As promised, everything that did not fit into “Research Review 2001” in the print version of Health Supplement Retailer (Dec., 2001) follows. Studies covering everything from tea and cavities to grapeseed extract and allergies are listed below. Enjoy!
Beta-Carotene Intake May Not Ward Against Cancer In a large-scale, randomized, primary prevention trial that took place over 12 years, researchers from Harvard Medical School found that men who had been taking 50 mg of beta carotene every other day had the same risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. There was also no significant evidence linking beta carotene with a higher incidence of cancer in nonsmokers, smokers or former smokers. Frieling UM et al. “A randomized, 12-year primary-prevention trial of beta carotene supplementation for nonmelanoma skin cancer in the Physician’s Health Study.” Arch Dermatol. 136, 2:179-84, 2000.
Black Tea Intake May Equal Fewer Cavities In research from the University of Illinois, it was found that black tea may prevent the plaque build-up that causes cavities and gum disease. Ten volunteers rinsed their mouths with black tea for one minute five times per day, 10 times per day or with water over a seven-day period. Those who swished with tea 10 times a day had less cavity-causing bacteria. In another study, rinsing with 20 mg of black tea for 30 seconds five times a day prevented plaque-causing bacteria as well. The researchers believed that black tea, which is fermented, may kill or suppress the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in plaque. The tea may also promote the bacterial enzyme, glucosyltransferase, that prevents plaque after eating sugar. Wu C et al. 101st General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. May, 2001.
Calcium Absorption may Benefit from Inulin Supplementation Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that adolescent girls on a high calcium diet may absorb more calcium if the drink is supplemented with inulin. In a two-month study, 28 girls, between 11 and 14 years old, drank calcium-fortified orange juice containing either 8 g of the inulin supplement or a placebo for three weeks. After a two-week break, the girls who had been taking the placebo-supplemented orange juice switched to the inulin orange juice and vice versa for three weeks. It was found that the girls absorbed 18-percent more calcium (494 mg) from 1,500 mg of calcium when drinking the orange juice with inulin; the placebo group absorbed 416 mg of calcium. This study was sponsored in part by Belgium-based Orafti, a manufacturer of inulin. Abrams S et al. North American Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 2000 World Congress. August, 2000.
DHA Supplementation May Not Help ADHD In a randomly assigned, double blind study, researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found that children diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) did not show signs of improvement in symptoms after DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation. During the four-month trial, 345 mg/d of DHA did not affect children's attention spans or impulsive behavior, either in observational or statistical improvements. Voigt RG et al. “A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” J Pediatr. 139, 2:189-96, 2001.
Fatty Diet May Increase Risk for AMD Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that individuals who have diets high in fat may have an increased risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness in adults. In a multi-center, case-controlled study that included 349 people with AMD and 504 controls who did not, it was found that people who consumed high levels of vegetable fat (including linoleic acid) had an elevated risk for AMD. However, those individuals who reported eating large amounts of fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids) along with a diet low in vegetable fat tended to have a reduced risk for AMD. Seddon JM. “Dietary fat and risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration.” Arch Ophthalmol. 119, 8:1191-9, 2001.
Folate Intake May Affect Breast Cancer Risk For those women who like to imbibe, the free radical activity of alcohol in the body may increase the risk for breast cancer. However, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found that the antioxidant effect of folic acid may repair this damage. In a 12-year follow-up, researchers sent dietary questionnaires to 1,586 women at risk for breast cancer. Women who were non-drinkers and had consumed the highest amounts of folate had the lowest risk for cancer; women who drank and had the lowest folate intake had a higher risk. Sellers TA et al. “Dietary folate intake, alcohol and risk of breast cancer in a prospective study of postmenopausal women.” Epidemiology. 12, 4:420-8, 2001.
Folic Acid Reduces NTDs by Half Women who take folic acid before becoming pregnant may reduce their risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) by half. The study, conducted by researchers from places such as the University of South Carolina, was a six-year “surveillance” in which they promoted individual genetic counseling and a public awareness campaign for folic acid. During that time period, neural tube defects decreased by half: from 18.9 in 10,000 births in 1992 to 9.5 in 10,000 in 1998. Stevenson RE et al. “Decline in prevalence of neural tube defects in a high-risk region of the United States.” Pediatrics. 106, 4:677-83, 2000.
Garlic May Lead to Fewer Heart Attacks In a 13-week study involving volunteers with normal blood lipid profiles, researchers from Liverpool, England’s John Moores University found that aged garlic extract may protect against cardiovascular disease by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Volunteers who took 5 mL of aged garlic extract (Kyolic) per day also experienced reduced serum cholesterol concentrations and blood pressure levels. Rahman K et al. “Dietary supplementation with aged garlic extract inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation in humans.” J Nutr. 130, 11:2662-5, 2000.
Chronic GHB Use May Lead to Severe Withdrawal, Death Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) withdrawal may lead to adverse events, including death. In a retrospective review of poison center records, researchers from San Francisco General Hospital found that eight patients suffered severe withdrawal symptoms after using excessive amounts of GHB (frequent ingestion every one to three hours around the clock). Within one to six hours, patients began experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and tremors. Patients were psychotic, agitated, had hypertension, and experienced auditory and visual hallucinations as well as nausea. One patient died during Day 13 while in withdrawal. Of the eight cases, five addicts had used the supplement for body-building reasons. Dyer JE et al. “Gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal syndrome.” Ann Emerg Med. 37, 2:147-53, 2001.
Glycolic Acid May Decrease UV-Induced Tumors Researchers from the Korean Food and Drug Administration discovered that topically applied glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid found in fruit and milk sugars, decreased the incidence and size of tumors caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The substance, known to have photoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on UV-induce skin damage, was applied to hairless mice at a dose of 8 mg/cm<V>2<+> twice per week immediately following UV-radiation. Glycolic acid reduced UV-induced skin tumor development by decreasing new tumor growth (by 20 percent) and the incidence for tumors larger than 2 mm (by 47 percent). Hong JT et al. “Inhibitory effect of glycolic acid on ultraviolet-induced skin tumorigenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice and its mechanism of action.” Mol Carcinog. 31, 3:152-60, 2001.
Grapeseed Extract May Not Be Effective for Allergies Even though there is anecdotal evidence that supports the effectiveness of grapeseed extract on allergies, one study states otherwise. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that grapeseed extract had no effect on treating seasonal allergies, specifically ragweed allergies. In an eight-week, randomized, placebo-controlled study using approximately 50 patients, participants were given either 100 mg twice per day of the extract or a placebo two to four weeks before the onset of ragweed pollination. No significant differences were found between the extract and placebo groups, nor did either group report any adverse events. Bernstein CK et al. “Double blind placebo controlled study of grapeseed extract in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.” J Aller Clin Immunol. 107, 2:1018, 2001.
Herbal Ear Drops May Offer Relief for Ear Pain Researchers from the Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Community Clinic of General Health in Gan-Haim, Israel, reported that a naturopathic ear drop formulation eased ear pain. They found that the naturopathic formula, containing Allium sativum, Verbascum thapsus, Caalendula flores and Hypericum peroratum, was as effective as anaesthetic ear drops. The herbal product used in the study was Otikon Otic Solution<+><\#170><+$>, made by Petach-Tikva, Israel-based Healthy-On Ltd. Sarrell EM et al. “Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media.” Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 155, 7:796-9, 2001.
Honey May Diminish Surgery-Related Tumors Researchers from Turkey’s Istanbul University found that the physiological and chemical properties of honey may have positive effects on wound healing. In a 10-day study, 60 mice were divided into two groups, with one group receiving untreated, implanted tumors (mimicking what is found near the surgical wound following cancer surgery) while the other group had wounds coated with honey before and after tumor inoculation. The researchers concluded that tumor implantation was markedly decreased by the application of honey pre- and postoperatively. The study’s authors concluded that honey could be used as a wound barrier against tumor implantation in the field of oncological surgery. Hamzaoglu I et al. “Protective covering of surgical wounds with honey impedes tumor implantation.” Arch Surg. 135, 12:1414-7, 2000.
Ipriflavone Supplements May Not Prevent Bone Loss Ipriflavone supplementation in postmenopausal women may not prevent bone loss. Researchers from such places as the Center for Clinical & Basic Research in Ballerup, Denmark, studied 474 women between 57 and 69 years of age who took 500 mg of calcium along with 200 mg of ipriflavones or a placebo per day for three years. The annual percentage of change for BMD was virtually the same for both groups. However, lymphocyte concentration decreased in ipriflavone-supplemented women, with 29 women developing asymptomatic lymphopenia during treatment, the clinical relevance of which needs further study. As a point of interest, this controversial study had some ipriflavone makers sending letters to customers refuting this research or beginning the first steps in producing their own third party meta-analysis of all published ipriflavone studies. Alexandersen P et al. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. September, 2000.
Lycopene May Help Male Fertility Researchers at the Ser-I-Kashmir College in New Delhi found that lycopene may help with infertility in men. Using 50 volunteers, all of whom had low active sperm counts, researchers gave subjects 8 mg/d of lycopene during this one-year study. Thirty-five patients experienced an improvement in sperm count, and 30 had improved functional sperm concentrations. The study's authors also noted that there was a 36-percent pregnancy rate among the participants' partners by the end of the study. The study was sponsored by Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd., based here, and the supplement was supplied by Beer-Sheva, Israel-based LycoRed Natural Products Ltd. Mohanty NK et al. “Lycopene therapy in management of idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.” Indian J Urol. 56:102, 2001.
Magnesium Deficiency Hinges on Absorption In a research review on magnesium, it was found that various conditions related to magnesium deficiency could not be treated through magnesium supplementation alone. Magnesium absorption is linked to already having an abundance of dietary magnesium, as well as the presence of vitamins B6 and D. However, magnesium levels decrease through drinking soda (phosphoric acid), consuming coffee, experiencing prolonged stress or having excessive menstruation. A lack of magnesium may contribute to the development of such conditions as hypertension, migraines, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, sinus infections, tooth cavities, Type II diabetes and even increased aggression. Ultimately, the many ways magnesium is absorbed and eliminated may make the study of magnesium deficiency more difficult than of other nutrients. Johnson S. “The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency.” Med Hypotheses. 56, 2:163-70, 2001.
Melatonin to Be Taken at Certain Times One study found that people who were completely blind with skewed circadian rhythms experienced "normal" sleep patterns while taking melatonin. Most blind people have free-running circadian rhythms that are not synchronized to environmental time cues and that encompass a cycle slightly longer than a 24-hour day. This condition, according to researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University, can cause recurrent insomnia and daytime drowsiness. In a crossover, placebo-controlled study, seven blind subjects with free-running circadian rhythms were given 10 mg/d of melatonin, for three to nine weeks, with instructions to take the supplement one hour before bedtime. At the beginning of the study, subjects had circadian cycles averaging 24.5 hours. When using melatonin, six out of seven participants began to follow a 24.0-hour cycle; also, melatonin supplementation caused subjects to fall asleep more quickly and achieve a better sleep. Three study participants reduced melatonin to 0.5 mg/d over a period of three months and continued to experience this new cycle and quality of sleep. Sack RL et al. “Entrainment of free-running circadian rhythms by melatonin in blind people.” N Engl J Med. 12, 343:1070-7, 2000.
MSM Improves Nail, Hair Health Compared to Placebo In a company-sponsored, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study conducted by the Council for Natural Nutrition, 21 subjects taking biologically active sulfur (methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM) had more hair growth compared to the placebo group. In addition, 30 percent of the subjects reported improved hair shine, while none in the placebo group did. In a simultaneous double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial, 50 percent of the 11 participants using MSM reported increased nail length and thickness compared to the placebo group. The studies were sponsored by the Carolwood Corp., which also supplied the product, Lignisul<+><\#170><+$> MSM. Lawrence RM. “The effectiveness of the use of oral LIGNISULmsm (methylsulfonylmethane) supplementation on hair & nail health.” www.msm.com.
Mushroom Extract May Fight Prostate Cancer Researchers from New York Medical College found that there may be an antitumor effect found in beta-glucan, a polysaccharide of the Maitake mushroom, on prostate cancer cells. In a dose-response relationship, almost complete cell death was attained in 24 hours when using 480 mcg/mL of the extract. Researchers concluded that a bioactive beta-glucan from the Maitake mushroom has a cytotoxic effect, presumably through oxidative stress, leading to apoptosis (cell death). Product for this study, Grifron-D<+><\#168><+$>, was provided by Paramus, N.J.-based Maitake Products. Fullerton SA et al. “Induction of apoptosis in human prostatic cancer cells with beta-glucan (Maitake mushroom polysaccharide).” Mol Urol. 4, 1:7-13, 2000.
Nutrition Gaps in Elderly Linked to Increased Meds Researchers found that taking more medications usually equated to fewer nutrients in the body, especially for the elderly. In research from New York University, 938 participants from the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE)--82 percent of whom were women and had a mean age of 77--were examined to find a relationship between drug intake and nutrient uptake. Using four scales that measured nausea, gastrointestinal distress, altered appetite, dry mouth and swallowing difficulties, it was found that as the number of medications increased, so did scores for various conditions. This study was partly funded by SmithKline Beecham. Lancaster KJ et al. Experimental Biology. April, 2001.
Omega-3s in Lieu of Aspirin May Reduce Stroke Risk Researchers from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women who do not regularly use aspirin but consume high amounts of fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have a reduced risk for thrombotic infarction (blood clots leading to stroke). In a prospective cohort study from the Nurses' Health Study, approximately 80,000 women aged 34 to 59 in 1980 were followed for 14 years. All were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer and had no histories of diabetes or hypercholesterolemia. Women who consumed the most fish (five or more times per week) had a significantly lower risk for strokes than those who ate less fish. Iso H et al. “Intake of fish and omega-3 fatty acids and risk of stroke in women.” JAMA. 285, 3:304-12, 2001.
PC-SPES Proves Beneficial for Prostate Cancer In two case studies conducted at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, PC-SPES was found to control the progression of prostate cancer. In two men who were offered traditional therapies for hormone-resistant prostate cancer, they chose to take PC-SPES, composed of such herbs as chrysanthemum, licorice and saw palmetto. After 16 months of taking this compound, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value for both patients decreased. The study’s authors concluded that PC-SPES may be beneficial for inhibiting cancer activity in hormone-independent prostate cancers. De la Taille A et al. “Role of herbal compounds (PC-SPES) in hormone-refractory prostate cancer: two case reports.” J Altern Complement Med. 6, 5:449-51, 2000.
Probiotic Milk May Hold Promise According to a new study, children who consume probiotic milk may ward off the germs of other children in daycare. In a seven-month randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, approximately 900 children from various daycares were given 8 oz. of milk with or without Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Researchers from Valio Research and Development in Helsinki, Finland, noted the number of days children experienced respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and the number of absences children had due to illness. Compared to the group drinking regular milk, children who had consumed the probiotic milk reduced both the number of days being sick and the number of days missing school. The researchers concluded that probiotic-supplemented milk may not only reduce the occurrence of these conditions, but also the severity of these illnesses. Hatakka K et al. “Effect of long-term consumption of probiotic milk on infections in children attending day care centers: double blind, randomized trial.” BMJ. 322, 7298:1318-9, 2001.
Raspberry Leaf May Shorten, Ease Labor Raspberry leaf may be safe for pregnant women and their babies, but it only slightly shortens the duration of labor. In a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 192 low-risk women were given 1.2 g of raspberry leaf twice per day from 32-weeks- gestation until labor. The supplement was found to have no adverse events for either mother or child, and it helped shorten the second stage of labor on an average of 10 minutes. In addition, there was a lower rate for forceps deliveries between the supplemented and placebo groups (19.3 percent v. 30.4 percent). The researchers, from the Holistic Nurses Association in Australia, concluded that more research needs to be done on higher doses of raspberry leaf. Simpson M et al. “Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor.” J Midwifery Womens Health. 46, 2:51-9, 2001.
Soy Protein May Lower Cholesterol A team of researchers from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, found that short-term soy protein consumption may decrease serum cholesterol in elderly men. The researchers initially studied the effect of 40 g of soy (in beverage form) on prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in 34 men with PSA. In the 12-week, randomized, double blind, crossover study, the men were divided into two groups, with each group given a different soy protein beverage twice per day for six weeks. During the second six-week period, the groups reversed treatments. Urine samples taken from each man showed increased amounts of isoflavones and their metabolites. Although there was no significant effect between soy intake and PSA levels, the men’s serum cholesterol levels had been dramatically reduced. Urban D et al. “The effect of isolated soy protein on plasma biomarkers in elderly men with elevated serum prostate specific antigen.” J Urol. 165, 1:294-300, 2001.
Tomato Extract May Lower Blood Pressure A tomato extract--containing lycopene, beta carotene and other phytonutrients--may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Researchers from Soroka Medical Center, based in Be’er-Sheva, Israel, gave 20 subjects with grade-1 hypertension a placebo for the first four weeks of the study, followed by 250 mg/d of tomato extract (Lycored’s Lyc-O-Mato<+><\#168><+$>) for eight weeks. A significant reduction in both systolic (an average of 9 mmHg) and diastolic (an average of 7 mmHg) blood pressure was noted. Paran E et al. “Effect of tomato’s lycopene on blood pressure, serum lipoproteins, plasma homocysteine and oxidative stress markers in grade-I hypertensive patients.” Amer J Hypertens. 14, 4(Suppl. 1):A141, 2001.
Vitamin A Deficiency May Lead to Cervical Cancer in HIV-Positive Women A deficiency in vitamin A may promote the development of cervical cancer in HIV-positive women, according to researchers at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Studying 1,314 HIV-positive women, they measured the concentration of retinal (vitamin A) in the blood, investigated for cervical cancer cells and looked for human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, a potential precursor to cervical cancer. At the study’s baseline, vitamin A deficiency was detected in 15.5 percent of the women, which may have stemmed from injection drug use and pregnancy, according to the study's authors. Cell abnormalities of the cervix were found in 16.4 percent of the women, while HPV infections were found in 58.9 percent of the women. French AL et al. “Association of vitamin A deficiency with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women.” J Infect Dis. 182, 4:1084-9, 2000.
Vitamin C May Cause DNA Damage, Cancer Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reported that vitamin C may cause DNA damage to a cell--a potential precursor to cancer. In test tube assays, researchers looked at the effect of vitamin C (in amounts comparative to 200 mg/d) on lipid hydroperoxides (polyunsaturated fatty acids). DNA damage occurred when the antioxidant was added to the fatty acids. However, ascorbic acid was applied to purified polyunsaturated fatty acids that had been oxidized chemically in the laboratory--something that would not happen in a living cell in humans. Even the researchers told the media, who covered this highly publicized news, that these results came from conditions that would not occur in humans. Lee SH et al. “Vitamin C-induced decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides to endogenous genotoxins.” Science. 292, 5524:2083-6, 2001.
Vitamin D, K Combo May Promote Bone Health Researchers from the Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo found that the co-administration of vitamins D3 and K2 may increase bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Ninety-two osteoporotic women were divided into four groups and administered either vitamin D3, vitamin K2, both vitamins or calcium. Those that received both vitamins D3 (.75 mcg/d) and K2 (45 mg/d) had larger increases in BMD. Iwamoto J. “Effect of combined administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.” J Orthop Scil 5, 6:546-51, 2000.
Vitamin E Found in Soy May Be Most Potent Scientists at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E not usually found in vitamin supplements, is associated with a lower risk for developing prostate cancer. Gamma-tocopherol, found mostly in soy-based foods, appeared to promote prostate health by enhancing the effects of alpha-tocopherol and selenium. In fact, researchers suggested that gamma-tocopherol may have greater antioxidant benefits than its synthetic cousin, alpha-tocopherol. In a case-controlled, retrospective study that began in 1989 of 10,456 males, it was found that men with the highest levels of gamma-tocopherol had a five-fold decrease for the risk of prostate cancer. Also, it appeared that this form of vitamin E boosted the effect of selenium and alpha-tocopherol in the body. This study was paid for by grants from the Department of Defense and the Public Health Service at the National Cancer Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health. Helzlsouer KJ et al. “Association between alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, selenium and subsequent prostate cancer.” 92, 24:1966-7, 2000.
Zinc May Help Asthma Sufferers Researchers from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woodville, Australia, produced a research review in which zinc may play a notable role in reducing the effects of asthma. This mineral has various duties, including being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and may help in keeping a healthy respiratory epithelium (the membranous tissue that covers most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs). Because asthma and other anti-inflammatory conditions make this lining vulnerable, zinc may play an important role in keeping asthma at bay. Truong-Tran AQ. “New insights into the role of zinc in the respiratory epithelium.” Immunol Cell Biol. 79, 2:170-7, 2001.
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