April 11, 2012
SPRING SALE: Supplements from New York Buyers’ Club
It’s time for our SPRING SALE at the New York Buyers’ Club nonprofit nutritional supplements co-op.You’ll get 10% off the already low prices on NYBC’s extensive catalog of supplements, especially selected for quality and for evidence-based effectiveness in supporting health. Among the products on sale: SuperNutrition multivitamins; Nordic Natural fish oils; Jarrow brand CoQ10, B-right complex, Jarrodophilus, and glucosamine chondroitin; Green Vibrance (Vibrant Health); acetylcarnitine, NAC, and alpha lipoic acid (Montiff); and many others.
Just go to the NYBC online store at
and use coupon code COUP10 when you check out.
Place your order soon–this offer EXPIRES APRIL 30.
Questions? Call us toll-free at 800 650-4983, or email us at contact.nybc@newyorkbuyersclub.org
February 29, 2012
NYBC’s ThiolNAC – Antioxidant Supplement
NYBC’s specially manufactured antioxidant supplement, ThiolNAC, is again in stock at the nonprofit co-op. Below is the product description for this combination supplement, which is available only through NYBC, and which provides a key part of NYBC’s MAC-Pack, our LOW COST alternative to K-PAX:
ThiolNAC (NYBC) Each bottle, 90 tablets, sustained release formula. Each tablet contains 500 mg of NAC and 134 mg of alpha lipoic acid. As part of the MAC Pack, three per day provide the equivalent dose as used in the original neuropathy study published in the journal AIDS: 1500 mg of NAC and 402 mg of alpha lipoic. This is an excellent formula for those suffering from liver inflammation. It is also extremely convenient for many PWHIVs who take both NAC and Lipoic Acid since this 2-in-1 combination eliminates some pills while providing the same, generally accepted dosages. Suggested use is 2-3 tablets daily with meal or as directed. Reduce dose if headaches occur.
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Note: This version of NYBC’s ThiolNAC intentionally decreases the alpha lipoic acid amounts per tablet from our original formula’s 200mg/tab to the present formula’s 134mg/tab. This change brings us precisely in line with the dosage studied in Jon Kaiser’s study, and also responds to a concern raised by our colleague Lark Lands regarding higher dose alpha lipoic and hypothyroidism.
February 27, 2012
Neuropathy pain and HIV: supplement recommendations
You may have read reports in late February 2012 about the FDA’s skeptic ism about a patch called Qutenza, which had been tested for relief of neuropathy pain in people with HIV. Following a meeting to review the evidence, an FDA panel concluded that Qutenza, whose active ingredient is a synthetic form of capsaicin (the compound that makes chili peppers hot) was not effective for HIV-related neuropathy pain.
The FDA’s finding on Qutenza reminds us again that neuropathy (generally, pain or tingling in the extremities) continues to be one of the most troublesome effects of HIV/AIDS and/or its treatment—and one of the most difficult to manage. According to a survey report in 2010, for example, more than one third of those on combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV do experience neuropathy, leading to lower quality of life and often disability. So, it may be worthwhile to repeat some of NYBC’s recommendations on this topic:
Peripheral neuropathy: “nukes” (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) such mas ddI (Videx), and d4T (stavudine/ Zerit) – and Indinavir, T20, and even 3TC (Epivir)may all cause this feeling of pins and needles or numbness to toes and fingers. It can travel up the legs and become debilitating. HIV, diabetes, alcohol abuse, and vitamin deficiencies can all be causes of peripheral neuropathy. Supplements that are “good for your nerves” and that have the most robust data include acetylcarnitine (1-3 grams/ day, quite well studied for peripheral neuropathy) and alpha lipoic acid (200-600 mg/day). Other agents that can help are Vitamin B12, biotin, lecithin, magnesium, borage oil, evening primrose oil, choline and inositol.
See the NYBC website for more details about these supplements:
http://nybcsecure.org/
November 20, 2011
Alpha lipoic acid: a caution about potential hypothyroidism from Lark Lands
NYBC has recently learned from our colleague Lark lands, long known for her expertise in supplementation stategies for people with diabetes and people with HIV, that for, some people, there may be a risk of hypothyroidism in taking alpha lipoic acid, especially at higher doses:
Lark Lands notes the following: Although it is not clear what percentage of people this may affect, in some people it appears that alpha-lipoic acid may block the proper conversion of T4, the storage form of thyroid hormone, into T3, the active form. This was first noted in animal research with alpha-lipoic acid, and has since been reported by a number of people known to me. When this occurs, people will develop the symptoms of hypothyroidism (which may include fatigue, low body temperature, weight gain, hair loss, splitting fingernails, depression, memory problems, muscle weakness, elevated cholesterol, and/or skin that is dry, rough or scaly). For this reason, it is important to monitor the thyroid, first at baseline, before lipoic acid is taken, and then after the first month or two of taking lipoic acid, to see if there have been any adverse effects. If not, it probably means that the thyroid is unlikely to be affected. However, it will still be wise to check the TSH level (a blood test that is an indicator of thyroid function) at least once or twice yearly, or any time that symptoms that could be related to low thyroid appear, as some people have taken 600 mg daily doses for lengthy periods (even up to five years in one case known to me) before TSH levels became elevated outside of the normal healthy range.
It is clear that this problem does not develop in everyone who uses lipoic acid. Some people seem to tolerate doses of 600 mg or even more daily with no problems, while others have developed serious thyroid problems with doses ranging from 500 mg to 1000 mg daily. In the people known to me who have been affected in this way, discontinuing the lipoic acid allowed the thyroid problems to disappear quite quickly. I personally experienced this when taking lipoic acid. My TSH had become seriously elevated, remaining at an abnormally high level for more than a year, and I had developed symptoms of hypothyroidism, including serious fatigue. Within six weeks of discontinuing the lipoic acid, my symptoms vanished and my TSH returned to normal and stayed there. I had made no other changes of any kind so it is clear to me that the lipoic acid was the problem for me that caused hypothyroidism. Since then, I have so far discovered four other people who developed similar problems while taking it. However, since alpha-lipoic acid is otherwise an excellent supplement, for all the reasons listed above, this does not mean it should be completely written off. Just do monitor the thyroid if you choose to take it!
NYBC’s recommends that if you are on thyroid medication, it may be best to avoid lipoic at high doses (over 400mg/day).
September 26, 2011
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Type 2 Diabetes
There is growing evidence that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has beneficial effects on the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and some of its complications. Its wide-ranging benefits for diabetes include improved glycemic control, improved insulin sensitivity, reduction of oxidative stress, and reduction of neuropathy.
A recent review of ALA for diabetes concluded that the supplement’s side effects were generally limited, and found that it was generally safe for use even by those with impaired kidney or liver function. (NYBC adds only a caution about a potential thyroid issue, especially for those taking higher doses of ALA.)
See the NYBC entry
Reference:
Poh Z, Goh KP. A current update on the use of alpha lipoic Acid in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2009 Dec;9(4):392-398.
August 17, 2011
NYBC’s MAC-Pack on the “Ask The Experts” forum, thebody.com
We were glad to see a recent Q&A on the “Ask the Experts” forum of thebody.com, which is one of the leading online sources of information for people with HIV. The question concerned NYBC’s MAC-Pack, our low-cost, close equivalent to K-PAX, a multivitamin/antioxidant combination which has been shown in research to raise CD4 counts, and which is available thru some — but not all–formularies in some — but not all — states.
For more information, see NYBC’s entry
MAC-Pack
Here’s the exchange:
QUESTION: macpac
Jul 5, 2011
are you familiar with the co. NYBC and their MACPAC-combination multivitamin & antioxidant program sells for 65 dollars and they compare to KPAC for 1/2 the cost..don’t want to throw money away on useless vitamins or vitamins that are sub-par or not testedANSWER: Response from Mr. Vergel
Supplement quality is always an important issue. One available resource is www.consumerlab.com although they are a for-profit company. It would be preferable if there were a government agency that routinely tested supplements and published the results!
It will always be a bit of a crapshoot, but the good news is the majority of supplements tested by them either pass and those that do fail often do for relatively minor reasons (though some do spectacularly).
According to Jared Becker and George Carter from the New York Buyers Club, the brands used in NYBC’s MAC Pack come from companies as reputable as K-PAX and with longer histories. NYBC has assessed Jarrow, Douglas Labs and Montiff, the providers used to make the Mac Pack. A few years ago, NYBC sent Montiff’s acetylcarnitine for testing and it came back fine. NYBC also uses consumerlab’s reports to verify quality of our big suppliers like Jarrow and Douglas.Nelson Vergel
Entry posted at: http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Nutrition/Q216051.html?ic=700101
March 31, 2011
Supplements for the Brain (and Nerves)
“For Your Peace of Mind…”
Recent research on supplements for memory, cognition and other neurological functions
You may remember (we hope you remember!) the Scarecrow’s petition to the Wizard of Oz for a brain. Be advised–we at NYBC do not stock new brains, so don’t come to us with that request.
However, we do follow the sometimes startling new research on supplements, brain function and related neurological issues. In this department, there’s special cause for concern for people with HIV. According to a Canadian study released in 2010, in a group of 1615 people receiving treatment for HIV during the decade 1998-2008, one fourth had neurological problems, including memory loss, cognitive impairment and peripheral neuropathy. Of course being worried about brain function–and neurological function in general–is not unique to people with HIV. As people age, they are more likely to experience memory loss or forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. And the nerve condition called peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling in the feet and hands) is found not just in people with HIV, but also among the growing population with Type 2 diabetes.
Now, on to what we see as some of the most valuable recent findings about supplements and brain or neurological function:
B vitamins can be considered a foundation because they are needed in so many processes essential to the brain’s operation, from energy supply and healthy blood flow, to the formation of neurotransmitters (=chemical messengers of neurologic information from one cell to another). Furthermore, there is evidence that several groups of people, including those over 60 and those with HIV, have a greater risk for Vitamin B deficiencies. So supplementing with a B complex vitamin is a sensible start to cognitive health. More specifically, there is good research linking deficiency of vitamins B12 and B6 to mood disorders like depression—and depression earlier in life is associated with higher risk of dementia in later life. Last, there is also some evidence that B vitamins may reduce stroke risk in older people.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) support cognitive health in a variety of ways. In 2008, UCLA researchers reported on a lab study showing that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, together with exercise, improved cognitive function. This caught our attention, because there is wide agreement that regular exercise strongly supports brain function as we age, and here the suggestion is that omega-3 fatty acids multiply that known benefit. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil has also been linked to lower risk of depression—another plus. And still more: recent research found that omega-3 fatty acids block the development of retinopathy, a chief cause of blindness as we age. (The retina of the eye is actually part of the brain–it is full of nerve cells essential for vision.) All in all, the neurological benefits of omega-3 fatty acids seem both wide-ranging and quite convincing, so it’s high on our recommended list.
The amino acid acetylcarnitine has shown benefit for brain function in a number of studies with humans. In the last decade, acetylcarnitine has also been investigated for peripheral neuropathy in people with HIV. (Some recommend using it with evening primrose oil and Vitamin C.) A 2008 study found that acetylcarnitine influences a chemical process in the brain that triggers Alzheimer’s, so researchers are continuing to puzzle out how this supplement produces its neurological benefits.
Antioxidants. There’s much suggestive research about how antioxidants counter destructive oxidative processes in the brain, thus blocking memory loss and cognitive decline. For example, a 2003 report found that the antioxidant combination alpha lipoic acid and NAC reversed memory loss in aged laboratory mice. And there’s also been a lot of attention to the combination acetylcarnitine and alpha lipoic acid for memory impairment. Furthermore, other antioxidants such as curcumin are under study for their potential to fight the processes that lead to declining brain function.
Acetylcholine. The first neurotransmitter to be identified, acetylcholine is closely associated with memory, with lower levels linked to memory loss. NYBC currently stocks two combination supplements that support acetylcholine levels in the brain, while also providing other nutrients for neurological function: Neuro Optimizer (Jarrow), which includes acetylcholine enhancers, acetylcarnitine, and alpha lipoic acid; and Think Clearly (SuperNutrition), which includes B vitamins, as well as acetylcholine enhancers and a botanical traditionally used for cognitive support, ginkgo biloba.
Resveratrol. In the past decade, there has been intense scientific interest in this compound, most famously found in red wine. While some research ventures have hoped to find in resveratrol a life-extending supplement (a capacity demonstrated in animal studies), others have focused on its therapeutic value for conditions like diabetes or cognitive decline. For example, Cornell researchers reported in 2009 that resveratrol reduced the kind of plaque formation in animal brains that causes Alzheimer’s. And a year later another lab investigation, this one at Johns Hopkins, found that a moderate dose of the compound protected animal brains from stroke damage.
Ginkgo biloba, a botanical derived from Earth’s most ancient tree species, has been widely used for cognitive function. In the late 1990s, two reviews of dozens of ginkgo studies concluded that it could improve symptoms of dementia. However, a long-term trial of ginkgo published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2008 found that the supplement did not prevent development of dementia in a group of more than 3000 older people who had normal cognitive function at the start of the research. One possible conclusion: ginkgo may help symptoms of cognitive decline, but doesn’t address underlying causes.
NYBC’s RECOMMENDATIONS: A B complex supplement (like Jarrow’s B-right) and fish oil (like Jarrow’s Max DHA) are foundations for maintaining cognitive health, especially important for people with HIV or people over 60. There is some evidence for acetylcarnitine, alpha lipoic and acetylcholine supplementation for memory impairment and possibly for cognitive decline. Acetylcarnitine and other supplements can be used to address peripheral neuropathy. And stay tuned for emerging research on preserving brain function with compounds like resveratrol, NAC and curcumin.
February 4, 2011
Alpha lipoic acid and diabetes
As we reported earlier on this blog, alpha lipoic acid (often abbreviated ALA) was studied and found beneficial in a large trial for peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling in extremities) related to diabetes. Now here’s a 2009 update on alpha lipoic acid, which asserts its general benefit and usefulness for Type 2 diabetes, and explains some of the mechanisms behind those benefits. (We’ve highlighted the key findings of this review.)
Poh Z, Goh KP. A current update on the use of alpha lipoic Acid in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2009 Dec;9(4):392-398.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) which is characterised by insulin resistance, is closely linked to the triad of glucolipotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased adiposity, leading to increased free fatty acids (FFAs), contributes to insulin resistance by disrupting the signal transduction pathway of insulin mediated glucose disposal, and causes impaired insulin secretion. Hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia driven oxidative stress resulting from enhanced free-radical formation and/or defects in antioxidant defence is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy (DN). This and other inflammatory pathways account for a complex network of interacting metabolic factors responsible for causing diabetes and her complications. There is growing evidence that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has beneficial effects on the treatment of T2DM and some of its complications. It represents an attractive pharmacological target in the treatment of T2DM by modulating the signal transduction pathways in insulin resistance and antagonizing the oxidative and inflammatory stresses, which are major players in the pathogenesis of this disorder. A potent anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger, ALA also targets cellular signal transduction pathways which increases glucose uptake and utilization, thus providing specific targeted therapy in the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetic neuropathy. Apart from the rare risk of Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome (IAS), ALA has shown to be relatively safe, even in patients with renal and liver failure. This review focuses and summarises the molecular mechanisms of T2DM, and underlines the therapeutic value of ALA in this globally significant disease.
Please also consult NYBC’s basic info sheet on Supplements for Diabetes.
Please visit the NYBC Catalog for forther information on these supplements.
For information on Bitter Melon, please email contact.nybc@newyorkbuyersclub.org
January 31, 2011
Supplements for Liver Health
NYBC has published an online guide to Liver Health, which you can access at
And, yes! You’ll find liver healthy supplements like silymarin, alpha lipoic acid and Chinese herbal formulas, all described in detail with usage recommendations in a special section of the NYBC catalog pages:
December 14, 2010
NAC + Alpha Lipoic = ThiolNAC
That’s the equation that sums up NYBC’s combination antioxidant supplement, which includes both NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and alpha lipoic acid. These two are among the most researched antioxidant supplements, with studies of NAC covering issues such as pulmonary function, liver function, HIV, while alpha lipoic acid (sometimes called “thioctic acid,” hence the “thiol” part of our product name) has been investigated for liver health, neuropathy, diabetes, HIV. As a combination, they appear in such products as K-PAX and SuperNutrition’s Super Immune Multivitamin.
NYBC’s combination product ThiolNAC was designed to meet the needs of those who can benefit from supplementation with both of these antioxidants. By combining the two in one supplement, there is also a significant savings in cost as well–always one of the main goals of the nonprofit co-op.
For more information, see the NYBC entry on ThiolNAC:
June 25, 2010
Symptoms common, often ignored by docs
A recent report underscored the myriad symptoms and problems facing significant numbers of people living with HIV. The study involved 751 patients enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study, undertaken between 1999 and 2000. Commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (71%), difficulty sleeping, depression, muscle aches and diarrhea (each reported by 60% of the respondents). Over 50% of patients reported headache, difficulty remembering, tingling hands or feet (neuropathy), weight loss and body shape changes.
The worry is that some may be associated with meds and this may reduce adherence to drug schedules. This can lead to resistance, etc. Which is why we at NYBC take very seriously the methods and means that may be available to manage some of these side effects. Diarrhea has been managed in studies that investigated agents like calcium and glutamine. Acetylcarnitine has some benefit for nuke-related neuropathy. You can review our literature on what we know (and need to learn more) about such interventions along with the different symptoms and side effects people experience and how they can be managed.
The study included about 54% African American. The study noted that healthcare providers often don’t recognize these as important symptoms. Perhaps this is why there is a strong racist element within American health care, one that arises out of blindness and ignorance as much as any overt hostility.
The second aspect of such care is that many people, of every ethnicity, are economically impoverished. So how can many people access sometimes costly, nearly always out-of-pocket agents like acetylcarnitine? NYBC is working on ways to make this possible, though we will need additional help to assure such access. State-run programs like ADAP and Medicaid can help in some states–but many of these programs are facing cuts due to tight budgets. Tight budgets induced by banks getting a socialized bailout for their malfeasance while Americans suffer?
So political activism will remain a key component in any comprehensive effort to provide care and treatment that includes the types of agents NYBC investigates and makes available. Ongoing research into dietary supplements and the ways in which they may improve health outcomes, enhance adherence to medications, reduce side effects and lower the burden of public costs by reducing morbidity and mortality are keenly needed.
May 21, 2010
Neuropathy still a problem
A recent article underscores that neurological problems still plague people living with HIV. For neuropathy, data showed that up to 3 grams (3000 mg) of acetylcarnitine a day can help alleviate symptoms. Data among those living with diabetes show alpha lipoic acid can have some benefit. Altogether, it makes sense to thwart the inflammatory processes, and, though we need more data, NYBC is delighted to have ThiolNAC, which combines NAC and alpha lipoic to help ease these pains (and perhaps as well help with cognitive function). Vitamin B12 is also crucially important.
Debilitating HIV-associated sensory neuropathy remains common
Debilitating sensory neuropathy remains prevalent in HIV-infected patients, despite a general decline of neurological complications with use of combination antiretroviral therapy.
This finding is from a study in which the researchers tested 1,539 HIV-infected individuals for clinical signs of neuropathy and neuropathic pain.
“We were surprised by the high prevalence,” lead author Dr. Ronald Ellis of the University of California, San Diego, told Reuters Health by e-mail.
“Painful neuropathy frequently persists and requires ongoing management,” even when antiretroviral therapy has reduced viral load and restored immune function, he said.
(click link for remainder of article)
