How do you know your Total Balance is true to label?
Question: from Gene
Do you test each batch of Total Balance Premium to confirm that each tablet contains what it says on the label? For example, 100mg chysin. A certificate of analysis, would either confirm or deny that there is 100mg of chysin in 7 tablets.
Answer: from Warren
This is a valid question.
Most companies only do a microbiological test for each batch. We also do that but additionally we do one for heavy metals as well. I do not know of any company who does a full assay on a completed multi-ingredient tablet for each batch. It is just not economically viable unless it is a very simple product. To give you an idea; we have around 85 ingredients in our Total Balance and to do an assay of the batch would cost US$35 000 each time, IF a protocol can be worked out to successfully do this.
This is the price we have had quoted by various laboratories including the NSF who we are working with on our US FDA GMP compliance program.The scientists at NSF have not as yet been able to come up with a protocol to achieve a reliable assay.
The problem is that you have to liquefy some of the ingredients to do the assay. In the process of doing the assay, the chemical composition changes which makes it incredibly complex. We are aware of the changes that take place as the interaction of all ingredients in the formula are studied at molecular level and these changes are supposed to take place. In other words we know that if you combine two or more ingredients and then liquefy them together the chemical composition of the mixed product will change. A bit like mixing up colors in paint.
So, from an assay point of view the whole process is fraught with problems and the end result is not particularly reliable. It is easy for a simple multi vitamin or mineral but not for a complex product like Total Balance which has not only vitamins and minerals but also amino acids, herbals, enzymes and other specialty nutrients.
To further reinforce this point, a few years ago we approached Consumerlab.com with the objective of having them test our products. They admitted that they could not test all the ingredients and we would just have to select a number of ingredients that could be tested. There was no point in doing that. If we were dishonest we could just make sure that those ingredients that were to be tested were present and basically put in anything for the rest.
In order to keep our products as fresh as possible we do small regular batches - generally around 1 600 bottles at a time. So, if we were to do an assay on each batch (if it could be done) it would add almost US$22 of cost per bottle which would be unacceptable to most of our customers.
Some companies make a big thing about having their products approved by a third party such as Consumerlab, but it really doesn’t mean much, simply because the test only applies to one batch a year and they may do 12 batches per year. This rarely covers all ingredients unless it is a simple product with only a few ingredients.
The FDA and all regulatory bodies recognize the practical difficulties and indeed the impossibility of doing a complete assay on all ingredients. It is for this reason why GMP programs provide for the proof of ingredient input to be quantified by input. In other words having a manufacturing process in which there can be no mistakes and no deviations and everything is cross referenced. This is what we do and why we welcome anyone visiting our factory to observe the processes, after which their minds are fully at rest.
I hope that this helps answer your question.
PS: I can assure you that the Chrysin and everything else on the label is present. I rely on the TB Men’s Premium myself for my own continuing good health.
Reader Comments
Warren funny this question came up! I live in New York and i'm a retail manager for a computer company. One of my customers came in wearing a lab coat and mask the other day. I asked him what he does and he said he mixes vitamins and nutrients together for Life Extension(worker side not the scientist side). He told me that the FDA or someone else comes down there and they only randomly test batches every now and then. They are very strict though with the whole process that goes on while using the raw ingredients. Just thought I'd bring this up seeing that you test many batches with your company.
June 3, 2009 | Alex M.
Hi Alex,
Thanks for sharing this. Odd that he could get outside the facility with his lab coat and mask on. Our staff have to 'disrobe' when they cross over the dividing barrier in the factory. All masks, hairnets and overshoes have to be discarded and fresh ones used before they can reenter the factory. They also have to go through a sanitation process as well.
June 3, 2009 | Warren Matthews
lol indeed Warren. I had asked him that same question and he said he was going home from work. He said they drop them off and Cintas (Kinda Like and Industrial Laundromat) cleans them. The mask was only paper he had it around his neck...he was just a factory worker. I'm sure the people involved in the higher process do all of the above....or do they?? Hmmmm. I'm willing to bet your standards are better than there's..and not because I buy your products, but because on your above post you offered visitation to your facilities. To me that just means you know you have high standards.
June 3, 2009 | Alex M.
Warren,
Hi! I hope you are doing well! I have a few questions regarding my father and what supplements he should be taking.
He is in his early 60's and is having a lot of thyroid/hormonal issues. The doctor has put him on Androgel that he rubs on his shoulders daily. The doctor also put him on a one-a-day tablet for testosterone. However, he has been doing this for nearly a year with no real results (he is losing his eyebrows and they are not growing back). He has also lost a tremendous amount of muscle tone all over his body as well as low energy levels bordering on depression. I understand you are not a doctor, but those fellows don't seem to be doing him much good, haha.
He is ready to try something else. I would love your input on what supplements he should start taking from your product line? There is no budget limit so please tell me everything he can do. I have researched your website and it is wonderful how concerned your company really is about giving your customers the best!
Thank you.
June 3, 2009 | Robert
Hi Robert,
His testosterone problem may be related to him converting the testosterone to estrogen. It might be a good idea for him to see a Doctor who specialises in male hormonal matters and have a detailed anaylsis done.
One of the things to be careful about is that when you directly take a hormone such as testosterone it can make your own system sluggish. I am a believer of trying to give the fuel to the body to help it activate its own systems.
Here is what I would suggest.
1. That he takes the full daily dose of Total Balance Men's Premium. That is 7 tablets a day. I normally take 4 in the morning when I get up and the other 3 in the afternoon. TB Men's contains chrysin which will help reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. It also contains other ingredients that will help his general organ health.
2. I would have him take 6 tablets a day of our Male Rejuvenator. Although this is primarily designed as a protection against the risk of prostate cancer it contains a number of ingredients that should help stimulate the production of testosterone.
3. I would have him also take our new OMega 3 at double the normal rate - 4 soft gels a day. This will help his general organ functioning.
I can't say Robert if this will solve his problems but I sure can say that it should have a marked impact on his overall health and well being.
There is another product that he could add to his regime that may be helpful. It is a special green lipped mussel powder which we will be releasing sometime in July.
If you decide to do what I suggest I would very much like to learn how your Dad gets on. Thanks
June 3, 2009 | Warren Matthews
Warren,
Thank you so much for your suggestions! I appreciate the time and effort you put in to consider my father's situation.
He is scheduled to do a full body hormonal exam in the next month or so, hence we will see the results from that relatively soon. Also, I agree with your idea of allowing the body to kick start the production of testosterone itself. I believe that's the only way to keep the body younger longer, a self sustaining system.
I'll get him on that regiment you suggested and we'll see how he fares after a few months. Again, many thanks and I hope all is well with you and your family!
-Robert
June 4, 2009 | Robert
Greetings Warren,
I am curious if you are at all familiar with the work of Dr. James D'Adamo who researched and developed the Blood Type Diet and more recently has expanded on that system with the GenoType Diet? If you are not, he claims that through roughly seven years of research (starting shortly after the completion of the Human Genome Project) and lengthy clinical trials, he has determined that there are 6 specific gene types that all people fall into based upon blood type, overall body type, specific biometric measurements etc...Each gene type has a specific diet of every food group that ensures optimal assimilation, methylation, free radical eradication etc...There are also specific foods within every category(meats, poultry, fish, carbs, fruits, veggies etc.) that are toxic to that particular gene type in the sense that all of the bodily processes mentioned above are basically working against the person.
I must admit that though I am not fully aware of the specifics of his research, the concepts do make a lot of sense. A one diet fits all approach does seem quite outdated in this day and age. In this world of extreme diversity, it seems logical that different types of people would function best on different diets.
Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.
Thank You
June 26, 2009 | Eric
Hi Eric,
Yes, I am familiar with him as I read his book a few years ago.
I accept that some people do better on one particular type of diet than another and that one size does not fit all.
I think that everyone should have a broad range of nutrients.
I am not convinced about how he categories where various people 'fit'. But, then I really don't know enough about all the supporting data in order to give a firm opinion..sorry.
July 2, 2009 | Warren Matthews
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