The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Comments

    Does it make sense to take dietary supplements?

    Dr. Jamaluddin Moloo is Chief of the Department of Medicine at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. He has reviewed the evidence and finds it lacking.

    Here are the highlights for beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium supplementation.

    In a reanalysis of the results from 68 studies of more than 230,000 patients, taking beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, or selenium supplementation, in combination or individually was not associated with any reduction in death compared to taking placebo.

    When the 47 best-designed studies were reexamined, a significant increase in the risk of death was noted with supplemental beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

    The bottom line?
    The author concludes, “Patients should be told that little evidence supports the use of supplements other than for several specific indications (eg, folic acid for pregnancy). The best advice is to return to mother’s directive — eat your fruits and vegetables.

    1/1/08 20:21 JR

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