Supplements
Here you will find recommendations on the supplements that only have clinical data to support their use. If you do not see the supplement you are looking for please ask for information about what clinical data is available! Always speak to your health care provider before starting any herbals or supplements and always ask us or your local pharmacist about potential drug interactions with herbals and supplements and prescription medications.
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Bone Health | Iron Replacement | GI Health | Immune Health | Heart Health | Eye Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | Diet Booster | Other
Bone Health
Read here about why calcium and Vitamin D supplementation help with bone health and the recommended amounts by age.
NOTE: The body can only absorb up to 500mg of calcium at a time, must divide total daily dose two to three times daily.
Citracal is preferred over Caltrate in elderly patients and those on proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec.
Also Citracal can be taken with or without food, Caltrate must be taken with meal.
Most adults only need up to 2000IU of Vitamin D3 for supplementation, please follow health care provider recommendations if your vitamin D level is low.
Iron Replacement Therapy
Read about iron deficiency anemia and iron replacement therapy here
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NOTE: Ferrous Fumarate 324mg tablet (106mg elemental iron) One tablet twice daily;
Ferrous Gluconate 240mg or 324mg tablet (27mg or 38mg elemental iron) One to three tablets two to three times daily;
Ferrous Sulfate 140mg or 325mg tablet (45mg or 65mg elemental iron) One tablet three times daily
GI Health
Read about how probiotics may help with GI health here
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Probiotics: Diarrhea and prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea; H. Pyloi present in stomach: Probiotics may help as an additive with standard treatment to eradicate H. pylori infections
Flaxseed Oil: May help with constipation
Immune Health
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Zinc: May help shorted duration of upper respiratory tract infections (sinuses)/common cold: Zinc lozenge
Side effects: nausea, bad taste, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth irritation and mouth sores.
Acai: Antioxidant effects
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Antioxidant properties have been demonstrated; especially useful in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control and HIV patients
Echinacea: Use to prevent upper respiratory tract infections (sinus infection)
Elderberry: Extracts may have some value in treatment of influenza and duration of cold symptoms and have antioxidant potential
Cardiovascular/Heart Health
Read about heart health here
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Fish Oil: 1g per day of Omega-3 fatty acids with coronary heart disease; 2 to 4 grams per day divided of Omega-3 fatty acids when triglycerides are elevated
Red yeast rice: M. purpureus is a natural source of mevinolin, the active ingredient of the prescription drug Lovastatin (a statin to help lower cholesterol). Does have beneficial effects on lowering cholesterol.
NOTE: Red yeast rice should NOT be used in place of lovastatin due to safety concerns with dietary supplements. Dose is (2) 600mg capsules twice daily (2,400mg per day).
Hawthorne: May improve circulation; Dose is 300mg to 900mg by mouth daily and benefits appear after 6 to 8 weeks of therapy
Quinine for leg cramps associated with vascular spasm, internal hemorrhoids, varicose veins and pleura cavities after thoracoplasty
Eye Health
For more information on eye health read here
For more information on macular degeneration eye health read here
Mental Health
For information on mental health click here
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Ginkgo biloba: Preliminary data suggests possible benefit in treating aura with or without migraine.
No definitive place in therapy for dementia and schizophrenia (although promising) 120-240mg of extract by mouth daily; data does not support enhanced cognitive function in health individuals.
St. John's Wart: Effectiveness is comparable with standard antidepressants for treatment of depression. Adverse events are lower than conventional antidepressants but does have many drug interactions (avoid use with cyclosporine, tacrolimus, irinotecan, imatinib mesylate, and medications used to treat HIV): 900mg of extract daily in 3 divided doses, for up to one year.
SAM(e): Equivalent to prescription tricyclic antidepressants; 200 to 1600mg by mouth daily. NOTE: Should NOT be used in patients with bipolar depression. Adverse reactions: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, mild insomnia, dizziness, irritability, anxiety and sweating. Has MANY drug interactions, ask us or your local pharmacist.
Melatonin for sleep duration and quality: 3 to 5mg at bedtime for 4 weeks; jet-lag 0.5mg-2mg preflight and up to 5mg post flight over a period of up to 4 days; pediatric: 2 to 5 mg has been used in children
Women's Health
For more information on women's health click here
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St. Johns Wart: May help with mild menopausal symptoms for healthy mood balance and associated sleep disturbances. Check with health care provider.
Adverse events are lower than conventional antidepressants but does have many drug interactions (avoid use with cyclosporine, tacrolimus, irinotecan, imatinib mesylate, and medications used to treat HIV): 900mg of extract daily in 3 divided doses, for up to one year.
Black Cohosh: Used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms. 40 to 80mg daily.
Diet Boosters
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Ensure: Protein shakes
Creatine: Can enhance performance in short-duration, high-intensity exercise (not for long term use) Must check with health care provider prior to use.