May 31, 2008

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Ginkgo biloba

Treatments: 
Age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) Alzheimer’s disease (early-stage) Glaucoma (normal tension glaucoma) Intermittent claudication Altitude sickness (prevention) Depression (for elderly people) Erectile dysfunction (of vascular origin) Macular degeneration Schizophrenia (in combination with haloperidol) Vertigo Vitiligo Asthma Atherosclerosis Deafness, acute cochlear Memory enhancement (in healthy adults) Ménière’s disease Migraine headaches Multiple sclerosis (injections) Premenstrual syndrome Raynaud’s disease Retinopathy Tinnitus Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes

Common Symptoms:

Dosages:
Most clinical trials have used between 120 and 240 mg of ginkgo (standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides) per day, generally divided into two or three portions. The higher amount (240 mg per day) has been used in some people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive decline, intermittent claudication, and resistant depression. Ginkgo may need to be taken for eight to twelve weeks before desired actions such as cognitive improvement are noticed. Although nonstandardized Ginkgo biloba leaf and tinctures are available, there is no well-established amount or use for these forms.

Side Effects:
Excessive bleeding has been reported in a few individuals taking ginkgo, although a cause/effect relationship was not proven. In addition, two elderly individuals with well-controlled epilepsy developed recurrent seizures within two weeks after starting ginkgo. Mild headaches lasting for a day or two and mild upset stomach have been reported in a small number of people using ginkgo. Ginkgo leaves are known to contain a group of potentially toxic constituents known as alkylphenols. To reduce the potential for adverse effects, the German Commission E Monograph requires that ginkgo products for human consumption contain less than 5 parts per million of alkylphenols. One small clinical trial found that ginkgo supplementation for three months increased secretion of insulin by the pancreas, but did not affect blood glucose levels, in healthy young adults. These results suggest that the participants may have developed an insensitivity to insulin, a potential concern because insulin insensitivity may be a precursor to type 2 diabetes. However, this trial does not prove that ginkgo causes insulin insensitivity, nor does it prove that long-term ginkgo supplementation increases the risk for any disease. In addition, the results of this trial are not consistent with other research on ginkgo. Larger and more rigorously designed clinical trials of ginkgo supplementation have found no significant adverse effects after as many as 12 months of supplementation. People should seek an accurate medical diagnosis prior to self-prescribing ginkgo. This is especially important for the elderly, whose circulatory conditions can involve serious disease, and for people scheduled for surgery, as ginkgo may affect bleeding time. Certain medicines may interact with Ginkgo biloba. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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May 31, 2008

Digestive enzymes are complex proteins involved in digestion that stimulate chemical changes in other substances. They work optimally at specific temperature and pH. Digestive enzymes include pancreatic enzymes, plant-derived enzymes, and fungal-derived enzymes. There are three classes of digestive enzymes: proteolytic enzymes needed to digest protein, lipases needed to digest fat, and amylases needed to digest carbohydrates.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Digestive Enzymes

Treatments: 
Low back pain (chymotrypsin, trypsin) Pancreatic insufficiency (including pancreatitis) Sprains and strains (chymotrypsin, trypsin) Celiac disease Indigestion (Lipase) Osteoarthritis (bromelain, trypsin, rutosid combination) Tendinitis (proteolytic enzymes) Acne Rosacea Chronic candidiasis Crohn’s disease Food allergies Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Low back pain (papain) Sprains and strains (papain)

Common Symptoms:
People with pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis frequently require supplemental pancreatic enzymes (which include proteolytic enzymes, lipases, and amylases). In addition, those with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease and perhaps some people suffering from indigestion may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes. As bromelain and papain are not essential, deficiencies do not exist.

Dosages:
The digestive enzymes—proteolytic enzymes, lipases, and amylases—are generally taken together. Pancreatin, which contains all three digestive enzymes, is rated against a standard established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). For example, “4X pancreatin” is four times stronger than the USP standard. Each “X” contains 25 USP units of amylase, 2 USP units of lipase, and 25 USP units of protease (or proteolytic enzymes). Three to four grams of 4X pancreatin (or a lower amount at higher potency) with each meal is likely to help digest food in some people with pancreatic insufficiency. Those with chronic pancreatitis need to discuss enzyme intakes with their physician. Under medical supervision, seriously ill people with pancreatic insufficiency caused by pancreatitis are given very high levels of enzymes to improve fat digestion. In one successful trial, enough pancreatin was used with each meal to supply slightly over 1,000,000 USP units of lipase. Because pancreatin is rapidly emptied from the stomach during digestion, people taking these enzymes may obtain better results by spreading out supplementation throughout the meal. Supplemental enzymes that state only product weight, but not activity units, may lack potency.

Side Effects:
The most important digestive enzymes in malabsorption diseases are usually fat-digesting enzymes called lipases. Proteolytic enzymes can digest, as well as destroy, lipases. Therefore, people with enzyme deficiencies may want to avoid proteolytic enzymes in order to spare lipases. If this is not possible (as most enzyme products contain both), people with malabsorption syndromes should talk with their doctor to see if their condition warrants finding products that contain the most lipase and the least protease. In theory, too much enzyme activity could be irritating because it could start to “digest” parts of the body as the enzymes travel through the digestive system. Fortunately, that does not happen with supplemental amounts. Research has not determined the level at which such problems might arise. A serious condition involving damage to the large intestines called fibrosing colonopathy has resulted from the use of pancreatic enzymes in children with cystic fibrosis. In some cases, the problem was linked to the use of high supplemental amounts of enzymes. However, the amount of enzymes used has not been linked to the problem in all reports. In some cases, lower amounts of enzymes have caused fibrosing colonopathy if the enzymes are enteric-coated. Some researchers now believe that some unknown interaction between the enteric coating and the enzymes themselves may cause damage to the intestines of children with cystic fibrosis. Until more is known, children with cystic fibrosis needing to take pancreatic enzymes should only do so under the careful supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare professional. Certain medicines may interact with digestive enzymes. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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May 31, 2008

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Ionized Air (Negative Ions)

Treatments: 

Common Symptoms:

Dosages:

Side Effects:

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May 31, 2008

Methionine is one of the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein), meaning that it cannot be produced by the body, and must be provided by the diet. It supplies sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth. Methionine also belongs to a group of compounds called lipotropics, or chemicals that help the liver process fats (lipids). Others in this group include choline, inositol, and betaine (trimethylglycine).

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Methionine

Treatments: 
Pancreatitis Parkinson’s disease HIV support Liver support

Common Symptoms:
Most people consume plenty of methionine through a typical diet. Lower intakes during pregnancy have been associated with neural tube defects in newborns, but the significance of this is not yet clear.

Dosages:
Amino acid requirements vary according to body weight. However, average-size adults require approximately 800–1,000 mg of methionine per day—an amount easily obtained or even exceeded by most Western diets.

Side Effects:
Animal studies suggest that diets high in methionine, in the presence of B-vitamin deficiencies, may increase the risk for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by increasing blood levels of cholesterol and a compound called homocysteine. This idea has not yet been tested in humans. Excessive methionine intake, together with inadequate intake of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, can increase the conversion of methionine to homocysteine a substance linked to heart disease and stroke. Even in the absence of a deficiency of folic acid, B6, or B12, megadoses of methionine (7 grams per day) have been found to cause elevations in blood levels of homocysteine. Whether such an increase would create a significant hazard for humans taking supplemental methionine has not been established. Supplementation of up to 2 grams of methionine daily for long periods of time has not been reported to cause any serious side effects. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with methionine.

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May 31, 2008

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are considered essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Treatments: 
Kidney failure (intravenous BCAAs) Liver cirrhosis Phenylketonuria Athletic performance (for high altitude and extreme temperature only) Hepatic encephalopathy Spinocerebellar degeneration Tardive dyskinesia

Common Symptoms:
Only a person deficient in protein would become deficient in BCAAs, because most foods that are sources of protein supply BCAAs. Few people in Western societies are protein deficient.

Dosages:
Most diets provide an adequate amount of BCAAs for most people, which is about 25–65 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Athletes involved in intense training often take 5 grams of leucine, 4 grams of valine, and 2 grams of isoleucine per day to prevent muscle loss and increase muscle gain, though most research does not support this use of BCAAs.

Side Effects:
Side effects have not been reported with the use of BCAAs. Until more research is conducted, people with ALS should avoid taking supplemental BCAAs. In one study, supplementation with a large amount of BCAAs (60 grams) caused alterations in the blood levels of tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. The changes in the blood levels of these amino acids could, in theory, cause depression in susceptible individuals. Until more is known, individuals with a history of depression should consult a doctor before supplementing with BCAAs. People with kidney or liver disease should not consume high amounts of amino acids without consulting their doctor. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with branched-chain amino acids.

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May 30, 2008

Lutein is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family (a group of naturally occurring fat-soluble pigments found in plants). Lutein is the primary carotenoid present in the central area of the retina called the macula.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Lutein

Treatments: 
Cataracts Macular degeneration

Common Symptoms:
While a deficiency has not been identified, people who eat more lutein-containing foods appear to be at lower risk of macular degeneration. One study found that adults with the highest dietary intake of lutein had a 57% decreased risk of macular degeneration compared with those people with the lowest intake, and of the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin are most strongly associated with this protection. In a preliminary study, a similar link was suggested between low dietary lutein and increased risk of cataracts.

Dosages:
People showing protection from macular degeneration have been reported to have eaten about 6 mg of lutein per day from food. Lutein, in supplemental form, should be taken with fat-containing food to improve absorption.

Side Effects:
No adverse effects from lutein have been reported. Lutein functions together with zeaxanthin, another antioxidant found in the same foods and supplements as lutein. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with lutein.

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May 30, 2008

Soy, a staple food in many Asian countries, contains valuable constituents, including protein, isoflavones, saponins, and phytosterols. Soy protein provides essential amino acids. When eaten with rice, soy provides protein comparable with that found in animal products. Soy is low in fat and cholesterol-free.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Soy

Treatments: 
High blood pressure High cholesterol Menopause Osteoporosis Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Vaginitis

Common Symptoms:
Although deficiencies do not occur, people who do not consume soy foods will not gain the benefits of soy.

Dosages:
The ideal intake of soy is not known. Researchers suggest the equivalent of one serving of soy foods per day supports good health, and the benefits increase as soy intake increases. Societies in which large amounts of soy are consumed ingest between 50 and 100 mg per day of soy isoflavones. The cholesterol-lowering effects of soy have been observed at amounts as low as 20 grams of soy protein per day, if it replaces animal protein in the diet.

Side Effects:
Soy products and cooked soybeans are safe at a wide range of intakes. However, a small percentage of people have allergies to soybeans and thus should avoid soy products. Soy isoflavones have been reported to reduce thyroid function in some people. A preliminary trial of soy supplementation among healthy Japanese, found that 30 grams (about one ounce) per day of soybeans for three months, led to a slight reduction in the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland. Some participants complained of malaise, constipation, sleepiness, and even goiter. These symptoms resolved within a month of discontinuing soy supplements. However, a variety of soy products have been shown to either cause an increase in thyroid function or produce no change in thyroid function. The clinical importance of interactions between soy and thyroid function remains unclear. However, in infants with congenital hypothyroidism, soy formula must not be added, nor removed from the diet, without consultation with a physician, because ingestion of soy may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Most research, including animal studies, report anticancer effects of soy extracts, though occasional animal studies have reported cancer-enhancing effects. The findings of several recent studies suggest that consuming soy might, under some circumstances, increase the risk of breast cancer. When ovaries have been removed from animals a situation related to the condition of women who have had a total hysterectomy dietary genistein has been reported to increase the proliferation of breast cancer cells. When pregnant rats were given genistein injections, their female offspring were reported to be at greater risk of breast cancer. Although premenopausal women have shown decreases in estrogen levels in response to soy, pro-estrogenic effects have also been reported. When pre-menopausal women were given soy isoflavones, an increase in breast secretions resulted an effect thought to elevate the risk of breast cancer. In yet another trial, healthy breast cells from women previously given soy supplements containing isoflavones showed an increase in proliferation rates an effect that might also increase the risk of breast cancer. Of 154 healthy postmenopausal women who received 150 mg of soy isoflavones per day for five years, 3.9% developed an abnormal proliferation of the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). In contrast, none of 144 women who received a placebo developed uterine hyperplasia. Although no case of uterine cancer was diagnosed during the study, endometrial hyperplasia is a potential forerunner of uterine cancer. The amount of isoflavones used in this study is two to three times as much as that used in many other studies. Nevertheless, the possibility exists that long-term use of isoflavones could cause uterine hyperplasia, and women taking isoflavones should be monitored appropriately by their doctor. Soy contains a compound called phytic acid, which can interfere with mineral absorption. Certain medicines may interact with soy. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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May 30, 2008

The fat-soluble vitamin D’s most important role is maintaining blood levels of calcium, which it accomplishes by increasing absorption of calcium from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both effects keep calcium in the body and therefore spare the calcium that is stored in bones. When necessary, vitamin D transfers calcium from the bone into the bloodstream, which does not benefit bones. Although the overall effect of vitamin D on the bones is complicated, some vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Vitamin D

Treatments: 
Crohn’s disease Cystic fibrosis Osteoporosis Rickets/osteomalacia Burns (severe) Celiac disease (for deficiency only) Depression Hypertension (for deficiency only) Prostate cancer Seasonal affective disorder Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Alcohol withdrawal support Amenorrhea (calcium for preventing bone loss) Breast cancer (reduces risk) Cardiac arrhythmia Colon cancer (reduces risk) Migraine headaches Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Vitiligo (topical calcipotriol only)

Common Symptoms:
In adults, vitamin D deficiency may result in a softening of the bones known as osteomalacia. This condition is treated with vitamin D, sometimes in combination with calcium supplements. Osteomalacia should be diagnosed, and its treatment monitored, by a doctor. In people of any age, vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal bone formation. It occurs more commonly following winter, owing to restricted sunlight exposure during that season. Living in an area with a lot of atmospheric pollution, which can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays, also appears to increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in strict vegetarians (who avoid vitamin D-fortified dairy foods), dark-skinned people, alcoholics, and people with liver or kidney disease. People with liver and kidney disease can make vitamin D but cannot activate it. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in people suffering from intestinal malabsorption, which may have occurred following previous intestinal surgeries, or from celiac disease. People with insufficient pancreatic function (e.g., those with pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis) tend to be deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in individuals with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), particularly women. In children, vitamin D deficiency is called rickets and causes a bowing of bones not seen in adults with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is common among people with hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid gland is overactive. In a study of 124 people with mild hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D levels were below normal in 7% of them and suboptimal in 53% of them. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in men with advanced prostate cancer. In one study, 44% of 16 men with advanced prostate cancer had decreased blood levels of vitamin D. One in seven adults has been reported to be deficient in vitamin D. In one study, 42% of hospitalized patients under age 65 were reported to be vitamin D deficient. In this same study, 37% of the people were found to be deficient in vitamin D, despite the fact they were eating the currently recommended amount of this nutrient. Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common among the elderly. Age-related decline in vitamin D status may be due to reduced absorption, transport, or liver metabolism of vitamin D.

Dosages:
People who get plenty of sun exposure do not require supplemental vitamin D, since sunlight increases vitamin D synthesis when it strikes bare skin. Although the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 200 IU per day for adults, there is some evidence that elderly people need 800 to 1,000 IU per day for maximum effects on preserving bone density and preventing fractures. Sun-deprived people should take no less than 600 IU per day and ideally around 1,000 IU per day.

Side Effects:
People with hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D without consulting a physician. People with sarcoidosis should not supplement with vitamin D, unless a doctor has determined that their calcium levels are not elevated. Too much vitamin D taken for long periods of time may lead to headaches, weight loss, and kidney stones. Rarely, excessive vitamin D may even lead to deafness, blindness, increased thirst, increased urination, diarrhea, irritability, children’s failure to gain weight, or death. Most people take 400 IU per day, a safe amount for adults. Some researchers believe that amounts up to 10,000 IU per day are safe for the average healthy adult, although adverse effects may occur even at lower levels among people with hypersensitivity to vitamin D (e.g. hyperparathyroidism). In fact, of all published cases of vitamin D toxicity for which a vitamin D amount is known, only one occurred at a level of intake under 40,000 IU per day. Nevertheless, people wishing to take more than 1,000 IU per day for long periods of time should consult a physician. People should remember the total daily intake of vitamin D includes vitamin D from fortified milk and other fortified foods, cod liver oil, supplements that contain vitamin D, and sunlight. People who receive adequate sunlight exposure do not need as much vitamin D in their diet as do people who receive minimal sunlight exposure. Vitamin D increases both calcium and phosphorus absorption and has also been reported to increase absorption of aluminum. Increased blood levels of calcium (which may be a marker for vitamin D status) have been linked to heart disease. Some, but not all, research suggests that vitamin D may slightly raise blood levels of cholesterol in humans. Certain medicines may interact with vitamin D. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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May 30, 2008

Histidine is called a semi-essential amino acid (protein building block) because adults generally produce adequate amounts but children may not. Histidine is also a precursor of histamine, a compound released by immune system cells during an allergic reaction.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Histidine

Treatments: 

Common Symptoms:
According to limited research, many people with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of histidine. Taking histidine supplements might improve arthritis symptoms in some people.

Dosages:
Most people do not need to supplement histidine. Optimal levels for others remain unknown. Human research has used between 1 gram and 8 grams per day.

Side Effects:
No side effects have been reported with histidine. However, people with kidney or liver disease should not consume large amounts of amino acids without consulting a healthcare professional. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with histidine.

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May 30, 2008

Lactase is the enzyme in the small intestine that digests lactose (the naturally occurring sugar in milk).

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Lactase

Treatments: 
Diarrhea (for lactose-intolerant people) Indigestion and heartburn (for lactose-intolerant people) Irritable bowel syndrome (for lactose-intolerant people) Lactose intolerance

Common Symptoms:
Only one-third of all people retain the ability to digest lactose into adulthood. Most individuals of Asian, African, and Native American descent are lactose intolerant. In addition, half of Hispanics and about 20 percent of Caucasians do not produce lactase as adults.

Dosages:
Lactose-reduced milk is available and can be used in the same quantities as regular milk. Lactase drops can be added to regular milk 24 hours before drinking to reduce lactose levels. Lactase drops, capsules, and tablets can also be taken directly, as needed, immediately before a meal that includes lactose-containing dairy products. The degree of lactose intolerance varies by individual, so a greater or lesser amount of lactase may be needed to eliminate symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Side Effects:
Lactase is safe and does not produce side effects. Some, but not all, studies suggest that lactose-intolerant individuals absorb less calcium. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with lactase.

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