(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
Dear Joe,
I am hugely grateful for your unemotional, matter-a-fact review of this “enchanting” supplement. I have been approached by a friend twice, yesterday being the 2nd time, in regards to her desire that I “get on Protandim’s website….watch Dr Mcord (?) on You Tube…..it’s AMAZING” she says. I am appreciative of her desire to tell me about this (although I detest sales tactics for any MLM)…….for MY DAUGHTER.
Yesterday she was so urgent she said that SHE would pay for a 6 month supply for her and then, as I failed to commit, she flat out said, “To tell you the truth Nicole….I feel like we are just wasting time!!! This will be GOOD for her.” She is NOT a distributor, and as for the person she would be buying it from, he is one of my most trusted friends.
Here is the conflict. If you have kids, you’ll understand why I now have an internal conflict akin to WW3 going on inside. MY DAUGHTER is a 6 year old TYPE 1/Juvenile Diabetic. What would I give my own LIFE for? A CURE for Type 1 Diabetes. What is at the forefront of my thoughts ALL the time? Keeping her alive. Then, keeping her blood glucose levels at her target number. (100-150) It’s a BIG DEAL to us.
I’m not going to just shove some “miracle pill” down her tiny little throat. While I would LOVE for it to help her, I’m more scared that it will hurt her.
I did catch the part in one of your summaries which indicated that those with auto-immune disorders not take it. At this point I’m just not willing to risk her sight, kidneys, or a hair on her beautiful little head.
So, I may get ripped apart for throwing this comment to the pack of wolves that have taken up residence in this comment feed, but may I ask for a “Good Mom” “Bad Mom” vote?
Nicole, no worries about the protandim distributors here. None of them will say your a bad mom and if any of them do, I delete those comments.
Since the company that makes protandim warns to talk to your doctor if you have an autoimmune disorder (which type I diabetes is) I think its wise to do that. There is a part of me who feels protandim wont hurt your daughter but it will not cure her either. Protandim needs to be studied in type I diabetics before Id feel comfortable with it for a 6 year old.
To give you some hope, if you go to the website ReachMD.com and sign up (its free) you can search their site for a podcast that discusses whether a cure for type I diabetes may occur one day. Its a fascinating discussion by a researcher who has cured type I diabetes in mice (once they stop the beta cell attack, the beta cells grow back!). She is trying to get funding to test this in humans. Based on this preliminary research, I feel hopeful that one day your daughter wont have type I diabetes anymore. I don’t know when that day will occur, but I do believe it will come.
Your a good mom Nicole. I can tell.
You are a Good Mom!
I am currently taking my daughter to at least 5 different doctors/therapists for her sudden onset psychotic episodes and one of her friends did the guilt trip on me about not getting her to take Nu-skin’s nano pro pack because it will work for her.
Nicole, as a mother, go with your instincts and be careful. Do your research. I google search every drug, product that is being recommended, even before we go to see the doctors. Some of them don’t like that – they like to be the authority and expert, and they are, but NO ONE has your daughter’s best interest at heart more than you. Become an authority about your daughter’s condition.
Good luck, God speed in your daughter finding her way back to good health.
I listened to a power point yesterday put on by a distributer of Protandim. To join and become a distributer one must purchase a 12 month supply of the product at the cost of $600. I’m not sure where the person above came up with $85 but I am pretty sure that is inaccurate.
@ SMV – I also sat through a protandim presentation two weeks ago. You don’t “have” to purchase anything to become a distributor. There are two options to become a distributor,
(1) is to buy the “vantage pack” which costs around $600, but is something like $515 in actual product (i.e.: you’re only paying $85 and can use or sell the rest); Or,
(2) you can just pay the $85, you get no product, but you get proven plan materials, etc. Heck, you can also pay the $85 and then buy whatever product you want in any amount that you want.
Bottom line, if you want to start the business you need $85. A lot of people see the value in purchasing the value pack and go that route instead – it’s not a “requirement.”
Dizzypru, thanks for that synopsis!
Hi Joe,
just wondering why in the world would you spend so much time on Protandim. You receive no pay and as you have stated have no other motive. What are your credentials to even represent any form of bias. Unlike the researches from Harvard, LSU, or American Heart Association and many other universities having conclusions quite a bit different then what you are allowing others to perceive.
I am sure you realize any new product unless touted to be big Pharma next billion dollar winner begins with research on animals. Your review of the research was completely bias, misleading and inaccurate as to the results.
Let’s leave this for the professionals to iron out and validate. Go use all that money you have earned to help make the world a better place. I am certain you can have a greater impact then writing a blog that you continue to argue with others about something that appears you truly lack understanding or have the credentials to make others perceive you do.
Anonymous, You say I’m biased -which I’m not – but yet you provide no examples of where you think I went wrong. Instead, you chose to attack me and do so under the cloak of being anonymous. That’s fine. If you care to have a civil conversation about this Im willing.
I dont see how you can say that I am misleading people because I listed -and linked to – all the published research on protandim -and that’s something not even LifeVantage did on their own website!
Fact. You can’t refute the conclusion that the majority of published protandim research is non-human research. In all the years Protandim has been sold, there’s only been 2 published human studies – and only 1 of those noted it worked. Whats up with that?
Yes animal research is the beginning of knowledge, so why did LV being with a human trial, and then go backwards, choosing to study the product by doing animal and in vitro (test tube) studies?
If you care to discuss this I’m willing.
My credentials… see he About page of this site.
They did publish the studies and they can be found on Pubmed.gov This is were all Doctors go to research diseases. It’s a government web page. Nothing to do with Lifevantage. link removed
Why does everyone look for the wrong or bad in everything that claims to be good. The ones that you should be telling people about and getting the information out there is the ones who are killing our loved ones. Prescriptions! like Oxy Cotton pain pills that took my sisters life. That is were you should focus your research to. 240 people die everyday do to prescriptions.
Nobody talking about that though hu? And here is another fact done on a human study as for the business side of Lifevantage. My Cousin who worked three jobs to support her family walked away from all three of them in two years by sharing the information with people she knew in between the jobs she had as a financial adviser, real estate, cleaning business. I know she thanks God that she didn’t listen to everyone who gave her there opinions. She just believed in her heart , and she was right. Now after not seeing her for 18 years, we see her all the time. She lives in Arizona we live in Wyoming. I saw and know this for the truth that it is. A Fact
To many people always looking to take the good away and turning it into something bad. To many people believing it instead of believing in them self .
A TRUE BELIEVER!
Zina, Dont take this the wrong way but, I’m guessing you did not read my review because if you did. you would have seen that I listed all of the protandim studies AND linked to them on pubmed.gov. I linked to them all.
Since writing my review Ive noticed that a LOT of Protandim distributors tell people to go to pubmed and do the research for themselves. I didn’t want people to do that work and so I found all the research for them.
Wow! Mr. Anonymous……that was pathetic and cowardly. Are you for real or just a troll sent to stir things up a bit? Perhaps you began reading this article and it was over your head so you decided to attack his character? Put a name behind your words lest ye be thought a fool. Lol.
Joe I don’t like the attacks by Anonymous, On behalf of a distributor I apologize for those remarks. I do want to explain however that those studies are independent third party studies. LV cannot tell a University or Hospital how to, or what type of study they are going to conduct or how to spend their money. It may be a funding issue for those entities.
I don’t know, but I do know that the fact that there are so many studies being done by the third parties speaks volumes! I don’t see other supplements garnering so much scientific attention from the research departments of the universities, hospitals and military. Does that not have some weight with you?
Jason, I cant speak to anonymous and I also want to keep the conversation civil and about the science of Protandim. If you read the comments you will see I have been on the receiving end of a LOT of attacks by protandim distributors. I even get occasional private emails calling me a lot of bad names because of my review.
Ive never denied that there is research on Protandim -I listed it all and linked to the studies. That said, considering how long Protaindim has been on the market, I expect better research coming out of universities. I’ve said it before (to the anger of protandim distributors), but I could do better Protandim research if I was in grad school today.
Lets contrast the Protandim research with the research on Juice Plus Here is an example of a product that started with test tube studies but then progressed to human studies. The studies are not always “perfect” but they do exist. In contrast, Protandim really hasn’t evolved past the test tube study phase for the most part.
I understand your points and I also see that even if LV did do there own research, people like some of those on here would automatically discount it as “Inside tests” and consider it a non factor. I think LV may understand this also and I bet they are hoping an institution does the study themselves! That being said we cannot just discount those studies as bogus as they have been reviewed and found worthy of publication. I’m not saying you say this as I saw you stated you acknowledge the research but just wish there was more human studies. Its a bit more complex than LV even funding a third party as they would still be linked to it by the funding! Some of those folks on here (and you know who they are) would still find fault with the data as being somehow corrupt.
As far as the attacks, I know you see what I have tried to do with them and how I made sure to post they are inappropriate and rude and asked they stop it. I would ask that for those who seem to do that the other way, i would you do the same for those on here also. I think it would go a long ways to try and bring the people on this blog together to discuss rather than being rude and call names or condescend in their comments. Some balance might actually occur. I do not think your biased but that you want more human testing. That’s about it. If you hedged both sides then perhaps there may be some hope of civil conversation here. 🙂
Jason, I personally would have no problem with LV doing their own research. I would not see it as a conflict of interest. I say this becuase if the studies they do are peer reviewed, then everybody will be able to see what they did. Then its easy to see if there were issues with the study design.
Sorry I think you are trying to be unbiased….not biased.
Thanks I got it 🙂
This is really a very interesting topic. Thanks for Joe to bring this to us. I agree with you that LifeVantage should do a double blinded, random clinical trials to testify the anti-aging effects at least the upregulation of SOD etc. However, as a researcher myself, to focus Protandim on a specific disease which may not be that practical.
However, to enroll some volunteers with giving a free 30 days supply then finish two tests as shown in ABCliveit may not be that difficult. Or maybe the company is doing that just because it takes years to finish the IRB, trial, data analysis, writing and submitting a paper.
I am particularly interested in one piece of information that Biogen Idec funded MS research claimed that BG-12, tBHQ, SFN and protandim are well-tolerated and strongly induce Nrf2-driven antioxidant enzyme production in oligodendrocytes, with protandim showing the most potent induction. And it is known that protandim has less side effects.
To answer the excess dosage questions, I will say you probably need read more biomedical papers, usually, in in vitro studies, people always use bigger dosage to get a significance. Otherwise, in a organism, or even in cell biology, there will be a lot of effects will compromise the significant changes since biology is so complicated.
Over all, Protandim needs big double-blinded trials to testify its claims. However, scientifically speaking, studies in Rat, mice etc should take into account especial as herb ingredients, they have been tested in China or Indian for many many years for those effects.
Thank you!
Just wondering…can prescription medications be taken while taking Protandim? Is there contradictions? I have fibromyalgia and some people with this disease have had significant great results from taking Protandim.
Lori, I’m not aware of any fibromyalgia-protandim side effects. I did a quick Google search for “fibromyalgia protandim side effects” ans also didn’t see anybody saying anything odd either. Just to be safe, run it by your rheumatiologist and see what he/she thinks. Show them the ingredients.
I have been taking Protandim for since September, 2011 (it is now May, 2013). I don’t know if it’s connected or not, but I have not been ill since. I ballroom dance competitively, go to school full time, and take care of my grandson. My energy levels up, I sleep better, dry skin, due to lack of hormones as improved. I am not a distributor so have nothing to gain by supporting it. I just know it has done no harm and I do feel better. Also, I have had a severely bad back since I was 18 and was in a wheelchair for 7 years; obviously, since I now dance, something got better 🙂 I also have friends who suffered from fybromyalgia who are feeling so much better since starting it.
Jan,
How is your recovery from your bad back even remotely related to using Protandim? You were in a wheelchair for 7 years, yet you compete in ballroom dancing and have only been taking Protandim for a year and eight months. Seems to me you must have been well on your way to mending before ever taking Protandim. No way did you hop out of a wheelchair and start competing in ballroom dancing within a year and eight months….with or without the miracle pill.
So, due to insurance reasons, I have moved my eye business to an ophthalmologist around the corner, to whom I reported today for my first appointment. Initial appointment. There for a few hours. Lots of tests. I mentioned that my wife was disabled with MS, which, led him to bring up the subject of Protandim.
Seems that he is hyped about it as it relates to eye ailments, and, for me, personally, it, purportedly, can help MS. Turns out that his wife is a distributor, and, will be calling me Monday regarding a potential order.
I believe that he/they believe that the product is beneficial to its’ users. That said, his big mistake was sending me to the ABCLiveit.com web site to review the video. It was compelling, but, the internet being what it is, I was compelled to research the product on line.
Now, the eye doctor is a few years younger than me with a couple of college grads/doctors for children, and, seemed to be a pretty sharp guy. So what I can’t understand is how he can recommend a product whose purveyors have generated so much negative publicity.
There seems to be a potential for this supplement to do wonderful things for people, but, in light of the fortunes made by the original investors, why have they done nothing to provide hard research to debunk the claims of their detractors?
As you say, they need to put a few bucks into definitive research involving living, breathing, human beings in order to get more of us to believe in the product, and, open our pocket books.
I’m ready to go for $100 a month for the wife and myself, but, not based upon what I’ve read on line so far. The tragedy, in my mind, is that somebody affiliated with this product may have stumbled upon something that can help a helluva lot of people who have a helluva lot of physical ailments, but, for some reason (read: greed, they’re living too large and need all the dough they can get to keep up appearances, etc.), they just haven’t done the right thing. Show me the money!
Does it really work, or, have their thousands of subscribers manifested a massive positive placebo effect that keeps them re-ordering? Is it all a scam? Does it only work on lab rats? Are they marketing to the wrong contingent of the pet market? As you know, we only really utilize, what, 10 or 20 percent of the brain?
And, as we continue to evolve as a species, we, in my humble opinion (if we don’t destroy ourselves along the way), will be able to tap into more of that gray matter, and, cure ourselves, to some degree, of that which ails us!
Methinks the folks feeling better after ‘medicating’ may be curing themselves! But, who really knows? It’s up to the people behind Protandim to come forth with substantive proof. I want it, bad, but, I’m just gonna’ wait and see.
TC believe me when I say that I completely understand the desire to want answers to health problems. Despite the claims of some protandimm distributors, I’m not out to slam the product but to ask questions that need to be answered. I don’t know if Protandim will help or not. For what its worth, I don’t think it will hurt anybody. I’d think you and your wife should know in about 1-2 months if its helping or not.
I am surprised your the eye doctor would send you specifically to the ABCLiveIT website and not the LifeVantage website -or his wife’s Protandim website for that matter. Im guessing that the ABCLiveit.com website is more popular than I originally thought becaue Ive interacted with other distributors who also sent me to that site. Its obviously a distributor website. I don’t think its officially associated with LifeVantage – the makers of Protandim. Either way, its very strange.
Once again: 1. Why don’t they use USDA organic ingredients?
2. Why do they use a known toxic ingredient called magnesium stearate?
3. Why have they not done testing on the 5 main ingredients together at equal
ratio?
4. Why do the current tests show using much higher strength dose then
Protandim?
5. Why in the world would a research doctor paid millions for testing a drug for MS for a huge drug company at the same time test Protandim? (Already made money w drug company then capitalize on MLM w Protandim?)
This is not adding up..and still no one has responded answering these questions!
Ron, I’ve also noticed the silence to your questions…
Ron,I don’t know the answers to your questions but can hypothesize as I do have some experience with nutraceutical development. In terms of using organic ingredients, that can be tough as not all ingredients are available in organic forms. If they are available, they are much more costly, which then impacts the bottom line for the manufacturer. I have no comment on the magnesium stearate. Also no comment on their testing and evaluation protocols, sorry.
As far as the MS researcher and his evaluation of Protandim,again unsure, but I can tell you what I have come across in the industry through experience. A colleague of mine is a researcher for MD for the past 20+ years and they have been evaluating and focusing their research on the “holy grail” that will cure the disease. Sometimes, these researchers get so focused on a specific pathway that they fail to see the tree for the forest.
Myself, I am an avid researcher of Curcumin and recently inquired to this researcher as to whether or not they were addressing the inflammatory status of these patients, which contributes to deterioration. She emailed me back mentioning that they had noted that patients seem more comfortable for a longer period of time when they used single antioxidants as supplements, which addresses oxidative stress. I sent her some research on curcumin and the impact on MD progression. They expressed interest, and noted that maybe they would investigate further, but in the mean time would slowly kill these boys with high dose corticosteroid usage and bypass antioxidants.
My point in this all this is several fold. First, researchers are always looking for that Holy Grail in my opinion, forgetting about the rest of the patient and other pathways. Is this a result of just wanting to take credit for a cure or is it truly a lack of interest in helping the patient despite fame and fortune?
Nutrients and herbs are potent medicinal agents, but cannot be patented themselves. Given this, there is little interest by the pharmaceutical companies other than trying to mimic their activities in synthetic form. Second, we are all undergoing oxidative stress and inflammation on a daily basis. After all, this is what directly causes aging and tissue deterioration.
Many have inquired on this post if the ingredients of Protandim, if taken separately would cause similar results, and my answer to this would be yes. We all have different levels of inflammation going on, some more than others, which may explain why some respond to various supplements and others do not. Some individuals are in such bad health, that 1 gram of vitamin C 2x per day can make a major impact, while in others it does not.
The bottom line is that whether if it is Protandim or another supplement, what they are providing is inflammation reduction and antioxidant support. Something we all need and could benefit from. This is not rocket science and certainly nothing new, but somehow it can be hard for some to understand and accept for some reason.
No connection with Protandim on my end, by the way. Just reinforcing the basis of the science.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Tom
Happy Easter Tom!
Tom, thanks for taking your time to break this down, a lot of what you said makes sense!
Anonymous makes many good points, but I would like to address the perception that pharmaceutical companies are not interested in selling supplements since they can’t be patented. I’ve heard that argument many times, but what people don’t seem to realize is that “Big Pharma” is very much in the business of selling supplements!
Here is a quote and a link to an article discussing that:
“Some people who buy supplements to avoid Big Pharma drug companies may find themselves doing business with Big Herba, instead.
Some of the same companies that mass-produce drugs in huge chemical labs also churn out vitamin and herbal pills sold in bottles with rainbows, sunrises and flowers on their labels.
Dozens of other supplement makers reap more than $100 million in annual sales. One of the largest — NBTY Inc., on New York’s Long Island — sold $2 billion last year in the United States alone. Its brands include Nature’s Bounty, Vitamin World, Puritan’s Pride and Sundown.”
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525643,00.html#ixzz2P8MrrbfR
The supplement industry (“Big Supp”?) is not some small mom and pop cottage business being held back by evil pharmaceutical companies.
Something else which occurred to me…….if Protandim really showed promise as the “medical breakthrough” distributors claim it to be, why wouldn’t “Big Pharma” scoop it up? After all, Protandim is patented and LifeVantage is a publicly traded company.
Ron, all you’ll get from Protandim supporters will be testimonials and company propaganda.
As for question no. 5……..I don’t know, but I find it VERY interesting that one of LV’s insiders is a former Biogen employee……what a coincidence:
From LinkedIn:
Rob Cutler General Counsel at LifeVantage Corporation Greater Salt Lake City Area | Biotechnology Current: General Counsel at LifeVantage Corporation Past:Vice President, Business Development at Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Senior Director, Business Development at Biogen Idec, Associate General Counsel … Education: Brigham Young University—J. Reuben Clark Law School, University of Utah
Q1. http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/the_facts_on_magnesium_stearate/
Ron here is one more link for you. 🙂
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584908006734
Jason, I discussed that study in my review. Its a test tube study.
I am thinking of becoming a distributor. I decided to try the product first, when I took a dose on the first day I could feel my knee feeling better ( I have a severe sprain in my knee ) the same day. I am now on my 3 day still with doubts. I like the product, for me it works but as for being a distributor I don’t know, it cost over $600 to join.
Anonymous, few thoughts. There was a distributor who commented just a bit above you who said it didn’t cost $600 to be a Protandim distributor (only $85 he said). Make sure there is another option that feels more inline with what you can afford before plunking down that much money (please do not go into debt to be a protandim distributor). Also, I’d recommend you give it more than a few days before becoming a distributor. Make sure you don’t have to buy the product before you sell it as well.
There is option on becoming a distribuitor with a $50 starter kit.
Joe two thoughts. But I do want to be up front with the fact that I am a distributor for LifeVantage. OK 1st point, There is no requirement to buy product upfront in order to be a distributor in LV. So please understand that. Second, I appreciate the caution to anonymous. The thing I would tell them is to check with who ever shared it with them, and have them explain the details of the compensation plan and if they see it and understand it, and feel good about it, then go for it!
Jason, I understand no obligation to buy protandim to be a distributor other than a distributor fee.
Maybe Joe’s article could have been summarized somewhat so that he could spend his valuable time on more important things.
His article could have read something like this.
“Any supplements, creams, juices and magic potions sold through Multi Level Marketing are a scam, always have been and always will be so DON’T BUY THEM. Comments have been disabled. “
Terry, I don’t know if I would take that approach. As I said in my review, I am not against MLM specifically and, in fact ,for some people, it can be a viable source of income. I do feel some of the tactics used by distributors is questionable – and that includes some Protandim distributors as well.
I am 100% against any MLM company that requires people to buy the product up front before they sell it. That is a recipe for disaster if the people can’t sell the product.
Dude, you are honestly a complete moron with all due respect. First off, let me explain why I say this. Are you familiar with Bio Tech and the drug called BG-12 for MS? Bio Tech PAID more than 1 million dollars for a third party to compare Protandim and BG-12. The conclusion? Bio Tech states that Protandim worked an average of 30% better than this so called miracle drug with NO SIDE EFFECTS! LOOK IT UP! I bet you will still argue with this too right?
Also, let me tell you this. Although Protandim can never say they treat, mitigate, or cure any disease because of FDA rules and guidelines, I have seen personally people suffering with cancer, ALS, high cholesterol, ADD, ADHD i(it goes ON AND ON) that do not have the condition anymore, or that their ailment has been significantly reduced. So you tell me does this work?
Why is the retention rate on these products between 75-80% You think people would continue to buy this if they never felt any positive effects?
Also, why do we personally have board certified cardiologists, internal medicine specialists, and neurologists on board and actually prescribing Protandim to their patients? Well I will tell you why. It is because they have seen dramatic results in the patients that they give it to!
Lets face it, their are so many products out there, and we all have to be skeptical. But can you really argue with 20 medical Universities from around the world that PAID FOR and have concluded their scientific findings through unbiased research? Give me a break!
Lastly, I can personally tell you that this Protandim has done huge things in my family in a matter of months. Yes we have seen this personally. Why would I lie? This product is the most important supplement ANY MAMMAL can take and is simply a medical breakthrough.
Bottom line is that it REDUCES oxidative stress in EVERY MAMMAL on the average of 40%. That is huge! Look at oxidative stress, and look at how many diseases are related to it! Seriously, this is such a no brainer!!
Bottom line, be as skeptical as you want but this stuff is the real deal and works. HMMM, 5 patents, peer reviewed studies, growing at 300% every year, publicly traded with NASDAQ. I bet you would also have said the airplane would never fly either right? Well it did and the Wright brothers were awarded to very prestigious award JUST LIKE DR. McCORD. Some people are just SO closed minded and brainwashed! Just my 2 cents.
Anonymous, You seem to have insider information, so I will assume you have an association to Life Vantage, which is fine. I appreciate your perspective on these things. I don’t understand why you are so angry because the bulk of what I did was was look at the research on Protandim – the very same research that is touted as proof – and put it in perspective – human vs mouse vs in vitro research. Based on that research I have to be skeptical. To be otherwise would not be keeping with the basis for this website. As I’ve said previously, testimonials are a good jumping off point to research, but they cant be taken as a substitute for it.
I understand why LV cant say protandim cures or treats disease – that’s the law. But, human research would offer evidence that it might do this, without actually saying it.
I have always been open to the possibility that there is more to Protandim than what I could glean from the research. I was so open in fact, that I was even willing to pay for the medical tests on myself to see if it did anything. All I asked was a free month supply. I declined when the distributor put restrictions on where I could have my blood tested. Read the comments and you will see this thread of the conversation.
Since you know that protandim has 75%-80% retention rate, I was wondering if you could give me information on how much the average protandim distributor makes per month?
1. Why doesn’t Protandim have USDA Certified Organic Ingredients?
2. Why do they use magnesium stearate a known toxin?
3. Where are the tests that show that the five herbs
together in any ratio does or does not have the same effect?
4. Why in the tests did they use much more of the formula then the one
a day recommended dose proposes?
5. Why did five out of five people including my wife and I see no results, feel no different after taking it for 30 days?
Good questions, probably no answers forthcoming, unless the non-moronic Anonymous has them.
LOL Anonymous.
I’ve seen the “EVERY MAMMAL” claim before. Show us the studies to back that up……was it given to dolphins? Giraffes? Pandas? Rhinos? “Working” in a test tube or Petri dish does not = “working in all mammals”.
It hasn’t even been proven to “work” in ANY mammal yet (out performed by a placebo…..remember?).
Just need to make one more point about this post from Anonymous.
He/she says: “The conclusion? Bio Tech states that Protandim worked an average of 30% better than this so called miracle drug with NO SIDE EFFECTS! LOOK IT UP! I bet you will still argue with this too right?”
Yes, I’d like to argue with that because it is terribly misleading. Protandim was NOT tested in MS patients. This was a test tube study, and proved absolutely nothing about what effect Protandim would have on MS patients. It is a wild and irresponsible assumption (and an illegal disease claim for a distributor to make) to say that Protandim is a treatment for MS.
LisaRob,
I am a person who is looking into this with a skeptical eye. I do believe you mistakenly are putting words in the other persons mouth. They did not claim it was a treatment for MS. The claim and I did verify it on the study, was that it was the most potent Nrf2 producer which is the reason BG-12 is being used. You seem to have a lot of negative and your posts sound awfully familiar to the Lazy… ones.
If this is where you are getting your information from, please check this out. Yes I to do research when I am interested in something.
briancmacfarland.com/
I’m still learning here but weather mice, rats, or vitro, they seem to have the data linking it to success scientifically! As for the one with alcoholics, Tell me why the mortality rate is so high for them? Why is it on every label of approved drugs that you shouldn’t mix with alcohol? So Protandim didn’t have the effects on this group. I really don’t see what would!
I think I have just made up my mind while typing this. I am going to try Protandim! 🙂
Nikki
What on Earth do you THINK is being claimed by a statement like that (the BG-12 comment)? Seriously? You are implying the same thing with your statement. It’s pretty easy to find distributor websites directly claiming that Protandim is a better and safer treatment for MS than BG-12. I won’t provide the links because I don’t want to help these charlatans spread misinformation to promote this snake oil.
The “reason BG-12 is being used” is because it’s an Nrf2 activator? Where did you get that gem? Tecfidera’s mechanism of action has not been determined. Here is a quote from the New England Journal of Medicine, “It is difficult to determine whether the therapeutic effect of BG-12 stems predominantly from immunomodulatory mechanisms or from neuroprotective mechanisms.”
Not sure what your point is about the study on people with a history of alcohol abuse. Pretty sure the subjects were not slugging down alcohol with their Protandim “medication.” The study was an epic fail for LV, no way around it. Ask yourself WHY Lifevantage chose to waste their research dollars on such a silly study anyway.
“I’m still learning here but weather mice, rats, or vitro, they seem to have the data linking it to success scientifically!”
…..A statement like that just demonstrates that you haven’t read or understood anything being said on this site.
As far as Lazyman, yes, I have read his entire site and followed every link which backs up what he is saying. I am aware there are several sites created by LV distributors to attempt to discredit him. They can’t dispute any of the evidence on his site, so they try and attack him. Lazyman has offered (to LV’s lawyers) to remove any inaccuracies. So far, he hasn’t had to remove anything.
LisaRob
It’s my understanding that LifeVantage does NOT spend any research dollars on any of these studies (except the 1st two). I would think researchers at universities and other orgs can point their research any direction they want, although I imagine they have guidelines from the leaders in their orgs and may be fulfilling specific research directives, not necessarily researching to satisfy the general public.
LMS
You say:
“It’s my understanding that LifeVantage does NOT spend any research dollars on any of these studies (except the 1st two). I would think researchers at universities and other orgs can point their research any direction they want, although I imagine they have guidelines from the leaders in their orgs and may be fulfilling specific research directives, not necessarily researching to satisfy the general public.”
So what is your point? LV can certainly point their own research in any direction they want too. They would rather spend 40 million dollars doing a stock buy back instead of conducting research which is properly designed and relevant. They spent a piddly 2.5 million over the last four years on R & D, yet they call themselves a “science based company.”
I have a member of my church who before taking this product was unable to be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. My son’s godfather whose also a pastor gave her two bottles. The first side effect was that her sight got noticeably better. The second improvement was that she was able to go out into the sunlight and not breakout in hives and later pass out. I don’t know what’s in or how it works, But that it worked.
Two bottles had a lasting effect for about a year. I spoke with her on today and the sunlight side effects are coming back. I plan to help her get more of this product. She became sensitive to sunlight because her doctor prescribed a bad generic blood pressure medicine that she was allergic to.
Bishop Butts, thanks for sharing. Curious, about what you said about the woman’s sight getting better. Is the woman a diabetic? Just something that occurred to me.
No she is not a diabetic. But she does suffer with an illness that will not allow her to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time.
One of the main ingredients is Ashwagandha and, itself, is a miracle herb… It even regenerates brain cells.
Ashwagandha is part of other supplements Ive reviewed includeing
Avesil -weight loss product
1 Db Goddess – a weight loss product
Mdrive – a supplement for men over 40
Ageless Male – another supplement for men over 40
Shakeology – a health drink
See those reviews for more info on Ashwagandha
My nine year old daughter suffers from an autoimmune disorder. Alopecia areata. She lost her hair in two patches in August 2010 and by December 2010, she was completely bald and losing lashes and eye brows. Md’s offered little hope. I can not say I understand all of the research, but we have eye brows and eyelashes and budding hair. We were given a bottle by a friend and she takes a half pill. We were told to give 120 days. We are almost at 90 days. I can say that she has not missed one day of school this year.
She is the only one in the house who has not taken a turn with the flu we have had twice. She is focused in school and overall looks healthy. My fiance’ and I started taking it two weeks ago. All I know is I sleep like a baby these days and so far I feel an overall increase in mood, patience and energy. I was told the first 30 days its like detox. So I am surprised, that I do feel better.
My fiance’ says his lower back and knees don’t hurt him as much and he also wakes up feeling more rested. Like I said, we are at week two. I appreciate your assessment and writing. I do hope people who wonder if it will help them, take the plunge and see. Like you said it won’t hurt them and I do feel it is worth trying. I am thankful to have been given protandim and look forward to sharing more. Thanks again.
Krystal, thanks for writing and I appreciate your comments. Since you are an LV distributor and had to remove your website link do to my policy but Im happy you have found something that you feel is working for you and your family. If you search the comments you will see that I did try to test Protandim on myself but later declined after a restriction was placed by the distributor on where I could get blood testing done. Regardless, Im happy for you, your daughter and fiance’
Joe,
If you were willing to pay for the testing yourself, then why didn’t you go ahead, take the bottle, and have the test performed at your chosen location?? If you were really interested in what the product does, then doesn’t that make sense? …or maybe you wern’t as interested in the results as you say you are. You should not make a decision like that based on what one distributor tells you. By the way, I don’t take the product nor am I a distributor. I was recently introduced to the product and came across your blog while looking for information. At this time I have absolutely no opinion about the product.
Anonymous, I appreciate your words. After interacting with several protandim distributors I have lost interest in testing it. If you read the statements here by several of the people who sell protandim you will see many put more emphasis on how much people can make, as an enticement to get others to sell the product. They all repeat what I call the “protandim mantra” of “go to pub med” to see the proof (even though Ive listed all the proof here), but when I try to engage them in a talk about the science, they want no part of it and choose to attack /discredit me. Because of the lack of good science and what I have observed in several sellers, I will let my review stand for itself and let people make their own choices.
i don’t usually reply to blogs but Joe is annoying with his rants of scientific studies, He lost interest in taking the product. Yea sure and I believe that if you did take it you would not have said the true results. If you do tell the true results then Down comes this Bashing blog of what you call the product. Lies untruths the company is selling a product with lies.
Hello what world do you live in. There are billion dollar companies out there that Lie daily and by the hour. Cigarette companies, Drug companies say this will make you better but you may get liver damage, kidney blah blah. Lets say your right and they lied here or there. But there product as you call it WORKS and thats the only truth that is needed.
I am not a distributor. But so what why can’t a company make money on there product. Or would you rather they make the money from selling it at 150.00 a bottle like zocor Mercks. all drugs if you have no insurance. Let’s see this I tried Protandim for 90 days I had the test done at the location of my choice and it worked.
So this is my last blog entry since I can’t bash the product anymore. Look for my next blog. a pill that cures Cancer or does it.
Jose, I don’t know why you are so angry because all I really asked was the question why did they start with human studies and then go to studying protandim in mice? You say I rant about scientific studies – but I linked to the very studies used to market protandim. How is that ranting to show people the studies?
To be honest it never occurred to me to try protandim when I wrote my review. The idea only came up after interacting with a person who sells it. you can read our exchange in the comments.
You said this is your “last blog entry” but as far as I can see, this is the first you have ever commented here. your email doesn’t show up before now. No worries, good luck to you!
I started it about a month ago and have went from not falling to sleep until 2 am or latter to being asleep between 10-11 EVERY night. I am not one to sell anything but I sure will keep taking it. I do not wake up in the mornings any longer with pain in my joints. People say what you want but as someone who has nothing to gain from this reply I would say try it for 30-90 days. If you don’t like it stop it. If you love it like I do,
then good for you!
I find your analysis of the two human studies performed by LifeVantage misleading. You mention that of the two, only 1 says that Protandim works. The other report deduced that Protandim does not INFLUENCE OXIDATIVE STRESS in people that have an ALCOHOL DISORDER. The report did not say that Protandim does not work in general, as you put forth.
Anonymous, I’m sorry but the study of alcoholics was a wash for what they were studying. True, just because they didnt find it worked for alcoholics doesn’t mean it didn’t do anything else, but since they didn’t test anything else, we cant say for sure that it did. Therefore, I stand by my conclusion that there is currently only 1 study noting that protandim works.
Anonymous:
Protandim does not “INFLUENCE OXIDATIVE STRESS in people that have an ALCOHOL DISORDER”, …….but……the placebo DID!
From Dr. Hariett Hall’s critique of the study:
“The one finding that was statistically significant was a significant decrease in plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of lipid peroxidation — but that was only in the placebo group!”
So far, this is the only study done on humans which had a placebo control group. The first human “study” did not have a control group and used company insiders as participants. There are many other red flags about that study, but I won’t get into that here.
Yes, I do have references regarding the history of Lifevantage and McCord lying about who invented Protandim. It has been well documented. McCord went along with the lies for years.
Here is a LV document clearly stating that Joe McCord is the inventor of Protandim:
http://web.archive.org/web/20110721233521/http://www.lifevantage.com/products-breakthrough.aspx
That story began to unravel when people began to point out that McCord was not on the patent. LV came up with another story about the invention of Protandim to appease the critics. They (and McCord) made up a story about Myhill bringing a list of about 40 ingredients to McCord, which he quickly whittled down to the final formula. This was a way of claiming that McCord really was the inventor, but he just wasn’t on the patent since it was Myhill’s idea to begin with. Here is a video where McCord tells this story. Jump ahead to around the 38:54 mark if you don’t want to hear McCord’s entire career history:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5vli73g_CA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Unfortunately for LV, Myhill became somewhat of a disgruntled ex-employee and decided to expose this lie in a letter he posted on his Facebook page. Here is part of that rambling letter:
“It is with great sadness that I write this on the eve of my Birthday – not exactly the “gift” I was hoping for . . . or hoping to give. Since 2008, I have been pleading with the company to correct its marketing materials – to reflect that Joe is not the “Inventor” or “Creator” or “Scientist behind” Protandim; that Protandim wasn’t “developed after 40 years of research;” and that it didn’t consist of a “laundry list” of 40 ingredients that Joe whittled down to the current formula. This is all simply untrue. I’m sure the company will try to put some sort of further spin on this now and try to convince people otherwise, but the truth is the truth and will always come out in the end. Darkness can’t hide from the light.
The CORE botanical formula I forwarded to Joe included the current five botanicals, plus one additional one – all in the EXACT same proportions/weights as the current formula (all 1/3 of the original to get it into one pill), but with Milk Thistle subsequently bumped up at my suggestion. The other ingredients were part of an “all-in-one” (multi-formula) addition to that CORE botanical formula that I developed. Given such indisputable facts (and that the initial patent was filed one month before we even met Joe), how am I NOT the creator? How is Joe THE creator? The simple email record, and even a letter from Joe himself, clearly show that the current company communications are downright false and misleading . . . and, in the eyes of many, perpetuate an ongoing fraud – one that the SEC and FTC should be made aware of.
I initially stated that “nobody lied,” desiring to give this current management team the benefit of the doubt and chalking it to human error and the discontinuity of company management in general. But then, month after month went by with the same erroneous materials still being widely distributed by the company, despite their own admission to me that Joe isn’t the creator. These same materials are on the company website TODAY. I just don’t get how a company can keep doing that, with full knowledge that the materials are sending the wrong message to current and new distributors. Many times I wrote emails (which I’d be happy to share with you) and each time nothing was done to take down the offending materials.”
End of quote. Entire letter can be found here:
http://strangelyperfect.tv/12482/paul-myhill-publishes-letter-from-joe-mccord-on-facebook/
On that same web page you can find a letter written by Joe McCord to Bill Driscoll in which he declined having his name on the patent for Protandim, since he felt he made no significant contributions to the development of the product. This verifies Myhill’s assertion that he did not present McCord with a list of 40 possible ingredients.
So, for those distributors who want to rely on McCord’s integrity as the only proof they need to believe in the product, maybe they should take another look.
LisaRob,
I almost wish that I didn’t do research on the company, because I do love the product. I joined as a distributor after going to a glowing presentation about the benefits of Protandim. However, 2 years later, after experiencing company policies that leave me shaking my head, the very poor handling of the recall (i.e. by not even addressing it in company newsletters), and hyped up press releases (i.e. LifeVantage opening up in Japan when it was already opened up over a year ago) to boost stock prices, I am disgusted with the corporate leaders who are more concerned with their own pockets and less about having integrity.
Me thinks it is because much of the company is based on lies, and the cover up of lies. A den of thieves with a golden product.
Sad.
I will continue to share about the benefits of the Protandim, but beware of the wolves in sheep clothing at the top that are making a lot of money and willing to manipulate and lie in order to keep the hype and their cash flow going.
Dear Lisarob, Im learning about the product, Im quite disapointed with the mes and gosip behind it, Im asking foryou to please send me your most updated information regarding all these events read and searched by you, I feel its credible and would like to hear more, could you please email me to paulinasastre@basketcompanypr.com thank you
Paulina:
I really don’t have any updates to send. I’ve documented most of my findings on this site. The only thing not covered would be Joe McCord’s recent retirement and payoff. Lifevantage is paying McCord 1.7 million to retire. The interesting thing about this, other than the money, are the terms of the agreement:
“The Agreement contains provisions relating to, among other things, confidentiality, non-disparagement, return of company property, and a general release of claims in favor of our company.”
Keep in mind that LV was under no obligation to compensate him for retirement, according to the SEC filings. It was an at-will employment agreement. McCord was already generously compensated through his salary, stock shares, and .50 commission for every single bottle sold.
But really, how much more information is needed in order to see that this is just a simple mix of 5 herbs (just 4 herbs for the Japanese market) being sold as a medical breakthrough, with no credible science to back it up? On that topic, has any distributor ever addressed how LV can eliminate an ingredient, yet maintain the magical, synergistic properties of the pill?
If this was a legitimate medical breakthrough, it would be all over the news by now and there would be no need to sell it via MLM.
I was duped by the hype for a little while (back when they were still claiming McCord invented it). It didn’t take long for me to see that “The Emperor has no Clothes.” There are those people though, no matter how much evidence you present, who will still insist that they see the clothing.
I’ve spent more than a few hours reading about Protandim on Wikipedia, your article, and that of ‘lazymanandmoney’. Congratulations on yours: well researched, prepared, and written. I found nothing in it, or on Wikipedia, that sways me pro or con. As for lazyman’s article, I suspect his wife ran off with someone from Life Vantage. He is far too negative to not have a serious bias. Not even the devil can be as evil as he portrays Life Vantage.
I’ve decided to try Protandim for a month or two to see if it will help relieve my arthritis. Had not thought about the TBAR blood test before and after, but it makes sense, so I’ll get it.
Wikipedia outlines the history of the company and products back to the early 2000s quite well. I agree with you that Life Vantage might serve itself well with unbiased human research projects, but given it’s history, I suspect it’s motto is that of today’s corporate society: profits before people.
Once again, thanks for a well presented, informative article.
Joe
@ Anonymous – I too just had my test done last Thursday and started taking Protandim that night. I plan on trying it for 120 days to see how I feel. Regarding your commentary on this critique and lazyman’s, I agree! I can at least appreciate Joe’s attempt at a non-biased critique, but reading through lazyman’s explanation was just painful!
On the one hand, he lays out Paul Myhill’s break-up letter with the company as complete truth despite the clear inconsistencies in the letter and history. Paul Myhill’s letter may have had a lot of truth in it, but Myhill claims he applied for the first protandim patent more than a month before meeting Dr. Joe McCord.
Lazyman then also uses Dr. McCord’s letter declining inclusion on a patent as evidence in the same discussion. Well, if you read Dr. McCord’s letter, he discusses a relationship spanning at least 11 MONTHS prior to the filing of the patent documentation. Any “critic” that doesn’t at least point out these inconsistencies cannot realistically claim to be unbiased, at least in my mind.
@dizzypru:
If you look at the wording in McCord’s letter (written March 2005), he refers to “any Protandim-related patents that have been, or are about to be submitted.”
Look at the patent:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,241,461.PN.&OS=PN/7,241,461&RS=PN/7,241,461
You will see that Myhill and Driscoll started applying for Protandim patents dating back to March 2004. This verifies Myhill’s account that he applied for a patent before he met McCord. There is no inconsistency for Lazyman to point out.
@lisa robb: then paul’s letter misstated the status of the patent. I considered that patents may have been applied for earlier, but there were also patents received after mccord’s involvement. That in itself points out an inconsistency in the claims protandim was essentially a finished product at the time of the first patent’s application. What could mccord have been working on for almost a year after the first patent was applied for if the product was at end stage?
Patents may be applied for without proving the concept has been proven to work at that time. Why the need for the subsequent patents? Paul’s letter only raises more questions.
The critics of protandim on this site are quick to condemn any positive reviews of the product as though they could only come from distributors; at the same time, they lap up myhills letter as 100 percent reliable despite him being an admittedly scorned party.
I’m not a distributor of protandim – I’ve only been taking the supplement since last Thursday. But I can recognize inconsistencies in a self-serving letter when I see it.
Dizzypru:
So…….you’re saying the letter written and signed by McCord (saying that he did NOT contribute to the intellectual property of the product up to that point), is a fake. Got it.
LisaRob,
Ok you so much want to quote Paul Myhill yet you are hacking up his statements. According to the interview Myhill stated it was his initial idea to try a natural approach. This all stemmed from Dr. McCords work. Myhill further stated through his own research he whittled it down to 7 primary ingredients. He then brought it to McCord who helped him whittle it down to the 5. It was then Dr. McCord’s lead who with the help of many scientists that work with him to include Myhill, who did the scientific process of discovering the right amounts and certain abstracts of those 5.
So does that not make it a Co-discoverer and all came from McCords life work?
“Dr. McCord ended up doing further research on the various elements and helped me to subsequently adjust the balances accordingly. We also threw out two of the ingredients during that time. To answer your question, the working relationship with Dr McCord and Dr. Nelson was fabulous. Dr. McCord is truly a genius with a remarkable history concerning the antioxidant enzymes, and yet he is exceptionally humble. In my opinion, his only interest in commercializing the product was based on his desire to see it positively impact the health and lives of people, not based on a profit motive (which there was no arrangement or promise of when he was enlisted to do the testing anyway.) In that respect, I view him as a kindred spirit more committed to humanity than to personal gain.”
LisaRob I do not think I will sway your point of attack at all with those facts but only hope to have other readers understand it. Point being here is the Myhill goes on to preach that Protandim is in fact the most incredible health supplement you can take and yes all mammals suffer from the effects of oxidative stress. It works 100% of the time period dot! Here is the except of that interview!
“Protandim Longevity: What do you think are the broader uses for Protandim and where would you like to see the research take you?
Paul: Rather than give a detailed format as an answer to your question, I’d simply like to lay out the following precepts/understandings. I think the opportunity then becomes very evident.
PROBLEM: As we breathe, oxygen free radicals attack our cells and cause damage leading to age-related conditions and the aging process itself. This damage is called Oxidative Stress and is similar to your body rusting from the inside out.
PROBLEM: Traditional antioxidant supplements (vitamins and ‘super fruits’) can’t keep up with Oxidative Stress and can’t be consumed in enough quantities to truly make a difference.
SOLUTION: Your body has its own powerful defense system of internal antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPX) that are millions of times more effective than traditional antioxidants.
PROBLEM: This defense system declines with age. In addition, SOD, CAT and GPX can’t be supplemented directly because they break down during the digestive process and are not absorbed by the body.
SOLUTION: Protandim causes your body to naturally produce SOD, CAT and GPX at the cellular level, thereby enhancing your first line of defense against Oxidative Stress damage and aging.
OPPORTUNITY: Protandim is now available for sale by independent distributors who want to get in on the “ground level” of something truly exciting and globally applicable.”
So for one who wants to quote Myhill as gospel, you cant argue then that Protandim indeed does work! I can tell you I really don’t care who came up with it only that this is the most incredible breakthrough and many people will be on it and should be!
Jason, Just curious, I saw you listed the “ABCLiveIT” in the website box. is that your website? If not can you fill me in on whose site it is and why so many protandim distributors link to it (rather than their own website). Just curious. Thanks 🙂
Joe,
To be honest I wasn’t sure what to put down when you asked for a website. The reason I use it is it does show the video but it also links directly to the studies via pubmed. Its a convenience thing. I used other links separate before but when you have one with hyper links to the studies it just simplifies it! I think that is why so many other Distributors use it also. 🙂 On a side note if you were willing to take your test, let me know! I will send you a bottle and you can get the test done!
Jason, thanks I was just curious. the website box is there for those who have a website and want their site to be associated with their comments. Ive been curious about the ABCLiveIt site for a a while.
regarding Nrf2… you’ve probably already seen this, but in case…
http://lvasap.com/protandim-and-ms/
LMS, Thanks, it is interesting isn’t it. Makes ya wonder…
Found this on MS forum….it is a response from the researcher on the study mentioned above, to an inquiry regarding Protandim vs. BG-12:
“Dear Ramon,
Thank your for your mail. As you saw we work with Protandim in the lab and when we treat cells with this mixture we see positive results (cells are better protected against free radicals). However, we have not yet shown that Protandim is also beneficial in an animal model of MS.
Indeed, it seems that Protandim increases antioxidants more pronounced compared to BG12 (again in cell cultures, we don’t know whether that is the case in animals and humans), however you need to understand that BG12 works via other pathways as well (immunomodulatory) and we don’t have any evidence that Protandim affects the immune system. On the other hand as far as I know there are no real side effects using Protandim so I don’t have any claims to not recommend using Protandim as an daily oral supplement. Whether it is really effective is difficult to say as you need large clinical trials and to be honest I don’t think that there will be such trials in near future. I wish you and your wife all the best.
Regards, Jack
Jack van Horssen, PhD
Dept of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology
Van der Boechorststraat 7”
I’m sure this will be seen by Protandimites as, “This validates Protandim!!” Or, “Protandim is better than BG-12 and has no side effects!!”.
They will completely ignore where the researcher stresses that just because it works in a cell culture, it does not necessarily follow that it will work in an animal or human model. Human trials would be needed to draw any conclusions.
He also pointed out that BG-12 works in other pathways, not just through increasing antioxidants.
You are correct….that didn’t sway me one bit. That’s another bit of revisionist history and marketing fluff.
I’m going to take the letter written and signed by McCord as the final word on this subject (along with the fact that McCord is NOT on the patent). You don’t need to believe anything Myhill says to see that evidence. I guess you could claim that Myhill forged that letter, but then you still have the patent as proof.
McCord was merely acting as a celebrity endorser. This fact that is backed up by this SEC filing: “[Dr. McCord’s] joining of Lifeline Nutraceuticals not only adds industry credibility for our technology, but it also sets the stage for the commercialization of numerous advances in SOD anti-oxidant therapies.” McCord was given 10% of the company when he signed on in 2004, plus he has been given a million stock options and gets a royalty from every bottle sold.
“Point being here is the Myhill goes on to preach that Protandim is in fact the most incredible health supplement you can take and yes all mammals suffer from the effects of oxidative stress. It works 100% of the time period dot!”
Where is the science to back that up? I can tell this is from an old interview with Myhill because of that statement. This is where the ridiculous assertion from distributors that Protandim “works in all mammals” comes from. Again, I must point out that “working” in a test tube does not = working in all mammals. Shoot, working in a test tube doesn’t even equate to working in any mammal.
The statement is also out of date because the second study Lifevantage did on humans was an utter failure and the group taking the placebo showed a significant reduction in oxidative stress, not the group taking Protandim. So much for it working “100% of the time period dot!”
You say: “I can tell you I really don’t care who came up with it only that this is the most incredible breakthrough and many people will be on it and should be!”
If this is such a significant “medical breakthrough”, how come there hasn’t been any news coverage or scientists scrambling to study it? No one has even bothered to try and replicate the initial human study. You would expect to see that when the claim of “medical breakthrough” is bandied about……that’s what scientists do.
How come ABC hasn’t done a follow up story to crow about being the first to report this breakthrough? It should be BIG news, right?
Clearly, it has not been proven to be a breakthrough, and any claims to that effect are delusional. Distributors can say it all they want, but the science simply doesn’t back it up.
As noted in other posts, the jury is still out on whether wiping up free radicals is even a good idea to begin with. IF Protandim does what it says it does, it hasn’t been proven that it would do more good than harm. Are you willing to do that experiment on yourself, your friends, and your family (and pay $50 a month for that privilege)?
How is it that I am “hacking up his (Myhill’s) statements”? What you are quoting and what I have quoted are from two entirely different statements. I quoted a large portion of Myhill’s “Open Letter” and provided a link to the entire letter. That is hardly “hacking up his statements.”
What you are quoting is an old interview from back when Myhill was still with the company and promoting the product. He knew people would more easily be duped into buying Protandim if they thought McCord invented it, or at least had a large role in creating it.
Lifevantage lied.
McCord lied.
Myhill lied.
This is the company with are hitching your wagon to…… and entrusting your health, as well as the health of your friends and family.
LisaRob,
I find it pointless to argue with you as you try and use things to make a point yet your now saying its all lies! You are very abrasive and seem to attack people on here who are and are not associated with LifVantage but who want to try it for themselves. You seem hell bent on pushing your agenda and if anyone or anything does not conform to your idea or thought you berate. I find your commentary a bit sad but wish you good luck! May God will bless you in your life. Take care.
Jason, I don’t think LisaRob is attacking people. She has her own thoughts on Protandim but shes backing her thoughts up with source material
Joe,
Sorry I realized I only answered half your question. No it is not my site and I actually don’t know whose it is, I just thoroughly went through it to ensure there were no links to another distributors page before I decided to use it. Once again though, I use it out of convenience as the links to Pubmed and the video are located in one place. 🙂
Thanks Jason 🙂
Jason,
I am sorry if I have been overly harsh with anyone. I do get frustrated when people refuse to objectively look at the facts and continue to support companies like this.
It also just flat out makes me angry when people are mislead and lied to in order to peddle a product. I was lied to, and so were you. Why doesn’t that make you angry?
My “agenda” is to prevent people from wasting their hard earned money and possibly risk their health by buying a completely unproven product which is being hawked as a medical breakthrough. People who have real medical issues deserve the best medical care they can get, and they are risking that by trying products like this.
There. That is my evil agenda.
You absolutely can not get around the fact that Lifevantage lied, McCord lied, and Myhill lied. I have already provided the proof for that in other posts. You can find proof of other lies told by McCord and other leaders in LV on the Lazyman site, but I doubt you will go there because distributors have been told not to visit his site.
I have dealt with people involved in cults before, and a classic tactic they use is to try and prevent their members from viewing outside information which would contradict the beliefs of the cult. They also discourage independent thinking, and try to isolate members from nonbelievers. They tell their members that if they encounter people who are argumentative and not receptive to their ideas, they should not continue to try and engage them and should, in effect, shun them.
My on-going research on Protandim has determined a few logical and rational conclusions:
1. Protandim can cause no harm as the
ingredients, with the exception of magnesium
stearate, which has a potential of harm if
taken in large quantities, are historically
and testamonally wellness effective.
2. My concern is the fact that I can get the
natural ingredients in organic form for pennies
on the dollar…and at the same ratio.
3. It also appears that the amount given
in research tests was larger quantity then
the one pill a day.
4. It is confusing that they say that the ingredients
don’t have the same effect if each one was
taken separately..but I see no tests that show
if all the ingredients were taken together
at any ratio would be just as effective!
5. I did some math which may need corrected
but I think you will get the idea that we all
could mix the five herbs/plant ingredients
together (even at around the same formula)
for pennies and have each serving hundreds of times stronger!
Am I missing something here?
1 teaspoon = 2300 mg
1 ounce = 28,000 mg
1 ounce = 3 teaspoons
16 ounces = 48 teaspoons
thus..one teaspoon of Turmeric powder is 28,000 mg and I can get 48 daily teaspoon servings from one pound which is 373 times the amount per pill in protandim!
For about $90 I can get a pound of each of the five herbs! at ten times the amount of Mg per day of protandim…I would have a supply for about two years!
at the same mg of turmeric that’s in protandim I would have 5,000 day supply of turmeric for $20!!
Ron,
If you read the patents, I believe the other ingredients help with uptake through the intestines. I need to check back in the studies, but I recall reading that the amounts used in Protandim were optimized to where they are at because any more cannot be effectively absorbed by your body.
Yes, check page 43 of the first patent:
“In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention are prepared with carriers that that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated systems.”
The pages following go into the optimization studies
Thanks Cory and I’ll take a more intense look at the study! In the meantime my
wife and I and dogs will continue to take Protandim.
Anonymous, I’m happily married. There’s no bias against the company. I just hate it when people straight-up lie to defraud others out of their money. You can check out all the information for yourself in my article as it’s well-presented and well-cited.
Until LifeVantage carries out independent large scale double blind clinical trials there is no way of knowing whether Protandim works for the prevention or cure of any disease. Testimonials are worse than useless. I believe that this company will never carry out such clinical trials regardless of affordability because they know Protandim does not work.
People should be extremely skeptical of any product sold through Multi Level Marketing. The next time a distributor tells me they are skeptical I will scream.
@LisaRob
“If the exact combination of ingredients is so important, how are they altering the product for Japan? Also, how is it that they are marketing and selling the product in Japan while the study of the new formula is still underway?”
That was such a valid point that I thought it was worth repeating.
Terry, I can echo your thoughts on large scale trials. They have the scientists, and they have the people taking the product. I never understood why they are at the least, not testing people who take protandim now. Even universities that study protaindim – like Colorado are not doing human research. I don’t get it.
As mentioned in my first comment on this critique, I went in last week to have my lipid peroxidase test done – the test cost $159 and when I mentioned that I would be coming back in either 60 or 90 days to retake the test, the owner said she’d only charge me half price for the second test (I just wanted to mention that because I’ve seen comments on other sites that claim one cannot easily and commercially obtain a lipid peroxidase test – I live in South Dakota for crying out loud, if I can get one on a walk-in basis anybody can! :)).
In any event, while I was there, the owner mentioned that a local cardiologist received grant money to do a study on his heart patients and protandim that would be starting either this month or next month (I can’t remember). It will be interesting to see those results – also, it appears there is human testing being done. However, it’s my understanding it can take years for a study to be finished, finalized, submitted and published.
dizzypru, thanks for the update and on the info on the lipid peroxide test. Yes the peer review process can take time.
Dizzypru:
Interesting……where did the “grant money” come from?
You say: “also, it appears there is human testing being done. However, it’s my understanding it can take years for a study to be finished, finalized, submitted and published.”
Where are you getting this information about human studies? Where does it “appear”? Lifevantage has been claiming for years that over 20 universities are studying Protandim…..but so far they have nothing to show for it.
Hi Dizzy Pru and all, WRONG! First off, I don’t need money nor do I care about money, so I tell it like it is. I am a distributor of protandim and I don’t think it works, I know it works. Fortunately, I don’t need money (I inherited a lot of money, sold 15 sandwich shops, raised $4,000,000.00 on the private market, and my wife is a doctor); therefore I have no fear and do not keep a single asset in my name, hah hah, too bad!. I share the information instead of selling this product as a good deed to help people with medical conditions or who need money.
1. There is no $600 investment, when you become a distributor, you receive 12 bottles of protandim and a bottle of true science. It is Virtually zero investment ($85) and you can see the effects of protandim for yourself by becoming a preferred customer for roughly a $1 per day (actually less when you factor in that virtually all of your other supplements besides fish oil will become obsolete and you can throw them in the trash). When you spend $200 at the grocery store, is that an investment???
Although Testimonies are not validated proof and candidly neither is their abcliveit.com report for that matter: However, I have dozens and dozens and dozens of testimonies and have only been sharing this product for a few months. Have you seen these two below proven facts/studies ever questioned or mentioned? Of course not as Joe the blogger might be thrown in prison.
1. Lifevantage has 14 scientific 3rd party validated peer proof studies listed on http://www.pubmed.gov search protandim (3 on cancer alone).
2. Dr. McCord, our inventor received the last known ELLIOT CRESSON MEDAL on planet earth for biological discoveries in free radicals. Claims that he is a fake are ridiculous and must mean he also fooled the world health Organization and the World’s invention board.
Maybe the Wright Brother’s, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and AT&T, also fooled the world as they are the only other names whom also received the ELLIOT CRESSON MEDAL that I recognized since the 1700’s? Maybe the Wright Brother’s invented paper airplane’s, a random lightning bolt hit Edison, Ford made a match box car, and AT&T invented a plastic non working phone for Ken and Bobby? Come on, see for yourself with your own eyes.
Joe can’t blog on pubmed.gov as it is monitored by the US government daily and the FDA. All studies must be validated and reviewed carefully daily…call them yourself.
3. Does anyone find it interesting that Joe spends so much time preaching against Protandim? Use your brains; Do you think he really cares if a organic supplement is not as powerful as thousands of people claim it is? Of course not, he is paid probably by the Pharmaceutical companies as THEY ARE TERRIFIED OF US:) WITH VERY GOOD REASON.
Why would PHZER, MERCK, BIOMET, etc…want one product which costs roughly $1 per day that by reducing oxidative stress heals almost everything. Opposed to selling hundreds of products for one use for Billions? Do you think their share holder’s would like that?
4. The reason lifevantage shares protandim through a hybrid of net work marketing is, because less then 2% of our world population knows what Oxidative stress is. It was a genious strategy and GOOGLE FINANCE lifevantage’s growth rate and look at the growth per year since the marketing switch a few years ago 🙂
5. Ask yourself this again and think about it for a few minutes. Why of the thousands of organic supplements on the market is Protandim the only one who has such heavy blogger’s???
Answer: The other supplement cause no threat; therefore there is no need to discredit their claims and studies. It is too late as now the entire Baltimore Ravens NFL team is taking protandim, Peyton Manning and the Broncos are as well, Tim Tebow, dozens of olympiv Athlete’s, the Military is studying it for their Navy Seals and Army special OPS.
Maybe Joe knows more then all of these doctors as well? I have pictures as proof! Is money more important then humans suffering? Gotta run and it’s nice to not care or need money. You can do and say as you wish and tell the Truth, that’s how I do! Sorry about the grammar, but I don’t really care.
See ya Joe
Rod, I’m guessing from the tone of your words that you didn’t read much of my review. If you did, you would see that I reported on those protandim studies listed in Pubmed and I even linked to them too. What is so wrong about linking to the studies and showing people which is a people study and which is a mouse or in vitro study?
I don’t know what you mean by “I cant blog on Pubmed” because I did! All the links to the studies go right to pubmed. Also, what do you mean that pubmed is “monitored daily by the US gov and FDA?” who are they monitoring it for? Well, if they are monitoring it – and I doubt they do -then they already know about me because this website has hundreds of links going right to pubmed.
For the record no pharmaceutical company pays me either. That’s pretty funny though!
Rod, it’s a good product.
It’s the hype put out by the company that is based on half truths to downright lies.
Sometimes it is better not to know.
@Rod
You say: “Have you seen these two below proven facts/studies ever questioned or mentioned? Of course not as Joe the blogger might be thrown in prison.”
What on earth are you talking about? Your fact #1 is what this whole site is about….the “science”……and the studies are discussed and referenced with links. Yet you say they aren’t mentioned?
Your fact #2 says that McCord is the inventor of Protandim. That is absolutely NOT true. Look at the patent.
So much for your “facts”.
The rest of your post is equally ridiculous.
I went to a Protandim meeting last night and I was told it costs $600 plus tax and shipping to become a distributor. I am not going to buy the product. If it works as well as they say it does, if would sell itself.
Amy, from what you and others are experiencing, it sounds like some Protandim distributors are neglecting to tell people about the cheaper alternative.
Question just so i’m clear in my mind is the cheaper Alternative that you are refer to, Eating Healthy; Fruits and Veggies, etc. and Exercise?
mindblendmedia, I don’t remember mentioning an alternative to protandim in my review but eating healthy and exercise is a wise choice whether you take protandim or not.
Really ? So you know of an “alternative” that enables the body to eliminate free radicals at a ratio of 1 million to 1 instead of the mere 1 to 1 ratio of direct anti-oxidants ? I wonder who is paying you.
none of your business,
you only have 1 study showing the effect you are alluding to. it may be a great study but I just like a bit more human evidence.
If it’s the first study back in 2005, it simply isn’t a great study. It is a very bad study with evidence of data rigging, as well as using company insiders and investors, done on very few people, and not replicated by any unbiased scientists.
No reasonable person would consider this even a shred of human evidence.
Dizzypru, how did your lipid peroxidase test turn out for you? Did yours improve? Please let me know when you do get the results. I have been on it for about 9 months. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this article. I was almost sold on this product, twice! I couldn’t make sense of the claims the distributor was making and I turned down the offer. I’m glad I did. If Protandim did what it said, it would be known by more people. Your evaluation of the studies was most helpful to me in solidifying my decision. Thank you!
Diana, glad to help 🙂
My friend became a distributor and had to pay $600 up front…I said, “Don’t think so!”
Anonymous, don’t blame you!
don’t let it scare you. I am a distributor for 3 months now. Out of $600 that you pay, $535 are in product costs (and this is a wholesale price). You can sell the product on Amazon or ebay for about $700 if not more (on the average day) plus the product comes with business materials that I sold on Amazon for $40.
Believe me this product is very hot on the market right now. See Amazon’s selling rank for Protandim. Plus the product works really good as I already have about 70 customers and most of them are on the autoship. I had only positive feedback on the product. Also, if you sign up a new distributor on this Vantage Pack (the one that costs about $600), you get $210 in bonuses plus other primary and secondary bonuses that I still don’t really understand fully where they are coming from but believe me i don’t care as long as they are coming 🙂
I was involved with similar companies before (ex. LifePharm Global, laminine was their hot product) and LifeVantage is very similar with the bonus structure and compensation but I think it’s so much better because Protandim is a hot item on the market and business is very good.
I would definitely recommend this opportunity. I can send the compensation statement and a bonus structure if anyone’s interested.
Anonymous, I appreciate the info on selling of protandim but we wont be using this form to recruit new distributors 😉
Again, for me it comes down to having to buy it up front -and then the stress of selling it is on those people. I still would like to know what the average protandim distributor makes per month. Ive talked to many protandim distributors but none of them want to tell me.
Joe, It’s hard to tell how much a distributor makes because it depends on what happens during the month for which you receive your income. I really like the 15th of the month because there is always a nice bonus you get on this day. Otherwise you get paid every 7 days.
I made around $1600 last month on the 70 customers I have (they are on the autoship) so if they will not stop their autoship, this is the income I would get every month without doing anything else. If I sign a new customer, I get a bonus in addition to 30% of their order. There are also other bonuses that you qualify for when you sign up 5 customers in a given month.
This is only if you sign up the customers, which are not that difficult to find. When you sign up other distributors, you get a $100 plus other bonuses, plus $210 from their Vantage pack that they purchase for around $600. To be honest, I still don’t understand the bonus structure fully but I like what I see.
I never know what I am going to get but its always been a nice surprise, especially when you have new customers or new distributors sign up. So I guess to summarize, the income really depends on what happens during the month. So far I am not dissapointed. I’m just hoping there would be no changes to the company policies or compensation, as this is always a chance.
Anonymous Im glad you are making some money with it. I do know LV knows how much the average distributor makes. this would be as easy as dividing the monthly money generated in by all, divided by the total number of distributors worldwide. I’m confident LV knows this number.
I have been a distributor for 3 months and
a distributor! My wife and I have seen no
difference in health and after speaking to
over 300 people, in person…not one person
Was the least bit interested after hearing it
was a mlm company!
Now..you may say to yourself..he must be
a terrible sales person..when, in fact, I am one
of the top brand ambassadors in the country
with 20 years in sales experience.
I am not getting my friends and relatives
involved as that is the fastest way to get
them upset with you.
In order to make larger sums of money..you
have to be on auto-ship and order $100 in
products each month.
This becomes the mlm company like LifeVantage
their base of customers.
The average mlm we earns $80 per month the last I saw!
Until any distributor can tell us if any research
was done showing that the 5 ingredients together in
any ratio gets the same results..all other hyped up
research is, in my opinion, false advertising!
At this point I can get organic same five ingredients
at hundreds time the strength for $70 for an
entire year!
And..in case you have not heard..the Protandim
has other ingredients such as magnesium stearate!
Check out that ingredient on Dr Mercolas site
and then ask yourself…why did they add a known
Toxin to a health product!!!!!
I want to see the same TBar test and Dr McCord
studies on how the five ingredients together
in any ratio does any different then their
very shallow amount of each herb!
Something is amiss here!
Ron, interesting. did i read that right that you saw data that the average protandim distributor makes only $80/month?
Actually I read or heard somewhere that the
average mlm industry monthly distributor
earnings is around $80.00.
And I thought I read somewhere the mlm
companies have to disclose these facts.
Once again..why is everyone ignoring
my main question on why we are not
seeing all this great research on the
five ingredients at any ratio together?
Is it because it makes no difference
if you took 20% of each ingredient as
the results would be the same?
And think of this..did Dr. McCord use
the same amount that distributors are
selling in the one pill in his testing research?
Did he use magnesium stearate in his
ground breaking research that is a binder
in the pill? (look up magnesium stearate
and see what Dr. Mercola has to say about it.)
Ponder this..what if I drink a cup of green
tea with Protandim? That by itself changes
the supposedly patented secret formula
as now the ratio together has changed!
Why are they not organic ingredients!
Common sense would dictate that if you
are selling an amazing supplement that
can kill one million free radicals per second
that you would have ingredients that were
pesticide free with proof of USDA Organic
approval label!
Here is another monkey wrench to ponder..
recently Dr. Oz announced that he was
changing his mind about heavy antioxidant
use as new research came out saying we
need free radicals!! Thus..if you are killing
them a million per second around the clock
could this be doing more harm then good?
Someone please address these issues!
Ron, I didn’t know Dr. Oz said that about antioxidants. I’ve been saying that for years! Antioxidants can even produce free radicals. It’s called pro-xidation.
Ron,
I will attempt to answer your questions as best as I can. I answered a couple of them in your past posts already with links as have others.
Now as for the magnesium sterate. – Go read this. wellnessresources.com/health/articles/the_facts_on_magnesium_stearate/
Two yes there is a risk of messing with the ratio would incur if you drank green tea while taking Protandim, It is said to wait
2 hrs before you introduce any added amounts via teas or foods.
As far as the free radicals being needed yes!
Protandim works like a thermostat, allowing Nrf2 expression “on-demand”, hence up-regulation or Nrf2 is not forced regulation, meaning we’re not over reducing ROS by upregulation of Nrf2, rather, we’re allowing the availability of Nrf2 as needed (like infection, physical stress or just aging). McCord touched on this last year as he talked about one of the en vitro studies on how Protandom regulates Nrf2. The short of that is, Protandim is not causing the body to not have ROS when needed. Infact 2) the interesting factoid here is also, autoimmune diseases are created (with exception) when normal ROS is used to fight infection as noted above, yet our body’s ability to properly scavenge these with SOD, CAT, GSH etc.. is compromised with age, and walla… you’re body starts to attack itself chronically.
I hope this helps a bit. 🙂
“And..in case you have not heard..the Protandim
has other ingredients such as magnesium stearate!
Check out that ingredient on Dr Mercolas site
and then ask yourself…why did they add a known
Toxin to a health product!!!!!”
In 1979, the FDA’s Subcommittee on GRAS (generally recognized as safe) Substances (SCOGS) reported, “There is no evidence in the available information on … magnesium stearate … that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect, a hazard to the public when they are used at levels that are now current and in the manner now practiced, or which might reasonably be expected in the future.”
FDA’s SCOGS Database; Report No. 60; ID Code: 557-04-0; Year: 1979
And we are supposed to trust this agency..then explain Dr Mercolas article!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/06/23/whole-food-supplement-dangers.aspx
One of the beauties of the internet is that one can find published articles from ‘respected’ individuals to support any claim we want to make. You posted Dr. Mercola’s article about the dangers of magnesium stearate and I am thankful. As a new customer and newer distributor, I want to really KNOW what I am taking and selling. The following article explains how magnesium stearate came under consideration for removal by the JECFA. It was recommended for removal by one group – the EWG.
http://newhope360.com/blog/supplement-industrys-biggest-little-problem-magnesium-stearate
And, I found a Dr. who makes solid, scientific evidence of why we needn’t be concerned about it.
http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/the_facts_on_magnesium_stearate/
These are important articles to read concerning the other ‘side’ of the issue.
Someone made a point here that Dr. Oz thinks we need free radicals. I am sorry, but the science behind the breakdown of the cells as a result environmental stressors was taught to me in Anatomy and Physiology a few years ago. I have heard some pretty crazy claims from Dr. Oz and some things he says are right on the money, but I question those who regard him like he is an expert or some kind of authority in this area. If you want to make the point that we might need less antioxidants and some free radical, cellular breakdown is necessary, please share the scientific articles with me. Thanks!
Hopeful, the creation of free radicals is tied to cellular energy production (electron transport chain etc). Also, the immune system uses free radicals to destroy invading microorganisms. So in this respect its true, we do need some free radicals.
Here is an article you might find interesting:
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2011/08/the_doctor_and_the_pomegranate.html
LisaRob, Thanks for sharing… In reading your article, I note they can only cite one study that concludes antioxidants are actually harmful to your health. If missed something, please let me know. I bet way back in the day I could find at least one study that concluded the tobacco in cigarettes is beneficial to your health. Also, I clicked on a link cited in your posted article that brought me to this one.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/antioxidants/introduction.htm
The article from the NIH seems to support both of our positions. It acknowledges that eating foods full of antioxidants prevent diseases (observational studies) and also cites clinical studies that failed to prevent diseases and in some cases actually increased disease processed. However, the studies cited tested other antioxidants than what is in Protandim. Protandim’s ingredients are ones found growing in nature and which have proven over centuries in other countries to maintain health. Furthermore, it consistently cites dangers of high dose supplements… but doesn’t elaborate on what is considered a high does. I don’t think the dosage in Protandim would fall into the range of ‘dangerous’ but without specific numbers we really can’t be sure.
Joe, as far as it being necessary to have some degree of free radicals in your system I can totally understand that. Personally, I don’t think it is ever wise to go extreme in any direction. I try to find balance in everything and stay in the middle of the curve. Protandim doesn’t claim to eliminate all free radicals in the human body. It promises a 40 – 70% drop. It sounds to me like it gets the level down to one that could be more healthy.
Finally, a few years ago I came upon the movie, “Forks Over Knives.” It focused and greatly increased my passion for eating healthy, which is why I am so excited about Protandim. My “why” when my enroller asked why I was selling Protandim is to help my friends and family live a healthier, better quality of life. In the movie, ‘Forks Over Knives,’ there are amazing stories that when diseased patients switched to vegan diets their cancer and heart disease greatly improves. Also, they have numerous studies from around the world over many, many decades that support this notion. The patients were told by modern medical doctors to basically go home and die. But, by eating healthy, antioxidant rich food, they live many more years and reverse their disease. That is why Protandim makes sense to me and why I am selling it — not to get rich quick. I have shared the movie with about 30 of my friends and family over the years, hoping to encourage them to change their lifestyle. I view Protandim as one more piece of a puzzle to protect their health.
Hopeful,
I’d agree that reducing oxidative stress may indeed prove beneficial, I have to admit I’m a bit skeptical on the 40-70% reduction in oxidatvive stress promised by Protandim. It might do that very thing for all I know, but their lack of human research just makes me skeptical for the moment. I do hope I’m wrong.
Hopeful:
Just because an article only links to one study does not mean that other studies don’t exist. You don’t mention which study you are referring to, but I assume it was “Extending Life Span by Increasing Oxidative Stress.” I guess you skipped over the mention of the 2007 Systemic Review and Meta-analysis which was published in JAMA.
There was also a link to another Slate article called “The Vitamin Myth” which had information on studies which suggest that antioxidants can feed cancer cells:
“The news on antioxidants, the darlings of the vitamin menagerie, is even more troubling. These compounds, which include vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, beta carotene, and folate, fight free radicals, unstable compounds thought to damage cells and contribute to aging. But not only do antioxidant supplements fail to protect against heart disease, stroke, and cancer; they actually increase the risk of death, according to a 2007 analysis of research on more than 232,000 people, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, as well as other studies.
Exactly why they might increase mortality is unclear, but doctors at prominent research institutions—including New York’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center—have highlighted some unsettling connections between supplemental antioxidants and an increased risk of a variety of cancers. Popping certain kinds of antioxidant pills can feed latent cancers growing in the body, for instance, and reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. These observations make a certain intuitive sense, since vitamins and minerals play an important role in the replication of healthy cells—why shouldn’t they be doing the same for cancerous cells? (Feeding mice a diet poor in antioxidants, on the other hand, can actually help shrink their brain tumors.) Scientists are also beginning to suspect that the body may actually need free radicals—which help kill cancer cells, ensure optimal immune function, and regulate blood sugar, among other things—so we shouldn’t necessarily be mopping them all up.”
Another study you could look into is “Duel Roles of Nrf2 in Cancer
(This was not linked in the Slate article):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2652397/
Now, just because I’m listing these few studies/articles, it does not mean these are the only ones I can come up with.
Frankly, since you are a distributor, it probably wouldn’t matter how much information I give you. It has already been pointed out that there are no credible human studies showing a health benefit from taking Protandim, the company has been caught lying about who invented it, they have made up quotes from researchers, they have misrepresented studies, they illegally market the product by using testimonials and disease claims which are unsubstantiated, and they are selling a few pennies worth of herbs for 1.50 a pill.
None of this seems to matter to distributors. It honestly is just like a cult.
You say you got into this to help your friends and family live a healthier lifestyle. You were on the right track with promoting healthier eating and exercise. Why go off that path and push an overpriced and unproven curry pill on them? There is nothing natural about swallowing a pill a day.
If 40 to 70% of free radicals are eliminated, how do you know that is not more harmful than it is helpful??? You don’t know! What is the ideal level? Who knows? Do you really want to do that experiment on yourself and your friends and family? What IF that level of antioxidants promotes the growth of cancer cells?
As far as the Appeal to Antiquity argument (these herbs have been used safely and effectively for centuries….etc)…….Think about this: IF Protandim IS special (as it claims to be by saying you can’t just take the ingredients separately and get the same results), then you really can’t use that argument (it’s a bad argument anyway). Protandim has not been around for centuries. If Protandim is NOT special in any way, then you’ve just wasted the money of your friends and family.
Good Morning Lisa! As a lifelong supporter of free radical scavengers for reasons I won’t go into, I was approached to be the latest convert for Protandim. After doing BASIC due diligence, not only am I convinced that Protandim is a scam (that was the easy part), I am now rethinking my stand on anti-oxidants as a whole.
I have enjoyed your thorough and thoughtful / rational responses. Cancer scares the hell out of me as it should everyone which is the “fuel” Protandim uses to sell it’s product.
No rational response should be made SOLELY on the basis of fear. Simply put… THANK YOU! – John
Ron,
Here is a list of several that say Dr. Mercola is wrong to include the FDA.
http://www.raysahelian.com/magnesiumstearate.html
http://www.nowfoods.com/Products/FAQs/FAQs-on-Magnesium-Stearate.htm
http://www.sgn80.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Magnesium-Stearate-Safety.pdf
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogslisting&id=198
I hope this eases some of your worries. 🙂
you are actually able to start s a distributor without having to purchase the supplement. you pay $50 and you re in. i believe that you get a little less money for signing up other distributors or having personal customers. ask a distributor about it! i was offered this. but i am going to all in.
I have been considering taking Protandim which was recommended to me by a friend. I am so happy that I came across this site….very informative and non-biased! What can you tell me about the recall with this product which happened a couple of times? The latest one was just a couple of months ago and this makes me very nervous.
I have always been somewhat apprehensive about taking nutrients for reasons such as these, the unwanted ingredients and binders etc….the whole recall information has made me very nervous.
As for whether it works or not, I was leaning towards trying it…I didn’t feel like I had anything to loose since the ingredients are natural. Is there any more info you can give me regarding this recall?
Hi Marianna, It looks like somehow, small metal fragments made their way into some lots of protandim. Im not sure if there were any protandim recalls before this. I did a quick check but didnt see anything. maybe someone else reading this can shed some light if there were other Protandim recalls in the past?
Hello Joe,
Regarding the recall, somebody who has zero contact info and/or anything else has a website: protandimrecall.com with “facts” about the recall.
What began the recall? According to this “facter”, a user dropped a tablet, saw a metal flake, and informed the company. The company, being so full of integrity, informed the FDA, who informed them that there was NO health hazard and no recall needed. Really?
However, the company decided to recall thousands of bottles and replace them because of their own high standards, and then recall more of them later even though the FDA and doctors/health care providers said there was no health hazard.
That recall was for several more lot numbers, because of how thoughtful and ethical the company is. Really?
Who is this cheerleader that is top ranked in “protandim recall” google search?
I must admit that Protandim does work for me – clearer vision, get up ready to go, remove brain fog. However, the company is quite sleazy, imo.
For that reason, if you want the product, become a customer. I would not recommend anyone join as a distributor. You might get rich, but you’ve sold yourself to a company based on half truths.
Thanks for your write up.
Sally, that’s pretty funny interesting; thanks for the heads up. I looked at ProtandimRacall.com website and think is likely either a protandim distributor or maybe a stockholder in LifeVantage trying to do some damage control. I’m inclined to think its the later since if it was a distributor, there would probably be a link to their LV website. Instead I see a stock symbol for LifeVantage at the top of the website. I wouldn’t even call ProtandimRecall.com a “website” since its just one page long.
I looked up ProtandimRecall.com on the website Whois.com and discovered that it was created in December 2012, about the time of the protandim recall. So this is a pretty new website. The name “protandimRecall” was likely chosen because whoever created it knew people would be goggling “Protaindim Recall” to find out more information.
The good news is that Google is getting better and better at recognizing phoney baloney websites like this. I have a feeling that eventually it wont ranke #1 for this search term.
I like your gravatar picture by the way 🙂
I was just checking and to date no cases of any health issues were reported. The one thing that I can say is that it was a voluntary recall and not one pushed my another agency. The company did contact the FDA and reported it to them.
So How is this not responsible behavior? I am a distributor but I am proud of their actions to rectify this mishap and the amount of money they spent to add several processes and QA technology to ensure it does not happen again!
Do you think there is anything in Protandim that would be bad for someone with kidney disease?
Anonymous, not to my knowledge. why don’t you take the ingredients to your doctor or pharmasist and ask them. They know you best so they would have a better idea on this than me or anyone else.