Q and A

Q: Would it be possible to get the Life Extension Mix without the high dose of flavonoids? I have come across several warnings about high dose flavonoids and tamoxifen.

A: Unfortunately, the Mix does not come without flavonoids. However, the information we have found states just the opposite about the combination of flavonoids and tamoxifen. There are studies that show that tamoxifen and flavonoids inhibit the growth of tumor cells. A study reported the following: "It has been shown that tamoxifen and flavonoids, a widely distributed class of natural substances with a variety of biologic actions, bind to type II estrogen binding sites and inhibit the growth of several tumor cell types." (Abstract title, "Interaction with type II estrogen binding sites and antiproliferative activity of tamoxifen and quercetin in human non-small-cell lung cancer.")

 

Q: I wanted to inquire as to whether you had any products/formulas for the treatment and or symptoms of bipolar disorder. I am currently taking Depakote and Prozac, but am uncomfortable with taking these potentially dangerous drugs that have several side effects. I will also be ordering Piracetam since I also find it to be somewhat helpful, but for a while it seemed as if it was unavailable. Any thoughts, insights, discoveries, research you could share would be immensely helpful.

A: If a person with bipolar disorder is not treated properly, it can be devastating. Have you ever had a amino acid profile blood test? Oftentimes, when a person suffers from a mental and/or nervous disorder or depression, there is a deficiency of certain amino acids that are responsible for regulating neurotransmitters. These amino acids include taurine, tyrosine, tryptophan and more. The Foundation has just begun offering this blood test. If you or your doctor need more information you may contact Ronald Keys at 1-800-544-4440 ext 134, or call our blood testing office at 1-800-544-4440 ext 188.

Q: Could you tell me which nutrients might help someone who has suffered excitotoxic damage to serotonin receptors in the brain, and whether they can be taken with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? Also, how does vinpocetine raise serotonin levels?

A: The Foundation does not have a specific protocol for this condition. However, we would recommend that you use vinpocetine, given that it is used for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, enhances circulation and oxygen utilization in the brain, and offers significant and direct protection against neurological damage. In an indirect way, vinpocetine helps to increase serotonin by allowing glucose to be used in a more favorable manner, which in turn raises the brain's ATP level and increases turnover of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline. So far vinpocetine has not been found to interact with other drugs, so it can be taken in combination with other medicines. SAMe, however, should not be taken with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) unless prescribed by a physician.

Q: I need information specific to a condition that has worsened in the last few years. I have been using your products since I developed and overcame breast cancer nine years ago. So now I'm alive and well only to develop a degenerative disease, which I suppose is a good thing! My hip is now arthritic to the point where it is extremely painful and makes walking very difficult. The hiccup is that after chemotherapy I developed a form of thrombocytopenia. This makes taking any form of supplement that may thin my blood even further impossible. I'm not keen on Tylenol, which has been prescribed, and I've been taking Glucosamine/ Chondroitin for over a year with no improvement. I was looking at Boswella but cannot find any information on its effects on the blood. Can you give me information on this product or anything else you may think of that could help?

A: Boswella should be fine for people with blood thinning problems. Regarding glucosamine, make sure you are taking the maximum dose recommended for optimal results. The new Glucosamine/Chondroitin formula we offer is fairly inexpensive and enables one to take high doses of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates.

In reference to your thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count, there may be some things you can do that might help. Be sure to inform your doctor on the matter. There is a product called Norwegian Shark Liver Oil that helps to restore healthy blood platelet production. This product contains alkylglycerols, which enhance the immune system and boost blood platelet production.

Finally, our cancer protocol indicates that people who take melatonin during chemotherapy treatment have a reduced risk of developing thrombocytopenia. The following is from our cancer chemotherapy protocol: “Melatonin mediates the toxicity of chemotherapy and inhibits free-radical production. In a randomized study to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, the patients receiving melatonin with chemotherapy had lower incidences of neuropathies, thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, alopecia, malaise and vomiting.”

 

Q: This question relates to the bioavailability of the products you offer. An acquaintance of mine sells supplements for another company and claims that its products are superior to some others due to their relatively high bioavailability. Naturally I view this claim as self serving to justify a high selling price for some of their products, but the question of bioavailability remains unanswered. What can you reply as to the nature of this issue as it pertains to your formulations?

A: We have an independent lab that performs Quality of Analysis tests on all of the products The Foundation makes. These tests also list the dissolution time, which tells the rate at which the product will dissolve and is therefore available for the body to absorb. As far as how much your body in specific will absorb compared to the next person, this will vary depending on several factors including age, digestion, health status, etc.