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Medical Nutrition USA, Inc.: Pro-Stat(R) Improves Muscle Anabolism in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

^{Published on 2009-10-13 06:38:49 - Market Wire}
 

ENGLEWOOD, NJ--(Marketwire - October 13, 2009) - Medical Nutrition USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ MDNU ]) announced the results of an independent randomized controlled, prospective study, conducted by a team of clinicians from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., and Fresenius Medical Care of North America, Waltham, MA, which demonstrated that chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients had statistically significant improvements in total amino acids concentrations when taking Pro-Stat®, a medical food providing 15 grams of concentrated protein per ounce. Patients were given Pro-Stat before and during hemodialysis and compared to a control group. This study was published in the September 2009 issue of "The Journal of Renal Nutrition," a publication of the National Kidney Foundation.

Dialysis patients are at high risk for protein malnutrition since they lose protein with each treatment, have greater protein needs, often develop anorexia, taste disorders, and have an aversion to meat. If they are not consuming adequate calories and protein, their body begins breaking down muscle (catabolism) for energy and protein needs. The use of a protein supplementation for this population can significantly reduce the risk of protein malnutrition and may help improve overall health. Since these patients are also fluid restricted, typical larger dose reconstituted protein supplements (6-8 oz) are not appropriate. Pro-Stat was chosen for this study due to its small, one-ounce dose, rapidly absorbable hydrolyzed form, clinical record, and pleasant taste. It is also low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, as required for renal patients. The study concluded that "oral protein supplementation with Pro-Stat alone improves whole-body and skeletal muscle protein anabolism in a dose-dependent manner in CHD patients." Further, the study recommended that this result should be taken into account during clinical decision-making.

This study is further proof that Pro-Stat is effective against the protein-wasting effects associated with chronic hemodialysis," Frank Newman, Medical Nutrition Chairman and CEO, said, "These compelling results will provide valuable insight to renal care clinicians in their continual efforts to guard against protein catabolism among CHD patients."

A copy of the study abstract is available at[ http://www.jrnjournal.org/article/S1051-2276(09)00041-7/abstract ].

About Medical Nutrition USA, Inc.

Medical Nutrition USA develops and distributes products for the nutritionally at risk who are under medical supervision. Its products are used primarily in long-term care facilities, hospitals, dialysis clinics and bariatric clinics. The Company's product lines include Pro-Stat®, Fiber-Stat® and UTI-Stat™, as well as private label products. Additional information is available at [ www.mdnu.com ].

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. Risks and uncertainties that could cause or contribute to such material difference include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in customer demand, changes in trends in the nursing home, renal care, health food and bariatric surgery markets, changes in competitive pricing for products, and the impact of our competitors' new product introductions. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements are subject to change and inherent risk and uncertainties. Other important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements is contained in the Medical Nutrition USA, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2009 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2009 filed on September 11, 2009.