(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
Thanks for your research into the product. i used to take Protandim a few years ago but i stopped because of the cost. While i felt I got good results form the product, there are plenty of other anti-aging and health supplements out there with anti-oxidants that work just as well or better than Protandim for half the cost. It certainly isn’t a bad product but in my opinion is certainly is an over-priced product.
Victoria, you are very welcome. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Joe,
You did a good job for reviewing the Protandim products, for which I was asked today by a friend in China for if the product is real like being claimed by the company. Lacking sufficient scientific data in literature casts big uncertainty for its potential medical applications. It might be okay for a food or cosmetic supplement, as far as it does not give toxicity.
A conclusion for whether this combo supplement indeed has beneficial effect on human health requires rigorous scientific research and documentations.. The credit will go with scientific documentation, not bogus claims.
Lixin, thanks I’m glad I was able to help.
Thank you so mug this was really an eye opener. You asked the right questions and I realized what type of questions I should ask when people come to me with the perfect pill or the perfect and better system. Thanks you so very much. I wish you would have tried it though 🙂
Gabrielle, you are very welcome and I’m happy I was able to help you 🙂
Good grief, Murray, I hardly know where to start.
First of all, there is no such thing as “occidental stress.” It’s oxidative stress, and no, Protandim has not been proven to reduce the level of oxidative stress in humans. One of the two human studies done on the product showed that a placebo reduced oxidative stress, but Protandim did not.
Murray said: “Joe McCord commented on the research done on animals and pretty much all medical research starts in labs with animals because scientists tend to not want to kill people and face a slew of law suits.”
Yes, of course studies start out in test tubes and animals, but the research is not supposed to stop there. The vast majority (92%) of drugs that show promise when tested on animals fail when they are tested in human trials. Read what PubMed says about determining clinical effectiveness: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/aboutcer/
Murray said: ” You can ignore the hundreds of testimonials by what seem to be people that just want to tell their fact based experience, you can ignore or fault all the animal tests ect, you can ignore the research paper done on B12 to show it was helpful for ms patients but points out that “protandim, a dietary supplement interestingly showed the most positive effects on the patients” ( B12 made by big pharma costs 50,000 a year vs protandim at 500 lol)”
Yes, we can ignore all of that. Testimonials are notoriously unreliable. The practice of bloodletting went on for centuries because people thought it worked, and swore by it. That’s just one example of ridiculous medical practices that people followed because of bad science and testimonials. We have something much better than testimonials these days, it’s called the scientific method. Lifevantage claims to be a science based company. They need to back up that claim with relevant scientific studies, and they have not. A science based company does not need to rely on testimonials.
As for your “B12” research paper, you should know that B12 is a vitamin. You are trying to refer to BG12, or Tecfidera. You have grossly misquoted what the report said. The study was not on patients at all; it was a test tube study. It is not a published, peer reviewed study, and all it studied was the activation of Nrf2 in a test tube. It has absolutely nothing to do with treating MS. Either you are misrepresenting this, or someone has lied to you, and you are repeating the lie. There were no “patients” involved, and there is much more to Tecfidera than simply activating Nrf2.
Murray said: “However , only a person with an agenda, or someone truly uneducated and ignorant, would believe that the pharmaceutical companies with billions of dollars at stake, have not done their own tbar tests and research on this supplement. I looked hard for their voice but all i could find was crickets and a few people that wrote critical articles all of which had somewhere in their article ” i didn’t try the product but……”
I’m not even sure what you are trying to say. If pharmaceutical companies were at all interested in this curry pill, they would have bought the company, lock, stock and barrel. They know it is laughable and have no interest in it.
Murray said: “I know this might be a little harsh but the Joe’s of the world promote ignorance and need to leave the science to the scientists.”
It isn’t Joe who is promoting ignorance here, it is you.
I post this at the end of all my comments now because most people don’t read through all the comments and I don’t want it to get buried:
Paul Myhill, the “inventor” of Protandim, no longer takes it.
Hi. My name is Debbie. I sent a testimonial about a year ago saying that I believe Protandim helps the symptoms I have from Parkinson’s disease & I still believe that it does help. It’s not a cure, & I don’t have scientific proof, but it does help my overall feeling. It helps my rigidity & it helps my overall feeling of well-being (my concentration & thinking is better)
Debbie, Thanks for sharing and I hope it continues to help you.
Joe- I do not use protandim but i have researched the product for hundreds of hours, as i am very interested in becoming a distributor in canada. I will have to say honestly, that i do not believe your article is written from an unbiased perspective and that you are deliberately attempting to discredit a lot of science with nothing more than your opinion.
Joe McCord commented on the research done on animals and pretty much all medical research starts in labs with animals because scientists tend to not want to kill people and face a slew of law suits. If you where really a credible researcher we would not be reading ” i offered to take the product and have my tbars tested but…..? This product is has been out for years and my opinions are based on the science and then the hundreds of testimonials that are so poorly recorded they are clearly being made by regular people.
What is absolute fact is that the product reduces oxidative stress and every single research paper has concluded that occidental stress is bad. For the people who are reading Joe’s column please read it with a high degree of skepticism and ask yourself a few questions- If abc took a test on tbars that is flawed because of where the count was done, what are the odds that NOBODY has had the the test done with their own money , at an unbiased lab , like Joe could but for obvious reasons has not bothered to do.
The science Joe wants to rip a part because it was done on animals , is exciting because all mammals produce oxidative stress and we know that occidental stress is bad.
Joe’s theory that the peer reviewed studies do not hold much water is based on the same logic that helped the tobacco companies continue to kill millions of people until the hard science caught up with them. If Joe was writing columns 30 years ago they would be something like this – I do not believe all the critical research that has been written about smoking lately.
For starters, research paper A talks about all the negative things that nicotine seemed to create in monkeys but what does that half to do with humans? Research paper b again is flawed because the science was done on mice. Research paper c which points to a higher rate of everything bad in people that smoke is not credible because there is no proof that the smoking actually caused all those problems – it is just as likely that the study is based on coincidence..
However – instead of wondering if my argument is better than Joe’s um, research, please use common sense!!! Protadim has been proven ( unless you wish to search for fault with all 11 peer reviewed papers) to positively affect 16 genes that are associated with disease’s such as diabetes, MS, high Cholesterol etc.
As Joe McCord points out the big pharma companies have pills to combat the symptoms of the problems that occur when these genes are sick. So here is my common sense argument to counter Joe’s -( i didn’t try the product and can find a problem with anything you can show me as evidence) opinion. You can ignore the hundreds of testimonials by what seem to be people that just want to tell their fact based experience, you can ignore or fault all the animal tests ect, you can ignore the research paper done on B12 to show it was helpful for ms patients but points out that “protandim, a dietary supplement interestingly showed the most positive effects on the patients” ( B12 made by big pharma costs 50,000 a year vs protandim at 500 lol)
However , only a person with an agenda, or someone truly uneducated and ignorant, would believe that the pharmaceutical companies with billions of dollars at stake, have not done their own tbar tests and research on this supplement. I looked hard for their voice but all i could find was crickets and a few people that wrote critical articles all of which had somewhere in their article ” i didn’t try the product but……..
I know this might be a little harsh but the Joe’s of the world promote ignorance and need to leave the science to the scientists. I will sum up by this – Joe if i told you i did a bunch of tests on animals where i removed the oxygen from the room to see the effects it had with occidental stress. Unfortunately all my animal subjects stopped moving and i can not get them to respond. I am looking for a human to test it on and it pays a million dollars. I am hoping you will take the test as it will move the research a head by years . Who would you like the cheque made out to?
Murray, thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. Let me say that I did in fact approach protandim from an unbiased standpoint and I still do try to keep an open mind about it. When I first learned about it, I was told to go look at the research. I did. You read my review and so you know what I found so I won’t repeat it. I can assure you I have no agenda. My goal was to help answer peoples questions and give people something to think about free from marketing hype. For me, I want to see better research done but I know that’s not everybody’s cup of tea. So I’ll just say I wish you luck and truly hope protandim gives you what you are looking for – and I sincerely mean that.
I don’t think Joe bashed Protandim and I appreciate the info/synopsis as I dislike reading, especially on electronic devices. He offered a link to the Amazon reviews which I think is fair and there is a good amount of positive feedback there which offers a favourable side.
…~*~…
Thank you Linda.
My Great Grand son has autism and takes protandim and Axio and has help him so much to focus etc. I may try it as I am 90 and would like to have more energy. Looks like that it would help
Thanks Joe. When they’re published, you’re likely to know about it first as I only get information second hand. You seem to be pretty connected to what’s out there.
Glen, I do try. Because of our converstaion today I actually found 2 more studies on Juice plus, so thanks for that. my review of it has been updated.
Joe, if human study is your criterion I can see why you’re a fan of JP. These studies were simple and small scale without any earthshaking results. The results are exactly what one would expect from great nutrition alone… which this is. You noted that it did not significantly lower MDA, which it would if it had stronger NRF2 action rather than essentially being a good antioxidant.
Protandim, on the other hand has much more complex affects as a powerful NRF2 activator. I would take JP if all I were looking for was easy nutrition. In Protandim the bar is raised. I will go back to the OSU study on intimal hyperplasia as one that impressed me deeply. If you’ve had any sort of cardiac surgery you should strongly consider a NRF2 activator rather than a whole food capsule.
Glen, I’m not saying I’m a fan of Juice Plus. You just asked me if there was another supplement that had several studies on it. This is one example example. They are 2 different types of products, each marketed differently to people. I really sincerely hope it continues to help you and hope you will let me know about any future human studies that get published.
Joe, I agree that those who already believe in the product are not likely to be dissuaded by your critique that human studies are lacking, but in reviewing those who comment on your blog that may be trying to decide whether what seems too good to be true isn’t after all, it’s clear many bail out having found a reason to doubt, when more reasons may exists to to try it.
Animal science is still useful & meaningful when we share the same oxidative exposure and similar tissue and effects on it. Could it be even more definitive? Of course, nearly everything in life could, yet science accepts many things with less confirmation than that.
Keep the context that this is not a drug, but a supplement and name another one with equal scientific documentation. This is your area of expertise, so I expect you to be able to offer another such supplement if such exists.
Glen, Sure, one product that comes to mind is Juice Plus where I see several human studies
Here’s my review http://supplementclarity.com/juice-plus-review-of-research/
No, I am not a distributor. I’m just an enthusiastic user who has read studies posted and has enough experience in healthcare to understand the implications of oxygen toxicity and aging. I have done MLM 3 times in the past and have zero interest in being part of it. Still, thank you for the guidance on what is allowable to say as I had not seen that information and would not want to get out ahead of it as a proponent.
Lisa, you make some valid points about my wording. Let me rephrase: Life Vantage allows its distributors to claim that Protandim reduces oxidative stress by an average of 40% in 30 days because they have sufficient validation to say it in an environment regulated by the FDA where other supplement makers have been prosecuted. You may find them lax and have arguments to support that perspective, but if I owned a profitable enterprise I would certainly not bet the farm on it unless I could back it up.
Joe, exactly! They have a successful product which makes them money because enough people find their product beneficial to continue to purchase it without any further validation. So you are calling them out for your own measure of success. It’s your right to do it, but in the process you manage to cast a suspicious aura over an enterprise that created a unique product with much more validation than I and many others have come to expect from a supplement.
I hear and you hear there are more studies to add to the existing substantial validation available, but even if it’s just rumor, who would not be excited to find a product that can claim that it reduces oxidative stress, which has been scientifically linked to chronic disease and aging, by 40% in 30 days?
I hope that your efforts goad them into more validation and study, because I want to know more about NRF2 myself, but I fear that the result may be just adding cost to the consumer for a terrific product and great value. I also fear that many who would benefit from the use of Protandim find the doubt you cast too overwhelming to try it for themselves.
Hi Glen, Protandim was first presented to me based on the quality of research it had. I was literally told to “go to pubmed” and see the studies for myself. I only did what I was told to do. For a product that is marketed to others based on its published studies, I just wish there were more human studies out there. I dont feel what I did is casting a doubt in people who believe in the product. Regardless, I’m always open to new research and would love to update my review with it.
Glen, you say you are not a distributor, but you sure sound like one when you make statements like, “…validation that we do have.”, and “That part is a known fact as permissible to say by the FDA.” That doesn’t sound like something a consumer would say.
Glen, if you are a distributor, you need to familiarize yourself more thoroughly with Lifevantage’s document, “To say or not to say.”
http://www.lvnmedia.com/media/85068/to_say_or_not_to_say.pdf
Distributors can’t say or imply that Protandim has helped with any specific condition.
Paul Myhill, the inventor of Protandim no longer takes it and has moved on to his new scheme.
Glen, you suggest that it is significant that the “FDA allows distributors of Protandim to claim it lowers oxidative stress 40% in 30 days.”
The reality is that the FDA does not directly “allow” them to say this. You make it sound as if the FDA has given its blessing for Lifevantage to say that, but the FDA has done no testing or investigation to validate that claim. As you can see on Lifevantage’s web page and on the bottle of Protandim, it says, “These statements have not been evaluated by FDA and the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
Upon reading the FTC guidelines for advertising dietary supplements, one can easily make the argument that Lifevantage should not even be making the claim of lowering oxidative stress. They don’t even come close to substantiating the claim. There are only two human studies done on it, and the only study with a control group did not show that Protandim lowered oxidative stress. The FTC just hasn’t gone after them yet, and they might not get around to it at all since the claim of lowering oxidative stress is not a disease claim, and as far as we know, no one has been harmed from taking the product. The FTC has a limited budget and have bigger fish to fry.
You can find the guidelines for substantiating a claim here:
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/dietary-supplements-advertising-guide-industry
I found this article interesting, too:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dietary-supplements-how-safe-are-they/
“No supplements are prescreened for efficacy and safety by the government,” said Bryn Austin, a professor in the department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The FDA is reactive. Because of the way Congress ties their hands, they have to wait until there’s serious harm — deaths, injury, liver damage, transplants. Most consumers don’t realize their lives are on the line before the government steps in.”
Mopping up free radicals (if, in fact, that is what Protandim does) has not been proven to provide a health benefit, and there is some research that suggests it could cause harm.
Paul Myhill, the inventor of Protandim, no longer takes it and has moved on to his next scheme.
Joe, I don’t know how much money Life Vantage makes from Protandim, but I expect that they will invest more of it into human studies the moment they believe it will help them make more of it. Along with you, I hope it’s the case and we’re able to learn much more.
Glen, in my review I linked to reports some of the money they were making. I’m not sure how true this is but NASDAQ.com says LV made over 160 million in 2015. http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/lfvn/financials?query=income-statement
I actually find the animal studies more convincing than you. I am a respiratory therapist x 32 years with appreciation for the toxic effects of oxygen as demonstrated on the Ohio State study on intimal hyperplasia. Those blood vessels and the action of high PO2s on them would not likely differ across species by any logic IMHO.
Glen, while I don’t completely discount animal studies, I just prefer human studies since we are humans. Also, the product has been out a long time. Why are there not more human studies?
Joe, thank you very much. I understand and share your desire for better knowledge and validation, but in doing so we should not ignore the strong validation that we do have. I have been taking it for almost 1 year and had no health problems aside from aging to address. I had chronic morning back soreness and stiffness x 10 years that now only presents rarely. I had injured an MCL a couple years ago and that has healed when I never expected it to. Protandim? I don’t know, but I’ll take it while knowing that my body is better dealing with the oxidative stress that causes such age related maladies. That part is a known fact as permissible to say by the FDA.
Hi Glen, given the the company that makes it makes a lot of money, I don’t know why they are not doing more of their own research. Either way, I’m glad it’s helping you.
Hi I have a FibroMyalia support group & recently one of the distributors put up an enticing post without naming the product to peak our members interest ( more to skirt the rules as we don’t allow advertising without approval pretty sure you can understand why) so upon removing the post & contacting the person they went into a huge spiel about this product. In doing my own research I found you so the latest is:
“Please yes do your own research of course. I have integrity and I would not put something up for others health if I did not know what I’m talking about or without scientific research and proof. Don’t take my word for it, research it for yourself. I am legitimate and so is the product. I understand how you feel, I was skeptical about it too, but I read the research and all of the patents. I’ve also met and visited with the scientist that discovered and invented the product. His name is Dr. Joe McCord. This website is where physicians and scientists go to see research, do research and publish research …www.pubmed.gov….in the search box type Protandim what you will see is all the research that has been done and published so far, there are a lot more being done. Protandim reduces oxidative stress an average of 40% in 30 days. Oxidative stress is the root cause of over 200 diseases. Fibromyalgia is one of those diseases. Search…oxidative stress and Fibromyalgia…. You will see the research that has been done on that. The other big thing is fibromyalgia is an inflammatory disease. Protandim has several patents on it one of the patents is on its ability to reduce inflammation. No hype just pure scientific proof. Yes I got into the business because of what it did for me and I believe in the science. Thank GOD it was put into network marketing so we the people could get this information to everyone. Yes I would love to join you or anyone else there to get this information out. Again no hype just facts. Please let me know what you think then:
I forgot to say some of the research is being done with the military. People give it to horses, cows, dogs, cats. I can say this because it has been proven it works 100% of the time on mammals. You might feel something, you might not but it reduces oxidative stress on every one I’ve heard”
these claims about many other products it’s hard enough dealing with this condition last thing we need are people trying to take advantage & make outrageous claims
Melissa
Hi Melissa, Thanks for sharing. What the email you received sounds a lot like what many distributors say – although I’ve never heard about the military studying protandim. Hopefully my sharing the pubmed research here, helped you better understand the product.
That is very kind of you to help others with fibromyalgia with your support group. I’ve known many people who struggle with it.