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.
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.