The Internet can be a fantastic source of high quality information, but it is also a place where anyone can say anything they chose about any subject. There is no fact-checking for blog posts, and the ignorant and uninformed have the same right to speak their mind as the world's experts, on any topic. So use a little common sense. If you want the most reliable medical information, it is all at your disposal at the PubMed database website, provided by the National Library of Medicine. Just go to PubMed.gov and type in your search parameters. Type "Protandim" and hit Search and you will see all the peer-reviewed studies that have been published so far. Click on any publication that turns up, and you will see a summary (abstract) of the study, and you may have access to the full paper as a PDF file. Type in "oxidative stress cancer" and you will find more than 8,300 papers on the topic. (You may need a Ph.D. to fully understand the papers, but you will be surprised at how much you can understand from a well-written abstract.)

To the best of our knowledge Protandim is the only supplement in the world clinically proven (in a peer-reviewed, human clinical study) to reduce aging factors by an average of 40 percent. Protandim has been awarded four patents, and is the subject of more than 20 independent clinical studies at the present time. This patented antioxidant therapy is many times more powerful than red wine, oranges, blueberries, juices or other popular antioxidant supplements. Protandim works by increasing the body's natural antioxidant protection at the cellular level, triggering cells to produce naturally occurring protective antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and the enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis and metabolism.

Protandim's actions result from its ability to activate the transcription factor known as Nrf2. Protandim contains five ingredients that are known to scientists as Nrf2 activators. Nrf2 is a protein messenger contained in every cell of the body that sends information to the cell's DNA. That DNA consists of about 25,000 genes and the products of those genes make you who you are and what you are. There're unique for each person. DNA is what makes you a human being, what gives you your personality, what gives you your physical traits.
When this protein messenger called Nrf2 is activated, it enters the nucleus of every cell and it turns on several hundred of these 25,000 genes. And the genes that it turns on, or turns up, are known collectively as "survival genes." What is a survival gene? These genes enable cells to survive in the face of several different kinds of stress, especially oxidative stress, which is due to the overproduction of free radicals and other oxidants.

Nrf2 also affects another hundred or so genes by turning them down, not up. Included in these genes are pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes.

Inflammation accompanies many different disease processes. Everyone is familiar with inflammatory diseases like arthritis, but anytime you get traumatic injuries, sprain your ankle or bruise yourself, there is swelling and pain and redness that characterize inflammation. The process of inflammation is designed, in part, to prevent infection. One of the ways your body prevents infection is to kill invading microorganisms by intentionally making toxic free radicals. Thus the pain, redness and swelling in a cut are not so much from infection, but from inflammation as your body responds to the possibilities of an infection.

What are Pro-Fibrotic genes? Following inflammation in many kinds of diseases or traumatic injury is a process of scar tissue formation that scientists refer to as "fibrosis". A number of genes turn on that process. And while fibrosis can be a good thing if you're healing a cut, in many other diseases it is a bad thing. For example, many older people die each year from heart failure-- the failure of the pumping action of the heart due to this process of fibrosis. This is quite a different process from "hardening of the arteries" or atherosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks and strokes.

So, Protandim, as a Nrf2 activator, activates survival genes, such as antioxidant genes that keep us safe from free radicals and oxidants. It also turns down genes that perpetuate inflammation and genes that encourage slow, progressive fibrosis to take place. Together, these actions provide a remarkable promise of protection from many kinds of age-related diseases.

Protandim is among the very first of the products that are appearing, and will appear, as Nrf2 activators. It is, as far as we know, the first potent, commerically available Nrf2 Activator.

Protandim is different from other antioxidant supplements because it is among the very first of the products that are appearing and will appear as Nrf2 activators. As far as we know, Protandim is the first potent, commercially available Nrf2 activator.

Nrf2 is a protein messenger contained in every cell of the body that sends information to the cell's DNA. When this protein messenger called Nrf2 is activated, it enters the nucleus of every cell and turns on several hundred of these 25,000 genes, collectively known as survival genes. Protandim, as a Nrf2 activator, activates survival genes, such as antioxidant genes that keep us safe from free radicals and oxidants and also turns down genes that perpetuate inflammation and genes that encourage slow, progressive fibrosis to occur. Together, these actions provide a remarkable promise of protection from many kinds of age-related diseases.

Protandim is different from other antioxidant supplements in the way it works. Instead of providing the body with additional dietary antioxidants (regular supplements fall into this category and are commonly called consumable or "direct" antioxidants), Protandim works from within your body, signaling it to boost its own production of numerous antioxidant enzymes (including the well-known ones--SOD and catalase) that already exist at the cellular level to help fight free radicals and cellular aging. This is why Protandim is significantly more effective than any other antioxidant on the market today; your body is actually producing the antioxidant power. But Protandim goes far beyond antioxidant protection; it activates hundreds of "survival genes" that help your body survive many kinds of stress.

Vitamin C is not a Nrf2 Activator. Vitamin E and CoQ10 are very, very weak activators at high doses and in cultured cells. It's not clear whether these compounds have practical Nrf2 activating activity in intact animals or whether sufficiently high concentrations could be reached.

Nationally recognized anti-aging expert Dr. Joe McCord explains, "Researchers and scientists agree that aging is the result of cellular deterioration caused by free radicals, which are rogue molecules. It is impossible to avoid free radicals because the food you eat and the air you breathe, as well as stress or even vigorous exercise, can stimulate cells to produce destructive free radicals in staggering numbers. With each year, a person's body becomes less effective at fighting free radicals. It's a vicious cycle, programmed into genes, which results in aging, disease and eventually death. A person's body fights free radicals by producing its own antioxidant enzymes. But as we grow older, our bodies produce more free radicals and less of these antioxidant enzymes to fight the battle of aging. That's where Protandim plays a critical role. Protandim boosts the body's own production of antioxidant enzymes at the cellular level with enough neutralizing capacity to eliminate the age-related increase in free radical damage."

Many people mistakenly believe their antioxidant needs are fulfilled by eating blueberries, drinking expensive "miracle juices" and applying antioxidant facial creams. What they don't realize is that their daily antioxidant needs cannot be fulfilled by consuming any amount of blueberries, dark chocolate or red wine. Effective antioxidant protection absolutely requires adequate production of the body's own antioxidant enzymes.

As much fun as it would be to eat 15 pounds of chocolate daily, it would be impossible. Protandim is the only solution available to provide the necessary amount of antioxidants. Protandim, an all-natural dietary supplement that holds four patents, has been proven to decrease oxidative stress by an average of 40 percent and has been peer reviewed in a published, human clinical study.

The Induction of Human Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase In Vivo: A Fundamentally New Approach to Antioxidant Therapy
- Publication:Free Radical Biology & Medicine, Jan. 15, 2006
- Authors: S.K. Nelson, S.K. Bose, G.K. Grunwald, P. Myhill, J.M. McCord, Webb-Waring Institute for Cancer, Aging and Antioxidant - Research, University of Colorado Denver
- In this study Protandim was administered to healthy humans ages 20 to 78 years old. After 30 days, TBARS declined by an average of 40%.
- *Protandim eliminated the age-related increase in cell aging factors by increasing the body's antioxidant defenses.

The Role of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Skin Cancer
- Publication:Enzyme Research, March 23, 2011
- Authors: Delira Robbins and Yunfeng Zhao, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences
- This study used a two-part model to test the effectiveness of Protandim in chemoprevention. In one approach, researchers applied a SOD mimetic topically to mouse skin. In another approach, Protandim decreased tumor incidence and multiplicity by 33% and 57%, respectively.
- *Protandim may be a novel approach to chemoprevention.

Protandim Attenuates Intimal Hyperplasia in Human Saphenous Veins Cultured Ex Vivo A Catalase-Dependent Pathway
- Publication:Free Radical Biology & Medicine, March 15, 2011
- Authors: B. Joddar, R.K. Reen, M.S. Firstenberg, S. Varadharaj, J.M. McCord, J.L. Zweiler, K.J. Gooch, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State
- This study examined the biochemical mechanisms that underlie the ability of Protandim to suppress intimal hyperplasia-over-proliferation of cells that line the vessel wall-a common adverse event that limits the effectiveness of vascular surgery. Treatment of human saphenous veins with Protandim blocked intimal hyperplasia and reduced cellular proliferation to that of freshly isolated human saphenous veins.
- *Protandim significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity in veins while reducing free radical levels, lipid peroxidation and intimal proliferation.

The Dietary Supplement Protandim Decreases Plasma Osteopontin and Improves Markers of Oxidative Stress in Muscular Dystrophy Mdx Mice
- Publication:Journal of Deitary Supplements, June 1, 2010
- Authors: M.M. Qureshi, W.C. McClure, N.L. Arevalo, R.E.Rabon, B. Mohr, S.K. Bose, J.M. McCord, B.S. Tseng, University of Colorado Denver, and Mass. General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- Oxidative damage is thought to be a pertinent factor in the development of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common and lethal neuromuscular disorder in children. Researchers used surrogate markers and functional measurers in a dystrophin-deficient mouse model of DMD to determine whether Protandim provides any benefit. After six months on Protandim, a 48% average decrease in plasma TBARS and a 57% decrease in plasma osteopontin was seen, as well as a 35% increase in beneficial protective plasma PON1 activity.
- *Protandim improves markers of oxidative stress and fibrosis in muscular dystrophy mice.

Protandim, a Fundamentally New Antioxidant Approach in Chemoprevention Using Mouse Two-Stage Skin Carcinogenesis As A Model
- Publication:PLoS One, April 22, 2009
- Authors: J. Liu, X. Gu, D. Robbins, G. Li, R. Shi, J.M. McCord, Y. Zhao, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University
- To investigate whether Protandim can suppress tumor formation by a dietary approach, a two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis study was performed. At the end of the study, both skin tumor incidence and multiplicity were reduced in the mice on the Protandim diet by 33% and 57% respectively compared with those on a basal diet.
- *Induction of antioxidant enzymes by Protandim may be practical for cancer prevention.

Chronic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Elevation is Insufficent to Explain Right Heart Failure
- Publication:Circulation, Nov. 17, 2009
- Authors: H.J. Bogaard, R. Natarajan, S.C. Henderson, C. S. Long, D. Krakauskas, L. Smithson, R. Ockaili, J.M. McCord, N.F. Voelkel, Divisions of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Virginia Commonwealth University
- This study used a lab model of pulmonary hypertension in rats to explore factors contributing to heart failure in animals. Pulmonary hypertension was induced in rats through a drug and by creating an oxygen-poor environment. The animals pre-treated with Protandim experienced strong cardio-protectitive effects.
- *Protandim protected the animal's hearts by increasing the expression of protective genes and preventing the formation of scar tissue.

The Chemopreventive Effects of Protandim: Modulation of p53 Mitochondrial Translocation and Apoptosis During Skin Carcinogenesis
- Publication:PLoS One, July 30, 2010
- Authors: D. Robbins, X. Gu, R. Shi, J. Liu, F. Wang, J. Ponville, J.M. McCord, Y. Zhao, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences
- This study explored the biochemical mechanisms that underlie the ability of Protandim to suppress tumors in mice. That ability was previously demonstrated by the authors in a study involving a mouse two-stage model of chemically-induced skin cancer. This study suggested that suppression of p53 and induction of MnSOD may play an important role in the tumor suppressive activity of Protandim.
- *The induction of antioxidant enzymes by Protandim may be a practical and potent approach for cancer prevention.

Synergistic Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 by the Components of the Antioxidant Supplement Protandim
- Publication:Free Radical Biology & Medicine, Feb. 1, 2009
- Authors: K. Velmurugan, J. Alam, J.M. McCord, S. Pugazhenthi, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver
- This study explored whether components of Protandim acted in a synergistic manner in certain cells, specifically if it would induce heme oxygenase. When components were tested alone, only curcumin showed minimal induction. Together they produced a strong, synergistic induction.
- *Protandim produced a 300% increase in glutathione, a key antioxidant and anti-aging factor. Also, the supplement's patented formula provides a strong synergy much greater than the sum of its parts.

* Source: PUBMED.GOV

Protandim is a dietary supplement, not a drug. We do not promote or intend to imply or represent that Protandim can prevent, cure, treat or mitigate any disease or class of disease. Protandim is not intended to be an alternative or replacement for any drug or biological product. If you are interested in reviewing the studies, visit www.pubmed.gov and enter "Protandim" in the search box.

Milk Thistle Extract containing 80% silymarin, Bacopa Extract containing 45% bacosides, Ashwagandha root powder, Green Tea Extract containing 98% polyphenols, Tumeric Extract containing 95% curcumin.

No, they are not "certified" organic; however, they are all harvested in their natural pure environment.

Ashwagandha - India, Bacopa - India, Green Tea- China, Milk Thistle - China, Tumeric - India.

Yes, the raw materials are tested for: Pesticides/Herbicides; Heavy Metals; Active Compound in five Active Ingredients (for example, we test Bacopa for Bacosides and Turmeric for Curcumonoids); All Microbial tests; and, Efficacy/Bioavailab

No, there are no dyes or food colorings in Protandim. One of the active ingredients, curcumin, is intensely yellow.

No, the blend of ingredients and their special formulation is unique to Protandim and holds three patents. The combination of ingredients creates a synergy that has been studied and proven to provide much more antioxidant power than any food or conventional supplements. This scientific peer-reviewed study was published in the journal "Free Radical Biology and Medicine" and it also clearly shows Protandim produces a 300 percent increase in glutathione, which is a key antioxidant and anti-aging factor.

No. The estrogenic effects of silymarin are well studied. Below is the abstract of a study that found no binding of silymarin to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Binding to ERalpha would be a cause for concern in estrogen-sensitive breast or uterine cancer patients. Silymarin is an agonist (positive effector) for the ERbeta receptor, whereby it can positively affect bone density.

Reference: Seidlova-Wuttke, D.; Becker, T.; Christoffel, V.; Jarry, H.; Wuttke, W. Silymarin is a selective estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) agonist and has estrogenic effects in the metaphysis of the femur but no or antiestrogenic effects in the uterus of ovariectomized (ovx) rats. J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 86:179-188; 2003.

Other ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Croscarmellos Sodium, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Modified Cellulose, Silica, Stearic Acid. The cellulose (plant fiber) and other excipients allow the ingredients to hold together when pressed to form a caplet. Magnesium stearate is a natural lubricant that allows the caplet to be released from the die. Another agent keeps the ingredients dry. These same excipients are found in most pressed tablets and caplets.

Protandim contains less than 4 mg. of caffeine. (For comparison, a Starbuck's coffee may contain up to 150 mg. and "caffeine free" coffee may contain between 4-7 mg.)

Yes, we are "Standardized."

Yes, to the best of our knowledge we meet or exceed the Current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMPs") for Nutritional Supplements.

Also, all raw materials are validated before they are purchased. This means we test all inbound raw materials for quality and purity.

Also, Protandim is subject to existing dietary supplement laws, such as the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, including adverse event reporting requirements. LifeVantage has established the safety and purity of all its ingredients through independent laboratory testing.

No, Protandim is not "Pharma" (Pharmaceutical) Grade. Protandim is a dietary supplement, not a drug.

Yes, the raw ingredients are pressed into tablet form. Our tablets are pressed without any extraneous heat. The only heat that results from the process is from natural friction. There is no raw material degradation from the process. This is considered "cold" pressed or "soft" pressed.

Yes. We do not expect there to be any side effects for the typical consumer who consumes Protandim. Some individuals have natural allergic responses to one or another of the ingredients, just as some people are allergic to pine pollen or penicillin. These allergic responses to Protandim generally appear as gastrointestinal disturbances (i.e., stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting) or sometimes as a headache or rash on the hands or feet. The symptoms disappear if Protandim is discontinued, and so far none have required medical treatment. Some of those experiencing these side effects or allergies have been able to continue with Protandim at a half dose. Others simply cannot take Protandim.

Any side effect occurring within 10 minutes is unlikely due to Protandim. It may take an hour or two before the caplet dissolves, and the gene induction effects of Protandim require many hours to begin.

Some Western diets are lacking in certain nutritional elements, so multivitamin supplementation may be beneficial for some people. You can discontinue supplementing with antioxidants, however, because Protandim is more effective at eliminating free radical damage than supplementation with conventional antioxidants.

You should consult your physician before taking Protandim when dealing with autoimmune diseases or when taking immunosuppressive drugs following a transplanted organ received from another person. Why? Because the immune system is what helps fight off viruses, bacteria and other foreign objects. When you have just received an organ from another person this could be detected as a foreign object by your immune system which will reject and try to kill it, as it would an invading microorganism. In such circumstances, your physician may maintain your immune system in a suppressed state to help avoid rejection.

Just like prescription drugs, the ingredients in many supplements are metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys in the urine. The ingredients in Protandim, however, are primarily metabolized and excreted by the liver into the bile. This difference decreases the likelihood of Protandim interacting with other over-the-counter products or with prescription drugs. In fact, after years of public availability and use, we know of no significant drug interaction with Protandim.

Yes, people on Coumadin can take Protandim without interference. If they test their own clotting time, they should test a day or two after starting Protandim to make sure they don't need an adjustment in Coumadin dosage. Also, as always, if there is a question, consult your doctor! Note: Surgeons recommend that ALL supplements be stopped before surgery--that is why this is on the label. (See "Prescription Drugs" above).

Yes. There is no known problem for Plavix users taking Protandim. (See "Prescription Drugs" above).

Yes. There is no reason Protandim would interfere with a pacemaker.

Many obstetricians recommend that women stop taking everything except what they prescribe. (See the warning label of the Protandim bottle). However, if your obstetrician approves Protandim, there is no known reason for concern.

No, the ability to absorb the ingredients is self-limiting, so after a certain point no more is absorbed.

No, there is no known mechanism whereby Protandim loses effectiveness over time. The formula has not been changed and bioactivity is monitored to maintain consistent potency with regard to the activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor--the mechanism by which Protandim works.

The shelf life for Protandim is three years.

With food. First of all, there are no foods to avoid. Next, the active ingredients in Protandim are all fat soluble. Although it is not absolutely necessary, taking Protandim with a meal containing some fat allows the ingredients to be absorbed more efficiently.