Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Vitamins and Supplements

Answered: What are the risks of saffron?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:56:20 +0000

Saffron may trigger mood swings in people with bipolar disorder. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use saffron.

Answered: Why do people take saffron?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:55:55 +0000

Oral saffron supplements may help with Alzheimer's disease, some studies show. One small study found it worked as well as standard drugs in slowing down the symptoms. More research is needed.

Saffron may also help with depression. Several small studies showed that it seemed to work as well as a common antidepressant in helping symptoms. Larger studies need to be done to see if this would be a safe and effective treatment.

Answered: What are risks of theanine?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:55:30 +0000

It's not clear if using theanine supplements in the long-term is safe. We also don't know if theanine is safe for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answered: Why do people take theanine?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:54:42 +0000

Theanine supplements may help people feel more relaxed and lower anxiety, some early studies have shown. Theanine supplements helped boys with ADHD sleep better in one small study. Another small study showed that when combined with caffeine, theanine may sharpen thinking. More research is needed to see how theanine affects these conditions.

Answered: What foods have conjugated linoleic acid?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:54:09 +0000

CLA is in many animal products, like milk, beef, and other meat. Grass-fed beef may have higher levels of CLA than grain-fed beef. It's also in sunflower and safflower oil. Cooking food may increase levels of CLA.

Answered: What problems can taking conjugated linoleic acid cause?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:53:33 +0000

Taking CLA may cause upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.

CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance if you have diabetes or metabolic syndrome. It may cause "fatty liver" or other liver problems and lower HDL "good" cholesterol. It might raise inflammation.

CLA could cause trouble with drugs for schizophrenia and other mental disorders as well as with blood thinners and high blood pressure medicines.

Answered: Why do people take conjugated linoleic acid?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:52:56 +0000

There are several reasons, but not enough research for doctors to recommend it for anything.

Studies show that CLA supplements may help people who are obese. It may decrease body fat and help people feel fuller after eating.

As an antioxidant, CLA may have cancer-fighting properties.

CLA does seem to lower bad LDL cholesterol, but it also lowers good HDL cholesterol.

People take CLA supplements for other reasons, too, ranging from dry skin to multiple sclerosis.

Answered: Who shouldn't use fenugreek?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:52:18 +0000

Women who are pregnant should not take fenugreek because in doses higher than that found in food, it can stimulate the uterus to contract. Also women who arer nursing, children, and people with liver or kidney disease should not use fenugreek supplements unless a doctor says it's safe.

Answered: Why do people take pectin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:51:53 +0000

Natural pectin, found in citrus fruits and other plants, can’t be digested by your body. Some people take a supplemental form of pectin called modified citrus pectin (MCP) for different reasons. It may help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol. But the effect is small and you’ll usually need to make other changes to bring it down to healthy levels.

Research suggests, but does not prove, that pectin may slow the growth of prostate cancer in some men.

Answered: What is pectin and where can you get it?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:51:26 +0000

Answered: What are some precautions about taking pectin as a supplement?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:50:46 +0000

Pectin is a type of fiber found in most plants. Apples, plums, and peel and pulp of oranges and other citrus fruits are loaded with it. Your body can’t digest natural pectin. But you can take it in an altered form called modified citrus pectin (MCP). It can sometimes give you cramps or diarrhea. MCP also may interfere with certain cancer treatments or such drugs as:

The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements such as pectin. Talk to your doctor about potential risks before you take pectin or any other dietary supplement.

Digoxin (a heart medicine)
Lovastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
Tetracycline antibiotics

Answered: What are the side effects of taking L-tryptophan?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:50:14 +0000

Side effects of L-tryptophan may include:

Blurred vision
Dizziness
Drowsiness and fatigue
Head twitching
Hives
Nausea
Loss of muscle coordination and muscle stiffness
Strong, pounding heart beat (palpitations)
Sweating
Tremor

Answered: How does activated charcoal interact with medication?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:49:42 +0000

Activated charcoal may reduce or prevent the absorption of certain drugs. This may include drugs such as:

Acetaminophen
Digoxin
Theophylline
Tricyclic antidepressants

Do not use activated charcoal as a supplement if you take these medications. Activated charcoal may also reduce absorption of certain nutrients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplement you're taking, even if it's natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. He or she can let you know if the supplement might increase your risks.

Answered: What are optimal doses of pycnogenol?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:49:13 +0000

It's not clear if pycnogenol helps treat any conditions, and there is no set dose for it. Talk to your doctor before you try it.

Answered: Can acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) help with Peyronie's disease?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:48:39 +0000

Peyronie's disease causes the penis to curve abnormally. In one study, men who took daily ALC for 3 months had less pain and curving of the penis. The problem also progressed less in the men taking ALC.

Answered: What does biotin do to the body?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:48:06 +0000

Biotin plays a key role in the body. It supports the health of the skin, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells. One small study suggested that biotin and other micronutrients help treat peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain in the extremities that can result from kidney failure or diabetes.

Answered: What is biotin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:47:36 +0000

Biotin is a coenzyme and a B vitamin. It is also known as vitamin H. Because biotin is present in so many different kinds of foods, deficiency is rare.

Answered: What are interactions to consider when taking biotin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:47:04 +0000

If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using biotin supplements. Biotin might weaken the effect of certain medications. Conversely, many drugs can lower biotin levels, including some antibiotics. Some epilepsy drugs may decrease biotin absorption from food. A supplement, lipoic acid, may also increase the need for biotin. Eating raw egg whites on a regular basis can also lower biotin levels in the body.

Answered: What are the risks of taking glycine supplements?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:46:39 +0000

Glycine appears to be safe, even at doses of up to 9 grams for 3 days. But glycine's safety has not been fully tested or studied. Particular caution should be taken when considering glycine for young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with liver or kidney disease.

People being treated with clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz) should avoid taking glycine. Also people who have had a stroke should not take glycine without the supervision of a doctor.

Answered: Does choline raise your risk of colorectal cancer?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:46:13 +0000

One study found that people who got very high amounts of choline in their diets had a higher risk of colorectal cancer. But the connection isn't clear.

Answered: What are side effects of taking schisandra?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:45:39 +0000

Some people who take schisandra develop allergic skin reactions (rashes) or gastrointestinal problems such as:

Less appetite
Stomach pain
Heartburn
Acid indigestion

Answered: What fruits are rich in pectin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:45:13 +0000

Pectin is a soluble fiber found in most plants. It is most abundant in:

Apples
Plums
The peel and pulp of citrus fruits

Answered: How much choline do you need?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:43:53 +0000

The Institute of Medicine says that adult women need 425 mg of choline a day in their diets for good health, and more if they're pregnant (450 mg) or breastfeeding (550 mg.) Adult men need 550 mg a day. As a supplement, there's no standard dose for choline. Ask your health care provider for advice.

Answered: How do you know if supplement claims are true?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:38:50 +0000

Supplement makers aren't allowed to say their product diagnoses, treats, cures, reduces the symptoms of, or prevents disease -- and there needs to be a disclaimer statement to that effect on the label. Be suspicious of overblown claims on the label or box, such as "totally natural," "completely safe," or "miracle cure." If you're unsure about a product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or call the supplement manufacturer and ask what studies they've done to support the claims they're making.

Answered: Does using progesterone make you more likely to get certain conditions?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:38:04 +0000

Progesterone may raise your risk of:

Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Heart problems
Blood clotting problems
Stroke
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids

Answered: Does progesterone need a prescription?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:37:19 +0000

Different forms of progesterone are available by prescription. Progesterone is often used in:

Birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapy (either as pills or applied to the skin) There are also over-the-counter progesterone products, including skin creams that are marketed for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Answered: What are forms of calcium supplements?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:36:51 +0000

If you're not getting enough calcium from food alone, your doctor might recommend a supplement.

Calcium supplements come in two main forms:

Calcium carbonate

Calcium citrate

Calcium carbonate is also commonly found in over-the-counter antacids, such as Rolaids and Tums.

You need to take calcium carbonate with food, because it's easier for your body to absorb it that way. You can take calcium citrate on an empty stomach or with food.

Answered: What do you need to avoid when you take calcium supplements?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:36:13 +0000

Avoid eating these foods when you take your supplement, because they can interfere with calcium absorption:

Caffeinated coffee and soda
High-salt foods

Answered: What are the side effects of high calcium intake?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:34:45 +0000

Before taking calcium supplements, you need to be aware of the side effects of high calcium intake, which include:

Constipation
Gas or bloating
Risk of kidney stones

Answered: What are the risks of taking 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) supplements?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:34:15 +0000

5-HTP supplements may cause cramping, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, rash, and loss of appetite.

Contaminated 5-HTP supplements have led to dangerous side effects, like seizures and a life-threatening neurological condition.

There's no standard dose for 5-HTP. For depression, typical dosages range from 150 to 300 milligrams a day, or sometimes even higher. Ask your doctor for advice.

Answered: What are risks of taking prickly pear cactus?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:33:42 +0000

If you have diabetes, don't take prickly pear cactus supplements unless a doctor says it's safe. You may need to stop taking prickly pear cactus before surgery. Experts don't know if prickly pear cactus is safe for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before you try it, so you know what the side effects may be.

Answered: Does pycnogenol affect medicines?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:33:01 +0000

If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using pycnogenol supplements. They could interact with medicines to suppress the immune system, chemotherapy drugs, and blood thinners.

Answered: How does red raspberry interact with other medications?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:32:29 +0000

If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using red raspberry supplements. There's always a risk they could interact with other supplements or drugs.

Answered: Which foods are good sources of vitamin K?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:31:56 +0000

The best food sources include green leafy vegetables, soybean oil, broccoli, alfalfa, cooked spinach, and fish oil.

Answered: Why should you tell your doctor about supplements you're taking along with phosphatidylserine?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:25:39 +0000

Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.

Answered: Who shouldn't take astaxanthin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:24:47 +0000

You shouldn't take astaxanthin it if you:

Have autoimmune problems
Are taking drugs to suppress your immune system
Have low calcium
Have low blood pressure
Have osteoporosis
Have a problem with your parathyroid glands
Have hormone problems
Are pregnant or might become pregnant

Answered: What conditions can astaxanthin help treat?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:24:17 +0000

Astaxanthin can reduce inflammation, so it might be useful as a treatment for problems that involve inflammation, such as:

Research has found that an extract from algae that makes astaxanthin slowed the growth of breast and skin cancer cells.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answered: What is the standard dose for astaxanthin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:23:34 +0000

Supplement makers may suggest different amounts of astaxanthin for different purposes. Most of the small research studies have used between 2 mg and 24 mg daily. But a standard dose of astaxanthin hasn't been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements can be very different, and that makes it hard to set a standard dose.

Answered: What are interactions of astaxanthin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:22:56 +0000

Use astaxanthin with caution if you take a drug that affects hormones, such as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, or if you're on a drug for high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor about any supplements you take, even if they're natural.

Answered: What are risks of taking astaxanthin?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:22:26 +0000

Don't take astaxanthin if you're allergic or sensitive to:

Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant should avoid astaxanthin.

Similar carotenoids such as canthaxanthin
A source of astaxanthin, such as the algae that produces it
Drugs that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase like finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn)

Answered: What foods have carnitine in them?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:21:51 +0000

Carnitine is in many animal products. Red meat has the highest levels. A 4-ounce beef steak has an estimated 56 to 162 milligramgs (mg) of carnitine. Carnitine is also found in smaller amounts in chicken, milk and dairy products, fish, beans, and avocado. Vegans tend to get less carnitine from foods, but their bodies usually make enough anyway.

What's the best dose for prickly pear cactus?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:21:17 +0000

There's no standard dose for prickly pear cactus for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice.

Answered: How does sea buckthorn interact with other drugs?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:20:44 +0000

Combining sea buckthorn with blood-thinning drugs or supplements could raise your risk of bleeding. Sea buckthorn may also interfere with certain medicines that treat gastrointestinal conditions, heart rhythm problems, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.Talk with your doctor before you take sea buckthorn so you know if it's safe for you to use.

Answered: How does hawthorn interact with other medicines?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:20:07 +0000

Hawthorn may affect many medications, including drugs that:

Affect heart-muscle contraction, like digoxin
Lower blood pressure
Cause blood vessels to dilate, like nitrates Always talk to your doctor before you try any supplement, even if it's "natural."

Answered: What foods contain cordyceps?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:19:14 +0000

Cordyceps is not found in foods.

Answered: What are side effects of nattokinase?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:18:39 +0000

In food, nattokinase is safe. More studies are needed to see if nattokinase taken as a supplement is safe for repeated or long-term use. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications.

Answered: What is holy basil?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:18:07 +0000

Holy basil is related to the familiar sweet basil that's used in cooking. Its leaves are pale green and have a somewhat hairy appearance.

Holy basil has long been used as a traditional medicine in China and India. Some cultures regard the plant as sacred.

Answered: What foods have nattokinase in them?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:16:49 +0000

Researchers first found nattokinase in the Japanese food natto, made with fermented soybeans. It seems that the fermentation process makes nattokinase. You can't get nattokinase from other soy foods.

Answered: What does research show about nattokinase?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:16:03 +0000

There's some early evidence that nattokinase may have benefits for heart and artery health. One study shows that a nattokinase supplement lowers the risk of blood clots after long plane flights. It may help reduce narrowing of the arteries.

Other studies show that nattokinase may help lower blood pressure. However, we need more research to see if it is effective.

Optimal doses of nattokinase have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice.

Answered: What foods use holy basil?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:15:24 +0000

Holy basil leaves, which have a spicy, lemony flavor, are used widely in food in Southeast Asia, such as in Thai stir-fried dishes.