Technical Data
Description
Formulated by leading physicians in child neurological development,
Learner's Edge® provides a combination of ingredients designed to support neurological development and function in children.
† It includes the choline precursor DMAE to promote healthy cognitive function, acetyl L-carnitine to buffer oxidative stress, L-theanine to modulate neurotransmitter activity, and L-carnosine to promote healthy frontal lobe activity.
† American ginseng and ginkgo biloba extracts have been added for their proven efficacy.
†
Learner's Edge provides the following benefits:
- Helps maintain cellular energy and neurotransmitter function, which are important to cognitive function in children†
- Promotes healthy memory in children with ginseng and ginkgo biloba†
- Provides antioxidants to help fight free radicals†
Formulated by leading physicians, the Learner's Edge system of products were designed to be used together to address learning issues in children from different nutritional approaches.
† This natural support system gives children the edge they need in today's complex and often unhealthy environment, with support for natural detoxification, digestion, cognition, immune function, and growth.
†
Introduction
Today's children face more unprecedented challenges when it comes to learning—from the distractions of video games and television to the ubiquitous increase of chemicals in everything from the water bottles they drink out of to the lawns they play on. Experts estimate that between 5 to 10 percent of children have difficulty focusing and maintaining awareness of their environment in school.
1 Children who have these difficulties, especially early in school, are more prone to having trouble in school.
Research shows that nutritional supplements can have a positive impact on children's cognitive function, behavior, and development.
†
How Does It Work?
American Ginseng
Ginseng has been used around the world to enhance physical and mental well-being.
† Ginseng has adaptogenic qualities that help the body respond to stressful situations.
† The active components in ginseng are ginsenosides, which can target different tissues and produce a wide range of responses in the body.
†
Ginseng has been studied for its cognitive-supporting effects.
† Ginseng extracts have been shown to support memory and enhance learning in children.
† Ginsenocsides have been shown to increase efficiency of aerobic metabolism in the brain.
†1
One study gave 36 children between the ages of 3 and 17 years 200 mg of ginseng along with 50 mg of ginkgo biloba twice per day. In four weeks, 44 percent showed improvement in social interactions, 53 percent showed improvements in concentration, and 74 percent showed decreased impulsiveness.
† Most showed significant improvements in behavior.
†1
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant composed of many powerful compounds, including flavonoids, biflavonoides, and proanthocyanidins.† Ginkgo biloba has been well studied for its supportive effect on neurological processes and cerebral health in adults and children.† Flavonoid and ginkoloid components are involved in free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity, resulting in support of healthy cognitive function.†3,4
A placebo controlled, multi-dose, double blind, balanced, crossover study examined the effect of ginkgo on four cognitive measurements in healthy volunteers.† Speed of awareness, speed of memory, and quality of memory were assessed prior to dosing and at established times thereafter. Compared with placebo, ginkgo provided support of several cognitive measures.† The most striking of these was support of the "speed of awareness" score.5
Gingko, in combination with ginseng, has been shown to improve concentration and behavior while decreasing impulsiveness in certain children.†1
DMAE (Dimethylaminethanol)
DMAE may be a precursor to choline, which in turn is used to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The brain makes small amounts of DMAE on its own, and DMAE is found naturally in some food, including sardines and salmon.
In clinical studies, DMAE has been used with success in school aged children to support healthy focus, alertness, and promote relaxation without diminishing daytime alertness.†6,7,8
Coenzyme Q-10
CoQ10, also referred to as coenzyme Q 10 or ubiquinone, is a natural fat-soluble nutrient present in virtually all living cells in the body. CoQ10 has a crucial role as a cofactor in the mitochondrial synthesis of cellular energy, which is important for growing bodies and minds.†9,10 CoQ10 functions as a vital link in the process of converting nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel for cells. Cellular respiration and the electron transport chain are completely dependent on CoQ10.†11,12 CoQ10 also functions as a potent antioxidant.†10-14
L-Theanine
Green tea consumption has been associated with health benefits for many years.† Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been investigated for its ability to support relaxation.†
Although not fully understood, research suggests that L-theanine exerts its effects by increasing brain serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels, all important for children's brain function.†15 In a laboratory study, researchers found that L-theanine is able to cross the blood brain barrier to support the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.†16,17 L theanine use has also been associated with a change in brain wave pattern, helping support a wave pattern that is associated with restful, relaxed brain activity.†16
In a recent study, 50 female volunteers were divided into low stress and high stress groups. The brain activity of the volunteers was measured after the oral administration of 50-200 mg of L-theanine. Researchers specifically noted the activity of alpha-brain waves, which are associated with wakefulness and relaxation in each of the volunteers.† The researchers found that within 30 minutes of the L-theanine administration, a significantly greater amount of alpha brain waves were generated in the L-theanine groups.† This study's results showed that L-theanine supported relaxation by promoting the generation of alpha brain waves.†16
Although green tea contains caffeine, the L-theanine ingredient in Learner's Edge does not. L-theanine safely promotes relaxation without causing the daytime sedation and grogginess that is associated with other relaxing agents†16,18
Acetyl L-Carnitine
The biologically active amino acid acetyl-L-carnitine is involved in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the cell's mitochondria so they can produce energy.†19 The acetyl component in acetyl-L-carnitine is also used in the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.†20
In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, Dutch school-age boys were given carnitine. Study results showed a significant improvement in focus and behavior after 24 weeks of treatment.†21
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a type of phospholipid that is a major building block of all cells.22 Different types of phospholipids make up the outer cell membrane, which separates each cell's interior from the exterior membrane.
Phosphatidylserine is a key constituent of nerve cell synaptic membranes is involved in the production of neurotransmitters.†6 In studies, phosphatidylserine has been shown to support concentration and healthy brain function in children.†6 In one study, 75 percent of the children taking phosphatidylserine experienced an increased level of focus and awareness.†6 Phosphatidylserine also enhances the cognitive supporting effects of ginkgo biloba.†23
L-Carnosine
L-Carnosine is an internally produced dipeptide (protein) that is present in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and brain. While its role is not completely understood, it has antioxidant and neurotransmitter properties.†24,25 Research has suggested that L-carnosine may have a protective or activating role on the frontal lobe of children.†26 In addition, when L-carnosine was combined with α-tocopherol, carnosine levels in the body increased more than when supplementing with L-carnosine alone.†24
Researchers treated 31 children, ranging in age from 3 to 12 in an eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Children who received 800 mg of L-carnosine showed statistically significant improvement in behavior, socialization, and communication.†26
Vitamin E
A powerful free radical scavenger, vitamin E halts the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation in biological membranes.†27 Vitamin E may also play a number of roles associated with lipids in the nervous system, such as neural cell membranes.†28
Conclusion
Research shows that nutritional supplements can have a positive impact on cognitive function and development.† Learner's Edge includes ingredients that support healthy minds.†
Recommendations
Take 3 UltraCaps
™ daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. For best results, take in 2 or 3 divided doses. If desired, UltraCaps may be opened and contents mixed into cold food.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
How Is It Supplied?
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
References
- Lyon MR, Cline JC, Totosy de Zepetnek J, Shan JJ, Pang P, Benishin C. Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001 May;26(3):221-8.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke., ed. Ginseng. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare, Inc.; 2007: 384-392.
- Sierpina VS, Wollschlaeger B, Blumenthal M. Ginkgo biloba. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Sep 1;68(5):923-6.
- Watanabe CM, Wolffram S, Ader P, et al. The in vivo neuromodulatory effects of the herbal medicine ginkgo biloba. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001;98:6577-6580.
- Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers. Psychopharmacology. 2000;151:416-423.
- Kidd PM. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: rationale for its integrative management. Alt Med Rev. 2000;5:402-28.
- Coleman N, Dexheimer P, DiMascio A, Redman W, Finnerty R. Deanol in the treatment of hyperkinetic children. Psychosomatics. 1976;17(2):68-72.
- Lewis JA, Young R. Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1975;17:534-540.
- Mitchell P. The vital protonmotive of coenzyme Q. In: Folkers K, Littarru GP, Yamagami T. Eds. Biochemical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q. Vol 6. Amsterdam: Elsevier Press; 1991:3-10.
- Sinatra ST, DeMarco J. Free radicals, oxidative stress, oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the heart: antioxidants and other strategies to limit cardiovascular damage. Conn Med. 1995;59:579-588.
- Porth CM, Carroll EW. Mitochondria. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Lippincott; 1998:8-9.
- Guyton AC, Hall JE. Mitochondria. In: Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1996:16-17.
- Ravaglia G, Forti P, Maioli F, et al. Effect of micronutrients on natural killer cell immune function in healthy free-living subjects aged >/=90y. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000:71:590-598.
- Ibrahim WH, Bhagahav HN, Chopra RK, Chow CK. Dietary coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E alter the status of these compounds in rat tissues and mitochondria. J Nutr. 2000;130:2434-2438
- Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C. The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):21-30.
- Juneja L, Chu D, Okubo T, Nagato Y, Yokogoshi H. L-theanine: a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci Tech. 1999;10:199-204.
- Kakuda T, Matsuura T, Sagesaka Y, Kawasaki T. Product and method for inhibiting caffeine stimulation with theanine. United States Patent Number 5,501,866. March 26, 1996.
- Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M, Mochizuki M, Terahima T. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochemical Research. 1998;23: 667-73.
- Carnitine (L-carnitine). Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center. Available at http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm. Accessed on September 11, 2008.
- Fleming T., ed. Acetyl-L-Carnatine. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 9-11.
- Van Oudheusden LJ, Scholte HR. Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002 Jul;67(1):33-8.
- Fleming T., ed. Phosphatidylserine. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 354-356.
- Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Mauri PL, Scholey AB. Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2007 Jun;22(4):199-210.
- Gariballa SE, Sinclair AJ. Carnosine: physiological properties and therapeutic potential. Age Ageing. 2000 May;29(3):207-10.
- Trombley PQ, Horning MS, Blakemore LJ. Interactions between carnosine and zinc and copper: implications for neuromodulation and neuroprotection. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2000 Jul;65(7):807-16.
- Chez MG, Buchanan CP, Aimonovitch MC, Becker M, Schaefer K, Black C, Komen J. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-carnosine supplementation in children with autistic spectrum disorders. J Child Neurol. 2002 Nov;17(11):833-7.
- Wu JH, Ward NC, Indrawan AP, Almeida CA, Hodgson JM, Proudfoot JM, Puddey IB, Croft KD. Effects of alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherol supplementation on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Clin Chem. 2007;53:511-9.
- Fleming T., ed. Vitamin E. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 505-522.