What it is
Umbilical cord derived products are made from parts of the umbilical cord, which is donated after a healthy birth. Depending on the product, this can include cord blood, cord tissue, or Wharton's jelly, the gel-like substance that surrounds the blood vessels inside the cord.
Some products are processed into injectable liquids, powders, or tissue forms. Others are described as containing exosomes, which are tiny particles released by cells. How a product is made, screened, and processed can differ a great deal from one manufacturer to the next.
Processing matters because it affects what a product actually contains. Many products are cleaned, preserved, or filtered in ways that remove living cells, so a product should not be assumed to contain active stem cells unless the manufacturer can document it.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Cord blood has long been collected and stored for certain blood-related medical uses, and specific cord blood products are FDA-approved for those narrow purposes. These established uses are quite different from the ways cord tissue products are often marketed today.
Cord tissue, Wharton's jelly, and exosome products have more recently drawn interest in regenerative medicine research and in some clinics, including for joints, skin, and general wellness. Research in these areas is still developing, and results from early studies do not guarantee outcomes for any individual.
Most umbilical cord derived products marketed for joint problems, pain, aesthetics, or anti-aging are not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA has issued public warnings about unapproved regenerative products. Products labeled research-use-only (RUO) are not approved for human treatment and cannot legally be marketed for that purpose.
How the right doctor may help
A thoughtful, licensed provider may start with a conversation about your health history, your goals, and what you have already tried. A visit often includes an evaluation, and the provider may discuss whether a regenerative approach is appropriate at all, or whether other options make more sense. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is right for you.
Good questions to bring include: Is this product FDA-approved, and for what use? Is it labeled research-use-only? Where does it come from, and how is it processed and tested? Does it contain living cells, or has processing removed them? What are the possible risks and side effects?
You may also ask about alternatives, including more established options, what evidence exists for your specific concern, and what the total cost would be, including follow-up visits. A provider who answers clearly and does not promise results is a good sign.
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect one another. Long-term discomfort can weigh on mood and sleep, and stress can in turn make the body feel more tense or sore. Looking at the whole person, including rest, movement, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing, can give a fuller picture than any single product or treatment.
Body-based approaches such as those from Somatic Experiences may help some people notice and release held tension, while talk therapy through Therapists.plus can offer support with the worry or frustration that often comes with ongoing health concerns. These can complement, not replace, guidance from your doctor.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Most umbilical cord derived products marketed for joints, pain, aesthetics, or anti-aging are not FDA-approved for those uses, and they should never be described as cures.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for any serious or ongoing health condition, and only a clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Be cautious of any claim that a product will regrow tissue or guarantee results, and ask any provider about a product's FDA or RUO status, source, risks, alternatives, and total cost.
- For emergencies call 911. In a crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Licensed providers: wholesale via Provider Back Office →Frequently asked questions
What are umbilical cord derived products?
Umbilical cord derived products are materials made from donated umbilical cord blood, tissue, or Wharton's jelly. They come in several forms and are processed in different ways. What a given product contains depends on the manufacturer, so it is worth asking for documentation.
Are umbilical cord derived products FDA-approved?
Only certain cord blood products are FDA-approved, and only for specific blood-related uses. Most cord tissue, Wharton's jelly, and exosome products marketed for joints, pain, aesthetics, or anti-aging are not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
Do umbilical cord products contain stem cells?
Not necessarily. Many products are processed in ways that remove or inactivate living cells, so they may not contain active stem cells even if marketed that way. Ask the provider what the product contains and how that is verified.
What does research-use-only (RUO) mean?
Research-use-only means a product is intended for laboratory research, not for use in people. RUO products are not FDA-approved for human treatment and cannot legally be marketed for that purpose. If a product is labeled RUO, ask your provider why it is being offered.
Can umbilical cord derived products cure joint pain?
No product should be described as a cure. Research on these products for joint concerns is still developing, and results can vary or may not occur. A licensed provider can discuss established options and what is known about your specific situation.
What should I ask a provider about umbilical cord derived products?
Ask about the product's FDA or RUO status, its source and processing, whether it contains living cells, possible risks, alternatives, and the total cost. A trustworthy provider will answer plainly and will not promise specific results.
Educational resource. Newcyte shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.