FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FontUp® is a food supplement that contains epigalocatequin-3-galato (EGCG), a component that can be found in green tree extract and has been proven to improve the cognitive capacity in people with Down Syndrome. At the moment it has two formats sachet or capsules.

EGCG is a natural flavanol present in green tea that has antioxidant proprieties and it was shown to inhibit the protein DYRK1A, overexpressed in people with down syndrome.

In 2013 a pilot study took place on 30 participants with down syndrome between the ages 14 to 29 where the security and tolerance of the continuate EGCG administration for three months. Later, in 2015 a clinical trial was done on young adults (16 to 34 years old) with down syndrome (TESDAD study) and it was proven that the EGCG combined with a program of cognitive stimulation implied, compared to only cognitive stimulation, significant improvement on several areas of the memory, autonomy and in the daily competences of the participants.

At the moment, the clinical multicentric paediatric trial PERSEUS is finalised. This study aims   to   evaluate   the   security   and   efficacy   of   FontUp®   in   the improvement of the cognition and the functionality in the paediatric population with Down syndrome and X-Frail. This clinical trial will allow to corroborate the previous results in the study TESDAD, with the advantage that represents initiating the treatment at an earlier age where it is expected that the results can be more stable in time and therefore more significant. In a few months, the results will be available

Even though the actual mechanism is still unknown, the investigations point to the capability of EGCG to act as an inhibitor for the protein DYRK1A expressed by the gene Dyrk1A in the chromosome 21, found triplicated in Down syndrome. DYRK1A intervenes in multiple intercellular signalisation routes that contribute to a normal function of the brain development and the activity of the neurons of the adult brain. The problem comes when this protein is overexpressed, which is the case for down syndrome, then its exaggerated effect can alter the normal function of the brain activity and contribute to the increase of the neurodegenerative process that happen with aging, both normal and pathological.

The studies available up to date have been done on young adults from 16 to 34 years old. However, the preliminary results from the PERSEUS study  show  that  continued  administration  of  FontUp®  is  safe  in  the paediatric population since no difference of adverse effects were shown in the group that took FontUp® in front of those who took the placebo. Anyhow, while the results of the efficacy in children are not published it is not possible to recommend its use in a generalised way to kids younger than 16 years old.

The clinical trials that took place (both on young adult population: TESDAD, and paediatric population: PERSEUS) were done with a dosage of 10 mg of EGCG / Kg / day for each patient. Consult the maximum recommended dose on the respective package.

Yes. Even though we recommend separating the dosage in more than one take per day to keep the levels of EGCG in blood more constant as long as it’s taken every day.

According to the TESDAD study, the EGCG effects can be seen from the first month of treatment as long as its complemented with cognitive stimulation, so patience and being rigorous for at least a month are fundamental for the treatment.

FontUp® does not provide a permanent cognitive improvement, but the effects can be shown while the treatment is being done. Actually, tests show that the longer you keep the treatment the better the consolidation of its positive effects on the cognitive capacity.

The continued use of FontUp® has been clinically qualified as safe (results of the PERSEUS study) although a proper monitoring by a specialist doctor it’s recommended during its use.

Despite the fact that EGCG is found naturally in green tea, its purity is extremely low, therefore the amount of tea that should be taken for getting the desired effects would be tremendous.

FontUp®  contains  a  green  tree  extract  that  is  highly  concentrated  in EGCG therefore it allows us to reach the necessary dose for its beneficial effects.

Two forms of this treatment have been released so that everyone can decide according to their individual taste or necessity which one to pick.

Sachets: If an additional nutritional value is needed. With a vitamin supplement, high in fibre contributing to the regulation of intestinal transit and high amount of milk protein that contribute to maintaining muscular mass. Delicious taste to enjoy as breakfast or desert at night. Adapted for patients that have difficulties to swallow capsules.

Capsules: For a quick and easy take. Useful for those that do not require an additional nutritional value since it has only 0,26 kcal per capsule. It is also easier to take to school or work. It does not have a specific flavour.

Nutrition is fundamental for having a healthy lifestyle. The nutritional treatment does not only aim for cognitive improvement, but also to better the general condition by adding high quality nutrients. Furthermore, it has been adapted taking into account common problems of people with Down Syndrome: it’s gluten free, lactose free, without caffeine and high amount of fibre to reduce constipation. It has also been proven that EGCG when taken with a nutritional support it improves the bioavailability.

The answer is yes. There is not any interaction of food with EGCG so it’s alright to open the capsule and take its content mixed with yogurt, in a shake or whichever food of your choice. It should be taken into account that green tea is very sour so the contents of the capsule will be sour too.

According  to  the  study  TESDAD,  the  intake  of  FontUp®  gives  its  best results when combined with daily cognitive stimulation exercises. Therefore, exists a synergic effect with the cognitive stimulation and the EGCG taken.