INTERHEALTH INTRODUCES UC-IIT UNDENATURED TYPE II COLLAGEN - Harvard Research Leads To Breakthrough In Arthritis Treatment

BENICIA, Calif., September 12, 2001 - Based on extensive clinical research conducted at Harvard Medical School, InterHealth Nutraceuticals announces the introduction of UC-IIT, the only undenatured type II collagen available in the marketplace as a powdered, shelf-stable nutritional ingredient. Often referred to in the scientific literature as "native" type II collagen, undenatured type II collagen (branded UC-II) works with the immune system to promote healthy joints, while improving joint mobility and flexibility.

Hailed as an arthritis breakthrough, UC-II has been scientifically proven to substantially improve immune-related arthritis symptoms, including morning stiffness, joint tenderness and joint swelling. In one study conducted at Harvard and published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal, Science, 28 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis taking undenatured type II collagen for three months showed substantial improvement, while four patients recovered completely. In total, there are six human clinical studies that support the efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of arthritis. Importantly, absolutely no side effects have been observed with any of the patients who participated in these studies.

The most crucial distinction about UC-II is its undenatured state. According to Dr. David E. Trentham, the lead Harvard researcher, "Type II collagen must be in its native (undenatured) form to be effective." While other type II collagen products have been on the market for some time, these products are typically subjected to harsh chemical or high-temperature processing that result in denatured or hydrolyzed type II collagen. Unlike UC-II (undenatured type II collagen), there has been no scientific evidence published in peer-reviewed scientific journals to substantiate the efficacy of denatured or hydrolyzed type II collagen in the treatment of arthritis. In fact, one study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, states that "denatured type II collagen has no observable effect on the incidence and severity of the disease (arthritis)."

"Today, nearly 43 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis and that number is expected to grow to 60 million by 2020," stated InterHealth President and CEO William Seroy. "Solid scientific research shows that UC-II can make a significant difference in the quality of life for many of those people, allowing them to be more active and independent because the painful symptoms of the disease are minimized or eliminated."

Dr. Trentham will be presenting his research on undenatured type II collagen at the EXPO EAST conference in Washington, D.C on October 12, 2001. His presentation will be held 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Room 13 at the Washington Convention Center. At that time, Dr. Trentham will discuss how and why undenatured type II collagen has demonstrated profound benefits in the treatment of immune-related arthritis. Attendees will also learn the difference between undenatured and denatured type II collagen, and come to understand why only undenatured type II collagen is effective in the treatment of arthritis. Dr. Trentham will also present information comparing undenatured type II collagen with MSM and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, other commonly available arthritis supplements.

Dr. Trentham's seminar is sponsored by InterHealth Nutraceuticals, maker of UC-IIT, the only source of undenatured type II collagen available as a powdered, shelf-stable nutritional ingredient. UC-II is protected by U.S. Patents 5,645,851, 5,637,321, 5,529,786, and 5,750,144 and worldwide patents pending.

InterHealth Nutraceuticals researches, develops, markets and distributes specialty nutritional ingredients, which are sold worldwide to manufacturers of dietary supplements and nutraceutical food and, beverage products. In addition to UC-IIT, InterHealth is the maker of CitriMaxT, Protykin®, L-OptiZinc and ChromeMate®. For more information about the company and its products, including a copy of the FASEB study abstract, call 1-800-783-4636 or 1-707-751-2800 (outside U.S.) or visit the website at www.InterHealthUSA.com.

Note: Statements made in this release have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research data is available upon request.