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WHAT IS TARGETED NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION
Targeted Nutritional Intervention (TNI) is based solely on peer reviewed, published research. The rationale, that genes respond to natural substances, has been proven repeatedly. In fact, down regulation, or inhibition, of over expressed genes is the goal of most pharmaceutical trials. It is possible this goal can be accomplished safer, less expensively and with greater effectiveness through foods and the nutrients they contain.
Generally, pharmaceuticals only target one gene, neurotransmitter or pathway at a time. To date, no drug has been studied successfully in human beings, though several seemed promising in animal trials. However, a number of natural substances have been proven successful in combatting various aspects of Down syndrome. In order to effectively treat Down Syndrome many genes, neurotransmitters and proteins must be addressed. Down Syndrome is a multifaceted disorder involving numerous neurological, physical and metabolic disturbances. No single drug will ever be able to address all or even the majority of these issues. They are far too dissimilar and pharmaceuticals are limited in focus. This is one reason why a nutritional approach may be safer as well as effective.
Our genes were created to interact with proteins found in foods. Human cells rely upon nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and polyphenols to function properly. A good example is folate. Folic acid is inactive when first consumed. It is of no benefit to the human body whatsoever without vitamin B12. Human life cannot exist without folate. Even though bacteria in the gut can synthesis B12, it is not enough. We must obtain it from our diets. (Citation 1.)
“Gene expression is controlled by multiple molecular systems, which become more elaborate as one moves up the evolutionary chain. Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences, working either independently or in a concerted fashion. Further, chromatin remodeling can allow or prevent transcriptional apparatuses from navigating to their binding sites on DNA.” (Citation 2.)
All of this complex activity occurs twenty four hours a day in three trillion human cells without the necessity of a single solitary drug. Everything ultimately depends upon the nutrients found in food.
Several drug trials have recently failed to produce desirable results. Why is that? We believe the complexity of the neurobiochemistry of Down Syndrome greatly interferes with a single target drug. Altered biochemistry is like standing dominoes on their ends. You touch one and the rest topple. In a similar manner, the additional genes that are encoded to the Down Syndrome Critical Region of chromosome 21 effect genes and their enzymes and proteins all across the entire genome. Just as it is impossible to stand a domino on its end in the middle of a cascade and expect those still toppled over to suddenly right themselves, so is it highly unlikely a single target drug could ever right the multiple genes effecting the brain. Multiple drugs would have to be developed, as many as several dozen and the feasibility of such a therapy is remote. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to counter the numerous side effects that would likely occur.
The combination of foods or food supplements containing vitamins, amino acids, minerals and flavonoids, each selected to either target a specific gene or for its specific requirement to address the unique biochemistry of Down syndrome, may benefit the global health of persons with Down syndrome.
THE FDA PROHIBITS EVEN INDIVIDUALS FROM MAKING MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS. MENTION OF NUTRIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IS PROVIDED BASED ONLY ON THE ATTACHED RESEARCH TO EXPLAIN HOW THE HUMAN GENOME RESPONDS TO FOOD SUBSTANCES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL OR CURATIVE ADVICE.
Most citations used are taken from the NLM data base and are in the public domain.