Nutrition 21, Inc.
(Nasdaq: NXXI) announced today that daily supplementation with
Selenomax(R), the company's high selenium yeast product, suppressed
progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and improved immune
cell CD4 counts in HIV-1 seropositive men and women. The benefits reported
in the five-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by
researchers at the University of Miami and published in the January 22
issue of the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine,
were seen in both people with HIV/AIDS on anti-retroviral therapy (ARV),
and those who were not.(1)
These findings are significant because boosting the immune system's CD4
cell count and suppressing viral loads (co-measurements of HIV progression
and the goals of HIV treatment), can decrease the likelihood of developing
complication of HIV disease and prolong life.(2)
Selenomax will be available first at CVS/pharmacy in all its 6,200
retail stores across the country, including PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy
locations, and on cvs ($15.99 for a two-month supply). Nutrition 21
will also be collaborating with additional retailers over the next several
months to make Selenomax, the same nutritional supplement used in the
study, even more widely available. Other forms of selenium currently
available may not produce the same effects.
"This study builds on previous research showing selenium's potential
role as an antioxidant in immune health and the possible consequences of
selenium deficiency in people living with HIV/AIDS," said Barry Hurwitz,
PhD, Professor of Psychology and Medicine at the University of Miami and
lead investigator of the study. "The results support the use of high
selenium yeast as an inexpensive, safe nutritional therapy in HIV spectrum
disease."
Nutrition 21 established the quality standards for high selenium yeast
supplements through the study of Selenomax in clinical trials. Selenomax
was previously investigated by clinical researchers in a nation-wide cancer
prevention study which showed beneficial effects on reducing risk of
prostate cancer as reported in the Journal of the American Medical
Association in 1996.(3)
"Given the significant clinical findings seen with our Selenomax brand,
the immediate focus is to collaborate with retailers to ensure that the
product is readily available," said Paul Intlekofer, President and CEO of
Nutrition 21. "Selenomax was chosen by study investigators specifically for
its absorbability, its bioavailability and because it is organic -- it is
the closest form of selenium to that found in nature. Other forms of
commercially available selenium do not share these characteristics."
Study Findings
The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the
effects of once-daily supplementation with Selenomax high selenium yeast
(200 mcg selenium) in 262 study participants seropositive for HIV-1. One
hundred seventy four subjects completed nine months of treatment (91
subjects were given the supplement and 83 were given a placebo). Serum
selenium levels significantly increased (> 3 SD) in more than half of the
selenium treated subjects (50). In these subjects, HIV-1 viral load was
significantly lower (p < 0.02) and the CD4 cell count was significantly
higher (p < 0.02) compared to the placebo group. The beneficial effects of
Selenomax supplementation were consistent across the diverse study
population regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, and past and/or current drug
use. Additionally, the findings remained significant after correcting for
the effects of disease-related factors, including ART regimen and
adherence, HIV disease stage and duration and HCV co-infection. No adverse
events were reported. The study was funded through a grant from the
National Institutes of Health. The selenium used in the study was provided
by Nutrition 21, Inc.
Impact of HIV & AIDS
In 2006, more than 1 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in the
United States alone, and an estimated 40,000 new HIV infections are
expected to occur this year.(4) While significant progress has been made in
treating the virus, HIV and AIDS have claimed the lives of more than 22
million people worldwide, including more than 500,000 people in the United
States.(5)
About Selenomax
Selenomax is a powerful trace mineral antioxidant. It stimulates and
protects the immune system by supporting antibody production and preventing
free-radical damage.
Selenomax is highly absorbed and bioavailable. It contains
L-selenomethionine, the natural form of selenium used by the body, which is
virtually 100% absorbed and well retained. The yeast-bound
L-selenomethionine which is organic, has been certified for maximum purity.
More information is available at selenomax.
About Nutrition 21
Nutrition 21 is a nutritional bioscience company and the maker of
chromium-based and omega-3 fish oil-based supplements with health benefits
substantiated by clinical research. The company markets Chromax(R) chromium
picolinate, chromax/, which is the most-studied form of the
essential mineral chromium. Chromax, a supplement for healthy and
pre-diabetic people that promotes insulin health and helps improve blood
sugar metabolism, cardiovascular disease, control carbohydrate cravings and
fight weight gain, is now available through food, drug and mass retailers
nationwide. Nutrition 21 also developed and markets Diachrome(R),
diachrome/, a proprietary, non-prescription, insulin
sensitizer for people with type 2 diabetes. It is available in select drug
retailers nationwide. Nutrition 21 holds 33 patents for nutrition products
and uses, 23 of which are for chromium compounds and their uses. The
Company is the exclusive importer of Icelandic fish oils, including omega-3
fatty acids, which are manufactured to pharmaceutical standards and sold
under the Iceland Health(R) brand, icelandhealth.info. More
information is available at nutrition21.
(1) Hurwitz, B. Suppression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Viral
Load with Selenium Supplementation. Archives of Internal Medicine.
Volume 167: January 22, 2007 (archinte.ama-assn).
(2) The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. National Aids Treatment
Information Project, 1998.
kff/hivaids/1184-viral_load.cfm
(3) Clark, L.C. Effects of selenium supplementation for cancer prevention
in patients with carcinoma of the skin. A randomized controlled trial.
Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Study Group. Journal of the American
Medical Association. Volume 276: December 1996.
(4) Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The Toll of the HIV
Epidemic. Last reviewed April 19, 2006.
(5) UNAIDS, 2006 AIDS Epidemic Update, December 2006.
Nutrition 21, Inc.
nutrition21