Do Health Supplements Work? Study Shows No

Do health supplements work or are they rather just a waste of money? It may be time to start saving your money on vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. It has been reported that 53 percent of American adults take some kind of supplement on a regular basis. This is a huge spike from 30 percent 20 years ago. Americans currently spend $30 billion a year on supplements per Hannibal Courier Post.

Three new studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine have failed to prove any benefit with taking supplements. They studied the effect of supplements on cardiovascular disease, cancer, mortality, and cognitive decline, yet found no difference in the groups who took the vitamin supplements and those that did not. They found that the general population who have no clear evidence of a deficiency do not benefit from vitamin supplements.

Many opt for turning to herbal supplements as a substitute for taking prescription drugs or to improve their health. So many in fact, that it has become a $5 billion a year industry. Another reason for herbal supplements? Because they are advertised as both “natural” and “organic” and are legally sold in just about every drug store. What most are unaware of is that there are an estimated 50,000 adverse effects reported annually associated with the use of herbal supplements.

The human body is designed to use only so much vitamins and minerals. Once that limit is reached, excess water-soluble vitamins are simply excreted in urine. Excess fat-soluble vitamins get stored in our fat, and can become dangerous for us. Too much vitamin E has proven to increase the risk of prostate cancer, too much vitamin A increases the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture, and too much beta-carotene has been linked to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

The next time you are at the drug store picking up your weekly household supplies and look towards the vitamin aisle, remember that health supplements  may be a waste of your money.

Article Source: http://americanlivewire.com/health-supplements-work-study-shows/

VigRx Plus Has Clinically Proven Effective and Endorsed by the Doctors for Male Enhancement

VigRx Plus is the male enhancement supplement that is prepared with the herbal ingredients as a remedy for erectile dysfunction. The product is proven effective yet the safe to improve the sexual health and it is endorsed by the doctors for male enhancement.

VigRx Plus has gained the significant increase in its market demand since it has been endorsed by the doctors as a proven herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction. The product has shown the amazing results in the clinical studies and good user reviews. It has been approved as the most effective herbal supplement for the male enhancement. The clinical results and the user reviews illustrate that the VigRx Plus results the better, harder and longer lasting erections, increased sexual drive and stamina, and overall improved sexual health without any side effects.

Vedic LifeSciences Pvt. LTD conducted a research study in which they run a clinical trial on VigRX Plus and studied the results. The triple blind placebo study results and the results illustrated in the user reviews were almost same.

Researchers studied various parameters including the quality of the erections, the pleasure during the intercourse and others. During the study, the researchers worked with a group of men ages 25 to 50. The volunteers were divided into two groups. One group was given VigRX Plus, and the other was given a placebo. After a specific time period subject’s sexual encounters were interviewed by researchers from Vedic LifeSciences. The results illustrate that the men who had taken VigRX Plus showed an almost 60% increase in their ability to penetrate their partner easily.

The study further illustrates that the men who took VigRX Plus were 71.43 percent more satisfied than men who took the placebo. The erectile functions in men who had taken VigRx Plus were 60% better than those who had taken the placebo. The orgasmic function was also over 20% better in both terms of frequency and duration of orgasms. The men who took VigRX Plus also reported that their desire for sex was over 45% stronger, and their overall sexual satisfaction was over 60% more than those who took the placebo.

On the basis of this research study, doctors have endorsed and approved the product as the most effective male enhancement supplement.

Visit http://slimmingbeauties.com/vigrx-plus-reviews For More Information On Vigrx Plus

Article Source: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/vigrx-plus-has-clinically-proven-effective-and-endorsed-by-the-doctors-for-male-enhancement-438913.htm

Acai Berry Select - A Natural Supplement to Decrease Weight Effectively

 Acai Berry Select is a natural formula prepared by combining the fresh and pure Acai Berries with some other powerful natural herbs, specifically for weight loss. Studies suggest that the product doesn’t only helps to lose extra weight but it also improves the overall health without any unpleasant side effects.

Acai Berry Select is the natural product specifically designed for weight loss but the recent studies show that the product is efficient to improve the overall health. The product is prepared by utilizing the Brazilian food pure fresh Acai Berries along with some other natural ingredients. Scientific studies show that the Acai Berries have higher nutrient value and powerful antioxidant properties that detoxify the internal body system and promote a healthy digestive system with the improved overall health. Recently, the media have also reported about many people who are living a healthy life with the help of Acai Berry Supplement.

The claims about the product are backed up with the clinical studies. A clinical study was conducted at the University of Florida, in which volunteers were given the Acai berry extracts, for a specific time period. The study concluded that it improves the body’s detoxification ability and helps in the weight loss. The study also found that this fruit can help to maintain the proper sugar level, promotes fat oxidation and reduces fatigue. After such clinical results, the product gained the high attention from media and approved by the experts as the powerful health supplement.

Click Here To Visit Official Website Of Acai Berry Select

“Acai Berry Select is prepared from Acai Berries. This fruit has a high antioxidant properties and it is a natural food for weight loss” reports USA Today and CNN.

The product is a powerful blend of natural ingredients combined with the acai berry extracts. The ingredients are Green Tea extracts, Caffeine, Chromium and L-Theanine. Studies have found that Chromium helps to balance and regulate the sugar levels. Green Tea Extract is a powerful antioxidant that boosts metabolism and energy levels and promotes the fat oxidation. Caffeine is a natural ingredient that has positive effects on mood, stamina and energy levels. The L-Theanine is an amino acid that aids the weight loss process.

“A combination of natural ingredients to boost the metabolism, balance the blood sugar level and increase the energy level. The ingredients also help to improve the health and fight against the diseases, make an individual feel better and younger” says the spokesperson while talking about Acai Berry Select.

Visit http://slimmingbeauties.com/acai-berry-select-reviews For More Information On Acai Berry Select

About SlimmingBeauties.com
Slimmingbeauties.com is an online health and beauty products store containing all weight loss, skin care and herbal alternative supplements with extra discount offers and free month supply worldwide.

Article Source: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/acai-berry-select-a-natural-supplement-to-decrease-weight-effectively-438754.htm

Natural Testosterone Booster Provacyl Is a Perfect Cure for Male Menopause - Helps Beat Age Effects Too

Testosterone is a hormone that performs some very vital functions in men. It is the hormone that is known to give men their unique features and traits. Its production is known to begin declining after the age of 30 resulting in a whole lot of changes in the body and behavior.

Though testosterone can be increased with the help of testosterone injections, doctors and physicians do not advise them since they can lead to a lot of unwanted side effects.

Provacyl is 100% natural testosterone enhancer that encourages the production of testosterone and HGH in men naturally. The pill is completely natural and ensures a “whole body makeover” for men suffering with Andropause, according to MenandLibido.com.

According to a website spokesperson, “Provacyl is a unique formulation for men that has been around for a couple of years and has become a well trusted brand because of its effective and 100% natural formula that boasts of containing amino acids and age proven herbs that are of finest quality. It is dietary supplement that can help boost energy and libido too.”

In its Provacyl Review, MenandLibido.com has highlighted some of the main features and benefits of Provacyl which are as follows:
- Increased Libido – a potent combination of high quality ingredients that include l-arginine, ginkgo biloba, muira pauma and tongat ali works to boost libido and increase erection strength.
- Increased Muscle Mass – Whilst not the primary purpose of the supplement, the increased production of testosterone can help men get better results from their workouts by increasing muscle growth.
- Fat Loss – yet another positive effect of Provacyl is its apparent ability to help with weight loss. The extra testosterone and muscle mass is known to increase fat burning ability of the body to ensure a leaner built.
- Anti-Aging Effects – the supplement is supposed to encourage the production of HGH or human growth hormone that can help slow down and also reverse age effects. HGH has been applauded as the Fountain of Youth by doctors and medics all over the world but it is just a few supplements that are known to stimulate HGH production safely and without side effects.
- Younger Looking Skin- though not the primary purpose of the supplement, increased HGH production results in higher secretion of collagen that helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines making skin look apparently younger and smoother.
- Better Mood – The supplements is also known to help elevate mood and prevent mood swings in middle age men.

The website goes on to highlight the benefits of the natural testosterone pill over the alternatives available to men.

According to MenandLibido.com spokesperson, “Some men consider HGH and testosterone injections for increasing testosterone and HGH. This is not entirely free of side effects. Taking artificial hormone can interfere with the normal working of the endocrine system leading to severe complications and some fatal side effects over time. Not to mention, such injections come with a huge cost too and can set you back by $10,000- $15000 a year. Provacyl, on the other hand, can help one get good results at a fraction of the cost. Though such a supplement is likely to work slowly and require to be consumed for a couple of months, it is supposed to be relatively safer and devoid of side effects.”

For more information on the Provacyl supplement, and for product purchasing information, visit http://menandlibido.com

About MenandLibido.com
MenandLibido.com is a men’s health and fitness blog that focuses on a variety health issues and problems faced by men in their daily lives. It is also known for its in depth, detailed and unbiased reviews of various men’s supplements in the marketplace to help consumers take the right and informed decision when making a purchase.

Article Source: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/natural-testosterone-booster-provacyl-is-a-perfect-cure-for-male-menopause-helps-beat-age-effects-too-438423.htm

Natural Horse Supplements Provide an Alternative to Synthetic Pharmaceuticals

Natural horse supplements are a major growth component within the equine industry. The trend of horse owners and trainers to use natural and herbal supplements in health maintenance has continued to increase at an average rate of approx 5% per year. Despite being an unregulated market segment, some horse lovers have found that natural supplements have been providing many benefits to their horses. Informed consumers and several professional organizations are helping to promote a more natural solution which is closer to the horse’s natural needs as an alternative to synthetic pharmaceutical offerings.

Many horse owners have turned to natural horse supplements for a number of reasons. Natural horse supplements began to grow in popularity during 2007 when there was a serious situation stemming from tainted animal feed products imported from Asia.  Adding to the ease of choosing natural supplements has been the growth of information sources on the internet, especially with online forums hosted by professional veterinary and nutrition organizations. This has resulted in a more informed consumer with a lot of discussion about various supplements and their performance.

Natural horse supplements come in many forms, for many purposes and are believed to offer several advantages in contrast to synthetic formulas. To begin, supplements are used to supply the vitamins and minerals which may not be present in the hay currently being fed to many horses. Horses typically receive the bulk of their nutritional needs from their hay, yet hay is a very regional matter and much depends on the local soil and acidity. Each horse’s metabolic and digestive system is unique and some horses will need more of one substance than another. Balancing the need for enzymes, fatty acids and replacing mineral and nutritional requirements that are not found in the hay being supplied is essential to the full health program of a horse.

Natural supplements eliminate the preservatives and additives of synthetic products that can adversely affect digestion and which may also do harm to the intestinal tract of horses.  Synthetic supplements carry the burden of additives and preservatives and ingredients that may often have side effects. Synthetic bonding agents often carry into the horse’s system undesirable chemicals and metals that potentially can have serious adverse effects.

One proud member of NASC is Cheryl Price of Emerald Valley Natural Health (http://emeraldvalleyequine.com), a supplier of many high quality natural supplements and located in Exeter, NH. She states that "the NASC seal provides consumers with the assurance they are buying a product from a reputable company that has successfully completed a facility audit. NASC members must agree to adhere to NASC’s quality standards, which include submitting to an independent audit to ensure conformance with quality system requirements." Emerald Valley is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council and certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality. She further adds "Our products are manufactured with purified water, under strict batch control and quality guidelines, in a licensed facility. This is the important difference in the quality, effectiveness and reliability of our products. There is no alcohol in our solutions, only the natural herbs that help invigorate the horse in your life, naturally."

According to the American Botanical Council’s HerbalGram, in spite of the difficult economy, sales of herbal supplement sales increased by 5.5 % in 2012 (HebralGram Issue 99 p.65). This certainly demonstrates a growing preference for natural supplements by consumers.

In general, natural supplements are regularly used to address such health issues as digestive support and intestinal problems as well as horses with joint and bone maintenance conditions that require additions to their diet either from age or training regimens. Increasing the effects of missing vitamins and minerals lacking in hay is also a prime consideration for use of natural supplements. Almost all horses will benefit from high quality nutritional aids for hoof and coat health. Horses may also gain protection from virus and other ailments with natural supplements that focus on providing immune enhancement. Horses with behavioral issues from previous training or handling experiences, hormone imbalance, metabolic disorders, and those in need of weight gain are also beneficiaries of natural and herbal based supplements.

The use of vitamins and minerals for a specific problem or deficiencies in the horse’s diet is an important part of natural horse care. Using only a proper amount as an additive and monitoring results provides insurance against over dosage and toxicity.  These natural substances are used to compensate for loss during stress, exercise or training. Use of natural supplements at the onset of a problem in digestion, hoof care or weight maintenance may help eliminate the need for pharmaceutical therapy later on and at greater expense.

There have been a number of studies about the health benefits of certain natural supplements for various ailments and the results, in some areas, indicate a positive outcome.

As with any supplement, a prudent horse owner or trainer will consult with their veterinarian, follow the latest information from organizations such as the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), and purchase only from reliable vendors who are not making exaggerated claims.
Emerald Valley Natural Health
41 Industrial Drive, Units 11 & 12,
Exeter, NH 03833
888-638-8262
info@emeraldvalleyequine.com
http://emeraldvalleyequine.com

Article Source: http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/financial/00079296-natural-horse-supplements.html

Use of ‘Lakota' for Herbal Supplements, Remedies Makes False Tribal Association

Canadian producer of herbal supplement's use of the term “Lakota” creates a false association between his goods and the Native American groups that identify themselves as the Lakota people, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled Dec. 30 (In re Kent Pedersen, T.T.A.B., No. 85328868, 12/30/13).

Affirming refusal to register, the board rejected the applicant's arguments and evidence suggesting that “Lakota” did not “uniquely and unmistakably” identify the Lakota people.
Canadian Applicant Seeks Registration

The Lakota people comprise a Native American ethnic group that speaks a Siouan language and has largely lived in what are now the northern plains of the United States since the late 16th century and today has about 70,000 registered members.

In May 2011, Kent Pederson of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, filed an application with the Patent and Trademark Office to register the term “Lakota” as a trademark with respect to herbal remedies and supplements aimed at improving nutrition and treating various conditions such as muscle and joint pain and arthritis.

A trademark examiner refused registration pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1052(a), on the basis that such use might “falsely suggest a connection with the Native American Lakota people.” Pederson appealed the refusal to the TTAB.

Administrative Trademark Judge Linda A. Kuczma first set forth the standard for refusal under Section 2(a) from decisions such as In re Jackson Int'l Trading Co., 103 U.S.P.Q.2d 1417 (T.T.A.B. 2012) (141 PTD, 7/24/12):

Section 2(a) prohibits the registration of a mark that consists of or comprises matter that may falsely suggest a connection with persons, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols. To establish that a proposed mark falsely suggests a connection with a person or an institution, it is the examining attorney's burden to show: 


(1) the mark is the same as, or a close approximation of, the name or identity previously used by another person or institution;

(2) the mark would be recognized as such, in that it points uniquely and unmistakably to that person or institution;

(3) the person or institution named by the mark is not connected with the activities performed by the applicant under the mark; and

(4) the fame or reputation of the person or institution is such that, when the mark is used with the applicant's goods or services, a connection with the person or institution would be presumed.
'Unique' and 'Unmistakable' Connection

Applying this standard, the board first referred to dictionary definitions and Wikipedia used by the trademark examiner to determine that the term “Lakota” identified “Native American peoples who are part of the Native Americans collectively recognized by the United States government as the Sioux Indian tribe.”

The board rejected Pederson's argument that “Lakota” could not “uniquely and unmistakably” identified the Lakota people because it had other meanings, such as the name of the language spoken by those people.

“The fact that the term LAKOTA identifies both a particular group of people and the language spoken by some of the members of the group, is not evidence that LAKOTA fails to identify the Lakota people,” the board said.

The board then rejected the argument that the term “Lakota” does not identify this group, because the federal government's list of recognized Indian Entities uses “Sioux” and other terms rather than “Lakota” to identify the group.

“Omission from the list of federally recognized Indian Entities does not dictate that a name fails to identify persons or institutions,” the board said, referring to dictionaries and use of the term “Lakota” in the Internet.

Furthermore, the board said, “LAKOTA need not be the legal name of the party falsely associated with applicant's mark to preclude registration by applicant.” A nickname could also serve such a purpose.
No Legal Entity Required

Pederson then argued that he should be permitted to register “Lakota” because there was no specific entity that was using the term “Lakota” and held senior rights to the term.

Even so, the board said, “A false suggestion of a connection may be found when one's right to control the use of its identity is violated, even if the name claimed to be appropriated was never commercially exploited as a trademark or in a manner analogous to trademark use.”

Thus, the non-existence of such an entity was irrelevant, the board said. Even lacking such evidence, the board found ample evidence that “Lakota” was used to identify the Lakota people, both by themselves and by others.

For example, individuals purporting to represent the “Lakota Nation” brought claims against self-help author James Arthur Ray for misuse of their tribal customs after several people died in 2009 as a result of participating in a sweat lodge ceremony conducted by Ray.

The board cited to several other instances of public acts taken by members of the Lakota people under the name “Lakota.” The board thus concluded that “Lakota” indeed identified persons or institutions.

Next, the board rejected the argument that “Lakota” did not uniquely identify that ethnic group based on the existence of other trademarks using that term. The number of such uses--14--was “relatively small,” the board said. Furthermore, many of those uses were indeed references to the Lakota people.

Furthermore, the board said, “Even assuming all of the third-party uses submitted by applicant have no connection with and do not point to the Lakota people, this is still not determinative.” The fact that unrelated third party uses might exist did not weigh against a finding that Pederson's use did uniquely identify the Lakota people.

Similarly, evidence that there were five trademark registrations using “Lakota” was also insufficient, the board said.

“Even if we presume that each of the third-party registrations should have been refused registration under §2(a), such presumptive errors do not bind the USPTO and dictate that registration of applicant's mark now be granted,” the board said.

Similarly, Pederson's predecessor's--Edward J. Stewart of Vancouver--ownership of four trademark registrations in Canada incorporating “Lakota” were not relevant, the board said. The same was true of a cancelled U.S. trademark registration once granted to Stewart. The cancelled registration was “only evidence that the registration issued and does not afford applicant any legal presumptions,” the board said.

Moreover, the board pointed out, when that registration was issued in 2000, Stewart had specified that the “goods are sold by Lakota Sioux Indians.”

Thus, the board concluded that none of this proffered evidence overturned the finding that “Lakota” uniquely and unmistakably identified the Lakota people.
No Connection Through Licensee

Next the board found that Pederson had no connection to the Lakota people. In reaching that conclusion, the board rejected evidence that a licensee of Pederson, HPI Health Products Inc., which operates the Lakota Herbs website, had connections to organizations geared at preserving the Lakota language.

This chain of connections did not show a commercial connection between Pederson and the Lakota people, the board said. Furthermore, the fact that more than one tribal group identified themselves as members of the Lakota ethnic group did not reduce Pederson's burden. The term applied to all the tribes. The board said:

The charitable donations to the Lakota language preservation organizations made by applicant's licensee do not evidence that either organization authorized the use of the LAKOTA name by applicant or his licensee; nor is there evidence that either of these organizations has the legal capacity to do so. Moreover, even if the donations made by applicant's licensee did constitute a commercial connection, there is no evidence establishing any type of connection between the language preservation organizations and the Lakota tribes. Therefore, applicant has not shown a commercial connection between himself and those organizations, much less the necessary connection with the Lakota people. 

Finally, the board found sufficient evidence to establish that the Lakota people are known by the public and that they have a reputation for “healing and herbal remedies” such that Pederson's use of the term “Lakota” would falsely suggest a connection between his herbal products and the Lakota people.

Furthermore, the board found evidence that HPI's packing, advertising, and website reinforced such a false connection by making references to “traditional Native American medicine.” The board thus concluded that Pederson, through HPI, had “intentionally or otherwise, drawn a false association between his goods and members of the Lakota tribes” and affirmed the examiner's refusal to register.

The board's opinion was joined by Administrative Trademark Judges Thomas Shaw and Karen Kuhlke.

Kent Pedersen was represented by Mark J. Masterson of Fay Sharpe LLP, Cleveland. The PTO was represented by Kathleen M. Vanston, trademark examining attorney, Alexandria, Va.

Article Source: http://www.bna.com/lakota-herbal-supplements-n17179881209/

The Truth About Herbal Supplements

If you're taking herbal supplements, a new study shows that what's on the label may not actually be in the pill. Researchers from the University of Guelph in Ontario analyzed common herbal supplements like echinacea, St. John's wort, psyllium, and ginkgo biloba, and found a third of the samples didn't contain the main ingredient advertised on the bottle. Another third included fillers, such as rice and wheat, that weren't listed on the label, and could pose a danger to people with allergies. Others contained plants that weren't disclosed, such as Parthenium hysterophorus, which causes nausea in some people. Fewer than 20 percent of the companies tested (all the manufacturers were kept anonymous for the study) sold products without any substitutes, fillers, or contaminants.

In the past 20 years, the popularity of herbal supplements has exploded, with an estimated 18 percent of Americans taking them and companies earning $5 billion annually. Advocates believe supplements can improve health naturally – manufacturers claim that echinacea can shorten the length of a cold, for example, and that St. John's wort can fight mood disorders. Some professionals think herbal supplements can even provide a healthy alternative to pharmaceutical medications – such as taking valerian root instead of Xanax for anxiety. There are many studies on the efficacy of herbal treatments (recent studies from the National Institutes of Health on St. John's wort, for example, show the supplement works no better than a placebo in relieving depression) but little research explores the idea that the supplements actually contain the herbs they claim. "At some companies, the ingredients are being neglected; others are just fraudulent," says Dr. Pieter Cohen, a professor of medicine at Harvard University. "The combination leaves consumers completely in the dark in terms of knowing what they are buying."

There is very little oversight of the herbal supplement industry. In 1994, a law was passed that let manufacturers, rather than the government, account for the safety and accuracy of the products they sell. Herbal supplements like flaxseed oil, wheatgrass, turmeric, aloe vera, and spirulina (the top five sellers in 2012) do not require the same kind of scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration as pharmaceutical drugs or food on the shelves of a grocery store. The only oversight the FDA requires is that companies back a single standard: that what they claim goes into the bottle is actually in the bottle and they have the equipment to test it. But even this rule is not always met.

"Most – but not all – of the botanical ingredients sold in the United States are coming from overseas," says Mark Blumenthal, who founded the American Botanical Council 25 years ago. The reason for the industry's problems, he says, is twofold: the reliance on imported ingredients and the concept of self-regulation, wherein the manufacturers carry the burden of taking on their own testing for quality. The result is an influx of tainted and even fraudulent ingredients, says Blumenthal, who pushed the American Botanical Council to set up an independent program with the University of Mississippi to test for adulterants in products.

Given the lack of government oversight, even companies that claim many of their ingredients come from the U.S., like Garden of Life and Nature Made, have to be taken at their word, since they conduct their own quality checks. "We audit all new suppliers," says Douglas Jones, a representative for Nature Made. "And for each ingredient . . . we conduct identity testing on raw materials and confirm that they conform. Throughout the manufacturing process, we perform quality checks at multiple stages, and every batch of finished product is tested." These checks are typically paid for by the company, and since much of them are done internally, there are no public reports of the verification.

Health claims on bottles add another layer of confusion. Supplement companies are allowed to make loose assertions as long as they don't promise to cure or treat a disease. When a bottle of ginkgo biloba, for example, claims to "enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function" on the label, that is perfectly legal, despite the evidence suggesting otherwise. (More than a dozen studies of the herb were summed up in a paper by University of Hertfordshire researchers last year: "Taking ginkgo biloba supplements at any age to boost memory has no impact at all – and may be a waste of time and money.")

While the FDA isn't required to check the ingredients in a supplement, it is charged with making sure the labels don't overreach in their promises. Even so, a recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services found that a fifth of supplements made unlawful claims, such as "provides defense against heart diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and other terrible conditions," "prevents or treats cancer," and "reduces pain associated with arthritis."

Experts say that to find the purest herbal supplements, consumers need to do their homework. The first step is to look for a seal from NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). The organizations award marks to fewer than 1 percent of the 55,000-plus products sold in America, so if you see it advertised on a bottle, be sure it's not a phony (see "How to Get the Herbs You're Looking For"). ConsumerLab.com, which also offers a seal, takes supplements off store shelves and tests them for accuracy and contaminants.

Consumers can also ask their doctors to suggest specific brands. "When I recommend supplements to my patients, I tell them which company to get them from," says Dr. Victoria Maizes, a director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona (the center was founded by one of the most renowned alternative-medicine doctors in the country, Andrew Weil, who sells his own line of supplements as an "insurance against gaps in the diet"). With so many brands unapproved by NSF, Maizes says, it takes an expert educated in herbal remedies to know what is reliable, effective, and safe. Maizes trusts several companies, but mostly advises her patients on what to take on a product-by-product basis. "I work with people who know which the best products are," she says.

More than anything, Maizes wants to see the U.S. regulations changed to resemble Canada's, where manufacturers have to apply and register their products, show evidence that they're safe and that they work, and put cautionary labels for all potential allergies or side effects. For now, says Harvard's Pieter Cohen, "the American consumer is a guinea pig. Unfortunately, they can't always get accurate information and are exposed to real risks."

Article Source: http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/the-truth-about-herbal-supplements-20140102

Nutrition tip of the week: Are supplements a waste of money?

Lake area

    Looking for a way to save money? Maybe it’s time to stop spending money on vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. About 53 percent of American adults take some kind of supplement on a regular basis. This is an increase from 30 percent 20 years ago. Americans currently spend $30 billion a year on supplements.

    Three new studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine have failed to prove any benefit associated with taking supplements. They studied the effect of supplements on mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive decline, and found no difference in the groups who took the vitamin supplements and those that did not. The conclusion was that the general population who have no clear evidence of a deficiency do not benefit from vitamin supplementation.

    Our bodies can use only so much vitamins and minerals. Once we’ve reached the limit, excess water-soluble vitamins are simply excreted in our urine. Excess fat-soluble vitamins get stored in our fat, and can become harmful to us. Too much beta-carotene has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Too much vitamin E increases the risk of prostate cancer. Too much vitamin A can increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture.

    Vitamin supplements do not make up for a bad diet. They are not a substitute for food. Supplements simply cannot replicate all the nutrients and benefits that we get from food. Take an orange, for example. Not only are you getting vitamin C, but also beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. A pill just can’t compete with that, no matter how much you pay for it.

    People sometimes turn to herbal supplements as a means to avoid taking prescription drugs or to improve their health. Half of all Americans take herbal supplements, and it has become a $5 billion a year industry.

    Most people believe that herbal supplements are safe to use because they are advertised as “natural” or “organic” and are legally sold and readily available. There are an estimated 50,000 adverse effects reported annually associated with the use of herbal supplements. Herbal supplements may contain unlabeled toxic or allergenic ingredients as part of their fillers. They may interact with prescription drugs you take.

    Did you know that herbal supplement manufacturers are not regulated by any government agency? These supplements are not FDA approved and are not required to go through any testing for quality, truthfulness or accuracy in labeling. You can’t even be sure you are getting the dosage that the label says.

    There are a few exceptions with supplement recommendations, namely folic acid for women of childbearing age. Calcium, vitamin D and B12 supplements commonly are recommended because it can be difficult to get adequate amounts of these solely from your diet.

    Food is always the best source to meet all of our nutritional needs. Eating a balanced diet and including a variety of foods is ideal. Adding specific foods with high targeted nutrients can help if you think you may be lacking in certain vitamins. For example, spinach is rich in iron, potassium, vitamins A, C, E and K and magnesium. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, potassium, and carotene. Salmon and tuna are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Avocados are very rich in B vitamins, vitamins E and K, as well as healthy monounsaturated fats. Many common foods, like cereals, beverages and granola bars are now fortified with vitamins and minerals.

    Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you still think you need to take vitamin supplements:

    Do you eat fewer than two meals a day or consume fewer than 1,500 calories daily?

    Is your diet restricted? Or, do you eliminate an entire food group, like meat or dairy?

    Have you unintentionally lost more than 10 pounds in the past six months?

    Do you have three or more alcoholic drinks daily?

    Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

    Do you have a medical condition that affects how your body absorbs food? Examples might be chronic diarrhea, food allergies or intolerances, or diseases of the liver, gallbladder, intestines or pancreas.

    If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you should ask your health provider discuss whether you need vitamin supplements.

    Should you opt to take vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements, consider these factors.

    Avoid mega doses. In general, do not exceed 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance, unless recommended by your health provider.

    Check expiration dates. Dietary supplements lose potency throughout time, especially when stored in warm, humid environments like a bathroom. Discard any past the expiration date.

    Ideally, take supplements with food and water. This ensures there is liquid to help dissolve the pill and fat to help absorb the vitamins.

    Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all supplements you take if you are on any prescription medicines. Some supplements, especially herbal supplements, can interact dangerously with prescription drugs.

    Read labels carefully to determine what dosage is recommended. Choose reputable brands with a seal of approval from ConsumerLab, NSF or United States Pharmacopeia.

    Use caution with any herbal supplements. Remember that their claims have not been tested or proven, there is no regulation to ensure you are getting what is on the label, and there is a danger of adverse reactions.

    Anita Marlay, R.D., L.D., is a dietitian in the cardiac rehab department at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Mo.


Article Source: http://www.lakenewsonline.com/article/20140118/LIFESTYLE/140119398/-1/sports