(Updated 7/17/20). Have you heard of the anti-aging supplement Protandim? Maybe you saw a YouTube video of when Protandim was featured on ABC's PrimeTime? Protandim called an “Nrf2 activator” has been said to be the “only supplement clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress in humans by an average of 40 percent in 30 days.” That’s fancy talk for Protandim is a type of antioxidant supplement. Unlike other products, Protandim is said to work by helping the body increase its own natural antioxidant enzymes. Sounds good, but does Protandim work, or is it a scam? These are some of the questions I will address in this review. The good news is there are clinical studies on Protandim. I will use that research in this review and help you understand it. By the end of this review, you'll have a better idea if Protandim is right for you.
Other Anti-Aging Supplement Reviews
What Is Protandim?
Protandim might sound like a drug but it's really a dietary supplement. It's said to combat free radical damage (oxidative stress) by stimulating the production of the body's own natural antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione.
The idea goes like this: instead of taking individual antioxidant supplements (like vitamins C, E, etc.) in the hopes they will battle free radicals and combat aging and disease, Protandim is supposed to augment or ramp up your own naturally occurring free radical defenses.
It's a novel concept to be sure.
The supplement website (LifeVantage.com) says the supplement is “clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress to levels of that of a 20-year-old.” Oxidative stress refers to the stress (cellular damage) caused by free radicals.
What Does The Name Mean?
My guess is the name was chosen because the ingredients are supposed to “pro-actively” work in “tandim” to help defend us against aging and disease.
Who Makes Protandim?
Protandim is a product of a company called LifeVantage Corporation. LifeVantage is actually a publicly traded stock on the NASDAQ. Its stock symbol is LFVN.
The company is located at 9785 S. Monroe Street, Suite 300 Sandy, UT 84070. If you google this address you will see a building with “LifeVantage” at the top. That is good. It tells us the company has a physical location.
Contact LifeVantage
Call the company at 866-460-7241.
The Better Business Bureau gave LifeVantage an A- rating when this review was updated. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Protandim Ingredients
According to the product's website, there are 5 ingredients in each caplet of Protandim which add up to 625 mg:
| Amount Per Serving (1 caplet) | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Calcium (as dicalcum phosphate & calcium carbonate) 77 mg | 8% DV |
| Proprietary Blend Consisting of the following | 675 mg |
| Milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum) seed. | |
| Bacopa extract (Bacopa monnieri) whole herb | |
| Ashwagandha extract (Withania somnifera) root | |
| Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) leaf | |
| Turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) rhizome |
Notice in the table above they tell us the source of each ingredient:
- The milk thistle extract is derived from the seeds of the plant
- The bacopa extract is derived from the whole plant
- The ashwagandha extract is derived from the root of the plant
- The green tea extract comes from the leaves of the plant
- The turmeric extract is derived from the underground stems (rhizome) of the plant
Other Ingredients
The supplement label also tells the supplement has these other ingredients:
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Croscarmellose Sodium Silica
- Modified Cellulose
- Stearic Acid
- Magnesium Stearate
- Maltodextrin
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
These other ingredients play no role in the effects or benefits of the product. They make up the caplets and/or help with the delivery of the ingredients into the body.
I want to commend the LifeVantage company for sponsoring much of the research below. It's rare to find a product with so many clinical studies.
Protandim Research
Protandim is different from a lot of supplements because there really is clinical research on this product. Below is a summary of the Protandim research with links to the studies for those who want to see them for themselves.
Because scientific studies can be wordy and complicated for most people, I will summarize the study and put the research in the proper context to make it easier to understand.
2016 Protandim Research
Study
The Effect of Protandim® Supplementation on Athletic Performance and Oxidative Blood Markers in Runners.
Study summary: In this investigation, researchers tested if taking Protandim (675 mg/day) for 90 days would improve 5K running performance and reduce TBARS. The study involved 38 runners who were randomly given either Protandim or a placebo.
Results: After 90 days, those taking Protandim (1x/day) showed no improvement in running performance compared to those taking the placebo. In addition, Protandim did not reduce TBARS or alter levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX) during resting periods. The researchers report however that in those over age 35, Protandim improved SOD twice as much as those taking the placebo.
See the full review of this study
Study
Longer lifespan in male mice treated with a weakly estrogenic agonist, an antioxidant, an α-glucosidase inhibitor or an Nrf2-inducer.
Study summary: Here, researchers sought to determine what effect various compounds had on extending the life of mice. Protandim was one of the compounds tested. The other compounds tested in the study were fish oil, ursodeoxycholic acid (a bile acid, used to dissolve gall stones), and the diabetes drug, metformin. Different mice received the different compounds for their entire lifespan.
Beginning at 10 months of age, mice received Protandim at a dosage of 600 parts per million (ppm) in their food. This amount was chosen because it was similar to the Protandim dosage used by people. When the mice were 17 months old, the dosage was increased to 1200 ppm because this was thought to be better.
Study results: researchers noted male mice getting Protandim had a 7% increase in average lifespan. The supplement did not lengthen the life span of female mice. The researchers also point out that while the average lifespan was increased, the maximum lifespan did not increase. Regardless, this was a mouse study.
2013 Protandim Research
Study
Study
Upregulation of phase II enzymes through phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress
Study results: Researchers noted that mouse heart cells treated with Protandim increased the production of an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory enzyme called Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) as well as Nrf2. This was a test-tube study using isolated mouse heart cells.
This investigation is derived from a Masters's Thesis in 2010. The title of the MS Thesis is “UPREGULATION OF HEME OXYGENASE-1 AND ACTIVATION OF NRF2 BY THE PHYTOCHEMICALS IN PROTANDIM .” It is not unusual for a quality MS thesis or other graduate work to go through the peer-review process and be published.
2012 Protandim Research
Study
Antioxidants for the Treatment of Patients with Severe Angioproliferative Pulmonary Hypertension? Published in the journal, Antioxidants in Redox Signaling.
Summary: This is a rat study. Protandim increased antioxidant enzymes in rats, protecting the hearts from damage.
Study
Phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects human coronary artery endothelial cells against an oxidative challenge published in the journal, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
Summary: This is a test tube study. Human coronary (heart) artery cells were treated with Protandim (20 micrograms per milliliter) or placebo (ethanol). All cells were then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce free radical damage. Cells treated with Protandim showed less cell death than those getting the placebo.
Study
Protandim does not influence alveolar epithelial permeability or intrapulmonary oxidative stress in human subjects with alcohol use disorders.
Summary: This investigation showed the supplement did not work. To be fair, this was a strange study. Researchers looked at 30 alcoholics . The researchers stuck tubes down the throats of the subjects to take fluid samples from their lungs. They randomly gave the people 1350 mg of Protandim per day or a placebo, for a week. They tested for various things to see if Protandim helped the people. It didn’t.
I don't know how relevant this study is to whether Protandim works or not. I mentioned it because it was a human study. For a much more in-depth review of this study—written by a doctor—see the review posted on ScienceBasedMedicine.org.
2011 Protandim Research
Study
Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation.
Summary: This is a test tube study. Essentially, Protandim altered cellular pathways involved in antioxidant enzyme production and colon cancer, cardiovascular disease (heart disease), and Alzheimer's disease. This is encouraging, but, humans are more complicated than isolated cells. This study doesn’t prove the supplement reduces the risk of any of these diseases.
Study
The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in skin cancer.
Summary: This is a mouse study. Here, researchers reported the supplement reduced tumor growth in mice. For the most part, this appears to be a review of previous research relating free radical damage to the development of skin cancer.
Study
Protandim attenuates intimal hyperplasia in human saphenous veins cultured ex vivo via a catalase-dependent pathway.
Summary. This is a test tube study. Basically, a blood vessel was bathed in Protandim. Researchers noted the supplement reduced the thickening of vein cells.
2010 Protandim Research
Study
The Dietary Supplement Protandim Decreases Plasma Osteopontin and Improves Markers of Oxidative Stress in Muscular Dystrophy Mdx Mice.
Summary. This is a mouse study. Mice were genetically created to have muscular dystrophy. They were given Protandim at a dosage similar to what is recommended for humans. After 6 months, the mice given Protandim showed a 46%reduction in the free radical breakdown of fat (TBARS). TBARS stand for ThiobarBituric Acid Reactive Substances.
The greater the TBAR level, the greater free radical damage. Thus, reducing TBARS is taken to be a good thing. This doesn't prove Protandim helps muscular dystrophy. People with muscular dystrophy should discuss this with their doctor for greater insights.
Study
The chemopreventive effects of Protandim: modulation of p53 mitochondrial translocation and apoptosis during skin carcinogenesis.
Summary: This is a mouse study. Protandim reduced damage to the mitochondria of mouse cells. of this study. The mitochondria, often called the “powerhouse” of the cell, make energy —and makes free radicals in the process. The mitochondria are a major area of anti-aging research.
Study
Chronic pulmonary artery pressure elevation is insufficient to explain right heart failure.
Summary. This is a rat study. Researchers tested if the supplement helped pulmonary blood pressure. After 6 weeks, Protandim did not reduce pulmonary artery blood pressure or the number of lung lesions. These researchers did say “our data point to a cardioprotective effect of Protandim.” But, this is a vague statement.
2009 Protandim Research
Study
Protandim, a fundamentally new antioxidant approach in chemoprevention using mouse two-stage skin carcinogenesis as a model.
Summary: This is a mouse study.
Study
Synergistic induction of heme oxygenase-1 by the components of the antioxidant supplement Protandim.
Summary: This is a test tube study. Cells treated with supplements showed significant increases in glutathione, an antioxidant compound. This is the study LifeVantage lists as “proof” Protandim increases glutathione levels by 300%. It may raise glutathione 300% – in a test tube – but does the same effect occur in people?
2006 Protandim Research
Study
The induction of human superoxide dismutase and catalase in vivo: a fundamentally new approach to antioxidant therapy.
This is a human study. 39 healthy men and women, age 20-78 years were given Protandim (675 mg per day) between 30 and 120 days.
Study Summary:
1. Protandim caused a significant increase in the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red blood cells.
2. TBARS declined by 40% after 30 days
3. SOD in red blood cells increased by 30% after 120 days
4. Catalase decreased by 40% after 120 days
5. There was a non-significant rise (4.9%) in uric acid.
6. No change in CRP levels was seen.
7. No change in HDL, LDL or triglycerides were seen.
Protandim Research Summary
Here is a quick summary of the research:
| Study Year / Title | Study Type (Human, mouse, etc.) |
| 2016 Research | |
| The Effect of Protandim Supplementation on Athletic Performance and Oxidative Blood Markers in Runners | Humans |
| Longer lifespan in male mice treated with a weakly estrogenic agonist, an antioxidant, an α-glucosidase inhibitor or a Nrf2-inducer | mice |
| 2013 Research | |
| Upregulation of phase II enzymes through phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress | Mouse heart cells |
| 2012 Research | |
| Antioxidants for the treatment of patients with severe angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension? | Rats |
| Phytochemical Activation of Nrf2 Protects Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells against an Oxidative Challenge | Test tube study |
| Protandim does not influence alveolar epithelial permeability or intrapulmonary oxidative stress in human subjects with alcohol use disorders. | Humans |
| 2011 Research | |
| Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation. | Test tube study |
| The Role of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Skin Cancer | Mice |
| Protandim attenuates intimal hyperplasia in human saphenous veins cultured ex vivo via a catalase-dependent pathway | Test tube study |
| 2010 Research | |
| The Dietary Supplement Protandim® Decreases Plasma Osteopontin and Improves Markers of Oxidative Stress in Muscular Dystrophy Mdx Mice | Mice |
| The Chemopreventive Effects of Protandim: Modulation of p53 Mitochondrial Translocation and Apoptosis during Skin Carcinogenesis | Mice |
| Chronic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Elevation Is Insufficient to Explain Right Heart Failure | Rats |
| 2009 Research | |
| Protandim, a Fundamentally New Antioxidant Approach in Chemoprevention Using Mouse Two-Stage Skin Carcinogenesis as a Model | Mice |
| Synergistic induction of heme oxygenase-1 by the components of the antioxidant supplement Protandim. | Test tube study |
| 2006 Research | |
| The induction of human superoxide dismutase and catalase in vivo: a fundamentally new approach to antioxidant therapy. | Humans |
To be fair, it's possible I may have missed some research. I'll update this table as I become aware of new research.
My Thoughts On The Research
While Protandim has been the subject of several clinical investigations, only 3 of them involved humans. They are:
- The 2006 study (click to see study)
- The 2012 study (click to see study)
- The 2016 study (click to see the study)
Protandim And Weight Loss
Can Protaindm help you lose weight? There is no good evidence for this. None of the above clinical investigations was about weight loss. To the credit of LifeVangage, they do not market this supplement for weight reduction.
Protandim And Multiple Sclerosis
Is this supplement worthwhile if you have Multiple sclerosis (MS)? Some have put forth the idea that disruption of free radical stress – via stabilizing Nrf2 (the stuff this supplement is supposed to improve) – might help MS. So, is there any proof? There was an investigation presented in 2011 at the 5th Joint triennial congress of the European and Americas Committees for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The title of the presentation was: Nrf2 activators: a novel strategy to promote oligodendrocyte survival in multiple sclerosis? Here, researchers treated rat and human oligodendrocytes with several compounds ― one of which was Protandim ― and then exposed the cells to a chemical to create free radical damage.
These researchers noted Protandim was seen as “the most potent inducer” of Nrf2 antioxidant enzymes defenses. In other words, Protandim helped the most.
This is intriguing, but it's not the same as giving it to people with MS to see if their symptoms improved.
There is also some evidence that stimulating Nrf2 might reduce cellular inflammation via inhibition of NFkb. Inhibition of NFkb is also something another supplement – called Anatabloc – was supposed to do. Currently, though there is little human proof for Protandim improving quality of life in those with MS.
See the Anatabloc review.
Protandim And ABC Primetime
In 2005, this supplement was featured on ABC's Primetime news show. In this segment, ABC correspondent John Quinones met with Dr. Joe McCord, a respected researcher whose name appears on many of the Protandim clinical studies. According to his Wikipedia page, as a grad student, Dr. McCord was involved with the discovery of Superoxide Dismutase, an important free radical savaging enzyme. Here is the ABC Primetime segment :
Basically, John Quinones gets a blood test to measure his TBAR level (an indicator of oxidative stress). He's given Protandim for 2 weeks and then returns to the lab where he has his blood tested again.
Dr. McCord tells John Quinones the supplement caused a “45% reduction” in oxidative stress and goes on to say this is the level seen in a “newborn baby”. The ABC Primetime segment is often used as proof the supplement really works. But, as I see it, one problem is John Quinones doesn't have is blood tested by an independent lab. This is bad science in my opinion.
Of course, the Primetime segment is interesting. But it's been over a decade since this segment aired. You'd think such an impressive result would warrant a follow-up. I wish Primetime and John Quinones would do a follow-up story.
Update. Dr. McCord is now involved with the PB125 supplement.
Protandim And The FDA
In 2017, the FDA reached out to LifeVantage to inform them they considered Protandim to be a drug and not a supplement based on claims made about it as an NRF2 Synergizer. Basically, the FDA was saying the claims being made at the time, made people think the supplement could treat disease. This is something not allowed under US supplement regulation. This may be the reason for the dramatic change in the LifeVantage website and marketing. There are no more claims about the effects of the supplement. Instead, the company now calls itself “a wellness and personal care company” and makes references to “bio-hacking.”
Do Doctors Endorse Protandim?
While the supplement is not endorsed by the American Medical Association (they don't endorse any supplement), I'm sure some physicians believe in it – and others who don't.
Does Protandim Have Caffeine?
According to the product website, each tablet has 1.8mg of caffeine. That's much less than in a cup of coffee and most energy drinks. I don't think this small amount would keep people up at night, but because we are all different it might be wise to not take it close to bedtime.
Is It Kosher?
No. this supplement is not kosher or organic. It is however made in the US. That is good.
Protandim Side Effects
Are there any Protandim dangers out there? I don't think so. I believe this supplement is pretty safe. I am not aware of any side effects. That said, here are a few general things you might want to think about if your not healthy. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than the recommended dosage for the first week to see how you respond
- Speak to your doctor/ pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Stop taking the supplement at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Speak to your doctor /pharmacist if you take any prescription drugs like blood thinners
One study noted the supplement might raise uric acid levels (by 4.9%). Would this be bad for those who suffer from gout? Currently, there is no direct proof gout pain is increased by Protandim. See the review of Tart Cherry Juice for more info.
While allergic reactions are likely uncommon, LifeVantage does mention this possibility in some people. Specific symptoms mentioned on the LifeVantage website include:
- gastrointestinal disturbances (i.e., stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting)
- sometimes as a headache or rash on the hands or feet
Stop taking the supplement if you experience these symptoms.
The company website warns against using the supplement if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. This is likely because of the unknowns of combining antioxidants with some cancer therapies. If you have cancer or are getting treatment for it, ask your doctor. I'm glad the LifeVantage company informs people about this.
LifeVantage also stresses the importance of talking to a doctor if you have any autoimmune disease like arthritis or Type I diabetes. I'm not aware of any problems in anyone but I appreciated the company mentioning this.
How To Measure Your TBARS
Remember TBARS are a measure of free radical damage (oxidative stress) of cells. Protandim is said to reduce TBARS. The TBAR test is also called a Lipid Peroxidase test. Ask your physician about this test. For those who really want to know if Protandim is working, getting this test done first—and a month later— might be a good idea. I'm not sure if insurance covers the test or not. Talk to your doctor for more information on this.
Aged Garlic Extract also has some evidence it might reduce TBARS (click to see review)
TrueScience Brand
True Science is a brand name under which various beauty products made by the company can be identified. Products offered under the True Science brand include:
- Shampoo
- Scalp serum
- Facial cleanser
- Eye serum
What is PhysIQ?
PhysIQ is the brand name associated with various fitness-related products. This brand includes:
- Fat burn supplements
- Prebiotics
- Whey protein
- Appetite suppressants
Protandim For Dogs
Protandim Dogs (formally called Canine Health) is for pets. According to the LifeVantage website, this supplement contains 150 mg of the same ingredients as Protandim – as well as omega 3 fatty acids and collagen. The website goes on to say: “Reducing oxidative stress in dogs may reduce many of the disorders associated with aging in canine.” To support this, the organization states a 3rd party animal health company has found the supplement reduces oxidative stress in dogs.
Protandim vs. PB125
PB125, by Pathways Bioscience, is another supplement whose makers claim can reduce TBARS and activate NrF2. PB125 is the supplement by Dr. Joe McCord and associates. Recall Dr. McCord used to be associated with the LifeVantage company.
While PB125 is said to be the next generation of NrF2 activators, no studies have yet compared these supplements to each other to see which is better. The ingredients in both products are different for the most part.
See the PB125 Review for much more information.
Protandim vs. Tru Niagen
The Tru Niagen supplement boasts research showing it can raise NAD+ levels in humans. Tru Niagen is based on nicotniamide riboside a form of niacin (vitamin B3).
The idea of slowing aging by raising NAD+ is different than Protandim. So far no clinical studies have compared these supplements to each other. While the original Protandim does not contain nicotinamide riboside, the Life Vantage company does offer another version called the “NAD Synergizer” which contains niacin.
Protandim vs. Elysium Basis
Basis by Elysium is a popular anti-aging supplement that contains very different ingredients than Protandim. Like Tru Niagen, Elysium Basis also is an NAD+ booster supplement. So, which is better? Unfortunately, there are no head-to-head studies yet.
See the Elysuim Basis Review for more insights.
Protandim vs. SeroVital
You've probably seen TV ads for SeroVital. How does Protandim compare to SeroVital? Both supplements contain different ingredients and are touted to work differently.
While Protandim is said to help boost our bodies antioxidant enzymes, SeroVital is marketed to raise human growth hormone (HGH).
If we just look at the research, Protandim wins hands down. The makers of Serovital only have one study.
Where To Buy Protandim
This supplement is not sold in stores like Walmart, Target, Cosco, CVS, Walgreens, Kmart, or BJs. It's also not sold at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. Rather, it's mostly purchased from LifeVantage independent distributors.
It is also available online as well although when using a distributor, you may get the individualized attention you might not get by buying it yourself.
Protandim Price
According to the LifeVantage website, a one-month supply (30 capsules) costs $59.99 retail. If you order it through a LifeVantage distributor, it costs $49.99 – and that is on a monthly basis. In other words, that means auto-shipments. If you want to purchase one month only to test drive it first, speak to your LifeVantgage independent distributor.
Protandim Yearly Cost
Let's round the price up to $50 a month. In one year, the supplement would cost you $600. Shipping and tax may be extra. If you only want to order 1 bottle to try yourself, you can get it on Amazon too.
My Suggestions
If you can afford it, go ahead and give it a try for a month or so and see if you feel any better. If you really want to know for sure, get your TBARS measured first.
Remember, exercise will also reduce TBARS too.
Protandim Pro & Con
Here's a quick summary of what I liked and didn't like. These are my opinions. Yours may be different.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| There are clinical studies on Protandim | Not all the studies are on humans |
| Company has been around a long time | Not available in stores |
| Company sponsors research on Protandim | Expensive |
| Lots of hype about benefits |
Does Protandim Work?
While I'm intrigued at the prospect of slowing down aging, I'm can't say for sure if Protandim works or not. The research is intriguing but in my opinion three's not enough human research yet to draw conclusions. So, does Protandim really work? Let's just say I'm looking forward to more human clinical studies.
Here is it is on Amazon If you want to check it out/see what others are saying
I started taking Protandim and after two weeks I was informed that a recall had been put into effect. The bottle I had been taking was part of the recalled lot numbers. I was sent a replacement bottle and was on the Protandim for a total of 6 weeks.
In the beginning, I suffered headaches which are unusual for me. I began to notice hair loss. The hair loss was gradual at first then became over-whelming. Copious amounts of hair, from all over my head came out. Especially after washing and brushing!
The hair was not breaking off, it was from the root end. My daughter suggested it might be the Protandim and I immediately stopped taking it. In the 6 weeks I was on the product, I experienced the loss of 50% of my hair volume! I have always had very thick, long hair.
That has been my only salvation because I do still have a good amount left on my head; it is literally half the volume it was before! I have been OFF the product almost a month now and I have finally noticed a tremendous decrease in daily hair loss. I can only hope that my body can balance itself and stabilize to a natural and safe loss amount. I feel-that I just can’t risk trying the product again. It’s not worth risking the chance of more hair loss starting up again!
Brea, that’s amazing. I don’t think Ive ever heard of hair loss with Protandim. I hope your hair continues to grow back.
Brea,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I just finally got around to checking about the recall and noticed I actually took the recalled bottle of pills. It seemed I was getting shipments more than once a month so I actually had more than one unopened bottles.
I have been taking Protandim a year now and started it one month after I totally revamped my diet and lifestyle to clean eating and eliminated all sugar and artificial sugar for 6 months. I lost a lot of weight and felt great…but my hair has been falling out. I was going to get my thyroid tested because my family and I have been horrified by all the hair I’ve lost.
It has clogged all our drains, the washer and dryer and especially the vacuum cleaner. My hair gets into everything – food, clothes and all over people. Yuck. Though I have long hair, I have probably have at least a 1/3 to 1/2 less hair volume. Unfortunately my leg hair now grows twice as fast since I started taking Protandim.
The only other negative health issues that have come up since taking Protandim is headaches, some stomach upset if I take it at night and also two cracked teeth resulting in root canals and crowns. I don’t know if those issues are related to Protandim or not. I did see improvement in my joint health which is the reason I started taking it. I don’t know if that is due to Protandim or the major diet overhaul since sugar trigers inflammation. Again, thanks for sharing!
Kerri, tell your doctor how you changed your diet. Im not sure if this is the case with you or not but sometimes going on a very low fat diet may lead to hair loss. Just a thought…
Joe,
There are quite a few Websites around the traps writing about Protandim. You have done a great job with your research. Thanks
Terry, thanks and you are very welcome! That’s very kind of you to say 🙂
Izzy:
From your comment above, it sounds as if you believe the study on alcoholics was done by a group of researchers trying to discredit Protandim. If you look at the study, you will find that Joe McCord is one of the authors on the study. McCord was trying to prove the antioxidant properties of Protandim, but the study showed just the opposite. Follow the link provided to find out more about it (and how odd it was!).
Caterina: How do you reconcile your statement with the fact that Lifevantage managed to do that strange human trial on alcoholics?
Also, ask yourself WHY would they choose to do such a study instead of studying something like diabetes? Many claims are tossed around about diabetics being able to reduce or eliminate their dependence on insulin. Seems like that would be where they would put their research dollars.
Thanks for this VERY helpful critical review!
Last year, at age 32, I had some surgery done. The day of the surgery, the hospital nurse reviewed my current lab work and recommended I see my doctor immediately regarding my blood sugar levels. I did so and was diagnosed pre-diabetic. I’m adopted and do not know my biological medical history. My adoptive mom had a close friend who had just recently “reversed” her diabetic condition while on the Protandim supplement.
My mom immediately sent me a bottle. That same summer, I began looking into other medical “issues” and was diagnosed with RA. However, after 6 months on Protandim (during a low-dose chemotherapy treatment for endometriosis) my doctor rechecked my labs and said I was no longer pre-diabetic- my levels were now in the low average range(!) and my RA factor level dropped significantly.
Additionally, he found I had healed well enough in the 6 months to discontinue the chemo-therapy treatment that he initially planned to do for the following year (up to 2 years due to stage IV endometriosis).
I’ve had such great results that my mom wants me to try and sell the product. BUT I’m hesitant to try and ‘market’ something that doesn’t seem to have solid science on it’s side. I’ve had a WONDERFUL experience – but without more research and positive results, I can’t imagine trying to convince others.
If you hear of any more human trials though- I’m totally up for it!
Thanks for the review- it has helped me to make an educated decision on whether or not to try and sell the product.
Kay, very glad you are feeling better! that is what is most important to me. The Protandim people will love you because you have a good story to tell others about how protandim helped you.
Im curiuos, did you change anything else in your life other than use Protandim? Being prediabetic (and having type II diabetes) can often be reversed by losing weight and exercise. For example, here is an interview I did with someone who used to be a diabetic http://www.joe-cannon.com/interview-yolanda-bowles-diabetes-exercise-nutrition-cure-type-ii-diabetes/
your remission of RA symptoms is interesting to me and I don’t have an explanation for that, but either way I really am very happy for you.
Joe,
Awesome research since most of us do not have the time or know how. Anyway I have a friend that has been pushing ProT for some time now and just recently told me of their ProT for dogs called Canine Health.. The distributors were also given a 90 day bonus to make 15k.
Makes me wonder about all the test tube studies and rodent studies. With no real human test to base my decision on. Seems just another play on people wanting a long healthy life. After reading all the articles, I’ll go back to eating healthy, staying active and welcome the aging process with open arms.
Great work…
Lee, glad you found me and thanks for the heads up on Protandim for dogs. I was not aware of it. We love our pets, so marketing to pet owners is a smart move from a money standpoint. Whetehr or not it helps dogs, cats etc is another question all together. Id ask Protandim to produce a study on dogs first.
Joe, I use both Protandim and their skin cream, I was using other supplements that had the same ingredients so felt this was a better way to take it, can’t prove what it’s doing. But on the skin cream, I had heard it helped with age spots, I’ve tried everything out there and nothing did anything. I started the Life Advantage cream and the large age spot I have on my cheek has diminished in color noticeably. It’s not gone, darn it, but it is much, much lighter. That’s all I was looking for, well gone would be nice, but it’s the only product that has given me anything, so on this one, I’m a believer.
Laura, thanks very interesting. glad you say its helping you 🙂
Just a note, you asked why weren’t there more human studies. While cost is a huge factor, regulations surrounding human trials are intense. Studies must be run through an approved facility, so many of them have backlogs, especially since the majority of independent studies are run on prescription drugs, where the money is. The lab I worked at had a 2.5 yr wait for 6 week or less human trials, longer for 8 wk +
Caterina, while that may be true research doesn’t have to be expensive. If they wanted to take themselves out of the process almost all together, just commission a university to do the research and get it published. The company that makes Protandim CAN afford to do this.
Thanks for the great review! I am not affiliated with Protandim in any way, but a friend of mine is, so I thought I would check it out. So far, my review has yielded mixed results, but the science of SOD and antioxidants makes sense. Most of your points are valid, but there are a couple of things I have a small quibble with.
First, your faith in published papers may not be justified. There is a serious problem with both publication bias in medical journals and and outright fraud in medical research. Of course, much of the research done by private companies is considered proprietary, and never submitted for publication.
Second, papers submitted to journals may not be accepted by the first, second, or eighth journal to which they are submitted. Nature, for example, states on its website that it publishes only 8% of the papers it receives. I suspect that many good studies never see the light of day due to reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the research.
Even if a paper is accepted for publication, peer review may take many months, and several rounds of editing may also be needed. Once those hurdles are finally cleared, the paper is entered on the publishing schedule, which is set far in advance. It can take years for a a study to show up in print. I personally co-authored a paper in the summer of 1994 that was not published until the end of 1995. So for the study done in 2011, not having been published *yet* is not necessarily a realistic critique.
Some readers have submitted links to other criticisms of Protandim. The site aitse.org makes very clear that much of their information comes from anonymous sources; and check out the “scholars” at aitse.org – very few with any medical background at all. Another was http://www.healthmlmscam.com–a poorly-constructed WordPress site with a huge axe to grind. I would not consider these to be credible sources (and I *do* have a medical background).
Finally, on the issue of the lack of studies, expense is one good reason. Just because a company makes $20 million does not mean that it has $20 million just sitting around. That is gross income. What is the *net* profit? Only knowing that can we judge whether they can buy a university’s time, faculty, facilities, equipment, and reputation (which is not an easy thing to do in any case!).
Another good reason for Protandim to *not* test in humans is this: as long as it is a nutritional supplement, DSHEA protects it. Performing human studies to back up their claims could remove those protections, because it would be ripe for the FDA to classify Protandim as a drug…and that would be an immediate and fatal disaster for the company.
However, I completely agree with you that those who do sell this product should be far more cautious about making medical claims, as some have so inappropriately done in these comments.
JC you make an interesting argument about human studies possibility causing the reclassification of protandim to a drug from a supplement. Are you aware of this happening to any other supplement? I’ve never considered this and so that’s why I ask. I do know other supplements do have human research and are still considered supplements. For example, NSA, the company that markets Juice Plus has many published human studies. As far as I know, reclassifying juice plus as a drug has never come up. Regardless, I will try to look into this further when I have a chance.
Granted the peer review is not “perfect” however it is the best we have at the moment. We must have some standard when we evaluate data or we are back in the dark ages. I have never taken studies from the sites you mentioned but rather prefer to link to pubmed when I reference studies. When I mention a study I do try to point out where short comings/strengths might be since we both know no study is perfect.
As for the expense of research, I’m quite confident that lifevantage can afford to give a 2 month supply of Protandimm to a grad student and oversee a human trial to see if it reduces TBARS or raises glutathione or something like that. I don’t need a Framingham type study to be have faith that something is worth while. Compared to others, I think I’m pretty liberal in the types of peer reviewed research I would accept as long as it was well done.
Good words JC!
Hey Joe. Really great work. In response to your question about a supplement being re-classified as a drug…last year the nutrition company I buy from for my patients (Thorne) said they could no longer sell me DHEA (they were forced to dispose of their some 1200 bottles in stock) and that it is considered a performance enhancing drug now.
Cheers,
Hesu
Hesu, thanks much. That’s so interesting about DHEA. I still see it in stores.
Just to say thank you for your time and making your findings available to the ordinary Joe. The marketing paper I have in front of me is expertly contrived and difficult to resist. I went to Pubmed to try to check their claims but being a lay-person found the research incomprehensible. You probably save me a lot of money. Thanks also to the other commentators. Cheers
Mel, you are VERY welcome!
Mel
No one is saying go for the marketing if you haven’t tried the product, at least I’m not. The only reason I tell anyone about it is because it had a dramatic affect on my life. If I had listened to some of these people and didn’t at least try it, my life would have been in the same miserable painful state it had been in for 8 years. I am not alone. All this analysis sometimes doesn’t tell the entire truth. At least try it…and I could care less about the marketing issues… save your money on that and just try the product and see if it helps you.
I have heard a lot of great things about Protandim, mostly personal testimonials and can’t really verify if it really works. I bought one bottle anyway, but I’m reading up on the subject to make myself more knowledgeable about what I’d be taking because I don’t really take anything consistently and I’m not sure if I’d actually be seeing any improvements as I don’t (thank goodness) have any major health problems (sleep fine, no weight issues, stay active, etc).
On the bottle it states that this is not FDA approved (but I was told nothing that is herbal/isn’t synthetic can be, true or false?) and that it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Since there are no known peer reviews on humans, would it be safe to say that it might actually be effective for animals? I have four dogs and 3 of them are seniors.
I would really like more information on whether this might be not be proven to be effective for humans but maybe for pets? (there is a you tube video about a horse that I thought was pretty amazing).
After reading up on all of these infomercial and “miracle” products, would some one like me just be banking on the idea that the $50 bottle is worth the “possible” benefit (if it were to have any)?
I feel like people are searching for that “I’ll try anything at this point” (I’m in so much pain, or my doctor told me there is no cure… I guess any one, even some one who doesn’t have cancer or a disease, would think “It’s worth a try?”
I think the major claim is that it’s supposed to reduce oxidative stress.. is that even something that truly needs reducing?
Hi Sarah, you ask some interesting questions. let me see if I can help shed some light on them
1. The FDA does not “approve” any supplements. because of a law called “DSHEA” supplements are viewed as food. A “supplement” has a very lengthy definition that I cover on my questions page, here http://supplementclarity.com/supplement-questions/
Ads for supplements also mention “not intended to cure, diagnose etc” as “cover your butt” language. Even though the language of the ad/tv commercial etc. might make it seem like the product will do “XYZ” they always say “not intended to cure, treat, yada, yada, yada” just to protect themselves.
2. As for animals /dogs. I’m not sure. To be safe , show the ingredients in Protandim to your veterinarian and let him/her make the call. I’m sure your veterinarian knows what herbs are ok for your dogs (if you try it and your dogs act better, please do let me know -Im curious). I tried to be as inclusive with the Protandim research as I could be. As more human research becomes available, I will update my review with that new information.
3. I think it really is a crap shoot /gamble on whether Protandim is worth it for you or not but why dont you try the little experiment I suggested before you start it. Get your TBARS measured first by your doctor – along with a full blood test. Then get everything tested again in a month. Don’t change anything else in what you eat /exercise and see if there is a difference (again, if there is/isn’t, please let me know)
4. About oxidative stress. Again, great question. the fact is that oxidative stress (oxidation or free radical damage as its also called) is a necessary “evil” because oxidation (the removal of electrons from atoms/molecules) is something that happens all the time. In fact, if it were not for oxidation, there would be no life on Earth. Also, oxidation is not always bad either. Our immune system uses this process to defend us against infection. That said, out of control oxidation or oxidation that we cant defend against can cause cellular damage and even contribute to the aging process. The big question is whether Protandim can reduce this oxidative damage and and as such reduce the speed of aging and risk of disease. That is the BIG question that I don’t feel they have demonstrated to my satisfaction. I reject the flawed 20/20 Protandim segment as should everyone else because of the issue I raised about how the “study” was conducted.
Having said all that Sarah, for a a month supply of Protandim and getting the necessary blood tests before and after, you will have yourself a very fine blog post for your neat website (I checked ya out 🙂 ). Give it a try and see what happens – and then let me know 🙂
Not sure you can question that Oxidative stress is not something everyone would want to reduce given the over 143,000 current studies on Pub Med attributing oxidative stress to disease and abnormal physiological processes.
You are obviously not neutral on the subject and continue to give your ‘expert’ opinion that these need human studies when in fact the product would become a drug then. Maybe the company doesn’t want to bother with the FDA rules and regulations to go through that very expensive process. If you have ever worked with the FDA you would avoid it too if you could.
Look at the abstract in Multiple Sclerosis journal in a research study funded by Biogen Idec and reported by Dr. J van Horssen, when they compared the increase in anti-oxidant enzyme production in oligodendrocytes by Nrf2 activators such as Tecfidera (BG-12), Protandim, sulphorafane and Barloxalone (tBHQ).
The conclusion by the researcher was that Protandim was “the most potent inducer” of the Nrf2 pathway and suggested therefore that “it may be most suited as a therapeutic strategy”. Compare the cost of $54K per year versus $500 a year. Don’t shut down people’s options with your ‘expert’ opinion when you never tried it. Go ahead and try it. .
Patrick, I’ve never said Protandim needed to be a drug. I’d just like to see a couple of well done human studies. The MS study you mentioned is in my review and has been discussed previously in the comments. Believe me, I’m not trying to reduce peoples options. I’m just asking questions.
TBARSs test is not a very reliable test and the results can be influenced by simply taking a multivitamin or drinking some orange juice. Here is a link discussing this: http://www.healthmlmscam.com/tbars-an-unreliable-test-of-oxidative-stress/
As for animals taking Protandim, I was told by a distributor that it “works in all mammals” and I should try it for my horse. Now, common sense should tell you that a claim of something working in all mammals is ridiculous. One animal does not necessarily metabolize something the same as another.
I knew that a horse’s digestive system was vastly different than a human’s. For example, I was trying to treat my horse for ulcers and found out that even though the medication used in horses is the same as for humans, the delivery system had to be different because of the strong acids in an equine’s stomach. The medicine would be completely destroyed if just fed to the horse in the pill form used for humans.
Then, of course, is the pesky lack of actual scientific proof that Protandim could provide a measurable health benefit for ANY animal (or human, for that matter).
I actually contacted a researcher at Rutgers who does antioxidant research on horses because this Protandim distributor would not listen to me (since I am not a scientist). The researcher wrote back, absolutely agreed with my assessment and gave examples of how they had tried some experiments on horses with products which seemed promising in other animals, but when given to horses, had no result, or even had a detrimental result. You can’t assume a product will have the same results in different species.
I shared the researcher’s comments with the distributor, but it fell on deaf ears. She at first said the researcher didn’t know what she was talking about and wasn’t published. I sent her a list of published research papers. Then she said she meant the papers weren’t on PubMed.
Wrong again….I sent her the links to PubMed where the research could be found. Then we were just back to “the researcher just doesn’t understand what Protandim does”. Ummm ….yeah, a highly respected researcher at Rutgers just doesn’t understand.
I’d also like to point out that a video of a horse seeming to improve after being given Protandim (like the video being touted by Lifevantage distributors) can be very misleading. I’ve seen horses with severe arthritis act very differently depending on the time of day (excitement just prior to being fed), the weather conditions (more frisky when it’s windy), etc.
Sometimes they seem like they can barely move, and other times they amaze you by running around. There is also the expectations of the owner, and the placebo effect. Because the owner is expecting a result, and they are hopeful something will help their animal, they are inclined to see a result. So in a way, it is the placebo effect working on the owner. I’ve seen it many, many times.
There is a HUGE supplement market for horses. I’ve seen owners rave about one supplement or another and how much better their horse is…….but when I observe the animal, I don’t see any improvement at all.
So in short, until there is credible research (and considering the track record of Lifevantage, I don’t expect any will be forthcoming), I wouldn’t waste my money.
Joe
You want the same evidence that FDA requires for a drug. This is a herbal supplement. They are not seeking that evidence because they don’t believe they need to go that far. The peer reviewed evidence is sufficient evidence at this point. And more evidence is coming as it has every year since they started this whole process so we will keep debating this issue in the days that come with the latest new findings. But at least you’re trying to figure this out…more than I can say for some other people.
Simone, honestly, I don’t need the same level of evidence as the FDA wants. I already outlined some of the research I’d like to see -research that any grad student at a university could discover. All that would be needed is free protandim and access to about 50 people. I’d even accept 25 people. I don’t think the evidence so far is sufficient because as Ive shown, even though this product is marketed to people – 85% of the 14 studies published to date are not performed on people. For me, that’s insufficient evidence.
Would you agree with me that its time for more human protandim research?
In some ways you have to be realistic. Have you ever heard of Donna Deegan…newscaster who recently retired to “spend more time on her Cancer Foundation”… http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-10-13/story/donna-deegan-going-247-new-role-fight-against-breast-cancer Guess what folks, she is a major Protandim distributor http://www.lifevantage.com/join-lifevantage/meet-our-top-achievers/elite-pro-7/
Second row middle picture… She retired from 1st coast news because she is in the Protandim $10,000 to $15,000 a month (her husband is still the weatherman apparently because he loves his job) tax bracket and she could retire… She is probably working hard at her Cancer Foundation while at the same time speaking around Florida about Protandim …. why do I mention her?
I don’t know her but in my travels through Florida I heard of her story. She was one of those who saw the ABC Primetime program in 2005 and finally found out how to buy it at GNC and took it for 4 years until they shifted to network marketing and she became a distributor and the rest is history.
I don’t care how young you are you need the fight against oxidative stress in your body. Oxidative stress is like the ashes from a burning fire or the CO2 from a car’s exhaust. Protandim is the most promising fight against oxidative stress in 40 years.
Protandim is increasing the awareness of NRF2 and the fight against oxidative stress. No, The Michael Fox Foundation is not using Protandim but it is using a liquid form of a NRF2 activator in its testing. Joe, you already know that the Biogen study with BG-12 where Protandim was found to be more effective in the test conducted when they were comparing NRF2 activators.
Simone, I’ve never heard of Donna Deegan but I’m very glad shes beat breast cancer! That said it really doesn’t matter if she sells protandim or not because it does not take away from the facts as I have laid them out – that the majority of research on protandim is not human research.
Newscasters are not smarter than the rest of us – as is evidenced by the flaw in the Primetime Live segment.
As a public figure, I’d expect her to be high up in the earnings department as far as Protandim is concerned. People will buy from her because shes been on TV. Many people will pay for the “privilege” of having some assess to a public figure. Also, as a public figure, she undoubtedly has access to many people who have disposable income. I don’t mean to be a cynic about this, but her experiences with making money with protandim are not representative of what the average person makes selling it.
Being “famous” and being in the public eye and having access to wealthy people give her a BIG advantage over the average seller.
BTW simone, what does the average protandim distributor make per month? I don’t know the answer to this do you?
Simone, the Biogen study you keep touting isn’t even a published study yet. As such I view it as less significant until it is published – and replicated by other researchers.
Again, where is the human research?
Biogen study… i say it is important because it was funded by Biogen, it put it’s billion dollar to be drug up against Protandim and Protandim was found to be a better NRF2 inducer. It will never be published because Biogen will never let it see the light of day…they are about to launch their BG-12 drug this coming month… it is fortunate that we have it available.
Anyway at lunch the other day I showed an attorney friend of mine the Biogen study, he read it and he had seen abcliveit.com etc and he had seen the other stuff on the web. But after looking at the study he said.. this is convincing… I’m going to start taking it…how do I get started. I could give other examples but this is representative of what I am saying.
In regards to Deegan, I don’t think you understand network marketing because she spoke on this issue that people thought she was out of her mind when she started, she worked hard at it and it was important to her. Yes, she has drawing power but if she could draw that much for as long as she has been in it she should be a Pro10. I know enough to know that her inexperience in the beginning was problematic.
Anyway, it is not easy for any distributor and I have no idea what the average distributor makes but Protandim is only in 5 countries so right now there is no true indicator. There is a long way to go and honestly unless there is some major snafu or revelation…it’s over… there has been 7 years of scrutiny and this is the best you can do…
Simone, I’m not sure how you can say biogen wont let their study see the light of day because it was presented at a science convention – full of people. It’s also online so anybody can see it – you showed it to me and I linked to it in my review. Therefore your conspiracy idea to keep the study secret makes no sense and holds no water.
As for the lawyer, just because he/she says they are convinced, does not mean it works.
I’m sure LifeVantage knows exactly what the average protandim distributor makes. There are probably thousands of distributors out there. that’s a big enough number to know exactly what the average person makes selling protandim.
Simone, lawyers and news-people who say Protandim makes works does not compare to the sever lack of published human evidence.
I’m completely open to the notion that you are right about Protandim but I will need published human research to prove it. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask from a company that relies on science to market their product.
news-people who sell protandim and lawyers as well as testimonials from people I don’t know, wont cut it for me.
Great review Joe. Thanks. A friend of mine recently approached me about protandim with glowing recommendations from other people she knew who were taking it. I was not interested and told her I already supplement each of the active ingredients anyway with Purity’s Perfect Multi, Swansons Curcumin Complex with a black pepper extract (Piper nigrum, fruit) to increase bio-availability, along with Swansons Siliphos Standardized to: 29–36% silibin (Milk Thistle).
There are so many sham supplement brews out there now that one really has to be careful about what they take. Would love for you to review those I have listed here. Thanks.
Gary c thanks for the feedback! Some of those supplements I have already covered in other products. For example if you type in Curcumin or Piper Nigrum into the search box of this site you can see what I said about them.
You point to a study that was used to “dis-prove” Protandim from working: Protandim does not influence alveolar epithelial permeability or intrapulmonary oxidative stress in human subjects with alcohol use disorders.
But in your description of this study you don’t mention that.
If you are doing a “compilation” piece and using a piece of research that disproves something wouldn’t you want to provide all the facts? just asking.
Additionally, Alcohol doesn’t allow antibiotics to work in your body either. Maybe its the alcohol that is to blame for the substance not working?
This omission in your observation of these studies makes me skeptical of your entire argument/review.
Izzy, when I mentioned the alcohol study I made it a point to bold the worlds “this was a strange study” to give people something to think about when they were weighing whether this this was a valid study or not. I also gave people some insights into how the study was conducted for this reason also. I also linked to another website that covered this study in greater detail than I did.
Personally I don’t think this is a relevant study for protandim’s efficacy but since they used protaindim and it was a human study I felt compelled to mention it in order to be complete.
I do appreciate your words and because of what you said, I will add a bit more to the review about how relavent this study is to the big picture of whether protandim works or not.
Joe,
Thanks for critically analyzing this product. I’m going to be a pharmacist in 4 months, and had someone inquire about this product on the hospital floor during a rotation.
If someone REALLY wants to try this, buy all of the ingredients separately, ensure you’re getting the right amounts of each, and go for it.
However, this supplement is basically what I would consider a scam. It can be produced by the method I mentioned above for a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, I am of the school that if someone doesn’t need a medicine/supplement, they shouldn’t be taking it. Exercise daily, drink enough water (more than you might think), eat a healthy diet, do what you love, get 8 hours of sleep per night and you will be healthy for a long, long time.
Some of the posts above are suspicious. I would suspect they are either selling the product or work for Lifevantage. As for the celebrities/medical providers who (allegedly) endorse it, they should review their code of ethics.
Rep, thanks for your words and congrats on pharmacy school!. As for some of the comments, Yes I know. I have my suspicions about some of them also. I do try to weed out those that are over the top, but its a fine line for others.
I have taken turmeric as a supplement for some time. It seems to make me feel better but I don’t know how it is doing on the numbers. I also agree with the pharmacist, when it comes to herbal supplements we are so stupid. If you want to take turmeric, go to an Indian store and buy a bag for about $5 a kilo and mix a spoonful with some black pepper into some water and drink it! Don’t buy it from some huckster who will charge you $50 for a small bottle of the stuff that he pressed into pills.
There are hundreds of potential remedies from the spice cabinet that can be bought cheaply in bulk. Of course, remember, that just because this is food, when you take it in sufficient quantities it is a medicine and should be treated with the same respect that you would treat something from the pharmacy.
I’m happy you took the time to write this up. I was recently approached by an acquaintance not simply to buy the product, but to go to meeting where I’d hear the pitch to become a distributor as well.
Since my acquaintance is a pediatrician by training, her opinion carried some weight with me. But your point: why no further human studies, and the Quinones report had his blood tested by McCord’s people, really resonates. Thanks.
Momxseven, thanks for taking the time to write. I’m glad I was able to help.
Joe McCord is listed on most of the studies….so yes, LifeVantage had a hand in them. McCord is even on the board of one of the publications in which some of the studies were published. The company has a history of using misleading statements and outright lies to sell their product. They lied about who invented it for years. This is all well documented.
They also mislead customers by doing things like making references to the “Harvard Study”….but if you look at the study, it was done at McCord’s facility in Colorado, not at Harvard. They also mislead about the funding of studies. They make reference to funding by the AHA and NIH as if those institutions actually funded studies on Protandim. The truth is that funding was provided to a researcher for other purposes, and the researcher used some of that money to do a study on Protandim. In other words, the AHA and NIH did not intentionally provide funds to study Protandim.
I hunted down a researcher at UMN who was quoted in a training blog as saying that Protandim was a “dynamite application” for diabetes. The researcher got back to me immediately and told me “Those were not my words”. Within a few days, the blog was taken down. I can only assume the researcher called them out on it and had them take it down.
As for wondering what studies on humans would show….well, just look at the one placebo controlled study ….the group taking the placebo had much better results than the Protandim group. I don’t think LifeVantage will risk doing any more controlled studies on humans.
Thank you for your analysis. Giving your limitations in time and knowledge, I’m sure there are many aspects of Protandim not covered, both positive and negative. However, your analysis helps open people’s minds to the fact this product may or may not help them, much like many health supplements and medications.
I’ve been taking the supplement for about 15 months. In the first 9 months it improved my A1c and lipids scores and then they stabilized. I perceive my biggest benefit to this point being that when I have a cold or flu, it only lasts 3 days with no lingering coughs.
I realize there is nothing to say there is a direct correlation between taking Protandim and having these results other then the time frames; but Lifevantage does not claim Protandim produces these results. All they claim is that it reduces Oxidized Stress by up to 40%.
Knowing Oxidized Stress has links to many diseases, there may be a huge positive impact. But because, as you pointed out, there have not been sufficient tests done on humans, nobody really knows.
One last point; my understanding is that these have been independently studies not funded by Lifevantage so they don’t control the test mediums. Of course this raises the question as to why Lifevantage doesn’t fund their own study involving humans.
Lee, I could be wrong but I do think Lifevantage has some hand in the research. They do employee researchers so in that respect they are involved in some of the studies but how much so I do not know. They do make some interesting claims on the product and I really want to see human studies done to confirm what they are saying. If what they say is confirmed in people in double blinded placebo controlled studies then Protandim may be worth it. I’d like to see a study comparing Protandim to Juice Plus which I believe has also shown some reduction in oxidation stress.
thank you Joe very much for all your hard work. I appreciate you reporting to us the consumer these studies along with your personal knowledge which is extremely helpful and can be very beneficial to our own personal health. thanks again Joe, you are great.
KC that’s very nice of you to say. Thanks 🙂
Joe-thanks for the CRITICAL review on Protandim.
They’re hard to come by on the net!
Diana, my pleasure and glad you found me! Hopefully I wasn’t too buried down in the search engine 🙂
Protandim works….I have Chronic Lyme Disease and it’s helping me a lot! The product is no longer sold an GNC because it got “lost” with all the other supplements; which is why they switched to multi level marketing. It’s also a BSCG approved product! Good stuff…Debbie in Denver
Debbie, thanks. Have your lyme disease blood tests changed for the better since taking protandim?
Here is another study done by the same scientist, Brian Tseng, relating to DMD. LifeVantage doesn’t ever point out this study though….
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3236595/
Lisarob, thanks for finding this study!! I missed it in my review. Appreciate the assist!
Joe i have several college degrees in real medicine, nursing,, adult health & child health care & even taken classes in herbology & eastern alternatives as well as many more years experience in medicine than you do with chemistry.
you cannot base a persons outcome solely on one blood test!! symptoms are more important than blood work alone. Many patients may have recurrent symptoms of Lyme’s without changes in blood work results.
Lymes titers may stay positive for many many years Despite treatment with the FDA approved antibiotics. Also, It is ethical to provide full disclosure of any and all compensatory reasons why you say what you do.
I do see you try to bash this product yet provide links to other supplements. What exactly are your financial ties to supplementations…?
Melissa, I have no have any financial ties to any supplement-or pharmaceutical- company. I have been approached many times by supplement companies and marketing companies that want to advertise their supplements here and I turn them down every single time. And, I always will.
As I stated in the disclosure page as well as the “FAQ Page” that If someone buys a product linked to at Amazon, that I make a little bit of money. This is how I am able to continue to write my reviews. I believe in giving people the facts and letting them make their own decision free from the marketing hype they might see elsewhere.
My review on Protandim took me over a month to sift through the research and other things I covered here. The same thing goes for most of the other reviews here too. Believe me when I say that any small amount I make does not at all influence what I write or the conclusions I reach. If it did, I could have more easily wrote a “pro protandim” review instead of an unbiased review, which I believe I accomplished.
As you saw when you read my review, the vast majority of links go to research studies or other sites to help people do their own research.
As for lyme disease, you are referring to something that I said in the comments and not to anything I mentioned in my review. I was trying to see if there was something physical change occurring to back up what Debbie said. My background is in exercise science, biology and chemistry. As a nurse, I’ll defer to your greater knowledge of lab tests.
Melissa, please know I’m not trying to bash protandim. How can it be bashing if I showed people what their actual research found – mouse study vs. in vitro study vs human study? Melissa, you have a science background. Have you read the Protandim research? if yes, what did I miss?
Re. Melissa – I’m going to assume you have some experience treating patients with lyme disease symptoms. And you may be aware that often more then one microorganism is often involved in what is often called an infection complex or chronic lyme disease complex.
While the FDA approved antibiotics are most often applied in clinical use, it is a long drawn out heavy application of antibiotics that leaves the patient changed and subject to accelerated aging.
In addition a chronic lyme disease coinfection called Bartonella is causing more chronic fatigue problems.
Specialized clinics which treat patients with chronic lyme disease complex have better patient outcomes with high levels of supplementation than antibiotics. These specialized clinics are not doing any a|b experiments and therefore no publishable study results can be had — other then the apparent improved rate of success.
Turmeric extract 95%, which is an ingredient of Protandin, is a powerful antioxidant, and in conjunction with the other ingredients in Protandim, could be responsible for the anecdotal successes of which I’ve read.
Then there is successful possibilities with using some of the ingredients of Protandin. For example, Curcumin, the primary active ingredient in tumeric, is available as a purified form of 95% curcuminoids. However, this form of curcumin is not well absorbed by the body and is not useful to neuro-related diseases due to its inability to cross the blood/brain barrier.
I found Verdure Sciences inc, manufactures a form of curcumin with a brand name of Longvida®, which is over 65 times as bioavailable as 95% curcumoids. In addition, Longvide will cross the blood/brain barrier. Longvida® is available under about a dozen different company brand names, none of which, to my knowledge, are MLM brands.
Ashwagandha, another Protandin component, is considered so powerful in most of Asia, that it is considered a medicine (not a supplement), and has been used as such for thousands of years.
Individually, most of Protandin’s components have been human tested and various beneficial results reported – as well levels of toxicity (if any) have been well established.
The above should not be construed as a endorsement or rejection of Protandin as an effective supplement to improve the physical well-being of sufferers of chronic lyme disease complex, Bartonella, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
However, for about half the cost of a “Big Gulp” drink and a glazed dougnut per day, Protandin may be worth a 90-trial. And if that doesn’t help, keep looking for a supplement that may help. I feel this is especially true of diseases that current medical practices are of limited effectiveness.
Hi everyone, just want to share my personal experience with taking protandim. All I can say is after the initial 21-30 days I found that instead of sitting in my chair thinking about things to do and just sitting there thinking about it, now I actually get up and go do those things.
Having taken it for about a year I stopped taking it and things were the same for a few months (still getting up and doing) but about the 3rd month without taking the protandim I noticed I was slipping back to just thinking about doing something and not actually getting up and doing it.
I’ve recently (about 30 days ago) began taking the one pill of protandim every morning and low and behold I’m finding myself getting up and actually doing those things I think of doing.. ……so….needless to say I’m a big believer in it.
I have no medical knowledge to fall back on per se and work as a skilled tradesman. I also have a friend that I hadn’t seen or spoke with in quite some time. In a conversation with him, he began telling me of how he was taking s pill that after a few weeks had him getting out of his chair and getting things done that he use to only think about doing.
Towards the end of the conversation I interrupted him and mentioned the name protandim. He said “exactly”! I was astonished to say the least. No b.s. here that is a true story of my experience. I’m not a distributor and have nothing to gain financially, just wanted to share this. Not sure what it does to my body, but I feel better. I would recommend it to be worth trying.
Tom
Belding, Michigan
Two articles at http://www.aitse.org/?s=protandim. Nuff said.
Caroline, very interesting thanks for passing these along to me!
Why you killed my comment about Dr. Crocker is beyond? She is a public internet figure who is being called a “scholar” and you have given her credence in her statement in her link to a review. I thought you wrote elsewhere that would not link to other reviews because don’t want to appear biased and yet you allowed the link. What is your association with AITSE? In all fairness that needs to be disclosed. I was not being disparaging towards her. I was only stating facts that are easily discovered on the internet.
Simone, your comments were drifting into the area of religion and that’s why I didnt post it. it was just too far away from supplements.
99% of what I link to is pub med studies. I occasionally will link to other sites if I think they are well written.
My comments were related to credibility. I don’t care about anyone’s religion. Dr Crocker’s statement is directly linked to a “review” of Protandim by AITSE and not a pub med study other then doing it’s own assessment. I thought this was about your review and not someone else’s review?
Simone, as Ive said 99% of the time I link to peer reviewed studies on pub med. That said if I find something that is well written and science based, I don’t mind linking to it if it adds to the total information.