Health Care Professional Information
Common Name
Deutrosulfazyme
Brand Name
Cellfood (Manufactured by Nu Science / Deutrel Industries)
Clinical Summary
A dietary supplement manufactured by Nu Science Corporation/Deutrel Industries. The manufacturer claims that Cellfood contains colloidal minerals, amino acids, enzymes and dissolved oxygen (1). It is marketed as a free radical scavenger to help detoxify the body and to enhance athletic performance. Cellfood is also promoted to cancer patients based on the theory that cancer and degenerative diseases are caused by oxygen deficiency at the cellular level. Cellfood demonstrated antioxidant properties in vitro (2) (3)and a small study examined its effects in patients with fibromyalgia (4). However, scientific evidence to support use of Cellfood to treat cancer is lacking.
The American Cancer Society urges cancer patients not to seek hyperoxygenation therapies (5).
Purported Uses
- Detoxification
- Athletic performance enhancement
- Cancer prevention
- Cancer treatment
- Fibromyalgia
Constituents
Contains minerals, amino acids, enzymes and dissolved oxygen from plant-based substances. (1)
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
No formal pharmacokinetics studies have been performed. The company uses particle size analysis, Zeta potential analysis and surface tension study to justify the bioavailability, the potency of Cellfood. (1)
Warnings
The American Cancer Society urges cancer patients not to seek hyperoxygenation therapies.
Herb-Drug Interactions
Theoretically, antioxidants can decrease the efficacy of certain chemotherapy drugs that rely on the generation of free radicals for their cytotoxic effects. Supplements with antioxidant properties are not recommended during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
References
- Nuscience Corporation.www.cellfood.com. Accessed March 27, 2012.
- Ferrero E, Fulgenzi A, Belloni D, Foglieni C, Ferrero ME. Cellfood™ improves respiratory metabolism of endothelial cells and inhibits hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species (ros) generation. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011 Jun;62(3):287-93.
- Benedetti S, Catalani S, Palma F, Canestrari F. The antioxidant protection of CELLFOOD against oxidative damage in vitro. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Sep;49(9):2292-8.
- Nieddu ME, Menza L, Baldi F, Frediani B, Marcolongo R. [Efficacy of Cellfood's therapy (deutrosulfazyme) in fibromyalgia]. [Article in Italian] Reumatismo. 2007 Oct-Dec;59(4):316-21.
- American Cancer Society. Oxygen Therapy. Accessed March 27, 2012.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Cellfood has not been shown to treat or cure cancer.
Cellfood is a supplement sold over the internet and in health food stores. Promoters claim that it contains minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and dissolved oxygen, which hyperoxygenates the body. Lab studies show that Cellfood has antioxidant effects.
The American Cancer Society urges cancer patients not to seek therapies such as Cellfood.
Purported Uses
There is no scientific evidence to support use of Cellfood for the following purported uses:
- To prevent and treat cancer
- To enhance athletic performance
Patient Warnings
The American Cancer Society urges cancer patients not to seek hyperoxygenation therapies.
Do Not Take If
You are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy (antioxidants may reduce their effectiveness).
Last updated: January 21, 2013
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