7 Responses to “Signs and symptoms of anemia and iron/copper overload”

1. don yoshikawa Says:
   July 29th, 2010 at 10:56 pm

   Can you compare your product to Julian Whitaker’s Triveratrol. Every one claims their’s is the best. I trust your poduct but cost is always a factor.

   Longevinex.com:

   the brand of resveratrol pill you mention is not comparable because it is untested. The idea of adding aloe may be beneficial, but not consistent with objective to produce longevity. There is evidence, in general, of synergism when molecules like resveratrol and curcumin are combined. Longevinex provides ferulic acid. Two molecules of ferulic acid “holding hands” = curcumin. Ferulic acid is a smaller molecule and better able to be transported across cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier. It is important for consumers to distinguish from borrowed science and a particular brand of resveratrol. One brand may provide a 25% extract of resveratrol providing 100 mg of trans resveratrol from 400 mg total powder, whereas a brand providing the same 100 mg of trans resveratrol from an 85% extract would only need to provide ~115 mg of total powder. This is important because the 50% extract will include a significant amount of emodin which can trigger loose stool in sensitive subjects. Longevinex has undergone human and animal testing and has been demonstrated to exhibit unusual and unique genomic and biological effect, which is the subject of a patent application. The genomic effect is 9-fold greater than plain resveratrol. Furthermore, it would require life-long intake of a plain resveratrol pill to mimic the genomic effect of a calorie-restricted diet, whereas Longevinex activated a large number of genes in short-term (within days). According to the existing data, consumers taking plain resveratrol pills are wasting their money. They may experience health benefits, but not the longevity-producing genomic effect seen in limited-calorie diets. -Bill Sardi

2. Don Yoshikawa Says:
   July 30th, 2010 at 7:37 pm

   Thank you for the reply. I have always been impressed with Longevinex and will continue to be a life long customer.

3. Richard Vernon Says:
   August 13th, 2010 at 5:56 pm

   Bill,

   In your response above, you seem to indicate that whereas plain Resveratrol needs to be taken indefinitely, Longevinex may be required for a shorter period of time because “…it would require life-long intake of a plain Resveratrol pill to mimic the genomic effect of a calorie-restricted diet, whereas Longevinex activated a large number of genes in short-term (within days).” Can you explain?

   Rich Vernon

   Longevinex.com:

   First recognize that aging involves many genes, not a single gene target like the popular SIrtuin1 gene. In a study conducted by researchers affiliated with a major university and who are experts in the field of calorie restriction (CR) and aging, they reported that short-term CR activated 198 genes in rodents, while long-term (life-long, after full-growth was achieved) CR activated 832 genes. So the full genomic effect was not realized until many years had passed in human terms (lab rats live only ~3 years).

   So, short-term resveratrol was then employed in rodents and found to activate only about the same number of genes as short-term CR, 225 genes. But when a nutriceutical matrix (Longevinex) was employed in the same experiment, 1711 genes (9-fold more) were activated in the short-term.

   This suggests the nutriceutical matrix invokes a broader genomic response akin to CR more rapidly and that resveratrol-pill users might be wasting their money if seeking a longevity effect, particularly if they do not have many years left to live. This assumes genomic response in laboratory mice is a measure of how long a human will live.

   Recognize that mice have a genome that is about the same size as humans (~25,000 genes) and the position and function of these genes are about the same as in humans. Mouse models of longevity are generally accepted in aging studies as indicative of what would be experienced in mammals including humans. Recognize that lab mouse studies are the only practical way of conducting studies involving markers of aging, since conclusive studies would require a group of 100 mice studied for at least 3 years, which is a costly study (over $1 million). Imagine what a long-term human longevity study would cost.

   A modest dose of resveratrol, 100 mg, produced the above effects in both plain resveratrol and the nutriceutical matrix (Longevinex).

   This does not mean that plain resveratrol produces no health benefits outside of longevity. Resveratrol does in fact produce profound improvements in cardiovascular health with short-term use, in particular exerting a cardioprotective effect that turns on defenses in the heart in advance of any heart attack (interruption in oxygenated flood flow in any of the four coronary arteries). If taking plain resveratrol, a person would theoretically survive a heart attack that would otherwise result in sudden death. Recognize, only animal studies can be ethically done to prove this at the present time. Also recognize this cardio-protective effect is achieved only at modest doses, the human equivalent of 175 mg, with 350 mg still being protective, but less so than 175 mg (calculated for a 160-lb human), and 1750 mg of resveratrol actually increases the area of damage to the heart in the event of a heart attack, and 3500 mg human equivalent dose kills the rat heart every time. The lesson here is not to over-do resveratrol. More is not necessarily better.

4. Richard Vernon Says:
   August 16th, 2010 at 4:10 pm

   Thanks very much. Now I understand

5. Danny Lewis Says:
   August 22nd, 2010 at 6:43 pm

   Bill,

   Its Danny Lewis, hope you’ve been well man. You frequently speak of the 1700+ genes that are activated by Longevinex. What are your thoughts on the recent Boston University study that isolated just 150 gene variants that were in common to a chohort of 1,055 centenarians (http://www.pizaazz.com/2010/08/16/genes-and-longevity/). Which is it, 150 or thousands? Also, are you sticking to your guns that 100mg trans-resveratrol is sufficient for longevity benefits?

   On another note, I like the new look and feel of the site a lot, but would recommend removing the pop-up window that says “welcome to our new site” and then requires users to click an “x” to remove this message – I think users will automatically recognize that its a new site, or if they’re new, they will never have known the difference.

   Best,
   Danny

   Longevinex.com:

   The 150-common genes among centenarians were genes identified by their structure, not by epigenetics (gene switching). We frequently get lost when misled by the geneticists who lobby for genetic screening. Structural changes (mutations) only represent maybe 2-3% of all disease (inherited disorders), and do not account for the slow progressive aging that occurs in humans, particularly after age 40 when child bearing (fertility) and procreation (virility) in females and males declines rapidly.

   Recognize that Craig Venter of the Human Genome Project has just been quoted in Der Spiegel in Germany to say that “this past decade will be remembered for how little, and not how much, happened in this field.” Venter said: “We have, in truth, learned nothing from the genome other than probabilities. How does a 1 or 3 percent increased risk for something translate into the clinic? It is useless information.” http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,709174,00.html

   For 35 years modern medicine has hidden from the public the fact that environmental factors control gene protein-making (gene expression). Scientists can molecularly mimic these environmental effects with small molecules like resveratrol, quercetin, ferulic acid, curcumin, etc, that can penetrate through the cell wall and into the cell nucleus and influence genetic machinery.

   This is why gene expression data on long-term calorie restricted animals is so important. The 832 genes that are significantly differentiated in heart tissue of long-term calorie restricted mice becomes a sort of goal or measure of the global effectiveness of any intervention that would genomically mimic a limited-calorie diet. Calorie restriction is the unequivocal practice that nearly doubles the life span of all living organisms, including mammals.

   I maintain the rate of aging is controlled by the accumulation and loss of control of minerals. This overmineralization then switches the genes in a progressive and negative manner, but while overmineralization takes decades, this can be erased in a relatively short time via the use of chelators, molecules that attach to metallic minerals by virtue of the valence.

   Resveratrol, quercetin, IP6 rice bran, ferulic acid, are metallic mineral and calcium chelators. Aging can theoretically be reversed, and in our experience with Longevinex, in a relatively short time. An 80-year old man taking Longevinex experienced a reversal of his vision loss that correlated with the disappearance of lipofuscin, cellular debris that slowly accumulates after childhood growth is achieved and is an agreed-upon measure of aging. This reversal of biological aging was accomplished in just 5 months.

   Longevinex cannot stick to any guns over dosage of resveratrol — we have to go where the science leads. So far, 100 mg of resveratrol when accompanied by other small molecules (quercetin, ferulic acid, IP6 rice bran) works far safer and more effectively than massive doses of resveratrol.

   Recognize the human equivalent of 3500 mg of plain resveratrol kills the heart of a laboratory mouse every time. In drugs, the FDA likes a 10-fold dosage margin between the lowest observed adverse effect and the commonly recommended dose. In this example, the lowest-observed dose that produces toxicity in the rodent heart is 1750 mg (could be even lower), and a 10-times lower dose (175 mg) has been shown to reduce damage to the heart in the event of a heart attack.

   Recognize we have laboratory rats whose life spans were slightly shortened by as little as 365 mg and 1565 mg of plain resveratrol. This fact runs in the face of brands of mega-dose resveratrol pills and is why I am so concerned the companies that sell these pills will bring down the whole resveratrol pill market with FDA restrictions, even to the point of banning sale of the res pills altogether and making resveratrol a drug. To be pointed — Biotivia and Rev Genetics are outlaw companies that threaten to take your resveratrol pills away. But who can stop them? These companies are arrogant and unrepentant. They are falling right into the FDA’s hands, and may drag the rest of the resveratrol pill companies with them to have their doors pad-locked by the FDA.

   In a soon-to-be published animal study, Longevinex did not exhibit any cardiac toxicity at any dose up to 7000 mg (human equivalent dose). Longevinex will be shown to exhibit the world’s first L-shaped risk curve, compared to red wine and plain resveratrol, which have J-shaped risk curves — lower doses reduce health risks but higher doses make things worse than not taking anything at all. This would confound all other safety data on dosage of plain resveratrol. This does not mean that it is OK to take 7000 mg of Longevinex every day as anemia and other side effects would be certain to occur. But it does mean that mortal cardiac effects are absent at high dose.

   What looms ahead scientifically are microRNA studies. Until recently, scientists only knew of two mechanisms that control gene expression — methylation (donation of methyl groups, like vitamins B9-folic acid and B12), or inhibition of histone deacetylase enzyme (which is what resveratrol does).

   However, a more profound and global genomic effect is produced by small snippets of RNA, called microRNA, that drift out of the cell nucleus and may mesh with messenger RNA — interrupting the assemblage of proteins and therefore, can switch genes off. (See report on microRNA at http://www.resveratrolnews.com) Longevinex is the first resveratrol pill to undergo microRNA testing, and the results of that study are forthcoming. Stay tuned. — Bill Sardi

6. peter Says:
   August 29th, 2010 at 11:36 am

   Bill, After reading about overmineralization on your site a while back I found quite a lot of evidence searching through PubMed to suggest you are correct….what I can’t seem to find, and this may require more study, is a recommendation for optimum blood levels of copper and iron. The reference range for Cu is quite wide, 70 to 155 microg/dL. I’m at 83. And my Fe is low end of a broad range too. Don’t know what levels would be though if I stopped supplementing. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on the levels of Cu & Fe to shoot for to preserve health yet slow the aging impact.

   peter

   Longevinex.com:

   Ferritin is a quick, inexpensive blood test for stored iron that probably reflects copper status as well. I would stick with ferritin and not pursue a copper test. About 80% of iron is stored in the blood and doctors conduct blood-letting (phlebotomize) to reduce high ferritin levels. The most common cause of high ferritin is over-consumption of alcohol, usually occurring in males. Doctors who treat iron-overloaded patients usually attempt to lower their ferritin to the 20-50 range, which is not anemia This should be considered the healthy range for ferritin. The reference range for ferritin is:

   18-250 ng/mL (Male)
   12-160 ng/mL (Female)
   (nanograms per milliliter of serum)
   http://pathcuric1.swmed.edu/PathDemo/nrrt.htm

   One group of researchers found the reference range for serum copper to be:

   110 mcg/dl (micrograms per deciliter of blood serum)
   http://riordanclinic.org/research/articles/89003621.pdf

   However, blood serum is not a measure of copper storage. Ceruloplasmin is the storage protein for copper. The reference range for ceruloplasmin is:

   Ceruloplasmin 15 – 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter of blood serum)
   http://www.bloodbook.com/ranges.html

   Ceruloplasmin testing is usually performed when doctors suspect Wilson’s disease. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/wilson/

   It is important to recognize that the reference range is not the healthy range, it is the commonly-occurring range. Generally speaking, most middle-aged males have been accumulating iron and copper for a couple of decades or more since childhood growth ceased and all should be considered iron and copper overloaded. Modern medicine should obtain a ferritin test on all full-grown males with every blood sampling.

   When my ferritin was measured at 134 ng/mL I experienced hemorrhoids, gall bladder trouble, some fatigue. When ferritin dropped below 70 ng/mL, then these symptoms dissipated. However, you can also deprive your body of available iron and suffer the consequences of frontal or behind-the-eye headaches, fatigue (frequent napping), poor immunity.

   It is best to supplement the diet with zinc which must be maintained in balance with copper. Excessively high copper and low zinc will often raise circulating cholesterol numbers. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3295705
   Doctors will often inappropriately place copper-dominant patients on statin drugs when they need a bit more zinc. About 15-25 mg of daily supplemental zinc is good. Zinc acetate or citrate or other chelated forms are good (zinc oxide not go desirable). The long-standing intake ratio is 10 parts (mg) zinc for 1 part (mg) copper.

   There is no safe form of supplemental copper. It should be obtained from organically-bound sources in the diet, such as nuts or cocoa powder. There is no good dietary source of zinc (oysters) and supplemental zinc should be part of a good daily multivitamin. – Bill Sardi, August 2010

7. Elaine Killough Says:
   December 14th, 2010 at 6:01 am

   Bill,
   I find your research on genetic links and Longevinex fascinating. Would you comment on the safety and benefit of the product to a 63 year old female who has been diagnosed with artial fibrilation and atrial flutter. Could it be possible to restore normal conductivity with long or short term dosing?

   Longevinex.com:

   Longevinex cannot make a claim that it cures, prevents or treats a disease. However, there is a study showing intravenous resveratrol did resolve atrial fibrillation. Also, blood thinners are given to prevent blood clots among patients with atrial fibrillation and resveratrol is a natural blood inner. I often suggest patients with atrial fibrillation also supplement their diet with magnesium heart muscle relaxant), fish oil (slows the heart rate a bit), and chondroitin sulfate (rebuilds the heart). -Bill Sardi, LONGEVINEX

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