FDA has received reports of adverse events associated with the use of Fruta Planta, including several cardiac events and one death.
In addition, FDA testing revealed that certain lots of RockHard Weekend and Pandor contain an analogue of sildenafil, an FDA-approved drug used as treatment for male erectile dysfunction. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Rockhard Weekend, Pandora, Fruta Planta
Here’s the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. It tells us, “Americans consume excessive amounts of sodium and insufficient amounts of potassium.”
Their latest recommendations follow. Continue reading New recommendations for salt intake for Americans
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder studied whether religiosity moderated the genetic variance associated with problem alcohol use during adolescence and early adulthood. Continue reading Moderating effect of religiosity on problem alcohol use
The AHA logo will soon appear on the Nintendo Wii video gaming system.
“We have to engage consumers and citizens and the public where they are,” says Dr. Clyde Yancy, president of the American Heart Association (AHA). “The burden of heart disease and stroke is too much.”
But will the Wii really make a difference in heart health? Continue reading AHA endorses Nintendo Wii gaming system
The FDA tells us that Vigor-25, a product marketed as a natural dietary supplement to enhance male sexual performance, should not be purchased or used because it contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Viagra.
The FDA is investigating the reported death of a 26-year old man, possibly associated with the use of Vigor-25. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Vigor-25
Deaths and hospitalizations have been reported in young people, according to New York Senator Charles Schumer. Continue reading Alcoholic energy drinks being banned by FDA
Researchers at the National University of Singapore surveyed the use of CAM in residents of Singapore who had head and neck cancer.
Here are their findings compared to other countries where similar studies have been conducted. Continue reading Use of CAM in patients with head and neck cancer
Researchers at Central South University, in Hunan, China studied the effect of curcumin (turmeric) on drug metabolizing enzymes.
Their findings suggest a risk for curcumin-drug interactions. Continue reading Risk of curcumin-drug interactions
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) presented to congress the results of a “secret shopper” investigation, which found that in some stores, salespeople made inappropriate or illegal claims about dietary supplements.
What to do? Continue reading Do you trust advice from your local supplements sales clerk?
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota have listed drugs to avoid when taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to treat breast cancer, but they omit reference to herbal supplements.
A study from the University of Arkansas helps correct their oversight. Continue reading Herbals and the risk of an interaction with tamoxifen
Apparently, many people would, according to this study by researchers at Boston University School of Public Health, in Massachusetts. Continue reading If you were genetically susceptible to Alzheimer’s would you take supplements?
That’s the conclusion by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Harvard Medical School, in Boston. Continue reading Food is healthier since banning trans fatty acids
Maryland’s largest city has handed out its first citation for repeat violations of its trans fat ban.
An eatery called Healthy Choice, on Lexington Street was hit with the $100 fine. “It was the second time they were found using a high trans fat level in their ingredients.” Continue reading Negative consequences of using trans fats in Baltimore
Oh, Oh. They added belladonna.
FDA found that this homeopathic product contains inconsistent amounts of belladonna, and using it may pose a risk to children. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Hyland’s Teething Tablets
Falls prevention programs reduce the risk in older people. But are they cost-effective?
Researchers in the UK evaluated the fiscal benefits. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness: Falls prevention in high-risk elderly
Surprisingly, only about 15% of Americans use sugar substitutes.
What might be the public health issues associated with recommending a switch from sugar to artificial sweeteners? Continue reading Benefits and potential risks of artificial sweeteners
During the 26th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), researchers at the AISM Rehabilitation Center in Genoa, Italy, compared Wii to a traditional rehabilitation program in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Continue reading Effects of the Wii Balance Board in patients with multiple sclerosis
8 companies of over-the-counter (OTC) chelation products were told that they are selling unapproved drugs and devices and are violating federal law with respect to unproven claims about these products.
These products purport to treat a range of diseases by removing toxic metals from the body. Some also claim to treat autism spectrum disorder, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and other serious conditions. Continue reading Consumer Alert: FDA warns about OTC chelation products
The FDA is taking action to prevent Rising Sun Health and The Center for Complimentary and Alternative Health of Livingston, Montana, from manufacturing and selling unapproved new drugs and adulterated or misbranded dietary supplements in violation of the law.
Rising Sun manufactured and distributed a variety of unapproved new drugs under names such as Black Salve, Cancema, and Can-Support. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Rising Sun Health
Obese people spend an additional $1429 a year — or 42% more — on healthcare than their normal-weight counterparts, according to research by RTI international and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue reading The cost of obesity