Wharton's Jelly Benefits and Downside

Wharton’s Jelly Vs Stem cells

Wharton’s Jelly is a tissue matrix. Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion because clinics call Wharton’s Jelly stem cells. This article explains what each is used for and when to choose one over the other. It also compares cost.

Wharton’s Jelly Vs stem cells

Wharton’s Jelly is a tissue matrix. Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion because clinics call Wharton’s Jelly stem cells. Some clinics will tell you the approximate number of stem cells per milliliter of fluid. Others will not provide a figure. Legally, an exact number of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) cannot be quoted to the provider or the patient by the distributor.

MSCs have been separated out of the tissue matrix and can therefore be counted. The provider would be able to quote you the exact number of stem cells used in your joint injection or infusion. MSCs have the ability to divide and regenerate themselves. They can also differentiate to help form new or repair existing cells contributing to healing of arthritic or injured tissue. The value of getting a stem cell treatment is in this divisibility and differentiation capabilities.

Wharton’s Jelly Benefits and Downsides

Wharton’s Jelly tissue matrix is appropriate for minor arthritis, sprains and post surgery pain. It provides scaffolding, support and cushioning.

It’s important to note that one mL of a typical WJ product contains no more than 10-15 million actual stem cells. Therefore, most of the content is acellular with little divisibility capability. The results will be temporary and you will likely need another injection in 6 months or a year. However, the price is less than the actual stem cells. If a clinic is ethical it shouldn’t be more than $4000 for 2 mL and the term should be Wharton’s jelly tissue matrix, not “stem cells”.

Wharton’s Jelly is unsuitable for IVs. Only Exosomes or isolated MSCs should be infused systemically. If you just get WJ, you are missing out on important oxygenation and immune moderating growth factors. Wharton’s Jelly is best suited for musculoskeletal conditions only.

To get an IV or a joint injection of the isolated MSCs, the cost will be higher, as it should be since it’s a more potent treatment. The clinic should be able to disclose the number of stem cells and viability. If they cannot provide you with these two data points, then they most likely are offering a mixed product and not the pure stem cells.

The advantage of MSCs over Wharton’s Jelly

As mentioned above, isolated stem cells have the ability to divide and differentiate which makes this treatment more potent than Wharton’s jelly. Wharton’s jelly can certainly provide some cushioning and scaffolding but has just a slight repair benefit, and the results will be short term.

If you are ok with getting more than one treatment and paying less for each treatment, WJ is a fine choice. However, if you prefer to pay upfront for longer lasting results or if seeking an IV instead of a joint injection, isolated stem cells is a better choice. For a systemic IV, it doesn’t make since to get WJ since it contains so little stem cells and is essentially a tissue matrix. What you want for an IV is something that is better suited for blood circulation with the ability to get into various tissues such as the brain and lungs.

For conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, long Covid, and autoimmune conditions, isolated MSCs of a dose between 90 to 120 million is the best value for your money. The doctor should be able to give you the approximate number of stem cells needed, depending on your overall health, age, co-morbidities, and the stage of the medical condition being treated.

Please review the FAQs page for the difference between expanded and non-expanded MSCs. this is an important consideration when comparing costs.

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