If you follow international news, chances are you might have come across the news that Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Kim Kardashian, Tony Robbins, and David Beckham use stem cell therapy. And even many parents in Singapore are storing their child’s stem cells just after delivery. 

Wondering why they are doing so? Let’s explore.

What Is Stem Cell Preservation?

Stem cell preservation is also known as stem cell banking. It is the process of collecting, processing, and storing a baby’s stem cells just after delivery so they can be used in medical treatments in the future.

What are the Different Sources of Stem Cells?

The different sources of stem cells from a newborn are:

1. Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB), ➡ Rich in Hematopoietic Stem Cells
2. Umbilical Cord Tissue (UCT)/Wharton’s Jelly ➡ Rich in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
3. Placenta, ➡ Rich in Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
4. Amniotic Fluid, ➡ Rich in Fetal Stem Cells (or Amniotic fluid stem cells)
5. Baby Teeth, ➡ Rich in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Why Are Newborns’ Stem Cells Preserved? What’s Special

Because they have the following qualities:

1. Biologically younger.
2. Undergone fewer divisions.
3. Higher potency than adult stem cells.
4. It can be collected in a noninvasive manner (meaning painless and safe).

Driving Factors Behind Newborns’ Stem Cell Banking in Singapore | The Reasons

The primary factor is the unique benefits that stem cells offer.

Let’s explore stem cells in detail so that you can understand the reasons why many parents in Singapore are choosing to store them at the time of birth.

• What are Stem Cells

These are the cells with the ability to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They function as a repair system for the body.

The doctors and scientists community is excited about stem cells because of their potential to help in many different areas of health and medical research.

• Type of Stem Cells

• Classification Based on Potency

• Totipotent
• Pluripotent
• Multipotent (for example: mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs))
• Oligopotent
• Unipotent

Multipotent stem cells are cells that have the potential to self-renew by dividing and to develop into multiple specialized cell types present in a specific tissue or organ.

• Classification Based on Source

• Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)
• Adult Stem Cells
• Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) are rich in Hematopoietic Stem Cells
• Umbilical Cord Tissue (UCT)/Wharton’s Jelly are rich in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

• The Benefits it Offers

• Support Regeneration of Tissue 

Stem cells can develop into needed cell types such as muscle or bone. This can help rebuild damaged areas from injuries or wear and promote natural healing. 

For example, Cristiano Ronaldo has been reported to use autologous stem cell therapy for his knee and muscle injuries.

• Decrease Unnecessary Inflammation

These cells are known to release anti-inflammatory signals. This helps calm overactive immune responses and promote recovery in conditions such as arthritis. ​

• Support Immune System

Mesenchymal stem cells have been studied to support your immune system and prevent attacks on healthy tissues in autoimmune diseases such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis). 

• Help in Treatment of Blood Disorder 

Hematopoietic stem cells sourced from umbilical cord blood help rebuild blood and immune systems post-chemotherapy for leukemia. They have the ability to multiply rapidly, providing a lifeline when bone marrow fails.​

• Support Pain Management

By repairing root causes such as joint damage, these cells can manage chronic pain, often without the use of opioids or invasive surgery. 

• Have the Ability to for Organ Repair 

Stem cells have been studied to grow new heart muscle after attacks or retinal cells for vision loss in macular degeneration (an eye disease that affects central vision). This can lessen the organ transplant requirement by restoring functional tissue.​

• Support Diabetes Management

Stem cells have the potential to generate insulin-making cells destroyed in type 1 diabetes. This can help stabilize blood sugar naturally.

• May Offer Anti-Aging Effects

Stem cells allow for rejuvenation of tissues by replacing worn cells and support repair signals. This helps in slowing age-related decline and improving skin, joints, and vitality.

Khloe Kardashian documented her recent trip to Mexico to undergo muse stem cell treatment.

• What is the Process of Stem Cell Banking

Cryoviva Singapore (an AABB-accredited private cord blood bank) follows safe banking:

1. Painless and safe collection just after delivery.
2. Testing and processing to rule out any presence of disease and infection. And extract the stem cell-rich portion.
3. Freezing and long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures (frozen under -150°C) using liquid nitrogen.
4. Can be released when required in the future. You can check the cord blood retrieval record for transplant here.

What is the Cost of Cord Blood Banking in Singapore?

The cost may depend on the service provider’s experience, location in Singapore, advanced technology used, storage years, and other factors.

Cryoviva costs range between 5,000 to 8,000 SGD, making it affordable for many parents living in Singapore.

Conclusion

As you know, there are many benefits of newborn stem cell storage; however, you must still do your own research from your end so that you can make an informed decision.

And if you want professional help, then you can talk to our professional team for any doubts. 

Phone number: (65) 8339 8482

Address: Corporate Office 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #01-06 Mapex, Singapore 577177

Write Us: enquiry@cryoviva.com.sg

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use only. For any condition that requires stem cell therapy, you must contact your healthcare professional only.

Note: This content is medically reviewed by the Cord Blood Collection Team of Cryoviva Singapore, a leading private cord blood bank in Singapore that has successfully stored over 10,000 umbilical cord blood and cord tissue units. All content is medically reviewed to ensure reliability and clinical accuracy.