Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School discusses what excites him most about his research in inflammation resolution and specialized pro-resolving mediators, SPMs. He reveals that the opportunity for resolution of inflammation to leave the lab and enter clinical application is most exciting to him. Research and science about stimulating resolution of inflammation are now emerging for general practice. This is a concept that has been in development for many years and it is now ready for “prime time.” SPMs…

For the past 40 years, clinical research in inflammation has been focused on blocking, suppressing or inhibiting an inflammatory response. This focus was largely driven by an interest to facilitate recovery, modulate a better immune response and to minimize or manage pain responses. And, while these approaches have resulted in symptomatic relief, unknowingly, blocking the inflammatory response resulted in suppression of an active process now known to fully resolve the inflammatory response. The outcome of this has since been shown…

by Milene Brownlow, PhD It seems like we’re always on our way to a destination. Whether it’s a physical journey, such as traveling out of town, or a mental one, like getting ready for a job interview, we must prepare for the journey in order to get there. Entering a state of ketosis is no different. Strategic planning is important. What is “ketosis,” and how can you get there? Many people associate ketosis with a popular diet program and as…

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, Jeff Volek, PhD, RD reviews the concept of ketogenesis, nutritional ketosis, and keto-adaptation. He discusses the utility of ketogenic diets in clinical practice and the potential benefits of the ketogenic approach to enhance physical performance, manage inflammation, and improve lifespan. Dr. Volek is a Professor in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. For 20+ years, Dr. Volek has studied the effects of how diets extremely low in carbohydrates can induce…

by Lewis Chang, PhD This multi-part series will help you understand what prebiotics are, what they do, and how they may improve the health of your patients. Based on published scientific literature, this series will also clarify common misconceptions surrounding prebiotics and summarize clinical evidence of specific ingredients with prebiotic properties Series Part 3: Regarding Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Uniquely human It was more than 100 years ago when researchers first noticed that breast-fed infants had higher survival rate and…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Series Part 2: An Overview on Prebiotics This multi-part series will help you understand what prebiotics are, what they do, and how they may improve the health of your patients. Based on published scientific literature, this series will also clarify common misconceptions surrounding prebiotics and summarize clinical evidence of specific ingredients with prebiotic properties.  Series Part 2: (A) Regarding Fiber vs. Prebiotics  (B) Regarding IMOs What are fibers? Fibers, starches and sugars are actually all carbohydrates. What…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Series Part 1: An Overview on Prebiotics This multi-part series will help you understand what prebiotics are, what they do, and how they may improve the health of your patients. Based on published scientific literature, this series will also clarify common misconceptions surrounding prebiotics and summarize clinical evidence of specific ingredients with prebiotic properties.  Introduction: I think I know what prebiotics are, but... Many health-conscious consumers have become familiar with the term “prebiotics.”  Yet, conflicting information…

Human Milk Oligosaccharides – Part 2 Presented by Lars Bode, PhD Lars Bode, PhD presents and overview of Human Milk Oligo Saccharides, what they are, their metabolism and how HMOs serve as prebiotics. HMOs are the third most abundant component in human milk and their composition follows a basic blueprint. There are more than 150 different HMOs identified. This video presentation includes a very informative Q&A session following the overview.

Lars Bode, PhD: Potential Effects of HMOs on Adult Gut Microbiome Lars Bode, PhD discusses the health benefits of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and how research has shown ways HMOs can effect the adult microbiome. Positive effects are seen specifically in breastfed infants, where it has been identified to raise levels of two prime fucosyllactose (2′FL).

In this Clinical Minute, Nikky Contractor, PhD discusses oligosaccharides. 2’-fucosyllactose, also known as 2'-FL and pronounced “two F L,” is the most abundant human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) in human breast milk. Human milk contains many chemical structures that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in infants. The bacteria that are beneficial to infants are also beneficial in adults and support the growth of beneficial bacteria. 2'FL is also a “decoy receptor” that can bind with pathogenic bacteria and prevent binding…