Public warned vs dietary supplement boosting stem cells

MANILA, Philippines - The public was warned yesterday against a product being sold online as a dietary supplement to support the natural release of adult stem cells.

Kenneth Hartigan-Go, Food and Drug Administration acting director-general, said STEM ENHANCETM, manufactured by Stemtech Health Sciences Inc. in Oregon, is not registered with the FDA.

“The consumers are hereby warned that STEM ENHANCETM has no curative value,” he said.

“No clinical studies or scientific justification has been shown to substantiate the claim that it can release adult stem cells from bone marrow into circulation. The health claim is deceitful and fallacious.”

Go said the product is different from StemEnhance AFA Extract Food Supplement that the FDA had granted registration and labeled with “No Approved Therapeutic Claims.”

“The public is hereby warned not to use and patronize the online sale of the product,” he said.

Since STEM ENHANCETM is not registered with the FDA, its safety and health claims have not been evaluated, he added.

Go has encouraged those who underwent stem cell therapy and experienced “adverse reactions” to report to the FDA.

“Those who have availed such products or therapies and have experienced any untoward event or side effect or treatment failures as well as those currently availing such are highly encouraged to submit reports,” he said.