Transforming growth factor beta

Why You Need It (Regulation)

• Wound Healing & Tissue Repair: TGF-β stimulates the production of collagen, the structural protein that repairs skin and tissue after injury.
• Immune System Balance: It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, calming down the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy tissues (autoimmunity).
• Cell Quality Control: It inhibits cell proliferation, acting as a natural guard against the formation of abnormal cells.

Deep Dive

TGF-β is fascinating because it is 'context-dependent.' In healthy tissue, it is a guardian. However, if you have an existing tumor, TGF-β can paradoxically help the cancer grow (which is why you should never try to increase levels artificially if you have cancer history). The goal of a healthy diet is to keep TGF-β in its 'guardian' state. This involves consuming foods rich in bioactive compounds that signal the body to maintain homeostasis.

Natural Food Sources (Modulators)

Since TGF-β is a protein produced by your own cells, you cannot eat a fruit that contains it in a bioavailable form. Instead, you eat foods that influence its pathways.

Supplementation

Do NOT supplement pure TGF-β. It is a prescription-grade biological agent used in very specific clinical trials, not a wellness supplement.

If you are looking to support your body's natural repair mechanisms, look for supplements that support TGF-β regulation (such as Vitamin D or Probiotics), rather than the molecule itself.