A new, mineral-rich nutraceutical derived from a species of Irish marine algae has shown promise for improving joint function and reducing the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis.
Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy is widely recommended for preventing neural tube defects. New data indicate that it can also reduce the risk of cleft lip and congenital heart defects. At the other end of the age spectrum, folic acid in combination with vitamins B6 and B12 can reduce a woman’s risk of age-related macular degeneration.
A new prospective study of 512 women with early-stage breast cancer suggests that those with the low serum vitamin D levels were more likely to die of their cancers than those with sufficient D levels.
Clinical research on CoQ10 continues to point toward new uses including blood pressure reduction, glycemic control and potentially reducing risk of neurodegenration. CoQ10 in its reduced form, known as ubiquinol, often improves outcomes in conditions like as severe heart failure, when the more common ubiquinone form, has proven ineffective.
Doctors should be concerned about potential interactions between pharmaceuticals and supplements. But for many commonly cited interactions, the evidence is flimsy making it difficult to distinguish the real concerns from the noise. Fortunately there’s Creighton University's Center for Drug Information and Evidence Based Practice, and its exhaustive frequently updated reference guides.
Plant-based diets, supplementation strategies including omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, and elimination of "trigger" foods hold great promise of pain relief for patients with various forms of arthritis and other chronic, inflammatory pain conditions.
Feverfew, Butterbur, magnesium and riboflavin, as well as elimination of caffeine can make a world of difference for people with migraines and other chronic headache problems.
Millions of Americans take calcium in the hopes of preventing osteoporosis. But without understanding how calcium, vitamin D and various hormones interact, many will not get the benefits they seek. Plus, a comparative look at various forms of supplemental calcium.
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