Update 8/30/19. A friend asked me about Isotonix supplements and wanted to know my thoughts about them. Isotonix is a product line of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) called OPCs that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, red wine, and other plants. OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. So, do you need OPC supplements? Are Isotonix supplements better than other supplements? Let's see what we can discover.
What Are OPCs
OPCs can act as antioxidants and studies show that they seem to have many healthy effects. For example, some OPCs seem to reduce inflammation and expand blood vessels in the body. Other OPCs might boost immunity.
But, OPCs are not my main focus for this review. Rather, it’s the claim that Isotonix supplements are more “bio-available” (in other words, better able to be used by the body) than other supplements.
According to the people I’ve run into who sell Isotonix supplements, the enhanced bioavailability is one of the main reasons for choosing Isotonix over other products.
But, does “absorbed faster or better” mean “superior”? In other words:
- Is a supplement better because the body absorbs it faster?
- Will a faster-absorbed supplement be better at preventing cancer, heart disease or other health problems?
- Will a faster or better absorbed antioxidant work better at neutralizing free radicals than an antioxidant that is absorbed a little slower?
So, is there any research? Let's look at that next.
Isotonix Supplement Research
There are some studies on these supplements. Here's a quick review.
One investigation involved 10 “borderline healthy” young and middle-aged men and women. The classification of borderline healthy seems to be tied to their elevated oxidative stress. All persons were given 400 mg of the OPC3 supplement mixed with water. At another time, the people were given a tablet form of the same compounds.
Results showed oxidative stress was reduced within 10 minutes of taking the OPC-3 supplement. This result did not occur when a tablet form of OPC bioflavonoids was taken. Researchers also noted free radical levels in the blood remailed lower up to 4 hours after taking the supplement. This did not happen when the tablet product was taken.
In another study involving 25 people, researchers noted the OPC-3 supplement improved blood vessel function after people ate a high-fat meal. Blood vessel function improved by about 10% with the OPC-3 supplement vs. about 3% for the placebo.
Our Supplement Works Faster
One study does appear to show greater absorption of the OPC-3 supplement. This makes some sense since a liquid product would be expected to be absorbed faster than a solid product.
But, does works faster mean it's better? Sometimes maybe. Other times maybe not. The OPC3 supplements studies so far, are short-lasting. It would take a much longer study – several years- to determine if factor acting supplements are superior.
Who Makes Isotonix Supplements?
The company is called NutraMexrix (NutraMextrix.com). This is a division of another company called Market America. The company address is 1302 Pleasant Ridge Road, Greensboro, NC 27409.
Contact NutraMextrix: Call (336) 389-6710.
Are Antioxidants Good For Us?
The big claim of OPCs and many other supplements today is their antioxidant effects. The claim that something is an antioxidant is a huge selling point to a lot of people as you may have noticed from all the products (and foods) that mention the word “antioxidant” on their packaging.
As an aside I often wonder why I don’t see “antioxidant” listed on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables (which are teeming with antioxidants). The food industry seems to be at least 20 years behind the supplement industry on this issue…Wake up food industry!!
Antioxidants are helpful to use. We even make our own antioxidant compounds like glutathione to deal with free radicals. The thing to know is sometimes too much of a good thing, can be bad. In the case of antioxidants, this is called pro-oxidation.
What Is Pro-Oxidation?
While antioxidants are obviously good for us, there is a darker side that is often not discussed. Any antioxidant can make free radicals (i.e. become “pro-oxidant”). A prooxidant is an antioxidant that has the ability to make free radicals. Any antioxidant has the capability to make free radicals under the wrong conditions.
Often antioxidants are marketed to people who exercise because exercise produces free radicals and the idea is that antioxidant supplements prevent free radical-induced cell damage. Maybe in some cases, they do but there is no proof that people who exercise regularly need more antioxidant supplements. This may be due to the fact that they tend to eat better and consume more fruits and vegetables.
Free Radicals: Always Bad?
Free radical production is tied to life on earth. None of us would be here without free radicals. Our immune system uses free radicals and they even seem to help cells communicate to each other. It's only when they get out of hand, do problems pop up.
Do Isotonix OPC Supplements Work?
Preliminary research appears to show the powdered OPC-3 supplement mixed in water is better absorbed than a tablet form of nutrients. The phytonutrients in Isotonix supplements may also help blood vessel function too. While this is intereseting remember there is more in foods than antioxidants. Food first. Supplements second.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments and for hosting the discussion. I found this link to what appears to be a peer-reviewed article on the comparative bio availability and antioxidant effectiveness of the Isotonix OPC-3 (I did not pull the study and review it; I apologize if it is not on point).
Cessarone, MR, et al. Accelerated Antioxidant Bioavailability of OPC-3 Bioflavonoids Administered as Isotonix Solution.
Phytother Res. 2009 June; 23 (6): 775-7.
Grover, thanks for that study. I did manage to locate it and will update my review to include it. It does indeed use the Isotonix solution. Off the top of my head as I glanced over the study, I noticed that 3 of the researchers did work for Nutrametrics the company that makes Isotonix. while that is not necessarily and issue, I also noticed the study did not mention any conflicts of interest, which is a common practice in peer reviewed studies. I want to look closer at the study and will update my review with this information. I also want to write a more involved review of this product in the future.
Hi Joe,
I’m a CPT (personal trainer) and have been in the fitness industry for just under ten years. A friend of mine recently introduced me to Isotonix and I have been taking the multi-V for three days now so I figured I’d give you my insight.
First off the companies claim that the product is more bioavailable is PROBABLY true. In general any powder/ (freshly mixed) liquid will be more bioavailable. This is because the body doesn’t need to go through a lengthy digestive process (which sometimes destroys/ discards nutrients) and liquids pass through cell membranes easily (which can be seen in things like vegi smoothies).
I say probably because, even in liquid form, if a nutrient has been overly processed the body will have a hard time digesting it. After a few hours in the digestive tract the body will recognize a processed nutrient as essentially garbage and toss it out.
As far as the speed goes there COULD be some validity to the claim that a faster absorbed nutrient is a better nutrient. This is because many nutrients are fragile substances impacted (degraded) by temperature extremes and contact with acidic/alkali substances, which are present in the body. Under this thought a nutrient which spends as little time in the digestive tract may be more “potent” or available. These points are something which Isotonix should open studies on themselves.
Those things having been said I’ll give my impression of the product. I ALWAYS ignore what a company says about their product when I make my first impression; often times products work, just not the way the company is marketing it. When the nerves in the tongue come in contact with a recognized substance the body’s systems start to “prep” for the digestion and utilization of said nutrient/substance (its like advanced wine tasting technique). This is what I base my first impressions on.
The one thing that I’ll give this company is that their products seem very “clean”, meaning they don’t have many binders, fillers, etc. This can be tasted right away as fillers and binders give a product a chunky sludge like consistency. The Isotonix taste like they have been filtered or distilled, evident from the pristine airy quality to the taste, which may or may not be good for the nutrients depending on the methods used. Upon consumption I felt a response from the nervous and cardiac systems as well as a “purging” feeling, something like the effect of taking a colon cleanser.
I had run out of multi-V’s so I decided to give the Isotonix a try. My nose had been running for two days before purchasing the Isotonix and the day after I got them I caught a cold. I did notice a difference in my energy during this time however. Usually when I get sick I’m totally out of commission, but on the Isotonix I was able to complete my workouts as usual, including jogging.
All this being said I don’t think that Isotonix is a life changing super vitamin. It’s a good product but it only utilizes a simple difference in utilization; the quality of Isotonix ingredients is basically the same as any other product. High end pills and other pure powder forms of nutrients have had the same effect for me as Isotonix, though those other products were more expensive.
Adam, thanks for the feedback and Im really glad Isotonix is helping you 🙂
I have taken opc3 for 5 years and haven’t had asthma since and don’t need an inhaler any more. Works for me that’s all I care about.
Barbara, that’s very good. Glad to hear it 🙂
I love your articles and have used your research to help me. I cannot take anti-inflamitories and was run over by car 5 years ago. I have an autoimmune disorder too. Have you heard of this reacting to medication? Also what is their claim on aloe seems kind of odd
Kerry, so sorry to hear about your car accident! I have not heard of Isotonix interacting with medications but I have not done a full review of it either yet. I think its best if you run the ingredients past a pharmacist. They would probably know best if there is any interactions. I have not heard about their aloe claim. what is it?
From my past experience with Market America, I can confirm (at least at the time) that Nutrametrix and Isotonix products were the same product. The only difference was in the packaging. Offering a line that looked different from what traditional Market America reps were selling gave greater legitimacy to the product, and made it easier for HPs to sell to their patients.
Buying a product from your doctor that you could also get from Aunt Hilly, who was a Market America sales rep, was a more difficult proposition for patients to buy into, so Market America customized the packaging to make it seem different. It’s not an uncommon marketing practice at all.
Sebastian, thanks for the feedback on this!
Someone gave me 3 Isotonix products as a gift. I’ve been a supplement/homeopathy/complementary medicine guy for a long time and decided to search the Web before taking them. This site was the first I ran across (after the Amazon sales links). The fact it’s distributed through a MLM system is disturbing. The fact that the Isotonix booster constantly skirted the issues and couldn’t cite anything definitive to Joe’s straight-out questions is disturbing.
Attempting to validate efficacy by saying that the distributors (aka sellers) are the ones who know best is disturbing. Before taking them I wanted to be sure they weren’t harmful. I doubt they are so I will take them, but at this point I’m certainly not convinced they’re worth the extra cost.
Paul, thanks. Im happy you were able to find me so easily!
John, why have you not provided the above requested information from Isotonix Executives?
It has been very interesting reading this. Some friends approached me recently and introduced the Isotonix line to me. Although, I am also not 100% convinced that it works better than the vitamins I buy from the store, but I thought I should still give it a try.
I have to agree with another post here that the Isotonix line seems to be all loaded with sugar. I am trying to use it to suppress my long time severe endometriosis. If this thing works, I will know. I guess I will find out in a couple-few months. I’d love to be able to get off pain killers.
On another note, the fact that they are trying to sell it through a MLM system worries me. It made me question if its a scam so they can make money or does it really work? Their vitamins are really expensive. MLM = product mark-up
Hope to read your new research soon!
SW thanks. What isotonix products are you taking?
Currently taking the OPC-3, Calcium Plus, Activated B Complex, Digestive Enzyme.
SW, thanks for the heads up. 🙂
I find this thread to be very interesting, especially since I have been badgered by a family member to become a Market America partner and to use their Isotonix products. I would like give an anecdote on the (in)effectiveness of the product, and perhaps the claims made by the people who purportedly use the Isotonix.
My cousin, RM, says that the OPC-3 is a wonder vitamin that can detoxify your body, reduce inflammation (which according to her, is the cause of every illness a person experiences), and repairs/alleviates joint issues such as arthritis. This same person has a arthritis in her thumb joint that prevents her from typing for long periods of time, lifting everyday objects etc.
She has been taking the OPC-3 (along with a litany of other Isotonix products) for about two years. The first month or so she claimed that her hand is magically healed. But after a period of calm, her pain returned, and despite the obvious fact that it is not working, despite she herself being a trained “master-coordinator” and knowledge of how the products ought to be taken.
I don’t want to be the one to tell her that her Isotonix aren’t working, but I won’t be taking them anytime soon. I would love to report to you about more (in)effectual stories of the wondrous effects of Isotonix, but I think that it would be outside the scope of this thread.
Also, the fact that there are hundreds of studies of the individual ingredients, and nothing on the actual blend ought be a blatant cry that their claims aren’t fully backed by dispassionate, scientifically valid clinical studies. However the average person couldn’t be bothered with checking the sources and claims, and won’t even notice that not a single “study” cited states “Isotonix(r)” in the title.
Having something like, if it were shown to legitimize Market America’s claims, would be big news to a company. But I think that the lack of an actual study speaks even louder at Market America’s fear that their claims are not truly scientifically valid and therefore ineffectual or at least, inferior to the claims they themselves make about their Isotonix products.
Thank you for hosting this thread, and I would love to read more from you, Joe, and read any articles you, or anyone else, may find about the Isotonix line of products. For me getting, to the truth of the matter is more important than listening to the endless misinformed people claiming some superior knowledge about a product because they were told so by an Isotonix representative.
L.R. thanks for writing, I do have it on my list to write a more in-depth review of Isotonix. I hope to get to it in the near future.
Looking for my latest posts as I hope people are watching and learning for new possibilities to consider… Anyways, in regards to peer review: Sure! Check out http://www.pubmed.gov and type in Isotonic OPC-3. The first one at the top talks about the incredibly superior bio availability. There’s probably lots of other stuff as well.
Thanks!
John, thanks. I found the study. Its below. Its actually not a study on Isotonix but another product of market America called NutraMetix. This is different than isotonix so this study does not prove that Isotonix works.
John can you go to your upline person and ask him/her for “published peer reviewed studies that specifically used Isotonix supplements” If they exist, Id like to see those.
http://www.createbalance.net/support/science/OPC-3%20Accelerated.pdf
Hello, this post has been the most interesting to me to read. I just want to contribute my 2 cents here since I saw the post. Just to clarify, nutrametrix is essentially the same product line as Isotonix (if you look at their website all products are labelled with Isotonix trademark), nutrametrix product line is geared towards health professionals who might have the need to mix the supplements to their own blend for their patients. Compared to Isotonix which is marketed toward general public.
Ling, thanks much I appreciate your impute – it’s much more than “2 cents” 🙂
In regards to posts bringing up the issue of absorption, isotonix, etc… Same pressure means our bodies literally do not “see” the solution when consumed. Joe is right about there being elements existing in our stomachs (acid, etc…). However, unlike food, the isotonix solution slips right into the small intestine, “unnoticed.”
When we eat, our bodies recognize the foreign substances entering our bodies and close of the valve that allows food to slip into the small intestines. Our bodies see the foreign substance (food) and start getting it ready for digestion by throwing acid, etc… Then, once broken down, the valve starts squirting food into the small intestine for absorption
To reiterate, “same pressure” means our bodies see the mixture as the same chemical make up as blood, sweat and tears. Going unrecognized through the stomach, the valve does not close off allowing the mixture to slip right into the small intestines. Many people claim to feel the absorption take place as the sensation of the carbonated solution is easily noticed. I for one, am one of them.
Like I said, Isotonix markets their superior delivery system that goes unmatched. One of our biggest retailers who lectures all around the world, she states at every single seminar that she could care less about promoting isotonix solely based on the fact because she sells it. When she prescribes something to her patients, she knows their bodies will absorb it. Her decision to promote isotonix was result-driven. She had unmatched results by far and now exclusively uses isotonix.
As for you question about a better vitamin. That’s an entirely different subject. It depends on what your goals are. What are your needs?
Additionally, we never really “sell” isotonix, per se. We share them and allow the consumer to decide for themselves. If you are looking for results, isotonix biggest player is OPC-3. They sell over $5 million a week. People are continously buying the product. That’s powerful. What’s also powerful are the amazing stories of the products effectiveness.
John I appreciate your insights as someone who is involved with Isotenix in some capacity. When you say “if you are looking for results” you didn’t actually say what Isotonix is supposed to do for people. Can you give me a short list of things Isotonix is supposed to do for people and any research conducted on Isotonix itself (not the ingredients, Isotonix). I will be writing an in-depth review of Isotonix sometime in 2013, looking at the research on the product and the claims.
To answer that question, I would research how vitamins, minerals and other nutrients affect our health, and why it may be a good idea to introduce them in the form as supplements into our bodies. Each individual has unique needs. The results desired are unique as well. If, for example, someone makes the decision that they need an iron supplement, as they recently learned of a deficiency in their body, Isotonix is promising a superior delivery system – not a better iron supplement. To put it simply, if someone needs iron, Isotonix is “supposed” to deliver 95% of its contents versus the 20-30% you get from most other forms of supplements (pills, tablets, gels, and other non-isotonic powder forms).
As for the research, please email me as I will work on finding the scientific research you are looking for.
John, thanks, although Id assume that nutrients from food would be better utilized than those from a supplement (better absorption might not equal more health benefits). If I run into issues with research Ill try to contact you. Ill assume a good amount of the research is on the products website.
Joe, I absolutely agree with you – absorbing all the essential nutrients we need from the foods we eat would be ideal. Unfortunately though, most of the foods we eat are processed and robbed of the nutrients that would otherwise be more than sufficient for us. Ideally we would be picking food right off the land when grown in its natural and organic state. However, like I said, most of us are eating foods that are not providing us with everything we need to achieve optimum health, and therefore, leaving us nutrient deficient in one way or another.
I tell all my clients to get their blood work done and let the data speak for itself.
As for your question regarding if faster is actually better – I would say this: On average, pills, gels, tablets, etc… sit in our stomachs for no less than 40 minutes before they are actually broken down enough for the contents to be dispersed and absorbed. Long story short, sitting in our stomach for long periods of time decreases the value of the non-isotonic supplement as less and less of it becomes bio available.
The binders (glue) that hold the nutrients together in a pill require time to be broken down. Most of the supplement is actually pushed through the body before it’s even absorbed. This is where the individual loses most of the value out of the supplement.
Faster absorption is the byproduct of more bio availability. More bio availability equates to more value obtained by the individual than your average, non-isotonic supplement.
John appreciate the feedback. My only question with the “faster = better” assertion is Id like to see proof that nutrients that are absorbed faster yield greater / measurable results (better exercise ability, better cholesterol etc levels etc). At this point, Im not sure of what that answer is as far as isotonix is concerned.
Joe, sorry about the delay. Great question. The fact that all other non-isotonic supplements can (and do) sit in our stomachs for hours while being broken down, leads to a significantly devalued supplement. The binders (fancy name for glue) that hold all the nutrients together in the supplement take awhile for our stomachs to break down in order to be digested. At best, all other non-isotonic forms lead to only about 40% of the purchased nutrients being absorbed. That’s a top of the line supplement sold over counters.
With that said, the longer the nutrients go unabsorbed, the more the product is devalued and lost. The faster the products are absorbed, the more of the nutrients your body will actually absorb and utilize.
Again, this is a superior delivery system – not a better vitamin or mineral. To answer your question about greater/measurable results, I always have my students get their blood work done. It’s a fast and easy way to get reliable data on where their levels actually stand, and if there’s need to introduce a supplement where there is a low level of say, for example, Vitamin D.
I use Isotonix because I know their bodies will actually absorb the necessary amounts of Vitamin D, rather than throw away, on average, 60-70% of it.
And to try to further answer your question, do you know anyone who has tried the supplements? Have you yourself tried them? The cost for the multivitamin is less than a coffee a day. I would be more than happy to mail you samples with instructions on how to take them.
Let me know!
John, Interesting. I’d think that if it took a little longer for a nutrient to get into the body, that might lead to a longer supply time for the nutrient to work (somewhat akin to “timed release”). Do you have a study showing that non-isotonic supplements are only 40% absorbed? Also any published studies showing head to head comparisons to absorption of Isotonix supplements?
I have not tried Isotonix products. If you want to send me some samples I can try to work that into my review when I write it.
Joe, some nutrients are absorbed differently than others. The one’s that need to be absorbed quickly are delivered in Isotonix form. In other words, it’s either now or never – as the body will push the unabsorbed, particular nutrients out of the body. On the other hand, you have specific nutrients that are absorbed differently. For example, Omega III Fatty Fish Oil needs to be taken with a fatty meal. That’s a natural “time release.” They are fat soluble. Vitamin B Complex, and Vitamin D fall into the same category.
I can also get you in contact with one of our top Isotonix distributors. She trains and lectures to physicians and other medical professions all over the country on the effectiveness of the product – raising awareness on alternative treatment therapies that are far more helpful and effective than contemporary medicine.
Or you could take my word for it as I am being trained by her, and studying very closely.
Feel free to send me your email. This may be a better way to continue our conversation.
Thanks John, when Im ready to review Isotonix Ill look at all of the information. Again, if you can find me published peer reviewed clinical studies on Isotonix, that would be great.
Joe, excellent point in regards to the studies being done on Nutrimetrix and not Isotonix (I also noticed someone else directed you to the same website). I’m glad you brought it up because sometimes people confuse the two products.
Here’s the explanation: when Isotonix was first being distributed by medical professionals such as Doctors, Nutritionists, etc… they were very upset about the fact that they (Medical Professionals) were selling the same product that their hairstylist, neighbor, or close relative/friend were selling themselves right down the road.
They didn’t want to be associated with them. To give what they were selling a distinct presence in the medical world, they manufactured the same products for medical professionals but changed the labels.
That new label is called, “Nutrimetrix.” Long story short, Nutrimetrix is the same exact thing as Isotonix, but with a different label. Any scientific studies you find will most likely use the Nutrimetrix name (i.e. Nutrimetrix OPC-3). There is NO DIFFERENCE between the two.
With that said, that is your peer review you’ve been requesting. Also, although not peer review, Nutrimetrix.com is specifically designed for physicians, and other medical professionals to do their “professional” research. You may find that helpful.
Let me know if you have anymore questions!
John, hmmmm. honestly, Im not buying that unless you can show me an internal document, that’s – on Isotonix stationary – and contains the names of Isotonix executives that proves what you are saying.
I would also like to add: as for the greater/measurable results – we ONLY use word-of-mouth marketing. The products are powered by the people who distribute them. We basically tell people, “Listen, I had the same problems, I used this and I got incredible, unmatched results when compared to anything else. Tries these samples and see for yourself.”
You won’t see banners / TV commercials, etc… or any kind of mass marketing tactics to sell our products other than word-of-mouth. I can guarantee that most distributors have a success story of their own on how much these products helped them, and want to share what they have.
To put it simply, the greater/measurable results are being lived by the people who are distributing them.
John, what you say is true. I dont see TV ads for Isotonix but rather word-of-mouth advertising. That said, I need to see the research because of all the talk about how isotonix is more bioavalable and better, since that is a huge selling point of the product. People use it because they are told its more bioavailable, and hence better. As such, when I review Isotonix that will be my litmus test.
Isotonix is not claiming to have better vitamins or supplements. They ARE claiming to have a superior delivery system (right under having an IV at the hospital). How FAST something is not what Isotonix is using to power their marketing. It’s that their supplements are ACTUALLY absorbed (apprx. 95%).
No other method comes close to being as consistent as theirs (other than an IV, as mentioned above). The real question is, do you want to absorb everything your paying for, or throw out 60-70% of your money with a pill, gel tablet, capsule, other forms of non-isotonic powder?
You don’t have to take my word for it. Look at the color of your urine when you’re on a inferior delivery system. Until I started on Isotonix, every other form of vitamins/minerals/supplements I had taken, made my urine extremely vibrant in color. No noticeable change in color since.
John, but does being absorbed better mean they are better -and by better I mean improved immunity, improved exercise capacity etc? Im not sure if there are studies on this or not.
The yellow urine color is due to riboflavin if I remember correct.
A number of years ago, I did a bunch of research into the efficacy of Isotonix supplements for people who have had bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. My conclusion: expensive, sugar-laden crap. Their “scientist” — he has a Ph.D. in BUSINESS — argued with me but didn’t know what he was talking about when it came to the absolute basics of the RNY surgery, a surgery that has been around for 30 years and which has been commonly performed for 15 years. Given that he was so ignorant about the issues after this surgery — and presumably, he had time to do some research before replying to me, if he chose to, because we were not speaking face-to-face — I find his information overall to be entirely suspect.
The first half of my review is here: http://opabinia.livejournal.com/1516.html
My follow-up about 15 months later is here:
http://opabinia.livejournal.com/3421.html
JuliaZ, interesting stuff thanks for passing it along.
This whole conversation interests me because Isotonix is not the only company doing this. Companies like DoTerra who claims to have “Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils” Just because it’s in their Trademark, does not mean that their practices and distillation as well their supplies are creating products that are of “Therapeutic Quality” which literally have NO STANDARDS what so ever!
It’s like putting the word natural on a bottle and what the requirements are to allow for that. We as consumers are getting the wool pulled over our eyes constantly just because we are so gullible and believe what ever we read. Buyer beware!
I stumbled across this blog because I was watching a teenager’s review on Centrum and One a Day chewable vitamins. Most people don’t even know that their vitamins are being irradiated! At least the majority of them which means people are spending 100’s of dollars a month on products that just do not work !
Pay attention to claims especially ones that MLM companies are making. Many of the distributors go to conventions with 1000’s of other distributors, for a weekend training and they come back fired up with all this knowledge but have no real concept of chemistry or what products really can do other than what they heard or were told by an Anthony Robbins type of speaker.
Hi there, I just went to pub med out of curiousity for this product and found this http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19172583
Thoughts?
Jeff, interesting study. Id be interested if they actually used isotonix supplements for this study. if they did thats good.
OPC -3 is a registered trademark for Isotonix brand, therefore, they MUST have used Isotonix for this particular study.
Great article!
Keep ’em coming 😀
Thanks Darren 🙂
I just wanted to say that I appreciate your article. I for one was doing some research myself lately and came across this product. I liked what they said about it but am always skeptical. I like that it is powder as I have heard some bad things about liquid mainly in what they use to preserve the product. I do appreciate what you asked and hope they some day have proof of it. Companies like Biometics talk about how great their product is and talk about how people in the industry are interested but have nothing to back up these claims.
John, thanks I’m glad I was of some help to you. If I come across any research on Isotonix I will update my review with it and keep you posted.
Hi Joe,
I’m stumped by the research and science question about the products…I go to the websites, click on a product, and there is a tab under every one of the nutritional supplements titled: “science”. Like this one: http://www.marketamerica.com/index.cfm?action=shopping.wpGoShopProducts&skuID=13009
So, what am I getting wrong?
BTW, I’ve been taking these types of nutritional supplements for 3 yrs now and with two specific formulas, the OPC3 and something called Joint Support, I have and can confirm significant relief from pain and allergies. But I’m more interested in your overview of the “science” tab under the products.
Thanks
Mike
Mike, its very common for supplement companies to list research on the ingredients of a product as “proof” that the product they are selling works. But studies of individual ingredients doesnt mean a supplement with a “proprietary blend” would work the same. Notice that not one of those studies they list on the site mentions “Isotonix” in the title.
As an aside, something that is usually a red flag for me is that supplement companies never specifically link to these studies. It would be so easy to do – I do it all the time! Instead they make you and me go to the trouble of copying the title and searching for the study.
If you have been feeling good with the products I’m glad. While I’m not sure, I have a feeling that the Joint Support formula contains “glucosamine HCL” instead of the more highly researched glucosamine sulfate. Most joint products do but for the life of me I dont know why they do this. Even so,if you are feeling better with the the products, then that is really what is most important for me.
Dear Joe,
I’m sure you stumbled across the following link:
http://ang.sagepub.com/content/59/4/408.abstract
I just wanted to know your thoughts. I enjoy reading your thoughtful responses!
🙂
Brian
Brian its an interesting study. I could only read the summary but it did appear to show the OPC3 product improved various health parameters more than a placebo. I’d be interesting in reading the whole story to learn more about it and the subjects. I’d be even more interested in knowing how OPC3 supplements stacked up against eating a salad or a fruit/veggie smoothie.
happened to see your post while looking for recent articles on kids vitamins.
looks like your 2010 comments need updating.
Especially:
Questions to Ask Isotonx distributors
Are there any published, peer reviewed studies on Isotonix supplements?
If yes, do those studies show it is more bio-available than other supplements?
Ask to see those studies. Abstracts (summaries of studies) do not count because abstracts are not peer reviewed. Also, studied “presented” at medical/science conventions do not count either.
you must be great searching Pub Med by now. let me know if you update your blog.
Hi Daniel, yes I do update my reviews as I become aware of more information. For example, in my review of the weight loss supplement Phentraburn I did a few months ago, I just updated it after the FDA discovered that the product contained a weight loss drug.
About Isotonix supplements I went to their website today and checked them out for you. I saw no mention of any published peer reviewed research on Isotoxnix supplements. In fact I saw no mention of any research at all. If there was research on Isotonix supplements they would be listing it on the website. They have a search box on their website. when I searched for for words “research”, “study” “studies” and “clinical study”, nothing showed up. If Isotonix supplements really are “the worlds most advanced nutraceuticals” as is displayed at the top of their website, how come they don’t have anything to back up that claim? I also checked Pub Med and didnt find anything there either.
I hope that helps Daniel!
My issues with the claims by Isotonix are, on the label it says that it is “isotonic only if the specified amounts of water and powder are used.” So how accurate do you have to be measuring? It also says to take on an empty stomach, which makes sense so you don’t throw off the mixture. However, I always understood that fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, and K?) needed to be taken with food. What are your thoughts?
Brendan yes its best to take fat soluble vitamins with food because food usually has some fat which helps you absorb the vitamins. What you say about Isotonix only being isotonic in a specific amount of water is very interesting and I was not aware of this. So if I understand this Isotonix is only isotonic in the solution and not in the body. The stomach has liquid also (HCL etc) and this Id guess might throw off the isotonic solution as well.