Study Shows Health Benefits of Long-Term Supplement Use
Most people lead busy lives, and despite good intentions to eat healthy, many daily food choices may fall short nutritionally. Research suggests that up to 90% of Americans do not consume enough essential nutrients through diet alone.
Getting the right nutrients to support optimal body function can be challenging. This is where dietary supplements may help fill nutritional gaps. Numerous studies and health experts agree that supplementing with key nutrients—such as a multivitamin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids—can provide a strong nutritional foundation.
To better understand the relationship between supplementation and long-term health, researchers conducted the Landmark Studies in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health.
The Landmark Health Studies
The Landmark Health Studies examined the health of individuals who had used Shaklee supplements for more than 20 years.
In this cross-sectional study, researchers compared three groups:
- Long-term Shaklee supplement users
- Individuals who used a single multivitamin from other brands
- Individuals who did not take supplements
Researchers assessed nutrient levels in the blood and biomarkers associated with overall health. Results were carefully adjusted to account for factors that could influence outcomes, including:
- Age
- Sex
- Education
- Income
- Body mass index (BMI)
Participants completed questionnaires, physical examinations, and blood tests so researchers could compare nutritional status, serum biomarkers, and self-reported health between the groups.
Supplements Used by Long-Term Multiple Supplement Users
More than 50% of the multiple-supplement users reported taking several supplements daily, including:
- Multivitamin and multimineral formulas
- B-vitamin complex
- Vitamins C and E
- Antioxidant supplements
- Calcium with vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Probiotics
- Soy protein
- Glucosamine
- Herbal immune supplements
This comprehensive supplementation approach allowed researchers to examine the potential long-term effects of consistent nutrient intake.
Study Results: Improved Health Biomarkers
The results showed meaningful differences between the groups. Long-term multiple supplement users demonstrated significantly improved heart-health biomarkers compared to non-supplement users.
Key findings included:
- 33% lower triglycerides
- 36% lower homocysteine levels
- 59% lower C-reactive protein levels
- 11% lower cholesterol ratios
Multiple supplement users also had higher blood levels of important vitamins and nutrients, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Folate
- Iron
Individuals who used only a single multivitamin generally had health markers between the multiple-supplement group and the non-supplement group, suggesting that comprehensive supplementation may provide broader benefits.
The Shaklee Difference: Safe, Proven, Guaranteed
The Landmark Health Studies highlight the importance of long-term nutritional support and represent one example of Shaklee’s commitment to scientifically supported products.
Several Shaklee products have also been evaluated in clinical research.
Vivix®
A clinical study showed that key ingredients in Vivix may reduce the inflammatory response after consuming a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal, which may contribute to cellular aging over time.*
A preliminary clinical study also found that individuals taking Vivix experienced 40% less telomere shortening across the adult age range compared with a healthy control group.*†‡
Telomeres are protective caps of repetitive DNA at the ends of chromosomes that play a role in cellular aging.
MindWorks®
Key nutrients in MindWorks have been shown in three clinical studies to help enhance mental sharpness and support long-term brain health.*
NutriFeron®
NutriFeron is a clinically tested natural interferon booster designed to support immune function at the cellular level.*
Advanced Joint Health Complex®
Advanced Joint Health Complex contains a patent-pending, fast-acting form of boswellia extract that has been shown in a clinical trial to improve joint comfort in as few as five days.*
Make Healthy Happen with Nutritional Support
Even with the best intentions, modern lifestyles can make it difficult to meet all nutritional needs through food alone.
High-quality dietary supplements can help bridge nutritional gaps, supporting overall wellness alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
References
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
†Shaklee users who took Vivix and other Shaklee supplements for at least five years.
‡Harley CB et al. Cross-sectional Analysis of Telomere Length in People 33–80 Years of Age: Effects of Dietary Supplementation. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2014;33(5):414.
