June 30, 2008

Copper is an essential trace element present in the diet and in the human body. It is needed to absorb and utilize iron. It is also part of the antioxidantenzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper is needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy the body runs on. Synthesis of some hormones requires copper, as does the synthesis of collagen (the “glue” that holds connective tissue together). In addition, the enzyme, tyrosinase, which plays a role in the production of skin pigment, requires copper to function.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Copper

Treatments: 
Anemia High cholesterol Menkes’ disease (injectable copper histidine) Osteoporosis Wound healing Athletic performance Benign prostatic hyperplasia Cardiac arrhythmia Hypoglycemia Peripheral vascular disease Rheumatoid arthritis Sprains and strains

Common Symptoms:
Many people consume slightly less than the “safe and adequate range” of copper, 1.5–3.0 mg per day. Little is known about the clinical effects of these marginally adequate intakes, though frank copper deficiency is uncommon. Children with Menkes’ disease are unable to absorb copper normally and become severely deficient unless medically treated early in life. Deficiency can also occur in people who supplement with zinc without also increasing copper intake. Zinc interferes with copper absorption. Health consequences of zinc-induced copper deficiency can be quite serious. In the absence of copper supplementation, vitamin C supplementation has also been reported to mildly impair copper metabolism. Copper deficiency can result in anemia, lower levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, or cardiac arrhythmias.

Dosages:
Most people consume less than the recommended amount of this mineral. Some doctors recommend supplementing the average diet with 1–3 mg of copper per day. While the necessity of supplementing a normal diet with copper has not been proven, most people who take zinc supplements, including the zinc found in multivitamin-mineral supplements, should probably take additional copper. Cupric oxide (CuO) is a form of copper frequently used in vitamin-mineral supplements sold over-the-counter. However, animal studies have shown conclusively this form of copper is poorly absorbed from the gut; it should therefore not be used in supplements. Several other forms of copper (including copper sulfate, cupric acetate, and alkaline copper carbonate) are better absorbed, and are therefore preferable to cupric oxide.

Side Effects:
The level at which copper causes problems is unclear. But in combination with zinc, up to 3 mg per day is considered safe. People drinking tap water from new copper pipes should consult their doctor before supplementing, since they might be getting enough (or even too much) copper from their water. People with Wilson’s disease should never take copper. Zinc interferes with copper absorption. People taking zinc supplements for more than a few weeks should also take copper (unless they have Wilson’s disease). In the absence of copper supplementation, vitamin C may interfere with copper metabolism. Copper improves absorption and utilization of iron. Preliminary evidence shows that the levels of copper in the blood were higher among people who died from coronary heart disease than among those who did not. However, animals studies and some human studies suggest that, if anything, copper may prevent the development of heart disease. Although it is not clear why people who died of heart disease had elevated copper levels, this finding could be due to chronic inflammation, which is known to be associated with increased copper levels. Certain medicines may interact with copper. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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June 30, 2008

Vitamin B12 is is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 acts with folic acid and vitamin B6 to control homocysteine levels. An excess of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and potentially other diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Vitamin B12

Treatments: 
Anemia (if deficient) Depression (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) High homocysteine (combination with folic acid and vitamin B6) Pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency) Age-related cognitive decline (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Anemia (for thalassemia if deficient) Bell’s palsy Canker sores (for deficiency only) Chronic fatigue syndrome Cyanide poisoning Cystic fibrosis (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Indigestion (for people with the combination of low vitamin B12 levels, delayed gastric emptying, and Helicobacter pylori infection) Infertility (male) Low back pain (in combination with vitamin B1 and vitamin B6) Migraine headaches Sickle cell anemia (for sickle cell patients with B12 deficiency) Type 2 diabetes Alzheimer’s disease Asthma Atherosclerosis Bipolar disorder Bursitis Crohn’s disease Dermatitis herpetiformis (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Down’s syndrome Heart attack Hepatitis HIV support Hives Immune function Insomnia Lung cancer (reduces risk) Osteoporosis (to lower homocysteine) Pain Phenylketonuria (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Pre- and post-surgery health Preeclampsia Retinopathy (associated with childhood diabetes) Schizophrenia Seborrheic dermatitis (injection) Shingles (herpes zoster)/postherpetic neuralgia (injection) Stroke Tinnitus (injection) Type 1 diabetes Vitiligo

Common Symptoms:
Vegans (vegetarians who also avoid dairy and eggs) frequently become deficient, though the process often takes many years. People with malabsorption conditions, including those with tapeworm infestation and those with bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, often suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption of vitamin B12 can also result from pancreatic disease, the effects of gastrointestinal surgery, or various prescription drugs. Pernicious anemia is a special form of vitamin B12 malabsorption due to impaired ability of certain cells in the stomach to make intrinsic factor a substance needed for normal absorption of vitamin B12. By definition, all people with pernicious anemia are vitamin B12-deficient. They require either vitamin B12 injections or oral supplementation with very high levels (1000 mcg per day) of vitamin B12. Older people with urinary incontinence and hearing loss have been reported to be at increased risk of B12 deficiency. Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of gastritis and ulcers, has been shown to cause or contribute to adult vitamin B12 deficiency. H. pylori has this effect by damaging cells in the stomach that make intrinsic factor a substance needed for normal absorption of vitamin B12. In one trial, H. pylori was detected in 56% of people with anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Successful eradication of H. pylori led to improved blood levels of B12 in 40% of those infected. Other studies have also suggested a link between H. pylori infection and vitamin B12 deficiency. Elimination of H. pylori infection does not always improve vitamin B12 status. People with H. pylori infections should have vitamin B12 status monitored. In a preliminary report, 47% of people with tinnitus and related disorders were found to have vitamin B12 deficiencies that may be helped by supplementation. HIV-infected patients often have low blood levels of vitamin B12. A disproportionate amount of people with psychiatric disorders are deficient in B12. Significant vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a doubled risk of severe depression, according to a study of physically disabled older women. A preliminary study found that postmenopausal women who were in the lowest one-fifth of vitamin B12 consumption had an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Although blood levels of vitamin B12 may be higher in alcoholics, actual body stores of vitamin B12 in the tissues (e.g., the liver) of alcoholics is frequently deficient. Low blood levels of vitamin B12 are sometimes seen in pregnant women; however, this does not always indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. The help of a healthcare professional is needed to determine when a true vitamin B12 deficiency exists in pregnant women with low blood levels of the vitamin. Hydroxocobalamin (a form of vitamin B12) has been recognized for more than 40 years as an effective antidote to cyanide poisoning. It is currently being used in France for that purpose. Because of its safety, hydroxocobalamin is considered by some researchers to be an ideal treatment for cyanide poisoning.

Dosages:
Most people do not require vitamin B12 supplements. However, vegans should supplement with at least 2 to 3 mcg per day. People with pernicious anemia are often treated with injections of vitamin B12. However, oral administration of 1,000 mcg per day can be used reliably as an alternative to vitamin B12 injections. Absorption of vitamin B12 is reduced with increasing age. Some research suggests that elderly people may benefit from 10 to 25 mcg per day of vitamin B12. One study of elderly people with vitamin B12 deficiency suggested that as much as 500 to 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 per day might be necessary to achieve optimal vitamin B12 status. Vitamin B12 status was measured in this study using a sensitive laboratory test (the plasma methylmalonic acid concentration). When vitamin B12 is used for therapeutic purposes other than correcting a deficiency, injections are usually necessary to achieve results. Sublingual forms of vitamin B12 are available, but there is no proof that they offer any advantage to oral supplements.

Side Effects:
Oral vitamin B12 supplements are not generally associated with any side effects. Although quite rare, serious allergic reactions to injections of vitamin B12 (sometimes even life-threatening) have been reported. Whether these reactions are to the vitamin itself, or to preservatives or other substances in the injectable vitamin B12 solution, remains somewhat unclear. Most, but not all, injectable vitamin B12 contains preservatives. If a person is deficient in vitamin B12 and takes 1,000 mcg or more of folic acid per day, the folic acid supplementation can improve the anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The effect of folic acid on vitamin B12 deficiency-induced anemia is not a folic acid toxicity. Rather, the folic acid supplementation is acting to correct one of the problems caused by B12 deficiency. The other problems caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (mostly neurological) do not improve with folic acid supplements, and can become irreversible if vitamin B12 is not provided to someone who is vitamin B12 deficient. Some doctors are unaware that vitamin B12 deficiencies often occur without anemia even in people who do not take folic acid supplements. This lack of knowledge can delay diagnosis and treatment of people with vitamin B12 deficiencies. This can lead to permanent injury. When such a delayed diagnosis occurs in someone who inadvertently erased the anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency by taking folic acid supplements, the folic acid supplementation is often blamed for the missed diagnosis. This problem is rare and should not occur in people whose doctors understand that a lack of anemia does not rule out a vitamin B12 deficiency. Anyone supplementing 1,000 mcg or more per day of folic acid should be initially evaluated by a doctor before the folic acid can obscure a proper diagnosis of a possible B12 deficiency. Certain medicines may interact with vitamin B12. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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June 30, 2008

Glucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in cartilage.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Glucosamine

Treatments: 
Osteoarthritis (glucosamine sulfate) Autism Knee pain (glucosamine HCI) Minor injuries Osteoarthritis (glucosamine HCl) Sprains and strains Wound healing (oral)

Common Symptoms:
A glucosamine deficiency in humans has not been reported.

Dosages:
Healthy people do not need to routinely supplement with glucosamine. Most research with people who have osteoarthritis, uses 500 mg three times per day of GS. Appropriate amounts for other conditions are not known.

Side Effects:
At the amount most frequently taken by adults 500 mg three times per day of GS adverse effects have been limited to mild reversible gastrointestinal side effects. In one trial, people with peptic ulcers and those taking diuretic drugs were more likely to experience side effects. Animal research has raised the possibility that glucosamine could contribute to insulin resistance. This effect might theoretically result from the ability of glucosamine to interfere with an enzyme needed to regulate blood sugar levels. However, available evidence does not suggest that taking glucosamine supplements will trigger or aggravate insulin resistance or high blood sugar. Two large, 3-year controlled trials found that people taking GS had either slightly lower blood glucose levels or no change in blood sugar levels, compared with people taking placebo. Until more is known, people taking glucosamine supplements for long periods may wish to have their blood sugar levels checked; people with diabetes should consult with a doctor before taking glucosamine and should have blood sugar levels monitored if they are taking glucosamine. In 1999 the first case of an allergic reaction to oral GS was reported. Allergic reactions to this supplement appear to be rare. Some GS is processed with sodium chloride (table salt), which is restricted in some diets (particularly for people with high blood pressure). The theory that GS and chondroitin sulfate work synergistically in the treatment of osteoarthritis remains unproven. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with glucosamine.

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June 30, 2008

Amylase inhibitors are also known as starch blockers because they contain substances that prevent dietary starches from being absorbed by the body. Starches are complex carbohydrates that cannot be absorbed unless they are first broken down by the digestive enzyme amylase and other, secondary, enzymes. They are claimed to be useful for weight loss, but when they were first developed years ago, research did not find them very effective for limiting carbohydrate absorption. Later, however, highly concentrated versions of amylase inhibitors did show potential for reducing carbohydrate absorption in humans.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Amylase Inhibitors

Treatments: 
Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Weight loss and obesity

Common Symptoms:
Amylase inhibitors are not essential nutrients and are not normally produced in the body, so no deficiency is possible.

Dosages:
Depending on the potency of the amylase inhibitors , typical intake is 1,500 to 6,000 mg before meals.

Side Effects:
High amounts of amylase inhibitors may cause diarrhea due to the effects of undigested starch in the colon. Diabetics taking medications to lower their blood sugar should not take amylase inhibitors without first consulting a doctor. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with amylase inhibitors.

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June 30, 2008

Coconut oil is a member of the family of tropical oils, which also include palm, palm kernel, cocoa, and shea nut oils. These oils have been used for centuries in the traditional diets of people living in tropical regions such as the Polynesian islands. Because these populations experience less of the diseases, such as heart disease, that are common in Western countries, some people believe that tropical oils such as coconut oil, especially in their natural state, can be part of a healthful diet. Currently, these oils are used in Western countries in small amounts, primarily in the production of processed foods.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Coconut Oil

Treatments: 

Common Symptoms:
There is no human requirement for coconut oil or the shorter-length fatty acids it contains, so no deficiency is possible.

Dosages:
The traditional diets of Pacific Islanders contains several grams per day or more of lauric acid from coconut products, which would require at least one tablespoon per day of coconut oil. Research has not established a recommended intake for coconut oil.

Side Effects:
Serious allergic reactions to coconut or coconut oil have been reported but are considered rare. People using large amounts of coconut oil in their diet should have their blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with coconut oil.

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June 29, 2008

Evening primrose oil (EPO), comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Like black currant seed oil and borage oil, EPO contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Evening Primrose Oil

Treatments: 
Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Eczema Fibrocystic breast disease Osteoporosis (in combination with fish oil) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Rheumatoid arthritis Skin ulcers Alcohol withdrawal Atherosclerosis Attention deficit disorder Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Intermittent claudication Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Multiple sclerosis Raynaud’s disease Scleroderma Sjogren’s syndrome Tardive dyskinesia

Common Symptoms:
Those with premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, eczema, and other skin conditions can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA. In preliminary research, supplementation with EPO has helped people with these conditions. There is evidence that alcoholics may be deficient in GLA, and a double-blind study suggested that alcohol withdrawal may be facilitated with EPO supplementation. Many people in Western societies may be at least partially GLA-deficient as a result of aging, glucose intolerance, high dietary fat intake, and other problems. People with deficiencies would presumably benefit from supplemental GLA intake from EPO, black currant seed oil, or borage oil.

Dosages:
Although many people may have inadequate levels of GLA, the optimal intake for this nutrient remains unknown. Researchers often use 3,000–6,000 mg of EPO per day, which provides approximately 270–540 mg of GLA.

Side Effects:
EPO has been reported to exacerbate symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy, which can sometimes be mistaken for schizophrenia. Other nutrients are needed by the body, along with EPO, to make PGE1. Consequently, some experts suggest that magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 should be taken along with EPO. Certain medicines may interact with evening primrose oil. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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June 29, 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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June 29, 2008

Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the body during normal metabolic functions or introduced from the environment. Free radicals are inherently unstable, since they contain “extra” energy. To reduce their energy load, free radicals react with certain chemicals in the body, and in the process, interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally. Antioxidants work in several ways: they may reduce the energy of the free radical, stop the free radical from forming in the first place, or interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are believed to play a role in more than sixty different health conditions, including the aging process, cancer, and atherosclerosis. Reducing exposure to free radicals and increasing intake of antioxidant nutrients has the potential to reduce the risk of free radical-related health problems. Oxygen, although essential to life, is the source of the potentially damaging free radicals. Free radicals are also found in the environment. Environmental sources of free radicals include exposure to ionizing radiation (from industry, sun exposure, cosmic rays, and medical X-rays), ozone and nitrous oxide (primarily from automobile exhaust), heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium, and lead), cigarette smoke (both active and passive), alcohol, unsaturated fat, and other chemicals and compounds from food, water, and air. The body produces several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, that neutralize many types of free radicals. Supplements of these enzymes are available for oral administration. However, their absorption is probably minimal at best. Supplementing with the “building blocks” the body requires to make SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase may be more effective. These building block nutrients include the minerals manganese, zinc, and copper for SOD and selenium for glutathione peroxidase. In addition to enzymes, many vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants in their own right, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine (an amino acid). Herbs, such as bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, and ginkgo can also provide powerful antioxidant protection for the body. Consuming a wide variety of antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and herbs may be the best way to provide the body with the most complete protection against free radical damage.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Treatments: 

Common Symptoms:

Dosages:

Side Effects:

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June 29, 2008

Flavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids are broken down into categories, though the issue of how to divide them is not universally agreed upon. One system breaks flavonoids into isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavans, flavonols, flavones, and flavanones. Some of the best-known flavonoids, such as genistein in soy, and quercetin in onions, can be considered subcategories of categories. Although they are all structurally related, their functions are different. Flavonoids also include hesperidin, rutin, citrus flavonoids, and a variety of other supplements.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Flavonoids

Treatments: 
Chronic venous insufficiency (rutin) Edema (water retention) (coumarin, hydroxyethylrutosides) Hepatitis (catechin) Bruising Cold sores Diabetes (bilberry) Dysmenorrhea (rutin plus vitamin B3 [niacin] and vitamin C) Edema (water retention) (diosmin and hesperidin combination) Gingivitis (periodontal disease) (in combination with vitamin C) Hemorrhoids (hydroxyethylrutosides derived from rutin) Ménière’s disease (hydroxyethylrutosides) Retinopathy (bilberry) Skin ulcers (diosmin, hesperidin) Allergies Atherosclerosis (quercetin, bilberry) Cancer (naringenin) Capillary fragility (hesperidin, quercetin, rutin) Cataracts (quercetin, bilberry) Diabetes (quercetin) Edema (water retention) (quercetin) Gingivitis (periodontal disease) Glaucoma (rutin) Hay fever (quercetin, hesperidin, rutin) Macular degeneration (bilberry) Measles Menopause (hesperidin) Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation) Night blindness (bilberry) Peptic ulcer (quercetin) Progressive pigmented purpura (in combination with vitamin C) Retinopathy (quercetin, rutin)

Common Symptoms:
Flavonoid deficiencies have not been reported.

Dosages:
Flavonoid supplements are not required to prevent deficiencies in people eating a healthy diet. Healthcare practitioners commonly recommend 1,000 mg of citrus flavonoids taken one to three times per day. Alternatively, 240–600 mg of bilberry (standardized to 25% anthcyanosides) may be taken per day.

Side Effects:
No consistent side effects have been linked to the flavonoids except for catechin, which can occasionally cause fever, anemia from breakdown of red blood cells, and hives. These side effects subsided when treatment was discontinued. In 1980, quercetin was reported to induce cancer in animals. Most further research did not find this to be true, however. While quercetin is mutagenic in test tube studies, it does not appear to be mutagenic in animal studies. In fact, quercetin has been found to inhibit both tumor promoters and human cancer cells. People who eat high levels of flavonoids have been found to have an overall lower risk of getting a wide variety of cancers, though preliminary human research studying only foods high in quercetin has found no relation to cancer risk one way or the other. Despite the confusion, in recent years experts have shifted their view of quercetin from concerns that it might cause cancer in test tube studies to guarded hope that quercetin has anticancer effects in humans. The flavonoids work in conjunction with vitamin C. Citrus flavonoids, in particular, improve the absorption of vitamin C. Certain medicines may interact with flavonoids. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

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June 29, 2008

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). Like other forms of dietary fiber, glucomannan is considered a “bulk-forming laxative.” Glucomannan promotes a larger, bulkier stool that passes through the colon more easily and requires less pressure and subsequently less straining to expel.

Author: Daily Vitamins  /  Category: Uncategorized

Glucomannan

Treatments: 
Constipation High blood cholesterol Insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X) Type 2 diabetes Obesity Diverticular disease Hypoglycemia Type 1 diabetes

Common Symptoms:
As glucomannan is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.

Dosages:
The amount of glucomannan shown to be effective as a laxative is 3–4 grams per day. Effective amounts for lowering blood cholesterol have been 4–13 grams per day. For controlling blood sugar, 500–700 mg of glucomannan per 100 calories in the diet has been used successfully in controlled research. For weight loss, 1 to 3 grams before each meal has been effective. When using glucomannan and other dietary fiber supplements, it is best to start out with a small amount and increase gradually. It is recommended to drink at least 8 ounces of water each time any bulk-forming laxative, including glucomannan, is taken.

Side Effects:
People with any disorder of the esophagus (the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach) should not take any fiber supplement in a pill form, as the supplement may expand in the esophagus and lead to obstruction. Preliminary reports in humans, as well and animal research, suggest that some people may be sensitive to inhaled glucomannan powder. Since intestinal bacteria ferment water-soluble fibers, a great deal of intestinal gas may be produced in individuals not accustomed to a high fiber diet, leading to flatulence and abdominal discomfort. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with glucomannan.

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