Posted by Dr. David on March 28, 2001 at 12:32:46:
FYI, NBC Dateline did an anti-aging story last night and presented Transfer Factor in an uneducated, and negative light. The report was riddled with the implication of "scamming" of America. Amazing how negative garbage sells and good news doesn't. This deeply troubles me. This is my response and email sent earlier today to Dateline NBC. I also know that Dr. Rob sent them an "educational" message as well. Will let you all know if anyone bothers to respond to this.
"I was very distressed over the superficial, uninformed fashion you chose to present the information during this segment. Particularly where Transfer Factor was concerned. Do you even know what TF is? Did anyone do any research, MedLine or otherwise about this natural product and read the thousands of medical research and clinical reports about transfer factors? Hundreds of physicians, including myself, who have used a form of transfer factor in their practices, have seen enormously positive results with its use and its ability to boost the immune system. We cure nothing nor do we claim that we do: we do however boost the natural ability of the body to heal, to maintain a healthier state of homeostasis, and yes to heal itself. When you report these items, you should take it upon yourselves to do it as responsibly as is humanly possible. And then report on the full potential of this natural product and its potential impact on a society threatened now more than ever with infectious diseases, threatened by the overuse and irresponsible use of antibiotics. We have a 20 year old HIV+ person who has, in addition to his standard retro-viral therapy, after 25 months of taking an enhanced transfer factor product, has been HIV non-detectable, with dramatic increases in his CD4 counts to a now normal level of 704. And only required antibiotic use once in last 18 months. Have we "cured" him with transfer factor? A resounding NO, but we boosted his immune capabilites to better handle the enormous stress it was under. We have dozens of children who have done well taking transfer factors daily in our office, teenagers with Lyme Disease with dramatic recoveries after immune boosting naturally and antibitoics. We are talking about a responsible integrative approach to practicing medicine, using the best of the both allopathic and natural worlds. Get it? You take it upon yourselves to "educate" Americans with your program. Well, it should be done in a responsible fashion and not constantly pumped with "scam" issues. I know the "scam" issues sell your programs and good news does not. There is good news out there as well. The good news should be shared as well. Educate yourselves and then share that new found education with us, your viewing audience.
David M. Markowitz, M.D.