• President's Desk  — Hormone Test Helps Guide A Renewed Focus on Health
• Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging, Part IIIa  — Energy Homeostat Dysfunction
• Lactobacillus GG: New Research on One of Nature’s Most Potent Probiotics  — 
• Product Updates  — 
• Congestive Heart Failure in Pets  — 
• Remove USA from WTO and Save Your Vitamins  — 

As I write this month’s column, I embark on a personal journey, one of re-focusing on my own optimal health and well-being. Just as our company philosophy encourages each employee to do, my wife and I both pride ourselves in practicing what we preach by taking the supplements Complementary Prescriptions™ studies, designs and manufactures. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy many health benefits from the supplement programs we’ve set up for our own specific needs. However, in light of CP’s recent move and its accelerating growth, plus personal and family demands, there have been days when I’ve simply become “too busy” to take my supplements. I’m certainly not alone in facing the constant stream of business, life and family activities. Society’s pace today can distract even the most committed among us from focusing on our own health needs—quality food intake, exercise, supplements and rest/relaxation. With the recent addition of CP’s new hormone test kits (announced in last month’s newsletter), I decided to take a complete profile of my hormone cascade. Wow, what a tool! While results showed I was within normal range in most of my hormone levels, the test revealed I was experiencing severe adrenal fatigue—my cortisol levels were nonexistent after about noon. There was indeed a reason I was so drained at the end of each day! After consulting with Dr. Dean, I’ve begun a revised health program with a new outlook on life. I had allowed my own health to succumb to the demands of the hectic 21st century! No more! I now have rededicated myself to move my health to the forefront of the many priorities in my life. All this because I paused long enough to take advantage of the diagnostic tools available to us. I challenge you to avoid getting caught up with daily demands and pressures. Instead, take a step back and embrace the real beauty of life, along with the gift of good health. Robert Watson President / CEO

Editors Note: We recommend that Parts I and II (in the February and March 2005 issues of Vitamin Research News, at www.vrp.com) be read first, in order to better appreciate this article.

Introduction: The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging was first conceived in 1954 by the noted Russian gerontologist, Professor Vladimir Dilman. Several years ago, I had the pleasure of working with him on our book, The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging and Degenerative Disease.(1) This series of articles is a somewhat simplified but more current update of our unfortunately out-of-print book.

Part I of this new series introduced: 1) the concept of homeostasis, 2) how homeostasis shifts over our lifespans, and 3) how these changes result in growth, development and aging. Dilman proposed that the homeostatic shifting is due to a progressive loss of hypothalamic and peripheral receptor sensitivity to inhibition by hormones and other signaling substances by the four homeostatic systems in the body.(2)

Living systems are essentially “energy-converting machines” that run on fuel (food) to maintain their structure and activity. Consequently, humans and all living organisms can be characterized by their capacity to 1) reproduce, 2) adapt, 3) regulate the flow of energy, and 4) protect themselves. Additionally, all living systems possess regulatory control systems (which Dilman called homeostats) that regulate and attempt to maintain homeostasis (balance) in each of these critical areas.

Part II discussed how aging and stress combine to accelerate changes in the adaptive homeostat, resulting in the age-related disease he termed “hyperadaptosis.”

Introducing: The Energy Homeostat
This article introduces the energy homeostat, the regulatory control system responsible for the production, utilization and regulation of energy. Energy system dysfunction causes the age-related reduction in intensity and amount of activity, as well as increased fatigue and reduced energy. In addition, energy homeostat dysfunction causes the age-related diseases of 1) diabetes, 2) obesity, 3) “essential” hypertension, 4) atherosclerosis, 5) depression and 6) fatigue itself. Energy homeostat dysfunction is a major reason why there are so few professional athletes over age 35 who are still able to successfully perform against their younger competitors(3) (Fig. 1).

Unlike the adaptive homeostat (March 2005 Vitamin Research News), which is represented by a classic cybernetic system (the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), the energy homeostat is represented by three separate but closely integrated systems.

First is the interrelationship between growth hormone, insulin, glucose and fatty acids (discussed in this article). Second is the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. The third component is the intracellular production of energy by mitochondria via the Krebs (citric acid) Cycle and the intramitochondrial respiratory chain. All three of these components shift in adverse directions with age, resulting in reduced activity and impaired energy production and use, and energy homeostat related diseases like obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, depression and fatigue.

Interrelationship Between Energy Substances and Hormones
Dilman proposed that the primary aspect of the energy homeostat is a four-component system that performs a complex balancing act(2,4) (Fig. 2). This “system” regulates the interrelationships between the body’s two main energy-producing substances (glucose and fats), and the two main hormones (growth hormone and insulin) that control the utilization of these substances.


Additional hormones and neurotransmitter substances involved in the energy homeostat include the hormones prolactin, glucagon, ghrelin, leptin, ACTH and adrenal glucocorticoids; and the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. The effects of these other hormones aren’t discussed separately because they each act similarly to one or more of the four major components of the energy homeostat.

In a healthy, youthful individual, glucose inhibits the secretion of growth hormone by acting on specific areas of the hypothalamus. Consequently, during the day, when food is consumed periodically, growth hormone secretion by the pituitary is suppressed, and insulin release by the pancreas is increased. Insulin enhances the uptake of glucose into the cells where it is either used for energy or stored as fat. During the day, the primary source of energy is glucose, and to a lesser degree, fat. Fats burn more easily in the presence of carbohydrates.

At night, no food is consumed. Consequently, blood levels of glucose decrease and insulin levels drop, stimulating the release of growth hormone. Growth hormone has lipolytic (fat-mobilizing) properties. Unless a carbohydrate-rich bedtime snack has been consumed, fatty acids are mobilized from the fat stores, and fats become the primary energy source so that glucose can be conserved for powering the brain and nerves. This explains why it is so important for those trying to lose body fat to avoid late dinners or bedtime snacks, which suppress the night-time release (and fat-burning effects) of growth hormone.

Age-Related Changes in the Four-Component Energy Homeostat
As we age, the mechanism of switching from the daytime (glucose-based) to the nighttime (fat-based) energy system is disturbed. This is because growth hormone (which was required in large amounts during periods of growth, and which is a key element in the healthy, youthful four-component energy homeostat) declines dramatically in early adulthood5 (Fig. 3) This turns the aged energy homeostat into a headless three-component system (Fig. 4). Simultaneously, our glucose tolerance and muscles’ ability to utilize glucose decreases, and insulin levels tend to increase (Fig. 5), resulting in hyperinsulinemia.


To confirm the progressive loss of glucose homeostasis with aging, Dilman performed a glucose tolerance test on males and females ranging in age from 1 to 80 years old (Fig. 6). From these results, it’s clear that children from 4 to 10 years old have a very “finely tuned” energy homeostat. There is a slight bump in insulin, followed by a rapid return to normal. With age, we see that insulin goes progressively higher and stays elevated longer until finally, in the advanced years, insulin just stays up, resulting in chronic hyperinsulinemia.

Dilman proposed this phenomenon of age-related hyperinsulinemia back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was roundly criticized for this by no less notable a person than Dr. Nathan Shock—one of the most prominent gerontologists in the world at the time. Dr. Shock wrote several paragraphs about Dilman’s “erroneous” concept and dismissed his theory as being of “little value.”(6) However, it is Shock’s ideas in this regard that have been found to be erroneous.

1. Exercise. Exercise may be one of the best anti-aging pills there is. Exercise has a wide-ranging beneficial effect on many age-related decrements. Exercise restores hypothalamic sensitivity, improves glucose tolerance, reduces insulin levels and enhances growth hormone secretion.
   
   
2. Diet. As we grow older, because our bodies utilize glucose less efficiently than when we were younger, most people find a diet higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates helps to stabilize energy levels, reduce carbohydrate cravings, improve blood glucose and lipid profiles, and reduce body fat. Such diets are described in detail in the Zone Diet books by Dr. Barry Sears, the Atkins Diet books by Dr. Robert Atkins, Protein Power by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades, and The Endocrine Control Diet, by Dr. Calvin Ezrin and Robert Kowalski.
   
   
3. Restore insulin sensitivity. This can be done by using the drugs Metformin and Dilantin®, and/or natural insulin-sensitizers (such as CP’s Optimum D and GluControl™). Metformin (Glucophage) is an anti-diabetic drug which restores muscle and hypothalamic insulin receptor sensitivity and improves glucose utilization. Metformin users commonly report:
   
   • Enhanced sense of well-being
     
   • Increased energy
     
   • Reduced carbohydrate cravings,
     
   • Lowered blood glucose and insulin levels (but without causing hypoglycemia)
     
   • Normalized lipid profile
     
   • Inhibition of cancer.
     
   
   Dilman believed that drugs like Metformin were “the most effective anti-aging drugs.” I routinely recommend 1,500 to 2,000 mg of Metformin per day for my patients over 35. Dilantin is an anti-seizure medication which also restores hypothalamic sensitivity to insulin. Dilantin raises HDL cholesterol levels, and improves the cholesterol/HDL ratio.(8) Dilantin can be safely used in doses of 200 to 300 mg per day. Metformin and Dilantin are available by prescription.
   
   
   
   A dietary supplement alternative to Metformin is the herb Galega oficinalis (Goat’s rue). Other insulin-sensitizing supplements include the herb Gymnema sylvestre, and nutrients like chromium, vanadyl sulfate and cinnamon.
   
   
4. Restore nighttime levels of growth hormone to more youthful levels. The decline in growth hormone secretion and release may be a principle cause of the adverse changes in the energy homeostat. Growth hormone can be augmented by directly injecting small amounts of human growth hormone, or by stimulating release from the pituitary gland. Growth hormone can be prescribed by a physician.
   
   A number of approaches to stimulate the release of growth hormone include amino acid-based formulas comprised of various combinations of arginine, ornithine, lysine and glutamine; growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptide secretagogues; and growth-hormone-releasing substances like GHB (Xyrem®), L-dopa, niacin (vitamin B3) and the anti-hypertensive drug clonidine (Catapres®).
   
   I am equivocal about the benefits of amino acid growth hormone releasers. The data are all over the place, as demonstrated in a review article that Kim Pryor and I wrote in 2001.(9) Although many people seem to benefit from various growth-hormone-releasing formulas, there are also those who don’t see much improvement.
   
   I think younger people—whose pituitaries are more responsive in releasing growth hormone—are more likely to derive benefit from growth-hormone-releasing amino acid formulations than older people.
   
   
5. Balance neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin): As mentioned above, one proposed cause of the loss of hypothalamic sensitivity with age is the alteration in absolute levels and balance of hypothalamic biogenic amine neurotransmitter levels (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin).
   
   It is possible to augment levels of these neurotransmitters by a number of dietary supplements (L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, Mucuna Pruriens, St. John’s Wort and 5-HTP). Thus, it may be possible, by balanced supplementation, to restore hypothalamic neurotransmitter balance, enhance hypothalamic sensitivity, and restore the homeostatic system to a more youthful state.
   
   
6. EDTA: Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and other chelating agents are important in removing mitochondria-killing toxic heavy metals, as well as metastatic calcium (calcium that has been deposited in unwanted locations like joints, arteries, and pineal gland). Although no clinical studies have ever evaluated the ability of EDTA to decalcify an aging pineal gland, I believe that such would be the case if the study were performed. I have long believed EDTA chelation therapy to have youth-promoting benefits, often observed by chelation patients and their physicians. I think this is likely to be due not only to the removal of metastatic calcium in the arteries, but in the calcified pineal, as well. (Visit www.vrp.com to read my articles on chelation therapy, which describes intravenous and oral chelation).
   
   
   
   
7. DHEA: DHEA, the most abundant steroid hormone in the body, is inhibited by insulin. Hyperinsulinemia has been speculated to be a cause of the age-related decline in DHEA (Fig. 9). DHEA-S levels have even been proposed as a biomarker of insulin sensitivity. Not surprisingly, DHEA supplementation appears to restore insulin sensitivity.(10) This is just one more reason for people over 35 to supplement their diets with physiological levels of DHEA.
   
   I recommend 12.5 to 100 mg of DHEA daily, depending on sex and age. Women efficiently convert DHEA to testosterone and require less DHEA than men. The starting dose for women is usually 10 to 25 mg per day, unless more is clinically indicated (for example, women with Lupus and other inflammatory/autoimmune diseases can often take doses in excess of 100 mg per day, without unwanted effects).
   
   A combination of these approaches may help restore hypothalamic sensitivity, alleviate some of the metabolic abnormalities caused by energy homeostat dysfunction, and return the energy homeostat to a more youthful state.
   

Daily, there is a war raging in the intestinal tract. Pathogenic bacteria are constantly attempting to push aside the good bacteria in order to conquer new territory. Many things can determine whether the harmful or beneficial organism wins the battle. How much sugar we’ve eaten, stress, whether we’ve taken antibiotics, or whether we’ve consumed meats treated with antibiotics can all play a role in the health of our digestive tracts. Whatever the reason, our intestines can become unbalanced, at which point the bad bacteria gain the upper hand and overpower the beneficial microorganisms. Consequently, supplementing with good bacteria known as probiotics can help restore balance. The probiotic Lactobacillus GG (LGG) is a particularly well-researched form of friendly bacteria. A number of studies conducted in the past three years have investigated the possible role of Lactobacillus in supporting intestinal health in infants with allergies, fending off H. pylori treatment-related side effects, and alleviating colitis symptoms. It may also have a more surprising part to play in alleviating some symptoms of cystic fibrosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Lactobacillus and Infants Studies have suggested that probiotic supplementation can reduce symptoms of atopic eczema/dermatitis in food-allergic infants. The most recent study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the April 2005 issue of Allergy. Researchers gave 230 infants in Finland with suspected cow’s milk allergy either Lactobacillus GG, a mixture of four probiotic strains or a placebo for four weeks. The researchers also put the infants on an elimination diet, meaning they stopped feeding them cow’s milk for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, by re-introducing milk into the infants’ diets, the researchers determined that 120 of the infants were allergic to cow’s milk. In the cow’s milk allergy group as a whole, LGG was not associated with any reduction in severity of atopic dermatitis. However, there was a subgroup of the cow’s milk allergy subjects that had increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is capable of acting like an antibody and attaches to mast cells in the intestinal and respiratory tracts, playing a major role in allergic reactions. About 50 percent of patients with allergies have increased IgE levels. In the current study, in infants who did have increased IgE levels, Lactobacillus GG appeared to cause a greater reduction in the Atopic Dermatitis Index compared to the placebo group. The researchers concluded, “Treatment with LGG may alleviate atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome symptoms in IgE-sensitized infants but not in non-IgE-sensitized infants.”(1) In an earlier study of infants with atopic eczema/dermatitis and allergies, the same researchers concluded that LGG treatment may alleviate intestinal inflammation in infants with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome and cow’s milk allergy.(2) Cystic Fibrosis A recent study indicates that Lactobacillus GG may help control the intestinal inflammation that is a frequent feature of cystic fibrosis. At the study’s start, researchers in Italy measured a marker of intestinal inflammation in 30 children with cystic fibrosis. They also measured the marker in 15 children with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in 30 healthy controls. Ten of the children with cystic fibrosis received LGG and then the inflammatory marker was measured again four weeks later. In addition, researchers measured rectal nitric oxide production in 20 children with cystic fibrosis and five of these children received LGG. Nitric Oxide was remeasured four weeks later. In the cystic fibrosis and IBD children, the marker of inflammation was significantly higher than in controls. Nitric oxide production also was increased in both groups of patients, and abnormal values were detected in 19 of 20 cystic fibrosis patients. In the children administered the LGG probiotic, however, levels of both the inflammation marker and nitric oxide were reduced.(3) According to the researchers, “Intestinal inflammation is a major feature of cystic fibrosis and is reduced by probiotics. The latter finding suggests that intestinal microflora play a major role in intestinal inflammation in cystic fibrosis children.” Colitis An animal study suggests that Lactobacillus GG, through its ability to influence a family of enzymes known as Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), may have a part to play in alleviating colitis. The gastrointestinal channel is constantly exposed to bacteria, bacterial products, and environmental toxins. GST plays a central role in the cellular defense against harmful compounds and environmental toxins in mouse and man. Researchers examined the level of Glutathione S-transferases in the colon of mice subjected to experimental colitis. One group of mice was inoculated with normal mouse bacterial flora as well as with Lactobacillus GG. When colitis was induced in the animals, GSTs showed reduced intestinal expression. However, the inoculation of mice with Lactobacillus GG induced all the intestinal GSTs studied, indicating the LGG helped Glutathione transferases do their job against harmful bacteria.(4) Arthritis Because probiotics have had beneficial effects in inflammatory bowel diseases, researchers decided to test the effect of probiotics on the inflammation that occurs with the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis. The scientists induced autoimmune arthritis in rats, then divided the animals into six groups. The groups were fed either heat-killed Lactobacillus GG, live LGG, sterilized milk, plain yogurt, yogurt containing LGG, or sterilized water. Researchers conducted two experiments. In the disease-prevention experiments, feeding started one week before or after arthritis was induced. In the therapeutic experiments, the study authors began feeding the LGG at the onset of clinical arthritis. Rats fed yogurt containing LGG had a milder inflammation in all experiments, whereas rats fed plain yogurt exhibited a moderate inflammatory score only in the arthritis prevention experiments. Ingestion of live human LGG also had a clinically beneficial effect on experimental arthritis. Interestingly, the same benefits were seen when the rats ingested heat-killed LGG. The researchers concluded, “Our observation of the remarkable preventive and curative effect on arthritis using commercial yogurts containing lactobacilli, especially LGG, suggests the need for investigation of these agents in arthritic patients.”(5) Helicobacter pylori Many in vitro studies have shown that various types of the lactobacilli friendly bacteria inhibit or kill H. pylori and prevent its adhesion to cells. In vivo models have demonstrated that pre-treatment with a probiotic can prevent H. pylori infections. Studies also have shown that administration of probiotics markedly reduces an existing infection.(6) The majority of research conducted on H. pylori and Lactobacillus GG has investigated this probiotic’s ability to prevent the side effects associated with H. pylori eradication therapy. In one study, 85 H. pylori-positive, asymptomatic patients were randomized into four groups to receive either a probiotic or placebo both during and for seven days after one-week treatment with several anti-H. pylori drugs. Twenty-one of the patients received Lactobacillus GG, 22 of the subjects received the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii, 21 received a combination of Lactobacillus spp. and biphidobacteria, and another 21 received a placebo. Subjects filled in weekly symptom questionnaires for four weeks. Blinded investigators collected and analyzed data and H. pylori status was rechecked after five to seven weeks. Side effects from the drug treatment occurred mainly during the first eradication week. In all probiotic-supplemented groups, however, there was a significantly lower incidence of diarrhea and taste disturbance during the eradication week compared to the placebo group. Overall, patients in the probiotic-treated group tolerated the H. pylori eradication drugs better than patients in the placebo group.(7) Diabetes Japanese researchers explored another possible effect of Lactobacillus GG. They induced diabetes in rats, then fed the animals LGG or a control diet from nine to 18 weeks of age. The researchers noted that LGG significantly lowered the blood hemoglobin A(1C) (HbA(1C)) level. HbA(1C), also known as glycosylated hemoglobin, is one of the best long-term indicators of blood sugar control. In diabetics with abnormally elevated blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin levels are increased. Lactobacillus GG not only lowered levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, it also improved glucose tolerance in the animals.(8) References 1. Viljanen M, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Poussa T, Tuure T, Kuitunen M. Probiotics in the treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in infants: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Allergy 2005, Apr;60(4):494-500. 2. Viljanen M, Kuitunen M, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Savilahti E. Probiotic effects on faecal inflammatory markers and on faecal IgA in food allergic atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome infants. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2005, Feb;16(1):65-71. 3. Bruzzese E, Raia V, Gaudiello G, Polito G, Buccigrossi V, Formicola V, Guarino A. Intestinal inflammation is a frequent feature of cystic fibrosis and is reduced by probiotic administration. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004, Oct 1;20(7):813-9. 4. Edalat M, Mannervik B, Axelsson LG. Selective expression of detoxifying glutathione transferases in mouse colon: effect of experimental colitis and the presence of bacteria. Histochem Cell Biol 2004, Aug;122(2):151-9. 5. Baharav E, Mor F, Halpern M, Weinberger A. Lactobacillus GG bacteria ameliorate arthritis in Lewis rats. J Nutr 2004, Aug;134(8):1964-9. 6. Hamilton-Miller JM. The role of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection. Int J Antimicrob Agents 200,3 Oct;22(4):360-6. 7. Cremonini F, Di Caro S, Covino M, Armuzzi A, Gabrielli M, Santarelli L, Nista EC, Cammarota G, Gasbarrini G, Gasbarrini A. Effect of different probiotic preparations on anti-helicobacter pylori therapy-related side effects: a parallel group, triple blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Gastroenterol 2002 Nov;97(11):2744-9. 8. Tabuchi M, Ozaki M, Tamura A, Yamada N, Ishida T, Hosoda M, Hosono A. Antidiabetic effect of Lactobacillus GG in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2003, Jun;67(6):1421-4.

Benfotiamine / Pyridoxamine Due to circumstances beyond the control of Complementary Prescriptions™, the combination product Benfotiamine / Pyridoxamine is no longer available. CP will, however, continue to offer the benefit of Benfotiamine, now in an increased dose of 150 mg in a 60-capsule bottle. Ask for Benfotiamine, product number 1011, for $21.95. New Products Coming Soon Complementary Prescriptions™ is preparing to offer several exciting new products. Watch for more details soon:

• A new combination product containing R-lipoic Acid (RLA) and its reduced form, R-Dihydrolipoic Acid (R-DHLA)
• A full-body anti-inflammatory formula
• A natural free-testosterone booster formula.

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in humans in the United States, as heart vessels fall victim to arteriosclerosis, or plaque formation. Although such heart disease is not common in our nation’s dogs and cats, we do see many of our animals succumb to congestive (left-sided) heart failure. It is helpful to know the signs, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of this malady—insights to help you proactively guard your pet’s health. The clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) may vary between cats and dogs, and with the underlying cause. CHF in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes In dogs, key hints that CHF may be present are:

• Weakness
• Exercise intolerance
• Coughing and panting (especially at night or when excited)
• Lying on the belly to obtain more oxygen when breathing.

The following is a statement on Codex released February 28, 2005, by Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) on his website (www.house.gov/paul). Congressman Paul is a leader in trying to get the USA out of the WTO (World Trade Organization) and Codex; he can certainly claim expert knowledge on the subject. His open letter also provides an action we can all take to protect our vitamin rights. “The World Trade Organization, which the United States joined in 1994, has been disastrous for American sovereignty. A tax bill passed last year provides a vivid example of just how blatantly Congress is surrendering our sovereignty to quasi-governmental bodies like the WTO. For years, high-tax Europe has objected to how we tax American companies on their overseas earnings. The EU took its dispute to the WTO grievance board, which voted in favor of the Europeans. The WTO ruling was clear: Congress must change American law to comply with European rules. “Make no mistake about it: WTO ministers tell Congress to change American laws, and Congress complies. In fact, congressional leaders obediently scrambled to make sure the corporate tax bill passed before a WTO deadline. Thousands and thousands of bills languish in committees, yet a bill ordered by the WTO was pushed to the front of the line. “Americans should expect to see more of the laws we live under being dictated by international bodies. Later this year, all European Union countries will unify their food supplement laws to conform with rules established by a United Nations commission. This commission, called Codex Alimentarius, calls for strict control of dietary supplements. Under the Codex rules, Europeans will need a doctor’s prescription to obtain even basic vitamins. Thanks to the WTO, Americans may find their supplements similarly restricted in an attempt to harmonize the regulatory playing field between the U.S. and Europe. After all, this is the new reality in the WTO era: no nation may enjoy an ‘unfair’ trade or regulatory environment. “This affront to our national sovereignty was of course predictable when we joined the WTO. A Congressional Research Service report was quite clear about the consequences of our membership: ‘As a member of the WTO, the United States does commit to act in accordance with the rules of the multi-lateral body. It is legally obligated to insure that national laws do not conflict with WTO rules.’ “Our membership in the WTO is unconstitutional, which is to say illegal. The Constitution grants Congress, and Congress alone, the authority to regulate trade. Congress cannot cede that authority to the WTO or any other international body, nor can the President legally sign any treaty that purports to do so. When Congress in essence transfers its authority over trade matters to the WTO, it acts illegally. “Fortunately, Congress has an opportunity this year to withdraw our membership in the WTO. When the U.S. first joined the organization in 1994, a rushed lame-duck Congress inserted a 5-year review clause to garner some last minute votes. This clause allows members of Congress to bring a resolution every 5 years calling for a vote on our continued membership. I plan to join with other House colleagues this year in demanding withdrawal from the WTO. Our sovereignty is a precious national asset, and the American people are tired of watching Congress sell out one constitutional principle after another.” Lest anyone think the U.S. FDA is not involved in trying to bring Codex to America, the following is from the website of the U.S. FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) (accessed March 11, 2005, at www.cfsan.fda.gov). International Harmonization “The harmonization of laws, regulations and standards between and among trading partners requires intense, complex, time-consuming negotiations by CFSAN officials. Harmonization must simultaneously facilitate international trade and promote mutual understanding, while protecting national interests and establish a basis to resolve food issues on sound scientific evidence in an objective atmosphere. Failure to reach a consistent, harmonized set of laws, regulations and standards within the freetrade agreements and the World Trade Organization Agreements can result in considerable economic repercussions.” There you have from the “horse’s mouth,” folks. The FDA is working to “harmonize” American supplement laws with Codex and WTO standards. Per Congressman Paul’s suggestion, immediately call, write or fax your U.S. Congressman and Senators, and demand they vote to get the U.S. out of the WTO, to protect our free access to dietary supplements. Getting the United States out of the WTO will also protect American jobs from continually being exported overseas, as well.