FAQ

  • Hello Dr. Seidman, I have noticed expiration dates and DOM (Date of manufacture) on your products can you please explain this? 
Thank you for the question. Since 1979 the FDA has required manufacturers to put expiration dates on both prescription and OTC (over the counter) drugs. Most people are not really sure what this means. The "expiration" date is the final date the manufacturer will guarantee that med or supplement has the stated potency. HOWEVER, this does NOT mean that the supplement or med will become ineffective or unsafe.
Expiration dates range from 12-60 months (up to 5 years and in some cases even longer) from the date the product was manufactured. Dr. Sharon Bergquist, from Emory University in Atlanta, has said that a med or supplement could be good for 10 or more years.
We at Body Language Vitamin Co either put a DOM (date of manufacture) or an expiration date. We will/can guarantee potency for 5 years AFTER that date. So if a product is labelled DOM 2-5-15, it will be fine even at 2-5-20 and quite possibly longer.
  • Dr. Seidman, what is the best way for me to store my supplements?
Tablets and capsules tend to be quite stable. Remember storage is important. Keep them in dry, dark areas at room temperature or cooler; don’t store above a stove or in direct sunlight.

 

  • Dr. Seidman, I have noticed that sometimes the color and the pill size changes, why is that?
We are continuously keeping up with the most current science to adjust and continuously improve our formulations. This is why sometimes you might notice a slight difference in presentations.
As you know we are made in an FDA inspected cGMP (certified Good Manufacturing Processes) environment and regulations have changed so much in the last few years that the dietary supplement industry is not as it used to be. Some of these regulations have made your supplements better, most have only increased costs (which we have been trying desperately to not pass on to you).
From run to run (manufacturing process) the tablet appearance including shape, size, color and even smell may vary. The tablet may need to be larger or in some cases even smaller, yet rest assured it will contain the same amount as the label prescribes. Most commonly this can occur because the raw material may be more or less finely granulated and the process itself has improved and allowed for these changes.
As a specific example of a single ingredient change, let’s look at calcium. In order to reach the "elemental" values in supplements, we measure, precisely, the different elemental amounts that we receive. So for instance if we have calculated calcium at 35% elemental, meaning that for every 1000 mg of calcium powder (this is the case with carbonate), we get an elemental amount of 350mg. (Aspartate is 18% chelate and citrates are 20%, glycinates are 17%). If we get calcium and it only measures at 30% we must put in 1200 mg of calcium to reach 350 mg of calcium and so on. Hence depending on the element amount and size of the particles; this will determine the size of a tablet. With stability requirements, we must also put in overages sometimes, which further changes pill size. Now multiply this process by the more than 80 nutrients in your systems and you can understand the run to run variances.
The changes occurred in 2010 June when CFR 111 was introduced by the FDA. Until then we had been regulated by DSHEA laws, but once the natural products industry announced that we would regulate ourselves, the FDA jumped in and put forth CFR 111 (this mirrors CFR 211 for OTC drugs, but is even more stringent). So the good news, is there are more strict guidelines for others to follow-we have been doing this since day ONE! Rest assured you are getting our label claims/facts, but the pills may vary as noted above.
One additional point, we have reduced the amount of calcium (1200 mg to 600 mg) and increased the amount of Vitamin D3 (from 400 iu to 1000 iu) ) in the Healthy Bone Formula and have been able to reduce the number of calcium pills per serving from an original 4 to 3.
These changes are made with the goal of optimizing our health and wellness.
  • I have heard that Carnitine was recently found to possibly have adverse effects on heart health! All I have read says the contrary, and I know that your research supports the use of acetyl-l-carnitine and is part of the anti-age energy formula, which I love! Can you please comment on this? (Dr. JT California) 

 

  • On April 13, 2013, a meta-analysis performed by the Mayo Clinic studied 3,600 patients and found huge cardiac benefits in those who supplemented with L-carnitine. This study represented the largest, most powerful scientific review of carnitine’s cardiovascular benefits to date. 

  • This same study found carnitine supplementation was associated with a 27% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 65% reduction in ventricular arrhythmias, and a 40% reduction in angina symptoms in patients who had experienced a heart attack. This media overlooked this favorable report.

    A new study asserted that carnitine found in red meat would react with certain gut bacteria in certain individuals to promote a compound (TMAO) that would then cause heart disease. 

    These findings we based on an evaluation of less than 10 people. They were obscure, theoretical and preliminary. Yet the media ignored hundreds of studies showing significant cardiovascular benefits to carnitine, choosing instead to use this study in isolation to bash anything that contained carnitine. 

    I work as a Medical advisor to the Life Extension® foundation and Bill Faloon Dr. Seidman and teams of scientists have thoroughly analyzed the report used by the media to attack carnitine, reviewed the published literature on carnitine and heart disease, and conducted a survey of our members using carnitine. It may not surprise you to learn that our findings contradict the mainstream’s propagandized carnitine attack. 

    Download the entire report in PDF Format.
  • I’ve decided to start supplementing my diet with a high quality vitamin and I’ve been doing some research to try and figure out which one I should go with.  I’ve decided between two different ‘regimes’ – Body Language Vitamins or “My Daily Dose”!  (Dr. Hans Nieper’s) Both Body Language Vitamins and “My Daily Dose” appear to have a good scientific basis and positive testimonials  however I was curious about one aspect of  both of these vitamins, the ‘absorption factor’. “My Daily Dose” uses something called 2-AEP which it claims increases significantly the absorption of nutrients into the body.   Is there a similar agent in the BLV pills that will also significantly increase the absorption of nutrients?I am familiar with Dr. Hans Nieper's formulations and think that they are good. Obviously, I have a bias and think Body Language Vitamin Co is far superior. To enhance absorption and bioavailability we chelate our ingredients (2-AEP facilitates this process -synthetically) with natural amino acids that the body recognizes and assimilates into the body and cells.  Additionally, I think it is challenging to know what to take of Nieper's many formulations. We have made this a "no-brainer" for you by recommending the daily AM/PM pack tailored to men or women (read below for more info). Then if you have specific health issues, ie PMS, high cholesterol, etc we have add-on products available. Our formulations are state of the art and have more than 288 glasses of red wine extract-as RESVERATROL and Grape Seed Extract, we have also added curcumin, quercetin, pomegranate, Acai, Billberry, Lycopene and so much more. As mentioned above, we also have our Men/Women's Daily AM/PM boxes making the system very convenient (check our www.bodylanguagevitamins.com for nutraceutical details, and wonderful short videos where I discuss the logic and benefit of the formulations.
  • We strive to design and create the finest patented/proprietary nutraceuticals on the planet! Our supplements are created in an FDA inspected GMP certified laboratory using natural ingredients. 
  • 2-AEP is an interesting chemical found in the cell membrane of most living organisms. For me to include this ingredient would mean getting the synthesized chemical which is possible. However, one of our core values at BLV Co is to rarely use synthetic derived compounds (there are exceptions where we have no choice, such as in our Anti-age/energy formula where to get as much Acetyl L carnitine (a natural compound) from natural sources we would have to grind up 20 lbs of broccoli or three to four steaks (so the pills would be HUGE for just that one ingredient). 
  • I have been told that using high potency antioxidants and supplements might not be a good idea if you have cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Can you elaborate on this?There is some evidence that when using cancer chemotherapy drugs, or radiation therapy the oncologist will shy away from allowing the patients to use strong antioxidants. This is an OLD theory that really just is not panning out.

    I have done a considerable amount of study of these problems, some of the work is my own and some is done by other scientist.

    First of all there is compelling evidence that cancer cells have severely perterbered bioenergetics. I have written a paper on Head and Neck Cancer (The Journal asked me to write the article), for details please see:

    Seidman MD, Quirk WS, Shirwany NA. Reactive Oxygen Metabolites, Antioxidants and Head and Neck Cancer. Head & Neck. August 1999: 21:467-479.

    Additionally we have in vitro evidence of the effects of the nutrients in the Body Language Vitamin Co nutritional supplements to kill human brain cancer cells: (note this is not the supplements directly, just some of the ingredients in the our formulation)

    Jiang H, Zhang L, Kuo J, Kuo K, Gautam SC, Groc L, Rodriguez AI, Koubi D, Hunter TJ, Corcoran GB, Seidman MD, Levine RA. “Resveratrol-induced apoptotic death in human U251 glioma cells”. Mol Cancer Therapy. 4(4):554-61, April 2005.

    Koubi D, Jiang H, Zhang L, Tang W, Kuo J, Rodriguez AI, Hunter TJ, Seidman MD, Corcoran GB, Levine RA. “Role of Bcl-2 family of proteins in mediating apoptotic death of PC12 cells exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation.” Neurochem Int. 46(1): 73-81, January 2005.

    Here are several more generalarticles that might help as well:

    AsherBF, Seidman MD, Snyderman C. Complementary and Alternative Medicine inOtolaryngology: State ofthe Art Review. (Solicited Article). The Laryngoscope. August 2001:1383-1389.

    SeidmanMD. “Complementary and Integrative Medicine Paradigm Treats Body, Mind andSpirit”. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Select. 13(4): April2005.

    Additionally, please review thesefor specifics about the logic of antioxidants, it relates to hearing and aging,there are about a dozen more, but I did not want to inundate you:

    SeidmanMD, Kahn MJ, Bai U, Shirwany N, Quirk WS. Biologic Activity of MitochondrialMetabolites on Aging and Age-Related Hearing Loss. Am J Otol. 2000:21:161-167.

    SeidmanMD. Effects of Dietary Restriction and Antioxidants on Presbyacusis. Laryngoscope. May 2000: 110(5):727-738 SeidmanMD, Khan MJ, Tang WX, Quirk WS. Influence of lecithin on mitochondrial DNA andage-related hearing loss. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Journal. 2002, 3:138-144.

    ColingDE, Yu KCY, Somand D, Satar B, Bai U, Huang TT, Seidman MD, Epstein CJ, MhatreAN, Lalwani AK. Effect of SOD1 overexpression on age- and noise-related hearingloss. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2002,34(7):873-880. Here is a recent article which clearly demonstrates no risk fromusing antioxidant supplements Altern Ther Health Med. 2007Mar-Apr;13(2):40-7.

    Antioxidants and other nutrients do not interfere with chemotherapy orradiation therapy and can increase kill and increase survival, Part 2.
    Simone Protective Cancer Institute in Lawrenceville, NJ,USA.

    PURPOSE: Some in the oncology community contend that patientsundergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy should not use food supplementantioxidants and other nutrients. Oncologists at an influential oncologyinstitution contended that antioxidants interfere with radiation and somechemotherapies because those modalities kill by generating free radicals thatare neutralized by antioxidants, and that folic acid interferes withmethotrexate. This is despite the common use of amifostine and dexrazoxane, 2prescription antioxidants, during chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. DESIGN:To assess all evidence concerning antioxidant and other nutrients usedconcomitantly with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The MEDLINE andCANCERLIT databases were searched from 1965 to November 2003 using the wordsvitamins, antioxidants, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Bibliographies ofarticles were searched. All studies reporting concomitant nutrient use withchemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (280 peer-reviewed articles including 62in vitro and 218 in vivo) were indiscriminately included. RESULTS: Fifty humanclinical randomized or observational trials have been conducted, involving 8,521patients using beta-carotene; vitamins A, C, and E; selenium; cysteine; Bvitamins; vitamin D3; vitamin K3; and glutathione as single agents or incombination. CONCLUSIONS: Since the 1970s, 280 peer-reviewed in vitro and invivo studies, including 50 human studies involving 8,521 patients, 5,081 of whomwere given nutrients, have consistently shown that do not interfere withtherapeutic modalities for cancer. Furthermore, non-prescription antioxidantsand other nutrients enhance the killing of therapeutic modalities for cancer,decrease their side effects, and protect normal tissue. In 15 human studies,3,738 patients who took non-prescription antioxidants and other nutrientsactually had increased survival.

    There is always controversy in science. The generalrecommendation is still that you must discuss this with your physician and theywill more than likely hold the OLD party line and advise against usingsupplements. I do not believe that the literature supports thiscontention.
  • Should athletes working at intensity levels 80% of anaerobic threshold and above for over 1 hour(s) a day/5-6/week take higher levels of supplementation?There are a plethora of studies demonstrating the increased nutrient needs of the elite athlete. I used to play semi-professional racquetball (YEARS AGO!) and consumed an average of 8000 calories/day. Nutrient needs, as you know would increase proportionately. Thus, succinctly, yes the above described athlete should be ingesting more nutrients. 
  • Are supplementation needs a factor weight (assuming a person has an acceptable BMI)?The Dietary Reference Intakes (RDA's) are based upon restricted intake measures. An example is Vitamin C...the DRI's were derived from the observations of 30,000 prisoners (many years ago). They eliminated V-C from their diets and determined the MINIMUM level necessary to prevent scurvy. They then increased that number by 2 standard deviations in order to get a "wide margin" of protection. The RDA's or DRI's are Neither minimal requirments nor optimum levels (a quote direct from the RDA book). Thus, in reality, NO, supplement needs are NOT based upon weight but upon age, and gender. Surprisingly the change from a child's DRi's to an adult is the age of four (yes four years of age, they change to adult dosing!).

    Supplement needs should be altered in times of stress (which could include physiologic or psychologic), physical changes (ie pregnancy and lactation), before and after surgery, etc etc. Your logic is NOT flawed, the system (in my opinion is). Thus, to suggest that a 90lb 100 year old women has the same nutrient needs as a 25 year old elite athlete seems scientifically flawed, but nontheless, in reality the BASIC needs ie of B-12 Vitamin C, E etc are SIMILAR...having said that I would recommend more to the 25 year old. 
  • I work with people who are completely or somewhat vested in the scientific community and are thus skeptical what do you say to them?I love skepticism, it is healthy and should not be shut down. However a closed mind negates the opportunity to learn and consider something new. It is imperative to question dogma.

    I have the opportunity to speak to many physicians and scientists each year. The data (of appropriate supplementation) while controversial speaks for itself. This is one of the hats that I wear as the director for the Center for Integrative Medicine within my health system. I am paid to read the 500 articles re Vitamin E (for example) and health. No doubt there are 450 that suggest a benefit and 50 that do not. I have to review the science critically, for myself, my patients and clients of Body Language Vitamin Company. I will not make a believer out of everyone, but all I can do is discuss the facts (frankly it is difficult to be balanced as the literature is mostly for supplementation-despite the controversy), and the facts suggest that appropriate nutritional supplementation with the correct nutrients is valid and effective. 
  • I have heard that if you are on Coumadin, Lovinox, Heparin or high dose aspirin, that you should not take Vitamin K, ginkgo or omega fatty acids. What do you think?Long story short, for medical-legal reasons you are correct and you should not take Body Language Vitamin Co MVI or the Antioxidant formulae. Some might also argue against the Essential Oils. Here is why: Coumadin, Plavix, Lovinox, Heparin and high dose aspirin affect the bleeding time and the thinness of blood.

    They are medications commonly used in people who have had deep venous thrombosis (DVT), lung blood clots, after some types of strokes and some heart attacks.

    There are many herbs and nutrients that can and do affect bleeding, both to help in clotting and to reduce clotting. Vitamin K will counteract coumadin, thus physicians usually recommend no Vitamin K supplements and they even go so far as to say avoid green leafy veggies, that are often high in V-K.

    The real answer is that although herbs like ginkgo and vitamins, like vitamin K do indeed interact and affect bleeding time. What REALLY needs to happen is that the patient, in my opinion, needs to say. "Doctor, I would really like to take these supplements, however they have vitamin K and ginkgo in them, I realize that you have been taught that this is a contraindication (ie you should not do this), however the literature, clearly states that YOU CAN take these medications in the face of using supplements that have vitamin K and ginkgo, you just need to adjust the dose of coumadin, lovinox (or the other meds) as necessary". This requires a bit more work than most of your doctors are willing to do, so they just emphatically say, "No it is dangerous" when in fact it is not.

    Again, I must caution you, do not take these kinds of supplements while on blood thinners without having an open and frank discussion with your doctor, it could mean your life.

    Vitamin K, will increase the dose of coumadin necessary to achieve the desired thinness to the blood, while ginkgo will require decreasing the dose of coumadin, heparin, aspirin and lovinox.

    Frankly, I would rather take less coumadin and more ginkgo! In any event I am not your doctor, and you will have to follow his/her orders, but it doesn't hurt to inform them that the literature supports the use of these herbs and vitamins in the presence of blood thinners, you just have to be a bit more zealous with the dosing.

    The essential oils have a great deal of fish oils in them and this has a nice effect of thinning the blood, this is one reason they believe that EFA's can reduce your risk of heart disease. This is also a reason as to why you need to be careful using EFA's while on blood thinners.

    Vitamin K is one of the fat soluble vitamins. It is best known and is most important as a member of the clotting cascade. In other words it is important for stopping bleeding if you get cut. It has also been shown to be important for proper bone density. On a historical note, it used to be given frequently to children undergoing tonsillectomy to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding.

    Vitamin K is one of the few vitamins that we get enough of from our diet (primarily green leafy vegetables). Additionally, we synthesize approximately 50% of our daily V-K needs in our intestine (gut). It is actually made by healthy bacteria in our intestine. If you take even ONE antibiotic pill you wipe out the ability to produce V-K (for a short while).

    In my opinion (in the majority of situations) it is not appropriate to oversupplement with K, because it can promote clotting. Theoretically, it could increase your risk of heart disease, stroke or blood clots. At ViSalus we put in 31% of the RDA (25 mcg) in our multivitamin formula and I don't think you should take much more.

    Ginkgo is from a 300 million year old tree and is a powerful platelet activating factor inhibitor (much like aspirin). Ginkgo thus has the effect of thinning the blood, which is why it is believed to improve blood supply and oxygenation to all the tissues in your body, including your brain (to enhance congitive/memory abilities). Ginkgo affects the platelet only for ~ 24 hours whereas aspirin makes the platelet non-sticky for 7-10 days (the life of the platelet). Thus in reality you must stop taking aspirin 7-14 days prior to major surgery (the time really depends upon your physicians recommendation), when you only have to stop taking ginkgo for 24 hours (though for safety purposes and medical legal purposes, I still tell my patients 7 days for ginkgo. 
  • What can you tell me about the validity of having “parasites” and “worms” in our bodies and the need to “cleanse” before supplementing?This is not an easy question to answer. Please see my discussion of this in our Educational Resources labeled Cleansing Parasites from our bodies.
  • Can you give us an idea as to how much food we might have to consume to get some of the nutrients in your supplements?To get as much A, C, D, E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, B6 (that is in our MVI alone) you would need to consume: 15 carrots, 4 oranges, 10 eggs, 112 tbsp PB, 119 cups of rice, 59 cups of milk and 36 potatoes each and every day! This does not even discuss our antioxidant formula, which provides the resveratrol antioxidant power of more than 7 glasses of red wine (without the dangers of the alcohol consumption, not to mention the potential weight gain!).

    Looking at Body Language Vitamin Co's Essential Oils formula, you are getting more than 300% of the daily fish requirements of EPA and DHA (the critical fish oils, minus the dangerous heavy metals, like mercury and other contaminants like the PCB's).

    Our Essential oils formula provides ~1668 mg of EPA/DHA. 
    Seafood Total EPA/DHA (mg/100g) mgDHA %adequate intake
    DHA/3 oz serving
           
    Mackerel 2500 1600 700%
    Tuna 2200 1200 550%
    Herring 1700 800 350%
    Sardines 1500 900 300%
    Chinook Salmon 1400 900 300%
    Anchovy 1400    
    Coho Salmon 800    
    Rainbow Trout 500 350  
    Pacific Halibut 400 350 150%
    Cod 300 150 70%
    Shrimp 300 100 50%
    Catfish 300 200 100%
    Lobster 200 100 50%
    (Logan AC Alt med rev Nov 2003; Human Nutrition Services USDA vol 83 1998)
  • I am being treated for diabetes using insulin every day. Would any of your formulae benefit my situation? I would really like to eliminate my need for Insulin, if possible. Sincerely MD in LALet me start out by saying that I cannot and will not make any specific claims regarding our ability to eliminate Diabetes or eliminate the need for insulin by using the ingredients in the in Body Language Vitamin Co' s four flagship supplements:

    1. The patented Anti-age/Energy formula (1 pill/day)
    2. The Antioxidant formula (2 pills/day)
    3. The MVI formula (3 pills/day)
    4. The Essential Oils Formula (4 pills/day).

    Having said this there are many helpful ingredients in our four main formulae that have been documented to enhance insulin sensitivity, lower random blood sugar, improve metabolism of glucose and reduce the likelihood of peripheral neuropathy (numb feet from prolonged diabetes...one cause).

    There are many ingredients that can have these excellent effects, and I will just name a few:
    Chromium picolonate
    Alpha lipoic acid
    Magnesium, manganese and zinc (all chelated, thereby enhancing their absorption)
    Possibly the ingredients in the essential oils
    Possibly the ingredient in the anti-age energy formula

    Lastly, in a talk that I gave to the International Kidney Foundation, this is one herb that is not in the our supplements, but can be helpful:

    Gymnema sylvestre (RBS, insulin needs,insulin production, stabilizes chol/TG (J of Ethnopharm 1990) 
  • I have had my gall bladder removed, will I still absorb your supplements?Generally speaking, there are usually minimal absorption issues after the gall bladder is removed (cholecystectomy). This is felt to be secondary to the fact that the amount of intestinal bile is (normally) sufficient to absorb the fat and vitamins necessary for excellent health and vitality. 
  • I have heard that not all Echinacea is the same. I have found that it only sometimes helps me for my common colds. Why do you think this is?There are at least nine different subtypes of Echinacea known to exist. For example there is E. purpurea, E. pallida, E angustofolia etc. The German Commission E is considered the best reference for the medicinal use of herbs. According to the German Commission E, it is written that E. purpurea LEAF can enhance T and B cell function (these cells are important to help fight off infection). Interestingly the root of E. purpurea does not have the same effect on T and B cells). Conversely E. pallida ROOT enhances T and B cell function but the leaf does not! The German commission E rates E. angustofolia as a negative herb, ie it is either dangerous, ineffective or not enough information is available. I have gone into many health food stores and of the literally 100's of different brands and bottles on the shelf, 90% of them have E. Angustofolia!! This is the NEGATIVE rated herb as per the German Commission E. Why? Either the companies that are supplying the Echinacea are not doing their homework or it is much cheaper and they are intentionally misleading the consumer. I have designed Body Language Vitamin Cold and Flu formula in collaboration with one of the most famous Hakim's (herbal medicine Dr's) in Pakistan. This outstanding proprietary formula has E. purpurea leaf, pallida root and many other important ingredients to help you heal yourself. The Body Language Vitamin Cold and Flu formula eradicates the common cold or flu in most people within 2-4 days. It is also a good thing to consider (2 pills) as prophylaxis before getting on a plane, or if someone else in your family is ill. If you have an autoimmune disease ie Lupus or if you are already on immune modulators (ie if you have had an organ transplant), you should not use this supplement without the direct recommendation from your physician. 
  • Are there any fruits or vegetables in the recommended MVI, Antioxidant, Anti-age Energy and the Essential oils formulae?There are many all-natural compounds that are extracted from fruits and veggies. For example in the Antioxidant formula there are phytochemicals (the active components of fruits and vegetables that impart the healthful properties), such as Pine bark extract, grape seed extract, quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids, green tea extract and much more. The MVI has more green tea, pine bark extract and choline, phosphoglycolipids, and some very important herbs. The Anti-age Energy formula has glutahione and acetyl l carnitine that can be found in the equivalent of 3 large heads of cauliflower and ~ 15 lbs of broccoli! The Essential Oils formula, has pumpkin seed oil and organic flax and Evening primrose oils. This is not an excuse for you and me to skimp on consumption of a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies (5-10 servings per day- a serving is 1/2 cup). 
  • My family and I feel terrific on Body Language Vitamin Co supplements, thank you very much! Is there a way to measure the results of Body Language Vitamin Co.supplements on an individual? Can someone have blood work done before taking it, 3 months into it, and then 6 months? What can someone do to show that the product is really working outside of what someone "feels"?Great question, there are several things that can easily be assayed (checked in blood, urine and saliva). The easiest and the ones that your conventional physician would be most familiar with would be things such as levels of iron, folic acid, B-12 and albumin (the last being a measure of protein status). The folic acid and B-12 would certainly increase in blood after using these formulae. The measures that your Physician would be less likely to understand would be things like antioxidant status (can be checked by measuring 8-hydroxyguanosine in your urine or blood. Additionally malondialdehyde can be checked. These two tests measure DNA damage and reactive oxygen species damage respectively (free radical damage). These tests are more likely to be found at a more "state of the art" lab such as Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory and Doctors Data. These measures do improve after being on the Body Language Vitamin (BLV) Co supplements. Lastly, one can measure T and B cell function as well as lymphocyte count, these are cells that help to fight off infection and will also be improved after using BLV Co supplements. 
  • Hi Dr. Seidman, I have heard recently that too much vitamin E might be harmful, could you comment on this?As anyone who has tried to sort out conflicting medical studies knows, there is little agreement among members of the scientific community in regard to what is ?healthy.? This has created a difficult situation for the public. They are faced with experts who contradict one another, as well as research far too complex for the ordinary person to decipher. Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly clear that even FDA-approval can not guarantee safety, as the recent withdrawal of Vioxx and other drugs shows.

    The pros and cons of supplementing with vitamins, minerals and similar substances are no less confusing. In spite of thousands of studies examining the effects of various supplements, experts still disagree. As a practicing physician and scientist, I believe I have a responsibility to present what I feel is a strong case for supplementation and I will also elaborate about the weaknesses in the recent vitamin E study.

    It is clear that proper nutrition is essential for optimum health. We need to eat from the basic food groups, and consume significant amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a sensible diet. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet, with its emphasis on processed and prepared foods and large amounts of fat, salt and refined ingredients, does not come close to meeting these standards. The majority of Americans are clearly not going to obtain adequate nutrition from this diet.

    To complicate matters, more than 60 percent of Americans are now considered overweight or obese, and roughly the same proportion of the population is sedentary. Stress, another major health factor, takes a toll on nutritional status, as does aging.

    While genetics certainly play a role in health, we do not have the option of changing our genes, at present. Meanwhile, many of the health issues we face are social and lifestyle choices. The end result can be seen in these statistics: Cancer – the second most common cause of death in the United States – claims more than 550,000 lives each year. Yet two-thirds of these cancer deaths are considered preventable through lifestyle changes – quitting smoking and all tobacco use, consuming 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, reducing intake of meat, fatty foods and dairy products, exercising moderately and supplementing appropriately.

    Here again, we have controversy over how to define ?supplementing appropriately.? I think it?s important to remember that the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) – now known as the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) – were established in 1941 to meet the needs of most healthy people. While these recommendations are updated every ten years, they are neither minimal requirements nor optimal levels. In fact, they are simply educated guesses. Meanwhile, there is compelling science to suggest that many of the nutrients found in routine supplements could be taken at much higher doses with an excellent safety profile and significant health benefits.

    Is it possible to get sufficient quantities of nutrients from a healthy diet? To answer that question, let?s use vitamin E as an example. Oregon State University?s Moret Traber dispels this notion when she states: ?To obtain enough vitamin E from food to attain a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, you?d need to consume 9 tablespoons of olive oil, 75 slices of whole wheat bread, 40 almonds or 200 peanuts each and every day.?

    Since it appears to be difficult – at best -- to get a beneficial amount of vitamin E from food, what should the supplement dosage be? There have been numerous studies to show that an increased intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, reduces heart disease and the risk of stroke, Alzheimer?s and cancer. Vitamin E has also been shown to increase immune function and reduce exercise-related free radical damage. When it comes to precise dosage, however, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The DRI recommends 30 IU, a figure considered too low by many health experts. Indeed, some clinical trials suggest 800 to 1,200 IU may be required to affect cardiovascular health, particularly in patients who already have the disease.

    Then how do we explain conflicting findings? For example, a recent meta-analysis by researchers at Johns Hopkins, which reviewed 19 previously published articles involving 135,967 patients, suggests that consuming more than 400 IU of vitamin E per day may increase the risk of dying by 6 percent (Miller et al Jan 4, 2005 Ann of IM vol 142 No1). While the media pounced on the ?bad news? aspect of the story, the truth is the research had shortcomings. First, it consisted largely of older individuals who were already suffering chronic illness of one sort or another, including heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, kidney disease requiring dialysis, as well as a group of smokers. It?s difficult to imagine that vitamin E alone could improve the health of these individuals. Second, the supplements used were synthetic, and there are studies to show that the natural forms are possibly more effective. Third, from a statistician?s viewpoint, mixing such a wide assortment of studies together can produce meaningless results. Finally, they eliminated 12 trials that had fewer than 10 deaths! This introduces a very serious selection bias against the benefit of vitamin E. Essentially they randomly eliminated 12 studies where the death rate was very low, you may call this science, but this is how science gets a bad name. Basically, manipulating the data to support their bias. As an aside, for our protection and safety, Body Language Vitamin Co. uses only mixed tocopherols, so it is an all-natural group of tocopherols, not just the d-alpha tocopherol, but the gammas, deltas, tocotrienols etc. There has been some science to suggest that it is much better to use mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols, which is precisely what we do at BLV Co.

    Note, too, that the Johns Hopkins researchers themselves pointed out that most of the patients in these trials had chronic illness and were over the age of 60. As a result, the authors observed that the study?s findings may not necessarily apply to younger, healthy individuals.

    In fact, in some ways, this study?s conclusion is similar to earlier research that encouraged people to abandon butter in favor of margarine. Needless to say, that opinion was reversed when it was determined that the trans fats in margarine were far more toxic to us than butter.

    Of course, not all studies are inconclusive. For example, the excellent work by Rimm et al, in 1998, looked at more than 80,000 women who supplemented with folate and vitamin B6. Researchers found a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease. They also found that combining these supplements with one drink per day reduced the risk even more. Further, they determined that low intake of folate and B6 led to high levels of homocysteine, which increased heart disease. This specific study was responsible for changing the RDAs of folic acid from 50 micrograms per day to the current 400 micrograms per day.

    Studies like this, which cost millions of dollars and take many years to complete, are to be encouraged. But in the meantime, there is compelling evidence in smaller clinical trials that is relevant, reasonable and should cause us to change the way we think about diet and nutritional supplementation. For example, my colleagues and I have conducted studies with a number of antioxidants, including phosphatidylcholine (PPC), resveratrol, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), among others. Our findings: these supplements provided protection against free-radical damage throughout the body. In other words, supplements minimized – and sometimes even reversed – cellular assaults linked to deterioration of health and the aging process.

    A final thought: Over the last 12 years, the average annualized mortality rates secondary to vitamins have been attributed to be one death per year, and herbs at three deaths per year. On the other hand, 400,000 deaths per year are attributed to smoking, and another 300,000 to poor diet. It should also be noted that pharmaceutical errors cause approximately 100,000 deaths per year. The bottom line is that there is an extremely remote likelihood that one would be hurt by taking nutritional supplements, and there is certainly compelling scientific data to support their use. 
  • How can a person transition from taking a statin drug to taking BLV anti-cholesterol formula? DJ, PhD, RN, Holistic Healing FacilitatorIt is a relative contraindication (meaning you should not do it) to mix the statin drugs with some of the alternative options. Thus, when an individual wishes to try Body Language Vitamin Co's all natural Anti-cholesterol formula and they are already on a statin (ie zocor, pravachol, lipitor etc) we would advise the following: The half life (time for 1/2 of the drug to be metabolized and used up) of the statins is relatively short. Thus, they are out of your body fairly quickly. This is why you need to take them daily. After discontinuing the statin drug, you should begin taking the all-natural Anti-cholesterol formula at about 48 hours after your last statin dose. Adults with cholesterol levels of 190-225 should take three tablets before bedtime (this is when your body produces most of its cholesterol). Be sure to take the supplement at least 2-3 hours after any fat-soluble vitamins since this supplement may flush out fat-soluble nutritional supplements. If your cholesterol is higher than 225, you will likely need to take more pills each night. My cholesterol inched up from ~ 160 to about 220 (when I went from my 30's to 40's). With three pills at night, my cholesterol dropped to ~ 200 and my LDL's dropped around 30 points with a 15 point rise in my HDL (a great thing). Since using 6 pills/night (the maximum I recommend) my cholesterol has fallen to ~ 160 and the LDL is in the 70's and my HDL's are ~ 65. I strongly advise checking your liver function and lipid tests (SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, High sensitivity C-reactive protein, Apolipoprotein A and others as recommended by your Dr) every 6 months. Additionally, you are strongly encouraged to discuss this with your physician. It is likely that they will not understand the function of the herbs in this formula, but you can find additional information in our Product file and then look up the Anti-Cholesterol formula. If your physician would like to speak with me they can contact my office at 248-661-7211. 
  • Will the Body Language Vitamin Co supplements interact with Zetia or Nexium? My father is on stomach acid and cholesterol medications. We need to know if this will have an adverse interaction with the medicaitons before he takes them.ZETIA works by reducing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from the digestive tract. Thus, although a true interaction is unlikely, it is likely that Zetia MAY REDUCE the amount of absorption of the fat soluble vitamins (in Body Language Vitamin Co nutritional supplements) that you ingest. Specifically, it may reduce the amount of vitamin A,D,E and K that. Addtionally, the absorption of the nutrients in the Essential Oils formula may be reduced.

    Regarding nexium...this drug reduces the amount of acid that is secreted in your stomach. Changing the pH of your stomach can alter absorption of nutrients. It is interesting to note that grapfruit juice, for example, can increase your absorption of some drugs and vitamins. It is acidic, but not all things that are acidic increase your absorption. Thus, technically, there should be no ADVERSE effects, however, no one can guarantee how things will change in each individual person. From a safety standpoint, there should be no significant concerns. 
  • I have fibromyalgia... I have noticed already that I have started to sleep better, and my muscles don't feel as sore on a daily basis. What is in your outstanding supplements that would be helping me with that?The way that supplements interact with people is indeed fascinating. There is no doubt that by taking state of the art supplements, you will be doing your body a big favor. There are many nutrients that are likely having a positive benefit. Much of this you can glean by reading the information provided about the specific supplements in our Product Files. Briefly, one can say that the Anti-age energy formula will have an outstanding effect on stamina, and general well-being, as it supports nerve cells, muscles, brain etc etc. Additionally the essential oils formula provides many nutrients that have been shown to help just about every system within your body. 
  • I have crippling arthritis. What is in the BLV Co supplements that will help me?The nutrients in Body Language Vitamin Co supplements are not specifically designed to assist with crippling arthritis per se. However, the nutrients will support a healthier immune system (often perterbed in patients with severe arthritis), and the essential oils are critical to the support of arthritic joints, and the prevention therof. 
  • I see that your essential oils formula may help to relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause. Does it is help with estrogen and testosterone levels? Can you please elaborate on the benefits of taking the EFA for this?While I believe that all the nutrients in the Body Language Vitamin Co are essential to assist with PMS and menopause, theoretcially speaking. There is compelling evidence that the ingredients in the essential oils is of utmost importance in stabilizing hormonal levels. There is no direct evidence that these nutrients will change the level of testosterone or estrogen, but the nutrients will support the organs that produce these hormones. Additionally, we have two supplements that directly and positively affect people with symptoms of PMS and people who are going through menopause. 
  • I have an aunt with a terrible liver problem. She is scared to take the Body Language Vitamin Co suppelments because her liver does not function as a normal persons does. She sometimes over takes vitamins and her liver gets enlarged. She is afraid your supplements may be too strong for her. Any suggestions?People with significant organ system dysfunction need to be very careful with supplementation. If she is on the verge of needing a liver transplant, you nor I would want to be responsible for pushing this situation over the edge. I do believe that many of the nutrients would be of benefit for her failing health, but I too would be concerned. Since I cannot say for sure, I would urge caution, as our first Hippocratic Oath is "to do no harm" 
  • Dear Dr. Seidman, As you know I am a faithful customer for quite a few years. I took my wife to the cardiologist as she doesn't follow my advice. He decided her BP was elevated a little about 150/90 and needed a low dose pill for that and a 10mg lipitor for her elevated cholesterol(222) and e3levated LDL 147. He said that a study in the NEJM showed lipitor plus niacin reduced the placques, but if you added some Vitamin E as one of them the placques enlarged. It seems to me there is so much good info on antioxidants that maybe this study has some shortcomings. What is your opinion? RJP, M.D. ProvoHi Dr. P, no doubt that this study demonstrated an effect opposite of what years of science would predict. This is one study, certainly deserves a review, however, when one carefully looks at the study, there are many flaws. Briefly: 1. The authors used a low dose of vitamin E. 2. The vitamin E used was synthetic (not natural). 3. The people studied already had significant placque, ie too little too late. 4. They should have used all-natural vitamin E with mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols (as are in Body Language Vitamin antioxidant formula). There are many studies demonstrating a beneficial effect consuming foods rich in all-natural vitamin E and its close relatives. BLV Co supplements include all-natural vitamin E and the "relatives" 5. There are so many other studies that demonstrate a positive effect. 
  • There is new research out talking about the fact that too much Vitamin A Beta Carotine is extremely bad for your body?Too much vitamin A is a bad thing, you are absolutely correct. However, there is NO science to suggest a toxic range for beta carotene...completely safe...UNLESS you are a smoker in which case there are two very good studies that suggest an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers who use an excess of beta carotene 
  • With different people, should there be different dosages given, or should a 90 year woman take the same amount as Shaquille O'Neil?The 90 year old woman certainly has different needs than a professional basketball player that is likely 2-3 times her weight and size. Generally speaking the recommended dietary intakes (RDA), now referred to as Dietrary Refernec Intakes (DRI) are the SAME for a person over the age of 4! There is no doubt that someone who is doing the activity of a person like Lance Armstrong, will likely require more nutrients than a couch potato. Nonetheless, the supplements that I have designed (Body Language Vitamin Co) will certainly be of benefit to thet olympic or professional athlete, but they will also be of benefit for the 18, 25, 40, 95 year old man or woman. The specific health issues, will dictate ADDITIONAL needs. Specifically, if someone has high cholesterol they will need something in addition to the supplements that I have designed. A woman also should take additional calcium to provide the DRI of 1200-1500 mg of ABSORBABLE calcium. 
  • I have heard that it is wise to use human growth hormone and I have also heard that there are some very good "secretogogues" or analogs of HGH that can be taken orally, is this true? L.L. Sarasota FlThe benefits of human growth hormone (hGH) supplementation for hormonally deficient or partially deficient adults have been clearly documented by medical literature from Harvard University Medical School, Cenegenics Medical Institute, The Journal of the American Medical Association, The New England Journal of Medicine and other prestigious institutions and publications.

    There are no oral, nasal, sublingual, or transdermal growth hormone products including secretagogues and precursors that have any merit whatsoever. Many companies that are promoting "Oral hGH" or "Nasal Spray hGH" that can be purchased from a website or a store without a prescription are under federal investigation. Please see these links titled Anti-Aging Products Face Congressional Scrutiny; The Straight Facts About Human Growth Hormone, and Does Oral hGH Really Work?

    Pharmaceutical manufacturers Merck and Pfizer were featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in May of 2002 reporting that they have spent approximately $100 million to develop non-injectable hGH products and have failed. The state of evidence-based medical research is overwhelming and compelling that the only way to introduce human growth hormone into the body is by injection. The nature of the hGH molecule is similar to insulin but the complexity of the hGH molecule is far greater than insulin. Once pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to deliver insulin orally, hGH will soon follow.

    The issues associated with energy, body composition, and sexual functions are related to partial hormonal deficiencies. We start to lose one to three percent of our hormones at age thirty, so that by the time we turn forty, we are certainly aware of the difference. The good new is once these deficiencies are identified, they are correctable well over 95% of the time. We receive not only short term benefit, but the best opportunity for long term health and vigor. 
  • Is there anything we can give to both my child and my husband for ADHD. His doctor has had him on Concerta for several years. Can u help?You can start by taking Body Language Vitamin Co's Anti-age/Energy, Antioxidant, MVI and Essential Oils formula, this would be an excellent start and we have helped many people with this problem using this protocol. Note we cannot help everybody, but we can try. I recommend a six month trial. If there is no improvment, then our regimen may not be helpful to you, but frankly it usually is.
    For more information on ADHD (ADD) read this: Some natural alternatives to ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/ADD)
  • There are several things that have been shown to assist in recovery from neural injury. Most of these recommendations stem from an understanding of neural repair and a knowledge of integrative medicine (alternative medicine).

    My primary recommendations would be to give serious consideration to the B-supplements. They are very important for normal nerve function and for reparative processes. Zinc and some trace metals such as copper and boron would likely be of some benefit. The doses that I recommend are ones that are found in Body Language Vitamin Co's patented and proprietary formulae.

    Specifically, I recommend the following supplements from Body Language Vitamin Co.:
    1. Multivitamin formula
    2. Antioxidant formula
    3. Anti-age/Energy Formula

    Details of these formulae can be found at Body Language Vitamin Company (check in the product file listing, there are many substantiated claims.
    In particular the antioxidant formula is rich in green tea extract, grape seed extract, n-acetyl cysteine and many other powerful antioxidants, these may assist in recovery from neural injury (speculation, some of which is scientifically validated). The Multivitamin has many important minerals and other supplements that augment and facilitate the efficacy of the antioxidant formula. Lastly, the anti-age/energy formula has high doses of acetyl –l- carnitine and alpha lipoic acid, both of which are powerful antioxidants and have been shown to positively affect the neural injury and aging processes and will have noticeable positive effects on DNA damage and mitochondrial function (also important for neural function) (See Seidman et al 1999, 2000).

    Other things to consider:
    DMAE: (2-di-methylaminoethanol) releases acetylcholine from nerve terminals in the brain and increases brain choline.
    DMAEII (dimethylaminoethanol cyclohexyl carboxylate fumurate) similar action as DMAE (Ferris 1977).
    Lastly, there is some evidence that acupuncture may be of some benefit. 
  • Dear Dr. Seidman, Thank you so much for your recent answers to my questions. I am no expert on vitamins, but notice if I were to take both the multi vitamin and the antioxidant I would be getting 900mg Vit C (I believe some studies show this is excessive.) Also together the Vit A content is 17, 000 IU. This seems high to me. Lastly a recent Parade Magazine article suggested that alpha lipoic and 200mg BID and Acetyl L carnitine 500mg a day might be helpful for seniors. Any comment on this? Best regards, RJP, M.D. Provo, UtahVitamin C can be taken in doses as high as "Linus Pauling" doses (remember he was brilliant and lived into his 90's). His dose was 10 grams (10,000 mg/day). I usually recommend between 500-1000 mg per day, but do not have problems with higher doses. The suggestion that Vitamin C may become a pro-oxidant in higher doses is seriously flawed and essentially in error. Thus, the dose that we provide (900 mg/d with both the MVI and the Antiox), is safe and protective.

    Vitamin A should be taken at 2500-5000 i.u. per day. I do not use Vitamin A in any of our preparations, I use only Beta Carotene and provide 12000 i.u. in the antioxidant formula and 5000 i.u. in the MVI formula. There is NO KNOWN toxicity of beta-carotene and I typically recommend between 5000-25000 i.u. per day. Thus, our dosing at 17000 i.u. is quite reasonable. If you are a smoker, I advise against taking extra beta carotene as there is an increased risk of lung cancer in that select population.

    Lastly regarding the alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine; there these two compounds are critical. We now provide 600 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine and 150 of alpha lipoic acid in each pill of our anti-age energy formula, additionally there is an absorbable form of glutathione and a significant amount of co-enzyme Q-10. This combination has effectively demonstrated its ability to enhance cognition, reduce some of the aging processes and reverse age-related hearing loss. There is no concern about taking more, but it becomes very costly to take that much.

    I hope this answers your questions. Bottom line, we strongly believe and have data from some of our work and others that the doses we are using are not only safe but highly effective at warding off the damaging effects of free radicals and age-related decline. 
  • Can you tell my of the danger of taking a supplement like the breast enhancing supplement listed below when one has or has had breast cancer? The particular supplement that I am asking about is below.This is the ingredient list for a herbal breast enhancement product.
    3 capsules contain:
    • Feugreek Extract 220mg
    • Saw Palmetto 350mg
    • Fennel Seed 200mg
    • L-Tyrosine 130mg
    • Mexican Wild Yam 200mg
    • Kelp 90mg
    • Damiana Leaf 50mg
    • Dong Quai Root 50mg
    • Mother's Wort 48mg
    • Blessed Thistle 150mg
    This is is a theoretical, but possible concern. There are several ingredients that have phytoestrogens and or progesterones in them and in my opinion you should not take this or other related products given the situation you mention.

    Fenugreek has estrogen like saponins (if you have an estrogen receptor positive breast CA, probably should avoid...could theoretically make the tumor grow.

    Wild yam also has phytoestrogens

    Damiana has progesterone receptor binding capabilities.

    Because of the above, it would be my recommendation that if you have a history of a breast or ovarian cancer (or other hormonally modulated cancer-ask your doctor to be sure), you should avoid this or other similar products. This is PRECISELY the reason that I tell people not to take BLV Co PMS or Menopause formulae if they have a breast cancer that is estrogen receptor positive.
  •  
  • Both of my parents needed hearing aids by their early 70s and I already know my hearing is not what it used to be. I try to eat my 5-9 fruits/vegies per day, take your aniti-oxidant, fish oil, and Ca Mg formula daily. Is there anything else you would recommend I do to protect my hearing other than avoid exposure to loud noises?Congratulations on doing some things very well. While genetics/heredity are very important they are not (thankfully) everything. We have strong scientific evidence that Body Language Vitamin Co's Anti-age/Energy formula can slow and in some cases reverse sensorineural hearing loss. This is the basis of a patent that was awarded to me in the late 90's. Additionally, we have strong evidence to support the use of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) to slow and possibly reverse noise and age-related hearing loss. To this effect, as well as many other benefits, we have designed the absolute best essential oils formula that includes lecithin (phosphatidylcholine). The balance of essential oils in our body is critical to optimum health (Please see our powerpoint presentation and word presentation on essential oils). Lastly the importance of N-acetyl cysteine and grape seed extract (resveratrol) cannot be underestimated. There is extensive evidence in the literature and it is the basis of two grants that I have that show the benefits of these compounds and their ability to slow and reverse many of the aging processes including hearing loss. We also have an excellent presentation on novel ways to treat sensorineural hearing loss. I presented this to the Academy of Sciences in Prague and to an international symposium on hearing loss. The long story short is we can certainly help. I highly recommend Body Language Vitamin Co Antioxidant formula, anti-age/energy formula and the essential oils formula.
  • I have lost my sense of smell, are there any alternatives that may be of benefit?Loss of sense of smell (anosmia), is unfortunately a fairly common entity. It is important to realize that this DOES NOT mean loss of sense of taste; the two are very different. We must remember that the sense of smell is critical for our experience with many aspects of life including food, responses to members of the opposite sex,etc. Interestingly, people who lose their sense of smell tell us that they can not taste, when in fact their taste sensation is almost always normal. (Remember when you have a cold and you cant smell anything because your nose is so plugged, you likely have said..."I cant taste anything"...this is a fallacy as taste refers to the perception of salt, bitter, sweet and sour). However our perception of that particular taste seems altered because the aroma of food etc are very important to us.

    The most common cause of anosmia is damage to the neural filaments high in the nose. This damage most commonly occurs after the common cold or flu like virus. While estimates are not clearly known, it is estimated that about 1:100,000 people will develop this problem after a bout with the common cold. Head trauma is probably the second most common cause and idiopathic (the medical term for "we havent a clue" runs a close third.

    Most commonly Dr's will evaluate you with a direct examination of your nose to rule out more common obstructive causes like polyps or a "very" allergic nose (so much internal swelling that the airflow is so poor that you cant smell things well). Occasionaly, they may recommend studies such as CAT scans or MRI's for further evaluation.

    The most commonly used treatment would be oral and possibly nasal steroids for 1-3 weeks. Sometimes this may be of some benefit.

    From a more natural realm the verdict is still out, but many tout the benefit of Zinc. Additionally, trace metals such as copper and boron may be of some benefit as might lutein. B vitamins MIGHT be of some benefit as they are important for neural function. In fact you can get all that you need by taking Body Language Vitamin Co MVI and antioxidant formulae

    Acupuncture and homeopathy have also had a role in helping some patients.

    Lastly, at the onset of a cold take Body Language Vitamin Co cold and flu formula and your cold will end quickly and you might spare your sense of smell
  • What is squalene?Squalene was first discovered by Dr. Tsujimoto of Japan. Squalene is an extract of shark liver oil from the Aizame shark which is a deep water shark. It has been suggested that shallow water sharks do not make squalene.

    Squalene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon (chemical formula C30H50), which easily produces oxygen by combining with water. Squalene has been purpoted as having a key role in maintaining health.

    Sharks have been found to have an innate immunity to cancer and disease. People are taking shark cartilage and squalene to attempt to enhance immunity and fight off cancers

    Squalene is also found in very small amounts (0.1 to 0.7%) in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice, bran oil and yeast. The most abundant source, again is deep sea sharks as they produce it in their liver (squalene is not found in sharks living at shallow sea levels).

    Squalene, a byproduct of natural Vitamin A commercial production, also is converted on its biochemical path to cholesterol synthesis, into 7-dehydrocholesterol, which on exposure to the sun becomes Vitamin D.

    Limited evidence exists that when taken as a dietary supplement, it has preventative effects against carcinogenesis. There are many other claims for its use in patients with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and hepatitis, and its use is highly recommended for people who suffer from gastritis. Squalene can help normalize blood cholesterol levels in people who eat a lot of fatty foods. Squalene reportedly helps the skin get the nutrients it needs. 
  • I think I read somewhere that you shouldn't take fish oil capsules if you are taking aspirin. Is there any truth to this?The active ingredients in fish oils are eicosopentanoic acid (EPA) and docosohexanoic acid (DHA). These are very important fatty oils (good fats) that have many healthful properties. One primary area of interest is the fact that in numerous studies, these compounds have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and in some cases cancer. One mechanism of action with fish oils is that they reduce the stickiness of the platelet (this is believed to impart at least some of its healthy benefits). Aspirin (ASA) is a cycloxygenase inhibitor and an irreversible inhibitor of platelet activating factor (PAF). The dose of ASA required to inhibit all of a person's platelets is 20 mg every other day. However, most physicians recommend a baby ASA (81 mg/day) while some physicians recommend even more. Aspirin, like fish oil, will reduces the "stickiness" of the platelet. Although both fish oil and aspirin can affect (positively) the platelet, I do not believe that the two are contraindicated. More simply put, in my opinion the two should be safe. It should be remembered that In life there are few guarantees and science is continually evolving. Note you should read Body Language Vitamin Co's scientific update # 6 (see educational resources) and our document titled "The Skinny on Essential Fatty Acids"
  • DHEA -- I understand this is a hormone. It seems to be a cure all for whatever ails you. In my case, I was wondering if it will help with my low libido problem? I read that 10 mg once a day can help. Is there any truth to ths? Would it conflict with Zocor or Plavix?Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is a steroid with weak androgenic (male hormonal properties) activity. DHEA is made in the adrenal glands and your body produces approximately 7 mg/d in the form of DHEA and DHEAS (the S is sulfate). After about the age of 25 years the levels fall significantly. In the body, DHEA converts to 5-androstenediol (5-AD) or androstenedione (4-dione) (this is what Mark McGuire was taking) then finally to testosterone. It has been reported to help weight lifters and athletes enhance their performance, increase libido and it has been touted to slow some of the processes of aging. It has also been shown to stimulate the immune system and have anti-obesity effects. Now the bad news, the evidence for the reported benefits is highly controversial. The side effects include but are not limited to insulin resist (can mimic some of the symptoms of diabetes) the growth of facial hair, scalp hair and it may cause liver problems. Lastly, there are some who believe that it may increase the risk for prostate problems. After careful review of the literature, it is clear to me that it is unlikely that DHEA will cause prostate cancer, but it has been shown to increase the amount of prostate swelling in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). People are typically taking 10-50 mg/day. There is little doubt in my mind that it can and does enhance libido in some situations, and to my knowledge there is no contraindication in patients taking Zocor or Plavix. You should note that many of the hormones ie testosterone, DHEA etc can upset the lipid profile in some situations, so while I do not believe that it will interfere with your Zocor or other statin drugs, it may increase your lipids (doesn't always do this). You should always check with your physician and pharmacist when trying new things in this regard. I would also advise having your DHEAS levels drawn (note DHEAS is more sensitive and predicitive than DHEA). For more details, please check out Body Language Vitamin Co. Educational Resources and look up our Powerpoint presentation on "Supplements for the Athlete" This talk has been given to members of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and the Vipers. Additionally, portions of this talk have been presented to other professional teams around the country.
  • What can you tell me about ambrotose cell to cell supplement?Ambrotose is a proprietary product sold by Mannatech, which is a multi-level marketing company.?

    The ingredients listed in their Ambrotose formula are as follows: Arabinogalactan (this is felt to enhance the immune system), rice starch (essentially a filler), manapol aloe vera gel extract (another proprietary product), gum ghatti, glucosamine and gum tragacanth.

    In my opinion the primary active ingredient in this product is the arabingalactan. You can get what you "need" by taking brewers yeast (far less expensive and probably better at enhancing the immune system) Brewers yeast has beta 1,3 1,6 beta glucans which have been shown to enhance the immune system. Cost of Brewers yeast is probably several dollars for a several month supply. 
  • I read something about copper being necessary for angiogenesis-a requirement for metastatic cancer. In that case I would like to avoid supplemental copper, which is in all the multivitamins I have looked at. Any suggestions?Copper is known to be important for angiogenesis (angiogenesis, means the formation of new blood vessels). Tumors often secrete angiogenesis factors. This means that tumors secrete substances that facilitate the formation of new blood vessels (A tumor can not grow if it is starved for blood, and grows better if there are more blood vessels feeding it). Copper has been shown to facilitate angiogenesis. The long story short is that no one knows for sure if the RDA of copper (2 mg/day) is enough to let a cancer grow. Most would probably say no, not enough copper. I still allow my cancer patients to take the amount of copper in a routine multivitamin, but I do not encourage excess amounts of copper. Another interesting point is that green tea extract is believed to impart its anti-cancer properties by having ANTI-antgiogenesis factors. So moral of the story is, it is probably safe to have the amount of copper that is in your multi, but drink more green tea to possibly help fight off your cancer (we have an excellent amount of green tea extract in Body Language Vitamin Co antioxidant formula). If you feel compelled to have absolutely no additional copper, then we can always make you a terrific multivitamin without copper.
  • I have been told by a nutritionist that l-glutathione cannot be absorbed in a pill or capsule form. I note that l-glutathione is one of the nutrients in your anti-aging formula. How can it be of use in this form?In general it is well known that l-glutathione alone is poorly absorbed. Part of our patent has shown that glutathione levels were significantly increased. Thus there appears to be a synergy with our four ingredients. Furthermore, if you are taking our antioxidant formula then you are getting n-acetyl cysteine which is well absorbed and is promptly converted to glutathione.
  • How do you determine what vitamins are needed for a given body type?First of all, it is important to consider many individual variables when determining what supplement is right for you and how much of that supplement you need. These variables include, age, height, weight, skin color, diet, smoking and alcohol history, exercise patterns, medical problems, blood type and family history just to name a few. These questions are accounted for in Body Language Vitamin Co's copyrighted and thorough health scan.

    Some companies strongly recommend formal testing to see specifically what it is that you might be lacking. Body Language Vitamin Co offers this testing, but I do not routinely recommend its use for a number of reasons. Although it has real market appeal (ie my Doctor/Nutritionist, tested my blood, urine and hair and designed a supplement just for me!), I have been involved in this area of study since 1981 and have tested thousands of people and have identified approximately 5 people with a true deficiency (and the supplements I would have recommended would have covered these deficits anyway). Thus, I find it difficult in the cost/benefit ratio to (in good conscience) make everyone go through these tests. The next concern raised is this: If almost no one is deficient, then why do you recommend supplementation?

    Even if you have a healthy diet and have minimal stress in your life, it continues to be my opinion that supplementation is not only appropriate, but imperative if you want to increase your likelihood of living a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Routine supplements typically just give you the bare minimums; the RDA's or less. The RDA’s are neither minimal levels nor optimal levels (source-from the Recommended Dietary Allowance Book). There is enough science out there to support using 400 i.u. of V-E per day yet the RDA for V-E remains 30 i.u. I can go through every single supplement and show how, in my opinion, the RDA’s are too low, perhaps with the exception of folic acid whose RDA is now appropriate based upon the huge study by Rimm et al. 1998. Consequently, my rationale for recommending supplements is to reduce the likelihood of many diseases and disorders that occur with the natural aging processes (this has been the basis of my scientific studies since 1981-all of which has been published in peer-reviewed journals).

    Having said all of this, I still have not completely answered the question of how I know which supplement is right for you. In brief, I designed and created these supplements with years of clinical and basic scientific research. The formulations are based upon the needs of all people. We have created supplements that will be beneficial for 99.875% of all people. This means that well less than 1% of the population might need a little more. Body Language Vitamin Co supplements are designed with the clear idea of prevention and wellness promotion. I believe that it is much more important to prevent disease and set optimum health, not as a vision, a hope or a dream, but as a reality for all people. It is these efforts that form the basis behind the lifestyle we need to practice and the supplements that we need to consume.
  • Are there any supplements; vitamin or herbal (natural) ways to improve upon fertility for my husband and myself?A couple is considered infertile if they have tried to conceive for a year or more without success. Surprisingly this occurs in approximately 16% of couples and the difficulty is equally distributed between both men and women. There are many causes of infertility, many of which can be helped. It is always critical to seek a physician consult prior to delving into some of the alternatives/suggestions provided below.

    Proper nutrition, exercise, health, rest and low stress are important when trying to conceive. Your diet should be varied and healthy. It is important to limit caffeine, nutrasweet and aspartame. It is also important to avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Drink plenty of healthy fluids such as water and pure fruit juices. This information is critical for both men and women.

    Specifically for the male, it is important to wear loose fitting underwear such as boxer shorts. If the testicles are too close to the body (snug fitting pants and undergarments cause this) the temperature within the testicle rises and this can reduce the sperm count.

    Women should consider a small amount of iron each day (10-20 mg/day). Also remember if you do not have enough body fat, you will have a difficult time conceiving. If you are significantly underweight, your ovulatory cycle will likely be off. Additionally if you exercise too aggressively it may also reduce your fertility (ie 7 days a week for 1 or more hours each day)

    For both the man and the woman I advise (and there is scientific support to validate these suggestions-see below) increasing your intake of vitamin C (500-1500 mg/day), vitamin E (400-800 i.u. per day), zinc (15-40 mg/day), B-12 (10-100 micrograms/day (mcg)), beta-carotene (8000-15000 i.u. per day) (note-not vitamin A, but beta-carotene), selenium (100-200 mcg/day), co-enzyme-Q10 (30-100 mg/day), vitamin B6 (15-100 mg/day), folate (400-800 mcg/day). All of the supplements just listed can be obtained in the perfect balance by using Body Language Vitamin Co. Multivitamin formula, Antioxidant formula and the Anti-age/energy formulae.

    For a more detailed answer that includes many herbs that may be of benefit please look under educational resources.
  • Can you tell me about vitamin K?Vitamin K is one of the fat soluble vitamins. It is best known and is most important as a member of the clotting cascade. In other words it is important for stopping bleeding if you get cut. It has also been shown to be important for proper bone density. On a historical note, it used to be given frequently to children undergoing tonsillectomy to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding.

    Vitamin K is one of the few vitamins that we get enough of from our diet (primarily green leafy vegetables). Additionally, we synthesize approximately 50% of our daily V-K needs in our intestine (gut). It is actually made by healthy bacteria in our intestine. If you take even ONE antibiotic pill you wipe out the ability to produce V-K (for a short while).

    In my opinion (in the majority of situations) it is not appropriate to oversupplement with K, because it can promote clotting. Theoretically, it could increase your risk of heart disease, stroke or blood clots. At Body language Vitamin Co we put in 31% of the RDA (25 mcg) in our multivitamin formula and I dont think you should take much more. 
  • My Eye Doctor has suggested that I can reduce the likelihood of developing macular degeneration (the most common cause of blindness) by taking some eye vitamins. How do your supplements compare to Vite-eyes or Ocuvite for example?Body Language Vitamin Co (BLV) uses ONLY all-natural supplements which has been shown to enhance absorption and bioavailability. Additionally, all the minerals are chelated which also has been shown to enhance their absorption. Thus we would not comprehend the idea of using Zinc Oxide (for example), we use Zinc monomethionate. We think that all natural and chelated compounds is highly likely to enhance utilization as well.

    The occuvite/vite-eyes etc pale in comparison to BLV formulae. Additionally, there are many other ingredients that are good for every other system within your body. No reason to take the eye formula when there is BLV Co. 
    Ingredient Vite-eyes BLV Antioxidant BLV MVI
           
    Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) 15 mg 12000 i.u. 5000 i.u.
    Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 500 mg 800 mg 100 mg
    Vitamin E (Succinate) 400 IU 400 i.u. 100 i.u.
    Zinc * 80 mg

    Zinc Oxide

    		 30 mg

    Zinc monomethionate

    		 5 mg

    Zinc monomethionate
    Copper * 2 mg

    Cupric Oxide

    		 0 mg 2 mg

    Copper Glycinate
    Lutein 6 mg 5 mg 0 mg
    *Note: All of Body Language Vitamins Minerals are chelated which enhances their absorption. Glycinate and monomethionate are forms used for chelation. Oxide and carbonate forms are used in lower quality supplements.
  •  
  • I have been a Body Language Vitamin taker for several years, and now find myself expecting a child. I am taking the prescribed pre-natal vitamins, but am wondering if I can still continue with the Anti-Aging Energy formula, the Antioxidant formula and the Multivitamin formula. I thought I would ask my OB/GYN on my next visit, but trusting Dr. Seidman's opinion, I thought I would roll the question out to you and see.There is little question in my mind that the supplements should be more than safe during pregancy and lactation. However, it is the word "little" that has me concerned. The safety of BLV CO supplements, during pregnancy has not been adequately studied (neither have almost any other suppelment). So being a person of caution, I would advise holding the Anti-age/Energy and Antioxidant formulas during pregnancy. This is likely overly conservative, but it is difficult for me to think any other way. Having said this, I know many people who continue to take the supplements during pregancy and while lactating and have reported no problems.
  • Are the Anti­age/Energy, Antioxidant and Multivitamin formulas safe to take while I am pregnant and breast feeding?I am a strong advocate of appropriate supplementation and feel that as a nation (in general) we do not make appropriate lifestyle choices (diet, supplements, tobacco use, exercise, weight, stress relief etc). Pregnancy and lactation (breast feeding) are (wonderful) situations that require extra caution with what you put into your body. So my opinion is that (in a nutshell) you should seriously consider using our proprietary multivitamin formula (has enough folate and many other nutrients great for the fetus and mom). I would advise against the Anti­age/energy and Antioxidant formulas until you have delivered. Once breast feeding (if you choose to do this­very good for the baby), you could add the Antioxidant safely, but I would still hold on the Anti/age energy formula until you are no longer breast feeding. 
  • How did Dr. Seidman become interested in designing supplements? I also heard that he designs supplements for many professional athletes around the world, how did this happen? I became interested as an adolescent. I never liked eating much more than pizza, hot dogs and Doritos! My parents did not encourage this diet, but I wouldn't eat much else. I knew this was not a very healthy diet, but most of my friends ate like this too. I became very interested in nutrition and I liked the idea of supplements but they were all full of sugar and probably weren't much better for you than a sweet tart. My interest peaked during my college years (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor), when I graduated with a B.S. in Human Nutrition. It was at this point that I knew I could design supplements that would be much better than even the best made supplements. I knew I could make something that would be better assimilated and absorbed and just better for the body. I had vats of specific supplements in my house and would mix vitamins A, C, E, selenium, ginkgo etc and provide a powder to my family and friends.I have been funded by the National Institutes of Health, The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, the California Table Grape Association and other major institutions to study the effects of aging, antioxidants, free radicals and many other important areas of science. I serve on the Scientific or Medical Advisory Panel for six major corporations, I am an editor or on the editorial review board of 5 major journals (including the American Journal of Chinese Medicine) and I have been fortunate enough to have been invited to lecture around the world. Besides being the Director of Otologic/Neurotologic Surgery for Henry Ford Health System, I am also the Medical Director of their Complementary/Integrative Medicine program (because of my study of nutrition and herbs). It is with this background that my business minded friends said "Michael-you are a nutrition expert, a self made herbalist, a Medical Doctor, a scientist and you have helped some of the most well known sports authorities in the world, you need to have a business" I fought off the notion for about ten years, because I was uncomfortable with the idea of "Get your Seidman supplements" and I was worried about conflicts of interests. After ten years of prodding I realized that people really are not doing it right. Part of my job is to guide and counsel people. We tell people to quit smoking, to eat right and to exercise. I am convinced that this is all important, but I am also convinced through my years of research that it is also important to supplement with the correct nutrients. I firmly believe that we have the perfect solution.
  • When I was at the University of Michigan Medical School, it was clear that physicians really did not have an understanding of the nuances and importance of nutrition and appropriate supplementation-it was always highly overlooked and underrated. Soon through my medical associations, I was asked to "nutritionally" heal some of the local sports heroes of the Detroit Red Wings etc. The results were stunning for the team trainers and the coaches. Many players were to be out for 6-12 weeks and I had them back at full strength within 2-3 weeks in most cases. Before I knew it, I was asked to help them with the minor illnesses including the common cold and flu (our Cold and Flu formula works wonders).
  • Why are your supplements more expensive than some of the others? We are a high-end state of the art supplement. They are extremely high value at a fair price. Retail costs are 131.00/month (without discounts) when you order 6 months of the Anti-age (a patented supplement hence the higher cost), MVI and Antioxidant the cost is $628.80/6 months (instead of $786.00). When the calculations are done we find the following: Full retail is 1572.00/year or 4.30/day. If ordered in bulk (ie 6 or more month supply) the cost is 1258.00/year or 3.45/day. Either scenario is much less than the cost of lunch or even some chain brand coffee mugs and the benefits are superior to either. There are very few (if any companies) that use all natural sources (we do...this increases the cost by about 75-100%), almost no company (BLV does) uses chelated minerals (enhances their absorption by 45% and raises the cost by about 50%), and perhaps one or two companies have any science to substantiate their claims. All Body Language Vitamin Co products are either patented or proprietary (proprietary because years of basic and clinical science has gone into their development). Each and every nutrient used has been carefully thought out (based upon available data) to provide a safe level that offers protection. For example there are several well-documented studies to show that the risk of prostate, colon and breast cancer can be reduced by 18-27% by using 200 micrograms (mcg...not milligram or mg) of selenium. The RDA for selenium is still 50 mcg (too low). Many companies put selenium in their supplements, but do not use the yeast form or the methionate form (they are much more expensive but much better assimilated into the body). Most companies claim to put in CoQ-10 (very expensive), but read your label carefully. I recommend at least 15-30 milligrams per day (mg) and you can go much higher safely but it is VERY expensive, so the un-smart (or perhaps marketingly smart companies) put in 30 mcg (micrograms...therefore it is 0.03 mg! We are putting in 1000 times the amount) you must read the fine print carefully. Most antioxidant formulas do not use grapeseed extract, green tea extract or n-acetyl cysteine, our antioxidant has these and very high levels (also very expensive, but worth it).So while I agree that the expenditure in dollars is high, I truly believe that the value is ENORMOUS. This is not a Lincoln, a Jaguar or a Lexus, but it is the Ferrari, the Aston Martin, Lamborghini (but at a much more affordable cost).
  • I hope this explains our logic and I am sorry if you do not see the value, but I hope you can. 
  • The anti-age formula is patented. Studies in Europe, our lab and in California have shown that the compounds in our formula have "anti-aging" effects (we have published results (as have others) in peer-reviewed highly respected journals). Acetyl -l-carnitine (the less than scrupulous companies use plain carnitine-about 1/15th the cost and not well absorbed, vs. acetyl-l-carnitine which is very expensive and well-absorbed and where the science has been done). Alpha lipoic acid is also hugely expensive. All in all we think well worth the price of 3.45/day or 4.30 without any discounts. Ultimately, if production can increase significantly it is likely that costs may be able to come down a bit.
  • Most "high end" companies such as Rexall, Natures way, Mannatech, Atkins, Amway, Usana etc have programs that average 150-300.00 per month; thus, generally speaking we provide outstanding supplements that are less expensive. Conversely, we are NOT competing with the one-a-day companies, because they don't even come close to the nutrient level, quality or hard-core science used to develop our unsurpassed supplements.
  • Where can I purchase BLV Co.'s outstanding supplements? Body Language Vitamin Co's patented and proprietary all natural supplements can be purchased at
    Vitamin Outlets (in Michigan-there are 10)
    Nutri Foods (in Royal Oak)
    Henry Ford Health System (West Bloomfield Pharmacy-248-661-6488) They can ship to you as well.
    Apple a Day (in Findlay Ohio)
    Some Doctors offices.
    Henry Ford Health System's Center for Complementary/Integrative Medicine (248) 380-6248
    And, you can always order on line at Body Language Vitamin Co.
  • Is it appropriate for Doctors to recommend and sell supplements? This is an important question, one that raises a certain amount of controversy. Some people say that Doctors should not sell anything from their offices, others say of course they should, provided they have evidence that what they are selling may be of benefit.We tell people to quit smoking, lose weight, eat right and exercise, yet most people don't do this. There is indeed disagreement about the use of supplements, but in my opinion and in the findings of many scientific articles, appropriate supplementation with the correct nutrients has overwhelming beneficial health effects. I firmly believe that Body Language Vitamin Co has carefully, scientifically and with your health in mind, created the best possible nutritional solutions. This is why many physicians use these supplements for themselves and the ones they love.
  • A cardiologist listens to your heart. He hears something unusual and recommends an EKG. The EKG has abnormalities and the same Dr. recommends a cardiac catheterization. While most of us do not think of the Dr. as selling something to you, in effect that is precisely what happened. The cost of the Dr. visit, the EKG and the cardiac catheterization is approximately $2500.00-3000.00. These costs are fair and appropriate. What if there was a way to perhaps prevent some of this illness, such as taking supplements on a daily basis, even if they are $2.00-4.00/day. In the long run this will prove to be far less expensive than the tests mentioned above.
  • Will I notice a difference in how I feel after taking these supplements and how long might it take to see the difference? In general, most people using these supplements notice a positive effect within 1-2 weeks. Others may take several months before they feel any different. Still others will not notice any difference whatsoever. If you are already relatively healthy, it is unlikely that you would notice a monumental difference. About 50% of our healthy users feel like someone turned on the light switch and they report significant enhancement in their energy and their general well being. The other half does not notice a startling difference. Personally, I have always had more than enough energy to do the things I enjoy doing. I have never noticed an effect from the supplements, but I take them because of an "insurance" value more than anything else. For example there is compelling information that you can reduce your risk of prostate, colon and breast cancer by 18-27% by using 200 micrograms of selenium per day. The recommended dietary intakes still suggest 50 micrograms/day. There is also extensive information noting the benefits of grape seed extract and green tea extract. You don't find these in most supplements, but they are in Body Language Vitamin Co. supplements. Lastly, I receive letter after letter from clients who say their cholesterol levels have declined, their pap smears have normalized and other health problems have improved or resolved. While, these are indeed anecdote (single stories from many people) I truly believe that these supplements enhance your overall health, support the immune system and allow you to feel and function at your best level.
  • Do I need to supplement if I am at my appropriate weight, I am a non-smoker, I don't use alcohol, I have an excellent diet, I eat 5 helpings of fruits and veggies per day and I exercise five days per week? This person represents less than 5% of the world population. Even this person who is doing things just about perfectly, would benefit from appropriate supplementation. There have been several articles written that describe the huge decline in the nutrient value of our soil. So even with the ingestion of a healthy diet, we still have additional needs. I truly believe that everyone would benefit from nutritional supplements, even those of you who are "doing it right".
  • I have a sensitive stomach; will Body Language Vitamin Co. supplements irritate me? Body Language Vitamin Co. supplements are made of all natural ingredients without unnecessary fillers, starches or colorings. It is often the extra (non-necessary) ingredients that seem to irritate some people. Simply put these are not allowed in our supplements. The only potential for stomach irritation is in our Anti-age/Energy Formula (clearly noted on our labeling and on the website). This patented formula is acidic and in susceptible individuals it may bother your stomach. This happens in less than 5% of users. If this happens to you, be sure that you are taking it with a meal and it is equally important to take this with a full glass of water. If you still are having problems, drink one more glass of water and the problem should completely resolve. If not, please feel free to return the unused portion for a full refund.
  • Where are the Body Language Vitamin Co. supplements made? Our supplements are made in an FDA inspected laboratory. All assurances for sterility, accuracy, absorbability and disintegration are carefully monitored and tested in this laboratory. The supplements can be made in other facilities, but none have matched the superior quality of our facilities. This is important to me as it helps to ensure safety and outstanding quality. Yes it makes them more expensive, but you are worth it.
  • Are there any dangers to taking these supplements? The easy answer is that there are no guarantees in life (except that if for any reason you are unsatisfied with our supplements, we will refund your money). People have died taking an aspirin.Some of our supplements have ginseng and ginkgo in them, which may increase your risk of bleeding; therefore I recommend discontinuing the herb containing supplements 10 days prior to any surgical procedure.
  • In conclusion, these supplements are exceedingly safe, but there are certain situations (i.e. ten days prior to surgery) that they should be discontinued. 
  • Statistics have shown that there are approximately 300,000 deaths per year from smoking, 300,000 deaths per year from poor lifestyle choices, 100,000 deaths per year from pharmaceutical accidents and zero deaths per year from commercially prepared herbs (excepting Ma Huang) and one death per year from vitamins.
  • How should I take these supplements? The best way to take supplements (to achieve steady levels) is to have a large football sized supplement placed inside your body (however most people will not allow me to do this). The next best way would be to take the supplements 4-6 times per day (also not very practical). Then the next best way is 2-3 times/day and lastly once per day.
  • I recommend that you take one anti-age/energy; two MVI's and one antioxidant pill each morning with breakfast and a full glass of water. In the evening take one MVI and one antioxidant with dinner. If you find that you are skipping your evening dose, you are doing your body a disservice and I would then recommend that you take all six pills in the AM.
  • Is it true that liquid vitamins and minerals are better absorbed than solid ones? Liquid minerals ie colloidal are indeed better absorbed. However, I am concerned with too much of a good thing. Non-chelated minerals (used in most supplements, because they are inexpensive) are absorbed at a rate of about 2-5% (in some situations up to 10-15%). Chelated minerals (the mineral is bound to an amino acid and this is the type that I recommend) are absorbed at ~45-50%, and colloidal minerals are absorbed at 90+%.Some vitamins can be put into liquid form, many are a suspension and are then rapidly absorbed, giving you a high and rapid peak, but just as rapid a fall off. So in summary, the way that I have designed my supplements is to disperse the nutrients over a 3-5 hour time frame. Thus, Body Language Vitamin Co has the best idea.
  • I am a believer of moderation and the very high absorption is concerning to me on a daily basis. I have used the colloidal minerals for some of my clients for nutritional healing for 1-3 months, but I would not recommend longer durations.
  • Should the supplements be taken, before, after or between meals? It is my recommendation that you take the supplements with meals. This facilitates the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E and K for example). Additionally, as the Anti-age/Energy formula is acidic, it requires food for optimal absorption. 
  • If taken with meals, are there any foods or drinks that may reduce absorption and should therefore be avoided when the supplements are taken? What about medications? In general most foods are okay. Foods with Olestra (like "Wow" potato chips) or other binding like agents (benechol to lower cholesterol and cholesterol lowering drugs), may reduce your absorption of certain vitamins and essentially drag them out of your system (with the cholesterol). It has been shown that grapefruit juice in particular and some other citrus like juices may alter the absorption of medications that affect blood pressure. While no direct studies have been done to assess the effect on supplements, I always advise using water to take your supplements.
  • There are always potential drug-drug, herb-drug, supplement-drug interactions. It is almost impossible to know and understand all the possible interactions. In general most supplements mix safely with most drugs. There are no absolutes in life and particularly in medicine. There is a specific interaction with cholesterol fighting medicines as I will describe. Since your liver makes most of your body's cholesterol in the evening, most doctors recommend taking your anti-cholesterol medication in the evening, this is the best time, ie at bedtime. So if you take your supplements twice a day; in the AM and with dinner, then 4-5 hours later when you go to bed, you can take your cholesterol reducing medicine and it will not have a significant adverse effect on your supplements. Please remember that many herbs (the four most common are Ginkgo, ginger, ginseng and garlic) can increase your risk of bleeding. These herbs are relatively contra-indicated (not really advised) when you are taking heparin or coumadin. Some people have argued that care should be exercised if you are taking motrin, plavix or aspirin, I feel that it is relatively safe to use these herbs with the last three drugs mentioned. Again, the science is not absolute in this arena.
  • I was told kids vitamins should be PABA free, what are your thoughts? Initially, I was leaving PABA (para amino benzoic acid) out of my childrens formula, however, after very careful consideration and after reviewing multiple scientific articles, I felt that the benefits far outweigh any potential risks. Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) is critical for red blood cell formation. It is similar to folic acid and actually facilitates production of folic acid from (healthy) bacteria in our intestinal tract. Some have considered it a B-complex factor (facilitating the effect of some B-vitamins). It is an excellent sunscreen (when applied topically). One word of caution is that if your child is using Sulfa antibiotics, PABA can interfere with Sulfa's activity. Thus, you should stop if for the time the child is using sulfa antibiotics. It is extremely safe at doses of 50 mg/day. I have put 10 mg in to get the known benefits, but not so much as to be a concern.
  • On the bottle of the anti-age tablets it says that in higher doses it may reduce the effects of Alzheimers and Parkinson' disease. Can you explain? Also what are the first two ingredients? My doctor laughed at me for taking "anti-age" vitamins. I would like to intelligently explain to him what this is about. There is extensive scientific evidence that mitochondrial function declines with age, probably as early as our twenties. (The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell producing nearly 98% of our body's energy needs) A leading theory on aging, the mitochondrial clock theory, is based upon a gradual decline in mitochondrial function because of DNA damage from Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (ROM) (also known as free radicals). With aging, energy production is reduced. In my laboratory we have found (in placebo controlled studies) that we can safely upregulate (enhance) mitochondrial function. We can also reduce (significantly) the amount of DNA damage in the mitochondria. We have published in peer reviewed journals our ability to reverse age related hearing loss and we have a new grant submitted to the NIH to study the effects of these compounds on aging. Our preliminary results demonstrate that we can enhance cognition (mental abilities) using our patented formula. If your Doctor is very interested, you can suggest these references:Seidman MD, Bai U, Khan M, Murphy MP, Quirk WS, Castora FJ. The Association of Mitochondrial DNA Deletions and Cochlear Pathology: A Molecular Biologic Tool. Laryngoscope. June 1996; 106:777-783.Bai U, Seidman MD, Hinojosa R, Quirk WS. Mitochondrial DNA Deletions Associated with Aging and Possibly Presbyacusis: A Human Archival Temporal Bone Study. American Journal of Otology. July 1997: 18(4):449-453.Seidman MD, Shirwany NA, Quirk WS. Aging of the Cochlea. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. October 1998: 6:296-300.Seidman MD, Kahn MJ, Bai U, Shirwany N, Quirk WS. Biologic Activity of Mitochondrial Metabolites on Aging and Age-Related Hearing Loss. Am J Otol. 2000:21:161-167.Seidman MD. Aging Ears: Prevention and Reversal Strategies. Hearing Loss. April 2001: 22(2):21-25.Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) (150 mg) Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a coenzyme necessary for normal mitochondrial function and energy production. This vitamin-like substance has been supplemented orally for health benefits and has also been used as a therapeutic agent in a variety of liver and brain disorders, as well as mushroom poisoning. Consideration has also been given to the use of ALA in the treatment of diabetes and recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated improvement in age related hearing loss (Seidman et al in press). We have also shown its ability to enhance mitochondrial function (safely), which allows for increased energy production.Dietary supplementation of ALA successfully prevents heart damage induced by reduced blood supply as is seen in heart attacks. Presently its primary therapeutic use is for the treatment of diabetic induced nerve dysfunction (neuropathy). The reduced form of alpha-lipoic acid is dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). DHLA prevents lipid peroxidation which is the end stage of free radical damage. It does this by reducing glutathione which in turn recycles vitamin E. DHLA has also been demonstrated to be a reactive oxygen metabolite scavenger (an antioxidant), to reduce peroxyl, ascorbyl and chromanoxyl radicals and to inhibit singlet oxygen (these are all beneficial effects).Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) is a biological compound which plays a key role in the transport of fatty acids from inside the cell to the mitochondria for J-oxidation. This is a crucial step for energy production. ALCAR controls the metabolism of sugars, lipids and amino acids, thus playing a pivotal role in cellular energy and turn over of cell membranes and proteins. A positive effect on survival was observed in rats treated with ALCAR (Markowska et al 1990). The mechanisms of this effect are currently unknown, but they are very similar to the survival observed in rats fed a restricted caloric diet. Chronic treatment with ALCAR enhances stimulation of antioxidant defenses. It also enhances the age-related effect of glucocorticoid secretion, and improves learning and memory possibly due to its ability to increase the release of acetylcholine. Pretreatment of old rats with ALCAR was able to bring back the levels of mitochondrial transcripts to adult levels in a time and dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, studies in our laboratory have shown improved hearing in aged subjects compared to controls. Additionally, the treated subjects had improved mitochondrial function, energy production and there was evidence for a reduction in mitochondrial damage (Seidman et al 2000).ALCAR has been shown to be capable of restoring the integrity of the cardiac mitochondrial membrane altered by aging (specifically the cardiolipin content), thereby restoring the normal activity of cytochrome oxidase, adenine nucleotide translocase, and phosphate carrier. This allowed more efficient energy production and results in improved cardiac performance in the aged.Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) is crucial for mitochondrial function and is essential in the generation of energy. It was first recognized in 1957 as a component necessary for oxidative phosphorylation (the process by which the mitochondria makes energy). Reduced CoQ-10 functions as an antioxidant and can therefore combat the production of free oxygen radicals. Additionally it appears to function by preventing the initiation and propagation of lipid peroxidation (the end stage of free radical damage). There is evidence supporting an age-related decline of CoQ-10 in humans and other species, thus further supporting the membrane hypothesis of aging. CoQ-10 is currently used alone or in combination as a health/nutritional supplement. It has shown promise in enhancing heart function and has been used medicinally in European countries for this purpose. It us in this regard is gaining momentum in the USA. It may also be useful in cognitive and other neurologic disorders (i.e. Alzheimerís disease and diseases that produce muscle weakness such as certain muscular dystrophies).Glutathione: (30 mg)Glutathione (L-K-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) detoxifies reactive oxygen species (it acts as an antioxidant). It is also involved in the metabolism and detoxification of certain drugs. Mitochondrial glutathione is critical to cell viability and the glutathione redox cycle is a primary antioxidant defense system within the mitochondrial. Additional functions include intracellular binding, transport of lipophilic substances and prostaglandin synthesis.Many studies have demonstrated that alterations of glutathione levels through excess or reduced production have a beneficial or harmful influence on cellular function, respectively. Specifically, it has been shown that glutathione reduces gentamicin induced cochlear damage and that gentamicin ototoxicity may be attenuated using glutathione. It has also been shown that the mechanism for toxicity of certain clinically used drugs occurs secondary to reduced glutathione levels with an increase in reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have demonstrated an age-associated 86% reduction in glutathione levels in the auditory nerve. Thus, it can be hypothesized that hearing loss may occur in part because of reduction in glutathione levels with age.
  • Studies of patients with Alzheimerís disease have demonstrated age-dependent decreases of glutathione-peroxidase activities and their cofactors. If you require more information please feel free to contact me. My office is 248-661-7211. 
  • Coenzyme Q-10: (60 mg)
  • Acetyl L-carnitine: (150 mg)
  • This patented product combines two mitochondrial metabolites and two mitochondrial respiratory chain precursors that enhance mitochondrial function. In animal and human studies these metabolites increase mitochondrial function, enhance energy production and may counteract some of the biochemical reactions associated with aging. The ingredients are as follows:
  • Seidman MD. Effects of dietary restriction and antioxidants on Presbyacusis. Laryngoscope. May 2000: 110(5):727-738.
  • Seidman MD, Shirwany N, Quirk WS. Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Their Effect on Cancer. Head & Neck. August 1999: 21:467-479.
  • Seidman MD, Bai U, Khan MJ and Quirk WS. Mitochondrial DNA Deletions Associated With Aging and Presbyacusis. Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. October 1997: 123:1039-1045.
  • I Saw a health feature on the news about Dr.Seidman. Is Phytonutrient Formula available yet? It would be helpful to see a list of the vitamins and the % Daily Value for each. The Phytonutrient formula will not be available for a while...I am still working out the kinks/details. The primary concern is providing enough of the raw nutrient to have a meaningful benefit. In my opinion there is not a phytonutrient formula available that provides the necessary amounts. Thus far, you would need to ingest the entire bottle and I do not think this is fair. So until I can get it right and worth the price, it is still in a holding pattern.Lastly, there are many powerpoint presentations that describe the importance of lifestyle, supplementation etc and describe the science that validates the central theme of helping people help themselves through responsible lifestyle, nutrition and supplementation choices.
  • The % daily value and list of supplement ingredients is available at Body Language Vitamin Company If you click on "Nutritional Solutions" (a task bar on the left) you will find each supplement. If you click on the supplement of interest, you will find the information you are looking for. If you would like "claims" about the supplement, you will find this information by clicking on the "Order" task bar and clicking on each of the individual supplements. This is more detailed information that we are using to make the supplements available in other countries.
  • Why is it that you leave out iron from your supplements? Iron, in my opinion, should only be supplemented (beyond dietary consumption) In people who have iron deficiency anemia, specific absorption problems (where the individual cannot absorb it from the foods they eat) or if the individual is menstruating. I have many women of menstruating age that use Body Language Vitamin Co supplements and to them I suggest that they consider an iron supplement.

    A very real problem with Iron is that it acts as a pro-oxidant (the opposite of an antioxidant). A pro-oxidant facilitates the aging process in the body. This is extrapolated data from several studies that we have done, as well as others. Specifically, I have written many scientific-peer-reviewed articles that discuss the aging process in great detail, and one major mechanism of aging is an "oxidizing" phenomenon. Specifically, I believe (and have data to support it) that aging is mediated in large part by reactive oxygen species (ROS) also known as free radicals. These free radicals are highly toxic to the body--they oxidize it; iron facilitates this process. This is the primary process that I am trying to offset with the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, the minerals that support those antioxidants ie selenium, manganese and magnesium, and the "designer-high end" antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme-Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, grape seed and green tea extracts etc.

    Thus, I never put iron in any of my supplements and I recommend them in rare situations (excepting the menstruating woman). Furthermore, most menstruating women have normal iron levels despite the lack of supplementation of this mineral, and since there are no good studies to support over supplementation of iron, I leave it out of any supplements that I design.

    Iron can be obtained in fairly high amounts from green leafy vegetables, raisins and meats).
  • Can you tell me a little about Dr. Seidman’s background? Michael D. Seidman, MD FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) attained both his B.S. in Human Nutrition and M.D. from the University of Michigan. After a five year residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) he completed a fellowship in Otology/Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the Ear Research Foundation in Sarasota, Fla. Currently, he is the Director-Division of Otologic/Neurotologic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery for HFHS, Director of Otolaryngology Research Laboratory, the Co-Director of the Tinnitus Center and the Medical-Director of the Complementary/Integrative Medicine Program at HFHS. Additionally, he is an active scientist and has extramural funding from the National Institute of Health and other major institutions. He is considered an expert on the molecular basis of aging, noise induced hearing loss, otology/neurotology-skull base surgery, and in nutrition/antioxidants and their relationship to health and aging. He lectures around the world on such topics; has more than 75 major publications; numerous awards, and has been awarded a US patent on a supplement that positively effects age-related hearing loss and has several patents pending on, aging, mitochondrial function and Alzheimer’s disease. In 1997 he founded and became the CEO of Body Language Vitamin Co, whose emphasis is to promote health and enhance the lives of everyone through responsible vitamin, mineral, herbal, phytonutrient and enzyme supplementation as well as dietary modifications, exercise and stress reduction. Seidman is also a Co-Editor for the International Tinnitus Journal and is on the Editorial Review Board for four major Otolaryngology Journals. He has also been invited to serve on the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Dr. Seidman has been appointed to the Scientific or Medical Advisory Board of the Self Help for hard of Hearing People Inc., the Life Extension Foundation, IntraEar, the Ear Research Foundation, Nutrition superstores.com, GelTech, BASF and the American Tinnitus Association. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Lynn and has three wonderful children, Jake, Marlee and Kevin.
  • I have heard that Seidman works with many professional athletes to enhance their health and performance, what can you tell me about this? Dr. Seidman works closely with many professional athletes in town ranging from members of the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, Vipers, Marathon runners and many other professionals. He has been intimately involved with many pro-athletes, some college players and high school athletes. He has been asked to make specific recommendations and been involved in “nutritional healing” with many of Americas elite athletes. Additionally, he has been invited to talk to the teams about important nutrition and lifestyle related topics including: “Supplement Concerns”, “How to enhance your performance safely and legally” etc (you can find many of these talks and others on the website www.bodylangvitamin.com under “Educational Resources”
  • Does Dr. Seidman have weight loss programs available? No, Dr. Seidman believes that there are plenty of good people out there doing this work. He is more interested in helping people who have the following problems for example: “Mom died at 45 from colon cancer and Dad died at 50 of heart disease and Alzheimer’s, is there anything I can do?”. Most physicians will tell you to pack up your bags, get your life in order because you have lousy genes. While Seidman agrees with the lousy gene part, he vehemently disagrees with the rest. There is compelling evidence that you can reduce your risk for specific cancers, reduce your risk of heart and Alzheimer’s disease and more than 100 other human disorders by using specific supplements. This is the basis of what he has developed.
  • What are the products that you have developed and please tell us a bit about them? Why are they better than what is already available? First of all, I designed and created these supplements with years of clinical and basic scientific research. The formulations are based upon the needs of all people. They are designed with the clear idea of prevention and wellness promotion.

    I work for an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and although this health system is an excellent facility I believes, in many ways, that the training of physicians is backward, outdated and has the wrong focus. We are trained to take care of the sick and treat disease, and while this is important, I believe that it is much more important to prevent disease and set optimum health, not a vision, a hope or a dream, but as a reality for all people. As physicians, we are not trained to promote wellness and prevent disease. To me, this is where our training needs to re-focus. I have been studying wellness promotion and ways to optimize health since 1981. This is where our focus needs to be, and this forms the basis behind the lifestyle we need to practice and the supplements that we need to consume.

    General use formulas that work for 98+% of the population
    a) Anti-age formula (patented)
    b) Antioxidant formula
    c) MVI formula
    d) Cold and Flu formula
    e) Phytokids formula
    f) Individually designed formula (with copyrighted nutrition survey)

    Under development
    g) Phytonutrient formula
    h) Healthy heart formula
    i) Essential oils formula
    j) Sports drink
  • Why can’t I just take a one a day vitamin, isn’t it good enough? First of all this really isn’t just about vitamins or supplements. It is really about appropriate lifestyle choices.

    Eat appropriately
    Being your appropriate weight
    Eliminate smoking or other tobacco products
    Avoid other carcinogens whenever possible
    Exercise daily for 30-60 minutes (can take one-two days off a week)
    Eat 5-10 helpings of fruits and veggies
    Limit meat and dairy products
    Limit Fatty food intake
    Limit simple sugars
    Limit caffeine intake
    Reduce stress etc

    The one a day supplements, barely reach the RDA and in most cases don’t even provide the RDA. They argue that if you have a healthy diet, eat from the basic food groups, have 5 helpings of fruits and vegetables per day and have minimal stress in your life that supplementation is not necessary. The problem is that less than 98% of the American population fit that description, and even if you do it is necessary to supplement to support optimum health.

    The RDA’s are neither minimal levels nor optimal levels (source-from the Recommended Dietary Allowance Book). There is enough science out there to support using 400 i.u. of V-E per day yet the RDA for V-E remains 30 i.u. I can go through every single supplement and show how, in my opinion, the RDA’s are too low, perhaps with the exception of folic acid whose RDA is now appropriate based upon the huge study by Rimm et al. 1998
  • What are the other health care professionals saying about what you are doing? Many of Dr. Seidman’s physician and nursing colleagues are using the supplements that he has designed. The overwhelming majority have reported outstanding health benefits.

    He is frequently asked to give lectures around the world as well as locally and is actively involved with several cardiology groups and other physicians around the country.

    In general, most internist still recommend a one a day and a couple of tums. Primarily it is because most Dr’s. Do not really spend the time to understand the true role/benefit of nutritional supplementation. Many people will say you have expensive urine and you only excrete what you don’t need. While this may be true to some extent, Seidman is convinced that we need more than what can be provided in a healthy diet (and most of us don’t have a healthy diet) and by a simple one a day.
  • Why doesn’t everyone know about BLV supplements, they sound fantastic? Well, this is a good question but it comes down to marketing and capitalization. You can have a phenomenal product but if people don’t know about it, it can die. Dr. Seidman is competing with big players that have millions of dollars to promote mediocre products, that are less than effective. They have convinced the public that they have what they need and simply stated, they are wrong.
  • Do you think you can improve everyones health? Without sounding overconfident or arrogant, I can honestly say that I am convinced that I can improve everyone’s health and well-being.

    I wrote a letter to Bill Clinton and Donna Shalala about two years ago and I told them that I could practically guarantee 48% reduced sick days (across the nation), increased productivity and longer and healthier lifespans, with appropriate lifestyle and nutrition and supplementation. I still have not received a response. My cynical friends have said, can you imagine if you can increase lifespan, social security is in trouble as it is. If everyone were to live longer and better, we would really bust the piggy bank. To see the actual letter, please visit our Educational Resources task bar and look for “The letter to the President of the USA regarding health”
  • What, if any, products do you offer for the relief of "tinnitus," ringing or buzzing in the ears?I can not claim that any of our supplements will cure tinnitus (although, to date, there are no products that can make this claim). With this in mind our four main supplements (and I recommend these to almost everyone) (The Anti-age/Energy, Antioxidant, MVI and Essential oils formulae) can in some cases help patients with tinnitus. The mechanism behind the relief is possibly because the indivdual must have some nutritional deficiency or imbalance. (Often times laboratory evaluation may still be normal but the patient might have a "relative" deficiency state)

    This is more complicated than it seems, because a thoughtful individual would then ask why can't we determine the specific deficiency initially and treat more "specifically"? While there are laboratories that can assess your level of zinc, magnesium or B-12 for example, it is more likely than not that these values would be in the "normal" range. However, for some, as yet elusive, reason supplementation with whatever nutrient that might be (somewhat) deficient can help in some cases. I suspect that this has to do with a clinical situation where biochemically the values come in at the correct level, but physically and functionally, the person needs additional supplementation.

    So in short, I would recommend that you seriously consider our four supplements (provided that you are not on coumadin-a blood thinner). I am also a strong supporter of Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula Arches formula and have found that a number of my patients have noted improvement in their tinnitus.