Nanogen - PharmXpert Academy

Dr Ward Dean answers
your questions
We are delighted that Ward Dean, M.D.,
one of the world’s foremost antiaging
physicians, has agreed to answer our
readers’ questions. Full details about Dr
Dean can be seen at his website:
www.warddeanmd.com
Q. Dear Dr Dean, I enjoyed reading your interview in
Issue 4, 2012 of the Aging Matters magazine regarding
the use of smart drugs and nutrients. Indeed, I have
your books at home! I have some confusion over one of
the smart drugs that I personally like to use, and that is
vasopressin. It seems to now be available as both the
synthetic version called desmopressin and the original
porcine version of vasopressin. I was wondering if you
could please tell me the difference between the two nasal
sprays and if they may have any different uses/ actions
and which one you prefer?
- S.B.J., California
A: Desmopressin (1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin)
is the synthetic version of the posterior pituitary hormone,
vasopressin. Desmopressin is considered to be longer acting,
and perhaps more potent than its natural analog, but the clinical
results with each are variable. I don’t think there’s much
difference in the two - i.e., those who respond favorably to
one will probably have a similar response to the other. IAS
has both versions available. Desmopressin nasal provides 5
mcg per spray, the usual dose is 20 mcg per day, whereas the
vasopressin provides 10 IU per spray, the usual dose is 20-25
IU per day. The effective dose is highly individualized, and
may be slightly more or less than those cited.
[Ed.- IAS provides desmopressin/ Minurin® in 2.5ml = 25
sprays and vasopressin/ Vaso-Pro in 5 ml = 50 sprays].
Q. Dear Sir, I have high triglycerides, high homocysteine,
and a low metabolism. I find myself rather lethargic and
gaining weight. Could you please suggest any products
that you feel may benefit me in my situation?
- A.P.M., Great Britain
A: The safest, cheapest and most effective substance to
normalize one’s lipid profile is nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin
B3). Niacin has the optimal effect on the lipid profile. It
lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and raises
HDL (the so-called ‘good’ cholesterol). Most people will only
require 1500-2000 mg of niacin per day, although I’ve used
doses up to 6 grams per day.
[Ed.- IAS provides niacin in Beyond Chelation Improved®
and Xan-Pro which is the most potent form of niacin called
xanthinol nicotinate].
Another substance that normalizes triglycerides is the antidiabetic
drug, metformin. I’ve written on the antiaging
benefits of metformin (a ‘metabolic rejuvenator’), as well as
its weight-normalizing effects. As a key component of my
often-prescribed weight loss protocol, my patients invariably
report that after taking metformin, they feel better, have more
energy, and lose their carbohydrate cravings. Also, they often
are surprised to find that their clothes fit better, even before
they note any loss in body weight. This is because metformin
seems to cause a shift in body morphology—i.e., loss of body
fat, and increase in lean body mass (bone and muscle). Bone
and muscle are heavier than fat, resulting in a seemingly
paradoxical increase in weight, despite significant fat loss.
[Ed.- IAS provides metformin as Metforal® in 500 mg tablets
or Dianben® in 850 mg tablets].
Another frequent cause of the symptoms that you describe
- fatigue and weight gain -- is overt or sub-clinical
hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone is a natural substance that
belongs in your body. I pay very little attention to thyroid
blood tests. In most cases, I believe they are a ‘waste of blood.’
I prefer to treat my patients’ symptoms. If my patients exhibit a
spectrum of hypothyroid symptoms, (i.e., cold hands and feet,
low body temperature, depression, constipation, fatigue, or
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