02.29.08
Folic acid/folate (Vitamin B9) to protect against development of cancer
The University of Maryland Medical Center’s website on Complementary Medicine (a clearly written, up-to-date resource, by the way) provides this review of folic acid (also known as folate or Vitamin B9) as a supplement protecting against the development of cancers. The strongest evidence appears to be for folic acid’s ability to protect against colorectal and breast cancers. In our excerpt below, we have highlighted two significant passages.
For recommendations on how to take this supplement (you may be getting it in a multivitamin or a B-complex supplement), see the NYBC entry on Folic Acid.
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Cancer
Folic acid appears to protect against the development of some forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon, as well as breast, esophagus, and stomach, although the information regarding stomach cancer is more mixed. It is not clear exactly how folate might help prevent cancer. Some researchers speculate that folic acid keeps DNA (the genetic material in cells) healthy and prevents mutations that can lead to cancer.
Population-based studies have found that colorectal cancer is less common among individuals with very high dietary intakes of folic acid. The reverse appears to be true as well: low folic acid intake increases risk of colorectal tumors. To have a significant effect on reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, it appears that at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day over the course of at least 15 years is required. Similarly, many clinicians recommend folic acid supplementation to people who are at high risk for colon cancer (for example, people with a strong family history of colon cancer).
Similarly, one population-based study also found that cancers of the stomach and esophagus are less common among individuals with high intakes of folic acid. Researchers interviewed 1095 patients with cancer of the esophagus or stomach as well as 687 individuals who were free of cancer in three health centers across the United States. They found that patients who consumed high amounts of fiber, beta-carotene, folic acid, and vitamin C (all found primarily in plant-based foods) were significantly less likely to develop cancer of the esophagus or stomach than those who consumed low amounts of these nutrients. Another important, good-sized study, however, did not find any connection between folic acid intake and stomach cancer. The possibility of some protection from folate against stomach cancer in particular needs clarification and, therefore, more research is warranted.
Low dietary intake of folate may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for women who drink alcohol. Regular use of alcohol (more than 1 ½ to 2 glasses per day) is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. One extremely large study, involving over 50,000 women who were followed over time, suggests that adequate intake of folate may lessen the risk of breast cancer associated with alcohol.
PharmaNAC (effervescent n-acteylcysteine) and MAC-Pack (K-Pax alternative)
A few words about PharmaNAC, an effervescent NAC (n-acetylcysteine) that the New York Buyers’ Club has been supplying in the past year. This form of NAC has proven especially useful to people with respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis. And we were interested to read recently of a person with cystic fibrosis reporting on her use of PharmaNAC.
NAC in various forms has been researched and used more widely in Europe than in the US, although some influential work on this supplement for people with HIV was conducted at Stanford back in the 1990s, and helped lead, for example, to the inclusion of NAC in K-Pax, a multivitamin antioxidant combination that showed significant enough benefit to be added to state government-financed formularies for people with HIV.
NYBC originally imported a German effervescent NAC called ACC Akut (Hexal), but we were delighted when a North American supplier began to offer the very similar PharmaNAC, which we have stocked for the past year. (PharmaNAC is actually a higher dose of NAC per tab–900mg–than ACC Akut’s 600mg, though we have been able to keep the price about the same due to lower shipping costs.)
NYBC’s mission as a nonprofit buyers’ co-op also motivated us to devise a low-cost alternative to K-Pax for those who don’t have access to subsidized versions of this product. The NYBC MAC-Pack provides a close equivalent to K-Pax, but the cost has been brought down to less than half that of K-Pax.
Note: it’s also possible to order non-effervescent NAC and ThiolNAC separately:
02.28.08
CoQ10: recent research on its anti-cancer potential
CoQ10 has been studied extensively for its potential in addressing cardiovascular health concerns, but recent research has suggested its usefulness as an anti-cancer agent as well. In a striking set of studies, University of Miami Medical Center investigators identified a mechanism whereby CoQ10 induces the death of cancer cells while causing no significant collateral damage. Here’s a news article about this work on CoQ10, which was presented at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research:
http://www.med.miami.edu/news/view.asp?id=519
We expect to hear more about CoQ10 and its anti-cancer potential in the future, so stay tuned.
02.27.08
Glutamine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) and HIV/AIDS
Here is information on the use of Glutamine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) and for HIV/AIDS. These excerpts are from the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary Medicine web resource, which provides an extensive and generally up-to-date database on nutritional supplements and their applications.
NYBC stocks:
Glutamine as a bulk powder (1 kilogram)
and
Note: Glutamine is one of the main components of Juven, a patented blend that also includes L-arginine and HMB. Unfortunately “patented” = much more expensive. It’s a lot cheaper to purchase Glutamine in bulk than to buy it in the form of Juven!
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Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein) in the bloodstream. It is considered a “conditionally essential amino acid” because it can be manufactured in the body, but under extreme physical stress the demand for glutamine exceeds the body’s ability to synthesize it.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Glutamine helps to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract known as the mucosa. Because of this, some experts speculate that glutamine deficiency may play a role in the development of IBD, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditions are characterized by damage to the mucosal lining of the small and/or large intestines, which leads to inflammation, infection, and ulcerations (holes). In fact, some preliminary research suggests that glutamine may be a valuable supplement during treatment of IBD because it promotes healing of the cells in the intestines and improves diarrhea associated with IBD. Not all studies have found this positive benefit, however. For this reason, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn. In the meantime, follow the advice of your healthcare provider when deciding whether to use glutamine for IBD.
HIV/AIDS
Individuals with advanced stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often experience severe weight loss (particularly loss of muscle mass). A few studies of individuals with HIV have demonstrated that glutamine supplementation, along with other important nutrients including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, and N-acetylcysteine, may reduce the severe weight loss associated with this condition.
02.26.08
Allicin (a high-dose garlic preparation)
Following the lead of its predecessor DAAIR, NYBC stocks a proprietary extract of garlic bulb from New York area-based supplier Tai He: Allicin.
Allicin is thought to possess the greatest activity of garlic’s various components, and the Tai He preparation has been used in some studies, including the Search Alliance study of cryptosporidiosis in people with HIV (see abstract below). Other reported uses of allicin range from bacterial infections to fungal infections.
See additional reports on allicin and its antibiotic properties at
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/mdd/v05/i04/html/04news4.html
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The use of a high-dose garlic preparation for the treatment of Cryptosporidium parvum diarrhea. Fareed G, Scolaro M, Jordan W, Sanders N, Chesson C, Slattery M, Long D, Castro C.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 288 (abstract no. Th.B.4215).
AIDS Research Alliance, West Hollywood, CA, USA. Fax: 310-358-2431.
A high-dose garlic concentrate (“Allicin,” 30mg) used in hospitals in China to treat refractory diarrhea was mixed and diluted in 90cc distilled water using a disposable container for administration twice daily in 20 patients with Cryptosporidium parvum positive in baseline stool samples and clinically significant diarrheal disease. Patients were instructed to take the first 30mg dose orally and to administer the second 30mg dose (if tolerated) by rectal retention enema. Eighteen patients were evaluable for at least 3 weeks of therapy. Fifteen of these had absolute CD4 counts less than 30 with two patients greater than 50 and one patient with 102 at baseline. Both a reduction in the number of bowel movements over the initial 3 weeks of treatment with a stabilization or mild increase in body weight was observed in 8 of these 18 patients. At six weeks, 10 of 16 evaluable patients continued to show a reduction in stool frequency and a further stabilization or increase in body weight. Among the 8 patients who have remained on the high-dose Allicin treatment for greater than 8 weeks, Cryptosporidium parvum stool exams have been repeatedly negative in 4 of the patients. The preparation was apparently well tolerated in a majority of patients. The major reported side effect was a strong garlic smell and taste, which contributed to one patient withdrawing from the study. Because of the lack of effective current therapies for Crypto-sporidium parvum diarrhea, the use of high-dose garlic concentrates appears to be a feasible therapeutic regimen to consider for HIV+ patients with CD4 counts less than 100. Additional studies to evaluate the optimal dosing and route of administration will be needed to verify the efficacy of this novel agent via a Phase ll clinical trial while efforts are under way to identify the active moiety.
02.25.08
Vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults; Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and folate supplements under study to lower risk of cardiovascular disease
This excerpt from the Office of Dietary Supplements – National Institutes of Health Fact Sheet on Vitamin B12 discusses why older adults (people over 50) may need to take supplements or use fortified foods to prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency:
Hydrochloric acid helps release vitamin B12 from the protein in food. This must occur before vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor and is absorbed in your intestines. Atrophic gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach, decreases the secretion of gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid. Less hydrochloric acid decreases the amount of vitamin B12 separated from proteins in foods and can result in poor absorption of vitamin B12. Decreased hydrochloric acid secretion also results in growth of normal bacteria in the small intestines. The bacteria may take up vitamin B12 for their own use, further contributing to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Up to 30 percent of adults aged 50 years and older may have atrophic gastritis, an increased growth of intestinal bacteria, and be unable to normally absorb vitamin B12 in food. They are, however, able to absorb the synthetic vitamin B12 added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements and fortified foods may be the best sources of vitamin B12 for adults older than age 50 years.
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Caution: Folic Acid and vitamin B12 deficiency
Folic acid can correct the anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Unfortunately, folic acid will not correct the nerve damage also caused by vitamin B12 deficiency [1,36]. Permanent nerve damage can occur if vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated. Folic acid intake from food and supplements should not exceed 1,000 μg daily in healthy individuals because large amounts of folic acid can trigger the damaging effects of vitamin B12 deficiency [7]. Adults older than 50 years who take a folic acid supplement should ask their physician or qualified health care provider about their need for additional vitamin B12.
A further excerpt from the ODS Vitamin B12 Info Sheet discusses the relationship between vitamin B12, homocysteine, and cardiovascular disease. As noted, “clinical intervention trials are underway to determine whether folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 supplements can lower risk of coronary heart disease.”
Cardiovascular disease involves any disorder of the heart and blood vessels that make up the cardiovascular system. Coronary heart disease occurs when blood vessels which supply the heart become clogged or blocked, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Vascular damage can also occur to blood vessels supplying the brain, and can result in a stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in industrialized countries such as the United States, and is on the rise in developing countries. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health has identified many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including an elevated LDL-cholesterol level, high blood pressure, a low HDL-cholesterol level, obesity, and diabetes. In recent years, researchers have identified another risk factor for cardiovascular disease: an elevated homocysteine level. Homocysteine is an amino acid normally found in blood, but elevated levels have been linked with coronary heart disease and stroke. Elevated homocysteine levels may impair endothelial vasomotor function, which determines how easily blood flows through blood vessels. High levels of homocysteine also may damage coronary arteries and make it easier for blood clotting cells called platelets to clump together and form a clot, which may lead to a heart attack.
Vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6 are involved in homocysteine metabolism. In fact, a deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin B6 may increase blood levels of homocysteine. Recent studies found that vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements decreased homocysteine levels in subjects with vascular disease and in young adult women. The most significant drop in homocysteine level was seen when folic acid was taken alone. A significant decrease in homocysteine levels also occurred in older men and women who took a multivitamin/ multimineral supplement for 8 weeks. The supplement taken provided 100% of Daily Values (DVs) for nutrients in the supplement.
Evidence supports a role for folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements for lowering homocysteine levels, however this does not mean that these supplements will decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Clinical intervention trials are underway to determine whether folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 supplements can lower risk of coronary heart disease. It is premature to recommend vitamin B12 supplements for the prevention of heart disease until results of ongoing randomized clinical trials positively link increased vitamin B12 intake from supplements with decreased homocysteine levels AND decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chromium and biotin supplementation may help control diabetes
We were interested to see a report from last month on a study of chromium plus biotin to help in managing diabetes.
The study, conducted by Yale University researchers, found that daily supplementation with these two items improved glucose tolerance by 15 per cent, compared to placebo. The investigation focused on the glycemic control and blood lipids of 36 overweight or obese people with type 2 diabetes. Reporting the results in the journal Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, lead author Gregory Singer concluded that supplementing with chromium and biotin on a daily basis improved blood sugar control and cholesterol metabolism in diabetes patients on an antidiabetic treatment regimen, and could be considered as an adjunct to conventional oral diabetes therapy.
We also note that biotin and lipoic acid have recently been investigated for their potential in helping manage diabetes. See the NYBC entry on biotin for further details.
02.23.08
Acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in combination show an anti-aging effect in animal models
The Oregon State University/Linus Pauling Institute website is highlighting a number of recent studies, especially from 2005-2006, which have examined the potential of acetyl-l-carnitine or L-carnitine, together with alpha lipoic acid, to counter the effects of aging in laboratory rats. Like the Linus Pauling Institute reviewer, we are looking forward to human clinical trials in the next few years to further define useful dosages and health benefits.
NOTE: a great deal of previous research on acetylcarnitine, L-carnitine, and alpha lipoic acid is reviewed on the NYBC website.
…two studies found that supplementing aged rats with either ALCAR [acetyl-l-carnitine] or alpha-lipoic acid, a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant, improved mitochondrial energy metabolism, decreased oxidative stress, and improved memory. Interestingly, co-supplementation of ALCAR and alpha-lipoic acid resulted in even greater improvements than either compound administered alone. Likewise, several studies have reported that supplementing rats with both L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid blunts the age-related increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA strand breaks in a variety of tissues (heart, skeletal muscle, brain). Improvements in mitochondrial enzyme and respiratory chain activities were also observed. While these findings are very exciting, it is important to realize that these studies used relatively high doses (100 to 300 mg/kg body weight/day) of the compounds and only for a short time (one month). It is not yet known whether taking relatively high doses of these two naturally occurring substances will benefit rats in the long-term or will have similar effects in humans. Clinical trials in humans are planned, but it will be several years before the results are available.
02.22.08
ThiolNAC (NAC + alpha lipoic acid combination) is back at NYBC
ThiolNAC, a combination of the two antioxidants NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) and Alpha Lipoic Acid, is again available as a combination supplement from the New York Buyers’ Club. The manufacturer of this supplement is Montiff, which also produced NYBC’s previous version of ThiolNAC.
ThiolNAC (NYBC): NAC 500mg, Lipoic 200mg [90 tablets/bottle].
NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) is recommended for its antioxidant properties and because studies have suggested it may improve immune function. Often used in Europe to treat chronic bronchitis and chronic sinusitis. Also recommended if you are taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). Alpha Lipoic Acid is widely recognized as a potent antioxidant and liver protective agent. Research suggests it has the capacity to protect many organs and tissues from damaging inflammation due its antioxidant power. Long used to treat neuropathy in diabetics.
Note: ThiolNAC can be used to replace the separate NAC and Lipoic components of NYBC’s MAC (Multivitamin Antioxidant Combo) Pack, the purchasing co-op’s low-cost alternative to K-Pax.
02.21.08
SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) for liver disease
Here’s an excerpt from the New York Buyers’ Club guide to using nutritional supplements in the management of liver disease. This entry deals with SAMe, which you’ll also find discussed on this Blog for its use as an anti-depressant. (SAMe is currently the subject of a multi-year National Institutes of Health study of depression at Massachusetts General and Butler Hospitals.)
See also the NYBC entry on SAMe, which explains why it may be a good idea to use this supplement together with vitamins B6, B12, folic acid and, possibly, betaine (TMG).
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). SAMe is an amino acid which helps in the manufacture of the “master antioxidant” glutathione in the liver. It appears to help cell membranes function normally, and assists the liver with detoxification (removal of toxins such as ethanol and pesticides from the system). SAMe can help to normalize bile secretion by the liver, a process commonly affected in chronic liver diseases. Interestingly, in several European studies of people living with hepatitis B or C, it has also been shown to help reduce jaundice, fatigue, and chronic skin irritation and itching, while also lowering liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. Dosages of SAMe in these studies were either 800 mg given intravenously or 800 to 1,600 mg given orally. No significant side effects were reported in any of the studies with SAMe in chronic liver disease.
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As SAMe’s mechanism of action in the liver has become better understood by researchers, it’s been used to treat people with alcohol-induced damage to the liver. Basically, SAMe raises levels of the key antioxidant glutathione, which acts in the body to eliminate toxins such as ethanol and other poisons. In this way, SAMe can address cirrhosis and hepatitis stemming from alcohol abuse.
Other recent investigations have suggested that SAMe may play a role in preventing liver cancer, since it seems to have the ability to induce the death of cancerous liver cells. See, for example: Pascale RM, Simile MM, De Miglio MR, Feo F. Chemoprevention of hepatocarcinogenesis: S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Alcohol. 2002 Jul;27(3):193-8.
02.20.08
Pantethine for cholesterol control
Pantethine, a biologically active form of pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5, has been used for several decades in Japan and Europe to treat fatty liver and as an adjunct treatment in managing cholesterol. In the US, pantethine is available as a dietary supplement. Research points to its ability to lower LDL (the so-called “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, while raising HDL (the so-called “good” cholesterol). A good review of pantethine may be found on the website of the Oregon State University/Linus Pauling Institute:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/pa/
For people with HIV who are using nutritional supplements to help improve their lipid profile, there’s a good info sheet from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, featuring a description of pantethine:
http://www.catie.ca/pdf/Supple-e/Nutrients_e.pdf
See also the NYBC entry on Pantethine for a description of its role in lipid metabolism.
02.19.08
Higher levels of Vitamin D associated with lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis or diabetes in some groups
A New York Times piece on Vitamin D as the “Nutrient of the Decade” caught our eye. In addition to reporting on recent studies on Vitamin D’s anti-cancer properties, this article reviewed investigations linking higher Vitamin D levels to decreased risk of developing multiple sclerosis or diabetes in some populations.
Here’s a short excerpt:
The incidence of autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis has been linked to low levels of vitamin D. A study published on Dec. 20, 2006, in The Journal of the American Medical Association examined the risk of developing multiple sclerosis among more than seven million military recruits followed for up to 12 years. Among whites, but not blacks or Hispanics, the risk of developing M.S. increased with ever lower levels of vitamin D in their blood serum before age 20.
A study published in Neurology in 2004 found a 40 percent lower risk of M.S. in women who took at least 400 I.U. of vitamin D a day. Likewise, a study of a national sample of non-Hispanic whites found a 75 percent lower risk of diabetes among those with the highest blood levels of vitamin D.
For more on Vitamin D3, the supplement form mentioned in this NYT piece, see the NYBC entries:
and
