Between us, we have over 70 years of combined experience as either inventors, entrepreneurs, corporate strategists, managers, and public health nutrition directors and have studied at some of our nation's finest institutions of higher learning including Stanford University, Case Western Reserve University, Baldwin Wallace, and the University of Virginia. We believe in a science-based world of unlimited possibilities. Those possibilities include cures and reductions in the incidents of diseases. We trust that peer-reviewed studies will forge the best way forward. We have been working on vitAAmins for POAA for over two years and are surrounded by physicians and nutritionists that we consult regularly.
Our mission is to disrupt the racial disparities of negative health outcomes that can be, based on scientific studies, mitigated with the consumption of dietary supplements including and especially multi-vitamins, vitamin D and pre-natal vitamins. Diseases and conditions such as prostate cancer, diabetes, cognitive decline and black infant and maternal mortality rates can be mitigated through dietary supplementation, per the National Institutes of Health.
A decline in cognitive functions that include memory loss, is a natural by-product of the aging process, which may lead to dementia. Unfortunately, black people are impacted more severely than others. “…older Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia…” Black Americans and Alzheimer’s Disease.
However, there’s no reason for 14 million Americans of African Ancestry, over the age of 50, to throw in the towel or wave the white flag. According to recent studies, there are proactive measures available to slow the decline in cognitive functions.
Some of the more serious, potentially deadly, health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency include:
• Heart disease
• Breast and colon cancer
• Diabetes.
• But, even before a vitamin D deficiency reaches such extreme levels, it may produce other significant physical problems.
• Vitamin D is essential for strong, healthy bones, a well-functioning brain, and even maintaining enough stamina to make it through the day doing normal activities. Fatigue, bone and muscle pain, weakness or muscle cramps may all be early signs of a deficiency.
In the realm of health and wellness, the importance of dietary supplements cannot be overstated, especially for People of African Ancestry (POAA). Letitia Nall, our VP of Nutrition, brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge of the health disparities that arise from nutritional deficiencies within the African American community. Having overseen the nutrition department of several neighborhood health centers serving primarily African American communities, Letitia Nall has witnessed the impact of these deficiencies on health outcomes.
One significant concern within the African American community is cognitive decline, particularly among elders. Recent studies, including one by Harvard University, have shed light on the potential benefits of daily multivitamin supplementation in mitigating cognitive decline. The findings suggest that supplements can offer a lifeline, potentially reversing age-related memory loss by up to three years. This revelation is nothing short of groundbreaking, offering hope to those grappling with the natural effects of aging, which can be more pronounced among black individuals.
Moreover, Letitia Nall highlights a compelling connection between vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer, a condition that disproportionately affects black men. Emerging research suggests that addressing this deficiency through dietary supplementation may hold the key to improving health outcomes for this particularly aggressive form of cancer. Beyond prostate cancer, the National Institutes of Health have published studies linking vitamin D deficiency to diabetes, other cancers, and all-cause mortality rates. It's evident that supplements play a pivotal role in addressing these pressing health concerns.
The significance of vitamin D cannot be overstated, especially within the African American community. Vitamin D deficiency is not only a risk factor for heart disease, breast and colon cancer, and diabetes, but it can also manifest in various physical symptoms, from fatigue to bone and muscle pain. Shockingly, African American adults have been identified as having the highest prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency, making this issue a critical concern for the community. Understanding the far-reaching impact of vitamin D deficiency is essential to appreciating the importance of supplements, which can serve as a crucial tool in enhancing overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, supplements are not just a choice but a necessity for People of African Ancestry. They hold the promise of mitigating cognitive decline, reducing the risk of aggressive diseases like prostate cancer, and addressing vitamin D deficiency, a pervasive concern within the community. As we delve deeper into the science-backed benefits of supplements, we unlock the potential to revolutionize health outcomes for POAA. It is a journey toward empowerment, resilience, and optimal well-being, and it all starts with recognizing the invaluable role of supplements in achieving these goals.