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
March 3, 2011
Glutamine for the Gut
We’re reprinting 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 two forms of Glutamine. And, by the way, we’ve just noticed that our bulk Glutamine powder (1 kilogram) is about HALF THE PRICE of a “discounted” Glutamine powder offered by a chain of vitamin/supplement stores! (GNC…sssshhh)
Read these entries for dosage recommendations:
Glutamine as a bulk powder (1 kilogram)
and
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.
…
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.HIV/AIDS
Individuals with advanced stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often experience severe weight loss (particularly loss of muscle mass). Some 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.
—
January 24, 2011
Florastor/ Saccharomyces boulardii
Here’s the NYBC summary of recent research on Saccharomyces boulardii, which is available under the tradename Florastor:
Saccharomyces boulardii, sometimes abbreviated Sac. boulardii or S. boulardii, is a very well-researched probiotic, with several hundred peer-reviewed studies to its credit, many from the past two decades. It’s now the first choice among probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, C. difficile colitis, and “traveler’s diarrhea.” It can also help with irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Here are some recent research highlights:
-Harvard Medical School researchers have identified specific pathways by which Saccharomyces boulardii decreases intestinal inflammatory responses; their 2006 report helps explain the broad range of protective effects that this probiotic exerts in a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. (Sougioultzis S, et al. Saccharomyces boulardii produces a soluble anti-inflammatory factor that inhibits NF-kappaB-mediated IL-8 gene expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Apr 28;343(1):69-76.)
-A 2006 meta-analysis (combined analysis of multiple individual studies) found that Saccharomyces boulardii was the only probiotic studied that was effective against Clostridium difficile disease, a common form of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. (McFarland L V. Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea and the treatment of Clostridium difficile disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Apr;101(4):812-22.)
-A 2008 study found that Crohn’s patients receiving Saccharomyces boulardii treatment showed significant improvements in intestinal function compared with those given a placebo. (Garcia Vilela E, et al. Influence of Saccharomyces boulardii on the intestinal permeability of patients with Crohn’s disease in remission. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2008;43(7):842-8.)
-An investigation published in 2009 found that, of a variety of probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii was uniquely able to stimulate production of secretory IgA, the main immunoglobin found in mucus, saliva, and secretions from the intestine and the lining of the lungs, and a main component of the body’s protective mechanism against pathogens. Thus Saccharomyces boulardii may now be credited with an ability to enhance immune function in general. (Flaviano S. et al. Comparative study of Bifidobacterium animalis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic properties. Archives of Microbiology, Volume 191, Number 8 / August, 2009.)
See the NYBC entry for more details, including recommended dosages:
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?products_id=217
January 21, 2011
Jarro-Dophilus EPS
Jarrow Formulas advertises this product as the number one selling probiotic supplement on the US market, and, at least in this case, we tend to think that’s a sign that it is a worthwhile supplement, helpful for people dealing with malabsorption or various gastrointestinal disturbances that prevent adequate digestion.
Here’s the product review from the NYBC website:
Jarro-Dophilus EPS (Jarrow) Each bottle, 60 capsules. Each capsule contains 4.4 billion probiotic organisms, including various species of Lactobacillus, Bifidus, Pediooccus acidilactici and Lactococcus diacetylactis. These capsules are enterically-coated to preserve them without refrigeration, which makes this an ideal product for use while travelling. However, if at home, refrigerate anyway, just to preserve them as well. Blister packed. Suggested use is 1-2 capsules per day, if possible, without food. Dairy-free and vegetarian formulation. Also contains potato starch, magensium stearate and ascorbic acid.
Note: A 2006 consumerlab.com report evaluated several brands of acidophilus-containing products. This Jarrow product passed all of their tests!
Further information on this and other probiotic supplements can be found on the NYBC website:
December 2, 2010
Supplements for Diarrhea and Malabsorption
We’re reprinting below the NYBC recommendations
for supplements that address the common gastrointestinal
problems of people with HIV:
Diarrhea. This is one of
the most common side effects of
antiretroviral drugs–especially protease
inhibitors. When it occurs, make
sure to drink plenty of (healthy) fluids
to replace electrolytes (potassium,
sodium, and magnesium ions) and
prevent dehydration. Avoid sugary
and/or caffeinated beverages.
One of the simplest remedies: bananas!
Adding a yogurt with active
cultures to your regular diet can also
improve diarrhea. In addition to adding
beneficial flora to your gastrointestinal
tract, yogurt is nutritionally
rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin,
vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.However, for some, dietary changes may
not be enough to control the diarrhea
Supplements to consider in treating
diarrhea associated with protease
inhibitors include calcium, and glutamine
(up to 20-40 grams daily for
diarrhea while it persists). There are
some clinical data to support these
interventions. A note of caution: calcium
carbonate works fine but should
be avoided if you are using atazanavir
[Reyataz].If diarrhea is associated with the use
of antibiotics, go probiotic! Use acidophilus,
bifidus or Saccharomyces
boulardii (Florastor) to control C.
difficile (a problem frequently encountered
with antibiotic use) and to improve gut function.
Use of digestive enzymes may also help to improve
digestion (e.g., lipase, protease, amylase, and
lactase).Malabsorption is the difficulty in digesting or
absorbing nutrients from food. It’s a widespread
problem among HIVers, and a serious
one at that. HIV disease damages the
guts, where it is estimated that 80%
of the disease “lives,” hindering the
digestive tract’s ability to absorb nutrients
(or meds). Additionally, many
HIVers actually have too little acid
in their stomachs – a little-discussed
condition. This can cause the sphincter
at the opening of the stomach to
fail to close properly, resulting in
GERD: gastro-esophageal reflux disorder.
In general, gut function can be
improved with probiotics such as
acidophilus and bifidus, as well as
2-5 grams of glutamine, taken daily.
Further, digestive enzymes that help
break down fats, carbs and proteins
may be useful in promoting better
absorption. Again, a good diet and
a potent multi are important starting
points!
See the NYBC entries for more detailed
recommendations regarding these supplements:
Glutamine Powder:
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=128
or Glutamine Caps:
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=127
Douglas Vegetarian Enzymes:
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=264
Jarro-Zymes Vegetarian Enzymes:
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=335
Ultra Jarro-Dophilus (probiotic):
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=354
Jarrodophilus EPS (No refrigeration needed):
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=199
Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor):
http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?products_id=217
November 17, 2010
Nelson Vergel: “Survivor Wisdom”
A Talk by Nelson Vergel: “Survivor Wisdom: Advances in Managing Side Effects, Living Well, and Aging with HIV” – New York City, November 9, 2010
How could you not be impressed by the schedule HIV treatment activist Nelson Vergel keeps? A few days before he arrived in New York to share his “Survivor Wisdom” with New York Buyers’ Club members and guests, he was an invited participant at the 12th International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Co-morbidities in HIV in London. The founder and moderator of the “pozhealth” group on Yahoo—the largest online discussion group for HIV issues–Nelson also finds time to answer questions on a forum hosted by thebody.com. In addition, he serves as a community member of the federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services HIV treatment guidelines advisory board. And did we mention that he’s the author of a new book, “Testosterone: A Man’s Guide,” especially useful for people with HIV who are considering testosterone therapy to address fatigue and other problems?
As you might expect, Nelson also covered a lot of territory in his NYBC talk, which was co-hosted by the City University of New York’s Graduate Center. He briefly updated the audience on new treatments and guidelines, then reviewed the exceptional case of the HIV+ “Berlin patient,” whose apparent cure following a bone marrow transplant has opened up, at least tentatively, some new lines of research about curing HIV.
Most of Nelson’s talk, however, dealt with familiar issues in managing HIV symptoms and medication side effects: cardiovascular health challenges, lipoatrophy (facial wasting especially) and body fat accumulation (lipohypertrophy), aging with strong bones, fighting off fatigue, minimizing the risk of anal cancer.
Amid this discussion of symptoms and side effects, Nelson spent time on the topic of supplements. His first point, which NYBC would certainly agree with, is that a lot of good evidence has accumulated about the benefit of multivitamin supplementation, and a multivitamin plus antioxidant combination, for people with HIV. These “micronutrients,” as they’re called in the scientific literature, can enhance survival, delay progression of disease in people not yet on HIV meds, and increase CD4 counts in people taking the meds. We have to admit we were pleased when Nelson also took a moment to praise NYBC (and especially our Treatment Director George Carter) for making available an inexpensive, “close equivalent” of the multivitamin/ antioxidant combination that was the subject of Dr. Jon Kaiser’s well-known research and that led to the development and marketing of K-PAX. New York State residents, as Nelson pointed out, have access to many such supplements through formularies. But for residents of other states, this half-price version of the multivitamin/antioxidant combination (MAC-Pack or Opti-MAC-Pack) can provide welcome relief in the budgetary department.
Our speaker then ran through a list of about a dozen supplements that have reasonably good evidence to support their use by people with HIV. He chose to focus more closely, however, on just a few:
Niacin. Despite “flushing” that makes it difficult for some to use, niacin can be very effective in bringing up levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in people with HIV. Since cholesterol control is a major long-term health issue for many people on HIV meds, and since recent research suggests that raising HDL cholesterol levels may be an extremely important factor in reducing cardiovascular risk, niacin may be a top choice for many. (Fish oils/omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, pantethine, carnitine, and CoQ10 are other supplements that NYBC and many others put in the category of “supports cardiovascular health.”)
Vitamin D. Seems that, even at the London conference Nelson had just attended, the “sunshine vitamin” was a hot topic. Partly that’s because people with HIV have recently been found to have a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, and then because Vitamin D, calcium and other mineral supplementation is a logical approach to addressing long-term challenges to bone health in people taking HIV meds. (Look on the NYBC blog for a whole host of other recent studies about Vitamin D’s potential benefits, from reducing cardiovascular risk to cancer prevention—even as a way of warding off colds and flu.)
Carnitine. This is a supplement, Nelson told the audience, that he’s taken for many years. Reported/perceived benefits: to improve fatigue, lipids, brain function and neuropathy. (NYBC Treatment Director George Carter put in that “acetyl-carnitine”—a form of the supplement that crosses the blood/brain barrier–has shown the most promise for dealing with neuropathy.)
Probiotics. The vulnerability of the gut in HIV infection, and the well-documented problems people with HIV experience in absorbing nutrients, make probiotics a very helpful class of supplements for long-term health maintenance. (Probiotics, good or “friendly” bacteria residing in the gut, are available in a variety of products, from yogurt to supplements. There’s quite a bit of research about the effectiveness of different varieties, and note as well that there are some newer formats that don’t require refrigeration.)
Above and beyond the treatment issues involving supplements, meds, and other strategies, Nelson referred several times to areas where there’s a need for advocacy. He mentioned the cure project, for one, but also a national watch list to help people follow and respond to the devastation created by recent funding cuts and the resultant waiting lists in the ADAP programs of many states, such as Florida.
All in all, NYBC members and guests would doubtless agree: a very thought-provoking presentation, with much helpful information to take away. For more on these and other issues, be sure to check out the NYBC website at:
http://www.newyorkbuyersclub.org/
[A version of this article also appears in NYBC's free e-newsletter, THE SUPPLEMENT, along with additional reporting on a new Mayo Clinic guide to supplements, and a look at the current state of regulation and research on supplements in the US.]
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.
April 12, 2010
New at NYBC: Daily Five, Vegetarian Enzymes, Pomegranate Concentrate
NYBC recently added to its list of food-based supplements by stocking Daily Five from Jarrow. This is a blend of high quality, organic (USDA seal) fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins. Ingredients include apple, carrot, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, blueberry, beet powder acerola powder, broccoli and spinach. In addition, each scoop includes organic flax seed powder and a blend of organic barley grass, wheat grass and oat bran powders.
Read more at the NYBC entry Daily Five.
NYBC is also stocking a vegetarian formula digestive enzyme, Jarro-Zymes Vegetarian Enzymes. To aid digestion, this formulation contains the enzymes that help break down fats (lipase), proteins (protease), sugars and starches (amylase), as well as alpha galactosidase (sugars) and peptidases (proteins).
Read more at the NYBC entry Jarro-Zymes Vegetarian Enzymes.
Also among new products at NYBC: Pomegranate Juice Concentrate. This is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants, with an ORAC higher than blueberries and strawberries and concentrated to a level of 4 times that of ordinary pomegranate juice…it is thick (mix with water or juice)! The antioxidants found in the juice include ellagic and gallic acid, anthocyanins and tannins, and punicalagin (the most powerful). Various studies suggest that this may help to improve the level of glutathione in cells, particularly macrophages. It may have benefit for maintaining platelet levels, lowering LDL and sustaining vascular tone. NOTE: Pomegranate juice, like grapefruit juice, may interact with a number of medications. People on meds like anti-hypertensive or statins, or people who are allergic to many plants, should consult their physician before taking.
Read more at the NYBC entry Pomegranate Juice Concentrate.
March 31, 2010
Top search terms bringing visitors to this blog
Dear NYBC Blog Reader,
Thought you might be interested to see some of the most popular search terms that brought people to the New York Buyers’ Club Blog in the past year:
1. “Saccharomyces boulardii C difficile”
2. “glutamine ulcerative colitis”
3. “cholesterol lowering supplements”
4. “B vitamins depression”
5. “HIV Vitamin D”
6. “vitamins for neuropathy”
7. “Tylenol antidote”
And here, in very brief form, is the information these searchers found on the NYBC Blog:
Saccharomyces boulardii, which NYBC stocks in the form of Florastor, appears in a recent study to be the best probiotic for the stubborn gastrointestinal infection C. difficile.
Glutamine has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal conditions in a number of research studies.
Plant sterols, fish oil, niacin, pantethine have been studied for cholesterol control.
B vitamins strongly affect mood and memory, and addressing a B vitamin deficiency can improve depressive symptoms.
Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent among people with HIV, and supplementing with 1000IU/day of D3 plus 1000mg/day of calcium may be a good way to support bone health for people taking HIV meds. Other research has noted the link between Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and susceptibility to cold and flus.
Acetylcarnitine, alpha lipoic acid and evening primrose oil are among the supplements studied for diabetic or HIV-related neuropathy (pain, tingling in feet, hands).
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is used as the antidote to acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and is added to many other over-the-counter drugs, so overdose leading to liver damage or liver failure has become common in the US.
November 19, 2009
Probiotics, yogurt and gut health in people with HIV
The online information resource for people with HIV, The Body, recently published an article on probiotics, yogurt and gastrointesinal health in people with HIV: A “Cultured” Response to HIV:
Probiotics in Yogurt Could Hold Keys to Optimal Gut Health in HIVers. Here’s an excerpt:
HIV researchers have known since the early days of the pandemic that HIV can wreak havoc on the gut, which is home to an abundance of CD4 cells. This apparently occurs quite soon after someone is infected with HIV. “It’s almost like the gut is a magnet for the virus early on,” says Bill Critchfield of the University of California at Davis. “[It] becomes compromised in weeks.”
The gut also harbors roughly 100 trillion microorganisms that help with immunity and digestion. HIV infection can upset the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, allowing “bad” bacteria and fungi to flourish there. Several recent studies have suggested that probiotics — the “friendly bacteria” that turn milk into yogurt and also provide health benefits when eaten — can help restore that balance by repopulating the gut with healthy bacteria or by tuckering out the bad bacteria by competing with them for nutrients.
As Nature Medicine reports, microbiologist Gregor Reid of Lawson Health Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, has been studying the health benefits of probiotics for over 25 years. He’s created his own probiotic, called Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, which he has put into a yogurt that is being used in research involving people with HIV. Reid and others around the world have conducted small studies that show probiotics have a positive effect on CD4 counts, though larger studies are certainly needed to confirm those findings.
The article in the journal Nature Medicine is found at
http://www.lhrionhealth.ca/crdcp/pdf/Nature%20Medicine%20feature.pdf. It looks especially at a pilot study in Tanzania on yogurt, gut health and HIV.
NYBC, like its predecessor supplements buyers’ club DAAIR, has long been interested in probiotics for gut health in people with HIV. See the NYBC entries at Probiotics for detailed recommendations for use.
September 30, 2009
Probiotics: effectiveness of supplements
An interesting discussion about probiotics is underway on our hometown newspaper’s website. See The New York Times blog “Well”:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/probiotics-health-or-hype/
We were interested to read the first comment in the queue, from an M.D. who discusses the problem of the viability of probiotic species (many don’t survive the stomach’s acidity to reach the intestines), and identifies some of the successful supplement designs, such as Florastor, that overcome this problem and have a demonstrated effectiveness. (In the case of Florastor aka Saccharomyces boulardii, the supplement has shown the capacity to decrease the incidence of a relapse in clostridium difficile colitis. It also has some other documented therapeutic successes.)
For more on Florastor, see the NYBC entry:
See also additional entries under Saccharomyces boulardii on this blog for applications and dosage recommendations.
