This product combines Ginkgo biloba with the essential fatty acid DHA, bilberry
fruit and the carotenoid lutein to provide overall support for your neuro
health. It specifically targets mental acuity, vision and circulation.
Anyone concerned with mental acuity and vision as they age may consider
supplementing with AIM GinkgoSense™. This unique combination -- ginkgo biloba
with the essential fatty acid DHA, plus bilberry fruit extract, and the
carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, provides overall support for your neuro
health. Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids found in green leafy
vegetables, are essential for maintaining good eye health. And, like other
carotenoids, they provide antioxidant support. Meanwhile ginkgo increases blood
flow to the brain and supports circulation to the extremities.
The nervous system controls communication in the body. Its leader is the brain,
which allows us to think, decide, control our actions, and coordinate the
ability to move, touch, smell, hear, and see. As with any body system, good
nutrition plays an importantpart in seeing that the good health of the nervous
system is maintained. AIM GinkgoSense™ helps maintain your neuro health,
especially in regard to memory, concentration, and vision. When we think of
aging, we think of the obvious—wrinkles and achy joints, for example. We usually
don’t consider things such as worsening vision or memory loss until we are well
on our way to senior status. But we should. After all, the disorders that may go
along with the aging of the nervous system are some of the most frightening
problems we face—dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and macular degeneration, for
example. However, there is a way to fight this “neuro aging,” through the use of
dietary supplements.
DHA
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an essential fatty acid (EFA). EFAs are called
“essential” because very little can be synthesized by the body—we must obtain
them from our diet. DHA is one of the omega-3 fatty acids, whose perhaps
best-known source is fish oil. EFAs are necessary for good health, and DHA is
well-known as one of the keys to a healthy nervous system. DHA is the building
block of human brain tissue— 60 percent of the brain is fat, and DHA is the most
abundant fat in the brain, as well as in the retina of the eye. It plays a key
role in the structural development of retinal, neural, and synaptic membranes.
DHA is essential in communication between the brain and nervous system—it plays
a role in the cell membrane, where the electrical impulses that are the basis of
communication within the nervous system are generated. Without DHA and other
fatty acids, communication within this system can break down or become less
effective. The importance of DHA to the brain and nervous system is seen early
in our development. In the first few weeks of embryonic development, the
mother’s blood supplies the fetus with large amounts of DHA. In the last
trimester of a pregnancy, the DHA content of the brain’s cerebrum and
cerebellum—which contains centers for speech and abstract thought—increases
threefold. DHA supplementation may be especially important as we grow older. The
body’s ability to synthesize DHA, which is limited in all people, may decline
even further with age. This is compounded by the small amounts of DHA we get in
our diet, especially those who strive for a vegetarian diet—the richest sources
of DHA are red meats, animal organs, and eggs. Research indicates that low
levels of DHA may be involved in a number of health problems relating to the
nervous system.
Depression
Depression is on the rise in North America. This is often attributed to the ups
and downs of our lives and is often seen among the aging population. However,
recent research indicates that there may be a physiological aspect to depression
that relates to nutrition. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition presents research indicating that omega-3 fatty acids, specifically
DHA, may reduce the risk of depression. The authors associate the increase in
depression in North America in the past century with the decline in consumption
of DHA during the same period. To lend support to this idea, the authors also
note that there are lower rates of major depression in those societies that
consume large amounts of fish, a key dietary source of DHA.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
DHA is also being considered as a factor in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In
1997, a link between low levels of DHA and Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss
was the subject of a conference at the New York Hospital–Cornell Medical
Center’s Nutrition Information Center. Among the findings discussed at the
conference was that a low level of DHA is a significant risk factor for
dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The Japan Functional Food Research
Association has also investigated DHA and dementia. The association notes that
those with senile dementia achieved positive results when taking DHA: In 10 of
13 cerebral vascular dementia cases and five of five senile dementia cases, the
patients showed more than slight improvements in psychiatric symptoms such as
communications, will power, motivation, delirium, the tendency to wander,
emotional disorders, and mental depression.
Vision
DHA is also the major fat in retinal tissue. It plays a strong role in the
photoreceptor cells of the retina, suggesting an essential role for DHA in
vision. DHA deficiency in laboratory animals showed a marked decrease in proper
functioning of the visual cycle. In a recent study looking at fish oil, which
contains DHA, and macular degeneration, researchers found that more frequent
consumption of fish appeared to protect against late age-related macular
degeneration. Only a moderate intake of fish was necessary for the protective
effect.
Bilberry
In addition to DHA, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is good support for a healthy
nervous system. It is closely related to American blueberry, cranberry, and
huckleberry. It was bilberry jam that first spurred medical interest in this
fruit. During the Second World War, British and American fighter pilots hailed
bilberry jam as a secret weapon for improved night vision.Bilberry contains
bioflavonoids, which help remove harmful chemicals from the retina, and
phytochemicals, which help stabilize the capillary walls and maintain the
integrity of the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin Lutein and zeaxanthin,
carotenoids found in green, leafy vegetables, are also good for the eyes. Like
other carotenoids, they are antioxidants. What is unique about these two is that
they are the only carotenoids found in the eyes—in the macula (the part of the
retina responsible for detailed vision) and the lens. Current research is
investigating what function they may serve, and recent studies have found that
diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may play a role in reducing the risk of
age-related macular degeneration and cataracts—two problems that are usually a
result of the aging process.
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness
among the elderly in the United States and other developed countries. In AMD,
the retinal tissue breaks down. It is the retina that converts light into the
electrochemical energy needed to produce vision. Those with the greatest risk
for AMD tend to have a lower amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eyes than
those without AMD. In the mid-1990s, one large epidemiological study (a study
that looks at a population and charts its general risk) reported that increased
consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin reduces the risk of AMD.
A study published in November 2000 supports this. In this 140-day study, it was
shown that lutein supplementation increases macular pigment—this is important
because macular pigment may protect against AMD. This is further confirmed in a
report that notes in the abstract that “Some observational studies have shown
that generous intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin, particularly from certain
xanthophyll-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, and eggs, are associated with a
significant reduction in the risk for cataract (up to 20 percent) and for
age-related macular degeneration (up to 40 percent).”
Cataracts
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment in the United States and
other developed countries. In cataracts, the lens of the eye, which is normally
colorless and clear, grows cloudy. The lens is then unable to focus accurately
on the retina, which makes seeing more difficult. Interestingly, lutein and
zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids generally found in the lens. There have been
three epidemiological studies looking at the correlation between dietary lutein
and zeaxanthin and the risk of cataracts. These found a trend toward reduced
risk of cataracts and cataract surgery with increased intake of lutein and
zeaxanthin. How they work Although exactly how lutein and zeaxanthin function in
the eye is not fully understood, researchers propose that their health benefits
have to do with their antioxidant ability and their absorption of near-to-UV
blue light. They absorb near-to-UV blue light, potentially the most damaging
light that reaches the retina. As antioxidants, they inhibit the formation of
free radicals—this is important because the eye is rich in fatty acids that are
easily attacked and damaged by free radicals.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba is an herb with a 5,000-year history in Chinese medicine. Ginkgo
biloba extract (GBE) has been studied since the 1950s, and shows positive
results for what is known as “cerebral insufficiency, ” which is a collection of
symptoms that includes difficulties in concentration and memory,
absentmindedness, confusion, lack of energy, tiredness, decreased physical
performance, depressive mood, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus, and headache. The
German Commission E—a group of physicians, pharmacists, and toxicologists who
evaluate herbs for safety and efficacy—notes that GBE does lead to an
improvement in memory performance and learning capacity.
This is largely due to its effect on circulation. Ginkgo increases blood flow to
the extremities and the brain, so the brain gets more oxygen and glucose,
explaining why there is significant improvement in patients with some form of
dementia. GBE also has antioxidant properties that counteract free radicals,
also a cause of dementia. In fact, in October 1997, the prestigious Journal of
the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that GBE may be beneficial in
the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, it has received increased
attention. In 1998 and 1999, analyses of previous ginkgo studies noted that
ginkgo does positively affect cognitive functions to some degree. A more recent
study looked at ginkgo and dementia in a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-
controlled trial. The abstract notes that “In comparison to the baseline values,
the placebo group showed a statistically significant worsening in all domains of
assessment, while the group receiving GBE was considered slightly improved on
the cognitive assessment and the daily living and social behavior.” Ginkgo also
inhibits PAF (platelet-activating factor), which causes the platelet blood cells
to clump together. Recently, GBE is showing promise with intermittent
claudication, a cramp-like pain in the calf on walking, which usually disappears
on resting. It is caused by narrowed arteries in the legs, usually from plaque
buildup, that reduces the blood supply to the muscles. A metaanalysis shows that
GBE increases pain-free walking distance.
Who should use AIM GinkgoSense™?
Anyone concerned with mental acuity and vision as they age and with maintaining
their overall neurological health should consider using AIM GinkgoSense™.
Is there anyone who should not use AIM GinkgoSense™?
Pregnant and nursing women as well as children should not take AIM GinkgoSense™.
Consult a health practitioner if taking a blood thinner or undergoing surgery.
Can I take AIM GinkgoSense™ with other supplements or medications?
You may take AIM GinkgoSense™ with other products.
Are there any side effects?
Very seldom, cases of stomach or intestinal upset, headache, or allergic skin
reaction have been reported by some people taking gingko.
Benefits
• Helps maintain neuro health
• Helps maintain cardiovascular health
• Improves brain function, memory, concentration, and mental clarity
• Helps maintain healthy vision
• Improves blood flow to the extremities
Features
• Standardized extracts for consistent results
• Powerful antioxidants
• Synergistic effect—ingredients work together to improve each other
• 30-count capsules
AIM GinkgoSense™ combines ginkgo biloba, bilberry, lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA
in a synergistic product to maintain your neuro health. Each capsule contains:
• 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract standardized to contain 24 percent ginkgo
flavonglycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones—the same percentages used in
clinical trials.
• 40 mg of bilberry extract, derived from the fruit, standardized to contain 25
percent anthocyanosides
• 400 mcg of lutein, as marigold extract
• 18 mcg of zeaxanthin, as marigold extract
• 2.5 mg of DHA in 21 mg of fish oil
Take 1 capsule per day.
Close tightly after opening and store in a cool, dry, dark place (70-75 F;
20.1-23.8 C). Do not refrigerate.
Pregnant and nursing women and children should not take AIM GinkgoSense™. Those
taking anti-clotting medication, such as Warfarin, or using aspirin for this
purpose should consult a health practitioner.
My husband started taking one AIM GinkgoSense™ capsule a day for the effect that
ginkgo had on the memory. He stopped seeing “floaters and sparkies.” Last year
in November, he went to the eye doctor where he learned that the pressure was 23
in one eye and 24 in the other and his eyes were showing signs of macular
degeneration. He doubled his intake to two capsules a day. In three months, the
pressure had gone down a little. He upped his intake of AIM GinkgoSense™ to
three a day and when he went back in August of this year the pressure was down
to 18 in one eye and 19 in the other. Best of all, the doctor said that his eyes
were healthier than last year. -Ruth W.
I found myself losing weight on AIM GinkgoSense™. I have been taking it for
about six months and have been losing weight since the beginning. -Barbara S.
I have chronic fatigue syndrome, and AIM GinkgoSense™ has helped me so much.
-Janice C.
My neighbor is almost 90. She started on AIM GinkgoSense™ about three weeks
ago. She went to her eye doctor and her eyesight has improved so that she could
read four more lines on the eye chart than she had before. Her daughter said
that she is brighter and much sharper at the end of the day since she switched
to the AIM GinkgoSense™. -Jann A.