Relief Factor

Pain is among the most common reasons for doctor visits. The underlying cause, as well as the affected area, can be highly variable. Similarly, management options may be diverse, ranging from rest, to more invasive procedures.

There may be alternatives for those wishing to avoid long-term use of medication or surgery, however. Relief Factor may be one such option.

A blend of botanical ingredients and fish oil, Relief Factor claims to alleviate the most common forms of pain associated with aging, exercise, and everyday living.

In this review, we will summarize research supporting the safety and efficacy of this product, as well as who may benefit from use.

Relief Factor Ingredients: Do They Work?

Relief Factor works to support the body’s inflammatory response through a blend of key ingredients: turmeric, resveratrol, icariin, and omega-3. The combination of these ingredients is said to lower or eliminate pain by attacking it at the source.

One serving size is a single packet that contains 2 capsules (botanical ingredients) and 2 softgels (omegas). The recommended dosage is 2 packets (8 total pills) each day.

Turmeric - 667mg

In use for thousands of years, there may be more to this spice than simply its culinary or textile role. Turmeric is reported to have numerous benefits related to heart health, brain function, and even fighting off cancer, though its role in the inflammatory process is why this extract is found in Relief Factor.

The inflammatory response is responsible for the process of healing that occurs after injury. It is vital for survival, though chronic activation of this response may be associated with various ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

Turmeric’s role in regulating some of the pro-inflammatory messengers involved in the response are thought to be related to curcumin, a molecule produced by turmeric plants.

Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects involve action in multiple pathways:

• NF-kB is considered the “holy grail” in terms of potential targets for anti-inflammatory treatment. Curcumin has been shown to counteract NF-kB in mouse and human studies.
• C-reactive protein is another major mediator of the inflammatory response; levels may be reduced by curcumin supplementation.
• Cyclooxygenase (COX) are enzymes with a well known role in the inflammatory process - so much so, that drugs you may have heard of were developed to block their actions; aspirin is one example. Curcumin may also act on these enzymes.

When this rationale was applied to arthritic patients, improvements in patient reported outcomes and walking distance were seen.

Nonetheless, the challenge remains finding the best way to increase absorption as circumin is rapidly metabolized and eliminated.

Resveratrol - 70mg

This antioxidant works to neutralize free-radicals, atoms or molecules that damage cells. Found in grapes, berries, and peanuts, resveratrol is also associated with anti-inflammatory actions.

It may act to combat some of the same pro-inflammatory mediators as turmeric. Additionally, resveratrol may have cardiovascular benefits. It may increase nitric oxide synthesis, a gas vital to the process that leads to increased diameter of blood vessels.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation improved tenderness, swelling, and disease activity scores.

Icariin - 20mg

The flavonoid icariin is the active ingredient in Horny Goat Weed - extracts from these plants are thought to benefit a variety of conditions like cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Icariin is thought to have a similar effect as compared to medication used as first-line treatment for ED - inhibiting phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) to facilitate increased blood flow. Additionally, it may work in conjunction with the effects of resveratrol in promoting nitric oxide formation.

Omega-3 - 900mg

Omega-3s are fatty acids found in walnuts, flax seed, and fatty fish that have been said to have various benefits related to cardiovascular and cognitive health, though their suspected anti-inflammatory role is responsible for their inclusion in Relief Factor.

The omegas found in Relief Factor are composed of eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA, 647mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 253mg). The latter may play a role in reducing pro-inflammatory mediators, especially after exercise. EPA may serve as a substrate in the creation of hormones that regulate the inflammatory response.

The Takeaway

The reported benefits of Relief Factor ingredients are wide ranging, though many are the result of their anti-inflammatory roles. Similarly, the potential as a therapeutic intervention has been examined in many different populations.

With respect to patient populations that experience chronic pain, such as those with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, there appears to be a role for turmeric, resveratrol, icariin, and omegas.

The following footnote is included on the Relief Factor website with regards to their list of ingredients and purported benefits:

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

This means it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure safety prior to sale. Always include the opinion of a medical professional before starting a new supplement.

Safety and Possible Side Effects

Even at doses more than 6x the daily recommended dose of Relief Factor, there were no reported toxic effects of curcumin treatment. Mild side effects such as headache, stomach pain, or nausea may be possible.

Resveratrol doses 5x the dosage of Relief Factor were well tolerated. Mild side effects related to digestion or stomach pain are possible.

Icariin works to dilate blood vessels and therefore may be unsafe for those who are treated for cardiovascular issues, though long-term safety investigations are lacking.

Omegas are generally safe at doses comparable to what is offered in Relief Factor, occasional gastrointestinal issues are possible.

Always consult a medical professional prior to starting a new supplement.

The Takeaway

Low side effect profiles are often a benefit of nutraceuticals like Relief Factor, though this does not mean they are without risk.

This supplement is generally safe when used as described and ingredients seem to be well-tolerated at high doses.

Mild digestive issues are possible with use, and icariin may interact with medications used to treat cardiovascular issues.

Always consult a medical professional before use.

Pricing and Where to Buy It

Getting your Relief Factor seems easy enough - simply call or head to their website. The most cost-effective way to order appears to be becoming a preferred customer:

• Purchase a “3-week quickstart” for $19.5 + $6.95 standard shipping.
• Two weeks later, your regular 30-day supply (60 packets = 240 pills total) is sent out after you’re charged $79.95 + $6.95 standard shipping.
• This fee is then charged monthly unless you specify otherwise

There are no obligations, you can cancel anytime. In comparison, the non-member rate for a 30-day supply is $93.95 + $6.95. Returns of sealed packages are accepted within 90-days.

Alternatives

There is about 200mg of curcumin in 1tsp of turmeric - you’d need more than 6 of these to get a days worth of what’s included in 2 packets of Relief Factor. This supplement is sold by various retailers.

Resveratrol is found in grapes (and therefore wine), berries, and peanuts. Obtaining this naturally would take some effort however - more than 120 glasses of wine to achieve the dose included in Relief Factor. This is obviously not recommended. Various retailers offer this supplement.

Icariin is the active ingredient in horny goat weed, a plant found in China, Korea, and Japan. This is also easy to obtain from various retailers

Omegas are easily obtained from nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, though supplements are also common.

These products are all offered by multiple retailers ranging from about $12-$70. Keep in mind, serving size, dosages, and supplies vary. Though it may be possible to save money by looking beyond Relief Factor, it may be less convenient to purchase ingredients separately.

Analysis of Reviews

Available reviews are found on the company's Facebook page; 3.6/5 on 79 reviews.

The happy customers report decreased pain, return to activities like golf, and improved quality of life.

The negative reviews revolve around billing issues like being charged 10x the monthly fee or being charged after cancellation.

Relief Factor representatives did message these individuals to offer an apology for the poor experience, as well as resolution.

The Bottom Line

Relief Factor targets pain through a blend of turmeric, resveratrol, icariin, and omega-3s. The reported benefits of these ingredients are broad, and their anti-inflammatory roles are thought to be responsible.

It is generally safe, even at doses beyond what is included in this supplement. Associated adverse effects are mainly related to digestive issues.

The proposed mechanism for targeting pro-inflammatory mediators has been examined various populations include those battling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

With regards to pain, these ingredients have been well studied in some patient populations that experience regular pain, chiefly osteoarthritic patients and those with rheumatoid arthritis.

There appears to be a clear benefit for those with joint pain due to these conditions. Consult your physician before use.