Advances

Taking a broad historical perspective, ten major advances/concepts in the field of nutrition made over approximately the last two hundred years are briefly described. They include: the concept that foodstuffs supply energy and heat for the body; carbohydrates, fats and proteins are the major constituents of foodstuffs; certain amino acids are essential in the diet for growth and health; the concept of vitamins; the discovery of fat-soluble vitamins; a treatment for pernicious anemia led to the discovery of vitamin B12; the dietary importance of minerals, as exemplified by the prevention of goiter by iodized salt; the discovery of insulin; understanding the role of cholesterol and fats in coronary heart disease; and the development of public health measures to secure the safety of foods and water. These and many other advances have powered nutrition into becoming a science that has contributed immeasurably to the health and welfare of billions of people around the globe.

Mannatech was founded in November 1993 by current CEO and Chairman Sam Caster. During its first two years, the company focused on products that contained aloe vera extract. Mannatech announced its flagship product, Ambrotose, 1996 based on the discovery that the body’s immune system needs eight plant-based sugars – also known as glyconutrients – to function properly.