Comparison Study of Manapol and DaltonMax on Immune Function, Microbiome, and Related Variables in Men and Women

The present study will compare the effect of Manapol to DaltonMax on select measures of health. Currently, both ingredients are sold both as a stand-alone dietary supplement and as an active ingredient within various multi-nutrient products.

Immune function will be assessed using blood samples to determine white blood cell counts and distributions, and cytokine levels with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Additionally, effects specific to antioxidant function and glucose regulation, glucose, insulin, lipid peroxidation, and advanced oxidation protein products will be observed. Antioxidant capacity will also be measured. as well as completion of weekly questionnaires regarding gut health, and microbiome analysis.

Previous research has identified many beneficial properties of aloe vera extracts on health including the "induction of apoptosis, hepatoprotection, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory effects". Further, aloe vera may ameliorate digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, as indicated in a recent meta-analysis, although findings are somewhat inconsistent across studies and may be dependent on aloe form and dosage.

The present study will compare the effect of Manapol to DaltonMax on select measures of health. Currently, both ingredients are sold both as a stand-alone dietary supplement and as an active ingredient within various multi-nutrient products.

Immune function will be assessed using blood samples to determine white blood cell counts and distributions, and cytokine presence (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha) with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Additionally, aloe has been noted to have multiple effects specific to antioxidant function and glucose regulation, glucose, insulin, lipid peroxidation, and advanced oxidation protein products. An increase in blood antioxidant capacity was noted in an earlier study of Ambrotose, therefore antioxidant capacity will also be measured. As prior studies of aloe, coupled with anecdotal reports, provide evidence specific to a potential benefit to gut health, subjects will complete weekly questionnaires regarding gut health, and have a microbiome analysis performed.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* no consumption of alcohol-containing beverages within 48 hours of testing
* no consumption of caffeine-containing beverages within 48 hours of testing
* no strenuous exercise within 48 hours of testing
* be able to fast overnight (\>10 hrs)

Exclusion Criteria:

* self-reported active infection or illness of any kind
* diabetic
* diagnosed with an autoimmune disease including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Psoriasis
* diagnosed GI-related health problems
* using tobacco products
* allergic or hypersensitive to aloe vera
* if female, pregnant or lactating
* using antibiotics
* using a medication/dietary supplement that alters immune or digestive function or that might otherwise impact study outcomes including, but not limited to supplements with immune, immunity, or defense in their name, immunosuppressants including Cyclosporines (Neoral®, Gengraf®, Sandimmune®), Tacrolimus (Prograf®, FK506), Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®), Prednisone, Azathioprine (Imuran®), Sirolimus (Rapamune®), Daclizumab and Basiliximab (Zenapax® and Simulect®), OKT3® (monoclonal antibody), Anti-Fungal Medications (Mycelex Troche®, Nystatin® Swish and Swallow, and Diflucan®), Antiviral Medications: Zovirax® (acyclovir), Cytovene® (ganciclovir), and Valcyte® (valganciclovir), Diuretics: Lasix® (furosemide), Antibiotics: Bactrim® (septra), Anti-Ulcer Medications: Prilosec® (omeprazole), Prevacid® (lansoprazole), Zantac® (ranitidine), Axid® (nizatidine), Carafate®(sucralfate), Pepcid®