Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements...

This is a book authored by Lyle MacWilliams. It comes up from time to time as our Total Balance did not rank very highly. There is a valid reason for this.
In the following question posed by Jean I have in my reply tried to explain why:

Jean Wrote:

Thank you so much for your prompt response, Warren. Your character, concern and transparency is evident in everything I've read on your site and it is very much appreciated. Yes, your answer is helpful and I can't wait to buy the TB for both my husband and myself.

FYI....I came upon your site by doing a Google search for the book Nutrisearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements, authored by Lyle MacWilliam (who sat on the board of USANA from 2003-2006 during which time the book was released) rating USANA the highest among all other brands or at least always in the top 5. I have yet to see or buy the book but I was curious to find out if your company was in there or if you even know about the book. I don't know if I can even believe it to be an unbiased or a credible source with the little bit that I know now. (My personal trainer who recommended USANA cited that book as a reliable resource as to why.) At any rate, through those searches, I came upon Brett Seagrott's website (nutritional-supplement-truths.com) which is promoting your product TB; thus, here I am. So I suppose that begs the question, is your company only found by nutritional "die-hards" doing detailed searches for quality products? Because unfortunately, up until now I've not heard of Xtend-Life. Only if time allows an answer....Thank you again!

Warren comments:

You are right Jean…we really are only found by the nutritional ‘die-hards’. Our focus has always been on producing the best possible quality products at the best possible value for money. Marketing has taken a ‘back seat’ since we started 10 years ago as we have been satisfied with our growth, mainly from referrals from our existing customers.

With regard to Lyle MacWilliam's book, we were in the earlier editions but we asked not to be included in future. This is because our Total Balance rated poorly because of the criteria that they used when giving the ‘scores’. Not sure if they have followed through with our request.
The comparisons in his book are based on very simple products (which USANA’s and the others are) and as such they are comparing ‘apples with oranges’ if they include our products. For example, they ignore and do not rate all the very expensive and effective ingredients that are not commonly used…such as SAMe, vinpocetine and many more. They ignore the delivery system such as the enteric coating we use to product some of the more sensitive ingredients from being damaged by stomach acid.

If they were to include all these additional nutrients and delivery system and give them the rating they deserve we would be #1 with #2 way behind…but, given that MacWilliams has past or present relationships with the 'top ranking' companies he would not be too popular if he did that…so, the most convenient way is to ignore these other nutrients…which he does.

7 Responses

Hi Phyll,
There is only one genuine HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and that is one produced by a pharmaceutical company and is an injectable.  It is not a supplement and is only available by prescription.

However, there are dozens of companies on the internet promoting Growth Hormone as a supplement.  This is not HGH but rather a mixture of amino acids to help stimulate your own production of HGH, which is usually measured by IGF-1.

It is difficult to measure HGH because of the variation of levels throughout the day.
The amino acid mix can help raise levels of IGF-1 in younger people quite easily but has limited effect on those people over 40 years of age.  The ironic thing is that young people do not need additional HGH unless they have a condition which has brought about a deficiency.

HGH as an injectable should never be taken without a clear demonstrated need for it.  Levels need to be monitored by an expert professional in that field and should not be taken long termif at all by a healthy individual.

The best way to keep your HGH levels at a healthy level is to focus on your overall health.  To give an example, my HGH levels (as measured by IGF-1)are similar to a healthy individual 30 years my junior.  All I have done, other than follow a healthy lifestyle is take a full dose of our Total Balance for the last 10 years along with our Omega 3 fish oil.  I do use some of our other products but it is the Total Balance that helps with maintaining my good HGH levels.

I would be reluctant to take those high dose amino acids being promoted.  If you do only take them month on, month off.  Overall you are better to take the mix of amino acids on a regular basis as we provide for in Total Balance.

Warren Matthews November 22 2010

Hi Arnold,

Vinpocetine is included in the Men’s and Women’s Premium versions of Total Balance only. It helps to add neural-protection, contributes as an antioxidant, circulatory stimulant and is generally further beneficial to brain function, and age-related cognitive decline, including associated with hormonal reduction with age.

You are right in that all of our ingredients are pure and free from contaminants. All our ingredients go through rigorous testing, from a quarantine stage upon receipt from our suppliers, and further testing during and after processing to ensure purity remains.

Thanks
Joanna Maggs Msc

Xtend-Life Expert October 13 2010

Warren, I’ve been a consumer of "XTEND-LIFE" for years now. I found your products to be the best and most effective supplements I have ever taken:

TB Premium- Women
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil
Female Rejuvenator
Green Lipped Mussel
Neuro-Natural General
Viral-Protec
Bone-Protec
and Cardio-Klenz.

I have also tried your skincare products, which I liked very much but a bit pricy for me at this time!


Testimonial 1:
A couple of years ago, my daughter started exhibiting some health issues, after going to several traditional GYN doctors without any results, I found a holistic doctor that was able to help my daughter. After several consultations, it was discovered that my daughter has a Thyroid condition and her body was not absorbing any nutrients… once this was corrected, the doctor asked for a list of all supplements she was currently taking… the doctor was so impressed by the information provided to her, she asked for your website and agreed she continue taking your supplements.

Testimonial 2:
My daughter’s boyfriend has Type 1 Diabetes (since childhood). Again, I provided his Endocrinologist with the information on your "Diabet-Eze" and again the doctor was very impressed with your product and agreed he should take them… today, his blood sugars are more stable… so much so that the doctor wants him to start weaning him off of his insulin (1 out of the 2 daily injections). I say "BRAVO" Thank you Warren… stay true and stay strong

Loyal customer

Xtend-Life Expert October 09 2010

What is vinpocetine in your TB?

I am certain your products in general are manufactured with best available ingredients, so I do not worry about harmful contaminants.

Arnold Y Chong October 08 2010

Hi Adele,
That was very kind of you to take the time to share these experiences with us.  I am absolutely delighted that you and those close to you have received those benefits. We strive to do the best we can when we hear that it helps we sure feel good about making the effort. Thank you.

Warren Matthews October 12 2010

Warren,

Can you comment of the informationin louis Inguarno book No More Heart Disease? He as you know was awarded the noble prize for his studies in nitric oxide production in the epitheral of the blood vessels. He claims in his book that high doses of L-Arginine (5 grams /day and L-Citriline ( 2 grams per day) along with common anti-oxidents can significantly lower LDL levels and blood pressure. According to him you must take these high levels to get a response. He further implies that this therapy over time will clean up your cardio system, removing plaque. There are a number of companies some (MLM) that are now marketing cardio type cocktails based on these theroies. The book has been out for 6 years and I have not been able to find any clinical studies that support him or his book. I noticed that you have fairly high levels of arginine in one of your cardio products. Can you comment? I am on the verge of ordering your products as a new regime to lowering my LDL’s and improving my overall health. The question is will it be enough or should I proceed with this amino acid therapy?

Craig

Craig September 30 2011

Hi Warren,

I have subscribed to your newsletters for years now….missed them thee for awhile. I haven’t tried your products as yet because I live in Canada and the cost is beyond my budget at this time. The more I read about them, the more curious I am to try them. I don’t have a clue what is the best for you to take.
My question is "What is your opinion on Human Growth Hormones?" I have been reading alot about them the past few months and what I hear is very convincing but maybe you could explain to me what they do and are they safe or would they have side effects over a period of time? To your health, Phyll

Phyll November 16 2010

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