Zinc vs. Cancer

Zinc Gluconate 50 mg by Now Foods

Zinc For Human Body

Zinc, an essential mineral in human nutrition, which plays as antioxidants to protect DNA from damage, and assists in its repair. Zinc is also required for producing energy, healing wound, regulating body immune system, and cell metabolism.

Zinc deficiency, due to low dietary intake, may lead to immune dysfunction, impaired growth, diarrhea, infection, neuropathy, loss of appetite, dermatitis, hair loss, bleeding, cold, hypotension, hypothermia, and cancer. Zinc as a dietary intake, could be found in seafoods, meats, nuts, eggs, cheese, grains, cereal, beans, peas, and seeds.

Dietary Intake of Zinc

Below is the tolerable upper intake level for zinc, according to the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine:

• Infants:
  0 to 6 months = 4 mg/d
  6 to 12 months = 4 mg/d
• Children:
  1 to 3 years = 7 mg/d
  4 to 8 years = 12 mg/d
• Both Males/Females, and Pregnancy/Lactation:
  9 to 13 years = 23 mg/d
  14 to 18 years = 34 mg/d
  19 to 70 years and above = 40 mg/d

Dietary intake of zinc, whether from foods or zinc supplements, more than the upper level per day, may increase the risk of nausea, fatigue, kidney failure, urinary tract problems, vomiting, headache, infections, anemia, low HDL cholesterol, low immune function, copper deficiency, and the development of prostate cancer in men. Also, pregnant and lactation women should consult to the doctor, or pharmacist, before taking any zinc supplements.

Zinc in Cancer Prevention Studies

Prostate Cancer

High concentration of zinc, in the prostate suggests that, zinc may play a role in prostate health. A 14 years follow up study among 46,974 U.S. men, from 1986 to 2000, was found 2,901 new cases of prostate cancer, of which 434 cases were diagnosed in advanced stage.

The study found that, dietary intake of zinc supplements up to 100 mg/d, was not associated with prostate cancer risk, but an overdose of zinc may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis. (Leitzmann MF, et al. 2003)

Head and Neck Cancer

Head, and neck cancer is a form of cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, and lymph nodes, in the neck. A randomized double blind, placebo controlled trial among 144 head, and neck cancer patients, was conducted to determine the efficacy of zinc sulfate supplementation, in reducing radiation induced oral mucositis, and pharyngitis.

The study concluded that, zinc sulfate administered during head, and neck radiation therapy, produced no significant benefit, in relieving radiation induced oral mucositis and pharyngitis with acceptable side effects. (Sangthawan D, et al. 2013)

Colorectal Cancer

In 1988, a double blind randomized trial, in Italy, was started to demonstrate the efficacy of a combination of antioxidant supplement (200 μg selenium, 30 mg zinc, 2 mg vitamin A, 180 mg vitamin C, and 30 mg vitamin E), in reducing the incidence of recurrent adenomas (benign tumor) of the large bowel, among 411 patients, on post polypectomy (surgical removal of a polyp) endoscopic.

All patients were assigned to receive either a supplement, or a placebo, daily for five years. After follow up of four years, in range of 1 to 15 years, the study showed significant effect of antioxidant supplementation, on adenoma recurrence. Since the study used a combination of antioxidant supplement all together, it is difficult to determine the role of zinc, in reducing the risk for colorectal cancer. (Bonelli L, et al. 2013)

Leukemia

Recent study managed to develop zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs), to study their cytotoxicity against the KG-1A (human acute myeloid leukemia) cell line. Cell viability study, and flow cytometric analysis, confirmed the potent cytotoxic effects of ZnS NPs, on cancer cells.

The study found that, ZnS NPs had no toxic effects on normal lymphocytes, at doses up to 50 µg ml, and clarified the mechanism of ZnS NPs, in inducing anticancer activities in vitro. More studies were needed to investigate ZnS NPs application to cancer treatment in vivo. (Dash SK, et al. 2014)

Phentermine vs. Phen375

What is Phentermine?

I had written in my earlier post about pyruvate, in which also used as weight loss supplement. In this post, I will describe the phentermine, in which its name has been used as a brand of weight loss pills, but the pills are not contained of phentermine.

Phentermine is an anorexigenic drug, in which can cause anorexia, or loss of appetite. Phentermine is a central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to those of dextroamphetamine. Phentermine has been used to treat obesity, as an appetite suppressant. (DIP)

Phentermine is prescription only drug to treat obesity, in patients with body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2, and having no underlying risk factors. Might also for fat category patients with BMI of ≥ 27 kg/m2, and having underlying risk factors, such as, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia.

Dosage for a pill consists of 37.5 mg of phentermine is once daily, before, or an hour after breakfast. Avoid taking in the evening, due to possible insomnia. Alternate dosage for a 18.75 mg pill, is twice daily, 30 minutes before meals, or an 8 mg of phentermine pill, 3 times daily, 30 minutes before meals. Some phentermine brands include, Adipex-P, Ionamin, Phentride, and Teramine. (Drugs.com)

Phentermine Side Effects

Phentermine may cause side effects. Symptoms include, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting may occur. You should also consult your doctor, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Blood pressure increasing.
• Heart palpitations, abnormal heart beats, too fast or too slow, which suddenly become more noticeable.
• Restlessness.
• Dizziness, a term that is often used to describe two different symptoms, light headedness and vertigo. Light headedness is a feeling like you might faint. While vertigo is a feeling that you are spinning, or moving, or that the the world is spinning around you.
• Tremors, unintentional trembling or shaking movements in one or more parts of your body.
• Insomnia, a common sleep disorder. You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. In result, you may have poor quality of sleep, and may not feel refreshed when you wake up.
• Shortness of breath, a breathing difficulty, which involves a sensation of difficult, or uncomfortable breathing, or a feeling of not getting enough air.
• Chest pain, discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.
• Swelling of the legs and ankles.
• Difficulty doing exercise that you have been able to do.

Phentermine may also cause other side effects. Consult your doctor if you have any unusual problems during your treatment with phentermine! (MedlinePlus)

What is Phen375?

Phen375

Phen375, a rapid weight loss supplement manufactured by RDK Global, a company based in Dallas, Texas. Phen375 is used the maximum daily dosage of phentermine as a brand name, without using any phentermine in its ingredients. In Phen375 website, it is said that:

Phen375 has alleviated every negative side effect associated with the original diet pills, the Phentermine drug, which is currently banned due to regulations.

This is a false statement. The U.S. FDA had already approved phentermine drug, more than 35 years ago, for a single drug, and short term obesity therapy. However, in July 8, 1997, FDA received reports of 33 cases of unusual abnormalities in mitral, aortic, and tricuspid heart valves, in women aged 30 to 72 years old, who had been taking fenfluramine, and phentermine for 1 month to 28 months. (Web Archive)

Two months later, in September 15, 1997,FDA announced the withdrawal of fenluramine and dexfenfluramin. But, The U.S. FDA was not requesting the withdrawal of phentermine, the third widely used medication for obesity. The FDA indicated that fenfluramine, and the chemically closely related dexfenfluramine, presented an unacceptable risk for patients who took them. (FDA)

What are Phen375 Ingredients?

In each 800 mg per tab of Phen375 consists several ingredients. Let's discuss them one by one!

Calcium Carbonate (149 mg)

Calcium carbonate, a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium taken in the diet is not enough. Calcium is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart. Calcium carbonate is also used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.

Calcium carbonate side effects include, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, belching, constipation, dry mouth, increased urination, loss of appetite, and metallic taste. Calcium carbonate is available with, or without a prescription. (MedlinePlus)

Chromium Picolinate (1 mg)

Chromium picolinate is an essential nutrient required for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Chromium picolinate supplementation has been reported to improve glucose metabolism, to improve serum lipid, and to reduce body fat.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study among 9 men, and 10 women, aged 63 to 77 years old, were given daily either 1,000 μg (1 mg) of chromium picolinate, or a placebo for 8 weeks. The study resulted that there was no significant change in serum lipids, insulin sensitivity, or body composition, in the chromium group, compared with the placebo group.

Chromium picolinate supplementation alone does not appear to improve insulin sensitivity, serum lipids, or change body composition in non obese, healthy men and women of advanced age. (Amato P, et al. 2000)

However, treatment using chromium picolinate has been shown to improve mood, appetite, and glucose regulation. Recent clinical trial was demonstrated among 24 overweight adults with binge eating (the consumption of unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control) disorder (BED).

In 6 months, all 24 overweight BED adults were randomly assigned to receive daily, either 1000 μg of chromium (8 adults), or 600 μg of chromium (9 adults), or a placebo (7 adults). The trial resulted that fasting glucose was significantly reduced in both chromium groups compared to the placebo group, and even though not significantly, greater reductions in binge frequency, weight, and symptoms of depression. (Brownley KA, et al. 2013)

L-carnitine L-tartrate (382 mg)

L-carnitine, an active form of carnitine, is a carrier molecule, that transports activated long chain fatty acids, from the cytosol to mitochondria, where fatty acids are oxidized, resulting in ATP production. L-tartrate, a salt of tartaric acid, is a potent antioxidant.

L-carnitine L-tartrate increases fatty acid oxidation, reduces purine catabolism and free radical formation, which may prevent exercise fatigue, muscle weakness, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, and hyperlipoproteinemia. (NCI)

Carnitine, a natural substance acquired mostly through the diet, is used by cells to process fats and produce energy. Primary carnitine deficiency, a condition that prevents the body from using certain fats for energy, particularly during periods without food (fasting), will lead to the risk of heart failure, liver problems, coma, and sudden death.

Primary carnitine deficiency usually appears during infancy, or early childhood. Signs and symptoms include encephalopathy (severe brain dysfunction), cardiomyopathy (a weakened and enlarged heart), confusion, vomiting, muscle weakness, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). In general population, primary carnitine deficiency incidence is approximately 1 in 100,000 newborns. In Japan, it is 1 in every 40,000 newborns. (GHR)

Citrus aurantium (125 mg)

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium Linn.), or also known by other common names, such as, Seville orange, sour orange, and zhi shi, is native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. Bitter orange has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and people in the Amazon rainforest to treat nausea, indigestion, and constipation. As folk medicine, bitter orange is used to treat heartburn, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, weight loss, and apply to the skin for fungal infections, such as, ringworm and athlete's foot.

Bitter orange contains an active ingredient of synephrine, in which often used in herbal medicine, as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. However, synephrine is similar to the main chemical in ephedra, in which currently had been banned by The U.S. FDA, because it raises blood pressure, and is linked to heart attacks and strokes. Although, it is unclear whether bitter orange has similar effects, there is little evidence, that bitter orange is safer to use than ephedra, and it may not be safe to use as a dietary supplement. (NCCAM)

Caffeine Powder (75 mg)

I had already described the benefits of caffeine in coffee, in my earlier post, Addicted to Coffee. Most people were unaware that dieatry supplements can contain caffeine, even if caffeine is not listed as an ingredient. Caffeine is added to dietary supplements to increase energy and suppress appetite. Commonly used herbal dietary supplement ingredients, such as guarana, are natural sources of caffeine.

In recent case report study, a previously healthy 38 years old women experienced blurring of vision and a new onset grand mal seizure. The women had a two month history of taking the dietary supplement, Zantrex - 3™. Zantrex - 3™ is advertised as a weight loss supplement, which may provide rapid weight loss, and extreme energy in one power packed pill. After discontinuation of Zantrex - 3™, the women experienced no further seizure activity. (Pendleton M, et al. 2013)

Eurycoma longifolia (40 mg)

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), a flowering plant, is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Other common names include, pasak bumi, penawar pahit, bitter medicine, penawar bias, bedara merah, bedara putih, lempedu pahit, payong ali, tongkat baginda, muntah bumi, petala bumi, bidara laut, babi kurus, Malaysian ginseng, and tho nan (Laos).

Tongkat ali roots are a traditional anti aging remedy, and supplements to improve libido, energy, sports performance and weight loss. Tongkat ali roots have also been proved scientifically to possess antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti diabetic, antimicrobial and anti pyretic activities.

Recent study had managed to assess stress hormones, and mood state, among 32 men, and 31 women. The result indicated that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile, and certain mood state parameters. The study suggested that tongkat ali may be an effective shield for the body from daily stress, as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and exercise training. (Talbott SM, et al. 2013)

Capsicum annuum (20 mg)

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum Linn.) contains capsaicin ((6E)-N-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methyl-6-nonenamide), a lipophilic chemical, that can produce a strong burning sensation, or spiciness in the mouth. A study, which aimed to investigate, whether capsaicin assists weight maintenance, by limiting weight regain, after weight loss of five to ten %, was demonstrated among 91 moderately overweight subjects.

The 91 subjects were randomly assigned to receive daily, either 135 mg of capsaicin, or a placebo. After 3 months of weight maintenance, the result indicated that capsaicin treatment caused sustained fat oxidation during weight maintenance compared with placebo. However, capsaicin treatment has no limiting effect on 3 month weight regain after modest weight loss. (Lejeune MP, et al. 2003)

Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether, or not to take Phentermine drugs, or buy Phen375. You must consult with your doctor before taking any weight loss supplements for your own safety!

Dietary Intake of Vitamin D Against Diabetes and Cancer

NOW Foods Vitamin D-3

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D, or widely known as sunshine vitamin, is technically not a vitamin. Because cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, can be made naturally by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods and supplements.

Nowadays, some fortified foods have added with vitamin D, such as, milk, cereal, yogurt, orange juice, cheese, and margarine. Natural vitamin D is also found in cod liver oil, meat, egg yolk, and several fatty fishes, such as tuna, swordfish, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Tolerable Upper Daily Intake Levels of Vitamin D

The following are dietary reference intakes (DRIs), tolerable upper daily intake levels of vitamin D, by the US Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies :

• Infants (0 to 6 months) => 25 μg (1000 IU)
• Infants (7 to 12 months) => 38 μg (1520 IU)
• Children (1 to 3 years) => 63 μg (2520 IU)
• Children (4 to 8 years) => 75 μg (3000 IU)
• As for people aged above 8 years, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mom => 100 μg (4000 IU)

μg = microgram; 1 μg = 40 International Units (IU) ([PDF] ULs for Vitamins and Elements)

Benefits of Vitamin D?

Unlike the safety of vitamin D that we obtained from the Sun exposure, having excessive intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements, may cause toxicity. The following are several benefits of vitamin D:

• To promote calcium absorption in the small intestine.
• To maintain adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations for bone formation, mineralization, growth, and repair.
• To improve muscle strength.
• To prevent rickets (a disease characterized by a failure of bone tissue to properly mineralize, resulting in soft bones and skeletal deformities) in children, and osteomalacia (a condition which can cause bone pain and muscle weakness), and osteoporosis in adults.
• To reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
• To prevent cancers, diabetes, osteoarthritis progression, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, and secondary hyperparathyroidism (a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in your neck produce too much parathyroid hormone).

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can occur when the usual intake is lower than recommended levels, for example, the limited of sunlight exposure, especially in the subtropical climate area. Milk allergy, lactose intolerance, ovo-vegetarianism, and veganism, are also associated with vitamin D deficiency.

People with dark skin may also at high risk in developing vitamin D deficiency, due to pigment melanin in dark skin people, will reduce the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. The elder people might also experience the same thing as the dark skin people. Due to aging, the skin of elder people cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently as when they were young.

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in children with cancer. Recent clinical study had shown that the incidence of hypovitaminosis in pediatric cancer patients was 72%. Early detection and supplementation could benefit to high risk patients. (Helou M, et al. 2013)

Vitamin D and Diabetes

Dietary intake of vitamin D supplementation is associated with reducing the risk of type 1 diabetes in animals. A study aimed to demonstrate whether vitamin D supplementation, or vitamin D deficiency in infancy, could affect the development of type 1 diabetes.

The data of 12,055 pregnant women who gave birth, in 1966, in Oulu and Lapland, northern Finland, were collected and diagnosed the development of type 1 diabetes, in December, 1997. From 10,366 children who were analysed, 81 were diagnosed with diabetes during the study. The study ensured that vitamin D supplementation for infants could help to reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes. (Hyppönen E, et al. 2001)

Another study aimed to investigate calcidiol, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], associated with insulin sensitivity and beta cell function. The study among 126 healthy people living in California, had shown a positive correlation of calcidiol with insulin sensitivity and a negative effect of hypovitaminosis D on beta cell function. Hypovitaminosis D subjects may have higher risk of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. (Chiu KC, et al.2004)

83,779 women without history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, were studied for the development of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D and calcium intake from diet and supplements was assessed every two to four years. During 20 years of follow up, there were 4,843 incident cases of type 2 diabetes.

The collected data had shown that daily intake combination of >1,200 mg calcium and >800 IU vitamin D was associated with a 33% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The study suggested that vitamin D and calcium intake will potentially benefit in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. (Pittas AG, et al. 2006)

Vitamin D and Cancer

A phase II study was demonstrated to determine the pain associated with prostate cancer bone metastasis, and muscle strength parameters, in respond to vitamin D supplementation. The patients were given 2,000 IU oral vitamin D, daily for 12 weeks. The study concluded that vitamin D supplementation may be a useful adjunct for improving pain, muscle strength and quality of life. (Van Veldhuizen PJ, et al. 2000)

A trial using calcium and vitamin D supplementation was demonstrated among 36,282 postmenopausal women. 18,176 women received daily 1000 mg calcium, and 400 IU vitamin D3 supplementation. The other 18,106 women received a placebo for an average of seven years.

The trial resulted that the incidence of invasive colorectal cancer did not differ significantly between women assigned to calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and those assigned to placebo. (Wactawski-Wende J, et al. 2006)

Another randomized placebo controlled trial was demonstrated the efficacy of calcium supplement, and calcium plus vitamin D, in reducing cancers risk. The trial was conducted among 1,179 healthy postmenopausal women aged 55 years or older.

The participants were randomly assigned to receive either, only 1500 mg calcium supplement, a 1500 mg calcium plus 1100 IU vitamin D3 supplement, or a placebo, everyday for four years. The trial, which was also registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00352170), had concluded that the improvement of calcium and vitamin D nutritional status, was related substantially in reducing all types of cancer risk in postmenopausal women. (Lappe JM, et al. 2007)

Several Clinical Trials of Vitamin D

Vitamin D and Fracture Incidence

A randomised double blind controlled trial was conducted to measure fracture incidence and total mortality by cause. The trial was involving 2,037 men and 649 women, aged between 65 to 85 years.

The participants received either 100,000 IU oral cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), or a placebo every four months for five years. The trial resulted that four monthly supplementation, with 100,000 IU oral vitamin D, may prevent fractures without adverse effects in men and women. (Trivedi DP, et al. 2003)

However, another trial among 5,292 people aged 70 years or older, were were randomly received daily 800 IU vitamin D3, or a 1000 mg calcium, or 800 IU vitamin D3 plus 1000 mg calcium, or a placebo. Two years later, 2,886 participants were still taking tablets, 451 had died, 58 had withdrawn, and 1,897 had stopped taking tablets.

But, the collected data from all participants did not support the calcium and vitamin D supplementation, either alone or in combination, for the prevention of fractures in elderly people. (Grant AM, et al. 2005)

Vitamin D to Prevent Weight Gain

Obesity in the U.S. has increased significantly during the past several decades. Also, the promotion that obesity is considered as a disease, and no longer as the linked source of the death triangle of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed to observe the role of calcium in the maintenance of a healthy body weight.

36,282 postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 79 years, were randomized at their first, or second annual visit to receive a dose of 1000 mg elemental calcium plus 400 IU of cholecalciferol, or placebo daily. The trial resulted that calcium plus cholecalciferol supplementation has a small effect to prevent weight gain. (Caan B, et al. 2007)

Metabolic Effects of Vitamin D in Pregnant Women

Recently randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted in 48 pregnant women aged between 18 to 40 years old at 25 weeks of pregnancy. All participants randomly received either 400 IU cholecalciferol supplements, or placebo, everyday, for nine weeks.

Nine weeks later, the study had concluded that vitamin D supplementation among pregnant women has beneficial effects on metabolic status. (Asemi Z, et al. 2013)

4Life Transfer Factor Scam?

4Life Transfer Factor PLUS with Riovida Web Promotion

What is Transfer Factor?

Transfer factor, a factor derived from leukocyte lysates (white blood cell which have been undergone the destructive process of lysis) of immune donors, which can transfer both local, and systemic cellular immunity to non immune recipients. (NLM-MeSH) Transfer factor was first discovered by Henry Sherwood Lawrence, in 1955.

There is a possibility to transfer regularly immunologically specific, generalized skin sensitivity of the delayed type to tuberculin (a sterile solution extracted from tubercle bacillus which often used to diagnose tuberculosis) in animals, and human subjects, by means of an injection of leucocytes, obtain from sensitive donors. (Lawrence HS. 1955) Transfer factors can be extracted, either from human, or animal white blood cells, cow colostrum, and chicken egg yolk.

According to Kirkpatrick CH. 1993, transfer factors are molecules that educate recipients to express cell mediated immunity, which have the effect of antigen specific. Transfer factors have molecular weights of approximately 5,000 Da, and offer molecular immunotherapy for patients with defective cell mediated immunity.

Transfer Factor Clinical Studies

A prospective, double blind placebo controlled trial was carried out on 29 hepatitis B patients. 13 patients received transfer factor, while 16 others received placebo. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any clinical, or laboratory measurements. Transfer factor did not alter the natural course of hepatitis B. (Ellis-Pegler R, et al. 1979)

A prospective randomized double blind study on 60 cervical cancer patients, after radical surgery and irradiation. Transfer factor preparations were collected from leukocyte donors of patients's husbands. 32 patients received transfer factor while the others received a placebo.

A patient died during the treatment with transfer factor. The cancer recurrence rate was five out of 31 transfer factor treated patients, and 11 out of 28 patients in the placebo group. (Wagner G, et al. 1983)

An open study of transfer factor on 470 multiple sclerosis patients, in New South Wales, confirmed the original observation that transfer factor, had some effect on slowing the course of multiple sclerosis. (Frith JA, et al. 1986)

Clinical trials of transfer factor in malignancy, lead to the conclusion, that transfer factor might not be an effective therapy for cancer. If it does, it may have a role in tumor therapy as an adjuvant (additional treatment, or therapy) to other forms of therapy, such as, surgery, irradiation, or chemotherapy. (Spitler LE, et al. 1987)

A double blind clinical trial of transfer factor vs. acyclovir was carried out on 28 patients with acute stage of herpes zoster. The transfer factor treated group was found to have more favorable clinical course than acyclovir. The study confirmed the immunomodulating properties of transfer factor. (Estrada-Parra S, et al. 1998)

4Life Transfer Factor

4Life Transfer Factor PLUS Tri-Factor Formula

A product of transfer factor supplement by 4Life Research L.C., direct selling, or MLM company that was founded by David and Bianca Lisonbee, in 1998. David Lisonbee had experienced 11 years in building his MLM business called Enrich International. After receiving the transfer factor extraction process patent from the U.S. Patent Office, David Lisonbee had made 4Life transfer factor, the only product available in the world.

All 4Life transfer factor products were derived from transfer factor of cow colostrum, or a transfer factor combination from cow colostrum, and egg yolk. Amazingly, after 15 years in the MLM industry, 4Life Research L.C. had gained $268 million revenues, in 2012, and ranked 45th largest global direct selling company, in 2013. (DSN Top 100)(archive)

Image is courtesy of professionalnetworkers.com.

In above chart, two independent blind studies claimed that 4Life Transfer Factor PLUS Tri-Factor Formula managed to increase in natural killer cell activity (immune system) up to 437%. But, I cannot find both studies were indexed at the U.S. National Library of Medicine, or PubMed.

I am not affiliate with 4Life, or even interest in becoming 4Life distributor. All products above are listed in Amazon.com, in which both of them are sold and shipped by different seller.

Although from Amazon's 4Life Transfer Factor PLUS Tri-Factor Formula verified purchased reviews, most customers are very helpful after consuming, I totally disagree with the chart above. Infact, from a brochure (written in English and Bahasa Indonesia) that I got couple of days ago, 4Life transfer factor is said to be:

900% stronger than other products in increasing immune system.

Moreover, the brochure is mentioned that, 4Life transfer factor is:

30 times stronger than ginseng, spirulina, royal jelly, chlorella, alfalfa, green tea, wheat grass, gingko, chloropyl, bee propolis, maca, grape seed, etc.

In the back side of the brochure is mentioned that:

Scientific abstracts of transfer factor can be read at PubMed:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

PubMed contains biomedical literature from Medline, journal, and life science book via online. (the original text is in Bahasa Indonesia)

I laughed at myself while reading this. There are millions of scientific studies indexed in PubMed. And, I found zero result on clinical studies, which claimed the therapeutic effects of 4Life transfer factor, or the 437% stronger immune system.

I know that 4Life transfer factor may not be a scam, but, the brochure that I read, is a scam. However, for your own sake, whether 4Life transfer factor is a scam or not, the main thing is that, you should consult with your doctor before taking any 4Life transfer factor supplements, in order to give another suggestion, regarding to your medical records.

Below I quote some words from a debating post around the controversy about 4Life transfer factor as another MLM scam.

Testimonial evidence is NOT scientific evidence

Is colostrum from cows good for you? Yes, if you are a baby cow…..

Transfer factor: another MLM scam
http://medicine.com.my/wp/?p=836 (archive).

After all, it's not the only product available in the world now!

Wellness Transfer Factor 60 Caps By Source Naturals

Health Benefits of Pyruvate Supplements

Genetic Solutions Calcium Pyruvate 500mg 120 caps

What is Pyruvate?

Pyruvate, or pyruvic acid is a biochemical involved in the Krebs cycle, or citric acid cycle (a series of enzymatic reactions in aerobic organisms, involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl units, and producing high energy phosphate compounds, which serve as the main source of cellular energy), that facilitates ATP, or Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (a nucleoside triphosphate used in cells as a coenzyme) production.

According to Mallet RT, et al. 2005, pyruvate is a natural metabolic fuel and antioxidant in myocardium (heart tissue) and other tissues. Pyruvate is naturally present in blood circulation, at concentrations that vary between 0.1 to 0.2 mM (millimolar).

Cardioprotective Benefits of Pyruvate

Pyruvate provides a variety of cardioprotective benefits in considerable amounts, such as, increasing cardiac contractile performance and myocardial (heart muscle) energy state, providing endogenous (having an internal cause) antioxidant systems, also protecting myocardium from ischemia reperfusion injury (injury which occurs during the restoration of blood flow to a tissue under low oxygen state), and oxidant stress.

As an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, pyruvate is an important source of energy for myocardium. A study that aimed to demonstrate the effect of intracoronary pyruvate in patients with congestive heart failure, had found that pyruvate was a favourable inotropic substance (a substance that affecting the contraction of muscle, especially heart muscle). (Hermann HP, et al. 1999)

Continuing above study, Torres CA, et al. 2013 claimed that pyruvate was having the potency as inotropic agent. The study is the first to demonstrate that a leftward shift in myofilament (filament of myofibril, or muscle fibril (a basic rod-like unit of a muscle) constructed from proteins) calcium sensitivity is an important mediator of the inotropic effect of pyruvate, in which will bring for future development of therapeutic strategies in the management of heart failure.

Pyruvate as Weight Loss Supplements

Pyruvate has been claimed and used as dietary supplement to assist in weight reduction by enhancing metabolism. Pyruvate is also called sodium pyruvate, calcium pyruvate, potassium pyruvate, magnesium pyruvate, or dihydroxyacetone pyruvate. The effectiveness of pyruvate, which often marketed with the name of calcium pyruvate, supplementation during training on body composition, exercise capacity, and metabolic responses to exercise, had been studied in 2005.

In this double blind and randomized study, 23 women received either 5g of calcium pyruvate, or a placebo twice daily for 30 days, while participating in a supervised exercise program. The result data were different when analysed using ANOVA (analysis of variance, a collection of statistical models used to analyze the differences between group and their associated procedures), or MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance, a statistical test procedure for comparing multivariate of several groups).

The data from ANOVA revealed that subjects which received calcium pyruvate, gained less weight, lost more fat, and tended to lose a greater percentage of body fat, with no differences observed in fat free mass. However, when body composition data were analyzed by MANOVA, the changes were not significant.

Moreover, the study found some evidence that calcium pyruvate supplementation may negatively effects the benefits of exercise on HDL (good cholesterol) values. The study concluded that calcium pyruvate supplementation during training did not significantly affect body composition, or exercise performance, in which may negatively affect some blood lipid levels. (Koh-Banerjee PK, et al. 2005)

For burning your belly fats, the recommended dosage for pyruvate supplements are 1000mg a day before meals. Daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and reducing meat consumption are also suggested. According to Amazon's Genetic Solutions Calcium Pyruvate 500mg 120 caps verified purchased reviews, most customers are very helpful after using pyruvate supplements.

However, the most important thing is that, you should consult with your doctor before taking any pyruvate supplements, in order to give another suggestion, regarding to your medical records.