Glandulars are a type of dietary supplement derived from animal organs or glands. These supplements are processed to retain various biological compounds naturally present in the original tissues. This article explores what glandulars are, how they are prepared, their common applications, and the proposed ways they might support human health. Understanding the considerations for their use is also important for individuals exploring these supplements.
What Are Glandulars?
Glandulars are dietary supplements made from the dried and powdered tissues of animal glands or organs, typically sourced from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) animals. These include organs like the liver, heart, or kidneys, and glands such as the adrenal, thyroid, or pituitary. The traditional belief behind their use is that consuming a specific animal gland or organ can support the corresponding one in the human body, a concept sometimes called “like supports like.” Tissues are selected from healthy sources and processed to preserve their biological components, aiming to deliver a concentrated form for human consumption.
How Glandular Supplements Are Prepared
The manufacturing process for glandular supplements begins with sourcing raw animal tissues from government-inspected facilities. After collection, fresh tissues are promptly processed to maintain their integrity. Common preparation methods include freeze-drying or desiccation, both of which remove water while preserving biological compounds. After drying, the material is ground into a fine powder, then encapsulated or pressed into tablets. Strict quality control measures are implemented throughout this process, including testing for contaminants like heavy metals or microbial pathogens, to ensure product purity.
Common Uses and Types of Glandulars
Glandular supplements are used to support specific bodily functions. Adrenal glandulars, for instance, are often used for stress response. Liver glandulars may support detoxification and provide nutrients like B vitamins and iron. Thyroid glandulars are common for metabolic health, but some contain natural thyroid hormones with significant physiological effects. Other types, such as those from the pancreas or thymus, aim to provide targeted support to corresponding human organs.
Understanding Their Proposed Mechanisms
Glandulars are thought to exert their effects by providing specific biological components to the human body. Beyond the “like supports like” principle, glandular tissues contain a complex array of nutrients. These include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, which can serve as nutritional building blocks for human physiological processes. Additionally, glandulars are believed to contain enzymes, peptides, and growth factors unique to the specific organ or gland. These biomolecules might act as signaling molecules or provide enzymatic support, influencing the function of corresponding human organs. While research is ongoing, these diverse compounds form the basis of their proposed benefits.
Important Considerations for Glandular Supplementation
Individuals considering glandular supplementation should be aware of several important factors. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements like glandulars are not subject to the same rigorous pre-market approval processes by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means product quality, purity, and potency can vary significantly between brands and batches.
Potential risks include contamination with heavy metals, pesticides, or pathogens if sourcing and manufacturing are not properly controlled. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially for those sensitive to animal products. Furthermore, some glandulars, particularly thyroid glandulars containing natural hormones, can have unintended hormonal effects that could be harmful if not properly monitored. Therefore, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is strongly advised before taking any glandular supplements, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.