Food Label Zealots, Chemicals, Supplements, and Natural Food: Want Some Chlorophyll?

As a continuance of my assault on the misleading ideas about "natural" food, this is yet another follow-up to a series of blog posts where I discuss chemicals in foods and the concept of natural. In the last one I talked about the difference between chemicals as nutrients and chemicals as pharmacologic agents. I explained that some chemicals in food do have a physiological affect beyond their basic biological functions. Others, such as compounds in herbals used for medicinal purposes simply have no function as a "nutrient." All of these, though, have one thing in common and that is summed up by saying that "The poison OR the remedy is in the DOSE." This is important in helping us recognize the difference between nutrition information and alternative medicine information.

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Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: What, How, When, Why to Supplement

By Ken Adams, M.D. and Scott E. Conard, M.D.

Vitamin A and the pre-vitamin, beta carotene are closely related supplements. There are definite benefits to the nutritional supplementation of both Vitamin A and beta carotene but there are also dangers to their supplementation. Many people do not realize that beta carotene is converted within our bodies to Vitamin A but supplementation of one in lieu of the other is not equivalent to the supplementation of both. There are also other members of the antioxidant carotene family include cryptoxanthine, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene, most of which do not convert into significant amounts of vitamin A. These will be discussed also in this article.

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Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamine) - When, How, and Why to Supplement

By Ken Adams, M.D. and Scott E. Conard, M.D.

Sources and Physiologic Functions

Sources

Liver, kidney, muscle meats, eggs, cheese, milk, and fish are excellent sources of vitamin B12. It is not found in plant foods or in yeast. Fermented foods such as soy sauce, tempeh, and miso, and fortified foods such as soymilk are also good sources of this vitamin.

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Thiamine (Vitamin B1) How, Why and When to Supplement

By Ken Adams, M.D.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Sources and Physiologic Functions

Sources

Pork, whole grains, and legumes are the richest sources of thiamine. Outer layers of seeds are particularly rich in this vitamin.

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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) When, How, and Why to Supplement

By Ken Adams, M.D.

Pyridoxine (B6) Sources and Physiologic Functions Sources

Poultry, fish, liver, and eggs are good sources of this vitamin; meat and milk contain lesser amounts. Pyridoxine in animal sources is 96% bioavailable. Vitamin B6 can be made by intestinal bacteria in healthy persons. Plant foods such as legumes, peanuts, potatoes, yeast, bananas, corn, cabbage, yams, prunes, watermelon, and avocados also contain this vitamin.

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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

By Ken Adams, M.D. and Scott E. Conard, M.D.

Sources and Physiologic Functions

Sources: Liver is an excellent source of riboflavin. Milk, cheese, egg whites, legumes, peanuts, fish, meats, broccoli, spinach, and fortified grains are good sources. The UV component of sunlight destroys Riboflavin. Hence, milk should be protected in opaque cartons from bright light during storage. Proteins, dextrins, and starch decrease the need for this vitamin.

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Populations at risk

Alcoholics and poorer populations of the United States may be deficient in Riboflavin, among other nutrients. Deficiency is widespread in under-developed countries. As it is mainly absorbed in the ileum, total/subtotal gastrectomised patients develop a deficiency. Chronic infection, malignancy, pregnancy, lactation, and consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics and chloramphenicol are other risk factors. A dietary interview conducted in 403 elderly people showed that the majority had sufficient amounts of riboflavin from the diet, but the margin towards deficiency was small. Hence, elderly people should be considered a vulnerable group with respect to the intakes of vitamins and minerals.

An adolescent population ranging in age from 13 to 19 years and of a low socioeconomic status in New York City, was surveyed for riboflavin deficiency. Deficiency was determined from estimation of erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity, an accurate reflector of riboflavin nutritional status. The overall prevalence of deficiency among those not on vitamin supplements was 26.6%. The prevalence did not depend on sex or age. There was a correlation between milk consumption and riboflavin nutritional status. The prevalence was highest among those consuming less than 1 cup/week and least among those taking 3 or more cups a day. The latter group was comparable in this respect to those receiving daily vitamin supplements. Adolescents are at a high risk for nutritional deficiencies because of their notoriously poor dietary habits, and the estimation of riboflavin deficiency may be an indicator of overall nutritional status.

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Niacin (Vitamin B3) When, How, and Why to Supplement

By Ken Adams, M.D. and Scott E. Conard, M.D.

Niacin (Vitamin B-3):

Sources and Physiologic Functions Sources: Niacin is found in unrefined and enriched grain and cereal, milk, and lean meats, especially liver. Yeast, poultry, salt water fish, nuts, legumes, coffee, tea, dairy products, and potatoes are good sources of Niacin.

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What Is Homeopathy?

By Merseyside Skeptics Society

The 10:23 Campaign

Contrary to popular belief, 'homeopathy' is not the same as herbal medicine. Homeopathy is based on three central tenets, unchanged since their invention by Samuel Hahnemann in 1796.

The Law of Similars

The law of similars states that whatever would cause your symptoms, will also cure those same symptoms. Thus, if you find yourself unable to sleep, taking caffeine will help; streaming eyes due to hayfever can be treated with onions, and so on. This so-called law was based upon nothing other than Hahnemann's own imagination. You don't need to have a medical degree to see the flawed reasoning in taking caffeine - a stimulant - to help you sleep; yet caffeine is, even today, prescribed by homeopaths (under the name 'coffea') as a treatment for insomnia.

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Study Shows One-Fifth of Internet-Available Ayurvedic Medicines Contain Toxic Metals

Ayurveda is a traditional medical system that originated in India. It aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit to help prevent illness and promote wellness. Potentially toxic metals sometimes are incorporated in traditional Ayurvedic medicines as part of rasa shastra—a practice which combines herbs with metals, minerals, and gems. While rasa shastra practitioners claim that such medicines are safe if properly prepared, concerns regarding safety from metal intoxication remain. In an NCCAM-funded study, researchers sought to determine how often Ayurvedic medicines sold on the Internet contain detectable levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic. They purchased products manufactured in both India and the United States and examined both rasa shastra and non-rasa shastra (herbal-only) medicines.

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Warning: The Hidden Risks of Erectile Dysfunction and Sexual Stimulant Dietary Supplement 'Treatments' Sold Online

Men looking online for “dietary supplements” to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or enhance their sexual performance should beware: these products may contain prescription drugs or other undisclosed ingredients that can be harmful. “The number of these problematic products available on the Internet appears to be increasing,” says Michael Levy, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance. The division is part of the Office of Compliance (OOC) in the agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

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Bone Health and Nutrition in Aging: Calcium and Vitamin D

Bone health is an important issue in aging. Calcium and vitamin D currently have the most focus in published research on nutrition and bone health in aging, although evidence from published research is not conclusive. A systematic review was conducted to determine the impact of dietary and supplemental interventions focused on calcium and vitamin D over the past 10 years. Using key words to search, and search limits (aging population, English), 62 papers were found related to diet, nutrition, and bone; and 157 were found related to calcium and bone. Our review found a positive effect on bone health for supplements; food-based interventions; and educational strategies. Although there may be a publishing bias related to non-significant findings not being published, our results suggest the effectiveness of food based and educational interventions with less economic impact to the individual, as well as less risk of physiological side effects occurring.

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Effect of Soy Lecithin on High Cholesterol

Recent studies suggest that lecithin-rich diet can modify cholesterol homeostasis and hepatic lipoprotein metabolism. Considering the phytotherapeutic impact of lecithin, this work hypothesizes that lecithin administration in hypercholesterolemic patients may reduce cholesterol concentrations by increasing biliary secretion. Total cholesterol and LDL were evaluated after soy lecithin administration in patients with high cholesterol. One soy lecithin capsule (500?mg/RP-Sherer) was administrated daily. One-two months before the treatment beginning, blood samples were collected for total lipids and cholesterol fractions analysis. The results showed a reduction of 40.66% and 42.00% in total cholesterol and of 42.05% and 56.15% in LDL cholesterol after treatment for one and two months, respectively. A significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed during the first month of treatment, suggesting that the administration of soy lecithin daily may be used as a supplemental treatment in high cholesterol.

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An Evidence-Based Review of Fat Modifying Dietary Supplement Weight Loss Products

The prevalence of obesity has continued to increase over the last several years in the United States. Per the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the 2007-2008 year, the prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) = 30?kg/m2, among adults was greater than 30% and those who were overweight or obese (BMI = 25?kg/m2) was almost 70% for both men and women. The trend over the past 20 years has shown an increase in the prevalence of obesity of six to seven percent every 10 years [1]. In addition, health care costs are approximately 42% higher for obese patients when compared to normal-weight patients [2].

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Dietary supplements for weight loss are marketed to offer patients improved success that is faster and easier than calorie reduction and increased exercise. Despite concerns with efficacy and safety, these products continue to be an appealing alternative or adjunct to weight management [3, 4]. A national survey published in 2008 found that 33.9% of adults who have made a weight loss attempt had used a dietary supplement to do so. It was also found that the use was more common among women, younger adults, minorities, and those with less education and lower incomes [5]. Reasons why patients may opt for dietary supplements include the perception that they are “natural” and perhaps safer than prescription medications. In addition, patients often do not perceive a need to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional with these alternative therapies, and they also may be an alternative to previously failed attempts with conventional approaches [6].

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Heavy Metals Found In Protein Shakes: Should You Stop Drinking Them?

A recent investigation on protein drinks has been causing waves of concern or even alarm to ripple through the fitness and bodybuilding world. Supplement companies are up in arms and people are wondering whether they should stop drinking protein shakes after the magazine said they tested 15 protein drinks for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) and 3 of them came up above the proposed safe limits…

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Dietary Supplement Ripoffs to Avoid: Amino Acid Pills

There is no long-term advantage for the strength trainee to taking expensive free form amino acid powders over simply ingesting whole proteins. However, if you do buy an amino acid powder (which I don't suggest) you expect it to contain single free form aminos acids, right?

Never trust the front label. Check the ingredients. The supplement rippoffs I am referring to are so-called amino acid capsules that actually contain overpriced whey or casein protein. Not free form single aminos but whole proteins compressed into a pill or put in a capsule. They will typically list an amino acid profile very prominently on the back of the label. This profile is nothing more than the typical amino acid yields of the whey or casein sources they use. When whey is used it is usually a mixture of whey protein concentrate or a mixture of concentrate and even cheaper non concentrated whey. Some may contain concentrates and isolates.

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