1. What are stem cells?
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 compound 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 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
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6. 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.
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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 enhancer's.” Stem
cell enhancer's 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 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. Hence, doctors
often 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 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.
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12. Can StemEnhance®
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 StemEnhance®
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.
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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 wild crafted, 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. At times, carrageenan,
a seaweed extract, can be used in small amount as a processing aid.
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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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