Brain Health and IP6

[Harry Hirsute]

Researchers pretty much agree now that metallic metals like iron, copper, lead, mercury, aluminum and manganese can accumulate in the adult brain over a period of many decades, overwhelm metal-controlling mechanisms there (binding by neuromelanin) which results in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.

Researchers concede there is no other effective treatment for these diseases and that metal chelators have been used successfully in animal and human experiments to reverse brain disease. [Ann N Y Academy Science 2004 Mar; 1012:326-41] However, the drug used in these studies produces troublesome side effects and had to be withdrawn from use. [Lancet Neurology 2004 Jul; 3(7):431-4]

So the race is on to develop a safe and effective metal chelator (binder) to prevent age-related brain disease. As researchers at Duke University recently said in a report aired at Science Daily (August 25, 2007)

...

The Duke University researchers claim that the combination of hydrogen peroxide and metallic metals in brain tissues can result in the formation of the hydroxyl radical, known as a “Fenton reaction,” first observed in 1894 by H.J.H. Fenton, which is destructive to brain tissues.

The Duke researchers claim they are “very excited” about new metal-chelating compounds they are testing. They may be “very excited” trying to invent something that will make them millions of dollars and great notoriety, but they are passing up an already available metal chelator that nature has already proven to be safe and effective – IP6 phytate from bran.

IP6 May Promote Brain Health