Drs. Kelly Brownell and Kenneth Warner from Yale and the University of Michigan, respectively, see similarities in the actions of “Big Tobacco” 50 years ago and what “Big Food” is doing today in response to concern that their products cause harm.
The public health issues aren’t identical, but if you’re old enough to remember the tobacco safety debate, the similarities are striking. Continue reading Will “Big Food” follow “Big Tobacco’s” script?
This product is labeled as an “all natural dietary supplement” for natural sexual enhancement. But it’s not all natural, according to the FDA.
A representative from the company comments below to set the record straight (no pun intended). Continue reading Consumer Alert: Stiff Nights
The FDA has sent letters to 21 companies of natural products regarding making unsubstantiated treatment claims — including H1N1 cures. Continue reading Truth in advertising campaign
CYP3A4 is a member of the liver enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidase system. It’s one of the most important enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim evaluated several herbal remedies for their ability to inhibit CYP3A4. Continue reading CYP3A4 inhibition by herbals
It depends on what’s being reported.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic reviewed sales of 5 popular supplements in light of emerging negative evidence. Continue reading Does published research affect supplement sales?
Dr. Thomas Lenz from Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Risks from exercise in people taking statins
 Dr. Adrienne Olson of Breastlink in Rancho Palos Verdes, California reported during the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium that breast cancer patients might unknowingly expose themselves to estrogen by using certain skin moisturizers.
Yet, none of these products listed the estrogenic hormones among their ingredients. Continue reading Caution: Moisturizing creams in breast cancer patients
In addition to interacting with midazolam (Versed for sedation and anxiety), researchers from the FDA and the NIH studied ginkgo’s effect on the combination of lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra, Aluvia for HIV/AIDS).
But only the midazolam interaction with ginkgo biloba appeared to be significant for patients. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba interacts with midazolam
 Researchers from the University of Toronto, in Ontario reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of natural supplements
 In this patient, it appears there was greater “blood thinning” effect when pomegranate was taken with warfarin (Coumadin), according to this report. Continue reading Does pomegranate interact with blood thinners?
Researchers at the University of Florida in Gainesville report that obese children lose weight when their parents receive training on nutrition, exercise, and behavior management.
It also helps when the kids participate. Continue reading Educating families to keep their kids fit
Among the more than 2000 entries to this blog are issues that the purest would not include in a typical list of CAM options. Diet and exercise are examples.
Therefore, an explanation (beyond the fact that a topic interests me) and my rationale for including other “CAM” topics is necessary.
Drs. Wei-Feng Li, Jian-Guo Jiang, and Jian Chena from the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou say, “TCM modernization has become necessary and urgent.”
They outline the path to integrate traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into the mainstream. Continue reading The future of traditional Chinese medicine
The FDA has told Nutracoastal Trading LLC to recall its dietary supplement product called Steam. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Steam dietary supplement
According to this article on Breitbart.com, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has elevated sunbeds for tanning to its highest cancer risk category. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Tanning beds
 The FDA warns against using products advertised as alternatives to anabolic steroids for increasing muscle mass and strength.
These products are promoted as dietary supplements to improve sports performance and aid in recovery from training and sporting events. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Sports performance supplements
Here’s a vignette from Anne Harrington’s book, The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine, that sums the attraction of CAM for many people with cancer.
I’ve taken it from a review by Jerome Groopman in The New York Times. Continue reading The Cure Within
 The School of Pharmacy at Griffith University Gold Coast in Australia instituted an integrated approach to teaching evidence-based CAM during their pharmacy curriculum. Continue reading Integrating CAM throughout the pharmacy curriculum
Evidence suggests that behavioral counseling in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinics and primary care offices reduces STIs in “at-risk” adults and adolescents. Continue reading Behavioral counseling prevents sexually transmitted infections
 The FDA has told Young You Corporation to recall its supplements sold under the following names. Continue reading Consumer Alert: “Natural” weight loss products