Nutrition and Dietary AdviceNutrition and dietary advice from a professional

Since first hearing about Mannatech and their nutritional products, I’ve had a number of queries; queries that I haven’t been able to get to the bottom of.

So, recently I contacted them via email, to see if they could clear things up.

In my first email I asked for scientific studies carried out on Mannatech products in humans, as I had been unable to find adequate examples.

To which I was encouraged to visit sites such as Pubmed, and Google Scholar to search for “glyconutrient” or “Mannatech,” where I would apparently find many independent studies. I had already done this, but failed to find significant results.

Below is the second email I sent, detailing more specific queries:

“Hi Catherine,

Many thanks for getting back to me.

Can you tell me if Mannatech endorse the book, “Miracle Sugars: The Glyconutrient Link to Disease Prevention and Improved Health,” By Rita Elkins?

In her book she makes specific claims that glyconutrients:

• Work against tumors
• Boost immune activity
• Heal damaged tissue
• Complement chemo and radiation
• Decrease bad cholesterol
• Ease PMS and menopause

These claims, as far as I can discover, have not as yet and according to your website, been scientifically proven.

I know that the Mannatech website explicitly states:

“Mannatech makes no claim that its products are anything other than products designed to improve nutrition and, thereby, optimize health…Mannatech products are not designed for use in the treatment of disease or to substitute for a doctor’s care or for proven therapy. Mannatech’s products are designed to improve nutrition rather than to treat disease.”

My concern is that books such as Rita Elkins’ are leading the general public astray. I also know that Mannatech state:

“Any product claims made by individuals within the content of this website are based upon his or her personal belief and/or experiences after the use of Mannatech products and Mannatech disclaims all liability for such claims that may be made. These reports have not been verified and are not represented as providing a balanced view of the available science. These are the statements of the individuals giving them and not of Mannatech.”

However, despite Mannatech stating, “These are the statements of the individuals giving them and not of Mannatech,” it appears to me that there is great financial gain to be reaped when distributors are allowed to make such claims, whether correct or incorrect!

I do not understand how distributors of Mannatech (nor indeed book authors) can be allowed to make wide ranging, and specific claims to the benefits of a group of products which, as yet, do not have the backing of available science.

Your thoughts on this matter are most welcome,

Kind regards,

Melanie Thomassian
Registered Dietitian”

I received this reply:

“Dear Melanie,

My apologies for the delay, I have been away attending the Mannafest convention.

The use of testimonials is restricted to general health and wellbeing. Please refer to our Policies and Procedures below on testimonials.

We do not encourage the use of testimonials to assist in the sales of our products.

It is my hope that authors such as Rita Elkins can back up their claims with scientific evidence.

As quoted in my last email, medical sites such as Pubmed or Google Scholar have published the results of trials and tests carried out with Glyconutrients. I would strongly recommend you have a look through these sites to get a better understanding on the science behind Glyconutrients.

Mannatech nutritional products are designed to maintain health and general well-being. Mannatech makes only those claims for its products that are on product labels or in Mannatech-approved promotional materials. Mannatech nutritional products are not promoted for and Mannatech does not endorse the use of its products in any way for the prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease or as a substitute for a doctor’s care or for proven therapy.

Kind regards,

Catherine Micallef
Product Inquiry Coordinator
Mannatech Australia Pty. Limited”

Catherine states, “It is my hope that authors such as Rita Elkins can back up their claims with scientific evidence.” But, the fact is that Rita Elkins cannot back up her claims with scientific evidence at this point.

Catherine further confirms the fallacy of Elkins book by clarifying “Mannatech does not endorse the use of its products in any way for the prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease.”

It really bothers me that authors like Elkins get away with such unfounded claims.

I’ve recently been told that Mannatech representatives who step over the line and make outlandish claims are now being corrected with proper training (at least in the US).

I’ve also heard that Dr. Rob Sinnott, Chief Science Officer of Mannatech, has commenced product studies in an attempt to build a scientific basis for their products.

This is a positive step, I only wish it had come sooner!

Final thoughts

• Glyconutrients are simple sugars, best described as nutritional supplements.
• No therapeutic claims can be made that they prevent or treat specific diseases, as specified by the FDA.
• Representatives selling Mannatech products must be careful not to overstate their potential, particularly in relation to disease treatment.
• Much of the literature on the clinical use of glyconutrients has been inconclusive and preliminary. See Glyconutrients: The State of the Science and the Impact of Glycomics (2006).
• There are a number of case reports and small pilot studies for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADHD, inflammatory bowel disease, etc, providing intriguing leads for the future. However, the clinical science of glyconutrients is clearly in its infancy.
• Many of these studies suffer from methodological and statistical problems.
• There is also the concern that financial support from Mannatech may unduly influence researchers interested in this field.

As I’ve said before, my main concern is that those with life-threatening conditions (understandably) begin looking for alternative therapies. But, in their extremely vulnerable state I do fear they not only lose money, but also precious time as well.

Medical conditions are extremely complex, requiring professional help, please think very carefully before you believe the marketing hype.

Have you heard about glyconutrients? Do you think they’re a worthy investment?

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