Study Used Key Ingredient in Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula™

PURCHASE, N.Y., March 4, 2008 – Nutrition 21, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXI), a developer and marketer of nutritional supplements that help consumers manage blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, enhance memory and address chronic joint pain, today announced the results of a clinical study that showed daily supplementation with 1000 mcg of chromium, as chromium picolinate, increased brain activity in older adults experiencing early memory decline. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati presented the study results at the 19th annual meeting of the American Neuropsychiatric Association.

Blood circulation and nutrient flow to the brain can decrease with aging and affect cognition. A previous study presented in December 2007 showed that using chromium picolinate, which can improve insulin sensitivity and enhance utilization of glucose – the brain’s main fuel – improved memory function in older adults.

“The current study showed that older adults taking chromium picolinate exhibited greater brain activation while engaged in a cognitively demanding task” said Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., lead investigator and associate professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “These brain imaging results support findings from the prior study suggesting that chromium picolinate may be beneficial for older adults with early memory decline and metabolic irregularities, factors that substantially increase the risk for dementia. These findings substantiate the need for continued research to determine the nature and extent of this enhancement.” 

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study measured whether supplementation with chromium picolinate for a 12-week period might affect brain activation under working memory task demands in 13 older adults with early memory decline. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were performed while study participants worked on a challenging cognitive task that involved holding in mind and manipulating visual information while resisting potential distractions.  Results from the fMRI scans showed that subjects receiving chromium picolinate exhibited greater activation in right thalamic, right temporal, right posterior parietal and bilateral frontal regions (p = .005).

At treatment termination, urinary chromium to creatinine ratios were elevated in the chromium picolinate group (p < .0001). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to age (72 versus 73 years), education (15.8 versus 17.3 years), mood disturbance (11 versus 4.5 Profile of Mood States score), and level of memory impairment (.89 versus .63 Clinical Dementia Rating sum boxes score). 

“The earlier memory study conducted by the University of Cincinnati team in addition to the current data using functional MRI supports the ability of chromium picolinate to help improve working memory in the elderly,” said James Komorowski, M.S., Vice President of Scientific Affairs at Nutrition 21. “Since chromium picolinate is one of three core components of our Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula product, we’re pleased to see that ongoing research evaluating its effect on cognitive function is showing consistent beneficial results.”

Study investigators used Nutrition 21’s proprietary chromium picolinate found in Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula™, a nutritional supplement specifically formulated to improve brain health.  Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula, available in soft gel form, contains chromium picolinate, phosphatidylserine (PS) and DHA. These ingredients have been scientifically tested for their ability to improve cognitive function:
X Chromium picolinate is an essential trace mineral that promotes healthy blood sugar levels, which is important because glucose helps fuel the brain.
X PS is a naturally occurring phospholipid nutrient essential to the functioning of all cells of the body, but is most concentrated in the brain. PS supports communication between brain cells and promotes improved memory.
X DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid, most commonly found in fish oil, which maintains brain fluidity and may help in the maintenance of cognitive function.

Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula is manufactured according to strict Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. This product can be taken safely alone or with medication, with optimal results seen in 30 to 90 days. Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula is available at major retailers nationwide in the vitamin section. For more information visit www.core4life-amf.com.

About Nutrition 21
Nutrition 21, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXI), headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a nutritional bioscience company and the maker of chromium picolinate-based and omega-3 fish oil-based supplements with health benefits substantiated by clinical research. Nutrition 21 holds more than 30 patents for nutrition products and uses. Nutrition 21’s portfolio of health and wellness brands include: Chromax®,  Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula™, Diabetes Essentials™, Iceland Health® Maximum Strength Omega-3 and Iceland Health® Joint Relief. The company also manufactures private label supplements and ingredients for third parties. Nutrition 21 distributes its products nationally through more than 29,000 major food, drug and super center retailers as well as internationally.  For more information please visit http://www.nutrition21.com.
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