Modern farming practices have dramatically compromised the nutritional value of many fruits and vegetables. And while experts agree that supplementation can provide the body with these missing nutrients, many supplements contain synthetic, chemically derived, mined or chelated minerals and vitamins that studies show are not readily absorbed or used by the body.
Scheduled for sale beginning during the fourth quarter, PhytoMatrix will not contain any synthetic or chemically derived active ingredients. Instead, it will contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that have been absorbed by a plant's roots and stored in its tissue. When harvested, these plants provide all-natural ingredients.
An article in the Vol. 71, 2000, edition of peer-reviewed Journal of Food Chemistry stated that plant-based minerals are much more easily absorbed by the body. The article referenced a study showing the body was able to use less than 10 percent of the synthetic minerals contained in the most popular brands of multivitamins. By contrast, the body was able to assimilate between 80 percent to 100 percent of the minerals derived from plants.
Mannatech has obtained exclusive rights to a patented, hydroponic cultivation technology that allows plants to absorb significantly greater quantities of minerals. This 10-year agreement with INB:B Technology (Amex: INB) of New Jersey makes Mannatech the only network marketing company allowed to use a blend of six or more INB-harvested minerals. PhytoMatrix will contain 10 minerals.
INB developed its hydroponics process during the 1990s using Indian mustard, widely known as "nature's magnet" for its ability to absorb minerals from the soil. Growing Indian mustard using enriched hydroponic cultivation can significantly increase the number and amount of minerals concentrated in the plant's tissue.
A recent study showed that Indian mustard grown using enriched cultivation produced concentrations of iron, zinc and chromium many times greater than concentrations found in mineral-rich vegetables purchased from a local market. The enriched cultivation used for PhytoMatrix will provide optimum quantities of the most essential minerals.
In fact, a daily serving of PhytoMatrix will provide the same amount of minerals typically found in several pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. The body uses minerals for many important functions, including the activation of enzymes, hormones and other molecules needed to sustain life.
In addition to plant-sourced minerals, PhytoMatrix will contain plant- sourced vitamins. When derived from the plant matrix, vitamins come with the beneficial fibers, sugars and organic acids that reside in natural matrices -- providing the body with maximum benefit and functionality.
PhytoMatrix will provide a substantial portion of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals as well as powerful plant-derived phytochemicals. A 2003 issue of Nature Reviews defined the role of phytochemicals as "halting or retarding the progression of pre-cancerous cells to malignant ones." Science has shown there is a synergy when various plant- sourced vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals are combined.
Mannatech has filed for a patent protecting the combination of the key technologies that comprise PhytoMatrix.
"PhytoMatrix is a revolutionary advancement that is indicative of the focus Mannatech places on securing the best technology to support the market's best and most unique products," said Mannatech founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board Sam Caster. "While some companies focus on creating an extremely large product line, Mannatech tailors its research and development to create and maintain a few core optimal products."
Founded in 1993, Mannatech is a leading wellness company and a pioneer in the field of proprietary glyconutritional supplements and wellness products. The company announced a ground-breaking formulation in 1996 of a nutritional supplement comprised of a unique blend of plant-based sugars, which are also known as glyconutrients ('glyco' is the Greek word for 'sweet').
Medical research acknowledges that eight glyconutrient sugars are needed at the cellular level for optimum immune system function. Considering that six of these glyconutrients are often lacking in modern diets, Mannatech sought new and better sources of the nutrients. The effort culminated in the Ambrotose complex. Twenty patents -- including one from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office -- have been issued to Mannatech for technology related to the Ambrotose complex.
Today Mannatech has more than two dozen glyconutritional products for adults and children that address health and nutrition, sports performance, weight management and skin care.
About Integrated BioPharma (INB)
Integrated BioPharma is a unique grouping of companies presently serving the varied needs of the health care industry. Through its nutraceutical business, the Company creates, develops, manufactures and markets products worldwide. The company's biotechnology business uses its patented plant-based technology to produce vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Its pharmaceutical business operates a cGMP facility for the production and sale of Paclitaxel and related drugs and provides technical services through its contract research organization. Further information is available at http://www.iBioPharma.com .
About Mannatech, Incorporated
Mannatech is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select National Market under the symbol "MTEX". For over a decade, Mannatech has developed innovative, high- quality, proprietary nutritional supplements, topical products and weight- management products, which are sold through independent associates operating throughout the United States and the international markets of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Denmark, and Germany. For additional information about Mannatech, please visit its corporate Web site: http://www.mannatech.com . Media may contact Alan A. Van Zelfden at 972-471-7334 or by e-mail at [email protected].