WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Researchers at Interleukin Genetics, Inc. , today received the 12th John M. Kinney Award for Nutrition and Metabolism at the annual Congress of the European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, in Florence, Italy. The award was given for the paper, "Interleukin-1 genotype-selective inhibition of inflammatory mediators by a botanical: a nutrigenetics proof of concept," which was published in Nutrition: The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences (2007;23:844-852).

Kenneth Kornman, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Interleukin Genetics, and the first author on the publication, commented, "We are honored to receive the 12th John M. Kinney Award for Nutrition and Metabolism. Many botanical and nutritional supplements claim to provide countless health benefits without being subjected to rigorous clinical study. Our paper reports a well- controlled clinical study has shown the value of specific nutritional products is dependent on an individual's genetic make-up."

The study, a joint research effort by scientists at Interleukin Genetics and Nutrilite, a division of Alticor Inc., is one of the few controlled clinical trials that has shown the value of specific nutritional products is dependent on an individual's genetic make-up. The data showed that a proprietary botanical supplement (Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement) could lower inflammation in individuals who tested positive for pro-inflammatory IL- 1 gene variations from Interleukin Genetics' Heart Health Genetic Test. These individuals also had elevated levels of C-reactive protein.

About Interleukin Genetics' Heart Health Genetic Test

Interleukin Genetics' Heart Health Genetic Test was developed to identify healthy individuals who are genetically predisposed to over-produce inflammation and are at an increased risk for an early first heart attack. The Heart Health Genetic Test is marketed on a non-exclusive basis through Access Business Group International LLC, a division of Alticor Inc. Interleukin Genetics recently announced an agreement with Access Business Group International that will permit the expansion of Interleukin Genetics' distribution network for such genetic tests.

About Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement

Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement, a proprietary botanical supplement, was developed to reduce inflammation in those individuals who are genetic over-producers. The Nutrilite IL1 Heart Health Supplement is currently marketed by Quixtar, Inc., a division of Alticor Inc.

About Interleukin Genetics

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. , is a genetics-focused personalized health company that develops preventive consumer products and genetic tests for sale to the emerging personalized health market. Focused on the future of health and medicine, Interleukin Genetics uses its leading genetics research and scientific capabilities to develop and test innovative preventive and therapeutic products. Interleukin Genetics currently offers an array of Nutraceuticals and OTCeuticals(R), including Ginkoba(R), Ginsana(R) and Venastat(R) which are sold at the nation's largest food, drug and mass retailers, and has commercialized genetic tests for periodontal disease risk assessment, cardiovascular risk assessment, and general nutrition assessment. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA. For more information about Interleukin Genetics, its products and ongoing programs, please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com/.

source: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS101923+12-Sep-2008+PRN20080912