Frequently Asked Questions
about StemEnhance®
FAQs about StemFlo™
What is StemEnhance® ?
StemEnhance® is a breakthrough, natural
botanical extract that supports wellness by helping your body maintain
healthy stem cell physiology. It is the very first product on the
market from the latest phytoceutical product category called “stem
cell enhancers”.
What are stem cell enhancers?
Recent scientific developments have revealed that stem cells derived
from the bone marrow, travel throughout the body, and act to support
optimal organ and tissue function. Stem cell enhancers are products
that support the natural role of adult stem cells.
Why do I need this product?
As you age, the number and quality of stem cells that circulate
in your body gradually decrease, leaving your body more susceptible
to injury and other age-related health challenges.
Just as antioxidants are important to protect your cells from
“free radical” damage, stem cell enhancers are equally important
to support your stem cells in maintaining proper organ and tissue
functioning in your body.
How does it work?
When you take two capsules, the ingredients help to support the
release of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
Through a natural process, those stem cells then travel to areas
of the body where they are most needed. StemEnhance® is a blend
of two compounds extracted from the aquatic botanical Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae (AFA). One extract, which contains an L-selectin ligand,
supports the 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.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells can be thought of as “master” cells. You’ve probably
heard about the controversy of embryonic stem cells in the news.
Stem cells are found in human embryos, but are also found in adult
tissue.
Adult stem cells are most abundantly found in bone marrow. Stem
cells circulate and function to replace dysfunctional cells, thus
fulfilling the natural process of maintaining optimal health. StemEnhance®
supports the release of adult stem cells from bone marrow into circulation.
The recent advances in stem cell research were listed as one of
the most significant health-related stories in the past 25 years
by CNN, second only to the complete mapping of the human genome.
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
cells in need. When an organ is subjected to a challenge, this organ
releases compounds that trigger the release of stem cells from the
bone marrow. The organ also releases compound that attracts stem
cells to this organ. The released stem cells then follow the concentration
gradient of these compounds and leave to blood circulation to migrate
in the organ where they proliferate and differentiate into cells
of this organ.
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 has led to a
disproportion 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 shown that simply releasing stem cell from the bone marrow
can lead to optimal health
What is the science behind StemEnhance® ?
The effect of StemEnhance® on stem cells was tested in a triple-blind
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).
Consumption of StemEnhance® triggered a significant 25% increase
in the number of circulating stem cells.
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.
What is the recommended dose?
One gram of StemEnhance® triggers a significant 25-35% increase
in the number of circulating stem cells. The effect lasts for a
few hours. The recommended dosage is therefore 2 capsules once or
twice day, at least 6 hours apart.
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.
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 bona marrow
environment. The amount of active bone marrow amounts to about 2,600
g (5.7 lbs), with about 1.3 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 0.0003% of the stem cells present in the bone marrow
What happens to stem cells if they do not reach a tissue?
Stem cells released from the bone marrow that do not reach a tissue
simply return to the bone marrow after some time
Why may StemEnhance® be contraindicated for people on anticoagulant
therapy?
One gram of StemEnhance® contains roughly half of the recommended
daily allowance in vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient
playing an important role in the process of blood coagulation. However,
when one experiences cardiovascular problems, oftentimes doctors
will elect to put a one of anticoagulant therapy in order to prevent
blood clot and make it easier for the heart to pump blood through
the body. Since vitamin K promotes blood coagulation, it is customary
to tell people to avoid vitamin K while being on anticoagulant therapy.
This being said, it is not so much the presence of vitamin K in
the diet as much as the consistency in the daily intake. Therefore,
the best approach is to discuss with your doctor about your desire
to take StemEnhance® , that it contains vitamin K, and the anticoagulant
prescription can be adjusted through careful monitoring of your
condition by your doctor.
Can StemEnhance® be taken with other drugs?
As far as we have studied and researched, the only possible interaction
is 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. Intereactions 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.
Can Stem Enhance be taken by children?
The ability of stem cells to be released by the bone marrow and
the quality of the stem cells released by the bone marrow both appears
to decrease with age. Therefore, one might conclude that children
and infants have a very effective “stem cell system” and do not
need stem cell support. Nevertheless, we have received very compelling
testimonials suggesting that StemEnhance® could bring significant
benefits to young children. StemEnhance® is made of two extracts
from the cyanophyta Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), which has been
consumed by children for more than two decades with a good history
of safety.
How will I know it's working?
Most people will notice within several minutes to a few weeks that
they have a greater sense of well-being. It is common for people
to notice health benefits within a few weeks of beginning StemEnhance® .
Everyone is different. For some the benefits appear slowly over
a period of months. Others notice improvements almost immediately.
The intent is to improve overall health.
How long should I take StemEnhance® ?
Considering our bodies did not deteriorate over night it would be
foolish for us to expect them to renew and rebuild overnight. The
fact is - the more stem cells in our bodies, the better our overall
health and the quicker our bodies can renew themselves. In short,
take this product as long as you feel like it has an advantage to
your health.
What evidence shows that StemEnhance® is safe for long-term use?
AFA, the raw ingredient from which StemEnhance® is derived, has been
on the marketplace for more than two decades with a very good track
record of safety. A safety study in mice determined that consumption
of the equivalent of up to 2,000 AFA capsules daily led to no health
problems at all. In fact, the authors claimed that the mice receiving
the highest dose of AFA were less aggressive and looked healthier.
StemEnhance® is a 5:1 concentrate of AFA, and just like 5:1 concentrates
of echinacea or grape seed or ginkgo or wheat grass juice that are
as safe as the whole plant they are derived from, StemEnhance® is
as safe as whole AFA. StemEnhance® is to whole AFA what carrot juice
is to a whole carrot. The question may also refer to the safety
of increasing the number of circulating stem cells everyday by 25-30%.
Here also the safety is unquestionable. The normal range for the
number of circulating stem cells is between 1.2 and 5.0 stem cells
per µL of blood. An increase of 30% in the number of circulating
stem cells would at most mean an increase of 1.5 cells per µL, which
is well within normal physiological range. Looking at this from
a different angle, Krause et al. [7] reported that one single stem
cell was enough to reconstitute the entire hematopoietic (red blood
cell) and immune systems. If one single stem cell can do this, then
the billions of stem cells left in the bone marrow after taking
StemEnhance® can maintain a healthy and strong bone marrow.
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.
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.
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.
Are there any synthetic ingredients in StemEnhance® ? If so, what?
StemEnhance® is made of 100% natural AFA extracts. At times, carrageenan,
a seaweed extract, can be used in small amount as a processing aid.
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.
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.
For whom is the product advisable?
Since StemEnhance® supports the natural release of stem cells from
the bone marrow, which is turn travel throughout the body to maintain
the health of various organs and tissues. StemEnhance® is the optimal
daily support for the maintenance of optimal health. It is for everyone
interested in giving their body an extra boost toward daily renewal
of cells throughout the body. It is for anyone interested in supporting
his or her body’s natural renewal system.
Is StemEnhance® safe for my pet?
Yes, it's perfectly safe for all animals and pets. Several animal
studies have been done. Mix ½ capsule into moist food, once or twice
per day, for small animals such as cats or small dogs.
Where is it available?
StemEnhance® is only available through StemTech HealthSciences, Inc.
and its independent distributors. The formulation is patented and
is the first of its kind on the market.
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See also:
- Stem Cells and StemEnhance® by Christian Drapeau, MSc (video)
- Summary of Triple-Blind Study
- The Story of StemEnhance® - The Story of Adult Stem Cells
- Science and Research
StemTech and its distributors do not make
any claims that StemEnhance® can cure, mitigate, treat or prevent
any disease. If you believe that you have a health problem, see
your doctor or health professional immediately.
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