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

    In praise of mothers who forced their children to take cod liver oil

    In a Medscape editorial, Dr. George Griffing from Saint Louis University in Missouri outlines the benefits.

    Its value was recognized in Europe centuries ago. Today we know the benefits of vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids extend beyond rheumatism and rickets.

    Vitamin A

    • Essential for the immune system, bone growth, night vision, cellular growth, testicular and ovarian function.
    • Pharmaceutical preparations are used to treat acne vulgaris, keratosis pilaris, and promyelocytic leukemia.

    Vitamin D

    • Prevents rickets.
    • Important for muscle function.
    • May prevent type 1 diabetes, hypertension, and many common cancers.

    Omega-3 fatty acids (eicosopentanoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid [EPA and DHA]).

    • Improves triglyceride blood levels.
    • Heart benefits include reduction of mortality, and the risk of sudden cardiac death.

    The bottom line?
    European and American cardiac societies have incorporated EPA and DHA into their recent treatment guidelines for cardiac diseases.

    Caution: Cod liver oil is probably best avoided by pregnant women, asthmatics, and people taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, according to Dr. Griffing.

    1/22/08 19:20 JR

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