The Development, Uses and Future of Gerovital H3

Introduction  |   From the Past to the Present  |   The Nature of Gerovital H3
Research and Speculation on Possible Benefits  |   Some Additional Clinical Considerations
An Intangible Field of Resistance  |   The Future of Gerovital H3  |   Footnotes  |   Bibliography

AN INTANGIBLE FIELD OF RESISTANCE

WHY HAS THE ISSUE OF GH3 BEEN OBSCURED?
     It probably has not been obscured as much as neglected. An allopathically oriented medical establishment logically would suppress an inexpensive vitamin which appears to improve a vast range of physical ills. However, the facts do not substantiate this assumption. Actually, many physicians currently support GH3 and make it available to their patients. They believe that it may do some good, while it can’t do any harm.
     The thousands of investigations on GH3 generally do not appear in the major medical journals in America. On the contrary, reports suggesting low efficacy have received more press. Importantly, 85% of research on Gerovital backs up Dr. Aslan’s original claims. 100% of studies using the true Romanian formulation resulted in conclusions parallel to those of Dr. Aslan.⁸⁹
     The state of the art in medicine, as in many fields, develops through the flow of information in trade journals. If a certain advance does not appear, then the practitioners of the field cannot use it. In the medical field, failure to practice the state of the art may result in lawsuits and the lifting of one’s license. In similar fashion, a licensed person who does not represent the state of the art stands above reproach.
     Another distracting factor is the emphasis on patentable products. Pharmaceutical representatives encourage the physician to be “up-to-date.” These primary sources of information lean toward profitable patent drugs. Expensive studies are a bad investment if a product, such as Gerovital H3 is not patentable. Lacking approval as a “drug” leaves GH3 with less glamour in the medical mind. It is then only what it is — a simple nutrient.

WHAT POSITION DOES THE FDA TAKE ON GEROVITAL?
     Historically, the FDA appears to take a dim view of GH3. An article appearing the FDA Consumer raised numerous questions about the product. The author criticized certain of the longitudinal studies by Dr. Aslan. She asserted that adequate controls were not applied to those investigations. The article went on to claim that GH3 is precisely the same as unstabilized procaine. Further, the author assumed that no American research had been conducted on the product. Finally, she contended that no reliable clinical investigations anywhere had been undertaken on Gerovital.⁹⁰
     At least one court case determined that the FDA does not have authority to regulate GH3 itself. It is a vitaminic product and the active ingredient, procaine, is older than the FDA.⁹¹ Information recently brought to light verifies this position from a different point of view: PABA is a nutrient, since it stimulates the production of vitamins in the intestinal tract. DEAE is a precursor to choline, a B-vitamin complex. It therefore also acts as a nutrient. Under United States Code, the agency does not have regulative authority in this area.⁹²
     The real issue more likely may be efficacy. The FDA certainly does have regulative powers when it comes to claims made about health products. Dr. Aslan’s formulation is vastly outnumbered by its imitators — to the tune of several hundred to one. Clearly, these imitations do not measure up and many have no therapeutic effects at all. Claims made by their manufacturers refer to Dr. Aslan’s research and that of other prominent scientists. However, these products do not prove likewise efficacious. No wonder the regulative authorities decided to take a second look.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT ALL THOSE IMITATION GH3’S?
     So far, nothing can be done. Hopefully, trademark registration and legal actions eventually will protect the reputation of Dr. Aslan. She herself resents the pirating of her signature and labeling for financial gain.⁹³ It gives her, the product and the Romanian government a bad name.
     For now, it is advisable to accept only Gerovital endorsed in writing by Dr. Aslan herself. Alternatively, generic products can be verified by appropriate clinical and laboratory testing. Safety and efficacy are assured only with adequate verification.