(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
Maybe it works, maybe it helps? I’m no scientist and don’t care to hyper-analyze every valid or invalid test…all I know is what I see every single day with my Labrador, Axl. 6 months ago the vet gave me ‘the talk’ about what ‘next steps’ we need to take due to my dog being unable to walk without assistance (I had to use a padded harness that looped under his belly and had a handle so I could support his weight).
He could hold his body-weight to be able to go #2 (technical term for defecate), and was in so much pain the vet gave him the dog version of morphine. Desperate, where else would I turn but to YouTube where I found Cassie, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ-NcuV0jlw who exhibited the exact symptoms as Axl. I have an iPhone video of my dog getting up and walking down some stairs…something he couldn’t do just 6 months ago…so do I believe it works? Absolutely! I have living proof.
Yesterday he went into his favorite pond, (we live on a golf course and he lives for taking a swim each morning in the pond at the top of the course). This morning he even jogged after a few deer, (albeit for only 50 yards or so, but he still ran!).
Ever since I found the video and received the product, both Axl and I have been taking one tablet per day…I’m healthy w/out any ailments and feel no different than I did prior to taking it, but I can guarantee you that there’s one very happy Black Lab that Protandim exists.
As a side-note, I doubt dogs are aware of any placebo effect and I’ve also thrown all the meds that were prescribed by the vet in the trash.
John, I am really happy Axl is doing better.
That’s really good that your dog had such good luck. My sister, who is a distributor, did the same for her dog sadly he can still barely get around his arthritis is no better and has progressed as expected he has been on Protandim for about 7 or 8 years and has been on pain medication for some number of years. No effect on him.
Again, you make my point. Been around since 2008 and yet here you are with nothing better to get passionate about than dissing a supplement that many find helpful?
“Again, you make my point. Been around since 2008 and yet here you are with nothing better to get passionate about than dissing a supplement that many find helpful?”
What point was that? The minute-per-week it takes to post here leaves scads of time to get passionate about many other things far more important .
“You doth protest way too much.”
You doth butchereth Shakespeareth way too mucheth.
“Your comments would be of interest if they were open and skeptical like Joe’s, but that’s not your angle.”
Do you have any idea how long this laughing stock of a snakeoil product has been around? It would be one thing to have been merely skeptical in 2008 when the MLM first launched, but with all we know now, one would have to be brain dead to not see straight through this scam.
That’s the thing—if it makes you feel better, GREAT; if not, just walk away and find happiness elsewhere. I can say that the only change in my diet was Protandim and a Boresha Nuvo-Gene green tea drink mix–and my cholesterol came down from 260 to 222 in a period of about 4+ months.
I stopped Protandim to see if any change noticeable—my cholesterol went back up to 260. Only variables were those two items, and I kept drinking the green tea on occasion. I’m back on the Protandim now to again experiment and see if it helps. Will conclude test in July or August when blood test for cholesterol check done again.
You doth protest way too much. If people are happy taking it… my wife and I do… what’s it to you? You seem to be here every day dishing your jive. I don’t care whether it was born under false pretenses, I know it has powerful ingredients from before even trying it. Could I make my own? Probably not well and certainly not for that price.
Does it work? I don’t have any health issues, but my body feels better, my cholesterol is lower and who knows what other benefits I may enjoy. Your only joy is KILLJOY. Your comments would be of interest if they were open and skeptical like Joe’s, but that’s not your angle.
Only Myhill knows whether and when he may be lying. True, it’s no marketing point, but he did spend a great deal of effort in his creation. Enough to impress a decorated scientist to check it out and put his stamp on it and create a marketing plan. That doesn’t prove anything either, but it is what it is… take it or leave it on its own merits. I choose to take it.
Now you’re wandering into wild conjecture. No reason to assume either, just silly. If you’ve read his story none of that fits the man and only goes to harm your ability to present an unbiased view.
“To say Paul Myhill no longer takes Protandim may (or may not) be a fact. He has said that on the record, but to say that without the context of his sense of betrayal and bitterness against Life Vantage misrepresents the obvious reason he does not… if he does not. You don’t buy a product from those you consider enemies, especially if you can make your own. Your inference is that he no longer believes in his creation. That’s an open question.”
By the same token, one could easily assume that Myhill never took the product in the first place, and that any “belief” he professed in the product was BS and entirely motivated by financial self interest.
If it’s true that someone can make their own version of the product, then that pretty much discounts the product’s value (that along with at least two dozen other reasons).
To say Paul Myhill no longer takes Protandim may (or may not) be a fact. He has said that on the record, but to say that without the context of his sense of betrayal and bitterness against Life Vantage misrepresents the obvious reason he does not… if he does not.
You don’t buy a product from those you consider enemies, especially if you can make your own. Your inference is that he no longer believes in his creation. That’s an open question.
Well, Myhill’s statement does not sound bitter:
“I still stand 100% behind Protandim, but a lot has changed and is better understood during the last ten years – from an activator (up-regulator) standpoint, and from a dietary standpoint.”
So, you are saying that Myhill is lying when he says that he doesn’t take it anymore? He is also lying when he says that his new concoction is not an improved version, but something entirely different?
Either Myhill is telling the truth when he says he no longer takes it, or the “inventor” of your miracle pill is lying (again). Not a great outcome for Protandimites, either way.
I’ll never understand why people stick with a company/product like this when there is so much evidence showing that it is just another pyramid scam with baloney science behind it. It is a cult-like mentality.
The subject of test tube/rodent vs human studies has been discussed here many times. Of course studies start out on rodents, but the research is NOT supposed to end there. The vast majority of research (upward of 90%) that shows promise in rodents fails when tried in humans.
Here is what PubMed has to say about research methods and how to tell “what works”:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/aboutcer/
“About Clinical Effectiveness Research
Clinical effectiveness research finds answers to the question “What works?” in medical and health care.
“Working” is a real health benefit – like symptom relief, quicker recovery, or longer life. To find out if something really works, all important effects need to be studied. That means possible harms as well as possible benefits.
Clinical or health effects are sometimes called patient-relevant outcomes.
How do researchers get from an idea to proof of clinical effectiveness?
Ideas about what could work might come from laboratory tests. There might be animal testing. Studies observing patients also generate important knowledge and theories.
But all these types of research cannot provide definite proof that a particular treatment works. Many other factors could be having an impact at the same time as treatment. People often improve with or without treatment, too.
Putting ideas, theories, and beliefs to the test
Testing clinical effectiveness in people requires experiments that can single out the true effects of specific actions. That is why the possible effects of treatments and prevention methods need to be studied in clinical trials.
One trial is rarely enough to provide definite answers. Later trials sometimes confirm early results – and sometimes come up with conflicting results. So researchers search for, and then analyze, all the trials that have studied particular questions. This type of research is called a systematic review. It can be used to look for studies other than trials as well, and address other questions – like, “What causes this disease?”
Definite answers and areas of uncertainty
Systematic reviews can show which treatments and prevention methods have been proven to work – and what remains unknown. Being clear about what is certain or uncertain is an important part of informed decision-making.
Systematic reviews are the basis for what is often called evidence-based medicine or health care. And they are important for pointing to areas where more research is needed.
Other names for this kind of research are “evidence syntheses”, “comparative effectiveness reviews”, and “health technology assessments”.
By PubMed Health, reviewed 27 October 2015″
As you can see, human trials are needed, and not just one trial. The results have to be repeatable before any conclusions can be reached.
Joe McCord was a paid spokesperson who allowed Lifevantage to say that McCord “invented” Protandim.
Paul Myhill cooked up Protandim, and he no longer takes it.
For me, it’s now a fact that Protandim works.
I have spinocerebellar ataxia type 7.
Because of SCA-7 I have less strength, controle and coordination in my muscles.
It’s getting more and more difficult to walk without support.
After taking Protandim, my muscles feel more flexible.
At the physiotherapist, I often first do exercises on a table and then I come down to walk around.
Normally, when I come down the table and start walking, the walking is very difficult.
Before I took Protandim it took a while before I could walk better.
After taking Protandim I can immediately walk better.
I walk definitely better then before I took Protandim.
I take 3 Molaxole doses a day not to get constipated.
But it still did not go smoothly.
There were often days I couldn’t go to the big toilet.
After maybe 14 days of taking Protandim, this started to improve.
I can now go daily to the big toilet.
Protandim also causes me to gain weight.
I’ve gained 1,1 kg in the last 3 weeks.
For me, that’s astounding since I have been slowly losing weight in the last 4 years.
Because Protandim causes my digestive system to work better, I can eat more.
Protandim activates antioxidant enzymes via nrf2, which protect cells against oxidative stress.
When your body already has a sufficient amount of activated antioxidant enzymes, then I think you will not feel any improvement because of Protandim.
That’s why many people think Protandim doesn’t work.
English is not my native language…
Sander, thank you for sharing and I am happy that your health is improving. You write English very well too 🙂
So Sander, would you say you are a kind of human trial? Maybe one of the best types of human trials one can conduct?I have met and discussed with dozens of people the same types of experience with Protandim. Can they all have been lying? By the way, most of the trials that have been published were never trials to see if Protandim works. They were to conducted to prove if a particular scientific theory worked held true and it just so happened that out of the 14 published trials so far, in 13 cases the theory held true.
While I could be wrong about this, has protandim been shown to help make mice live longer?
Joe, that is the best question I’ve seen you ask on this blog! Excellent, and mice would be good subjects to trial for lifespan because the shorter span could indicate effectiveness without having to wait a human lifespan.
Glen, thanks. Just something that occurred to me.
This presentation of the facts reminds me how so often people in the medical community just cannot believe or accept the fact that many supplemental products are the solution to many problems.
On the question of using mice or rats in clinical trials, virtually ALL such trials around the world use these rodents. Lifevantage did not specifically choose them! As a comment on the LIVESCIENCE website explains, mice and rats are used as “their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of humans, and many symptoms of human conditions can be replicated in mice and rats”. They are also small and easy to handle and transport!
You forgot to mention that Dr.McCord was doing his research on the subject of free radical biology more than 50 years ago, long before Protandim even existed. For his contributions in this area has received the prestigious Elliott Cresson Medal which has also been given to a few other unknown individuals such as Pierre and Marie Curie, Orwell Wright and Henry Ford! I suggest your readers do their own research into the discoveries Dr. McCord has made.
If you wanted seriously to do your own trials, why didn’t you contact the company? I know hundreds of Protandim distributors who would have given you a free bottle of Protandim, including myself. This is just another anecdote to bolster your preconceived negative view.
Colin, thanks for sharing. I truly appreciate your passion for the product and I do hope your business is going strong. What you say about mice and rats being similar to humans genetically is true and there are advantages to studying rodents. But similar or not, we are not rodents. For example, even though we are similar – genetically – to lab mice – we have different life spans. We might life 100 years (if we are lucky) while a mouse might live a year or so. If we are so similar – genetically – why do we have different life spans? While I could be wrong about this, has protandim been shown to help make mice live longer?
The aging process is obviously a big question that I hope is solved one day.
Hi Joe,
To put the records straight I am not in the business anymore. I was some years ago and then moved to Europe where Protandim has not been available. I have had to get hold of Protandim by hook or by crook these past years but have benefited greatly from the product.
Your debate about whether Protandim has been proved to do anything scientifically is wrongly focused. It has never been the goal of any of these, or indeed other, trials. What has been tested by large sections of the research community is the impact of free radicals and/or oxidation has on the cells in our body. Either as causes for diseases or aging. There are now more than 50,000 scientific documents on this subject with many more to come. Large sections of the scientific community are in agreement that there IS a connection and each day that goes by there is more evidence supporting this theory than disproving it.
The problem has been how do you prove this? Protandim appears to be one of the only substances around that can dramatically increase the production of our own internally produced antioxidants to fight free radicals and such increases have been well documented. If one believes that any of the problems being discussed are caused by the free radicals in our bodies, then one should take Protandim. If the 50,000 documents on this subject are all wrong, then one shouldn’t take Protandim. It is really just that simple.
Human trials to prove what? That Protandim reduces the number of free radicals attacking our cells? Those I have. I don’t intend to wait another 20 years for other human trials to take place and then discover at 80 that I should have been taking Protandim anyway I know it helps me fight free radicals (whatever they might or might not do), has no side effects and makes me feel good. A pretty good investment for a daily cost of 50% of a Starbucks Grande.
Colin, thanks for sharing. I am very glad that you are happy with Protandim and hope it continues that way for many years to come.
Greg B: “Why do you hate Protandim, when there are so many people who have benefited from taking it? Do you just hate people in general? Do you not want people to enjoy better health? Do you need counselling?”
When did you stop beating your wife Greg?
You never cease to live down to my lowest expectations of a petty JP snakeoil pyramid scheme huckster. Dick!
Quote: “The real reason would be that he knows it’s all a bunch of bull.”
Lisa, how do you know that? Why are you calling Mr Myhill a liar? Why do you hate Protandim, when there are so many people who have benefited from taking it? Do you just hate people in general? Do you not want people to enjoy better health? Do you need counselling?
“Lisa, how do you know that? ”
LOL, he of all people knows it’s a bunch of bull.
“Why are you calling Mr Myhill a liar?”
I’ve caught him in lies before, and he let Lifevantage lie about who “invented” Protandim.
“Why do you hate Protandim, when there are so many people who have benefited from taking it?”
I’ve told my story/history with Protandim on this site a few times, and probably in response to you, at some point. There is no proof that Protandim helps anyone, other than in their imaginations or if they happen to reside at the top of the pyramid.
“Do you just hate people in general?”
No.
“Do you not want people to enjoy better health?”
Yes, but that has nothing to do with taking Protandim.
“Do you need counselling?”
I probably do, after reading all your posts on this site.
Interesting. 1) How do you know he doesn’t take it anymore, and 2) I wonder why he doesn’t if so?
Mike, he posted it on his Facebook page, but has since taken it down. I copied it:
“As far as my new formula is concerned, let’s just say that there are now many known NRF2 activators, compared to ten years ago, and others that are assumed to be based upon their impact on the primary catalytic antioxidant enzymes and other markers. This is no big secret and is plainly discernible through a simple Google search. My new formula isn’t an advance on my old invention.
Rather, it’s an entirely new composition, with a reduced set of common ingredients and the addition of others, that I believe (no pre-clinical or clinical testing to support it yet) has all the data points to show NRF2 activation, up-regulation of the antioxidant enzymes, AND provide other beneficial outcomes as bonuses. I also don’t take the latest composition in a pill form.
These days, I’m more interested in functional foods/ingredients, believing that we are popping too many pills in general because we aren’t getting the required nutrition from good dietary intake. I’m not saying that all specialty supplements aren’t needed, far from it. I still stand 100% behind Protandim, but a lot has changed and is better understood during the last ten years – from an activator (up-regulator) standpoint, and from a dietary standpoint.”
So that is the reason he gave. The real reason would be that he knows it’s all a bunch of bull.
In my opinion, after researching his relationship to the company itself, I see it went sour based upon his perception of failed promises to support his charity work and credit for development of Protandim. It clearly became very bitter, so I’d take it all with a huge grain of salt.
Greg, it has been shown over and over again that the “science” behind Protandim doesn’t prove anything.
Even the “inventor” of Protandim, Paul Myhill, doesn’t take it anymore. Game, Set, Match.
Dear Joe,
Thank you so much for all the information and the good review that you have wrote here. I was given a promotional video for this product by someone who wanted me to bring this amazing technology to UK.
Being myself a recent doctor and curious about proper research, I found your post objective and informative. I encouraged the “person” who sent me the link to read your post and find the real evidence behind the product.
Keep up with your great work!
Reyna, you are very welcome and I’m so glad I was able to help 🙂
Greg: “There are no other anti-oxidants or anti-aging supplements that work as well as or better than Protandim, at half the cost, because none of the cheap ones activate Nrf2”
First, you have zero basis for making such a claim. There have never been any head to head studies comparing Protandim to other supplements. Second, there are dozens upon dozens of compounds that activate NRF2. Even vitamin C activates NRF2, so the phenomena you are alleging is not unique to any of the ingredients in Protandim. Third, there is no data showing that Protandim activates NRF2 in people who take the product. The only data they have is weak in vitro data. Lastly, the reason Protandim activates NRF2 is because it contains curcumin, which activates NRF2 by inducing oxidative stress
Greg: “Please name for us what product other than Protandim has been scientifically shown to reduce OS by an average of 40% after 30 days.”
Scientifically? You mean that 10 year old non-blinded, non-placebo controlled, non-randomized company-funded/authored study that featured Protandim investors as subjects? The one where half the subjects dropped out prior to completing the study? The one that could not be replicated in a better designed follow-up study which showed that Protandim had no effect whatsoever? You should be embarrassed for continuing to beat this dead horse.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22268125
Victoria, there are no other anti-oxidants or anti-aging supplements that work as well as or better than Protandim, at half the cost, because none of the cheap ones activate Nrf2, which is the key to reducing Oxidative Stress. Taking direct anti-oxidants (such as vitamins) is like trying to fight a building fire with a squirt gun. Taking Protandim is like turning on the building’s sprinkler system.
Please name for us what product other than Protandim has been scientifically shown to reduce OS by an average of 40% after 30 days.