently.*

WHAT MAKES GLUCO BENEFITS™ FROM DAVINCI® UNIQUE?

Metabolic health is an intricate puzzle dependent on the balance of our energy system. Think of energy production and use as an equation. When the equation is balanced, we see overall metabolic health result. Insulin sensitivity, liver health, nourishment, hormonal health and glycation levels are invaluable components of the equation.