Isagenix is upholding its commitment to advancing the science of cellular aging with the publication of a new study that confirms the superior bioavailability of IsaGenesis® for protecting telomeres when compared to Isagenix’s previous telomere support product, Product B™. †
Originally introduced in 2011 as Isagenix Product B, it was one of the first supplements designed to work within the body’s cells to protect the integrity of telomeres, the length of which are considered biomarkers of healthy aging.
Building on the launch of Product B, the company invested in scientific research to provide validation of the product with a clinical study. The findings of that study, conducted by scientists at Arizona State University, were particularly noteworthy because it showed that Product B led to a statistically significant increase in plasma levels of the antioxidant enzyme, catalase (1). Catalase, sometimes called a “longevity enzyme,” has a direct role in protecting telomere length through its action in reducing oxidative stress in cells. †
Three years later, Isagenix unveiled its new formulation of Product B as “IsaGenesis.” The new product was offered in softgels versus capsules and also included ingredients, such as phosphatidylcholine, to improve the bioavailability of the active ingredients.
Now in a just-published pharmacokinetic study from the University of Florida, scientists reported greater absorption and three-fold greater bioavailability in plasma from supplementation with IsaGenesis compared to the previous version of Product B (1).
“Collectively, these two studies suggest potential benefits of IsaGenesis against markers of oxidative stress and overall support of our antioxidant defense systems†,” said Eric Gumpricht, Ph.D., Isagenix Manager of Research and Science, and a co-author of the study. “These studies also provide us a blueprint for further investigatory avenues for IsaGenesis.”
IsaGenesis increases Bioavailability Three-fold Compared to Product B
The new study measured silybins, primary components of milk thistle, to serve as a surrogate marker for bioavailability of both formulations, explains University of Florida professor and lead study investigator John S. Markowitz, Pharm.D.
In this randomized, open-label, crossover study, researchers provided twelve young and healthy subjects (six males, six females) one serving of either Product B or IsaGenesis with serial blood samples collected from zero to eight hours. Then, at least one week later, subjects consumed the alternative supplement and blood samples collected again.
These blood samples were analyzed for silybin A and silybin B by a sensitive technique (LCMS/MS; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry). The results indicated that the absorption rate and amount were significantly higher for the IsaGenesis softgels as compared to the Product B capsules. Not only did IsaGenesis lead to three times greater bioavailability, but also resulted in peak plasma levels of silybins approximately one hour earlier compared to Product B.
“Although we did not determine the mechanism, our study suggests that the reformulation of Product B into IsaGenesis enhanced the bioavailability of silybins,” Dr. Markowitz said.
The scientists published their findings in the January issue of the journal Clinical Therapeutics.
The study provides further validation to the theoretically based assertion that the new formulation would have improved bioavailability, which was originally proposed by Isagenix Master Formulator John Anderson. “These are exactly the results he expected and now we’ve demonstrated he was correct,” adds Dr. Gumpricht.
†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Sweazea KL, Johnston CS, Knurick J, Bliss CD. Plant-Based Nutraceutical Increases Plasma Catalase Activity in Healthy Participants: A Small Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Proof of Concept Trial. J Diet Suppl 2017; 4:200-213.
- Li WY, Yu G, Hogan RM, Mohandas R, Frye RF, Gumpricht E, Markowitz JS. Relative Bioavailability of Silybin A and Silybin B From 2 Multiconstituent Dietary Supplement Formulations Containing Milk Thistle Extract: A Single-dose Study. Clin Ther 2018; 40:103-113.
