Protandim Review: Research & Side Effects

Protandim Ingredients

According to the product's website,  there are 5 ingredients in each caplet of Protandim which add up to 625 mg:

Notice in the table above they tell us the source of each ingredient:

1. The milk thistle extract is derived from the seeds of the plant
2. The bacopa extract is derived from the whole plant
3. The ashwagandha extract is derived from the root of the plant
4. The green tea extract comes from the leaves of the plant
5. The turmeric extract is derived from the underground stems (rhizome) of the plant

• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Croscarmellose Sodium Silica
• Modified Cellulose
• Stearic Acid
• Magnesium Stearate
• Maltodextrin
• Medium Chain Triglycerides

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.

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.

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:

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 :

Watch video on YouTube

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.

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.

See the SeroVital review.

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.

Here it is on Amazon

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.