From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against taking Protandim as a primary health intervention due to the limited and inconsistent scientific evidence supporting its claimed benefits. Protandim is a dietary supplement marketed as an antioxidant that activates Nrf2, a protein that regulates the body's antioxidant response. The supplement contains a blend of five herbal ingredients: milk thistle, bacopa extract, ashwagandha, green tea extract, and turmeric extract. While these individual herbs have some research behind them, Protandim itself lacks robust clinical trials demonstrating significant health benefits 1.
Some studies have shown that high doses of antioxidants can have negative effects, such as increased mortality from lung cancer and prostate cancer, and a higher risk of heart failure 1. Additionally, the concept of hormesis suggests that small amounts of toxic substances can be beneficial because they induce cellular stress resistance mechanisms, but large doses of extracorporeal antioxidants can downregulate cellular stress resistance proteins 2.
If you're considering taking Protandim, the typical dosage is one tablet daily, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Some users report side effects including digestive issues, headaches, and allergic reactions. The supplement works theoretically by activating the body's own antioxidant enzymes rather than directly providing antioxidants, but this mechanism hasn't been conclusively proven to translate to meaningful health outcomes in humans.
For antioxidant benefits, focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods is generally a more evidence-based approach than taking this supplement. A diet rich in whole foods can provide the necessary antioxidants and other nutrients to support overall health and well-being, without the potential risks associated with taking high doses of antioxidants or unproven supplements 1, 2.
Key points to consider:
- Limited and inconsistent scientific evidence supporting Protandim's claimed benefits
- Potential negative effects of high doses of antioxidants
- Importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before taking Protandim
- Focusing on a diet rich in whole foods as a more evidence-based approach to supporting overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Overview of Protandim
- Protandim is a dietary supplement that has been shown to induce endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) 3.
- It is a well-defined combination of 5 well-established medicinal plants 3, 4.
Chemopreventive Effects
- Protandim has been shown to suppress tumor formation by reducing oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and inflammation in a two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model 4.
- It has also been demonstrated to decrease skin tumor incidence and multiplicity by 33% and 57%, respectively, compared to a basal diet 4.
- The supplement has been found to suppress the mitochondrial translocation of p53 and mitochondrial outer membrane proteins such as Bax, which may play a role in its tumor suppressive activity 3.
Effects on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
- Protandim has been shown to reduce oxidative stress markers, such as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), in muscular dystrophy mdx mice 5.
- It has also been found to decrease plasma osteopontin (OPN) and increase plasma paraoxonase (PON1) activity, which may indicate a reduction in inflammation 5.
- However, a study in runners found that Protandim supplementation did not alter 5-km running time, TBARS at rest, or antioxidant enzyme concentrations, except for a increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) in subjects ≥ 35 years old 6.
Comparison to Other Antioxidants
- Vitamin E, another antioxidant, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease 7.
- However, the effects of Protandim on cardiovascular disease have not been directly studied, and its mechanisms of action may differ from those of Vitamin E 3, 4.