by bruce miller, d.d.s., c.n.s. - satu...

www.satu-nutrition.com

1

BY BRUCE MILLER, D.D.S., C.N.S.

http://satu-nutrition.com/


2

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: WHY THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN

1.1 PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

1.2 THE PROBLEM-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

1.3 MY OWN PROBLEM------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

1.4 THERE ARE SIX REASONS I ENDORSE THE SHAKLEE CORPORATION------------------------------------ 7

1.5 BEFORE WE BEGIN-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

1.6 WHY SUPPLEMENT-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

1.7 WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD WE ASK OF THESE COMPANIES? ------------------------------------------ 8

1.8 SOME KEY ISSUES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

1.9 MISTAKES AND CONSEQUENCES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

1.10 WHOLE NEW EXPLODING GROWTH INDUSTRY ----------------------------------------------------------- 10

1.11 THE SALES PITCH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

CHAPTER 2: ALL NATURAL??

2.1 THE NATURAL MARKET TODAY----------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

2.2 THE “NATURAL" MARKET TODAY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

2.3 WHAT IS THE TRUTH? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

2.4 A GOOD PRODUCT --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12

2.4.1 NATURAL SUPPLEMENT--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12

2.5 WHAT A GOOD PRODUCT SHOULD NOT CONTAIN-------------------------------------------------------- 12

2.5.1 ARTIFICIAL COLORS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13

2.5.2 SYNTHETIC VITAMIN E-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

2.5.3 BONE MEAL OR DOLOMITE AS A CALCIUM SOURCE------------------------------------------------- 13

2.5.4 ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

2.5.5 SYNTHETIC SWEETENERS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

2.6 JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF SHAKLEE QUALITY------------------------------------------------------------------ 13



3

CHAPTER 3: DO YOUR NUTRIENTS DISINTEGRATE?

3.1 THE LAW SUIT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

3.2 LEGALLY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

3.3. THE PHARMACISTS DISCOVERY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

3.4 WHY SOME SUPPLEMENTS DO NOT DISSOLVE-------------------------------------------------------------- 15

3.5 WHAT ABOUT OTHER SUPPLEMENTS? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

3.6 WHO MAKES THIS STUFF? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

3.7 ARE YOU SAFER WITH VITAMINS MADE BY A LARGE DRUG COMPANY? ----------------------------- 16

3.8 THE "TODAY SHOW” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

3.9 PROOF OF EXCELLENCE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

CHAPTER 4 TRUE PROOF OF RESEARCH

4.1 WHEN IS RESEARCH REALLY RESEARCH ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

4.2 REFEREES AND PEER REVIEW------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17

4.3 THE MECHANICS OF PEER REVIEW ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

4.4 HOW IT WORKS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

4.5 A ONLY THE VERY BEST QUALIFY------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

4.6 THE “IDIOT" LETTER ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

4.7 THE SHAKLEE DIFFERENCE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

4.8 WHERE TO NOW? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

CHAPTER 5: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING

5.1 Development------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

5.2 HOW SHOULD A PRODUCT BE DEVELOPED? --------------------------------------------------------------- 21

5.3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21

5.4 IN THE LABORATORY---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

5.5 CLINICAL OR HUMAN STUDIES---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

5.6 SHAKLEE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

5.6.1 LITERATURE SEARCH---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

5.6.2 LABORATORY OR TEST TUBE RESEARCH---------------------------------------------------------------- 23



4

5.6.3 SHAKLEE BETA CAROTENE PRODUCTION--------------------------------------------------------------- 23

5.6.4 THE CLINICAL TEST-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

5.7 WHY ALL SUPPLEMENTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK---------------------------------------------------------- 24

5.8 HOW GOOD IS SHAKLEE’S RESEARCH? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24

5.9 MOVING ON---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

CHAPTER 6: CORPORATE EXCELLENCE

6.1 WORLD-CLASS POWER NUTRITION EVENTS------------------------------------------------------------------ 25

6.1.1 THE U.S. SRI TEAM-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

6.1.2 U.S. FEDERATED TEAMS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

6.1.3 THE VOYAGER FLIGHT---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

6.1.4 MT. EVEREST---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

6.1.5 POLE TO POLE-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

6.1.6 TEAM SHAKLEE------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27

6.1.7 THE DAEDALUS PROJECT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27

6.2 THE NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, PLANT----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

6.3 THE ENVIRONMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28

6.4 THE SHAKLEE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD------------------------------------------------------------------ 29

6.5 CONCLUSIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29



5

CHAPTER 1: WHY THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN

1.1 PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE

Preventive healthcare is the wave of the future. As a society we must do all we can to

achieve optimal wellness. We can no longer afford to abuse our health and expect the healthcare

profession to put us back together.

To our credit we have made some steps forward! More people are exercising regularly, and

the numbers of smokers are down. But even though most of us know basically what foods to eat,

and what foods to avoid, our diet is one area of our lives that needs help. Wey know we should eat

according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s pyramid eating plan (Figure One)

Figure 1.1- The Eating Right Pyramid, a guide to daily food choices.

This plan is low in saturated fat and in vegetables, fruits, grains, and pasta. The sad fact

that is less than seven percent of Americans chooses to eat this way.

In preventive healthcare we are learning that certain foods consumed at lower levels than

accepted in the past can have a positive effect on our health. For example, cutting down on

saturated fat and cholesterol can be beneficial in preventing heart disease. On the other hand we

are learning that some nutrients (those contained in fruits and vegetables) consumed in larger

amounts can be beneficial in preventing certain cancers.

The newest wave in preventive healthcare has to do with studies showing that certain

vitamins and minerals consumed in levels somewhat above the government recommended levels



6

(and above levels normally consumed in our foods) can have a positive effect on our health, New

reports appear daily supporting the use of antioxidant nutrients, various minerals, and herbs to

help prevent some of the diseases of the 20th century. These reports have caused many North

Americans to turn to food supplements as a source of these nutrients.

1.2 THE PROBLEM

Anytime something new and good is introduced and accepted, unscrupulous promoters

touting ridiculous claims and selling questionable imitations of the real thing. Let me explain with

the example of exercise equipment.

When physical fitness achieved mass popularity a few years ago, exercise equipment

appeared on the market with a flood. Numerous companies surfaced literally overnight and began

churning out equipment. A popular item was the stationary bicycle. Gullible consumers believed

the polished advertising pitch and made purchases based on price and not quality. The purchasers

of this equipment soon discovered that all that glitters is not gold. Many consumers found pieces of

the bike falling off after short use, pedals that would not turn, and handle bars that slipped up and

down. Some even suffered injury due to poor quality equipment. The situation is similar today in

the massive food supplement business.

There are hundreds of companies on the market promising to grow hair, lose weight while

you sleep, improve your sex life, and make you smarter all at the same time.

On the other hand there are some legitimate companies out there, just as there are quality

athletic equipment companies. The problem is to sort through all of the claims and money-making

schemes to find a company that can be trusted, a company whose products will perform as

promised, a company with a record of integrity, honesty, and, most importantly, scientific accuracy.

1.3 MY OWN PROBLEM

In my own clinical practice I was faced with a dilemma. Often, after I would recommend several

nutrients to patients, they would ask, "What brand shall l buy?" My answer was weak and given

truly in ignorance: "Any of them will do; they are all about the same."

I knew deep down inside that there must be at least one food supplement company that was

better than the others. Part of my blindness, and the blindness of many professionals, has to do

with two problems. One is that we get lots of free samples from drug companies and are

bombarded with slick advertising. The second problem is even worst. I mentioned some of the

obnoxious claims made by some food supplement companies. These outlandish claims are

extremely offensive to medical people who rely on science and not testimonials. It makes the whole

nutritional supplement industry look like a bunch of rip-off artists.

Most physicians, trying not to be so gullible, totally disregard the use of all food supplements

and react with predictable contempt when their patients raise questions about adding these to

their diet. Do not get mad at your doctor. Try to understand his or her valid concerns.



7

Your physician is right to be cautious. These unscrupulous companies create guilt by association

for those who buy food supplements, and for those who advise their legitimate use in attaining

optimal health.

In light of all of this, I decided to set aside time to do some thorough research on the various

companies in the business. My goal was to seek objective facts and not just advertising copy. I

wanted to seek out the finest food supplement company available. I knew I could then recommend

a product with confidence. This search eventually involved. . . three years of research.

Come with me as I take you through the process of discovery, not based on fantastic claims or

smooth advertising, but on solid, objective evidence open to proof.

1.4 THERE ARE SIX REASONS I ENDORSE THE SHAKLEE CORPORATION

The development of these reasons will be the essence of this book. They are as follows:

i) The products are in harmony with nature.

ii) The products are created by nature and perfected by science.

iii) They disintegrate in adequate time for absorption.

iv) The excellence of the Shaklee Corporation is widely recognized

v) Absorption is proven.

vi) Shaklee’s studies have been accepted for publication in noted scientific journals.

Throughout the course of this book I hope the importance of these reasons will be clearly

understood. Before we develop these six reasons, let’s take a look at ourselves and also take a look

at some of the questions we need to answer about the food supplement industry.

1.5 BEFORE WE BEGIN

I want to make one thing crystal clear. Do not use food supplements as an excuse to justify an

unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Food supplements are no substitute for a well-chosen diet. The most

common problems I see in American lifestyles are in Table One.

i) HIGH-FAT DIET

ii) OVERWEIGHT

iii) SMOKING

iv) EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS

v) DIET HIGH IN "JUNK" FOOD

vi) DIET LOW IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

vii) LACK OF EXERCISE

The only one we cannot control is exposure to environmental toxins. It’s time to clean up our act!



8

1.6 WHY SUPPLEMENT

We should ask the question, "Why take food supplements of any type?" The answer is what

I call the “big six" reasons for adding food supplements to your usual diet.

1. Many of us are realizing our foods are not as nutritious as they used to be. “Manufactured" foods,

nutrient-depleted soils, processing, shipping and long shelf life all take their nutritional toll. We

need to replace the nutrients missing from our foods in one way or another.

2. Potentially harmful and untested chemicals are being added to our foods in increasing numbers.

We don’t yet know the long-term effects of these chemicals on our bodies, but we do know that

certain nutrients can help protect us against some of the damage they cause.

3. Pollutants are being released into our air and water on a level unheard of in the past. Today we

talk casually about acid rain, fish kills, and toxic waste. What is this pollution doing to our health?

Optimal nutrition may help protect us against some of the effects of widespread pollution.

4. Some of the diseases we used to blame on age itself are now being related to a lifetime of poor

nutrition. Osteoporosis which we have already mentioned is a good example. Women who are

physically active and have adequate calcium intake today may not have to face the prospect of

brittle bones, broken hips, and other breaks and fractures tomorrow.

5. Our food choices and eating habits have changed dramatically in the past couple of decades.

Very few of us eat three nutritious, home-cooked meals a day. The new food pyramid is an

excellent guide to a healthy diet, but less than seven percent of us eat way. With our fast-paced

lifestyle it has become harder---not easier---to insure nutrition for ourselves and our families.

6. The massive accumulation of evidence in recent years has shown that same extremely vital

nutrients needed for protection from various diseases (the antioxidants) cannot be obtained easily

from our commonly selected diets. Vitamin E at the generally recommended levels of 200 to 800

International Units is impossible to obtain from your diet. You cannot get it from foods alone.

Supplementation is strongly recommended. Now, on to food supplement companies.

1.7 WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD WE ASK OF THESE COMPANIES?

How can we make a wise choice in the midst of all the products available? Is there a way

through the confusion? Does one company’s product work better than another’s? How can we

make an objective decision? Is evidence available to help us?

The purpose of this book is to answer these questions in a clear, concise, and intelligent way.

We will show you ways to cut through the confusing and sometimes conflicting claims made by

various food supplement manufacturers. You need not be confused; the answers are contained in

the following pages.



9

1.8 SOME KEY ISSUES

A basic question is this: Is there a difference in food supplements? For example, one

company makes a "time-released multiple vitamin," another company has a "stress multiple,” while

still another offers one that dissolves under the tongue. In other words, there are different delivery

systems, and all make some interesting claims, but which is the best? Some companies offer a

plain" iron supplement; others have vitamin C with iron; does this make a difference? Will both

products give your body the same amount of iron, or is one better than the other? I’ll answer this

one now Vitamin C greatly increases the absorption of iron. A product with iron and C is superior to

a plain iron.

Does the method of manufacturing make a difference? What are the other chemicals in the

products in addition to the nutrients? Are they for our health? Why do some manufacturers’

supplements cost more than another’s? Is there any real reason to pay more for a similar product?

Finally, we need to take a close look at product development and methods of research.

Many companies offer "research," but is it valid? What is true, honest research? How can we

identify this type of research? The answers to these and other questions are the ones I sought in

trying to find the best food supplement company in America. The data of my quest are contained in

this book. I have attempted to present hard facts to enable you to draw your own conclusions

concerning the many food supplement products and companies available. Where appropriate, I

have stated some personal opinions and conclusions.

1.9 MISTAKES AND CONSEQUENCES

Choosing a food supplement is a more difficult selection process than buying, for instance,

television set. We can pretty well tell when our television set is not working properly. If it

malfunctions, we can have it fixed. We can probably get a "loaner" to replace it while it is in repair.

There is some inconvenience to be sure, but it certainly doesn’t affect our health or well-being.

A mistake in purchasing food supplements can have some long-term, possibly painful

consequences in the years to come. Take calcium for an example. Suppose you are one of the

people who cannot tolerate milk products, or just do not care for them. When you supplement with

calcium, you must trust the manufacturer for much of your calcium intake. What if the delivery

system is improper, or the tablet doesn’t even dissolve, or the form is difficult to absorb? Most of

us would have no real way to determine if the supplement is adequate for our needs until a

problem occurs. The possible problem in this case could be osteoporosis (porous or brittle bones).

Your first knowledge of a problem could be the breaking of a bone. An X-ray of the fracture would

indicate the break and also the osteoporotic condition. Low calcium intake can be a problem of

significant proportions. Some 20 million Americans have osteoporosis. More than 50 thousand

older women and many older men die each year in the United States as a result of hip fracture

complications. Many of these tragic problems could be prevented with a proper calcium

supplement and weight-bearing exercise.



10

A-major reason for taking food supplements in the first place is prevention. It makes sense

to take the best supplements you can buy. The American Heart Association tells us that one in four

Americans has some form of cardiovascular disease. Many health professionals are now advising a

high intake of the three main antioxidant vitamins: beta carotene, and E. These are thought to

reduce the build-up of plaque in the arteries. The American Cancer Society tells us that most

cancers occur as we grow older. Along with a low-fat, high vegetable and fruit diet, many of those

involved in cancer research are also recommending the antioxidant vitamins, folic acid (cervical

cancer), and calcium (colon and rectal cancer). If we fall victim to these diseases, our twilight years

will not be pleasant.

Anything we can possibly do now to avoid these chronic degenerative diseases should

certainly be taken into serious consideration. ln many cases adding food supplements in addition to

our healthy diet can help protect us from some of the dread diseases we mistakenly blame on age

itself.

Our most common causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and cancer do not occur

overnight. They are the result of a lifetime of poor lifestyle choices. The effects of low levels of

nutrient intake often do not manifest themselves until later in life. The eases we see as we age did

not develop overnight. They are diseases of youth that finally manifest themselves when we get

older. It makes good sense to begin to take precautions this very day. ln summary, inferior nutrition

will give you inferior health. Optimal nutrition will give you a good chance of optimal health.

1.10 A WHOLE NEW EXPLODING GROWTH INDUSTRY

I really want to hammer home the point of the poor quality which exists in much of

supplement industry. I mentioned it earlier, but care in the purchasing of food supplements is

vitally important. There has been a tremendous boom in the food supplement industry in the last

few years. Various companies have sprouted up everywhere making food supplements a very big

industry indeed. This massive growth has created some real problems for the consumer. New

companies seem to spring up daily, each slickly advertising some "pill" with various claims of

effectiveness. An old, axiom still applies today-"Let the buyer beware."

1.11 THE SALES PITCH

There are basically two major outlets for food supplements and information concerning

supplements, health food stores and person—to—person sales. Many of these food supplement

businesses are multi-level sales companies. Most of these new companies offer a “ground floor

opportunity" in one of two areas. First, there is the "magic money machine" marketing plan which

captures the attention of those who believe they can get wealthy quickly with little effort. Second,

there is some magical, newly discovered health benefit like a weight loss gimmick that promises a

fantastic body in an extremely short period of time. Generally, they have pictures which are

accompanied by phrases like: "Lose weight while you sleep,” or “No hunger pangs,” etc. The

majority of Americans are overweight, and this newly discovered “magic weight loss” appeals to a



11

number of people. Others offer stress relief, prevention of aging and other unproven and

misleading claims. These companies obviously have little regarded for truth and integrity. These

same health claims can be found on many products in health food stores as well. The point is to be

very aware that there is much “hype” involved in the promotion of various nutritional products.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common claims and some of the items in the products

other than nutrients.

CHAPTER 2: ALL NATURAL??

2.1 THE NATURAL MARKET TODAY

Many companies plaster the words "All Natural" all over their product bottles. In truth no

supplements are all natural because there is no true definition for "all natural."

At this time there are no definitive laws governing the use of the term "natural." could hold

a real rose in one hand and one made from paper in the other and call them both "all natural"

because the paper rose had its beginnings in wood pulp. Strange, isn’t it?

2.2 THE “NATURAL" MARKET TODAY

In today’s society, words like “natural" are vastly over-used "Natural" is the current food

supplement merchandiser’s "buzz word." There are many products labelled "all natural." But, as we

saw earlier, this word has no real working legal definition. The labels on some are bound stalks of

grain . . . sunshine on a clear stream . . . fresh fruit and vegetable... all accompanied by the word

"natural."

There is usually no way for the consumer to be absolutely sure something is what it says it is.

An honest company will tell it like it is. If some of the products are made from nature’s building

blocks, they will say so. Others, not so honest, will hide behind deceitful labels promotion literature.

2.3 WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

Once something is removed from its natural growing state, few things are truly "all natural." l

believe we would all agree that a carrot growing in the ground is all natural. Suppose we remove

our natural carrot from the ground with a mechanical picker, wash with high pressure water,

remove the green part by machine, mechanically peel, chop, blanch, add sugar and preservatives,

then can and send it to our supermarket. At some point in all of this, I believe our carrot ceases to

be all natural.

One company claims to have taken nine different raw vegetables and grains and put them

into a capsule. They call this product "an all-natural, whole food supplement? Do l you really

believe nine vegetables and grains can be processed to the extent that they fit into a capsule and

still are "all natural" in any stretch of the imagination? In the next section let’s do two things. One,

let’s attempt to come up with a working description of how a good food supplement should be

made and why. And two, let’s develop a definition `of "natural" we can work with. As we have seen,



12

"all natural" should refer only to something like a carrot growing in the ground. Let’s drop the "all"

and develop a definition of "natural" so far as food supplements are concerned.

2.4 A GOOD PRODUCT

If you recall from Chapter One, I have six reasons for endorsing the Shaklee Corporation.

The first two reasons have to do with their philosophy of product development and production.

ONE- The products are in harmony with nature

TWO: The products are created by created by nature and perfected by science

You will see both of these reasons developed in this section. But first let’s define a “natural”

supplement>

2.4.1 NATURAL SUPPLEMENT

It is concentrated from a quality natural source. The goal is to produce a supplement that is

easily available to our bodies. A natural source contains co-factors that come with the nutrient in

nature. For instance, some co-factors that are usually found with vitamin C are the bioflavonoids.

The bioflavonoids help the body to utilize vitamin C more efficiently. lf these are lost in processing,

they are added back during production to maintain nature’s harmony. Employing some very

sophisticated technology, Shaklee makes every attempt to produce a supplement remaining in

harmony with nature. This phrase means that the supplement is readily available for your body to

absorb and use. Another term is bioavailable.

Sometimes natural substances are combined with modified nutrients to make the primary

nutrient even more available to the body. An example would be the combining of a mineral with a

protein, an organic acid, or amino acid to help it be even more available to the body. Another

example would be adding a biochemical that helps a tablet to disintegrate more quickly. This is

where the phrase “created by nature and perfected by science" fits perfectly.

Shaklee makes every effort to maintain its products as natural as possible. At the same time

when solid research and technology offer a way to make a nutrient even more available for

absorption and utilization, Shaklee will incorporate this science to make an even better product.

2.5 WHAT A GOOD PRODUCT SHOULD NOT CONTAIN

We sometimes get so taken by a product that has "all natural" plastered all over its label

that we forget to read the rest of the label. Let’s look at a few things to be sure to avoid. None of

these should be in any good product. Usually they are used to save the company money at your

expense. There are alternatives available for each of the problem ingredients listed below but they

do cost more.



13

2.5.1 ARTIFICIAL COLORS

I have yet to meet anyone who has a deficiency of an artificial colour such as FD&C Red No.

40 or FD&C Blue No. 2. Why colour the product? What colour was it in the first place? What are

they hiding? It would seem obvious not to have an artificial colour in a food supplement, but the

following popular brands do: Centrum, One- A-Day, Theragran-M, and Myadec.

2.5.2 SYNTHETIC VITAMIN E

One vitamin that is better absorbed and utilized in the natural form is vitamin E. Vitamin E

(alpha tocopherol) preceded by "l" or "dl" is synthetic. Only the "d" is natural. The natural form of

vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is the one to use. Science has proven better usage of d-alpha

tocopherol. The only reason to use the synthetic form is that it is cheaper. You’ll be surprised at

some who use it. Myadec uses a synthetic E and so does Theragran-M. One cannot tell about One-

A-Day, the label just lists "vitamin E."

2.5.3 BONE MEAL OR DOLOMITE AS A CALCIUM SOURCE

The government has warned us not to take these supplements due to the possibility of high

lead content. We do not need a lead supplement!

2.5.4 ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS

Who is deficient in artificial flavours? There are many naturally occurring flavours. The only

reason to use an artificial flavour is to save money. Natural flavours cost a little more.

2.5.5 SYNTHETIC SWEETENERS

Why in the world would some want to supplement with something like saccharin when the

label says: "Use of this product may be hazardous to your health. This product contains saccharin

which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animaIs."

Moreover, the product should contain no artificial preservatives, harsh binders or fillers that might

hinder absorption. No potentially toxic solvents should be used in extraction, and tablet coatings

should be selected for best utilization.

I could go on, but the point is don’t get so focused on the "all natural" concept or the size of

the company that you forget what else might be in the tablet or capsule.

2.6 JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF SHAKLEE QUALITY

The chemical name for natural vitamin E is d-alpha tocopherol. Most companies just list this single

vitamin on their vitamin E label. From what we said above you might assume this is a good product,

but vitamin E her? occurs alone in nature. It occurs in a "family” of tocopherols. We are familiar

with the B complex. Well, there is also an E complex. To date we have discovered nine members of

this complex. They are named by the Greek alphabet . . . alpha, beta, gamma, etc. This is nature’s



14

complex, and any vitamin E we take should contain this whole family of nutrients for maximum

benefits to our health and well-being. This is especially true if you are taking levels around 400 IU

which is recommended in order to attain antioxidant benefits. Science is not entirely sure just

exactly how all of the members of the E complex work, but nature put them there for a purpose. By

not taking the whole complex we could- easily be missing out on some as yet unidentified benefits

found in the natural E complex. Look for ai vitamin E in harmony with nature such as that produced

by the Shaklee Corporation. Here is a quote from the label: "Shaklee Vitamin E comes from natural

vegetable sources. Natural vegetable sources provide the entire spectrum of all known vitamin E

forms . . . ." Furthermore, mountains of research have shown that the mineral selenium works with

vitamin E to make it much more effective. Selenium and E synergize one another. The selenium

content of food varies widely depending on the soil content where the food was grown. Shaklee

takes no chances. They add selenium to the vitamin E supplement, a clear example of "created by

nature, perfected by science." This is a good example of using nature’s building blocks to develop

an even more effective supplement.

Shaklee’s closet attention to current science, product development and quality never ceases

to amaze me.

The purpose of this book is to prove to you beyond a shadow of a doubt why I consider

Shaklee the best family of food supplements on the market today. The proof begins with what

would seem like an obvious question and answer. The question: Do your supplements disintegrate.

in time to be absorbed properly? The answer: Maybe. We will pursue this in the next chapter.

CHAPTER 3: DO YOUR NUTRIENTS DISINTEGRATE?

3.1 THE LAW SUIT

To protect a party, names will be changed in this next story Linda, a businesswoman lived in

the East, did not drink much milk. So every morning and every night for several years she took

supplements from Company X which contained calcium, magnesium, and chelated zinc. She heard

that if calcium fails to disintegrate in vinegar, it probably is not disintegrating in your body. Linda

was quite angry when she tested her Company X calcium and it totally failed the vinegar test. In late

1989, she filed suit against Company X for fraud and negligence. Amazingly Linda lost the suit! She

learned the hard way something that most people are not aware of. Let’s look at the law.

3.2 LEGALLY

DRUGS come in capsules and tablets. We know that they must be tested for potency and

that they must disintegrate in a certain period of time. These disintegration standards are set by

the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) which was charted by Congress to set standards for drugs.

An uncoated tablet should disintegrate in 30 minutes or less and a coated tablet in 90 minutes or

less.



15

VITAMINS AND MINERALS also come in capsules and tablets. Somehow we just as assume

they must meet the same legal requirements for disintegration as drugs. This is not true, as Linda

found out in her law suit against Company X. No law says a vitamin or mineral must disintegrate in

a given time. They are classified as foods, not drugs.

Linda lost her case against Company X because Company X was breaking no law, even if

their supplement never disintegrated.

3.3. THE PHARMACISTS DISCOVERY

We are indebted to Dr. Ralph Shangraw Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutics at

the University of Maryland, for the discovery that more supplements than we care to think about

do not disintegrate in time for proper absorption.

ln 1986, Dr. Shangraw was experimenting with some commercial calcium tablets. Much to

his astonishment he found that some tablets took as long as six hours to disintegrate. He was

alarmed because if a calcium tablet doesn’t disintegrate by the time it leaves your stomach, there is

a good chance that it will not be absorbed into your bloodstream Dr. Shangraw continued to test

other calcium supplements. Here is what he found. In 1936 more than one-half of the calcium

supplements on the market failed to disintegrate within in 30 minutes! What was going on? Dr.

Shangraw found several problems.

3.4 WHY SOME SUPPLEMENTS DO NOT DISSOLVE

i) Microscopic starch granules are very valuable in helping tablets disintegrate. When the granules

get wet, they expand helping to break the tablet apart. It seems some manufacturers removed the

starch so they could advertise "contains no starch" on the label.

ii) Calcium is a very bulky mineral and difficult to compress to a small size. Some companies, either

to keep the tablets small or to get more calcium into a medium-sized tablet used so much

compression that the tablet was too dense (like a rock) to disintegrate.

iii) About the time Shangraw was doing his experiments a drought in Africa made it difficult and

expensive to obtain acacia gum which is used to hold the tablets together. Many manufacturers did

not want to pay the higher price, so they switched to a form of acidic gelatin. When this compound

is mixed with calcium carbonate, something resembling cement is formed. This is an excellent

example of "all natural". not being good at all. Two all-natural substances were mixed together and

the results were total failure! All natural does not always mean that it is good.

iv) if Many companies coat their tablets with shellac which, by the way, is "all natural." It makes the

tablets shiny and easy to swallow Shellac also gives what food technologists call good "mouth feel"

to the tablet. A gritty, grainy tablet does not have good mouth feel, but a slick, shellac coated tablet

does. The problem is that shellac is nearly totally resistant to the penetration of stomach fluids.



16

3.5 WHAT ABOUT OTHER SUPPLEMENTS?

All we have said thus far has been about calcium supplements, but if the industry is doing such a

terrible job with calcium, couldn’t it be doing the same with other vitamin and mineral preparations?

Dr. Shangraw has only tested a few of the multi/vitamin-mineral tablets, but of the total he has

tested an amazing 42 percent took more than one hour to disintegrate! In Dr. Shangrawis opinion a

multi should disintegrate within 60 minutes or less.

3.6 WHO MAKES THIS STUFF?

Most companies do not have their own manufacturing facilities due to the expense involved. They

rely instead on outside manufacturing companies. This means the seller has no control over the

manufacturing or quality control. Only some of the better companies manufacture their own

products.

If you want to start a multi-level vitamin company, all you need is a list of names to contact.

You can have one of these mass producing companies help you design your label and your own

“unique” formulation. You will need some money to pay them up-front because they know the

death rate of these fly-by-night multi-level companies is quite high.

Just consider one company in New Jersey which make over 1,500 food supplements. These

supplements are sold under an amazing 30 to 40 different brand names. The company’s technical

advisor was asked about their disintegration standards. He said the company standard for a multi-

vitamin was two hour disintegration. Remember Dr. Shangraw, the expert in the field,

recommended 60 minute or less for a multi-vitamin. Also remember the USP standard for drug is 30

minutes for uncoated and 90 minutes for a coated tablet. When asked why this particular company

did not conform to the USP, their technical advisor just said they were not required to. And that is

the attitude of most companies.

3.7 ARE YOU SAFER WITH VITAMINS MADE BY A LARGE DRUG COMPANY?

Not necessarily so. The FDA doesn’t have the manpower to chase after every company on

the market. Dr. Shangraw noted that in 1989 the FDA had 12 recalls of defective food supplements.

One recall involved a number of sub-potent products made by the huge pharmaceutical company

Eli Lilly. What about Shaklee?

3.8 THE "TODAY SHOW”

NBC’s popular "Today Show" had a "disintegration derby" featuring five leading brands of

multi-vitamins. Shaklee’s multi-vitamin, Vita-Lea, won by a mile, disintegrating in only 17 minutes.

The other four ranged from 50 minutes to an astounding 240 minutes!



17

A 17 minute disintegration time is fantastic for a product of this type! I have seen similar

disintegration tests on 19 popular multis. Shaklee beat them all! The times ranged from 17 minutes

to a high of 270 minutes.

One aspect I like about the "Today Show" experiment is the fact that it was an

"independent" study. It was someone else testing the product and not a particular company telling

you what they have determined about their own product.

All of Shaklee’s tableted products easily meet Dr. Shangraw’s recommendations for

disintegration. This is one reason I endorse_Shak1ee products. They disintegrate in adequate time

for absorption.

3.9 PROOF OF EXCELLENCE

The main reason I endorse this company is that their studies have been accepted for

publication in top scientific journals. I want you to fully understand what it means to have an article

accepted for publication in a recognized scientific journal. This to me is the real Shaklee difference.

This published research totally sets Shaklee apart from the rest of the field. This is the very ultimate

test.

CHAPTER 4 TRUE PROOF OF RESEARCH

4.1 WHEN IS RESEARCH REALLY RESEARCH

Some companies will claim to have done research on their product, but when the evidence

is examined closely, we find it is a study of two people that lasted three days. lf published, it was

done in a journal or magazine unrecognized by the scientific community at large. Proper studies

should be of an adequate sampling of people, done long enough for the data to be relevant, closely

controlled, and presented at a recognized scientific meeting or published in an authoritative

scientific journal.

4.2 REFEREES AND PEER REVIEW

Because they carry such weight, scientific and medical journals have an enormous

responsibility. Every article must be as accurate as modern science allows. The methods used in

clinical studies and statistical analysis of the results must be state-of—the-art. People’s lives and

the future of nutrition and medical science depend on it.

Accuracy is assured by an involved process known as peer review Peer review distinguishes

a professional scientific journal from other publications. It means experts (peers) on the subject in

question review all submitted material. A journal that uses peer review to scrutinize potential

articles is called a refereed journal. Most refereed journals are listed in the Index Medicus,

published by the National Library of Medicine. .



18

4.3 THE MECHANICS OF PEER REVIEW

Most journals have substantial resources to help sift out the bad and choose from the best

and most important manuscripts submitted to them. Their consultant files hold the names of top

experts in numerous scientific disciplines to help guide them in manuscript review and selection.

These peer review consultants are extremely qualified in their given fields. For example, a

referee for a nutrition article would have to be a member of the American Society for Clinical

Nutrition and be recognized as an expert in nutrition research. Each consultant must also have a

record of achievement that indicates he or she is proficient in evaluating research done by others.

4.4 HOW IT WORKS

This is the basic flow (see Figure 2)

Figure 2

I do some research, write up the study and send it to the journal. The in-house editors are

all members of my profession (this is often called the refereed step) and they may reject it at this

step. lf they think it is a good article, it will be sent to peer review. if it makes it by this step and is

accepted for publication, my study faces another formidable test. Anyone in my field should be able

to duplicate my study and get the same results. Some professionals who do not like to do original

research delight in taking apart the research of others. This gets them mentioned in a peer

reviewed journal. Finally there is general acceptance.

4.5 A ONLY THE VERY BEST QUALIFY

To show how difficult it is to get an article published, let’s use the Journal of the American

Medical Association (JAMA) as an example.



19

In one year JAMA received 3,446 manuscripts for consideration, according to a recent JAMA

editorial on its peer review process.

The manuscripts were divided into 27 categories and sent to one of the journal’s in-house

editors. Fifty-four percent of the manuscripts were rejected at that level. The remaining 46 percent

were sent for outside peer review. Most were screened by two reviewers, some by four or more

before a decision was made. Ultimately only 18 percent of the submitted manuscripts were

accepted for publication. This work involved a total of 1,575 peer reviewers from JAMA’s panel of

4,500.

Also remember, after the article is published, it is then open to the criticism of the entire

scientific community.

Every refereed journal uses similar procedures to screen manuscripts. To have an article

make it into print in one of these journals is a tremendous honour for the authors.

Now read this carefully. The Shaklee Corporation is the ONLY nutritional company with

which I am familiar that consistently has articles by its scientific staff (concerning the actual

products being sold) accepted for publication by these prestigious refereed journals. As we

mentioned earlier, in the last 10 years alone more than 60 research abstracts and articles have

been published in major scientific journals throughout the world. Over $100 million dollars have

been spent proving basically one thing: the products get absorbed quite well.

This valid research accepted for publication in prestigious scientific journals is the main

reason I endorse the nutritional products of the Shaklee Corporation. Shaklee has brought

supplementation into the realm of verifiable responsible science.

The last pages of this book contain a sample listing of some of the published articles and

presentations.

4.6 THE “IDIOT" LETTER

That is, I admit, a strange heading, but when I type "idiot" on my computer I get what I call

the "idiot letter."

You see, I used to argue with companies about how their products were made, who made

them, natural vs synthetic, preservatives, colours, useless non-nutrient elements in the product and

so on. These arguments could take months in the mail. Now I don’t argue; I just send the "idiot"

letter and wait for the reply I have sent many many letters, but never have I received any valid

answers.

Here is what I write.

(Date)

Dear Sirs,



20

I am extremely interested in (name of product). I have just one request. Please send me a

complete bibliography of all of your research that has been accepted for publication in refereed or

peer reviewed professional journals. This should be published research done by scientists employed

by you or those on your advisory board concerning work on the actual products you are selling.

Sincerely

(Your name)

You see, how it is processed . . . hot, cold, water, extract, or whatever makes no difference

at all if they have no proof that the product gets into your system for utilization. You could make

the finest nutritionally-loaded tablet the world has ever seen, but if you coat it with "all natural"

shellac, it will never disintegrate nor be absorbed.

4.7 THE SHAKLEE DIFFERENCE

I began all of this discussion by saying there are six reasons I endorse Shaklee products.

i) The products are in harmony with nature.

ii) The products are created by nature and perfected by science.

iii) They disintegrate in adequate time for absorption.

iv) The excellence of the Shaklee Corporation is widely recognized

v) Absorption is proven.

vi) Shaklee’s studies have been accepted for publication in noted scientific journals.

Through the course of this book I have attempted to explain these reasons as clearly as possible.

4.8 WHERE TO NOW?

Up to this point we have discussed the profile of a quality product and the importance of

tablet disintegration. We have also looked at the tremendous Shaklee difference: having their

research accepted for publication in recognized scientific journals. Now let’s take a look at product

development and testing.

CHAPTER 5: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING

5.1 Development

The worst situation is the one most common: a multi—level company started by "Joe Blow"

who orders his products from some vitamin factory that produces for 40 or 50 other "Joe Blows."

There is no control by Joe’s "fast-sell, money-generating, ground-floor, Opportunity Company.” You

really take a risk dealing with a company selling a nutrition product when they do not have hands-

on control over quality, disintegration times, testing and such.

There are many other problems in the nutrition market. Some of the big areas of concern

have to do with "secret formulas, magical herbs, and special computer studies." Many companies



21

make some extravagant claims in their literature. One company, still on the market, claimed they

had secret knowledge of herbs long used but only recently rediscovered by their founder. Another

company which as of this date has filed for bankruptcy, claimed it had access by computer to all the

nutrition knowledge in the world. Further, it had distilled all that knowledge down to a few solid

facts, and these facts, were presented in their products.

Let’s examine the proof of these claims. The first company producing the herb compounds

pointed to evidence of curing power in Oriental literature. This literature does support their claims,

but there is a glaring problem. The Oriental herbs mentioned in the literature were used in

concentrations hundreds of times more potent than those suggested by the company.

The other company which used the computer data said they planned to publish research as

their consumers used the products and reports came in. ln other words, if you took their product,

you would be the guinea pig!

5.2 HOW SHOULD A PRODUCT BE DEVELOPED?

There are three basic steps in product development and scientific research. They are in order of

usage: literature, laboratory, and clinical (or human) studies. These three are the classic steps in all

scientific proof. They are the entire basis of scientific honesty and credibility. Follow now as we go

through each step as a way of introduction. Then we will develop an actual product following the

steps.

5.3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This is the logical beginning of all valid research. We need to find out what has already been

done in the field of our particular interest.

A study of this sort would include a thorough investigation of books, journals, transcripts

from meetings and a review of computer data bases. In many instances personal conversations

with leading scientists in our particular field may be beneficial. This could provide us with data not

even as yet published. This search would also include information from conferences both national

and international.

If we are doing this research to bring out a new food supplement, some questions of the

literature will be: What-does this nutrient do for our health or—well-being? Is there a need for this

supplement at this time? Has this supplement been produced before and how was it done? All of

the biochemistry, physiology, and interaction with other nutrients need to be ascertained.

With some of these answers in hand, we then move to the laboratory for "test tube" studies.

5.4 IN THE LABORATORY

In laboratory studies we begin to develop and handle the actual product. Various methods

of concentrating the nutrients from a number of raw materials are tested. We are looking for the

ideal raw materials. Some of the possible problems for which we must test the product seldom



22

occur to most of us. For instance, suppose we want to put the material in a gelatin capsule. One

very important consideration is whether or not the nutrient we are developing will dissolve the

capsule! That could be rather embarrassing. As the final answers come in during the laboratory

phase, a mini-production line is set up to determine if problems exist from the raw material to

bottled nutrient.

Most companies do some research in step one, literature review and many stop right there.

Some do a little laboratory research, but as a rule they lack the sophisticated equipment and

technology to do laboratory research justice.

The next step is most vital; it is the cutting edge in good quality research.

5.5 CLINICAL OR HUMAN STUDIES

Does this company’s product get absorbed by the human body and can you prove that? You see, if

we have proof of absorption then the disintegration question is answered. It must disintegrate to

be absorbed. An even deeper question is this: Can you prove these facts before an often doubting

scientific community? I know of only one company that consistently performs valid, honest,

complete clinical (human) testing. That company is the Shaklee Corporation. In a few pages clinical

testing will be covered in more detail. It is the most important consideration in choosing a food

supplement.

5.6 SHAKLEE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Now that we have outlined the basics of research, let’s take one of Shaklee’s products from

idea to finished product. This will give you an idea of the excellence of Shaklee research, product

development and production. For our example let’s take Shaklee’s Beta Carotene supplement. We

will go as nearly as possible in a step-by-step fashion.

5.6.1 LITERATURE SEARCH

Beta carotene began to appear in the news regularly as more and more reports were issued

suggesting it might have some benefit in preventing certain health problems. So, first they had to

search the literature thoroughly for the studies regarding beta carotene and problems thought to

be caused due to low levels of this particular antioxidant nutrient. They had to be absolutely sure

the evidence in the literature supported the claims. As they examined study after study, the

epidemiological evidence became very clear that a real relationship existed between low beta

carotene levels and the development of some forms of cancers, heart disease and possibly other

chronic degenerative diseases.

The next step was to determine if there was a need for beta carotene in America today. The

question to answer was this: "Do Americans get enough beta carotene from their usual diets, or is

there possibly a need for a beta carotene supplement?"



23

Government and other surveys were real eye-openers. According to a survey by the U.S.

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), an amazing 60 percent of adult women and

50 percent of adult men in the United States had intakes below the standards set for good nutrition.

The data indicated strongly that there was a need for this supplement. Once Shaklee determined

the need, the next step was to seek a quality natural source. The literature revealed a number of

vegetable sources of beta carotene. They then had to determine how to concentrate the beta

carotene complex without disturbing nature’s balance.

5.6.2 LABORATORY OR TEST TUBE RESEARCH

From the literature search, several vegetable sources of beta carotene were selected. Now,

in the lab, they began to learn how to concentrate the beta carotene. After doing this they made a

disheartening discovery: None of the beta carotene sources could produce the amount of beta

carotene needed for their food supplement. So, back to the books.

After much study; they found a certain algae called Dunaliella contain a quantity of beta

carotene. In fact, just one pound of these amazing algae contains as much beta carotene as 170

pounds of carrots or 368 pounds of spinach!

Now, they have created more problems with their new discovery. How do they grow the

algae in adequate quantities? How could they harvest it without disturbing balance? These and

many other questions were answered, and here is the result.

5.6.3 SHAKLEE BETA CAROTENE PRODUCTION

The algae are grown in special oblong tanks under the desert sun. Water is circulated

around the tanks by a paddle wheel system. When the beta carotene rich algae are ready for

harvest, air is bubbled up through the bottom of the tanks. This allows the algae to float to the top

of the water in the tanks. They are then mixed with pure, golden corn oil. The resulting mixture is

placed in a centrifuge where the beta carotene is separated from the water, corn oil and leftover

algae components. The result is pure, rich, natural beta carotene. Nature’s balance is kept intact.

We now have beta carotene and all the other members of this carotene complex just as they occur

naturally.

The beta carotene story is not just an isolated story; it is typical of the excellent research

and development of all of Shaklee’s products.

Now, it would seem, they had our product ready to put on the market. And this is exactly

what most companies, even some pretty good companies, do at this point. They generally stop

product development at the test-tube phase (if they do it at all) and immediately put their product

on the market. Shaklee did not market their product at this point, and this is the tremendous

Shaklee difference!

They wanted the answer to one of the most crucial of our final questions. Would this

product be absorbed by the human body?



24

5.6.4 THE CLINICAL TEST

Shaklee selected two groups of test subjects. Both groups were placed on a low-carotene

diet until their carotene blood levels began to drop. Then one- group was given carrots and the

other group Shaklee Beta Carotene. Much to the scientists’ amazement, Shaklee beta carotene

raised blood levels better than the carrots. Now the product was ready for the market. So far as I

know, Shaklee has the only clinically tested beta carotene on the market today. This study was so

well done that it was selected for presentation in a prestigious or scientific publication.1

1 C. D. Jensen, T.S. Patterson, G. A. Spiller, J. HTWhittam and J. Scala, "Repletion and Depletion of Serum

Alpha A and Beta Crotene in Humans With Carrots and an Algae-derived Supplement? Acta Vitaminologica et

EnzyminoIica.

Please bear in mind that no curative or prevention claim is made concerning Shaklee Beta

Carotene in this study. The clinical proof presented is that the beta carotene actually gets into the

blood and in good concentration; It is obvious that if it gets into the blood-stream, then it will do

whatever beta carotene is supposed to do in the body That is why published proof of absorption is

so vitally important.

5.7 WHY ALL SUPPLEMENTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK

Do you remember our discussion on this key area? Drugs must be proven to work before

they are released on the market, not so with food supplements which also come in capsules and

tablets. Nutrients are foods, not drugs. However, by law if the nutrient is on the label, it should be

in the capsule or tablet, but NO law says it must be absorbed or utilized by your body at all!

The Shaklee Corporation is the only company I know of to do clinical testing consistently on

their products to prove absorption. Further, it is the 0nb» company I know of to have the results of

these studies accepted and published in recognized-scientific journals.

5.8 HOW GOOD IS SHAKLEE’S RESEARCH?

Shaklee excels in science which is why I endorse that company. Without the science I would Shaklee

with such confidence.

The Forrest C. Shaklee Research Center in Hayward, California, has been conducting

research and developing superior products since it opened in1971. This is a very large facility with

over 52,600 square feet of research laboratories.

There is a staff of over 60 specialists including nutritionists, biochemists, dietitians, food

scientists, microbiologists, engineers, chemists, packaging engineers, technicians, and research

librarians.

Their instrumentation surpasses that of many major university nutrition research

laboratories. Consider some of this advanced instrumentation: scanning electron microscope,

atomic absorption spectrophotometer, high performance liquid chromatograph, and automated



25

analytical instruments to measure multiple samples simultaneously. We have mentioned the

prestigious Scientific Advisory Board. These nationally recognized physicians and scientists provide

unsurpassed expertise in product development and design. In addition, new nutrition product

concepts are evaluated by independent research scientists from such well known institutions as

Scripps Clinic, the University of California at San Diego, Yale University, Stanford University, and

of Texas. Then, independent clinical studies on products are conducted by leading universities,

including Harvard University, the Francisco, and The University of Texas.

In the last 10 years alone more than 60 solid research abstracts and articles have been

published in major scientific journals throughout the world. To date, the Shaklee Corporation has

spent over $100 million basically proving one thing, the products get absorbed into the

bloodstream.

5.9 MOVING ON

We have looked at the remarkable science and technology in Shaklee; now let’s look at their

involvement in other activities. These include the environment, world class events, the Scientific

Advisory Board and much more.

CHAPTER 6: CORPORATE EXCELLENCE

6.1 WORLD-CLASS POWER NUTRITION EVENTS

Because they are en widely recognized for their participation in on-going research and for

the superiority of their products, they are often called upon for consultation in world-class events.

Consider the following:

6.1.1 THE U.S. SRI TEAM

In 1981 the U.S. Ski Team (from this team Olympic skiers are chosen to represent the

United States) asked Shaklee to become their nutritional consultant. Shaklee developed a diet and

controlled plan of supplementation that helped these champions do their best in Olympic

competition. Did it work? In 1984 the team won more medals than any other country!

Debbie Armstrong won the gold medal in the 1984 Olympics. Here are her comments on the

role Shaklee played in that Olympiad: "After I won the gold, I realized what an important part

Shaklee had played in it all. And it wasn’t just me. Shaklee had been advising the whole team on

nutrition, and ‘84 was our best Olympics ever.”

6.1.2 U.S. FEDERATED TEAMS

In addition to being the Official Nutrition Consultation to the U.S. Ski Team for eight years,

Shaklee works with other U.S. Federate Teams and athletes.



26

During the past decade, here are examples of teams and individuals that have relied on

Shaklee nutrition to help them attain athletic excellence:

United States Biathlon Team

United States Women’s Volleyball Team

United States Luge Team

United States Yachting Team

Scott Johnson/ Gold Medal Gymnastics

Rick Schroeder/ Gold Medal Swimming

Shaklee nutritionists often work hand-in-hand with these elite athletes to help them achieve

their peak performance.

6.1.3 THE VOYAGER FLIGHT

ln nine days, three minutes, and 44 seconds, aviation history was made. Dick Rutan and

Jeana Yeager completed a remarkable 25,000 mile flight—circling the globe without landing or re-

fuelling. The Voyager crew chose Shaklee as their Official Nutrition Consultant. Shaklee products

gave the Voyager pilots the top-flight nutrition they needed to meet the physically demanding

challenge of circling the earth nonstop.

6.1.4 MT. EVEREST

Shaklee was chosen as Nutrition Consultant for four Mount Everest expeditions. Their

nutrition plans and products made it possible for a group of climbers to reach the top without the

usual devastating weight loss; one climber even gained weight? American climbers reached the

summit while maintaining their weight, strength, and energy, something never before achieved.

One climb included the first American to reach the top without the use of supplemental oxygen.

Harold Knutson, a member of the American Everest West Expedition, made these comments:

"Everest is the lodestone in high-altitude climbing, the ultimate height. When l knew l was going on

this expedition, l asked Shaklee about some nutrition problems. Shaklee was doing some analysis

on high-altitude weight loss, a serious problem for Everest expeditions? The advice given by

Shaklee obviously did the trick.

6.1.5 POLE TO POLE

Will Steger led the Steger International Polar Expedition into 55 days of temperatures at 60

degrees below zero. This extreme Arctic cold, coupled with unusual exertion places enormous

physical demands on the members of the Polar Expedition. That’s why Will Steger asked Shaklee to

be the Official Nutrition Consultant for the team. Together, Steger and Shaklee nutritionists

developed a diet beyond traditional explorer’s staples, including Vita-Lea Multivitamin and Multi-

mineral Supplement to provide a solid nutritional base. Shaklee products are created to meet

dietary challenges-both extraordinary and every day.



27

I call this pole to pole because besides being the first crossing of Antarctica (South Pole) by

dog sled, Steger also lead the first American team since Admiral Peary to reach the North Pole by

dog sled. This was unassisted, with no airdrops! In 1995, Will Steger led a 2,500 mile dog sled and

canoe expedition across the frozen Arctic from Russia to Canada via the North Pole. In addition to

relying on Shaklee products as part of their life-sustaining supplies, Shaklee provided nutritional

consultation and research to help the explorers create the perfect Arctic diet. This unusual

expedition was featured on the "Good Morning America" TV program.

6.1.6 TEAM SHAKLEE

This bicycle racing team has developed over the past few years into a formidable racing

powerhouse and one of the top men’s and women’s cycling teams in America. Among the 10 men

and five women, there are six current national champions, seven medalists in the 1993 National

Championships, seven 1993 World Championship qualifiers and one 1993 World Champion.

Consider these accomplishments:

500+ Race Victories

30+ National Championships

Two 1995 Pan Am Games Gold Medals

Tour DuPont Stage Winner

World Records ·

Four 1992 Olympic Team Members

The team credits hard training, determination, and Shaklee nutrition for giving them the

winning edge. They are an on-going, rolling sports laboratory for testing Shaklee sports, nutrition

products.

6.1.7 THE DAEDALUS PROJECT

This set the world record for human-powered flight. A man pushed bicycle-type pedals to

keep a propeller going and the plane aloft for 72· miles between the Greek Islands of Crete and

Santorini. This was truly an amazing feat of human endurance. The physical exertion was equal to

running three marathons back-to-back. The Daedalus Project was designed and run by United

Technologies Corp., Shaklee Corporation, NHT NASA, The Smithsonian Institution and several

agencies of the Greek government. Shaklee’s job was to produce a drink that could supply

replacement for loss of fluid, energy and electrolytes. Shaklee worked with selected world—class

athletes as they trained and developed the drink. The chosen pilot was carefully monitored during

the flight.

Here are the results: He drank nearly four quarts of Performance, his blood glucose was

constant, he never felt significant fatigue, his electrolytes remained in a normal range and his

weight loss was minimal showing he was well hydrated. The pilot’s only source of fluid, electrolytes

and energy replacement was Performance-by the Shaklee Corporation. A lot of companies make



28

claims, some hire sports figures to tout their products and some give free products to teams to get

their name on the water can. The Shaklee difference is that they prove their products work.

6.2 THE NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, PLANT

I mentioned earlier that many nutrition companies farm out their production to outside vitamin

and mineral factories. ln so doing they lose control of the day-to-day operations of manufacturing.

Shaklee does not do that by any stretch of the imagination. Shaklee owns and operates the largest

and most advanced nutritional supplement manufacturing facility in the world. The 300,000 square

foot Norman, Oklahoma, Plant is a model for the industry. The plant cost $45 million to develop

and build.

It takes over 145 employees, including skilled chemists, biologists, engineers and technicians,

to produce nutritional products that meet exacting Shaklee standards.

The company is committed to unique products in harmony with nature. They use no

artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners or flavours. This is important in our over chemicalized

society. They also conduct no animal testing.

Quality is most important when it comes to our health. As many as 63,000 laboratory tests

for quality are performed on Shaklee nutritional products and ingredients in a single year. Shaklee

has a unique, computerized quality control system. Over 260 separate quality tests are done on a

single Shaklee product. Even the raw materials are carefully tested. Over 175 tests are done on the

quality of some raw materials. As opposed to some companies who "farm out" their production to

another manufacturer, the Shaklee scientific team watches over the quality of every nutritional

product every day.

6.3 THE ENVIRONMENT

Shaklee is extremely committed to preserving our environment and has been recognized for

its effort. In 1990 Shaklee received Family Circle magazine’s award as one of the nation’s 10 most

environmentally conscious companies. I think it’s amazing that Shaklee was chosen as one of the 10

out of the tens of thousands of corporations in America.

Only seven corporations were named as Official Sponsors of the 20th Anniversary of Earth

Day in 1990. Shaklee was one of the seven to be selected.

Shaklee is involved in an on-going partnership with the Costeau Society to educate young

people about the environment. Shaklee Household Products are used on the Cousteau Society’s

environmental research ships, Calypso and Alcyon.

And finally, Shaklee’s Environmental Packaging Task Force continually reviews all new

packaging materials for environmental impact. Some companies talk about how they are helping

the environment, but the Shaklee Corporation has been recognized by independent outside

evaluators for its contributions to environmental concerns.



29

6.4 THE SHAKLEE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

September 24, 1981, was the unofficial start of the Shaklee Scientific Advisory Board. This

was an extremely important day in the history of Shaklee Corporation. They had just begun their

role as Official Nutrition Consultant to the United States Team. And on this day they inaugurated

their first scientific symposium, "Nutritional Determinants in Athletic Performance," a two-day

event co-sponsored with Stanford University Heart Disease Prevention Program and the American

College of Sports Medicine. It was a very productive two days, and the published book of

symposium proceedings has since become a reference source for medical journals such as The

Physician and Sports Medicine. The relationship developed between Shaklee Corporation and the

prominent scientists who attended the symposium became an on-going relationship. In 1982

several members of the group helped design and formulate Shaklee Slim Plan Drink Mix. Then in

1983, it was suggested that these scientific advisors who had been meeting with Shaklee on an

informal basis organize themselves into Shaklee’s Scientific Advisory Board. Since that time the

Board has met regularly to fulfil its objectives. In addition, each member continues to work with

Shaklee on an individual basis in his specific area of expertise. This nationally recognized group of

physicians and scientists provides unsurpassed expertise in nutrition, biochemistry, cardiovascular

health, biomechanics, and sports medicine.

A Scientific Advisory Board of this calibre and expertise is most unique among the food

supplement companies. These scientists do not merely offer their names, credentials, and pictures.

This is a hard-working group whose impressive knowledge and experience benefit you directly in

the form of peerless products and programs. Here is just a sampling of the members: Paul Saltman,

Ph.D., Professor of Biology, University of California, San Diego; William Haskell, Ph.D., Professor of

Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine; Myron Winick, M.D.,

Professor of Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Charles Dillman,

Ph.D., Deputy Executive Director of Programs, U.S. Olympic Committee; Peter Sacks, M.D., Director,

Bariatric Program of the Division of General Internal Medicine, Scripps Clinical Medical Group, Inc.;

Julian Spallholz,. Ph.D, Professor, Texas Tech University argl Texas Tech University Health Sciences

Center; James Whittam, Ph.D. Senior Vice-President, Science and Technology, Shaklee Corporation.

The other members are of equal scientific calibre to those listed here. This Board is a truly

remarkable assembly of nutritional knowledge.

6.5 CONCLUSIONS

I trust that by now that you have come to the same conclusions I reached when searching

for the best nutritional products company on the market. Shaklee is indisputably the most

outstanding company in the nutrition field in America today. Their research and consistent

publication are unparalleled in the industry.

I feel confident in recommending Shaklee to my patients and friends without any

reservations, and I hope from reading this book you feel the same way.


by bruce miller, d.d.s., c.n.s. - satu...

Documents