Highlights from the Symposium on Cost Effective Methods to Address the Leading Causes of Death and Chronic Disease held in Cincinnati on May 11th. This Symposium was organized by the NHRI (National Health Research Institute) (www.nhri.org) and hosted by the AOCS (American Oil Chemists Society). The NHRI is a research organization, whose main objective is to foster the development of the science necessary to validate the safety and efficacy of natural products in health. NOW Foods is a primary sponsor of the NHRI. NOW Foods believes that good science will lead to good data supporting the role of natural dietary supplements. NOW Foods supported this Symposium through contributions and the efforts of its scientists.

The Symposium was well attended by members of the AOCS interested in natural nutrition and health. The audience size was almost 150. The 7 speakers presented scientific research that documented the effectiveness of natural methods used to prolong life and reduce chronic diseases.

Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's and renal diseases were discussed. The researchers presented studies showing the important role of omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA in the prevention of heart disease and the cardiovascular complications associated with renal disease. These fatty acids are effective at life stages from prenatal to old-age. Unfortunately, the importance of the omega-3 fatty acids has been subordinated until recently due to the AMA (American Medical Association) emphasis on cholesterol for heart health. More and more natural research studies are now demonstrating the greater importance of the omega-3 fatty acids. Other natural methods effective in addressing heart disease include the use of bioflavonoids in pine bark extracts and other phytochemicals, most likely due to their antioxidant properties.

Positive intervention in Type II diabetes is also aided by including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. A leading hypothesis was presented that says that Type II Diabetes is initiated in specific locations in the brain, and getting omega-3 fatty acids to the brain during pregnancy and breast feeding will help the child avoid this disease as an adult. Further evidence of the role played by chromium in the diet to improve insulin resistance was also discussed.

The anti-cancer and cardiovascular properties of garlic were demonstrated. The complete nutritional state of the individual was also shown to be important in addressing progressive diseases such as Alzheimer's and end stage renal disease.

Common themes from this symposium underscore the idea that a natural method of addressing one disease state often has benefits on other leading causes of death. These methods are very cost effective compared to prescription medicines, and are readily available. The speakers brought out parts of the body of science that exists to support natural methods, and indicated some of the leading edge work being conducted to expand and support the current science.

Throughout the Symposium, the case was made for the need to support this science and lobby for this science at all levels. The scientists involved in this research need the recognition through Symposiums such as this one, political and monetary support, so that they can continue the tireless work to demonstrate the scientific basis for the prevention of diseases using natural methods. To this end, the NHRI and its' lobbying arm CFH (Citizens for Health) (www.citizens.org) are supported by NOW Foods.