March 24, 2008
Supplement Ingredient Testing?
Q: What is the source of ingredients…in your sublingual Q10? Due to the China toxic issue, some other companies list it but we can’t locate it on your site. – Barbara
A: Our purchasing agent tells us that all CoQ-10 on the market is sourced from four suppliers not in China but in Japan, known as “The Big Four.” In addition to any quality standards they employ, the material imported from them must all be tested when it enters the U.S.; and ProHealth commissions regular independent testing of all supplements we carry by the most highly regarded independent testing labs in the U.S., to ensure that we and you receive the quality, purity, activity and amounts of ingredients as listed on the label.
We do carry a small number of products requiring ingredients sourced in China, all subject to routine independent testing. If you have any questions about ingredients in a specific ProHealth product, you may always contact our (Customer Service staff or 1-800-366-6056) and they will do their best to find the information you need.
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Methylcobalamin Better than Cyanocobalamin?
Q: Is methylcobalamin better than cyanocobalamin? My doctor said it helps the covering of the nerves and helps protect them. – Robert
A: Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are two of the various forms of vitamin B-12. Cyanocobalamin is a precursor or “mother” of two biologically active forms of B-12 – methylcobalamin is one of them, and adenosylcobalamin is the other.
Both of these active forms of B-12 support nerve health and protection and much more. Getting them directly in a supplement can be more effective when the body’s ability to convert the cyanocobalamin is not fully efficient – as with the aging process or in case of illness. A look at the label information on B-12 products will tell you which forms are included in them.
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Info on Adult Stem Cell Healing?
Q: Do you have anything on Stem Enhance or Adult (our own) Stem Cell healing and wholeness? – K
A: Apparently this product is sold via multi-level marketing. It is described as an extract of blue-green algae harvested from a lake in Klamath Lake, Oregon. The claim is that it stimulates the release of stem cells from bone marrow; then the cells may circulate where they are needed and may somehow replace dysfunctional cells. The maker’s Website includes their summary description of a study they conducted to determine of supplementation with the product could be associated with an increase in stem cells circulating in the blood. They concluded it could. Their report on this was “prepared for publication in the peer-review scientific literature,” though presumably has not been published.
A Multi-Level Marketing Watch article published online in 2005 provides info and some “unanswered questions” for consumers to consider (http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/Stemtech/stemtech.html).
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ME/CFS Newsletter Frequency?
Q: I was wondering if you aren’t putting the newsletter out as often as before? I consider it one of the best and most informative sources for ME/CFS there is, and really miss it. – Robbi
A: Thank you for your kind words. We are so glad you find the newsletters helpful. You are correct. We have changed both the number of newsletters available and the schedule for when they go out. In the past we published two newsletters – one for ME/CFS and one for FM – which were sent out on alternating weeks. Now we have added a third newsletter entitled Wellness HealthWatch. Each of the three newsletters will be published once in every four-week period.
The new Wellness HealthWatch newsletter is designed to help you keep up with research and treatments relating to the broader range of health issues concerning ME/CFS and FM patients – from cognitive problems and depression to chemical sensitivities, headache, arthritis and thyroid/hormone issues and much more. Issues of Wellness HealthWatch are archived at http://www.prohealth.com/bulletins/index.cfm, and we invite your suggestions about topics you’d like to see covered.
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Managing Cancer?
Q: I would like to know if ProHealth does any research on cancer and using alternative or complimentary therapies to manage cancer as you do with CFS? – NJ
A: No, we haven’t covered the cancer research field, though we will be featuring Dr. William Collinge, PhD, MPh in our April 25 Live Chat Q & A. Dr. Collinge (http://www.collinge.org) is an international authority on complementary programs to support better quality of life for those affected by chronic illness, including cancer, AIDS, and ME/CFS and FM.
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How Products Interact?
Q: I wish I could see how the various products would interact with each other or if they could be taken together – like the FibroSleepTM and another relaxation product. I would have purchased both…but thought it might be too much. – Anon
A: You were wise. One feature of the FibroSleepTM formula is that it combines many ingredients to address the multiple dimensions of relaxation and sleep support in a balanced way, so taking other products simultaneously may well be redundant, if not inadvisable. Also, it’s best to try one new product at a time. If you try more than one at a time and then believe you’re seeing some benefits, you will be unable to determine which product might be associated with the benefit.
And most importantly, you should make no change in your health support regimen without researching and discussing it (in the context of all other medications and supplements you may be taking) with your professional healthcare team – physician, pharmacist, and/or dietitian/nutritionist. They will be aware of, or can find information on, supplement actions, appropriate amounts, and potential interactions if any.
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Armour Thyroid?
Q: For those of us who live in other parts of the world (I am from Australia), could you please explain what “Armour Thyroid” is? Brand names for food, drugs, nutritional supplements, herbs, etc. can vary from one country to another. – Helen
A: Armour Thyroid is the brand name for a mixture of natural T3 and T4 desiccated thyroid and is prescribed for hypothyroidism. According to Mary Shomon, the About.com Guide to Thyroid Disease, the Broda Barnes Foundation holds the export rights to Armour Thyroid. Check with them to find out if Armour Thyroid is available in Australia or to help you find a doctor who works with Armour. Following is their contact information:
Broda Barnes Research Foundation
PO Box 98, Trumbull, CT 06611
Phone: 203-261-2101 Fax 203-261-3017
E-mail: info@BrodaBarnes.org
Website: http://www.brodabarnes.org
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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.
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