Anti-Aging With Cellular Detoxification.

NAPLES, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--June 9, 1999--

Cellular detoxification is an integrative approach to wellness that has been pioneered by Allen M. Kratz, PharmD, of Naples, Florida. Dr. Kratz, who was the first pharmacist to be appointed to the Editorial Board of The Merck Manual, has been researching this concept for over 20 years. He is convinced that cellular toxicity is a contributing factor to aging and intends to prove that detoxification on a cellular level will have an anti-aging effect in humans

"We know that supporting the cell on an energetic level will improve immune function," Dr. Kratz stated. "Our animal studies have confirmed what we have observed in humans, that using homeovitic forms of nutrients and biochemicals prepared by serially agitated dilutions has a beneficial effect on cellular metabolism. Biochemicals, such as coenzyme Q10, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nutrients, i.e. alpha lipoic acid and tetrahydrofolic acid, in energetic, physiologic concentrations support mitochondrial function." He added: "We began using all of these substances in a homeovitic form back in the early eighties and they have since become popular as nutraceuticals....It seems we were ahead of our time in observing that these homeovitic nutraceuticals had beneficial effects, particularly on immune function."

In addition to this innovative approach to cellular support, Dr. Kratz is focusing on a second area of clinical research; the adverse effects of cellular toxins such as chemicals and metals and how to eliminate these toxins. By applying the same homeovitic principle he used in his original work on cellular support, Kratz developed protocols for cellular detox that help the body clear and eliminate cellular toxins.

"My sense is that primary cellular toxins such as certain heavy metals and a variety of environmental chemicals can compromise many cellular systems....They bind essential enzymes, affect electron transport cascades, and hinder DNA repair mechanisms, all leading to premature aging...of the cell and of us," said Dr. Kratz. "So let's get the lead out, so to speak, and see if we can positively influence our aging biomarkers....This is the essence of our current research on cellular detoxification," he concluded. A recent article in the Winter 1999 edition of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association chronicled Dr. Kratz's development of the homeovitic approach to cellular support and detoxification. It also presented a review of recent research in this field.

Partners in Wellness, an integrative health care organization based in Naples, Florida, has assumed the responsibility of coordinating clinical validation of Dr. Kratz's protocols for cellular detox as an anti-aging strategy. Clinicians, pharmacists and individuals with an interest in this project may contact Mary Reinhart at 800.801.9494 (or e-mail to [e-mail]) or e-mail to Dr. Kratz at [e-mail].

NOTE: a reprint of the JANA article mentioned above is available upon request, as well as biographical information on Allen M. Kratz, PharmD.