I have been wanting to write about the Truehope people (makers of EMPowerplus) for years but I haven’t because, well, I didn’t have anything nice to say, so I didn’t say anything at all. I knew that any critique I made of these people would be met with a slew of hate mail and, really, I get enough of that already.
But now I’m ready to go and at the bottom I’ll tell you why.
Who is Truehope?
According to their website:
Truehope Nutritional Support Ltd. is a non-profit company dedicated to promoting mental wellness through non-invasive, nutritional means. Founded in 1996 by Anthony Stephan and David Hardy, the company is completely independent.
(I, personally, choke on the “non-profit” part and would be dead shocked if someone wasn’t making a lot of money here.)
What is EMPowerplus by Truehope?
Well, the main first thing you see on the EMPowerplus page is “Advanced Natural Medicine – Replaces Psychiatric Drugs.”
I’m not kidding. That’s pretty much the first thing they say about it. Now, if you said that in Canada, you’d get the pants sued off of you because we actually have natural product labelling laws, but in the United States? It seems you can make any old claim you like with absolutely no proof.
According to them, EMPowerplus is “appropriate for all ages and diagnoses.” It’s:
. . . the most studied micronutrient in the world. Unlike standard multi-vitamin supplements, EMPowerplus™ is formulated specifically for high levels of absorption, allowing the body to finally get the proper nutrients it needs to function at its best . . .it is helping individuals to reach their mental health goals rather than cover up symptoms with medication.
EMPowerplus Advanced™ is a micronutrient consisting of 36 clinically proven minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants and is designed to address essential nutrient deficiencies which can cause depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, and ADHD in both children and adults.
(And note the grammatical error in the first paragraph. It’s the first of many on their site. Oh, and bipolar has no bloody hyphen.)
Saying “36 clinically proven minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants” is sketchy at best as they don’t say what they’re actually proven to do. (And note that Truehope advises people to get off of all their psychiatric medications when taking EMPowerplus. More on that later.)
Evidence for EMPowerplus by Truehope for Bipolar Disorder in Adults
When you review the material this is clear: there is no decent scientific evidence that this stuff works. Truehope says there is. They’re not exactly right. What there is, is case reports and open-label (mostly self-selected) studies. And every paper on this stuff (and “nutraceuticals” in general) ends with statements like, “BD treatment outcomes may potentially be improved by additional use of certain nutraceuticals with conventional pharmacotherapies,” and “caution should be extended in interpreting the large effects of several isolated studies.”
Note that not one scientist involved in research says in a peer-reviewed paper that it works and not one scientist in a peer-reviewed paper says you need to get off of your medication to take it. (At least, not that I can find.)Feel free to browse the paucity of data here (note no adult trials).
How Do I Feel about Truehope?
You probably get the sense I’m not a fan. I’m not. Like, in huge ways. I think that anyone selling “hope” is making money off the backs of desperate people who can nary afford to spend money on snake oil. I think that if you’re calling your company “Truehope” it’s because you have something to hide. It’s because you’re selling a concept and not a product.
But beyond that, I would say that anyone who advises that people transition off of their psychiatric medications (you know, that actual, knowledgeable and accredited doctors have prescribed) and onto a bunch of vitamins deserves to be drawn and quartered. Why? Because people going off their medications for “miracle” cures is how people bloody well die, that’s why.
And beyond even that, in my opinion, this company makes false claims that they should be sued into the Stone Age for. If drug companies did what this company does, there would be a general population uprising but because these guys aren’t Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated, anything they want to say is just peachy-keen.
Then Why Write about Truehope and EMPowerplus?
Because, I’m going to take it (more on why I would do this).
I know that seems crazy given how I feel about the company but just because I don’t like them, doesn’t mean their product doesn’t actually work for some people some of the time. It might. I can’t say for sure.
But let me make this clear: I’m fully aware that there is no decent scientific evidence that this stuff works and I’m going into the treatment with my eyes wide open. I do not recommend that anyone follow me on this. It could be harmful to you.
I have chosen to write about this experience precisely because there is no good data on it and what information there is on it seems to be tightly controlled by the company. I’m also writing about it because people have resoundingly asked me to. So while I do not recommend this product, I am going to take it.
In the next post I’ll explain a little more about why I’m choosing to take EMPowerplus by TrueHope.
hello my name is alejandra belaunzaran i am from mexico aguascalientes let me tell you something ten years ago i had the worst depresion in my life i had a baby named sofia she was one year i was really bad, i didnt want to live aarnd one day i discoverd in a tv program true hope i didnt belived nothig several times they called me and i didnt answer the phone but one day i dont know why i stardted with the program. I want to tell you peple something it was very very hard first i thought the product was wrong because i had a lot of sintoms i had too much pain in my body nauseas depression anger i really fet sick very sick i wanted to quit, but i didnt i called to the center many many ttimes crying because of my sintoms., two years or one and a half year , know ten years later i can tell ypu it is the best ting i have don in my life i havent tasted a pill again in ten years, i have two more babys know i dont have any sintom……..but i want to tell you something this treament is for brave people for peple that really want to cure themselvs but many people say things becauese at first you fell very bad and they tink it is empower but it is not it is bebcause the pills so i invite you to make a change in your lives to be brave and not to quit with it when you feel bad…………………………sorry for my english have a nice day
Non-profit? Where do the profits go then? They don’t seem to say… are these profits going to real mental health research then or something? Hmmmm seems shady to me
I can tell the author had abusive parents. Either one or both parent, mother most likely was the worst. Grow up.
I am a firm believer in Orthomolecular medicine, and with it, I have been able to get off 3 medications and reduce the one I am on (Haldol) to 2mg. True Hope is not something I support, but there are books listed on my recommended reading list at http://www.freemindbooks.com written by Abram Hoffer. Linus Pauling received a Nobel Prize for his work also in orthomolecular psychiatry. High doses of Vitamin C and Niacin + B12 and B6 is vital to anyone who wants good brain health. it is a must for anyone on psychiatric drugs and reduces the chances of dementia. On this therapy you could probably in many cases go off your meds on supervision and device an emergency cocktail for a crisis.
I’m afraid you’re mistaken. Linus Pauling may have coined the term “orthomolecular medicine”, but his 1954 Nobel in Chemistry was mainly for his 1939 book “The Nature of the Chemical Bond” and his work that preceded the book. His 1962 Peace Prize was “for his campaign against nuclear weapons testing”. These have nothing whatever to do with orthomolecular medicine, which is an unproven and highly controversial treatment since the 1970’s.
I would like to point out that in order to get FDA approval for a psychiatric drug, 2 studies double-blind placebo controlled trials are required that show an effectiveness over placebo. It could have many studies that show ineffectiveness as long as it has 2 studies and they do not need to be carried out long-term. The study needs to occur for weeks or months. These are very minimal standards in my opinion and they can be manipulated for success in many ways – for example, weeding out the placebo responders in a pre-trial. This essentially means that the study participants begin on a placebo and if the subject responds to the placebo they are ‘washed out’ of the study. This results in a wider margin of difference between those who get placebos (and experience no benefit) and those who get the drug and experience benefit making the drug appear more effective. There are many more ways to manipulate trials as outlined in Dr. Rodway’s notes from a symposium I attended in Calgary 2014 on Mental Health and Nutrition. See here http://www.autismcalgary.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Rodway-talk.pdf
And more notes on this developing area of study here:
http://www.autismcalgary.com/2014/04/thank-you-for-atteding-handouts-mental-health-and-nutrition/
Now as you can imagine, getting funding for studies is very difficult because 1) broad spectrum micronutrients (BSM) because they cannot isolate the specific component that is effective and 2) BSM cannot be patented and therefore returns are limited and 3) drug companies often fund studies and will not benefit from studies of this sort. For these reasons, scientific research on nutrition or micronutrients tends to be less prolific.
In addition, to gain funding and approvals for scientific research, the topic area needs to show merit. This process usually involves anecdotal evidence, case study, multiple case studies, small trials, slightly larger trials and then even larger trials before they move on to what many would consider to studies reliable enough to determine efficacy. Broad-spectrum micronutrient formulas such as TrueHope EMPowerPlus is still in these preliminary stages. (However, if they were going to fork out the bucks to be approved as a drug, which probably couldn’t happen anyway because it is a complex formula with several ‘active’ ingredients, they may have sufficient studies to do so as there are more than two or they would be ready to proceed with the two trials necessary.)
Rodway, a child psychiatrist additionally trained in integrative medicine, explains how she will not put a patient on EMPowerPlus without first discontinuing their psychiatric meds due to the fact that there will be withdrawal symptoms that could 1) be worse while on the BSM and 2) she doesn’t want the patient to attribute the withdrawal symptoms to the BSM and 3) for simplicity. I suppose this isn’t her saying so in a peer-reviewed paper, but I would consider the limitations of what can be said in writing and in a peer-reviewed writing. I’ve been trained in scientific writing and it’s very particular how things are worded, in which section, how you study it, how you report it and what conclusions you can draw from it. They are VERY conservative.
Moving on to the effectiveness of psychiatric meds. A longitudinal study for anti-psychotic medications with approved use for treatment of schizophrenic and bipolar I determined that those on the medication suffered from more psychotic activity (more than double). That’s in addition to side-effects like weight gain, blood glucose dysregulation, and reduced lifespan. One of the studies summarized in the symposium that sticks out in my mind is a meta-analysis (n= >10,000) where subjects given anti-depressants (SSRIs) for 14 months and then taken off them showed more benefit while on them then those not treated, however, at 36 months those who did not take SSRIs at all showed decreased core symptoms, lower
delinquency scores and lower overall functional impairment. In other words, long term use of anti-depressants worsened mood and those who do not take the medication do better long-term.
For long term use of stimulants, Rodway gave this quote: “Overall, we find considerable evidence of a decline in both behavioral and educational outcomes following the increase in prescription drug coverage and the corresponding increase in stimulant
use.” Currie et al, June 2013.
Contrast that with the very promising effectiveness in initial trials for BSM for approximately 80% of subjects for clinically significant (not found in other psychiatric meds though they are significant) reduction of all symptoms of mental illness including aggressiveness (which meds tend to worsen), without side effects (no subject to date has had to stop the trial due to side effects because if there are any they are very mild or tolerable).
I, myself, after being diagnosed with bipolar II with anxiety and told by my doctor that she wouldn’t treat me if I took EMPower plus instead of the meds she prescribed, have experienced success with EMPower Plus. It is unfortunate that it is so pricey, however, compared to what our health care system pays to treat mental illness, it is much less costly. It would be amazing if one day, BSM, would be covered by health care plans due to recognizing the cost-effectiveness, thus making the option available to nearly everyone. I took the BSM for about two years after taking a mood-stabilizer for two years that took my working memory and confidence along with it. Then I transitioned to a healthy diet with juicing green vegetables and found that I no longer needed the supplement. It’s over a year later and I’m still doing well, my mood is very stable and my memory has nearly returned to its pre-medication abilities.
Check out the symposium notes for yourself! I found the information (btw, not affiliated with TrueHope) quite fascinating as it is contrary to the perpetuated societal and medical beliefs about mental health.
I found it interesting and surprising that you are choosing to try the EMPower plus considering your thoughts on it. The results will be interesting. (you may have written about them, I haven’t looked for the next article at this time of this comment).
What are the ingredients? The latest research in orthomolecular points to high doses of Vitamin C, Niacin, B12 and B6. That is what I am taking. What makes this TrueHope any better, or what makes it work?
The cloud of suspicion over TrueHope grows larger. They now have a spinoff selling a new version of its expensive vitamins via multi-level marketing. It’s called EMPowerPlus Q96.
The whole thing screams SCAM so loudly I normally would have passed on even the free samples the Q96 MLM’ers are passing out. But the troubled teen of someone I know has had a rapid turnaround in his mental health challenge using TrueHope, so I’m giving them a try. I’ve been taking them barely a week and will say this: they are far more active than any nutritional supplement I’ve ever taken. I almost wonder if they’ve developed some unapproved drug and are sneakily selling it in the guise of vitamins.
For those who’d like some background about the people who started this, Discover Magazine wrote about them back in 2005:
http://discovermagazine.com/2005/may/vitamin-cure
And the Discovery Health cable channel did an hour profile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G6dWIvxlhw&list=PL4bu8KHaX0MjqdhnvVH0do0OMDzgBS6zu
The video explains one thing I hadn’t realized. The preferred protocol for doing scientific studies is to test only one substance at a time. The TrueHope concoction contains over 30 ingredients, so many of the scientists they’ve approached are unwilling to investigate it.
Hi Natasha. I stumbled across your post while looking something up on Empower Plus. It was interesting to me to see anothers point of view on the product. I wanted to briefly share with you my experience. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder three years ago, although my symptoms had manifested years before as a teenager. Receiving a proper diagnosis was liberating in that I finally knew a reason for the severe depression and anxiety that plagued my life. It was very real and at times debilitating. I struggled to hold a job and complete my degree but due to my unstable nature I found it difficult to do so. Once I was diagnosed I was put on Lamictal which did help at first, despite the physical side effects. Eventually it would stop working and we would need to add something else. At one point my doctor added Buproprin which ultimately suppressed my appetite. I lost a lot of weight and it didn’t seem to be helping. This went on for quite some time. Even on the meds I was in and out of hospitals and even suicidal at times. My mom and dad, bless their hearts, were pained to see me struggle. They searched for anything to help their daughter, which is when they heard about TrueHope. Now, like many people I was skeptical at first. Come on really? A vitamin that will apparently help me feel better? But at that point I suppose I was willing to try anything. I was started on 2 in the morning and 2 at night. Within a week I felt HORRIBLE, which apparently was a sign that it was beginning to work. At that point my medications were lowered. Then after about a week my brain started once again feeling “over-stimulated” is how I would describe it, at which point my meds were lowered again. This continued until I was completely off my meds. I was hesitant to say I noticed any difference at first, for fear that it wouldn’t actually work, but those closest to me noticed the changes first. The light was returning to my eyes. One of the first moments I noticed the change…my husband and I were walking into Home Depot, and he said something that made me laugh. For the first time in a long time, I was laughing with complete joy. I was not forcing it. I actually felt happy, like the road block of emotion had been taken away and I could FEEL. I was so overwhelmed that I started crying then and there. Over the coming months things just got better. I have now been on the product for about 8 months. This is how I would describe it…I know that I am still prone to that anxiety, but it is FAR more manageable. My mind is clear. When something stressful happens, I can talk myself through it as opposed to curling up in a ball not able to function. For a long time I wondered if I would ever be able to have children. I couldn’t take care of myself how could I care for a child? I’m happy to report that now I am pregnant and I am positively elated. So in conclusion…I try not to take offense when people call this product “snake oil” because if I hadn’t experienced this transition I probably wouldn’t believe it myself. But nobody, especially not those who know me, can deny that this product is effective. Since it has started helping me, my mom has been telling everybody, and we have seen it help so many people…not just people with mood disorders. We have a family friend who suffered from debilitating migraines for years. She started taking the product and within a month they were GONE. What??? I also want to add, that I have personally met Tony Stephen the founder of True Hope, and he is a good man. His story is truly remarkable. It is easy to see that he truly cares about PEOPLE, not money. Anyways… I hope you didn’t fall asleep here! Have a good one :)
Thanks for your alternative viewpoint, Erin. I have been wondering when someone would reply to Natasha’s experience with differing details of their own.
Personally, I have to consider Truehope’s claims as suspect until proper double-blind testing has been done by reputable scientists, and then replicated by other, unrelated but equally qualified scientists. However, it is still good to hear that you’ve found success, however you’ve found it. Good luck with managing this challenging condition in future.
I agree there us a fair amount of controversy over Trurhope. I had my daughter on it for about 2 years. She has an anxiety disorder as well as ODD. I have taken her off the last 2 months as we simply cannot afford the supplements any longer, but I will say this – while ‘on’ it, she was very high-functioning; 2 months off, and we are back to the school’s and pediatric concerns that she is bipolar – the same concerns raised by the professionals involved with her before the supplements. I don’t think it works for everyone, but I do know people it has really worked for, and some that it did nothing. For us, it eliminated the majority of the manic behavior and lifted the depression. If I could afford the extra 150 a month I would certainly put her on it again.
here is what REAL SCIENCE for alt tx looks like. Also notice the lack of evangelical fervor! nitive the word “symptom” used and the lack of any suggestion that the condition is “cured.” it merely sticks to the facts of symptomatic relief. btw…anyone use wheatgerm or wheatgerm oil? it is fantastic for “hot” horses. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/quizzes/alternative-medicine-therapies-adhd/page/0/1?GUID=6C85B6E7-287D-45AA-8C93-3A1D3332A91C&rememberme=1&ts=17122013
whoa there! we do allow snskeoil sales. but even walnut add that said good for health got taken down by feds. how this snakeoil whats good for bipolar and ingrown head up where….has gotten by. FDA LETTERS MY DEAR! msny if them.
the u.s. allows sales of snakeoil. but even the wslnut adds were offensive by making health claims! how this cures bipolar and ingrown foothin anus
I believe if a product worked that well,it would be literally selling itself.
Of course advertising has to be the predecessor,but I if I bought that stuff and some guy was calling me constantly to see how i was.
I’d blankly flip him off and throw the shit out.
Yes it is how people die.
There’s no magic supplement or easy way out.
Is a combination of psychiatric meds tailored the type of bipolar they have,hard work,excercise,healthy eating,regular sleep/ wake times everyday no matter.
Positive attitutude and acceptance you are in recovery.
Like diabetes,there’s no cure.
Remission,if it fits better.
I’d rather save my money for things that I need or want…then BS supplements disguised as be all end all cures.
Good luck on your future endeavours…Natasha!
I think you’ll need it ……….
I see that there is a lot of almost information going around out there, but Natasha, please be extremely careful. There may be problems that might sneak up on you, and we don’t want to lose you !!!
Here is a video with a respected researcher:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm56jm7BOpU
He seems to believe in it.
listen to what he says at 5:35 to 6:40 and please read my post below. If you choose to purchase it, thats your choice. Better take out a loan. Its is at best a lousy non food based multi vitamin at a price that is mind blowing.
I think this article leaves out a few things.
There are qualified scientists and researchers involved in this and they claim that it might effective. Not sure if this was left out intentionally. I think objective journalism should present all information good AND bad stuff.
I will add some information that was not mentioned.
Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, University of Calgary psychologist
http://www.hbi.ucalgary.ca/members/kaplan
–
My research focus has been on developmental problems, primarily those affecting learning, attention, mood, and motor coordination. I am part of a team searching for genes that predipose children to dyslexia. In the attention area, I have studied the characteristics of both children and adults with ADHD. My interest in ADHD led to research on mood symptoms that are often associated with this diagnosis. Consequently, and because of a parallel interest in nutrient-behaviour interactions, I have been studying the role of supplementation with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for the treatment of mood, aggression, and explosive rage.
–
Dr. Charles Popper, psychopharmacologist and psychiatrist at Harvard University’s McLean Hospital:
http://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/78900
http://www.mmhforum.org/speaker_charles.html
–
My…observations are basically those of a clinician—albeit trained to sort of work with new treatments and observe the subtleties of treatments that aren’t well understood—they’re still the observations of one clinician. We don’t have any completed controlled trials. We don’t have the kind of scientific data that would allow me to recommend to my colleagues that this is a treatment that ought to be used…
But…my own opinion is that this stuff works—in many cases dramatically and much better, for many people, than conventional medications have.
Dr. Charles Popper
–
Ps. I do not work for the company. Also keep in mind that this is an experimental treatment not definitely proven to work so i would not recommend going off medications and replacing them with vitamins!!
I took EMPowerplus for about 6 months during a period where I refused to take medication but was desperate for something to help with my symptoms. I didn’t notice any positive effects from the supplement, but like with all treatments I think it varies person to person. I will say that TrueHope does a wonderful job of harassing people who have purchased their product. Seriously, they would call non stop to see how I was doing and encourage me to continue their product, even after I made it clear that they were to stop calling me. Good luck with the supplement and with the phone calls.
Hi Alison,
Yes, the phone calls have started already and I haven’t even received the product yet. I’ll be writing about that too.
– Natasha Tracy
why would the phone calls start when you dont have the product? If the damn crap really worked their phones would be ringing off the hook from all over the world for crying out loud. I know you are in pain but buying a cheap multivitamin for lots of money and I mean lots of money?
I posted a link to one of the best multiples if not the best from Megafoods. It is all food based. I take it, my wife takes it.. We really feel the difference but for what it was meant for, not a psychiatric disorder.
I dont know if you have seen their older site. Sure speaks volumes…. It says right on this page that it
REPLACES PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS….. https://www.mytruehope.net/store/default.asp.. On the newer site it does not say that because the FDA here in AMerica probably slapped them real hard…..
For crying out loud, this is beyond ludicrous. I did a real good analysis for you on this crap and yes, it is crap. Might as well by Centrum at CVS And treat yourself to some great dinners out for what you will be paying. They talk about micronutrients….Micronutrients are what are commonly referred to as “vitamins and minerals.” If you have a healthy diet and eat you veggies you are already getting all the micronutrients they list.
I have a close friend who has been on 25 drugs in cocktail form, separately, etc.. He has been in a very well respected research study on a drug made in Canada that the FDA will not allow here. He found some relief but he cant get the drug. He is now even trying ketamine (my lord). Thats what they use to put you asleep before minor surgery. I sent you a way to look at the actual buildings this company is housed in after tracking down their address and not their PO BOX. That should tell you plenty. I cant change your mind but as I said if this does what they claim it does they wouldnt have to call you.. They would be hiring hundreds of people to answer the phone from all of us around the world and wouldnt be i the middle of podumk in building that look unsutiable for anyhting other than storing tractors. That alone speaks volumes. Vitamin A is the top ingredient for crying out loud . You are in pain. I get it but please reread my extensive post about true hope. There is only hope with truehope. Nothing more… And shame on them for playing with our minds like that.
you know people with bipolar dont recognize symptoms know what they are but refuse meds. Its doesnt work like that. so tired of overdiagnosed talking about opinions
There are better alternative treatments than this hype.
I swear by Bach essences (customized mixture). Yeah, they are not sciency schmiency… but since science often fails us with “soul disorders” (that’s how we call it in my language), what is there to lose? At least with the essesnces there is no risk of interactions and it’s been around for some time.
Given how popular is their rescue remedy with pet owners… it can’t be all placebo effect.
if you think something like rescue remedy can cure bipolar disorder . well you obviously have the teenage blues
Natasha , first of all is not a pet nor an animal. Rescue remedy for Bipolar? What hallucinogens were you on when you wrote this? The rescue remedy box says… Bach Flower Remedies Rescue Remedy Natural Stress Relief .
BP is not stress. It goes on to say…Rescue Remedy® is an all natural form of healing that can reduce everyday stress and help maintain control of your health…Gentle, safe, effective treatment for the whole family..Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease……
I will make sure My neighbor gets it for his little dog that yaps all day.
I am not using Rescue remedy for bipolar, I said I am using customized mix. I threw in the “rescue remedy in pets” bit as what interesting bit… that it probably is NOT just placebo.
Rescue remedy is great for anxiety though.
Also, I am nowhere said it can “cure” bipolar. I said it helps.
And nowhere did I mention that you said it. of course it calms you. its 50 percent alcohol.
I was commenting on Jon comment as well;)
And you take FOUR drops. Nobody is lightweight. And there is alcohol free version.
(plus the customized mix you put few drops of each selected remedy in a mixing botte and use water as diluting medium. Not much alcohol there).
I looked at the ingredients and almost all except for the iodine are not food based but chemical based. If you look at the filler on the bottom its got some nasty stuff which you will be ingesting a lot of. First filler ingredient, titanium oxide….http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html
Microcrystalline Cellulose is basically cellulose that is gotten from high quality wood pulp
Glycine…Do not take glycine if you are taking clozapine (Clozaril).
magnesium stearate… i the stearate is commonly sourced from hydrogenated oils such as cottonseed oil. This crop is oftentimes genetically engineered, but even when it’s not, cottonseed oil tends to have very high levels of pesticide residues.
Silicon dioxide is generally recognized as safe.
Shiljit extract looks to be safe if manufatcured safely.
Just a few of the major ingredients..Vitamin A…If you ingest retinyl palmitate over a long period of time, you may develop chronic vitamin A toxicity
thiamin they use is synthetic.
The chelated ingredients.. no big deal. Some say for better absorption
Proprietary blend.. Took a quick look… DL-phenylalanine…Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with PHENYLALANINE. Phenylalanine can increase a chemical in the body called tyramine. Large amounts of tyramine can cause high blood pressure. But the body naturally breaks down tyramine to get rid of it. This usually prevents the tyramine from causing high blood pressure. Some medications used for depression stop the body from breaking down tyramine. This can cause there to be too much tyramine and lead to dangerously high blood pressure.Medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs) interacts with PHENYLALANINE
Some medications for mental conditions might cause jerky muscle movements. Taking phenylalanine along with some medications for mental conditions might increase the risk of jerky muscle movements.
I can go on and on but their AINT nothing special here. Just a real cheap multivitamin with a “proprietary blend” put together by whom? The listed clinical trials are a joke. They say There are currently 22 medical journal publications on the EMPowerplus Advanced™ formulation. I dont see one listed.. They talk about a court case they won. Gee, why was their a court case in the first place? Here are a few articles based on a court case of a person going off his meds to take this crap. Its says on the site that their advanced natural medicine replaces psychiatrric drugs. Double wow!!!
Articles on Truehope….. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/marvin-ross/vitamin-tragedy_b_1650054.html?just_reloaded=1
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/mentally-ill-man-not-criminally-responsible-for-murdering-father-1.1147589
ALso, Their contact is a Post Office Box number. The Canadian Town it is in has a population of less than 4,000. It is one of three companies listed as its economic base other than agriculture. The other 2 are a trucking company and a recycling company.
I have been a vegetarian for 20 years and know enough about supplements. I wouldnt buy this crap if you paid me. Especially at that cost.
Does this PO boxed company use independent third party labs that check the raw materials for contaminants and correct dosage?
Does it follow industry standards for quality assurance including ISO 9001 and Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) certifications. I highly doubts they make it and is manufactured by another company.
If it actually worked as described this company and the people behind it would be hailed as Heroes in the mental health field instead of being involved in court cases.
If you want to see what the company looks like I found the address for Truehope Nutrition in the city the PO Box is listed in.
go to showmystreet.com and type in…
680 North 300 East
Raymond
AB T0K 2S0
Canada
What do you think?
Hi Michael,
Thanks for that information. I admit, of all the things I know about, supplements are among them. Your information is interesting, to be sure.
I like to a couple of the articles you mentioned in the original article. Believe me, in Canada the controversy around this stuff has been intense.
But, as I will say in my next blog entry, I have my reasons. You may not think they are good reasons, but they’re mine.
Certainly, as I said in my article, I would never _recommend_ this “treatment.”
– Natasha Tracy
Natasha. ….This is your blog and a very good one at that.. You have always shown to be a very smart, caring and genuine individual. I have no doubt there is a reason for your taking this supplement and I rest assured that you definitely know what you are doing. I am always searching for some glimmer of hope for my malady just as I would assume most in our position are. My purpose was to add more information as to this AMAZING formula and the company so that people really get it that there are so many out there who wish to benefit from people who have diseases like we have. So, I did a few minutes of work to add to your post. It sickens me knowing the depths people will go to make money.
Hi Michael,
I appreciate the extra information for the readers and for myself and also appreciate the research that it takes. :) Thanks.
– Natasha Tracy
are you a spokesperson. your blurb didnt make sense. you needed meds but couldnt get them why? when people talk about meds not working or natural weak remedies helping bipolar disorder its safe to say they are spreading propaganda and arent bipolar
Jon, I am certainly not a spokesperson. If you’d like to know why I’m doing this, I suggest you read the next entry: https://natashatracy.com/treatment/alternative-treatment-empowerplus-bipolar/
– Natasha Tracy
Thanks for writing about this, Natasha. I’ve been bothered for years by the claims this company makes, so it will be great to have a source on the internet that I can link to.