Monthly Archives: April 2017

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12)

Bad reactions to dietary supplements are sending tens of thousands of Americans to the ER every year, a new study shows.

More than 23,000 visits to emergency rooms occur annually due to complications from taking dietary supplements such as herbal or complementary nutritional products, vitamins, and minerals, according to scientists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration who coauthored the study.

About 2,154 of the visits resulted in hospitalizations, the scientists reported.

Consumer Reports also studied the use of supplements. They found supplements can cause organ damage, cardiac arrest and cancer.

These latest results now have many doctors warning their patients about taking supplements.

Two years ago, when Chris Herrera was fifteen, he lost 56 pounds while taking a green tea extract billed as a fat burner.

According to his mom, Lourdes Gonzalez, his eyes turned yellow and medical tests showed his liver was failing.

"Having to hear the doctor tell me every day that Christopher had a 50% chance of dying and not making it, it was hurtful," said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said doctors blamed the green tea extract. Herrera eventually recovered.

That wasn't the case for Logan Stiner.

Logans mother, Katie Stiner, says her healthy 18-year-old son suddenly died while taking a powdered caffeine supplement.

"He had no idea what he was doing. None," said Stiner.

"One of my biggest concerns is that people think that a supplement is meant to replace food, and it is not," said Karen Hartung, Lead Clinical Dietitian at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.

Hartung added some people misuse supplements, "People have shown they are dying from these supplements."

When people don't, Hartung says, they end up in the emergency room. "They may be overdosing or they are going into cardiac arrest because they took a pre-workout or they are taking a fat burner, and you just don't know the long term effects of that."

In fact, the recent study by the CDC found weight loss and energy products accounted for about 72 percent of visits for patients between ages 20 and 34.

The most typical patients were young adults or unsupervised children ingested the supplements.

The most common symptoms were chest pain, palpitations, and elevated heart rate.

Unlike prescription drugs, manufacturers don't need to prove safety and effectiveness for supplements.

In the United States, supplements can't be marketed for the treatment or prevention of diseases they don't get scrutinized and approved by the FDA like prescription drugs but, many people take them to address a range of symptoms or to boost general health.

About half of adults used at least one dietary supplement in the past month, and people spend billions on herbal or complementary nutritional products every year, according to the researchers.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, which represents the supplement industry, maintains that "overwhelmingly dietary supplements are safe and play a valuable role in helping Americans live healthy lifestyles."

If you take supplements, Hartung recommends the following:

With the help of an expert panel of independent doctors and dietary-supplement researchers, Consumer Reports identified 15 supplement ingredients that are potentially harmful.

The risks include organ damage, cancer, and cardiac arrest.

The severity of these threats often depends on such factors as pre-existing medical conditions, as well as, the quantity of the ingredient taken and the length of time a person has been exposed to the substance.

Many of the ingredients on this list also have the potential to interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as cholesterol-lowering statins and blood-thinning drugs like aspirin and Warfarin (Coumadin and generic).

According to Consumer Reports, experts agree that none of these supplement ingredients provide sufficient health benefits to justify the risk. Even so, Consumer Reports found all 15 ingredients in products available online or in major stores such as GNC, Costco, CVS, Walmart, and Whole Foods.

The following are the 15 ingredients identified by Consumer Reports:

Aconite

Caffeine Powder

Chaparral

Coltsfoot

Comfrey

Germander

Greater Celandine

Green Tea Extract Powder

Kava

Lobelia

Methylsynephrine

Pennyroyal Oil

Red Yeast Rice

Usnic Acid

Yohimbe

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Dietary supplements send thousands to the ER each year - WPEC

1 of 16 Beyond Food

Most ADHD experts recommend eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, complex carbs, and some lean protein with every meal to help manage symptoms.

"Nutrition can really make a huge difference in the success of children and adults with ADHD, says Dr. Sandy Newmark, founder of the Center for Pediatric Integrative Medicine in San Francisco, and the author of ADHD Without Drugs: A Guide to Natural Care of Children with ADHD. I've seen time and time again in my practice, parents find that simple nutritional changes, like changing breakfast or sending a school lunch, can really, really make a difference."

Its true that not everyone eats the right foods to achieve beneficial levels of certain nutrients. But its also true that our bodies dont always produce the nutrients we need, so we have to get some of them from supplements. Find out which diet changes, vitamins, herbs, and supplements may diminish ADHD symptoms.

Carbohydrates are not innately evil. In fact, they are essential. When digested, carbs turn into sugar, or glucose, which is crucial to many bodily processes. Your brain works exclusively on glucose, Newmark adds. So, [glucose] is very, very important.

However, when carbohydrates are converted to sugar too fast which is the case with simple carbohydrates like white bread, pancakes, or waffles blood sugar goes up very quickly and then bottoms out quickly after insulin is released. Studies confirm that this results in a hyperglycemic, stressed-out individual who is then unable to concentrate and work well.

Eating complex carbohydrates balanced with protein is a great way to avoid a glycemic rollercoaster.

Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are troublesome for individuals with ADHD. Across the board, [artificial additives] cause people to be more hyper and less attentive, Newmark says. Studies show that most children were more hyper and less attentive when given certain artificial colors and flavors and certain preservatives. I think this is even more striking for some individuals with ADHD.

Where do many of these artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives hide? Your childs breakfast cereal, cereal bar, or toaster pastry. When a child eats a breakfast of processed foods, it causes his blood sugar to go up and then drop. Then, halfway through the morning, we have a child with low glucose, low blood sugar, Newmark says. Stress hormones are being released, and things are not good.

Newmark recommends a breakfast containing some protein, some fat which slows digestion of carbohydrates and unprocessed, low glycemic carbohydrates, also called complex carbohydrates.

Besides being good for heart health, omega-3 fatty acids improve symptoms of ADHD, including behavior, academic skills, and focus. A comprehensive look at many studies showed that ADHD-optimized doses of omega-3s are about 40 percent as effective as stimulants in relieving symptoms. Research also suggests that striking the right balance betweenomega-3 and omega-6 fatty acidsis important, and should be undertaken with a physicians help.

According to Newmark, kids between four and eight years old should take between 1,000-1,500 milligrams a day. Older kids should get 2,000-2,500 milligrams daily. ADHD expert Dr. Edward Hallowell typically recommends 2,500 milligrams of an omega-3 supplement for children each day and up to 5,000 milligrams a day for adults.

One study backing the efficacy of omega-3s for kids with ADHD was published in Pediatrics by lead author Paul Montgomery, D.Phil., a researcher in the psychiatry department at the University of Oxford in England. Montgomery recommends choosing afish oil supplement that contains a high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) to omega-6 fatty acids (DHA). "The right ratio of 3s to 6s seems to be about four to one," he says. Look for a product that has twice the amount of EPA to DHA the two main types of omega-3s.

Liquid or capsule forms of omega-3s are best. Other versions have lower amounts of EPA and DHA. (See our recommended omega-3 supplements for kids who hate pills.)

Some studies have shown that children with ADHD may naturally have lower levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not inattentiveness. High levels of zinc, however, may be dangerous.

Have your doctor check your or your childs zinc levels before starting a supplement. If you do add a zinc supplement, Newmark suggests that children with ADHD take 20 milligrams daily.

Some experts believe that iron deficiencies may contribute to ADHD symptoms in children. A 2008 study showed that children who were not anemic but had low ferritin levels a protein needed to store iron in the blood showed improvement of symptoms after taking iron supplements for 12 weeks.

Before starting an iron supplement, Newmark recommends that you speak with your or your childs doctor about checking iron levels first: High iron levels can be dangerous.

Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD. Some small studies have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD. Magnesium certainly helps with sleep and relaxation big challenges for children and adults with ADHD and should be discussed with your doctor.

Vitamin C is important in modulating the neurotransmitter dopamine at the synapses in the brain, Hallowell says. (ADHD stimulants are effective because they increase dopamine levels in the brain.) Hallowell recommends getting vitamin C from food, but if your child doesn't eat a healthy diet, try a daily supplement.

One caution: Don't take vitamin C within an hour before or after taking ADHD meds. Its ascorbic acid prevents the medication from being absorbed fully in the blood stream.

If your child doesnt eat high-protein foods, which are key to increasing attentiveness and focus, or is a picky eater, give him a protein-powder drink. Mix it with his favorite juice or milk to help the protein go down easier, and look for brands that are low in sugar and free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Organic whey protein is one popular source of dairy-free, soy-free protein that is found unsweetened and free of artificial ingredients.

A daily multivitamin, containing the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, is important for optimal brain health. However, many of the multivitamin/multimineral products on the market contain sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors, which may increase hyperactivity in children. Look for brands that are low in sugar with no artificial colors or flavors. Newmark recommends Carlson, Nordic Naturals, Natures Plus, and Child Life.

Some limited evidence supports the idea of using herbs to treat ADHD. The herb valerian, for example, can calm hyperactivity and may reduce anxiety, but it doesnt improve concentration.

Valerian also helps with sleep problems and lessens the rebound effect that some kids experience when stimulants wear off. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist who specializes in herbs about valerian. Newmark recommends Valerian Super Calm, by Herbs for Kids.

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in our bodies to help us get to sleep. When we turn off the television, dim the lights, and settle down for bed, our body produces melatonin and we become sleepy. But for those with ADHD, racing brains can often stave off sleep. Melatonin supplements can help and are safe to take. Always start with the smallest possible dose.

Some small studies show that Ginkgo biloba helps improve memory and, when taken with ginseng, can decrease impulsiveness and distractibility. Other studies have shown no or minimal improvement.

Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist before trying them. These herbs can cause health problems, especially if you have a history of diabetes, seizures, or schizophrenia.

All natural is not synonymous with safe. Many herbs and supplements have side effects, may cause or worsen health problems, or interfere with prescription medications.

Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements. When your doctor asks if you are taking any medications, be sure to tell him about all vitamins and supplements you take on a daily basis.

No substantial research exists to determine the recommended daily dose of most supplements. Pay attention to your body and adjust the dosage if you notice something is wrong. For example, you may be taking zinc supplements and find yourself getting stomachaches. Discontinue or cut back on the supplement to see if the stomachaches disappear.

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6 Essential (and Often-Overlooked) Supplements for ADHD - ADDitude

iStock/gregory_lee

Navigating the world of dietary supplements is overwhelming. Are taking daily multivitamins necessary? Whats a probiotic? Should you really be popping turmeric pills like everyone else?

Although whole food should be the first line of reaping vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, some supplements can offer a serious boost to your health and wellbeing.

You should always ask your doctor regarding taking new supplements and vitamins first, especially if taking certain medications as misusing supplements can result in serious health issues.

When choosing a supplement, look for a product that has a third party certification verifying the supplements quality such as NSF International, Consumer Lab, or United States Pharmacopeia. Or, head to a reputable health food store (such as Whole Foods Market or Pharmaca) that has a knowledgeable practitioner or employee on staff.

These are three dietary supplements I highly recommend taking daily to support whole body health and wellness. Heres to your daily dose.

Fish oil dietary supplements are filled with essential omega-3 fatty acids, healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids known to promote anti-inflammatory benefits, and brain and heart health.

These fatty acids are literally essentialbecause our body cannot produce them, so we must obtain them from food. The bad news is that many people are seriously deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which has scary repercussions.

There are many omega-3 fatty acids, but the three to know are EPA, DHA, and ALA. Fatty fish (and fish oil dietary supplements) such as wild salmon and mackerel are rich in EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), both of which are essential for brain and mental health, cell membrane integrity, and controlling inflammation. ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) is found in plants such as hemp seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds, but is not bioactive and needs to be converted into EPA and DHA.

Taking a high quality fish oil dietary supplement filled with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA has shown numerous health benefits. Web MD notes that omega-3s are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and reduce symptoms of high blood pressure, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain, and skin ailments. Studies have also shown omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cognitive decline and even reverse and manageanxiety.

Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone found in some foods and produced by the skin endogenously when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

This vitamin plays critical roles in the body including strengthening the immune system, promoting calcium absorption in the gut, bone growth, and bone remodeling. In fact, without enough vitamin D, bones can become weak and brittle and can even lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, Research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis, several autoimmune diseases (including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis), and reduce the incidence of fractured bones.

Vitamin D can be found in fortified foods including dairy products and cereals, cheese, eggs and egg yolks, fatty fish including mackerel, sardines, salmon, and tuna, and some mushrooms. If youre not consuming these foods regularly due to dietary restrictions, or live in a gloomy climate, you may be lacking in this vitamin.

I always recommend getting your vitamin D levels tested, and being prescribed the proper dietary supplement of vitamin D by a health care practitioner as taking too much vitamin D is a very real (and unpleasant) thing. Ask your doc for a blood test next checkup and talk about vitamin D.

Since gut health and the microbiome are so important (improving brain function, supporting immune health, and boosting happiness levels, for example) probiotics are trendy dietary supplements.

According to Dr. Joshua Axe, probiotics are essential for producing vitamin B12, butyrate and vitamin K2, crowding out bad bacteria, yeast and fungi, creating enzymes that destroy harmful bacteria, and absorbing nutrients and promoting a healthy digestion, among others.

These friendly bacteria can be found in fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables) along with fermented dairy and alternative fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cheese. Not slugging back a kombucha or eating sauerkraut on the regular, however, may be a good reason to supplement with a probiotic pill.

Those who may have recently taken antibiotics (which kill the bad and good bugs), or those who are routinely stressed or eat a Standard American Diet may also benefit from supplementing with a probiotic.

When choosing a supplement, (first ask your doc!) look for a refrigerated bottle with a high CFU count (around 15 billion to 100 billion organisms) and with strain diversity at least 10-30 different bacterial strains. Dr. Axe notes to look for strains like bacillus coagulans, saccharomyces boulardii, bacillus subtilis, and lactobacillus rhamnosus. These are hardier strains of bacteria, which can make it to the gut to colonize.

Related On Organic Authority3 Whole Food Supplements that Work: How to Pick the Best Multivitamin for Your LifestyleThe 6 Best Food Based-Vitamins and Supplements (that Actually Work)The Dark Side of Americas Dietary Supplement Addiction

Kate is a Nutritionist with a Master's of Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and the blogger and photographer of Vegukate. Kate believes in nourishing the whole body with real, vibrant foods that feed the mind, body, soul, gut, and every single little cell. Her philosophy is simple when it comes to food and nourishment: cut the processed junk, listen to your body, eat by the seasons, eat plates and bowls filled with color, stress less, and enjoy every single bite. When she's not cooking in her too tiny Portland kitchen, Kate can be found perusing farmer's markets, doing barre classes, hiking, reading, and exploring.

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These are the 3 Dietary Supplements You Should Take Daily - Organic Authority