Nutrition Review is a free online resource devoted to the science of nutritional supplementation, with a special emphasis on applications for preventing disease, enhancing health and extending lifespan. Nutrition Review is produced by Jim English, a widely published nutritional-science author. Over the last 25 years Jim has written and edited thousands of articles covering health science, human physiology, nutrition, alternative medicine and life extension.
In 1990 Jim co-founded Smart Products, the San Francisco-based company credited with pioneering the nascent field of “functional beverages” with the introduction of a unique line of “Smart Drinks” (Orbit Juice, Ginkgo A-Go-Go, Quantum Punch) that combined traditional beverages with non-traditional ingredients (i.e., herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids) to enhance mental focus, boost energy and support overall health. Today’s current $9.7 billion energy drink market is a direct result of the early work pioneered by Jim and his partners at Smart Products.
On January 17, 1992, Jim sat down for a live, televised 60-minute interview on Nightline with guest host Barbara Walters, (full transcript here) to discuss the safety and efficacy of a wide range of vitamins, herbs, and cognitive-enhancing nutraceuticals. This was followed by appearances on CNN, NBC’s A Closer Look, Nightly News With Tom Brokaw, and numerous print interviews in Discover Magazine, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, The Morning Call, The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Time Magazine and more.
In 1993 the company name was changed from Smart Products to Smart Basics to reflect its growing role as a leading distributor of advanced nutraceuticals, supplements and herbs. Over the next several years Smart Basics continued to forge new ground as one of the first companies in the U.S. to introduce and distribute a number of advanced supplements — many previously only available in Europe – including Acetyl-L-carnitine, DHEA, melatonin and pregnenolone, to name just a few.
In addition to changing the name of the company Jim also launched his first monthly newsletter, IntelliScope, to cover breaking developments in nutritional science. Dedicated to consumer education, IntelliScope was unique in its commitment to forgoing hype while publishing fully-referenced articles, product reviews, and interviews with leading antiaging researchers, such as Durk Pearson, Sandy Shaw, Leo Galland, Garry Gordon and Ward Dean, MD.
In 1995 Jim launched one of the first internet-based nutritional web sites, smartbasics.com (click here for archived copy of this early web design) and recipient of numerous awards as a trusted destination for reliable information on nutritional supplements and alternative health issues. Over the next 2 years Jim wrote and edited the site by hand as it grew to encompass over 1,700 pages of product information, review articles and interviews. One of the outstanding features of the site was its extensive collection of nutritional glossaries that garnered numerous awards, including top honors from MSNBC in 1997 as the most trusted destination for reliable information on nutritional supplements and alternative health issues.
In 1997 Jim sold Smart Basics to devote his time to writing for leading alternative health publications, including Life Extension Magazine and Allergy Research Group/NutriCology. Shortly thereafter Jim accepted the position of Senior Editor of Vitamin Research News. Working closely with renowned antiaging pioneer, Ward Dean, MD, over the next six years Jim researched, wrote and edited hundreds of articles and columns on nutrition, anti-aging science and alternative medicine.
During this period Jim also collaborated with Hyla Cass, MD, co-authoring “A Users Guide to Ginkgo Biloba” and “A Users Guide to Vitamin C” (Basic Health Publications, 2002). Jim also edited Dr. Cass’s recent international bestseller, “Natural Highs: Supplements, Nutrition, and Mind-Body Techniques to Help You Feel Good All the Time” (Penguin Putnam, 2002).
In 2004 Jim formed a new research and development company, Tango Advanced Nutrition, with renowned herbalist and nutritional expert, John Steinke. John began his medical career as an acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in sports medicine, trauma care and performance enhancement for top athletes, working with players from the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. Tango Advanced Nutrition, was created specifically to research and evaluate a number of advanced “essence herb” formulas designed to strengthen the body and restore balance to offset physical declines commonly associated with aging.
Today, after ten years of intensive research and product evaluation, Tango is distributing an exclusive line of outstanding herbal formulas designed by leading anti-aging scientists and herbal researchers. Tango’s unique formulas are modern, updated versions of traditional “essence tonics,” long revered for their abilities to enhance energy, promote vitality and restore health. The surprising power and efficacy of these formulas lies in the innovative approach of combing time-proven herbal formulations with modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing, testing and quality control standards to unleash the restorative powers of these legendary tonics.
Jim continues to publish Nutrition Review as a free online resource covering issues related to the therapeutic benefits of nutritional supplements and their potential role in preventing illness, enhancing health, improving quality of life and extending lifespan. In addition to its growing library of published articles, Nutrition Review also provides access to an interactive glossary of nutritional supplements, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and herbal formulas.
