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Infrared Proprietary Blend

Also known as: infrared blend, infrared supplement blend, infrared technology blend, Infrared Proprietary Blend

Overview

The term "Infrared Proprietary Blend" refers to a non-standardized, proprietary mixture of ingredients typically found in dietary supplements or topical products. These blends are marketed with claims related to leveraging infrared (IR) technology or effects within the body. While IR itself is electromagnetic radiation, these blends often contain botanical extracts, minerals, or compounds that purportedly enhance IR emission, absorption, or influence physiological processes like circulation or thermal regulation. The exact composition of such blends is usually undisclosed, making scientific evaluation challenging. Primary applications claimed by manufacturers include improving circulation, reducing pain or inflammation, enhancing recovery, and promoting skin health. However, direct, high-quality peer-reviewed research specifically on "Infrared Proprietary Blend" as a supplement is currently lacking, and evidence for its efficacy is not established.

Benefits

There is no direct, high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews to support specific benefits of "Infrared Proprietary Blend" as a dietary supplement. Research related to infrared technology primarily focuses on clinical applications, such as medical imaging and therapeutic interventions, rather than supplement efficacy. For instance, near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has shown utility in medical diagnostics, like improving detection rates in sentinel lymph node procedures, indicating IR's value in clinical settings. Similarly, infrared thermography is used non-invasively in podiatry for diagnostic purposes. Some clinical IR therapies, such as pulsed dye laser combined with beta-blockers for vascular lesions, demonstrate therapeutic promise. However, these clinical applications do not translate to or provide evidence for the benefits of proprietary IR blends marketed as supplements. Therefore, no specific population-specific benefits, effect sizes, or clinical significance can be attributed to these blends based on current scientific literature.

How it works

While the exact mechanism of proprietary infrared blends is speculative due to undisclosed ingredients, the general principles of infrared radiation's interaction with the body are understood. Infrared radiation can penetrate skin and tissues, potentially influencing microcirculation, mitochondrial function, and cellular metabolism. Specifically, near-infrared (NIR) light is known to stimulate cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, a process called photobiomodulation, which can enhance ATP production. This interaction primarily affects the skin, vascular system, and potentially the musculoskeletal system through both thermal and photobiomodulatory effects. Since these supplements are ingested or applied topically, any claimed IR effects would rely on indirect mechanisms, such as ingredients that might emit IR or enhance the body's endogenous response to IR, rather than directly delivering IR radiation.

Side effects

There is no direct safety data available for "Infrared Proprietary Blend" as a supplement due to its proprietary nature and lack of specific research. In general, clinical infrared therapies are considered safe when applied correctly by professionals, though they may cause mild skin irritation or burns if misused. For proprietary blends, common or uncommon side effects are not documented. Similarly, drug interactions and contraindications are unknown. Without specific ingredient disclosure and dedicated safety studies, it is impossible to assess the comprehensive safety profile for these blends. Therefore, caution is advised, especially for special populations, as no data exists regarding their safety in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines for "Infrared Proprietary Blend" due to the lack of direct scientific research on these proprietary formulations as supplements. The absence of specific ingredient information and clinical trials means that no recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes can be provided. Furthermore, there are no known upper limits or safety thresholds for these blends. Consumers should be aware that without such data, any dosage recommendations provided by manufacturers are not scientifically validated.

FAQs

Is Infrared Proprietary Blend effective?

No direct, high-quality evidence supports the efficacy of 'Infrared Proprietary Blend' as a supplement. Research on infrared technology primarily relates to clinical applications, not supplement benefits.

Is it safe to use 'Infrared Proprietary Blend'?

The safety of 'Infrared Proprietary Blend' is uncertain due to undisclosed ingredients and a lack of specific safety studies. No common or rare side effects are documented for these blends.

How does 'Infrared Proprietary Blend' supposedly work?

It's speculated to work through photobiomodulation or thermal effects, influencing circulation and cellular metabolism. However, the exact mechanism for a supplement is unclear without ingredient disclosure.

When should I take 'Infrared Proprietary Blend'?

There are no established guidelines for when to take 'Infrared Proprietary Blend' due to the absence of scientific research and dosing recommendations.

What results can I expect from 'Infrared Proprietary Blend'?

Based on current scientific evidence, no specific results or benefits can be expected from 'Infrared Proprietary Blend' as a supplement.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32826112/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Jeremiasse et al. (2020) evaluated the use of near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) for sentinel lymph node detection in oncology. The study, encompassing 55 individual studies, found that ICG imaging had higher detection rates than blue dye and comparable rates to radio-colloid, supporting its utility in medical imaging for cancer staging. This research highlights the diagnostic application of NIR technology in a clinical setting.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39768561/ – García-de-la-Peña et al. (2024) reviewed the applications of infrared thermography in podiatry. Their work emphasizes the non-invasive diagnostic use of infrared thermography for various foot conditions, showcasing its role in clinical assessment. This source demonstrates the diagnostic utility of infrared technology in a medical specialty, distinct from supplement claims.
https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/medicaid-comm-plan/oh/light-laser-therapy-oh-cs.pdf – Fei et al. (2020) conducted a network meta-analysis on laser therapies for infantile hemangiomas, identifying pulsed dye laser combined with propranolol as an effective treatment. This study, while not directly linked to the provided URL, represents clinical applications of laser and light therapies, which often involve infrared wavelengths. It underscores the therapeutic potential of IR-based interventions in a medical context, rather than as a dietary supplement.