In the News
Omega-3 Index, Smoking, and Cholesterol Found to be Equal CVD Risk Predictors
Stem Cell and Exosome Innovations at Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center Offers New Hope for Parkinson's Disease
OmniActive's Proprietary Blend Supports Joint Comfort and Mobility, Study Finds
New Manuscript Reinforces Scientific Consensus on the Health Benefits of Seed Oils
Alzheimer’s Early Detection Tests Using Video Games Could Be As Effective as Blood Tests and Boost Clinical Trials
Tickets Now on Sale for the 2025 Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference
Omega-3 Index, Smoking, and Cholesterol Found to be Equal CVD Risk Predictors
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology adds prognostic value to predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study confirms a low omega-3 level is an independent risk factor for CVD and that increasing intake of marine omega-3s (a low-cost, low-risk intervention) might reduce risk for atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD).
For this study, researchers were able to determine the Omega-3 Index of 2550 participants in the Framingham Offspring cohort who were free of ASCVD at baseline. Follow up was around 10 years.
What they found was that the Omega-3 Index contributed statistically significantly to the prediction of future risk for CVD events, and it did so to roughly the same extent as diabetes, cholesterol and smoking. Further, these finding suggest that the health effects of omega-3 operate via different mechanisms than lowering cholesterol or blood pressure.
“If people are concerned about correcting their high cholesterol level to reduce their risk for CVD, then they should be equally concerned about correcting their Omega-3 Index,” commented William S. Harris, PhD, senior investigator of this study, and President of the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI). “People can test their Omega-3 Index and if it is sub-optimal, they can take steps to correct; and those steps are very safe, cheap and simple — consume more oily fish on a regular basis and/or take omega-3 dietary supplements.”
Dr. Harris added: “These findings are exciting because I have believed for many years that the Omega-3 Index is as important a risk factor for CVD as the standard risk factors, and yet the medical community does not yet realize it. This study confirms that belief and will hopefully motivate more healthcare providers to start managing their patients’ omega-3 status.”
Because the average American consumes suboptimal amounts of marine omega-3s, 90% of the US population has an Omega-3 Index below the optimal level of 8%, above which is considered the cardioprotective range. Thus, most individuals would need to increase intake of omega-3 EPA and DHA to get to a cardioprotective Omega-3 Index range of ≥ 8%.
Study link: Journal of Clinical Lipidology, February 2025
Stem Cell and Exosome Innovations at Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center Offers New Hope for Parkinson's Disease
A pioneering Phase 1 clinical trial, reported in a March 9, 2025, ScienceDaily article, is advancing stem cell therapies for Parkinson's disease. After over 30 years of research, the trial reprograms patients' own stem cells into dopamine-producing neurons to replace those lost to the disease. Three of six participants have been treated, with safety and feasibility under evaluation for over a year. While the trial focuses on stem cell transplantation, it hints at broader mechanisms—like exosome release—that could transform Parkinson's care by repairing brain damage and enhancing dopamine production.
Exosomes, small vesicles secreted by stem cells, carry proteins, lipids, and RNA that may act as repair signals for damaged neurons. In Parkinson's, where dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra degenerate, stem cells could release exosomes to spur neuroregeneration, curb inflammation, and boost dopamine synthesis. This could stabilize symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, offering a more enduring solution than levodopa, which only temporarily raises dopamine levels.
Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center, led by longevity expert, Trip Goolsby, MD, is bringing this science to patients through exosome-based therapies for Parkinson's. Unlike the trial's surgical approach, Infinite Health uses exosomes—often derived from potent stem cells—in a less invasive format, such as intravenous infusion, to cross the blood-brain barrier and promote repair. "Regenerative medicine is revolutionizing how we approach Parkinson's," says Dr. Goolsby. "Exosome therapies harness the body's own healing potential to not just manage symptoms but potentially reverse their progression, giving patients a real shot at reclaiming their lives." Combined with bio-individualized health optimization, Infinite Health targets dopamine deficits, inflammation, and oxidative stress—key drivers of neuronal loss.
While the trial tests stem cell implants, Infinite Health's exosome solutions offer a scalable alternative, broadening access to regenerative care. Both efforts mark a shift from symptom management to slowing Parkinson's progression through biological repair. Early trial results and Infinite Health's innovative therapies suggest patients could gain improved motor stability and quality of life.
Though exosome therapy's full impact requires further study, its alignment with cutting-edge research offers promise. As science and clinical practice converge, Parkinson's treatment is poised for a breakthrough—offering hope where only management once existed. For more on Infinite Health's exosome solutions, visit their website or contact their team.
Source: Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center www.YourInfiniteHealth.com
OmniActive's Proprietary Blend Supports Joint Comfort and Mobility, Study Finds
OmniActive Health Technologies, a leading global supplier of ingredient solutions for the nutrition, health, and wellness industries, announces the publication of a peer-reviewed clinical study demonstrating the positive effects of Muvz for improving mobility and supporting joints. The study, A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Dose-Response Trial of Muvz for Knee and Low-Back Support in Physically Active Adults, was published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy (Dovepress Taylor & Francis Group).
The three-month double-blind study involved 157 adults aged 40-60 years and evaluated the effectiveness of Muvz at two different dosages: 200 mg (low dose) and 200 mg twice a day (high dose). The study found that supplementation with Muvz at both doses significantly improved musculoskeletal health questionnaire scores starting at day 30, supported joint and low-back comfort, reduced discomfort after physical activity, and enhanced both active and passive flexion range of motion by day 90.
"We are excited to see this new publication validating the benefits of Muvz in supporting joint and low-back comfort with improved mobility, particularly for those with knee and lower back discomfort," said Abhijeet Morde, Senior Director of Invitro Biology, Animal Studies, and Clinicals at OmniActive. "The results align with previous studies, further reinforcing Muvz as a natural, ingredient solution for supporting mobility through joint and low-back comfort support as well as flexibility in physically active individuals."
The study's findings add to the clinical foundation of Muvz's efficacy as a valuable ingredient for joint and mobility formulations, particularly for the growing market of adults seeking natural solutions to support mobility.
"The global joint health market sits at over $11.5 billion, which is being propelled by younger, active consumers and athletes†," said Keya Shah, Assistant Director leading OmniActive's joint health category. "Muvz continues to demonstrate significant benefits for mobility and with this new research, we're well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality plant-based ingredients that may help support consumers of various activity levels who are looking for better mobility and improved quality of life."
Muvz is a proprietary blend of two botanicals, Vitex negundo and Zingiber officinale, known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is now an OmniActive product following the acquisition of ENovate Biolife. For more details on Muvz, visit omniactives.com, or for more information on the study, see the study link.
New Manuscript Reinforces Scientific Consensus on the Health Benefits of Seed Oils
A new, peer-reviewed manuscript published in Nutrition Today reviews the health effects of linoleic acid, the primary polyunsaturated fatty acid in most seed oils, and describes the steps involved in the processing of seed oils.
Regarding oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease risk:
- Most randomized control trials (human intervention studies) show no effect of linoleic acid intake on markers of oxidative stress.
- Randomized controlled trials consistently show that linoleic acid does not increase inflammation.
- Recently published meta-analyses of observational studies link higher linoleic acid intake to a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality.
- Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat oils lowers blood cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk.
"Linoleic acid is incorrectly claimed to cause inflammation because of its potential conversion to arachidonic acid, metabolites of which are thought to be pro-inflammatory. However, it is now well established that linoleic acid intake has a negligible impact on blood or tissue levels of arachidonic acid," says Kristina Petersen, Ph.D., lead author of the manuscript and associate professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University. "In addition to cardiovascular disease, evidence indicates that linoleic acid may lower the risk of developing several chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and dementia."
The manuscript also examines the processing steps involved in the manufacture of seed oils and dispels concerns about potentially harmful compositional changes:
- The solvent hexane, which is an organic compound used to effectively remove oils from seeds, is efficiently evaporated and recovered from the oil upon heating. Analyses of oils in the marketplace confirm a typical U.S. consumer would have to consume more than 100 times more oil each day than is currently the average to reach even the lowest safety limit of hexane.
- Deodorization, commonly the last processing step applied to the oil prior to commercial availability, removes off flavors and unwanted colors and odors as well as reduces any remaining environmental contaminants. After processing, seed oils remain sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant crucial for immune function, vision, brain health, and skin protection.
- The processing of seed oils results in a product that, according to an impressive amount of clinical and observational data, benefits overall health.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans plus recommendations from the World Health Organization and European Food Safety Authority call for limiting saturated fat to 10% of energy intake and replacing excess with polyunsaturated fat. Linoleic acid accounts for about 90% of dietary polyunsaturated fat intake, and Americans consume about 8% of their calories from linoleic acid, in line with recommendations from the National Academy of Medicine. In contrast, Americans consume too much saturated fat and reductions are needed to lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
This manuscript was funded by Soy Nutrition Institute Global with support from the United Soybean Board, following a peer-reviewed manuscript published in October 2024 on the health benefits of seed oils high in unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid. Findings align with broad scientific consensus that neither linoleic acid nor seed oils increase inflammation or oxidative stress, but rather are associated with decreased inflammation and lower cardiovascular disease risk.
To learn more about soybean oil visit SNIGlobal.org/seedoils.
About Soy Nutrition Institute Global
Soy Nutrition Institute Global is a global scientific voice of soy for human health and nutrition. SNI Global leads the way in soy and health research, outreach and communications, and government and regulatory affairs. The organization includes members up and down the soy value chain – from farmers to food companies – as well as a scientific advisory board that provides expert guidance in various areas of nutrition science. For more information about Soy Nutrition Institute Global, visit www.SNIGlobal.org.
Alzheimer’s Early Detection Tests Using Video Games Could Be As Effective as Blood Tests and Boost Clinical Trials
Alzheimer’s early detection tests using video games developed by Rutgers-Newark researchers may help spot the disease years before symptoms are noticeable and provide a non-invasive form of dementia screening.
The innovative Rutgers dementia tests match the results of a new generation of blood tests that reveal biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and are widely available. However, this non-invasive form of screening is painless and doesn’t require blood samples, bypassing the need for trained technicians. The tests could also be more cost effective for doctors, according to Rutgers-Newark researchers.
Video Games Were Created by Rutgers-Newark Researchers. See video here. (link https://vimeo.com/1067102214?share=copy)
The study comes from the Aging & Brain Health Alliance at Rutgers-Newark, which focuses on the role of lifestyle and genetics in delaying Alzheimer's. Their latest discovery could be a boon to pharmaceutical researchers since it points to a non-invasive way to choose drug trial participants who are in the earliest stages of the disease, said neuroscientist Mark Gluck, the lab’s director.
That could shave years off a clinical trial timetable. Researchers would no longer have to wait for the disease to be conventionally diagnosed. Doctors now believe changes in the brain start 10 to 15 years before they produce obvious impairment.
“It's pretty exciting for us because even before any problems with cognition become obvious, we have an early warning sign,” said lead author Miray Budak of the Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience. The study appears in the journal Alzheimer's Research & Therapy.
Over the past 20 years, the Aging & Brain Health Alliance developed and tested the computerized video-game screening to detect reduced brain function years before patients or their loved ones notice symptoms; now they have more evidence confirming that it is effective.
Gluck envisions a day when these tests can be administered at a doctor's office on a laptop or even remotely over the internet for patients who no longer drive or lack easy access to medical care.
The video-game test, called a generalization task, measures cognitive ability by showing how well a person can deduce a rule related to colors and shapes, then apply that rule to new examples. A different assessment, also developed by Gluck's team at Rutgers, uses MRI imaging to spot declines in brain flexibility, or the ability of neurons in and around the brain’s hippocampus region to communicate with each other. The hippocampus is one of the brain regions affected in the very earliest stages of Alzheimer's.
In the recent study, the 148 participants took a battery of cognition tests including the Rutgers generalization task, then gave blood samples and underwent a brain MRI. In order to be included, they had to be cognitively unimpaired; anyone who was already diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease was excluded from the study.
Gluck directs the Rutgers Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans program, which focuses on Alzheimer's disease in the African-American community. All participants in this study were African Americans, who are more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as other racial groups, and yet are underrepresented in national research on aging and Alzheimer's disease. However, the results of this new study would most likely apply to all races, said Budak.
The current standard battery of cognition tests, often used by neuropsychologists and neurologists, involve drawing a clock face, for example, or recalling a list of words – pick up Alzheimer's disease symptoms too late in the game, Gluck said.
“These off-the-shelf standard tasks have been around for decades but they are are not sensitive to the very earlierst changes that happen in Alzhiemer's disease, years before the more easily measured dementia and memory problems arise," he said.
The standard tests for cognitive decline currently in use have other drawbacks as well: they assume some level of education and cultural knowledge, making them less accurate for patients from all backgrounds and those without much education. The Rutgers tests, by contrast, require only rudimentary knowledge of shapes and colors. And because they don't rely on language skills, they can also be used worldwide.
Modern medicine has found no way to repair or reverse the damage from Alzheimer's disease. Most drug research is aimed at slowing or postponing a patient's decline. But early intervention can make a difference.
Bernadette A, Fausto, one of the study’s co-authors, said she sometimes encounters people who have a misunderstanding about the disease's timetable. “They think, it isn't going to happen to me. I'm over 60 and it hasn't happened yet,” she said. If informed about their test results, “They could become more protective of their brain health.”
Tickets Now on Sale for the 2025 Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference
The Beljanski Foundation, an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cancer research through non-toxic natural solutions, proudly announces that early bird tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference. This event, themed "The Most Cutting Edge Solutions for Helping Your Body Fight Cancer," will take place from April 25th to 27th, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
“This isn’t just another conference; it's a pivotal gathering that promises to change lives and perspectives through integrative care approaches,” says Sylvie Beljanski, Founder of the Beljanski Foundation. “Join us in Austin to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research and participate in a transformative experience.”
ANNOUNCING TICKET SALES:
Early bird general admission and virtual tickets are now available. Secure your spot today to take advantage of discounted rates. Early bird tickets are limited in quantity.
KEY BENEFITS FOR ATTENDEES:
• Expert Insights: Gain invaluable insights from the WORLD'S TOP holistic physicians, advocates, and specialists pioneering integrative cancer care.
• Cutting-Edge Solutions, Science, and Support: The conference will offer solutions, science, and support for ending cancer with top doctors and cancer conquerors from holistic, functional, and integrative medicine. Exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge technologies, products, and services that are shaping the future of cancer treatment.
• Holistic Approaches: Explore diverse modalities that complement traditional medical treatments, supporting overall well-being and enhancing the body's natural healing mechanisms.
• Building Community: Forge meaningful connections within a supportive community dedicated to advancing holistic health and cancer care, where you will witness and meet others who have found success through a holistic approach in their cancer journey.
• Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner + 2-Day Conference: Join us for a dress-to-impress Friday night gala fundraiser, where we honor professionals and individuals dedicated to education and research of great causes, followed by two full days of informative sessions and networking opportunities.
CURRENT SPEAKERS (more to be announced):
Join an impressive lineup of leading experts in the field of holistic and integrative cancer care including:
• Sylvie Beljanski
• Nathan Crane
• Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD
• Dr. Antonio Jimenez, MD, ND
• Dr. Bryan Ardis, DC
• Brian Clement, PhD, LN
• Dr. Thomas Lodi, MD, MD(H)
• Dr. Jennifer Simmons, MD
• Dr. Edward Group, DC
• Dr. Christine Schaffner, ND
• Dr. Beth McDougall, MD
• Dr. Michael Karlfeldt, ND, PhD
• Dr. Henry Ealy, ND
• Dr. Gerry Curatola, DDS
• Dr. Marlene Siegel, DVM
• Rob Besner, PSc.D
• Cyrus Khambatta, PhD
• Dr. Monisha Bhanote, MD, FCAP, ABOIM
• Dr. John Hall, PhD
Megan Van Zyl, 2023 Conference Attendee and CEO of Cancer Peace University, “The Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference was a life-changing experience. It was the best conference I have ever been to. I have left so inspired with so many great connections in the integrative cancer world so that we can help more cancer patients!”
“Since President Nixon launched the War on Cancer in 1971, and despite its 2016 relaunch in the form of a Cancer Moonshot, the global burden of cancer incidence - as well as the global number of cancer deaths - continues to rise. To address this failure, it is more important than ever to treat disease at the root of the problem and look at the body as one integrated system, not a collection of independent organs with various symptoms that need to be turned off," says Sylvie Beljanski. "For a different outcome, let's look at cancer differently. After all, doing the same thing again and again and hoping for a different result is the definition of insanity."
Tickets for the 2025 Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference are now available. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking event that promises to reshape the future of cancer care.
Visit INTEGRATIVECANCERCONFERENCE.COM for tickets.
About The Beljanski Foundation:
Founded by award-winning best-selling author Sylvie Beljanski, The Beljanski Foundation is dedicated to advancing integrative approaches to cancer care through cutting-edge research, education, and community engagement. Committed to holistic health, the foundation aims to redefine the landscape of cancer treatment and support.