Amway scientists co-author a narrative review on the interplay of nutrition, phytonutrien...

ADA, Mich., January 31, 2025 - What's the measure of a life well lived? Scientific research has shifted from measuring lifespan, the number of years lived, to healthspan, the number of years a person is able to enjoy a healthy, active, and independent life. A new narrative paper co-authored by scientists from Amway, an entrepreneur-led health and wellbeing company, is among the first cumulative reviews exploring the role phytonutrients and nutrition play in promoting healthspan.

Entitled Phytonutrients in the promotion of healthspan: a new perspective, the scientific review was recently published in Frontiers in Nutrition, an international peer-reviewed research journal whose mission is to make science open and, in turn, foster collaboration and innovation between scientists, to ultimately deliver solutions that enable healthier lives on a healthier planet. The paper was funded by Amway and co-authored by Nikky Contractor, Ph.D.; Jina Hong, Ph.D.; Chun (Charles) Hu, Ph.D.; Marissa Kuehn, M.S., R.D.N.; Christopher Lenderink, M.S.; and Arun Rajgopal, Ph.D., scientists on the Amway Nutrition Research & Development team.

"Healthspan is a broad and complex area of science," says Kristi Pelc, Amway Chief Research & Development Officer. "There's so much misinformation out there. Our intent with this narrative review is to provide an accurate consensus of the most current scientific understanding of healthspan, while laying the foundation for driving future research on the intersection of healthspan and phytonutrients to promote healthy aging."

Years in Life or Life in Years?
The narrative review defines healthy aging as an extension of lifespan accompanied by a proportional increase in healthspan, which produces an older population that lives longer, in better health, and with compressed periods of morbidity. Scientists note that healthspan is not merely the absence of disease but also the preservation of intrinsic capacity - the composite of a person's physical, mental, and social capabilities - and vitality, one's engagement in life and resilience against the stress and challenges associated with aging.

"When it comes to analyzing longevity, healthspan is more important than lifespan," says Paul Seehra, Ph.D., Amway Vice President of Nutrition Research & Development. "While it's well known that nutrition can play a pivotal role in living longer, the impact of phytonutrients on healthspan is less understood. This scientific review shows the interconnectedness of plant-based nutrition and quality of life."

The study of the interplay between nutrition, phytonutrients, and healthspan has fueled Amway scientific discovery since 1934, with the birth of the Nutrilite™ brand. "Our research has shown that phytonutrients impact cellular processes," continues Seehra. "Plant-based nutrition can positively impact overall health and wellbeing. Phytonutrients unlock the potential to positively support healthy aging and vitality."

Healthspan also has a leg up on lifespan, as it doesn't take 100 years to study or see results. Unlike lifespan, healthspan can be evaluated throughout a person's life, with markers of success as individual as people themselves. Setting personal goals and monitoring incremental changes in physical, mental, and cognitive function; flexibility; endurance; and other markers of health are paramount to increasing healthspan - and especially motivating to conscientious consumers as they take more and more charge of their overall health and wellbeing.

"This narrative review offers new perspectives on healthspan," says Seehra. "Ultimately, our goal is to spark more scientific discovery to deepen our understanding of the role phytonutrients may play in healthspan."

Learn more on AmwayScience.com.

About Amway
Amway is an entrepreneur-led health and wellbeing company based in Ada, Michigan, U.S. It is committed to helping people live better, healthier lives across more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™, Artistry™ and XS™ sold exclusively by entrepreneurs who are known as Amway Business Owners. Amway is the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, according to the 2024 Direct Selling News Global 100 list. For company news, visit: https://www.amwayglobal.com/newsroom.

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