In 1962, 30 years after the discovery by du Vigneaud have pathologic consequences. One potentially sig- of a new sulfur amino acid, homocysteine; Carson and nificant health outcome of such mild to moderate Neil reported two siblings with mental retardation in hyperhomocysteinemia is an increased risk of occlu- northern Ireland with elevated urinary homocystine. sive vascular disease. Homocysteine concentrations in Nearly simultaneously, Gerritsen and Waisman patients with vascular disease were, on average, 31 % greater than in normal controls. Prospective assess- identified increased homocystine in the urine of a mentally retarded infant in Wisconsin. Within two ment of vascular disease risk among men with higher years, Harvey Mudd, James Finkelstein, and their homocysteine concentrations indicated that plasma coworkers at the National Institutes of health (USA) homocysteine at only 12% above the upper limit of that the enzyme cystathionine ~- normal levels was associated with a 3. 4-fold increase had reported synthase was lacking in a liver biopsy specimen from in risk of acute myocardial infarction. Studies from another patient with homocystinuria. This was the original Framingham Heart Study cohort (USA) the first indication of a vitamin relationship to have shown strong, positive correlation between homocystinuria, because that enzyme has as its co- plasma homocysteine concentration and degree of factor vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate). Thereafter, carotid stenosis.

In 1962, 30 years after the discovery by du Vigneaud have pathologic consequences. One potentially sig- of a new sulfur amino acid, homocysteine; Carson and nificant health outcome of such mild to moderate Neil reported two siblings with mental retardation in hyperhomocysteinemia is an increased risk of occlu- northern Ireland with elevated urinary homocystine. sive vascular disease. Homocysteine concentrations in Nearly simultaneously, Gerritsen and Waisman patients with vascular disease were, on average, 31 % greater than in normal controls. Prospective assess- identified increased homocystine in the urine of a mentally retarded infant in Wisconsin. Within two ment of vascular disease risk among men with higher years, Harvey Mudd, James Finkelstein, and their homocysteine concentrations indicated that plasma coworkers at the National Institutes of health (USA) homocysteine at only 12% above the upper limit of that the enzyme cystathionine ~- normal levels was associated with a 3. 4-fold increase had reported synthase was lacking in a liver biopsy specimen from in risk of acute myocardial infarction. Studies from another patient with homocystinuria. This was the original Framingham Heart Study cohort (USA) the first indication of a vitamin relationship to have shown strong, positive correlation between homocystinuria, because that enzyme has as its co- plasma homocysteine concentration and degree of factor vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate). Thereafter, carotid stenosis.

Exciting new evidence from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University has demonstrated that the body's decline is due not to the passing of years but to the combined effects of inactivity, poor nutrition, and illness -- much of which can be controlled. This breakthrough study shows that regardless of your age or present physical condition, the aging process can be slowed -- or even reversed!

The authors have identified ten "biomarkers," the key physiological factors associated with prolonged youth and vitality:

* lean body (muscle) mass
* strength
* basal metabolic rate
* body fat percentage
* aerobic capacity
* blood pressure
* Insulin sensitivity
* cholesterol/HDL ratio
* bone density
* body temperature regulation

With only 50 minutes a day of aerobic exercise and strength training (a pivotal component of the 16-week Bioaction Plan), even middle-aged "couch potatoes" and older adults can:

* regain muscle loss and increase strength by as much as 200 percent
* reenergize the body and actually lose body fat
* increase aerobic capacity by up to 20 percent
* reduce the chances of developing age-related conditions such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, and osteoporosis

Providing dietary guidelines, self-tests for evaluating your physiological age, and exercise programs for every level of fitness, Biomarkers will change forever the way you think -- and what you do -- about aging.