There is no shortage of weird ways that people attempt to stay young, including blood transfusions. For upwards of $12,000, companies perform blood transfusions using plasma from young donors. The claim is that young blood fights aging and certain diseases, like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. But now the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns these claims are both unproven and potentially harmful.
In a statement released February 19, 2019, the FDA says there is no evidence that plasma from young donors cures or prevents age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or heart disease. Further, they state that people are risking their health by opting for plasma treatments.
“The reported uses of these products should not be assumed to be safe or effective. We strongly discourage consumers from pursing this therapy outside of clinical trials under appropriate institutional review board and regulatory oversight,” they write.
Further, the FDA says they’re concerned that “unscrupulous actors” are preying on patients. In addition to being completely unproven, the FDA says there’s no guidelines for dosing, so doctors aren’t sure how much plasma may be safe. Using large volumes of plasma can put patients at risk of infections, allergies, and respiratory problems, they warn.
And while some people undergoing young blood transfusions to ward off certain diseases, the FDA is concerned that sick patients may bypass safe and effective treatments for this dubious trend. They urge people to consult with their physicians before risking their bank accounts and health.
Want to keep your body young in a way that doesn’t involve injecting other people’s blood? Try meditating, eating fruits and vegetables, and maintaining friendships.
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