11.23.09

Antioxidants for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted in Antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, diabetes, evening primrose oil, neuropathy tagged , , , , at 1:26 pm by jarebe

We were interested to read about an antioxidant therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). It includes alpha lipoic acid, which has been studied quite extensively for diabetes, as well as evening primrose oil (gamma linolenic acid being the active component) and Vitamin C:

…a recommendation for treatment of DPN by use of anti-oxidants, and is based on the research of Stan Angilley. It has been used successfully by many diabetics to reduce or even eliminate DPN. Before starting on this regimen, you should discuss it with your doctor, as you may have other medical issues which would contraindicate its use. It is likely that your doctor will have heard little or nothing about this approach, so we have provided citations to applicable literature below.

The DPN cocktail has three components: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) as contained in Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), and Vitamin C.

Read more at:

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/joomla/neuropathy-treatment

See www.newyorkbuyersclub.org for more on these supplements.

03.18.09

Reviewing “Resveratrol Synergy” from Jarrow

Posted in Antioxidants, anthocyanins, cardiovascular health, grape seed extract, green tea, resveratrol at 10:03 am by jarebe

Jarrow Formula’s supplement “Resveratrol Synergy” is a combination of several plant-derived nutrients that have been intensively researched in recent years, including resveratrol (the famous component of red wine), grape seed extract, and green tea. This phytonutrient blend provides the body with antioxidants, anthocyanins, polyphenols and catechins, which are generally acknowledged to support cardiovascular health, as the Jarrow label states.

But there is more to these plant-derived nutrients, as you may know from hearing news reports, especially about resveratrol. Typically found in the skin of red grapes and in red wine, resveratrol has been the subject of scientific investigations suggesting that it possesses unique life-extending and anti-aging properties. Some of the recent studies draw a causal connection between gene protection and high levels of resveratrol consumption; other research has focused on how resveratrol may switch on a particular “survival gene” that offers a whole host of health benefits, from cardiovascular support to diabetes prevention.

As far as product quality goes, NYBC noted that a recent Consumer Labs report found that the ingredients matched the label claim–one good measure of integrity for “Resveratrol Synergy.”

For more information, see the NYBC entry:

Resveratrol Synergy

01.13.09

Supplement recommendations in “The Ultramind Solution” by Dr. Mark Hyman

Posted in Alzheimer's Disease, Antioxidants, B vitamins, Multivitamins, Omega-3, Probiotics, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, anxiety, calcium, depression, fish oil, flaxseed, magnesium, melatonin, sleep aids tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , at 12:24 pm by jarebe

The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First
Mark Hyman, M.D.

This is one of many books published in recent years that seek to translate the enormous body of research findings from the last few decades about nutrition and brain function into simple, useful guidelines for improving and maintaining good mental functioning and psychological well-being. While it’s a popularizing text (Dr. Hyman has even been on Martha Stewart–see link below!), this book does, we feel, accurately register many important trends in our knowledge of nutrition and nutritional supplements and how these factors relate to mental health.

Here’s the statistic that sets off Dr. Hyman’s project: one in three Americans suffer from some kind of “brain dysfunction” (one term in use: “brain fog”), including symptoms such as depression, anxiety, memory loss, attention deficit disorder, autism, and dementia.

“The Ultramind Solution” contends that revising your diet–changing your nutritional intake–can often make a huge difference in these symptoms. Dr. Hyman’s recommendations focus both on weeding out elements that adversely affect the system (too much sugar, poorly chosen carbs, alcohol, cigarettes), and sticking to a menu of what’s good, especially what’s good for brain function: 1) omega fatty acids (found in salmon, sardines, flaxseed); 2) amino acid sources (nuts, lean meats); 3) high-quality carbs (for example, beans, peas, and lentils); 4) phyto-nutrients (plant foods containing antioxidants and other helpful substances, like blueberries, cilantro, etc.).

Finally, Dr. Hyman observes that, since more than 90% of Americans don’t get adequate nutrients from food (a finding of an often-cited US government survey), people realistically will need to supplement at least periodically in several key categories: 1) a multivitamin; 2) fish oil (omega fatty acids); 3) Calcium/Magnesium; 3) Vitamin D; 4) B complex vitamins; 5) probiotics (for good digestion/absorption of nutrients); and 6) occasionally a sleep aid like melatonin to insure a good amount of rest.

Here are some NYBC suggestions for supplementing in the categories recommended by Dr. Hyman:

Multivitamins: Added protection with Iron (Douglas) ; Added Protection without Iron (Douglas) – recommended for those with liver conditions; Opti-Pack – iron-free (SuperNutrition); Super Immune Multivitamin – iron-free (SuperNutrition)

Fish oil: Max DHA (Jarrow); ProOmega (Nordic Naturals) 60 caps; ProOmega (Nordic Naturals) 180 caps;

For Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, NYBC recommends Bone-Up (Jarrow), which provides all three nutrients in the most useful dosages.

B complex vitamins: B-right (Jarrow)

Probiotics: NYBC recommends Jarrodophilus EPS (Jarrow) because it doesn’t require refrigeration. But other probiotics may be useful as well–see the Probiotics entry on the NYBC website.

NYBC also stocks Melatonin in several formats.

See Dr. Hyman on Martha Stewart:
http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=0f545e9ea969e110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

12.12.08

Multivitamin Antioxidant Combination (MAC-Pack): a K-Pax alternative available in no-iron formula for those with liver impairment

Posted in Acetylcarnitine, Antioxidants, B vitamins, K-Pax alternative, Multivitamins, NAC (N-acetylcysteine), ThiolNAC, hepatitis, hiv, immune support, liver disease, neuropathy tagged , , , , , , , , at 11:52 am by jarebe

In 2007, NYBC began offering an alternative to the K-Pax multivitamin-antioxidant supplement, which was added to some ADAP and Medicaid formularies following publication in 2006 of Dr. Jon Kaiser’s study that found CD4 increases in people with HIV taking a micronutrient combination supplement. A first reason for the NYBC alternative, called the MAC-Pack, was price: for those without access to ADAP or Medicaid programs, the double strength K-Pax cost of about $140/month was rather high, and NYBC as a nonprofit co-op was able to present a close equivalent for only $62/month.

But another rationale for introducing the MAC-Pack was its flexibility. In fact, because MAC-Pack uses the AMNI/Douglas multivitamins Added Protection as its core, it can be configured as a formula with or without iron. Having the option of an iron-free MAC-Pack is important especially to people with elevated liver enzymes, liver impairment, or hepatitis co-infection. Taking iron supplements is generally not recommended for this group, since processing the iron puts an extra strain on liver function.

Also note that the MAC-Pack provides somewhat more acetylcarnitine than the K-Pax, which may not be a bad idea, especially if you believe, as we do, that acetylcarnitine is probably a key element in the multivitamin-antioxidant combination. (Two tabs/day is sufficient if you’re just interested in matching the K-Pax formula, but three/day may be better especially for those dealing with neuropathy.)

For more information, see the NYBC entry:

MAC-Pack

11.10.08

The MAC-Pack: a K-PAX alternative from NYBC

Posted in Antioxidants, K-Pax alternative, Multivitamins, hiv tagged , , , , at 1:47 pm by jarebe

The New York Buyers’ Club continues to offer its MAC Pack, or Multivitamin-Antioxidant Combination pack, which is a close equivalent to the double-strength K-PAX but at about half the cost. (K-Pax is usually listed at $139; NYBC’s MAC Pack sells for $62.)

K-PAX, a multi-supplement pack, was developed following a study by Dr. Jon Kaiser that found an increase in CD4 count among HIV+ individuals using this mix of a potent multivitamin and antioxidants.
At this point, the Medicaid or ADAP formularies of many states include the K-PAX formula. Unfortunately, some people may not have access to these programs and for them cost can be an issue. That is why NYBC designed the alternative MAC-Pack, which is based on products and prices currently available through its nonprofit purchasing coop.

The MAC-Pack includes:

Acetylcarnitine: 3/day, one month supply = $15.50 (one bottle; 500mg/90)

ThiolNAC (NAC + alpha lipoic acid): 3/day, one month supply = $14.00 (one bottle; 500mg/200mg/90)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate/P5P): 3/day, one month supply = $10.00 (one bottle; 50mg/100)

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin): 2/day, one month supply = $3.75 (one bottle; 1000mg/100)

Added Protection (without iron): OR Added Protection (with iron): 6/day, one month supply = $19.25

All of these components of the MAC-Pack are also available as individual items; click on links for more information.

Notes:
1) The NYBC package actually has MORE acetylcarnitine than the double-strength K-PAX. Not a bad idea, especially if you believe, as we do, that acetylcarnitine is probably one of the key elements in the multivitamin-antioxidant combination. (Two a day is probably sufficient if you are just interested in matching the K-PAX formula, but three or more can help if you are dealing with neuropathy.)

2) The multivitamins available through NYBC have somewhat different formulas than the K-PAX (see product labels available on the NYBC website for details). Taking an extra vitamin C tab along with the regular multi would make up for one significant difference. And some might wish to take a bit more calcium and vitamin D3 than Added Protection offers, as bone loss remains a concern among people with HIV.

3) K-PAX only comes with iron; for those with liver issues, this is probably NOT a good idea. With the multivitamin Added Protection, you can choose whether to take iron or not. (Please specify when ordering.)

10.12.08

Study of “conjugated” lipoic acid

Posted in Antioxidants at 10:02 am by jarebe

NYBC has been alerted to a new study for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the past 5 years. The study is an open label (no randomization or placebo) study of a form of alpha lipoic acid conjugated with soy lecithin, known as Formula 12. This makes for a kind of paste that people take 3 times per day and it is hoped increases the body’s uptake of lipoic. The study is being conducted by the Therapeutic Research Institute.

Parkinson’s disease is a generally slowly progressing disease that can have a variety of symptoms, commonly including tremors and stiffness. The disease arises as a part of the brain, the substantia nigra, slowly deteriorates. One mechanism for this destruction may be the generation of free radicals which damage neural tissue. It is postulated that use of antioxidants like alpha lipoic may help to slow this progression by quenching free radicals.

If you are interested in the study, please don’t hesitate to contact NYBC. You may also review the trial protocol and inclusion/exculsion criteria at the following website:

http://formula12trial.weebly.com/

09.13.08

Many Ways to Love Your Liver

Posted in Antioxidants, Hepatoplex, SAMe, THE SUPPLEMENT - Newsletter of NYBC, ThiolNAC, Vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, hepatitis, hiv, liver disease, silymarin tagged , , , , , , , , , , , at 3:45 pm by jarebe

Many Ways to Love Your Liver

(reprinted from the NYBC SUPPLEMENT, Summer 2008)

Liver impairment is a frequent concern for people with HIV. There are many different causes, including co-infection with hepatitis, HIV meds that put added stress on the liver, excessive alcohol or recreational drug use, opportunistic infections, repeated resort to antibiotics, or just consuming big doses of the over-processed, nutrient-poor junk that too often passes for food these days! (By the way, we like the rule of thumb for choosing good stuff at the supermarket: if your grandmother wouldn’t recognize the item as “food”—then it’s probably not very good for you.)

The liver is crucial for processing and breaking down wastes, whether those produced by normal body functioning or those absorbed into the system in the form of drugs, alcohol, or toxins. So keeping it in good repair is essential for health. One specific strategy to support liver function is to maintain levels of the intracellular (= “found within cells”) antioxidant glutathione, which plays a key role in protecting the liver as it performs its detoxification duties. Here is a short list of nutritional supplements that are frequently recommended for this purpose: Vitamin C (2–6 grams per day, in divided doses); N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC (500 mg, 3 times per day); alpha-lipoic acid (300-600 mg, twice daily). (Note that NAC and Lipoic can be taken in the combination form ThiolNAC, one of the key supplements stocked by NYBC.)

Another worthy option for countering stresses to the liver is an herb called Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), which has a long tradition of use as a botanical remedy. Modern research has isolated compounds referred to as silymarin within this plant, and many studies have pointed to silymarin’s effectiveness in protecting liver cells from toxic chemicals, and even in stimulating the repair and regeneration of liver cells. In 2007, a federally funded investigation identified one component of milk thistle as a potent anti-cancer agent, and suggested that it held much promise in protecting against or treating liver cancer. Be advised that if you consult sources such as the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) website, you may encounter concerns about whether silymarin interferes with HIV meds. But here’s what one National Institutes of Health study concluded: “Milk thistle in commonly administered dosages should not interfere with indinavir therapy in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.” This and other research, we believe, suggests that milk thistle-HIV med interference is not actually a very signficant issue.

Now here’s a rather unusual dietary supplement that has been investigated for liver health: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e). First isolated by Italian researchers in the 1950s, SAMe is synthesized by living cells from the amino acid methionine and can’t be supplemented from food sources. In several European studies of people living with hepatitis B or C, it has been shown to help reduce jaundice, fatigue, and other symptoms. And it’s also been applied to treating alcohol-related damage to the liver. The unusual aspect of SAMe is that there’s also a great deal of published research on its value as an antidepressant and as a treatment for arthritis—so it’s quite a versatile molecule! (See the NYBC Blog at www.nybc.wordpress.com for more details.)

Last, we note that the New York Buyers’ Club, like its predecessor DAAIR, has carefully followed the modern, US-based study and dissemination of traditional Chinese herbal remedies for liver disease. For example, NYBC stocks Pacific Biologic’s Hepato-C and Hepato-Detox, and, more recently, has added Health Concern’s Hepatoplex One and Hepatoplex Two to its product list. Both of these California-based companies have a very good reputation for quality, and both have devised blends based on Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as current clinical experience by licensed practitioners. (Please consult the NYBC website for more information about the specific herbs in these formulas, as well as recommendations for their use.) Of course we’re always interested in hearing about the experience of our members in using these products, and so we welcome your comments and questions—just email us at contact@newyorkbuyersclub.org.

05.25.08

NAC for lungs, cancer?

Posted in Antioxidants, cancer at 6:48 am by jarebe

Two recent reports in the journal, Science, looked at two very different conditions. In both cases, they found that the effects that they were seeing were offset when they added one of my favorite antioxidant amino acids, N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

In one case, a study reported on the effects of asbestos and other particulates on the lungs. The article noted that chemotherapy doesn’t really help the lesions that arise from such particulate damage (Dostert et al., Science, 2 May 2008(320)674-677). What they realized was that part of the problem with particulates was that they caused certain inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1B) to be expressed. At one point in the experiments, they used NAC in cell cultures to evaluate whether reactive oxygen species played a role along with the IL-1B, and indeed, the NAC minimized this response. Would it help as a therapeutic? For people living with HIV and/or hepatitis C, IL-1B has been observed to be elevated (see, e.g., Antivir Chem Chemother. 2001 May;12(3):133-150 and J Viral Hepat. 2008 Mar 6. [Epub ahead of print].)

The second study looked at how a cancer tumor can move to other sites and tissues in the body (metastasis) (Ishikawa, et al., Science, 2 May 2008(320)661-664). Mitochondria, the little powerhouses of cells that produce the energy molecule, ATP, have long thought to be involved in cancer. While damaged mitochondria (or mutations in the DNA mitochondria carry), do not seem to necessarily be the start of cancer, they have been invoked in this study as a source of its metastasis. After determining that their model could indeed cause cancer to spread in mice, they tried NAC to see if they could thwart it. In fact, the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that NAC achieved did indeed result in reducing the metastatic potential in two mouse models. Address oxidative stress through routine use of antioxidants like NAC MIGHT help to prevent cancer from metastasizing.

This becomes more than just an interesting theory for people with HIV. A recent report underscored a higher risk of certain non-AIDS related cancers in HIV+ individuals. Can agents like NAC help to reduce this risk? No studies have been done in humans to support this idea–but given all the other potential and its safety, many of us are already using it. The report noted:

Anal cancer by 2003 had become 59 times more common among HIV-infected people than the general population, according to the study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hodgkin’s disease was 18 times more common in this population, the study also found. In addition, liver cancer was seven times more common, lung cancer 3.6 times more common, the skin cancer melanoma and throat cancer both three times more common, and colorectal cancer 2.4 times more common.

(See http://www.aegis.org/news/re/2008/RE080516.html )

04.30.08

Recommendations for Cardiovascular Health: from “Supplement Your Prescription,” by Hyla Cass, M.D.

Posted in Antioxidants, B vitamins, Curcumin, Niacin, Omega-3, Vitamin B12, cardiovascular health, fish oil, folic acid, green tea, statins, sterols tagged , , , , , , , , , at 10:05 am by jarebe

We return to this excellent guide published in 2007 by Hyla Cass, a practicing physician and expert on integrative medicine.

In Chapter 4 of the book, Dr. Cass reviews recent findings that call into question the idea that dietary cholesterol causes cardiovascular disease. In line with the current scientific thinking on this subject, she suggests looking at underlying inflammation as essential to any understanding of risks to heart and circulatory system health. As a consequence, she says, people who want to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease should consider dietary changes that are anti-inflammatory (that is, a diet high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory herbs, and antioxidant-rich foods–that’s colorful fruits and vegetables, curry, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, green tea, dark chocolate, low-toxin fish like salmon or sardines).

Statin drugs, though they come with some side effects, have proven of benefit to certain groups of people with cardiovascular complications, including diabetics, those who have had a heart attack, and those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Like many others, Dr. Cass recommends supplementing with CoQ 10 if you’re taking statins. She also supports use of omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), niacin (though not recommended for diabetics), plant sterols, tocotrienols (a form of the antioxidant vitamin E), and D-ribose for controlling cholesterol and otherwise countering cardiovascular disease. In addition, the B vitamins are recommended to help lower homocysteine, high levels of which are associated with artery damage and increased risk of heart disease.

Citation: Hyla Cass, M.D., Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition (Basic Health Publications, 2007).

04.07.08

Carotenoid complex: a medley of vegetable sources for antioxidant protection

Posted in Antioxidants, carotenoids, hiv tagged , at 9:49 am by jarebe

Carotenoid compounds derived from vegetable sources have been the subject of much research for their power as antioxidants with potential health benefits. For example, a 2006 study in Canada among people with HIV showed an improved survival among those using a high dose of beta carotene in the form of a mixed carotenoid complex compared to those using a multivitamin alone (Eur J Clin Nutr, 2006;60:1266-1276).

NYBC currently stocks Jarrow’s CarotenALL, which includes a wide range of carotenoid compounds including alpha and beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, etc., derived from natural vegetable sources including broccoli, spinach, tomato, etc.

The sources of carotenoids in this supplement include three distinct forms of sea algae, palm oil, tomatoes, marigolds, among others. Many of the carotenoid forms are patented. The amounts of both lutein and lycopene are identical to amounts used successfully in research studies. Astaxanthin is considered by some to be the most potent carotenoid currently researched. It is supplied in its correct natural form derived from Hawaiian sea microalgae at a 2 mg dose. There are also substantial amounts of other patented natural mixed carotenoids. Finally, we have included 5 mg of sulforaphane, not a carotenoid, but an extremely potent stimulator of the Phase II detoxification system as well as an initiator of several other antioxidant enzymes, making it one of the most potent free-radical neutralizers yet studied. New varieties of carotenoids are constantly being discovered, so this should NOT replace a diet rich in colorful foods, but to supplement your diet. Eat your fruits and vegetables–and lots of them!

Specifically, each softgel contains:

Vitamin A as CaroCare beta carotene . . . . . . . .2,583 IU
(beta carotene – 1.43 mg and alpha carotene – 0.7 mg)
Lutein (marigold extract) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 mg
Zeaxanthin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 mg
Lycopene (from GMO-free tomatoes) . . . . . . . . . . .10 mg
Phytoene (from GMO-free tomatoes) . . . . . . . . . . …1 mg
Phytofluene (from GMO-free tomatoes) . . . . . . . . . . 1 mg
Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) . . . . . . . . .500 mcg
Gamma tocopherol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 mg

02.22.08

ThiolNAC (NAC + alpha lipoic acid combination) is back at NYBC

Posted in Antioxidants, K-Pax alternative, NAC (N-acetylcysteine), ThiolNAC, alpha lipoic acid tagged , , , , , at 1:59 pm by jarebe

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.

02.18.08

Nutrivir NSA (No Sugar Added): a whey protein powder enhanced with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

Posted in Antioxidants, Nutrivir, protein powder, whey protein tagged , , , , at 8:43 pm by jarebe

See the NYBC entry on Nutrivir No Sugar Added for information on this combination of whey protein powder, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that’s formulated by upstate New York biotech company BioNexus. NYBC has chosen to stock the No Sugar Added version because that option responds to the concerns of many who are cutting down on refined sugar in their diets. (Of course, you can always add your favorite sweetener if you wish.)
Overall, NYBC members have found this product to be very useful for maintaining optimal weight and also just for its convenience in supplying antioxidant and multivitamin/mineral supplements in a single product that’s easy to incorporate into drinks, yogurt etc. Note some of the additional components of Nutrivir: digestive enzymes, vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, taurine and L-carnitine.

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