My Defense Description from NATROL

[hades01]

Hi everyone TGIF!   
I was hoping to get your advice regarding this product. I am on atripla and i have seen improvement in my CD count but little more help to my immune system wont hurt right?
what do you think?

thanks

We start with ImmunEnhancer Arabinogalactan, a larch tree extract. Research suggests this natural compound supports the activity of macrophages (white blood cells). Then we add vitamin C, a tried and true nutrient important for immune function, and extracts from cranberry and papaya.

Natrol My Defense is a comprehensive formula that not only supports the immune system but also increases healthy gut microflora This formula promotes a healthy immune system by supporting the function of important white blood cells, protecting against cellular damage, and introducing a beneficial enzyme. It also contains a concentrated form of one of the polysaccharides that contribute to immune enhancement.

 
 

Supplement Facts 
Serving Size:3 caps
Servings per Container: 25 

 
Ingredient Amount % Daily Value**
Vitamin C 60mg 100
Arabinogalactan 1.5g †
Maitake Extract 50mg †
Cranberry Juice Powder 250mg †
Astragalus Powder (root) 100mg †
Papain 100mg †
 
** Percent Daily Value is based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
† Daily Value not established. 

[Ann]

Sounds like a good way to throw some money away. This kind of stuff isn't proven to do diddly-squat, but if you want to try it, just let your doctor know first.

I'm moving this to the Nutrition forum, as that is the forum to discuss supplements.

Ann

[hades01]

Thank you!!!!

[madbrain]

Thank you!!!!

Well, to give a slightly more detailed answer ...

I never heard of arabinogalactan . I'll have to research that one.

There have been some studies on maitake that are not very conclusive about anti-HIV activity. Basically, there is some in vitro activity, but nothing proven in vivo (in people).

The astragalus had some recent news about anti-HIV activity. Again, in vitro only. There are no studies of it in people. I have been taking it for a few months, but at higher doses (1g per day). I'm not sure if it's contributing to my good numbers or not.

So yes, given this, potentially you may be throwing some money away. It's possible that some of the in vitro anti-HIV activity exists in vivo too, but there is not enough research to say to which extent.

[hades01]

Thank you!
Your numbers are great considering that you are not n meds! 

[mecch]

We start with ImmunEnhancer Arabinogalactan, a larch tree extract. Research suggests this natural compound supports the activity of macrophages (white blood cells). Then we add vitamin C, a tried and true nutrient important for immune function, and extracts from cranberry and papaya.

Natrol My Defense is a comprehensive formula that not only supports the immune system......

Hi
When one copies into posts words that are not one's own, as here from the (?) manufacturer's product description, one should set off the text somehow - give a link, quotation marks, different color, etc.

Just my opinion, but makes it easier and clearer for everyone to understand what is a poster's text and what isn't, so we can respond accordingly.

I'm with Ann. Run this by your doctor, or perhaps a nutritionist with HIV treatment experience, or an herbalist with HIV treatment experience who works in complement with M.D.'s, and see what response you get. 

I'm all for complementary and alternative therapies but we want to make informed choices and not throw our money away.  Correct?

[madbrain]

Thank you!
Your numbers are great considering that you are not n meds! 

Thanks. Sometimes I wish I was just this set of numbers, because my great numbers don't prevent me from getting sick