1. What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is a cell that has the ability
to duplicate itself endlessly and to become cells of virtually
any organ and tissue of the body. Embryonic stem cells are cells
extracted from the blastula, the very early embryo, that have an
exceptional ability to duplicate in vitro, that is in a test tube,
and to become cells of almost any tissue.
Adult stem cells are
cells found in an organism after birth. Until very recently, it
was believed that adult stem cells could only become blood cells,
bone and connective tissue. But recent development over the past
5 years have revealed that adult stem cells have capabilities similar
to embryonic stem cells.
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2. What is the Stem Cell Theory of Renewal?
The Stem Cell Theory
of Renewal proposes that stem cells are naturally released by the
bone marrow and travel via the bloodstream toward tissues to promote
the body’s natural process of renewal.
When an organ is subjected to a process that requires renewal,
such as the natural aging process, this organ releases compounds
that trigger the release of stem cells from the bone marrow.
The
organ also releases compounds that attracts stem cells to this
organ. The released stem cells then follow the concentration gradient
of these compounds and leave the blood circulation to migrate to
the organ where they proliferate and differentiate into cells of
this organ, supporting the natural process of renewal.
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3. Why do we hear much in the news about embryonic stem cells
and very little about adult stem cells?
The first human embryonic
stem cells were grown in vitro, in a petri dish, in the mid 1990s.
Rapidly, scientists were successful at growing them for many generations
and to trigger their differentiation into virtually any kind of
cells, i.e. brain cells, heart cells, liver cells, bone cells,
pancreatic cells, etc.
When scientists tried growing adult stem
cells, the endeavor was met with less success, as adult stem cells
were difficult to grow in vitro for more than a few generations.
This led to the idea that embryonic stem cells have more potential
than adult stem cells. In addition, the ethical concerns linked
to the use of embryonic stem cells have led to a disproportionate
representation of embryonic stem cells in the media.
But recent developments over the past 2-3 years have established
that adult stem cells have capabilities comparable to embryonic
stem cells in the human body, not in the test tube. Many studies
have indicated that simply releasing stem cells from the bone marrow
can help support the body’s natural process for renewal of
tissues and organs.
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4. What is the effect of StemEnhance®?
StemEnhance® is
a blend of two compounds extracted from the widely consumed aquatic
botanical Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). One extract, which contains
an L-selectin ligand, supports the natural release of stem cells
(CD34+ cells) from the bone marrow. The other extract, a polysaccharide-rich
fraction named Migratose™,
may support the migration of stem cells out of the blood into tissues.
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5. What is the science behind StemEnhance®?
The effect of StemEnhance® on
stem cells was tested in a double-blind, placebo controlled, cross
over study. In brief, volunteers rested for one hour before the
first blood sample, which established the baseline level in the
number of circulating stem cells. After the first blood samples,
volunteers were given StemEnhance® or
placebo.
Thereafter, blood samples were taken at 30, 60 and 120
minutes after taking the consumables. The number of circulating
stem cells was quantified by analyzing the blood samples using
Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). This was then done
again with the volunteers switching groups. So whoever got StemEnhance® got
placebo and visa versa. Since the study is blind no one, not even
the scientists doing the study know which is placebo and which
is StemEnhance®. Consumption of StemEnhance® triggered
a significant 25% increase in the number of circulating stem cells.
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6. What is the recommended amount of StemEnhance® to take?
One
gram or 2 capsules of StemEnhance® supports the natural
release and therefore increase in the number of circulating stem
cells by 25% according to a recent published scientific study.
The suggested amount to consume is therefore 2 capsules once or
twice a day.
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7. Can StemEnhance deplete the bone marrow? Do we have a finite
number of stem cells?
No, StemEnhance® will not deplete the
bone marrow. The bone marrow constantly produces stem cells for
the entire life of an individual. Stem cells released by the bone
marrow are responsible for the constant renewal of red blood cells
and lymphocytes (immune cells).
A 25-30% increase in the number of circulating stem cells is
well within physiological range and does not constitute stress
on the bone marrow environment. The amount of active bone marrow
amounts to about 2,600 g (5.7 lbs), with about 1.5 trillion marrow
cells. A 25-30% increase in the number of circulating stem cells
triggered by the consumption of 1 gram of StemEnhance® corresponds to
approximately 3 million cells, which is a small portion of the
stem cells present in the bone marrow. Stem cells that do not reach
any tissue or become blood cells return to the bone marrow.
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8. What happened to stem cells if they do not reach a tissue?
Stem
cells released from the bone marrow that do not reach a tissue
simply home back to the bone marrow after some time.
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9. Can stem cells lead to aberrations such as cancer?
Only embryonic
stem cells have been associated with the development of aberrant
growth. Stem cells present in specialized tissues such as the intestinal
mucosa may also play a role in the development of aberrant growth.
But stem cells released from the bone have not been associated
with such problems.
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10. Why has StemTech HealthSciences elected to use the Network
Marketing distribution channel?
The Stem Cell Theory of Renewal
constitutes a new paradigm in health sciences. Likewise, StemEnhance® is
the first product in a novel category of revolutionary products
called “stem
cells enhancers.” Stem cell enhancers are product that supports
stem cell functions in the body.
Given the novel nature of both
the concept and the product, a significant effort of education
is required to help people become aware of this new technology.
The power of networking offers a unique opportunity to generate
awareness and educate people about this new paradigm. Furthermore,
the MLM channel offers unique opportunities for people to develop
home-based businesses and create greater financial freedom.
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11. Why does the label say for people on anticoagulants to consult
their physician prior to taking StemEnhance® and what information
does their physician need?
The issue pertains to the anticoagulant
medication called Coumadin™ or
Warfarin. People on warfarin are usually advised by their prescribing
physician to pay attention to the amount of vitamin K in their
diet. Like many foods StemEnhance® contains naturally occurring
vitamin K.
So, taking StemEnhance would be just like eating a food
with vitamin K like broccoli or spinach. The Recommended Daily
Allowance of vitamin K is 80 mcgs. Just let the physician know
that 2 capsules of StemEnhance have approximately 40 mcgs of vitamin
K, which is ½, the RDA of vitamin K. To give you an example
of comparisons to other foods one cup of broccoli, raw, chopped
has “about” 110% of the RDA (or 88 mcg) of vitamin
K. A ½ cup of spinach, fresh, boiled has about 560% of the
RDA (or 3,584 mcgs) of vitamin K.
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12. Can Stem Enhance be taken with other drugs?
There is a possible
interaction with antidepressant medications, as StemEnhance® contains
phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound naturally produced by the brain
that affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. PEA is known
for its effect on mood elevation and mental energy. Interactions
with antidepressant medications have not been reported, but the
possibility exists. People should consult their doctor before taking
StemEnhance if they are on antidepressant medication. There are
no other known contraindications.
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13. Can a person of any age take StemEnhance®?
Yes, just follow
the directions on the label and do so under adult supervision.
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14. How does an increase in the number of circulating stem cells
lead to optimal health?
Circulating stem cells can reach various
organs and become cells of that organ, helping such organ regain
and maintain optimal health. Recent studies have suggested that
the number of circulating stem cells is a key factor; the higher
the number of circulating stem cells the greater is the ability
of the body at healing itself.
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15. What is the optimum way of taking StemEnhance® capsules?
StemEnhance® can
be taken with or without food, though some people at times experience
some heaviness when taken on an empty stomach. The same experience
has been reported when taken with an acidic juice like orange juice.
Otherwise, StemEnhance can be taken with any fruit or vegetable
juice, or with water.
In our studies, StemEnhance® was always taken in the morning.
However, it is quite possible that StemEnhance® might bring
greater benefits when taken before sleep, as the body tends to
regenerate better during sleep. This being said, this remains to
be studied. At this point, with the data available, the best way
to take StemEnhance® is to take 2 capsules once or twice a
day, in the morning or morning and evening
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16. Is StemEnhance FDA approved?
No. FDA does not approve dietary
supplements in the same way that FDA approves some drugs and medical
devices. Nonetheless, FDA does regulate product quality, product
safety, and product claims, and has authority to remove products
from the market that are not safe or that make claims that are
not substantiated by scientific evidence.
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17. Is StemEnhance® truly natural? Organic? Non-genetically
modified? Farmed?
StemEnhance® is made of two extracts from
the aquatic botanicals Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). AFA grows
naturally in a pristine lake of Southern Oregon, it is therefore
wildcrafted, not farmed or manipulated in anyway, hence no genetic
modification. StemEnhance® is
produced by an Organic certified facility and is certified Organic.
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18. Are there any synthetic ingredients in StemEnhance®? If
so, what?
StemEnhance® is made of 100% natural AFA extracts.
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19. Is StemEnhance® actually patented, or has the company
only applied for a patent?
One patent has been issued on StemEnhance® and
another one has been filed. The issued patent is a Use Patent that
pertains to the use of AFA for supporting stem cell physiology.
The second patent is a Composition Patent that pertains to the
specific components in AFA responsible stem cell support.
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20. How is StemEnhance® different from whole AFA?
Whole AFA
has been used for more than two decades with a very good track
record of safety and health benefits. Whole AFA has been used as
a natural anti-inflammatory product, to support the immune system,
and to improve mental clarity and mental energy. Over the past
few years StemTech’s scientific team has isolated
and identified the various components in AFA responsible for the
various health benefits of AFA.
In brief, AFA has been found to
contain phenylethylamine (PEA) responsible for providing a feeling
of mental energy, phycocyanin responsible for the antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties, a polysaccharide responsible for
supporting the immune system, and most recently an L-selectin ligand
responsible for supporting the release of stem cells from the bone
marrow.
StemEnhance is a 5:1 concentrate of AFA that concentrates the
four compounds listed above. It is specifically designed and developed
to support stem cell physiology, but it also concentrates other
compounds unique to AFA, bringing unique support for the whole
body.
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21. What are other ways of increasing your stem cell blood level?
Due
to the novelty of the concept of supporting the release of one’s
own stem cells, very little scientific work has been done so far
to identify compounds or conditions that increase the release of
stem cells from the bone marrow. So far, StemEnhance is the only
natural compound shown to support the release of stem cells from
the bone marrow.
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22. What are the ingredients?
The ingredients are listed in the
Supplement Fact box of the label, as stipulated by the Dietary
Supplement Health and Education Act. One serving is obtained with
2 capsules, totaling 1 gram of cyanophyta extracts. StemEnhance® is
made of only two ingredients that are extracted from the same plant,
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.
Labeling laws require listing any nutrient found in an amount
superior to 2% of the daily recommendation. Carotenoids and proteins
are found in significant amount in StemEnhance®. Therefore,
carotenoids and proteins that are naturally present in StemEnhance® are
listed on the label. Carotenoids are listed as vitamin A because
they are measured as retinal equivalent.
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23. Why does the label of StemEnhance® say to consult your
physician if you are pregnant or nursing? What if I get pregnant
while I am taking StemEnhance®?
Many products carry such warnings
out of an abundance of caution rather than any known pregnancy
risk. We know of no evidence that consuming StemEnhance® during
pregnancy creates a health risk.
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24. Does StemEnhance® contain iodine?
Most people think that
all algae are a significant source of iodine. This is not the case
with the freshwater algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). The Recommended
Daily Allowance of iodine is 150 mcg. AFA has an extremely small
amount of iodine, only 0.39 mcg per gram.
Marine algae and seaweed
by contrast are significant sources of iodine. For example one
gram of Kelp of the species Laminaria digitata contains approximately
5000 mcg of iodine. Iodized salt contains 100 mcg per gram and
one teaspoon of iodized salt contains 400 mcg of iodine. Other
examples of foods that contain iodine are one slice of bread has
about 6 mcg and one medium egg has 14 mcg of iodine.
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