(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
OK, Followup:
– I am a member of the largest medical group in CA, starts with a “K” and that’s where I’ll leave it to ‘imagination’.
– I have several Drs take care of my many needs, and there are several, and two in particular BOTH give me a series/battery of tests about every month to include numerous ones over full blood workup and fasting etc.: Get these regularly.
– I asked specifically for the TBAR as my only batter that gets close is the LIPID panel. Both Drs, and I trust them a lot, stated they do not offer that test even if I were wanting to pay for it: Not in their desired testing.
– Now this group, believes in western AND eastern medicine: they’ll prescribe it all. they are that good IMO.
– I am not convinced that this TBAR thing is more than somewhat ‘new’ to the culture and, what, like the chemicals in red wine I’ll need somehow to protract great amounts of it to do, what? we don’t know.
– point being, and I’m not blasting the product as wife feels it ‘might have some benefits’ but she’s been off it for a few days to see if there are hot flash changes. No difference…YET. who knows.
– she takes some other roots and berries too that seem to help.
not convinced, I should be shelling out $90 for two doses / month for this product as the science is very sparse.
I came to this site, and find the author is fair, balanced, just, and open minded. I can easily tell the products supporters and wonder of their motives. As the good Dr above hints: me think this is an old snake show.
Sorry, I’d be better off using the $90 [$100 if considering loss in putting the money to better use] towards a Hawaiian vacation….just saying…I am 62 and don’t believe in my case It would extend my life more than a few hours…I’d rather be sucking down a mai tai on the beach.
I’m done, thanks for the site.
rik n bo
Joe
I have already indicated that you provide some of the best insight into various products. However, my question is concerning that you list yourself as “unbiased”. First, do you really anyone can be really unbiased. Obviously, you don’t consider mice and rat studies as very relevant. I think each rat, mice, pig study and in vivo and ex vivo needs to be reviewed case by case, content, relevance, duration, and other factors.
These are peer reviewed studies which means they have been reviewed by other scientists. You are taking the place of other scientists especially considering that you are pitting yourself up magazines such as, “Free Radical and Biology Medicine” a reputable magazine in free radical studies which have published several of the Protandim studies.
Neither you or I are scientists so it is easy for us to dismiss something because it a mouse, rat, pig etc because we really don’t know the real relevance and how it might impact a human. We would all love to have more studies with humans but we can’t just dismiss studies which are related and relevant.
Simone, I say I am unbiased because I do not sell the supplements and I base my reviews on research. I actually have a MS in exercise science and a BS in chemistry and biology so I do consider myself a “scientist” even though I do not spend my time in a laboratory.
I just want to add that we may be looking at a revolutionary product. I have never asked anyone to be a distributor and I have not made a dime nor do I want to. I am retired and I don’t need the money. I am not counting on ads either. I don’t want to debate who is more “objective”. Can we start being honest here? That’s all I ask. I am not a blogger. I am a real person.
Simone, I’m not debating who is more objective either and I think you’ll agree that I’ve been nothing but honest in answering your questions and concerns as best as I can. That said, for me to use the word “revolutionary” I will need more evidence that what I see now. For me, its all about the published evidence -and especially human published evidence.
Right now, Protandim doesn’t have that level of evidence. Now, I’ll concede lack of proof does not mean something does not work. But what I don’t understand is that LifeVantage has real scientists in its organization. Why aren’t they doing the kind of research – human research – that I am curious to see. They have the resources needed to do it. Why aren’t they?
I’m a real person also Simone.
My husband is a walking trial of Protandim – he removed himself of all medications, with his Doctor’s permission and supervision. After taking Protandim for 9 months, he now has Type II diabetes, and all of the things that were being controlled with other (real) medications are now painfully off the charts.
Protandim is a scam – and it’s really quite dangerous. I wish my husband would have questioned the likelihood of some “wonder supplement” before taking it. Fortunately, he’s a young man – with real medicine and a healthier lifestyle, he will be fine.
Tammy, wow! The good news is that as you say with a healthy lifestyle his type II diabetes can be controled, dare I even say “cured.” Here is something Ive written in the past on type II diabetes. http://www.joe-cannon.com/can-type-ii-diabetes-be-cured/
Joe
You say, “Tammy, wow!’ and when I explained how Protandim greatly improved my life you could understand how I might feel but there wasn’t this “wow”. There is no evidence whatsoever that Protandim results in Diabetes II and why would his doctor remove him from all other medications …. anyway the statement doesn’t make sense and either does Tammy’s statement.
But if you can just go ahead and say, “wow” I am really disappointed in your objectivity. This woman is not talking about “…a real walking trial of Protandim” but something else which I am not going to say otherwise you will delete it. I am sure you don’t want me to make some wild eyed statement about what Protandim has done for someone: my wife, brother, father etc with no evidence and make statements that conclude that this is a miracle supplement without giving some detail. Why didn’t you ask for some more detail? Again, I say…where is the objectivity?
Simone, you are reading way too much into my words. When I said “wow” it was in response to Tammy’s husband being taken off meds by his doctor and allowed to progress to the point of type II diabetes. For me, that’s a crazy thing to do. I did not believe Tammy was saying that Protanidm causes type II diabetes. I also do not believe it causes diabetes either.
Hello this is a test comment
As a new distributor and not having a medical background..I relied on 3rd party testimony to get involved. The Pharmacist that explained the benefits and the Medical sales consultant that introduced me to Protandim were more concerned with the economic possibilities than medical testimonies.
Being a part of a company looking to “Brand” their product and the economic rewards seem more appealing then whether there have been studies done on humans or rats……I agree….billions are being spent by us Baby Boomers to stay healthy and live forever….billions were also spent on tobacco and alcohol which put us in our graves….I chose to be on the side of staying healthy and will market the product…Science will eventually catch up and figure out why its working…..same way they will eventually figure out there is a God..
Mark, Im curious, did the pharmacist and/or medical sales consultant show you the studies like I did in my review or did they just say studies existed? Did they break the studies down as I did (human vs test tube/mouse studies)? Nothing wrong with making money, but I’d just be interested to hear the take on the research by a pharmacist, who knows a lot about scientific research.
About the “medical sales consultant” – is that a term used in the protandim system or was that the occupation of the person (such as someone who sells medical equipment). Again, just curious.
Thank you Joe..Simone, I wrote, and I am taking it right out of my post to you,..’where are “published human research on protandim” ..??’ I re-read all posts by you and Joe and I have to be honest, I am very disappointed in your answers and the way you side-step questions that you either don’t have the answer to, or (my thoughts) you don’t want people to know..
You made a statement right in the beginning (February 7, 2013 at 9:51am) that, and again I am cutting and pasting, right from your post.. “I do agree that Paul Myhill especially has made some conflicting statements over the years and I certainly don’t give much credence to paid spokespersons.” Hmmmm… didn’t you admit on “February 10, 2013 at 12:00 am” that you ARE a Protandim distributor. In my eyes that essentially makes you a ‘Spokesperson’.. am I wrong? And if so.. how??
I also want to comment that I have seen it in print, from a distributor no doubt on a website she runs for people with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, etc. that this product had been seen on NBC.. not NBC Nightline.. if this is not true, who is watching what is being used as ‘sales tactics’ by distributor? Or is there anyone?
The main thing that really makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck is the fact that this product has not been tested on humans.. (well that is if you want to call ‘2 human studies performed on Protandim’ a test)… no more has ever been done?? After all these years, and the MILLIONS made by the company.. can you tell me why Simone?? (I have read what a brilliant woman you are) to me and I am just a layperson, no Dr etc. in front of my name, that it would be the SIMPLEST way to put everything on the table..I too, like Joe, have been researching Protandim and I am just not sold..
you unfortunately lost me when you told us that you where a distributor, and how you never really answered a lot of questions put to you, in a straight and forward way which I personally expected.. I am glad it works for you, but I am going to hold on to my money until there is sufficient human studies done.
So on that note, I would like to say thank you to Joe for allowing me to participate in this discussion and, Joe, keep up the good work, and you will be seeing me here, and hopefully reading my opinions in the future.. God Bless
Corri
I couldn’t have left much to the imagination the way I was writing that I was a distributor. I wasn’t trying to hide that fact. Also, as Joe knows I provided him with the Biogen study which to me even, though it hasn’t been published on pubmed.gov, is huge. Primarily because it was funded by Biogen and it was shown to be more effective than Biogen’s own drug, BG-12, which they are trying to have approved right now by the FDA and when it is approved they estimate it will be a 2-3 billion dollar drug for MS. It will be the first of its kind, an oral drug for MS whereas now people have to receive injections and the main company that is fighting them has the injection market.
Of course I know more information but because I don’t have sufficient hard evidence in front of me where I am completely comfortable with the evidence I am not prepared to share it. I am not trying to side-step anyone. If I obtain more information to substantiate what I know then I will consider sharing it. Until that time the debate will go on.
Simone, I don’t know if I would call the Biogen study “huge.” It’s interesting and it will be more interesting after it gets published and replicated by other researchers.
It’s huge mainly because it is not well known or publicized. Over the past year or past few months LifeVantage has shut down most if not all individual distributor sites and new you tube entries. In part I am sure they wanted distributors to stop making claims on the internet for fear that the FDA would send out warnings. Secondly, I am sure they did it to not allow one distributor who could build a beautiful site to have an advantage on the web over another distributor who didn’t have a great site. They eliminated the competitive issues over the web.
This results in less information that LifeVantage has available to be released. Even though I found an old distributor site that mentioned it I received it directly from someone. It is important in part because it was not a published report and thus not well known. I would imagine Biogen doesn’t want it out there considering what is going on.
Simone, well Id say thats a good thing to reel in those who might make over the top claims not based in fact or those outside what is doable under DSHEA.
Thanks for the info. My sister and brother-in-law and some friends were just talking the other night about this product. They are looking at becoming distributors. I told them it sounded too good to be true but I had never heard of the product before so I decided to do some investigating.
There is a lot of good being said about the product, mostly though by those associated with selling it. I’m more interested in the independent studies and yours and others provided me with considerable scientific information to pass along. Once again thanks for the info, very informative.
Dave, you’re very welcome and I’m happy you found me.
Dave
The only reason I am writing on this site is because Joe has the best site in regards to Protandim, maybe any supplement. I’m looking at purchasing some of his books because after reviewing his information he looks at things objectively as possible even though we disagree on some things. If we agreed on everything it wouldn’t be any fun.
What I write is not about me being a distributor of Protandim. My wife wanted to take it because her friend said it was for anti-aging and so I discussed it with her husband and I figured I would take it as well and the cheapest way to go for us would just be as distributors.
I have been in an MLM before and I didn’t want to be a part of this process but here I am…I started taking it Sept 2012 and never said a word to anyone. However, I noticed that Protandim worked for me at the end of November 2012 and I began to tell people how it changed my life…dramatically…so dramatically that I would like to yell it from the roof tops.
I don’t have to read a clinical study to figure out that it works… while I don’t agree with the tactics that some distributors use to get people to take it or become distributors I also want the word out to people so it is a mixed bag for me—I have mixed feelings. I can appreciate everyone’s point of view.
Want to preface that I was 23 when I started on Protandim.
I was the same way Simone. A girl at the gym told me about it in Dec 2011. I researched it a lot after doing a 3way call with her and her friend Shannon in her upline. Started taking it about a week later…noticed that my usual mental fog (alleviated only by caffeine) was lifted, which really helped concentration and productivity at my research job. I became friends with the girl and her husband, who had just become distributors. I shared Protandim with my best friend, who also did his research before trying it. He did not notice as much difference as I did, just the sleeping better part.
Fast-forward to Feb 2013–> while helping me move, I started talking about learning more about the business side of Lifevantage. I work for a research startup, which pays less salary with the hope of profiting from stock options a few years down the road. So in the meantime, I want to do something on the side to start supplementing my income and saw Lifevantage as a possibility. Went to a meeting to hear Mark Simpson present a couple nights later and signed up that night.
I’m gradually growing the business, and I mean gradually because once you share the information with someone, they have to convince themselves (not me, my job is not to push) by reading everything they can (studies, testimonials, unbiased blogs). That’s what I like about Lifevantage, though, is that it’s NOT a pushy endeavor…if you’re going about it that way, then you’re negatively affecting yourself and the product instead of potentially helping someone for the better.
Cory, I’m curious, what protandim unbiased blogs did you read besides mine?
Don’t see any evidence of Mercia being a distributor: website removed
Cory, she links to websites that sell Protandim and so makes money if people buy it via those links.
Ah…sneaky Mercia. Well, the search continues for another unbiased source!
Cory, yes its called affiliate marketing. Nothing wrong with it, its just something I look at when I review products. Just so ya know, I have no affiliate links of any kind in any of my reviews.
Not much of a page, but I don’t see any links to selling Protandim: http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens-f22/topic19414.html
Cory, yes that site looks ok to me and I noticed they even removed a link from somebody who tried to post a protandim link.
Only 20 hits on Google for ‘unbiased review of protandim’. Damn that’s pitiful
Cory, yes I know – and I hope I was one of those 20 LOL 🙂
My wife and I used the product from Oct 2011 to Oct 2012 and honestly didn’t see any vast improvements in our health
Now, that’s not to say that it doesn’t work. We’re just saying that we didn’t notice a difference significant enough to warrant spending over $80 per month for the two of us.
Horshue, that is true and I do appreciate you taking the time to write.
Horshue
Did you have any health issues because my wife is very healthy and only had a slight twinge in her knee which has improved but other than that didn’t notice any changes other than improved sleep? You testimony is interesting however.
Joe
One thing I like about you is that you just “Joe”. You’re not highlighting that you may be a doctor or some important professor somewhere. I have not advertised my association with the medical community either but I had 125 physicians work for me during my 30 years as a director of a government agency one of whom had been surgeon general of the navy–never met a more intelligent person.
I have attended McGeorge School of Law (Supreme Court Justice Kennedy is a professor at that school and teaches a class during the summer–my name should be on there somewhere) etc and I have graduate degrees…don’t want to highlight my background but my point is that I don’t highlight myself with a “Dr” or “attorney” etc nor do you.
We are just “Joe” and “Simone”. I don’t care who gives an opinion…all opinions have some merit whether it is a “Dr” or just your regular joe. AND you approach this blog with that perspective which is what makes it work. Thanks.
Thanks Simone, I appreciate that and your right I don’t talk about myself too much here (I’m pretty easy to find via my personal site) and prefer to people draw their own conclusions.
Okay, let me be more direct. “Dr. Bill” gives his opinion and his high five to you but his name is a direct link to his website where he sells stuff and has his own opinions on various products. Doesn’t that violate your own “fair” analysis of a product? Shouldn’t we call a spade a spade here? Maybe you high five his analysis’ as well. I don’t know since I don’t intend to visit his site more than the one time I clicked on his name. As Vince Lombardi once said, “What’s going on around here?”
Simone, Bill does not sell dietary supplements on his site and so there is no violation. His site is supported similarly as mine is.
Okay, as long as you are comfortable with this. BTW…I don’t have any problem with you using adsense because you run a responsible site and I hope that you receive a lot of attention. I am doing my best to bring you more attention.
Simone thanks I appreciate that.
Joe
If you read my comments I never said that additional human studies were currently “published”. I’ll leave it at that. In regards to the Tbar testing I only quoted LV FAQ page and added a comment. BTW–What ever happened to my reference to another supplement created by Dr. Perlmutter? The Biogen study is huge whether or not it is published in pubmed.gov. Where else would you find it?
In addition, I admitted I was wrong about your motivations and the only reason I listed another commenter was not in a disparaging way but to just note that it was her link that led me to think that you were borrowing off of another website.
On the other hand, I have come to realize that you are your own person and your writings are well intentioned and original. That is the reason I gave you the Biogen study and some other info. I wouldn’t have done that for someone else.
And I thank you for that. I hope you will keep me in the loop of any human research that gets published also.
Simone I didn’t put in the other link about Delmutter because he sells a supplement and I don’t want to have the comments start to get cluttered with that. If I let you do it, I’ll get emails from others about their links, so that’s why.
I was only interested at the start about human research and that is what I thought you said existed when we first talked. Ill be more interested in the Biogen study when its published. Simone don’t you yourself wonder why all these researchers are only testing Protandim in test tubes and mice for the most part? Don’t you ever wonder why they don’t start a large scale Tbar test on people for example? Its not like they don’t have the scientific muscle to do it.
From my standpoint Perlmutter and his supplement is about the Protandim story. He has been on every news station to include CNN and is a well known researcher as well as a physician.
Why I am not more concerned that there are not more human trials and only mice or in vivo studies etc. When the ABC Primetime program first aired Dr. McCord received various requests from universities asking to study Protandim. Those studies continue to this day and that is why there will be more clinical trials coming out this year and published on pubmed.gov.
I have questions but the questions I have are very different from the ones who have proposed. I am way past worrying about the issue of human trials because I am a human trial of one and there are other people who I personally know who are not involved in the network marketing aspect of this but have noticed changes (e.g. my mother-in-law— who has seen significant changes in her lab work so much so that her doctor asked her about more information about Protandim).
My questions are all related to what is going on in my body, trying to figure out what makes Protandim tick. While I don’t know for sure how it works Glutathione seems to account for a couple of the changes and Turmeric a couple others. However, Dr. Perlmutter raises the most interesting questions with his supplement since he is using a capsule that can be poured into a shake if desired where as Protandim is a single pill. He must have been privy to some of the Protandim research so as to create his pill. From my standpoint that is going to be something to watch.
Joe – Keep up the good work. I commend you for the effort you put in to all your research in order to provide people with factual information! I find it very interesting that Simone can not provide you with any other human studies in which he/she is adamant that exist. I also find it interesting that Debbie Nobles never replied about her Lyme Disease blood levels. These two things speak volumes to me!!!! Thank you again for all you do!
Jennifer, thanks for writing. I appreciate your kind words.
we were introduced to this product by our veterinarian who is a believer in it for the animals as well as himself . we saw his video all waiting for our kitties to be diagnosed and found a compelling . we decided for the price to pick them up on a product and see what I would do . we are now on our second shipment . is too difficult to say that we’ve seen anywhere to go change it all or if it is done any good .
however my wife mentioned that her hot flashes are controlled a little bit better. I of course don’t suffer from hot flashes . so in order for us to see if this works we will take you up on your T bar experiment see what goes . but to be honest even a party bar level where to change dramatically I still don’t know what that means in the things of life . I have a suspicion that we will cancel our product anyway as I don’t see much benefit in the sort of things . as the student mentioned diet exercise sleep as a healthy life might just be the trick .
Rik and Bo, Yes I understand. No matter what I found, it would be an “experiment” of 1 person so whether I found it did something or not, there would be people on both sides who would have problems with it. Basically I’m just curious to see what I’d find and hopefully spark others to take a look at it.
Joe
What I haven’t explained to you is this: I am a distributor but I have never asked anyone to be a distributor. There are a considerable number of people who buy the Protandim from me but I always tell them that they can buy it from a number of other people.
In our church there is a person who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and his arm is shaking noticeably. He has a young daughter and I know that his finances are not great. I spoke with him and offered free Protandim for as long as he needs it in the hopes that it would possibly help him. He is a very smart person. He went home, got on the internet and read all of the garbage and emailed and said he appreciated my concern but he would pass.
This is my mission—to stop the insane conclusions. Show evidence that is doesn’t do what it says it does. I already know it works because it has worked in my life. Show me the evidence that it doesn’t work!
Hi Simone, I suspected you were a distributor which is fine. I have no problems with distributors who add useful information to the discussion. I’m curious, if I pleaded to get a full blood work up -including TBARS – before and after Protandim, would you be willing to give me a month supply free? I’m curious enough to spend the money to test it on myself.
Joe
Here is what Lifevantage states about T-BAR testing on their website under FAQ: “There are many ways in which oxidative stress can be measured in the laboratory. TBARS was chosen because it has been the most widely used, with more than 8,000 published studies. These studies provide a valuable basis for comparison. TBARS reflect oxidative damage to polyunsaturated lipids, perhaps the most sensitive major class of biological molecules to free radical damage.
To the best of our knowledge no commercial lab offers a T-BARS test. Why is this? First of all, because there is no “fix” for T-BARS other than Protandim and so it is not a priority. Next, it is a difficult test to perform outside of a research lab because the products are unstable and the samples have to be measured very quickly, a process that is difficult to do under commercial conditions. For these very reasons, the commercially offered T-BARS can be inconsistent and unreliable.”
Before I ship you a bottle of Protandim let’s agree on the testing and where it would be tested. Unfortunately I started taking Protandim before I even saw the abc primetime video so I am untestable since I am not going to stop taking it for a couple weeks to prove that it reduces oxidative stress.
Simone, I was going to look into the TBAR test and discuss it with various people to see if I could have it done somewhere. I was going to start with my doctor and also quiz former teachers who likely might know. If that was not possible, I would also look at the lipid perioxide test. I know going into this that it would take time to do. For example, I would be stopping all supplements that I currently take for at least a month to “wash out” any effects they might have.
I’m sorry but I cant agree to any stipulations on where testing is to be done or what tests would be done. You would just have to trust that I’m not trying to do anything sneaky.
Okay, in that case I will sell you a bottle of Protandim for $25 which cost me $40+ shipping. This is the best deal on the web.
Simone, sorry no deal. Thanks anyway and take care.
Joe
Are you willing to print this which really questions your integrity? You wanted a free bottle of Protandim to test TBars, I asked for some integrity regarding the testing before I sent a free bottle which cost me $40+shipping, you said no, I said okay, how about $25 if I lower the standard on the testing issue giving you more latitude. You said “no deal”… Joe, I have given you a considerable amount of information… do you want more or do you want to be middle of the road book show person…show me some integrity… be willing to lose it all or gain it all …
Simone, I’ve demonstrated nothing but integrity since we started our conversation. I have printed everything you have sent over -even those posts in which you accused me of having ulterior motives and having an association with another website that is anti protandim. I tried to address your questions about my integrity and motives as honestly as possible. I did block your comments where you blasted another commenter and linked to sites that were associated with other protandim distributors because those are against my rules.
We originally started our conversation when you said there were other Protandim studies which I did not know about. I said, ok show me the studies. You showed me a study that was presented at a conference of scientists. Studies that are presented carry much less weight than published studies. But I not only allowed that link I also amended my review by including that study. I even added to that study with another line of research which linked a possible mechanism of action to another supplement I’ve reviewed called Anatabloc. I didn’t have to do that but I did – because I wanted to be honest.
You then tried to lead me along with the lure that other human studies existed and that you would share them in time. Only after I challenged you on this did you admit that no other human published studies of Protadim exist currently.
It was only after you mentioned that you were willing to give Protandim for free to someone – for as long as he needed it – that I thought you might be a good candidate to let me test it myself for a month, with a blood test – including the TBAR test. This would be at my own expense Simone. I’m quite certain health insurance would not cover the cost of a TBAR test. Then, you tell me that consumers cant get TBAR tests and want me to agree on where to do testing.
I’m sorry but by putting stipulations on testing you nullify any results – positive or negative – that might have been gained. Uf I did what you asked, I would be making the same critical mistake that Primetime Live made when John Quinones has his TBARS tested. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it my way and avoid any criticisms – from both sides of the fence – that Protandim or its distributors were involved in any aspect of this.
It doesn’t matter now though because I have lost all interest in testing Protandim.
My willingness to give Protandim for free was based on the fact that the person had Parkinson’s disease and was financially strapped. Also, take into consideration I am the President of my church, I do care about people in my church, I would do what i could to help them and I am involved in feeding the homeless etc. I had no problem giving you Protandim for free for a month if we could agree on the testing site. However, I think you have made the right decision.
Dear Simone,
You appear to be a distributor for the product but I can forgive you for falling victim to the hype and false hope these types of companies use to suck people in. It is, indeed, very convincing so you shouldn’t feel bad about this.
The deal is, Joe is doing you and everyone else a service by exposing the weaknesses of Protandim’s so-called evidence. This situation is the equivalent that of a cult where the leader tells everyone to drink cyanide laced Kool-Aid and then go jump off a cliff. Because the leader is so convincing and, intuitively, seems to make sense, blindly follow orders and queue up to take your turn jumping off the cliff.
Then you have a guy with no vested interest in the cult (like Joe) that comes along and says, “hey, not so fast. There are some things you should be aware of before you jump….” You turn around and say, “nah Joe, you don’t know what you’re talking about. ‘MY’ guru would never lead me astray.”
Look, I’ll come right out and say it: you’re ignorant to your own ignorance and don’t even know it. Your fervor for this product and a rabid unwillingness to accept anything that challenges your dogma (or the company’s dogma which you parrot out to the world) makes you a perfect obedient sheep, the type these companies rely on to become foot soldiers and henchmen to do their dirty work. Seriously, I think you should re-read Joe’s article again with an open mind and be willing to accept inconvenient truths.
Take a look at your discussion around T-BARS you appear to acknowledge all the limitations, so then why would you even stand by it as evidence for a reduction in oxidative stress. Doesn’t make sense. I would think you should be calling your local path labs and see if there is a reliable commercially available test which everyone can agree on.
In closing, I just need you to be aware that you have fallen victim to all the typical MLM tricks in the book. I’ve been studying MLM tactics for nearly 20 years now and, while the names of the MLM companies change, the same old tricks work every time. Hype the product, blow science out of proportion (if there is any science at all behind it), overload the promo materials with weepy testimonials, claim you’re a victim of the “establishment,” and then watch the gullible minions line up to buy the product. It doesn’t work some of the time. It works EVERY time. Including this time with Protandim. Seriously, if I was a criminal genius with no ethics, I could put together a dietary supplement tomorrow, use all the typical MLM tricks, and you’d all be lining up like sheep to fund my retirement.
Keep up the good work Joe. You’re doing a public service that is truly valuable in this world.
Bill, wow! Thanks, that is very nice of you to say. Appreciate the kind words.
Dr. Bill
You may have missed some of my earlier comments. In 1990 I was on NBC’s Nightline with Barbara Walters when I testified against Nu Skin’s practices (I’ll send you the video if you want it) and I was part of the class action lawsuit against them which we won and they paid us. Don’t tell me I don’t understand MLMs. I am telling you that this product, Protandim, has changed my life and I really get upset with people who don’t get it and have never tried it. Quit analyzing it … give it a chance…
Big fan of your work Joe. You stand for integrity in an industry overrun with profiteers with no real interest in improving public health.
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Then you, of all people, should clearly know better.
Please do Joe, and let us know your results. Past user!
thanks, but I’m honestly right now, no longer interested in testing Protandim. It’s an interesting product and I am curious about it but I think for now I’ll let people decide for themselves based on the research.
I had my mother do before/after serum TBARS testing through Metametrix — an independent laboratory that was not aware of what we were up to. I was not a distributor when I encouraged her to do the test. I was a skeptic, which is the reason why I encouraged the $400 in testing.
After 1 month on Protandim her TBARS fell by 46%. I will email the results to you, Joe, if you are interested in seeing them. I have seen an awful lot of subjective improvements in people who take the Protandim, though of course any MLM can point to anecdotal testimonies. The most impressive thing for me was the independent, objective verification via laboratory TBARS reduction in my mother (she was a great guinea pig!). TBARS is not a bad test, contrary to what some are saying. It is fairly well-established as a reliable marker of oxidative stress, and a potent predictor of risk (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15542282).
David, yes Id be interested in seeing the results. I will email you privately.
And question for you Joe, are you for self funded studies or against them, because you contradicted yourself several times? If you agree self funded studies don’t carry as much legitimacy, then why make the point that Lifevantage had the money to conduct there own studies, when you know that independent studies are more reliable from an outsider’s perspective?
I think it is funny when bloggers bash the use of pubmed.gov as if some random white coat can just publish what they want on it. And as for the human trials, any credible critic would at least know that about 90% of all pubmed are studies on mice. There’s a reason universities and research centers use mice. It’s cheaper and it’s effective. Your point is null and void. Not to mention, superoxide dismutase is found in every organism that requires oxygen to live.
Johanna, I must differ and say that actually it’s your points that are null and void – and here’s why:
1. I have never said I was against self funded studies. In fact I have -several times – said I appreciate it when a company funds their own research. As long as the research is well done, I have no problems with it. Ive always said this.
2. I’ve never “bashed” the use of pub med. Joanna, do you look at the links I use in my reviews? 99% of them are from Pub med!
3. My summary of the human protandim research is irrefutable – only 2 human studies performed on Protandim. My point is that Protandim is marketed to people but the bulk of the research is mouse and test-tube studies. Of the human research performed, only one of those studies showed it works. That leaves only 1 human study.
4. I never discounted superoxide dismutase so what you say makes no sense.
Johanna, I’m sorry but the scientific facts speak for themselves, and there is nothing you can say that will change that- until more research is done.
Could I be wrong and could Protandim be the best supplement in the world? Sure its possible. I’m totally open to that! So why not prove it by doing better research?
It’s easy for Protandim distributors to say I don’t know what I’m taking about but if I go by the research that their own company is putting out there – the same research that distributors tell people about – well then, things look a little less cut and dry.
Hopefully that clears things up Joanna.
Okay, I was wrong. You are not associated with lazyman.
Talking turkey— I just provided a great abstract funded by Biogen… that was just the shot across the bow. let’s absorb that first and you have presented it responsibly. I’ll let pubmed.gov publish any human trials. I will say only this — there will be more published peer reviewed articles on pubmed.gov regarding Protandim in the near future.
Simone, I don’t want to deprecate anyone here so I took out your reference to the commenter. As for the the biogen study being a “shot across the bow” I’m sorry but that’s not going to cut it. A study presented at a convention does not meet my litmus test for research, which I said was published peer reviews research, preferably on humans.
So by saying that you’ll “let pub med publish any human trials”, are you admitting that all the research I listed was all there was?
It’s ok if you can’t produce any published human research other than what I’ve already presented. Just say so.
The biogen study as the shot across the bow was just a warning shot that there is a lot more. As I indicated I am reluctant to provide more at this time. I contributed to your article so I did some good for you but some of it is out there like the Biogen study. You just have to dig a little harder. I can’t spoon feed all of it but nice try.
Simone, Sorry, but I’m not buying it. I won’t be lead on a wild goose chase. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, but its obvious now that since you can’t back up your statement, I conclude that there is no other human research.
Joe
When LifeVantage started out as a network marketing company in 2009 there were 3 patents and 4 peer review studies. It was discovered that it was a NRF2 activator later on which surprised of all people Dr. Joe McCord. As of this date there are 5 patents and 14 peer review studies listed on pubmed.gov and you are correct there are no additional human studies listed on pubmed.gov.
Why are we talking about superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NRF2? The power of network marketing that Protandim has brought to the table which never would have happened if it was sitting on a shelf at GNC which was doing from 2005-2009.
However, Protandim has brought a lot of interest to pharmaceuticals and universities regarding its possibilities which are ongoing and there will be additional released studies this year. This is not a wild goose chase. This an adventure into the realm of real possibilities regarding the improvement in wellness and preventive care.
Simone, thank you for the confirmation that I have identified all of the human studies done so far on Protandim. That’s all I was looking for.
Sounds like @Simone is ALWAYS sidesteping your question of where are “published human research on protandim” by saying “I can’t spoon feed all of it..” Well Simone, I am not Joe, I have never met Joe, is the first time that I have been on this site. I suffer from Severe Fibromyalgia, and was told that I should be taking this supplement.. so.. Simone I am now asking this ?? Where are they??
Corri
I am not exactly sure what you are asking when you say, “Where are they?”
Simone, when Corri was asking “where are the studies?” it was a reference to the published human studies you said existed that I did not know about.
Thank you for all your work and your level-headed insight! It’s a breath of fresh air when otherwise bombarded with self-promoting legal/medical jargon!
Augie, thanks I really appreciate that! 🙂
This will be my last comment today. I have a life which is pretty good. Joe, you comment about the fact that abcliveit.com is not an ABC site. Whoever thought it was? For me it was a good site for people to go to see the ABC Primetime program. I never thought nor did I ever promote it as an ABC site. There are several that have abc in the front of the domain name but I don’t know of anyone who tried to say it was an ABC site. I was using prime2005.com before that one but thought that abcliveit.com was put together better and the quality was better. Do I have to go through each line of your article and explain everything? You are getting your information from the Adsense master himself, lazyman who is milking Protandim dry. He couldn’t be happier. I leave you with your conscience.
Simone, there you go judging me again! I didn’t have a clue who you were talking about until you said “lazyman.” I won’t even mention that website but I just – for the FIRST TIME TODAY – saw that site in reference to this supplement. I have not looked at that site, in fact, I very rarely look at other reviews on supplements because I do not want to be accused of reinventing the wheel or plagiarism.
Simone, You’re going to have to take a leap of faith and trust me when I say I have no connection to that website (or others) but it doesn’t matter because this part of the discussion is over because it serves nobody.
As for the ABC Live website, If Protandim were featured on Dateline NBC, I’d agree with you -but it wasn’t. You know as well as I do that ABC and Live in the URL are there to play off of ABC Primetime Live. No force in the verse will change my opinion on this. But enough of this also.
Lets talk turkey – please show me the published human research on protandim that you said existed.
This is the actual link to the Biogen article: http://registration.akm.ch/einsicht.php?XNABSTRACT_ID=137548&XNSPRACHE_ID=2&XNKONGRESS_ID=150&XNMASKEN_ID=900
Simone, I appreciate that. I looked at the study and it appears this study was presented at a scientific convention in 2011. It doesnt look as if it was published yet. That said, I appreciate you telling me this because while researching it, I found an interesting possible to connection to another product I reviewed called Anatabloc. I have updated my review with the information you provided under the heading “Protandim and multiple sclerosis.”
I realize that as I release the names of these studies that are being done or have been completed using Protandim around the world that you and your buddies who are trying to make a buck off of criticizing Protandim will be off and running.
To me, it is interesting that the studies on Protandim that have used rats or mice which you have criticized, what if they actually work better on humans. I say that looking at my own experience realizing that it is just anecdotal evidence. LifeVantage doesn’t have the critical trials, yet, that you want but LifeVantage did not have the money from investors until recently to conduct these trials. Anyway, maybe I have said too much.
Simone, we will have to see if Protandim works better in humans than animals. What you are asking is exactly what I’d love to see. I’m not trying to criticize anyone. I am trying to point out what very few others seem to.
As for “making a buck” let me ask you if you could you could afford to work for free? You likely paid for everything you have – clothes, car, utilities etc. Yet you have repeatedly made deprecating references to websites – including mine- that use ads to help support those sites. Simone, I am giving ALL of this information away for free. Nobody has to pay a cent for it – and never will. Not that I’m criticizing LifeVantage but I was told that they charge people over $600 just to be a distributor! They are making way more than a buck to be sure.
I have less of a problem with you than I do lazyman but since you have used his information and his websites to support your “conclusions” I am concerned about your sources and the money that is made making pot shots at Protandim. Of course, I don’t see your site cluttered with Adsense ads and your responses are reasonable.
I understand you have to make a living and as long as it continues to be reasonable and doesn’t make a concerted effort to trash Protandim simply for the purpose of making money such as lazyman has done and continues too do then I don’t have a problem with it.
In regards to the $630, some distributors want to start building their business right away and pay for a “Vantage Pack” which includes $650-$685 retail products (Protandim and True Science — e.g. 12 bottles of Protandim at $50 retail and 1 bottle of True Science at $85 retail) and a distributorship license as well as some marketing material so it is not as though peopleare paying $630 for just the opportunity.
Also, anyone can also pay just $50 if they just want to be a distributor but if they want product they would have to pay extra. This is fairly standard for a legitimate network marketing company.
Simone, as I said I have never looked at the lazyman website and have no idea what it says about this supplement. If your not willing to believe me on this, I don’t know what else to say. Regardless, this line of conversation detracts from the science. That is all I’m interested in.
Joe
Here is the title of the Biogen study, “Nrf2 activators: a novel strategy to promote oligodendrocyte survival in multiple sclerosis”. If you use that title you can locate it on the web. There are others but let’s just start with that one.
In regards to Wikipedia…here is the problem… I wanted to find out why the Protandim Wikipedia information is so screwed up and discovered that 2 young people who spend their waking hours writing Wikipedia entries also block or revert back to their own writings anyone who disagrees with their opinions. One uses the name, “Rhode Island
Red” and the other uses the name, “Skamecrazy123” on the Wikipedia Protandim site. After I reviewed all of the sites these kids are trying to control I have vowed never to use Wikipedia again. These guys have thousands of entries. They are just like scammers or identity theft individuals. They have so much time on their hands that they have learned how to control information on Wikipedia sites whereas you or I even though we might be internet savvy are not willing to learn all of these nuances.
I hope this helps.
Simone, Wikipedia makes up a very small percentage of what I link to (its about 1% of the time). I only do it to give people background information and that’s after I’ve read it myself and feel comfortable with it. If I link to Wikipedia, believe me, that information is not central to my review. As I’ve said, 99% of the time I link to published peer reviewed research.
Again, thanks for the MS study. I did look at it and made the necessary updates to my review. Please show me all the other published studies you say exist.
This is not to “make a buck” or criticize protandim in way way but rather because you said other research existed. So, I’m ready to look at it whenever your ready to show me.
Again, I’m really interested in “published peer reviewed human research.” If this is the research you are referring to, I’d like to see it.