I noticed in this month's Road Bike Action a full-page color ad for an oral supplement that is "proven" to increase one's epo level. It seemed interesting so I looked up the original article.

It turns out that high-dose echinacea (8g/day) has been shown to increase epo levels in the short term (a couple weeks) in athletes but actually not in the long term...and more importantly the study showed NO CHANGE in Hemoglobin/Hematocrit (i.e. red cell volume)....and it's the red cell mass that determines your VO2MAX.

Therefore I am inclined to conclude this product is not effective.

Anyone tried it or have other impressions?

Just use whatever Lance uses, that stuff seems to work well.

This thread is going downhill fast.

I thought I was making a legitimate contribution to the collective intelligence of BF....but maybe I was giving myself too much credit.

Sigh.

You said
The collective intelligence of BF
lol

Your signature says it all, datlas.

Most supplements have little real benefits. I tried optygen hp last year - it is supposed to increase your O2 uptake and help with strength/recovery. Suprise, surprise - followed the instructions to the tee and saw zero net gain.

Like you, I can't imagine it would work, but at least you will never get a cold.


Right?

Sorry, the more recent and rigorous studies on echinacea have been negative studies (translation = no benefit).

Just eat foods that contain plenty of Iron and Vitamins B & C or take some multivitamins. Either that or start mail-ordering your steaks from Spain.

I wouldn't go as far as calling it a scam. No different than many/most such products on the market.

I have sarcasm fail

reminds me of those commercials "side effects may include nose bleeding, diarrhea, heart attack, sudden stroke, and death..."

And see your doctor if you have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.

Spanish Meat. That's the shizzle!!!

If that happened, I would not call my doctor. Instead, I would be calling everybody I know to brag bout it LOL...........

This^^

I think you will need some scripts for it though.

Gheez...what a thread.

Anyway, you want to increase your red blood count, sleep in a hyperbaric chamber, or move to Denver and train.

The only other proven way to raise it is via drugs, like epo...testosterone etc...

Just do angel dust and be done with it.

I think you mean hypobaric. Or else you need to review your physiology concepts.

Deer antler velvet may be a better way to cheat.

this thread has failed

If the stuff did work, this would have to be on the warning label.

I got some EPO (Aranesp) while doing chemo. That stuff is magic juice, and I am not kidding. My red count had crashed and a three mile ride left me panting in bed. One shot of that stuff fixed me right up.