What is Cellfood?
Cellfood is a proprietary liquid dietary supplement featuring a complex blend of 78 ionic minerals, 34 enzymes, 17 amino acids, electrolytes, and dissolved oxygen, all suspended in a solution of deuterium sulphate. According to the manufacturer, this formula is designed to be easily absorbed by the body's cells to provide a variety of health benefits, including enhanced energy and improved nutrient absorption. The supplement is mixed with water or juice before ingestion.
How Cellfood Claims to Work as an Antioxidant
The core of Cellfood's antioxidant claim revolves around its unique 'water-splitting' technology and its negative electrical charge. Here's the purported mechanism:
- Splitting Water Molecules: When ingested, the formula is said to split water molecules within the body, releasing nascent oxygen and hydrogen.
- Free Radical Scavenging: Free radicals are unstable molecules with a positive charge. The negatively-charged Cellfood solution is claimed to attract and bond with these unstable molecules, neutralizing them and preventing cellular damage.
- Cellular Oxygenation: The release of oxygen helps support cellular metabolism and detoxification processes.
Scientific Evidence: In Vitro vs. In Vivo
The question of whether Cellfood is an antioxidant is best answered by examining the available scientific studies, distinguishing between lab research and human trials.
In Vitro (Lab) Studies
- A 2011 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology investigated the in vitro (in-lab) antioxidant properties of Cellfood. It found that Cellfood has a very high biological antioxidant potential (BAP) value, far exceeding that of normal human plasma.
- The study demonstrated that Cellfood effectively protected biomolecules like glutathione (GSH) and DNA from oxidative damage caused by various agents.
- Further research, such as a 2013 study in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, reported that Cellfood has anti-proliferative effects on certain leukemia cell lines. A subsequent 2014 study noted similar effects on mesothelioma and colorectal cancer cells in vitro.
- These lab-based findings suggest that, under controlled conditions, Cellfood can act as a potent antioxidant and influence cellular processes.
In Vivo (Human) Studies
- A 2014 pilot study, published in BioMed Research International, assessed the effects of Cellfood in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and chronic heavy metal intoxication undergoing chelation therapy. The study found that patients who received Cellfood alongside chelation showed significantly greater improvement in oxidative stress markers (reduced reactive oxygen species, increased total antioxidant capacity, higher glutathione levels) compared to those receiving other antioxidants.
- While promising, this study was limited to a small number of participants and focused on a specific patient population, meaning the results cannot be broadly applied.
- It is crucial to note that respected medical institutions, such as the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, point out that while lab studies suggest antioxidant effects, these results have not been demonstrated in humans for treating or preventing diseases like cancer.
Comparison: Cellfood vs. Standard Antioxidants
| Feature | Cellfood | Standard Antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | A complex, proprietary blend of minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and dissolved oxygen in deuterium sulphate. | Typically a single, isolated compound with a known molecular structure and function. |
| Mechanism | Claims a unique water-splitting process to release oxygen and uses a negative charge to scavenge free radicals. | Donates an electron to neutralize free radicals through established biochemical pathways. |
| Scientific Evidence | Supported by in vitro lab studies and one small human pilot study. Large-scale human clinical trials are lacking. | Extensively researched with well-documented mechanisms and numerous large-scale clinical studies. |
| Absorption | Marketed as a colloidal, negatively-charged solution for efficient cellular absorption. | Absorption pathways are well-understood but can be affected by factors like dosage and formulation. |
| Expert Consensus | Viewed with caution due to limited robust human data and proprietary nature. | Widely accepted and recommended by nutritional experts for their proven benefits. |
Potential Risks and Limitations
While Cellfood is generally considered non-toxic when taken as directed, several factors should be considered before use:
- Limited Human Data: Most of the compelling evidence for Cellfood's antioxidant activity comes from in vitro studies. More extensive, independent human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in a broader population.
- Potential Detox Effects: Some users have reported experiencing mild, temporary detox-like symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or digestive upset, especially when starting the supplement.
- Not a Cancer Treatment: Despite some positive in vitro findings, Cellfood has not been proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans. It is not recommended during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Consult a Doctor: As with any supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with existing health conditions.
- Regulatory Warnings: Health Canada has issued advisories regarding unauthorized versions of the product containing different ingredients, emphasizing the importance of purchasing from reputable sources.
Conclusion: Navigating the Evidence
Is Cellfood an antioxidant? The scientific answer is nuanced. Yes, laboratory studies demonstrate potent antioxidant properties and a significant capacity to neutralize free radicals in vitro. A small human pilot study also indicated improved oxidative status in specific patient groups. However, these findings do not equate to a broad endorsement for all health conditions. The proprietary nature of the formula and the limited scope of human research mean that comprehensive, independent clinical data is scarce. Consumers should view Cellfood as a supplement with some promising laboratory results but lacking sufficient large-scale human evidence to substantiate all health claims. A balanced approach involves prioritizing a healthy lifestyle rich in whole foods and consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Additional Resource
For further reading on the research and expert analysis regarding Cellfood, you can visit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's page on the supplement: Cellfood - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Summary of Scientific Findings
- Confirmed Antioxidant Power: A 2011 in vitro study showed Cellfood has a significantly high biological antioxidant potential, protecting cells and DNA from oxidative damage.
- Evidence in Human Trials: A small pilot study in 2014 found that Cellfood, when used in conjunction with chelation therapy, improved markers of oxidative stress more effectively than other antioxidants.
- Limited Scope: The human data is not extensive enough to validate broad claims about its benefits for the general population or for treating serious diseases.
- Not a Cure-All: Health authorities emphasize that Cellfood is not a cure for diseases like cancer, and caution is advised.
- Reported Side Effects: Some individuals may experience mild detox symptoms upon starting Cellfood, such as fatigue or digestive issues.
