The Fountain of Youth Pill?

The "Fountain of Youth Pill" to keep us youthful forever just hit the market. Some would call it the miracle pill, others would say –what, another pill? Yes, we all know the myth about the fountain of youth but it seems that the fountain of youth just might be found in our genes.

Genes and Aging

What we currently know about genes and aging is that the regions of repetitive DNA at the ends of our chromosomes indicate biological aging. These parts of the genes are called telomeres. The younger the person the longer the telomeres. One could immagine that a pill that can prevent the telomeres from shrinking would be the key to eternal youthfulness. Right?

This is exactly what the New York-based supplement company T.A. Sciences, claims. According to the company’s website, the pill called TA-65, was manufactured from a Chinese herb called Astragalus membranaceus, and is a “telomerase activator”. This means that it has the property to stop telomeres from shortening thus slowing the aging process.

In 2005 the company conducted a double-blind, placebo controlled study called Pivotal Anti-Aging Trial. It lasted 24 week and included 36 men aged 60-85.

According to the data from this "Fountain of Youth Pill" study, the results were statistically significant in the group taking TA-65 "Fountain of Youth Pill" compared to the group that did not take TA-65. There were several key factors of aging like vision, skin condition, sex drive that were improved along with the overall well-being. The most significant improvement compared to placebo was related to the immune system. The participants in the trial reported improved energy levels and state of health.

Commenting on this ground-breaking human trial, Noel Thomas Patton, Founder and Chairman of TA Sciences said, "Taken together, the results of the Pivotal 2005 Anti-Aging Trial of TA-65 provide the first proof ever recorded of the vast, powerful, and tangible benefits of a Telomerase Activator in human aging.” TA-65 has been on the market since 2005 with no reported adverse event according to the company’s website.

Sounds good but is it really safe?

The TA-65 pill does not require approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because it is marketed as a supplement and not as a drug. The only trial conducted with TA-65 involved only 36 people. Patton, the CEO of TA Sciences claims he has been taking the supplement for two years and that everyone at T.A. Sciences over the age of 40 takes the product. In fact Noel Patton is reported to take twice the dosage of TA-65 per day as anybody else, which makes him a human guinea pig for the supplement.

What could go wrong with this pill?

Cancer for one. Most cancer cells are immortal in that they can reproduce endlessly because their telomeres do not shorten. Theoretically, TA-65 could stimulate unwanted tumor growth because telomerase is the same enzyme that allows cancer cells to become immortal. The biggest problem in testing the effects of TA-65 comes from the lack of suitable model organism because the telomere shortening in animals is not identical with the one in humans. This makes it difficult to use results from tests conducted with animals.

Another downside of TA-65 is its price tag. It can cost between $1,200 and $4,000 for a six-month dose and the protocol is based on 2 year-treatment.

In conclusion, based on evidence presented by T.A. Sciences, it appears that TA-65 increases telomere lengths significantly. It also appears that it improves immunity and overall well-being.

It sounds promissing and if you are willing to invest money and take risks you might have found your "fountain of youth.” For those of us who are less adventurous some lifestyle changes may go a long way and same us some money. Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

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Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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