COPPELL, Texas, Dec 28, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Mannatech, Incorporated (MTEX) , has reformulated its most popular children's supplement, MannaBears, with natural sweeteners.

Along with the new sweeteners, the colorful, chewy supplements include the company's proprietary Ambrotose complex, antioxidant support and beneficial phytochemicals.

Mannatech replaced the product's refined sugar and corn syrup with evaporated cane juice and tapioca syrup. Evaporated cane juice is a preferable alternative to refined sugar because it does not undergo the same degree of processing. Evaporated cane juice crystals and tapioca syrup replace the sugar crystals previously used to coat MannaBears to prevent them from sticking to each other in the bottle.

The company also replaced the product's green tea powder with pomegranate powder, which delivers antioxidant support without the caffeine. MannaBears also include pectin, which research indicates may aid digestion.*

"Parents can feel great about giving their children a product that is packed with glyconutrients and a phyto-proprietary blend of 11 dried fruits and vegetable powders," said Linda Padilla, Mannatech's vice president of global marketing.
MannaBears were originally introduced in March 2004 and have continued to gain in popularity ever since.

Founded in 1993, Mannatech is a leading wellness company and a pioneer in the field of proprietary glyconutritional supplements and wellness products. The company announced a ground-breaking formulation in 1996 of a nutritional supplement comprised of a unique blend of plant-based saccharides, which are also known as glyconutrients ('glyco' is the Greek word for 'sweet').

Medical research acknowledges that certain sugars are needed at the cellular level for optimum cellular function.* Considering that most of these sugars are often lacking in modern diets, Mannatech sought new and better sources of the nutrients. The effort culminated in 1996 with the Ambrotose complex.

Ten years of research, including in vitro studies, animal studies, human case reports and human clinical studies, suggest that Ambrotose provides a wide range of support for immune system functions.* More than 20 patents worldwide -- including one from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office -- have been issued to Mannatech for technology related to the Ambrotose formulation.

Today Mannatech has more than two dozen glyconutritional products for adults and children that address health and nutrition, sports performance, weight management and skin care.

About Mannatech, Incorporated
Mannatech, Incorporated, is a global wellness solutions provider that develops innovative, high-quality, proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products, and weight management products that are sold through approximately 536,000 independent associates and members located in the United States and the international markets of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Denmark and Germany. For additional information about Mannatech, please visit http://www.mannatech.com . Media may contact Alan A. Van Zelfden at 972-471-7334 or by e-mail at [email protected] .

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.