Celebrities, ultra-rich are detoxing their blood for longevity
In this DML Report…
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), also known as plasmapheresis, involves connecting patients to a machine that removes plasma from the blood and replaces it with albumin, the most abundant blood protein. The procedure filters out approximately 75% of plasma, estimated at 2 liters out of 2.7 liters in an adult, while total blood volume ranges from 4.7 to 5.7 liters. It requires IVs in both arms, lasts 2-3 hours, and effects manifest over subsequent days. Variants, such as those offered by Clarify Clinics, filter the patient's own plasma of toxins before reinfusion. Traditionally used in hospitals to treat autoimmune conditions by removing harmful antibodies, about 17,000 TPE procedures occur annually in the U.S. for medical purposes. For longevity applications, it is recommended twice yearly at a cost of around $20,000 annually, with individual sessions up to $10,000 or $12,700, as seen in London clinics.
Ultra-rich individuals are adopting TPE to eliminate inflammation-causing proteins, microplastics, forever chemicals, and other toxins from blood plasma, aiming to support longevity amid biohacking trends like oxygen chambers and stem cell infusions. These substances accumulate through ingestion of contaminated food or inhalation, potentially leading to inflammation, gut microbiome disruption, hormone alterations, and accelerated aging via cellular mutations. Celebrities and billionaires using TPE include actor Orlando Bloom, 48, who underwent the procedure in June at a cost of $12,700 to remove microplastics and toxic chemicals; former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, who received it in August; Star Trek actor Paul Wesley, who had it in the last six months; biohacking mogul Bryan Johnson, 48, who tried it in October last year after previously exchanging plasma with his 17-year-old son, noting his plasma was the cleanest seen in nine years but feeling no personal change; and Venera, 67, mother of health coach Natalia Naila, who reported feeling lighter, clearer, more relaxed, with deeper sleep after the procedure.
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Experts indicate TPE may support immune function and cell health, with anecdotal reports of improved relaxation and sleep, but its effects on aging and toxin removal lack rigorous scientific backing. Patients like Venera experienced side effects including bruising at IV sites, nasal itching, and increased urination. Risks include potential elevation of blood microplastic levels due to plastic components in the machines. Dr. Keith Smigiel compared the post-procedure sensation to recovering from jet lag, while experts Dr. Rosa Busquets and Dr. Luiza Campos noted no published evidence for effective microplastic or toxin filtration from human blood, urging skepticism. TPE differs from dialysis, which filters waste for kidney failure patients and regulates electrolytes, but shares unproven claims for toxin removal in healthy individuals. No clear data exists on out-of-pocket longevity uses, and understanding of microplastics' impacts remains preliminary.