New York Buyers’ Club - The Blog

Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. acidophilus–acidophilus for short–is the most widely used probiotic, a beneficial microorganism that helps support gastrointestinal health in a variety of ways. For example, the byproducts of acidophilus (lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide) make for an environment that is hostile to undesirable organisms in the gut. And acidophilus also produces lactase, the enzyme that breaks down and allows digestion of milk sugar (lactose).

The University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary Medicine website provides a review of therapeutic uses of acidophilus and other probiotics. Here are some highlights:

–Treating overgrowth of “bad” organisms in the gastrointestinal tract (a condition that tends to cause diarrhea and may occur from use of antibiotics).
–Alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and, possibly, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
–Preventing and/or reducing the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and cystitis (bladder inflammation). The best scientific evidence exists for vaginal infections.
–Improving lactose absorption digestion in people who are lactose intolerant
–Enhancing the immune response. Studies have suggested that consumption of yogurt or milk that contains specific strains of Lactobacillus or supplements with Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium may improve the natural immune response. Further research is needed to confirm these early findings and to best understand how the improved immune function may or may not help in warding off infections.

NYBC carries Jarro-Dophilus, a combination of acidophilus and other probiotic species together with a prebiotic (basically, the foodstuff that probiotic species thrive on). Note that this item needs to be refrigerated to maintain its effectiveness.

NYBC also carries Jarro-Dophilus EPS. This is a probiotic that does not require refrigeration. As reported on the NYBC website, a recent consumerlabs.com test of this product gave it very good marks!

We’ve heard a lot about the health benefits of deep-water fish, attributable especially to their omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. But what are the differences in fatty acid content among the various common types of canned fish, such as albacore or chunk light tuna, salmon, and mackerel? (After all, because of cost, most people in the US eat canned fish much more frequently than fresh fish, so this is a rather important question for the health-conscious.)

The Center for Botanical Lipids at Wake Forest University reports on a recent analysis of the fatty acid content of popular kinds of canned fish, and also reviews findings about mercury contamination, a cause for concern with some kinds of fish.

(Yes, we’re aware that these are not really botanical lipids–but we’re glad that someone has undertaken such a useful study and wants to get the findings out to the public!)

Highlights of the study:

–from a fatty acid prospective, canned salmon is more beneficial than any tuna product
–none of the canned fish in the study exceeded the Food and Drug Administration’s Action level of 1,000 parts per billion; but higher mercury levels were felt by the researchers to be of concern in some tuna, depending on type (albacore or chunk light) and whether canned in vegetable oil, soy oil, or water.

To read the full report, see

What About Canned Fish?

on the website of the Botanical Lipids Center.

And, our own closing note: for people seeking a health benefit, using distilled fish oil supplements can provide a defined quantity of fatty acids, and also eliminate concerns about mercury contamination. That’s not to say we’d ever give up the pleasure of eating salmon, whether fresh or canned!

We recently took a look at The Wake Forest University Center for Botanical Lipids website. This Center is one of five such dietary supplement research centers funded through the federal government’s National Institutes of Health–so this website represents our tax dollars at work!

The main goal of this new research center is to “determine the role of fatty acid based dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of chronic human diseases associated with inflammation.” The center’s website also makes the point that “nearly 20% of Americans use dietary supplements, many of them botanicals, but scientific evidence for their safe and effective use in the prevention or treatment of human diseases has lagged behind the use of the products.”

Actually, we think the 20% estimate may be on the low side, especially if you include use of basic multivitamins; and certainly among groups with chronic conditions (such as osteoarthritis) the rate of supplement use is often higher than 20%. But we certainly agree that we need more scientific evidence about the effectiveness and safety of supplements, and we’re glad to know that the NIH has continued to fund such research, especially through its National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and its Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).

OK, enough of the federal governmental acronyms, and back to the Wake Forest website. We’re pleased to see that it includes a user-friendly section with some publications easily understood by the general public (”Articles for Everyday People”). Here’s a sample from the piece entitled “The Use of Dietary Flaxseed for the Prevention of Human Disease”:
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Flaxseed (also called linseed) has been a part of the human and animal diet for thousands of years. It is the richest known plant source of omega-3 fatty acids - 58% of the total fat in flax is composed of alpha-linolenic acid (LNA); however, this fatty acid is a short chain omega-3 as opposed to the long chain omega 3s found in fish oil. A number of studies have shown that flaxseed does not replace fish oil in the diet because the conversion of LNA to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil is very inefficient.

While most studies show a benefit of flaxseed oil, there have been studies which have not been positive. In 5 out of 6 epidemiological studies on prostate cancer, flaxseed was shown to increase cancer risk, and LNA is a strong growth stimulus in isolated prostate cancer cells (4). Neither of these effects has been seen with fish oil. In addition, recent studies suggest that flaxseed may increase the risk of macular degeneration or speed up the progression of the disease.

In a nutshell: flaxseed looks to be very interesting for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, but not recommended when prostate cancer or prostate cancer risk is present.

The University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary Medicine website provides an assessment of some recent studies on melatonin as an adjunct treatment for breast cancer. Of course melatonin is best known and has been most researched for its effects on sleep and its potential to address sleep disorders. Most of these investigations have focused on people whose circadian rhythms are disrupted by factors such as jet lag or work schedules, but there have also been studies looking at melatonin as a sleep aid for the elderly or for those with HIV (see other “Melatonin” entries on this Blog).

This excerpt from the UMMC article on Melatonin indicates, however, that this supplement may be eliciting additional interest as an auxiliary to certain cancer treatment regimens. We have highlighted the last sentence in this passage, which repeats one of the crucial guides in using supplements: be sure to consult your health care professional.

“Several studies indicate that melatonin levels may be linked with breast cancer risk. For example, women with breast cancer tend to have lower levels of melatonin than those without the disease. In addition, laboratory experiments have found that low levels of melatonin stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, while adding melatonin to these cells inhibits their growth. Preliminary laboratory and clinical evidence also suggests that melatonin may enhance the effects of some chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. In a study that included a small number of women with breast cancer, melatonin (administered 7 days before beginning chemotherapy) prevented the lowering of platelets in the blood. This is a common complication of chemotherapy, known as thrombocytopenia that can lead to bleeding.

In another study of a small group of women whose breast cancer was not improving with tamoxifen (a commonly used chemotherapy medication), adding melatonin caused tumors to modestly shrink in over 28% of the women. People with breast cancer who are considering taking melatonin supplements should consult their doctors before beginning supplementation.“

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

CATIE provides an information sheet on liver toxicity as part of its “Practical Guide to Managing HIV Drug Side-Effects.” This info sheet suggests ways of coping with liver impairment, which is frequent in people with HIV, and may result from a variety of factors, including medication side-effects, hepatitis co-infection, repeated use of antibiotics, alcohol or drug use, or a nutrient-poor, chemically-rich diet.

Here’s an excerpt on some supplementation strategies to counteract liver impairment:
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In addition to removing, as much as possible, anything that might be stressing the liver, it is very important to add the therapeutic agents that can help the liver to detoxify, repair and protect itself. There are a number of potentially useful agents, listed below:

For people with fatty livers, another important nutrient is the amino acid carnitine. Researchers say that it may help prevent mitochondrial toxicity, thus helping the body to handle fat better. Early studies of its use for non-HAART-related elevated triglycerides in PHAs did, indeed, show successful lowering of the blood fat levels. Research in animals has shown its successful use in reversal of fatty livers. The usual dosage is two capsules (500 mg each) twice daily. The alternative is Carnitor, the basic form of carnitine, available by prescription only. It is usually prescribed in doses of 3,000 mg daily (three 330-mg capsules, 3 times daily). Too-high doses can cause diarrhea, so watch for this. Doses of plain carnitine need to be higher because the acetyl-L-carnitine releases four times as much free carnitine into the bloodstream, using equivalent doses.

Note that in addition to the individual supplements mentioned above, NYBC also stocks its combination of N-acetyl-cysteine and alpha-lipoic acid, ThiolNAC.

The University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary Medicine website, reviews recent studies of gingko biloba for dementia, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. Here is an excerpt:

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It use is primarily due to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and because of its antioxidant properties. The evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking, learning, and memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been highly promising.

Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo may provide the following benefits for people with AD:

Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive function)
Improvement in activities of daily living
Improvement in social behavior
Fewer feelings of depression

Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as leading AD medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia in people with this debilitating condition. In addition, ginkgo is sometimes used preventively because it may delay the onset of AD in someone who is at risk for this type of dementia (for example, family history).

Citation (one of several recent studies cited by UMMC): Mazza M, Capuano A, Bria P, Mazza S. Ginkgo biloba and donepezil [Aricept]: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Eur J Neurol . 2006;13(9):981-5.

See also the NYBC entry on Gingko Biloba for additional information on use of this botanical for cognitive function.

Here are two approaches for digestive / gastrointestinal support. The first is a combination of digestive enzymes in a vegetarian encapsulation. The second draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine in a formula from Health Concerns.

—Vegetarian Enzymes from Douglas Labs, which supplies:

Amylase 4200 D.U. (dextrinizing units)
Protease 12, 500 H.U.T. (hemoglobin units)
Lipase 2400 L.U. (lipase units)
Cellulase 600 C.U.
Suggested dosage: 1-2 tablets three times daily, with meals.

—Quiet Digestion (Health Concerns) Each bottle, 90 tablets. Each tablet 750 mg of Poria, Coix, shen chu (a dried mass of wheat flour, fresh aerial parts of Artemisia annua, Xanthium sibiricum, Polygonum hydropiper and water), Magnolia, Angelica, Pueraria, red Atractylodes, Saussurea, Pogostemon, Oryza, Trichosanthes root, Chrysanthemum, halloysite (a mineral product that contains aluminosilicates), citrus, Mentha and malt. Used to reduce gastric distress including pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation, poor appetite; addresses viral or bacterial gastroenteritis as well as motion sickness, hangover and jet lag effects.

Suggested use is 2 tablets taken after meals, 3 times per day; also may be taken between meals or as needed. Chew for best results.

NYBC has been, where and as it can, helping our friends at the Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe as well friends at the Blue Diamond Society in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Recently, Super Nutrition sent us a donation of vitamins that we immediately turned around and sent off to these two organizations. We are grateful that such high quality products are getting some play around the world: healthcare is a RIGHT. And we know a multi is a significant part of managing HIV disease. The clinical data unequivocally support the use of a multi, whether using antiretrovirals or not. (And yes, NYBC disagrees with the notion proposed by some that either ARV or a multi are the only things one needs; neither position is very intelligent!)

In other news, Blue Diamond Society has been working to find housing for people with HIV who have been removed from their clinic by a homophobic and AIDSphobic landlord. An all-too-familiar story around the world.

If you can help NYBC with donations either of vitamins/supplements or cash to help our friends, it would be greatly appreciated! NYBC’s sister organization, FIAR, is accepting any funds earmarked to help out the Nepali situation. More information below:

HIV & AIDS Hospice
Concept note for the purchase of a building
Kathmandu, March 21 (IANS) Twelve men diagnosed with AIDS, four of whom are terminally ill and unable to walk, were thrown out and the AIDS hospice and care centre run for them shut down in Nepal due to the prevailing anti-gay bias, without any human rights group intervening on their behalf. Just as Nepal’s sexual minorities were celebrating the community’s first participation in a national election as contestants, the AIDS hospice run in Kathmandu for homosexuals by Nepal’s pioneer gay rights organisation was closed down Thursday night by the landlord after pressure from the neighbours.

Introduction
Despite significant progress in recent years on policy and awareness, society’s stigma and discrimination towards males who have sex with males and transgender people (MSM/TG) in Nepal remains. This prejudice is compounded when MSM/TG are infected with HIV and Blue Diamond Society’s (BDS) Care & Support programme has been severely challenged in finding accommodation for its HIV & AIDS Hospice. To remove the obstacle of landlord’s prejudice, BDS believes it is necessary to purchase its own premises for Hospice/Care & Support activities.

Background
Government estimates put the number of MSM/TG in Nepal at 130,000 although BDS’ and regional/international experience suggests it is closer to 500,000. Official studies show an HIV prevalence rate of 3-4% indicating an MSM/TG population living with HIV & AIDS in excess of 4,000. Many of these have been rejected by their families and society and it became clear to BDS that they needed care and support from their own community who understood their sexuality/gender, could provide compassionate care and give them access to health services without discrimination. With the support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (UK) and Sidaction (France), BDS in 2005 opened a hospice centre in Kathmandu. MSM/TG from all over Nepal have made use of this facility and, in two and half years, over 700 MSM/TG living with HIV & AIDS have been supported by staff, many of whom are themselves HIV positive, and been given counselling, care and medical treatment. During the 6 months ended 30 September 2007, despite only having 7 proper beds, a total of 94 MSM/TG were accommodated (on mattresses on the floor when all beds were full) at the Hospice for periods ranging from 1 day to several months. However this work has been severely hampered by being forced to move premises 4 times in 2½ years as landlords, often pressured by neighbours offended by the presence of MSM/TG and HIV+ staff and clients, refuse to extend short-term leases leading to eviction. It has become more difficult to find suitable premises and following the last eviction on 20 March 2008, staff and 12 patients have been forced to find a temporary home in a meeting room at BDS’ office.

Proposed Project
To overcome discrimination by landlords and the disruption of frequent moves, BDS believes it is necessary to purchase its own building for Hospice/Care & Support activities. This building would provide a stable and secure base from which to continue the following existing activities of BDS Care & Support:
Clinical care
Hospice facility (15 beds minimum)
Medical check up and monitoring
HIV testing and counseling
Opportunistic Infection treatment
Co infection treatment
Anti Retroviral Therapy facilitation
Social support
Ambulance service to access hospital services
Training (for self-care and treatment etc) and stress reduction workshops
Palliative care
Food and logistical support

Running costs would continue to be funded by existing donors and/or new ones.

Estimated Budget (US dollars)
Buying the building (depends on the location) 100,000 – 150,000
Furnishing and equipment 50,000
Setting up cost 5,000

Total US$ 155,000 - 205,000

We would be more than happy to submit full proposal in necessary once we have a positive indication from you.

Sunil Babu Pant
Director
Blue Diamond Society

Blue Diamond Society is Nepal’s leading community based organisation representing sexual and gender minorities. It seeks to convince Nepali society to respect the human rights of its community members and to empower them to advocate for these rights and deliver HIV & AIDS programmes for themselves.
www.bds.org.np
bluediamondsociety@yahoo.com

Here’s the latest news on Vytorin and Zetia, two drugs that are widely prescribed as cholesterol-lowering agents.

We repeat some of the suggestions we made when the failings of these two drugs were first revealed: consider such alternatives as statins plus niacin*; or a supplement based on plant sterols and other components, Cardio Edge from Douglas Labs.

* See NYBC entries for Niacin 100mg (recommended as initial dose to minimize “flushing”) and Niacin Timed-Release / Niatab 500mg, the full-strength dose.
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Journal Issues Warning on Two Cholesterol Drugs
New YorK Times
By ALEX BERENSON
Published: March 30, 2008

CHICAGO — Two widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, Vytorin and Zetia, may not work and should be used only as a last resort, The New England Journal of Medicine said in an editorial published on Sunday.

The journal’s conclusion came as doctors at a major cardiology conference in Chicago saw for the first time the full results of a two-year clinical trial that showed that the drugs failed to slow, and might have even sped up, the growth of fatty plaques in the arteries. Growth of those plaques is closely correlated with heart attacks and strokes.
…

We accessed the full story at www.nytimes.com on 3/30/2008.

Astragalus is traditional botanical that has drawn new research attention in recent years, especially for its usefulness in increasing the effectiveness of some cancer treatments while diminishing side effects. As background on this herb, we present the excerpt below from the NYBC entry on Astragalus (See complete entry for more information and cautions.)
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Astragalus is considered a strong immune booster and an energy herb and may help to restore depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Some evidence indicates that it stimulates the body’s natural interferon production, helps adrenal function, is a diuretic for edema and inflamed kidneys and helps cancer patients withstand the side effects of chemotherapy.
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Some recent research on astragalus as an adjunct in cancer treatment
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine website reports on two major reviews, from 2005 and 2006, which examined published evidence about the use of astragalus as an adjunct therapy in certain cancer treatment settings:

–McCulloch M, et al. Astragalus-based Chinese herbs and platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Meta-analysis of randomized trials. J clin Oncol 2006;24(3):419-430.
This analysis sought to determine whether Chinese herbal medicine containing Astragalus increases the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell-lung cancer.

–Taixiang W, et al. Chinese medical herbs for chemotherapy side effects in colorectal cancer patients (Review). The Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005; (1):CD004540.
Four clinical trials were included in this review to assess the effectiveness of Astragalus (Huangqi) compounds on the quality of life, side effects of chemotherapy, and on adverse effects in colorectal cancer patients.

See also the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary Medicine website entry on Astragalus for this overview:

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Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.

Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low to moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications.

We’re re-printing below an excerpt from a piece Lark Lands wrote several years ago, because it still has much solid advice for people with HIV/AIDS. A medical journalist and longtime AIDS treatment educator and advocate, Lark was a pioneer in focusing attention on an integrated, “holistic” approach to HIV disease. She served as science editor for POZ magazine, and has also been a contributor to Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) publications.

The title of this piece is “The 7 Deadly Sins for those wishing to live long and well with HIV.” This excerpt has to do with nutrient needs (but see also the other sections, including those on gastrointestinal health and maintaining muscle mass.)
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Sin #2: Ignoring the nutrient needs that both the disease and the medicines create.