Interactions with Drugs

Few studies have specifically examined interactions between drugs and dietary supplements in the general population, and existing reports have found only mild interactions. Lack of data, however, does not imply lack of danger. Dietary supplements may alter the activity of conventional drugs. Such interactions may occur in individuals who are particularly sensitive or immune compromised or for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic window. In addition, response to drug and dietary supplement consumption may change with age and health status. Interactions between drugs and dietary supplements are especially likely in geriatric patients because they use more drugs and often combine prescription and over-the-counter drugs with herbal remedies. People with a chronic illness, specifically those with hepatic or renal impairment, are at higher risk of harmful interactions between drugs and dietary supplements.

Contamination

Dietary supplements may contain harmful or undesirable substances such as pesticides or heavy metals. Contaminants may be present before a substance is harvested for use as a dietary supplement or may be introduced during processing and packaging. For example, coral calcium, a dietary supplement said to contain remnants of living coral reefs, may contain significant and harmful amounts of lead and other heavy metals. Consumption of excessive levels of lead can cause neurological problems, increased blood pressure, reproductive impairment, and hearing and sight problems. Scientists are also concerned that people who are allergic to shellfish may experience serious adverse events such as hives, swelling, and breathing problems, because of the presence of these allergens in coral reefs.

Variability

Dietary supplements are natural substances that may contain variable amounts of active and inactive ingredients. These amounts depend on several factors, including the age and specific part of the plant, the composition of the soil in which it was grown, the time of year it was harvested, and how the substance was processed and stored. While manufacturers must label their products with the contents, the recommended daily dose, and how much of the active ingredient each dose contains, dietary supplement composition can vary widely. From bottle to bottle, batch to batch, year to year, and company to company, consumers may not be aware of exactly what they are consuming.

Give Your Glands

It is impossible to discuss the cancer fighting effects of the diet without mentioning tea. EGCG, a flavonoid in tea, is thought to be the most powerful antioxidant in the leaf. A wide variety of research studies have shown that EGCG helps to prevent or slow both breast and prostate cancer cells as well as other cancer types. While much of the research has been done on green tea, all non herbal teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant and are likely to be beneficial. Most people I spoke flavor their drinking water with green tea and drink at least three cups of straight green tea daily. Since the benefits of tea seem to be dose dependent, I say drink as much as you can stand.

Dietary Benefits

Many people who take dietary supplements are not lacking nutrients, according to recommendations, and little scientific evidence suggests that consuming more than the recommended amounts of some nutrients improves health. Taking dietary supplements to fill a dietary gap, however, is beneficial. Several populations may need dietary supplementation to meet their nutrient goals. The elderly, who require fewer calories as they age, still need to consume high levels of nutrients. One study found that many elderly people did not meet their nutrient needs from diet alone, and a study of the older-old found that dietary supplement users and nonusers did not get enough of some nutrients from diet alone. Recent data also suggest that most people, especially women and teenage girls, are not consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D. Experts say a varied, healthful diet is the best way to meet nutritional needs, and consumption of dietary supplements cannot make up for a poor diet. When taken by people who need them, however, dietary supplements can improve nutritional status.