Thorne Research Launches Thorne Bariatric, an Innovative Nutritional Product Line for Bariatric Surgery Patients

DOVER, Idaho, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thorne Research, Inc., a leading dietary supplement manufacturer specializing in providing science-based, pure, hypoallergenic nutritional supplements, announced today that it is launching a novel line of dietary supplements – Thorne Bariatric – for individuals who will undergo bariatric surgery, as well as for individuals who have had bariatric surgery and need nutritional support to help maintain weight loss and adequate hydration.  Thorne Research's unique, science-based formulas will be marketed both to physician groups and to hospitals specializing in the moderately-obese and severely-obese patient populations, many of whom need nutritional support both before and after bariatric surgery.

Thorne Bariatric is the first nutritional product line for bariatric patients formulated with natural sweeteners and flavorings – the entire line is aspartame-free and sucralose-free.  In addition, Thorne Bariatric is the first and only dietary supplement product line to include ImmunoLin®, which is exclusively licensed to Thorne Research from Proliant Health & Biologicals.  ImmunoLin® enhances gastrointestinal and immune health – an important consideration for patients recovering from bariatric surgery.

"Nutrient deficiencies – which are common after weight loss surgery – can lead to side effects such as hair loss, impaired immunity, anemia, delayed wound healing, and even neuropathy.  These complications can be minimized with vitamin and mineral supplementation in combination with nutritional laboratory analyses.  But supplementation should be in a form that enhances bioavailability and absorption.  Thorne Bariatric provides pure, highly absorbed nutrients and will be an important component in improving the quality of life of my bariatric patients," said Ninh T. Nguyen, MD, a well-known board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon and a recognized specialist in laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Paul Jacobson, CEO of Thorne Research, stated that, "Thorne Bariatric builds on Thorne Research's traditional approach – research-driven product development and extensive collaboration with the medical community – to respond to an important need of bariatric surgery patients by providing supportive products of unmatched purity and bioavailability.  Thorne will meet this demand through its own sales force, by seeking value-added partnerships, and through Health Elements – healthelements.com – the first online resource to offer comprehensive, online integrative care programs and services. Integrative care encompasses complete patient management through diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation, pharmaceutical products, and wellness counseling, an approach well-suited for pre- and post-surgery bariatric patients."

The initial Thorne Bariatric product line includes a powdered meal replacement formula, a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement, an electrolyte replacement formula, and several other supportive nutrient formulas that will assist bariatric surgery patients in achieving their new health goals.  ImmunoLin®, a proprietary ingredient, is a fast-acting immune system supplement.  Its immune-supporting proteins provide concentrated and consistent support for the immune system and the digestive tract.

"The market for supportive nutritional products in this category has the potential for tremendous growth because of a recent U.S. Food & Drug Administration decision that now allows less obese individuals to have adjustable gastric-banding surgery with Lap-Band® – increasing the potential U.S. patient population by 26 million people," said Alan Miller, ND, Thorne Research's Director of Medical Education and Research.  "Weight reduction surgery has a dramatic and prolonged effect on a patient's gastrointestinal system, so proper nutrition and hydration must be available to reflect the patient's new medical reality.  The superior taste, natural flavoring, and caffeine-free formulations of the Thorne Bariatric product line should readily win the approval of health-care providers and facilitate patient compliance."

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), about 15 million people in the United States are morbidly obese.  Only one percent of this clinically eligible population is being treated through bariatric surgery to lose weight and improve overall health.  Approximately 250,000 people are expected to undergo bariatric surgery in the United States in 2011.

THORNE BARIATRIC PRODUCT LINE

Thorne Research has an extensive history of collaborating with allopathic and naturopathic physicians, surgeons, pharmacologists, and nutritionists to develop and market proprietary hypoallergenic, patient-friendly nutritional formulas that exceed industry standards for purity.  The initial Thorne Bariatric product line includes a powdered meal replacement formula, a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement, and an electrolyte replacement formula.  The meal replacement powder provides essential vitamins and minerals, plus highly digestible whey protein and immunoglobulins to support gastrointestinal health and immune function.  Thorne Research anticipates extending the Thorne Bariatric product line in the near future.

Thorne Research also plans on complementing the Thorne Bariatric line by offering both practitioners and patients alike novel educational materials on patient compliance, exercise, and nutrition to help maximize the dietetic and weight maintenance benefits of the company's products.

ABOUT THORNE RESEARCH

Thorne Research is a closely-held, leading dietary supplement manufacturer specializing in providing science-based, pure, hypoallergenic formulas sold direct to licensed health-care practitioners and pharmacies.  Thorne Research manufactures over 280 formulas in vegetarian capsules, powders, and liquids, and has been an innovator in product development, manufacturing processes, and medical education since 1984. Additional information can be found at www.thorne.com.

Earlier this year, Thorne Research announced a collaboration and minority investment from Helsinn Healthcare, SA, of Lugano, Switzerland, to jointly commercialize nutritional supplement products that support the specific nutritional needs of cancer patients.

For more information on Thorne Research and Thorne Bariatric:

Thorne Research Customer Service: 800-228-1966
Thorne Research website: www.thorne.com

SOURCE Thorne Research